Leavenworth celebrates spring with 55th Maifest and third annual BlumenLauf

The spring parade has been an annual tradition in Leavenworth since 1971, according to the chamber.

ICICLE TV / COURTESY OF LEAVENWORTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The parade featured this year’s Royal Lady, Jenny Evans, who is pictured in the minifloat.

ICICLE TV / COURTESY OF LEAVENWORTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Traditional trachten, such as dirndls and lederhosen, are a large part of the annual tradition.

ICICLE TV / COURTESY OF LEAVENWORTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Children learn how to weave colorful ribbons around the maipole during a lesson in the traditional dance.

BETSY FRADD / COURTESY OF LEAVENWORTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Runners take off for the Mai BlumenLauf 5k, which benefitted Cascade Medical Foundation.

TAYLOR CALDWELL/WARD MEDIA

Runners take off for the third annual Mai BlumenLauf 10k.

TAYLOR CALDWELL/WARD MEDIA

Runners cross the finish line in Enchantment Park.

TAYLOR CALDWELL/WARD MEDIA

Posted Sunday, May 10, 2026 2:47 pm

By TAYLOR CALDWELL
Ward Media Staff Reporter

LEAVENWORTH — Leavenworth celebrated the 55th anniversary of its Bavarian Maifest May 9-10, a tradition that began in 1971 and continues to bring music, dancing, and Old-World charm to Front Street each May.

In honor of the anniversary, Leavenworth unveiled a brand-new Maibum (Maipole), marking the arrival of spring and symbolizing prosperity and community. The Maibum was crafted from a Douglas Fir donated by Blue Pine Fuels, according to the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce. The weekend included other new additions, such as a Saturday beer garden and a second entertainment stage inside the Festhalle.

The weekend brought visitors and residents together for the Bavarian “Festzug,” or Grand March, Tirolean Dancers of Oregon and the traditional Maipole dance, Bavarian music and alphorns, and Bernese mountain dogs. Special guest Manuela Horn brought her Bavarian flair with a children’s show Saturday afternoon, followed by an evening concert in the Festhalle.

Festivities continued into Sunday with the Mai BlumenLauf (May Flower Run). Runners gathered at Enchantment Park for 5K, 10K, and half-marathon races through the heart of downtown and along the scenic Waterfront Park. Led by TedDriven, a mission-driven endurance event organization, the 10K and half-marathon supported the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, with the 5K supporting the Cascade Medical Foundation.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media