Porta Westfalica Festival

Every year, on the third Tuesday of June, the Waterloo community celebrates our sister city status with Porta Westfalica, Germany.

The Porta Westfalica Festival began in 1981 after the Sister Cities of Portaloo was founded in the fall of 1980. The event includes a parade, German music, food, beverages, booths, and inflatables for children.

The festival is located in downtown Waterloo, at the Monroe County Courthouse grounds, and on the surrounding streets. A beer garden is located on the corner of Main and Mill Street, and inflatable rides are on Mill Street.

The parade begins at 6 p.m., starting at the VFW, travels on Columbia Avenue towards Main Street, turns south onto Mill Street, and ends at the corner of Mill Street and South Library Street.

Join us for great food! Enjoy pork burgers, brats, potato pancakes with applesauce, pretzels, ribeye sandwiches, ice cream, funnel cakes, and so much more!!

Armbands are available for the inflatable rides. They may be purchased in advance at some area banks.  An armband allows unlimited access to all the inflatable rides for the entire evening. Sorry, no refunds on advance sales. 

Food is served beginning at 4 p.m. at the courthouse square. Bring your lawn chairs and join us for a fantastic evening!! (Last call is 9:30 p.m.)

Music Entertainment Schedule:

Check back for the 2025 schedule.

The Porta Westfalica festival is presented by the Sister Cities of Portaloo, the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, and the Waterloo Lions.

For information on participating in the parade, please contact Jared Nobbe at jnobbe@snpartners.com.

For information on being a vendor, please contact Chris Herrmann at chamber@htc.net.

For all other general questions, please contact Chris Herrmann at chamber@htc.net.