The Athenaeum hosts 101st annual St. Benno Fest

The Athenaeum Foundation and the Athenaeum Turners will host the 101st annual St. Benno Fest at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 5th, in the Grand Kellersaal Ballroom in the Rathskeller. Sun King Brewery and National Bank of Indianapolis are partnering with the Athenaeum on the time-honored German tradition to celebrate the arrival of spring beers.

St. Benno, accompanied by his goat, Herr Bock, will tap the keg with the ceremonial chugging of two beers. Germans began brewing bock beer in Einbeck in the 14th century. People in Munich pronounced Einbeck as "ein Bock," which means “billy goat.”

“St. Benno Fest is a lively celebration of spring, beer and German music,” said Athenaeum Foundation President Cassie Stockamp. “St. Benno Fest is the oldest festival that we host at the Athenaeum, and we’re excited to celebrate the 100th anniversary.”

The St. Benno festival will feature two of Sun King’s Bock beers: a Dominator Doppelbock and a Maibock. Bock-style beers originated in Einbeck, Germany. The tradition of Maibock beers is rooted in the May Day celebrations and brewing a new style of beer to commemorate spring.

From 7-11 p.m. the bock flows, accompanied by dancing to the music of The Chardon Polka Band. Yodeling contests will open at 9 p.m. Food will be available a la carte from the Rathskeller. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door of the Grand Kellersaal Ballroom, in the Rathskeller, 401 E. Michigan St., in downtown Indianapolis.

The event benefits the care and maintenance of the historic Athenaeum, built in 1893 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places.