.Karneval starts traditionally on November 11 at 11:11 and lasts until Ash Wednesday. It also called the “Fifth Season” (Fünfte Jahreszeit). While there are celebrations and events throughout the seasons, the real party starts with Weiberfastnacht (Thursday before Rose Monday) when women cut off mens’ ties. Parades with decorated floats, often political in nature, happen mostly on Rosenmontag (Rose Monday). Celebrations and events continue on Faschingsdienstag (Shrove Tuesday) and it all ends on Aschermittwoch (Ash Wednesday). In many areas with large Carnival celebrations, children are off from school and people are off from work.

Many cities have multiple Karnevalsvereine (Carnival clubs) with their own uniforms and traditions. Büttenredner*innen (carnival orator) gives comical speeches, there is singing and dancing, and (some) alcohol.

German immigrants, people interested in the German culture, and other Germanophiles come together in the U.S. to uphold certain traditions. I have collected a list of German Clubs that have Carnival celebrations, but it’s not comprehensive. I have also decided not list the events themselves since it changes from year to year. Please use the links to see when the clubs and Vereine have their Karneval events. 

If you know what is missing, please let me know, so I can update it.