The Oldest Festival in Texas!
Celebrating youth, heritage, and community since 1881.
Brenham Maifest is the oldest festival in Texas, a springtime celebration of youth and community rooted in the rich German heritage of Brenham. Since 1881, this beloved tradition has brought generations together each May for parades, coronations, live music, cultural festivities, and joyful connection.
Since 1881
Our Board, Royalty families, supporters, and friends have worked diligently each year to create a festival that highlights the spirit and celebrates the heritage of our community
Founded in 1881, Brenham Maifest is proud to be recognized as the oldest festival in Texas. Rooted in the town’s German immigrant heritage, Maifest is a vibrant celebration of spring and the youth of Brenham. Each May, the community gathers for a weekend of festivities including a colorful downtown parade, a lively German-style festival with food, music, and carnival attractions, and two cherished traditions: the Junior and Senior Coronations.
The Maifest royalty—third and fourth graders and high school juniors and seniors—are selected annually to serve as Junior and Senior King and Queen, leading their courts in beautifully costumed performances.
As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, Brenham Maifest proudly reinvests festival proceeds back into the community. This includes college scholarships for Brenham and Burton students, costume scholarships for Maifest participants, and ongoing support for the restoration of historic Fireman’s Park. Additionally, the organization supports local nonprofits such as Brenham Bread Partners and Toys for Tots, extending the Maifest spirit of giving far beyond the festival grounds.
Our Mission Statement:
“To promote appreciation of the cultural heritage of Washington County by continuing the annual Brenham Maifest celebration and expanding its activities; and to enrich the lives of the citizens of the county, with particular emphasis on the youth of our community; and to receive gifts, donations and funds for these purposes.”
Save the Date!
May 8,9th 2026
We’re excited to announce that Maifest 2026 will return to Mother’s Day weekend, May 8th and 9th.
Junior Queen Ellie Alfred and King Everett Gonzales reigned over the court of “The Wonderful Things We Imagine”
2025 Royalty
Senior Queen Emmie Behrens and King Henry Stopschinski reigned over the court of “Summer of a Lifetime”
Giving Back
As a 501(c)(3), the Brenham Maifest is proud to reinvest festival proceeds into the community through scholarships, historic park restoration, and support for local charities. Learn more about our community involvements below.
Celebrating
135 Years!
Each May since 1881, Brenham has celebrated the community’s proud German heritage and vibrant youth through a colorful weekend of parades, coronations, and festive traditions. Maifest has grown into one of Texas’s most beloved annual festivals, brought to life by hundreds of volunteers.
We Need Your
Support
Each year, Maifest depends on the generosity of its underwriters—community members, businesses, and organizations whose support makes every parade, performance, and tradition of the festival possible.
Maifest Board of Directors 2025
Brenham Maifest Board of Directors
Officers
Chairman of the Board: Catherine Kenjura
President: Reagan McIntyre
Presidents Emeritus: Richard O’Malley, Steve Westbrook, John Barnhill, Jr., Gregg Appel, Charles Schubert, Gary Sonnenburg, Dr. Heather Thielemann
Vice Presidents: Stacey Schulte Walters, Kristen Westbrook, Keith Behrens
Secretary: Amber Westerfeld
Term Expires 2026
Lea Bartay, Reagan McIntyre, Tres Masser, Amber Westerfeld, Brandon Gonzales, Cayte Neil, Adrienne Siemsglusz, Lauren Alfred
Term Expires 2027
Keith Behrens, Tiffany Morisak, Jeff McVean, Jamie Rankin, Jamie Priesmeyer, Robert Stark Jr., Tom Hook
Term Expires 2028
Julianna Wanek, Stacey Schulte Walters, Kristen Westbrook, Liz Hopkins, Kelly Wall, Tom Newman, Pam Musslewhite
Directors Emeritus
Chris Cangelosi, Robin Cook, Susie Houston, Lori Hasskarl, Joe Al Picone, Gary Rothermel, Charlyn Schoenvogel, Arlen Thielemann, Dr. Deanna Alfred, Jane Barnhill, and Dottie Schaer
Presidents Emeritus
1948 Leon Simank, President of the Municipal Swimming Pool Association
1949 Reese B. Lockett, General Chairman; Leon Simank
1950 Reese B. Lockett, Leon Simank
1951 Gus Grabow
1952 George A. Cushman
1953 Reese Lockett
1954-1955 B. P. Greenwade
1956-1959 J.W. Barnhill
1960 Milton Routt
1961-1965 J.W. Barnhill
1966-1968 Milton Routt
1969-1979 Dr. Delbert H. Stark and Mrs. Sudie Stark 1980-1982 John W. Barnhill, Jr.
1983-1985 Ben E. Boettcher
1986-1988 H.E. Pflughaupt
1989-1991 Gregg Appel
1992-1994 Charles Lane Schubert
1995-1997 Gary Sonnenburg
1998-2000 Bill Betts
2001-2003 Richard O’Malley
2004-2010 Steve Westbrook
2011-2017 Dr. Heather Thielemann
2018-2024 Catherine Kenjura
2024- Current Reagan McIntyre