May Newsletter 2026

Hallo EdgewaterRogersPark,



Memorable Moments

Gemütlichkeit at the DANK Haus during last month's Austrian Wine Tasting!

ONLINE AUCTION IS OPEN!

Whether you're looking for a unique getaway or a righteous piece of memorabilia, we have 80+ amazing items waiting for you. Every winning bid helps us reach our goal of raising $145,000 to continue in our mission! Pay via bank account to make your donation go further!

NEW THIS YEAR: Proxy Bidding

Can't make it to the party in person? No problem! You don't have to miss out on the live auction excitement. This year, we’re introducing Proxy Bidding. You can set your maximum bid on live items, and one of our "Rad Representatives" will bid on your behalf during the event.

Proxy Bids are due by Saturday at 10AM. Silent Auction closes Sunday at 8PM.

Eurovision Watch Party

Saturday, May 16

2:00 - 6:00 PM CT

Enjoy a lively afternoon of music, glitter, and global flair as we stream the Grand Final live. This family-friendly event features European-inspired snacks and drinks for purchase, plus games and activities!

Kindly RSVP by May 14!

German Citizenship Forum with the German Consulate

Saturday, May 30 | 10 AM - 12 PM

Get expert insights on German citizenship—from how to obtain it to how to retain it. Representatives from the Chicago German Consulate will cover application processes, dual citizenship, family-related cases, and recent legal updates, with additional guidance from Hinshaw Law.

This Q&A-style forum invites attendees to submit questions in advance during registration.

City Chicago Opera Presents: Der Rosenkavalier (Strauss)

Friday, June 5 | 7-10 PM

Chicago City Opera invites you aboard for a sparkling new take on Der Rosenkavalier (The Rose Knight)! Richard Strauss’s beloved opera shimmers with lush melodies, mistaken identities, and romance that refuses to behave. Though treasured worldwide, this operatic gem is rarely staged, making this a can’t-miss event.

Use promo code DANK for $5 off!

Become a Friend of DANK Haus Today!

Your membership helps preserve and promote German-American culture right here in Chicago. As a Friend of DANK Haus, you’ll enjoy great perks while supporting your cultural home.

Member Benefits:

• Discounts on language classes, events, and merchandise
• Invitations to exclusive members-only gatherings
• Free guided tours and museum access

Friends of DANK Haus @ Soldier Field

Saturday, June 6th @ 1:30 PM

We have secured additional tickets for our Friends of DANK Haus in section 445!

Get ready for FIFA World Cup soccer this summer! Friends of DANK Haus are invited to witness an international mens' soccer showdown as Germany's national soccer team takes on the United States' national soccer team in a friendly match at Soldier Field.

Join fellow members for an unforgettable afternoon of soccer, community, and spirited cheering—surrounded by your DANK Haus friends.

DANK Haus Summer Camp 2026

Registration is open!

Our 2-week bilingual summer camps welcome all students—no prior German required!

Session Dates:

• June 22 - July 3 Kreative Kinder
• July 6 - July 17 Entdecker Kinder (WAITLIST)
• July 20 - July 31 Blaue Erde Kinder
• Aug 3 - Aug 14 Bau & Design Kinder

Additional Camps for 10 - 14 year olds! 

• Online & Asynchronous DSD II Writing 
• Aug 3 - Aug 14 Koch Camp Kinder (WAITLIST)

Open Haus – School Year 2026/2027

Join us on May 20 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM to learn more about our programs for the upcoming school year.

We offer full-day Preschool & Kindergarten, Saturday classes, Adult Language School, Summer Camps, and a Language Testing Center. Meet our team, explore our classrooms, and discover the right fit for you or your family!

Adult Summer Semester 2026

Registration Open!

Learn German at any level, from beginner to proficient, with flexible online and in-person classes designed to fit your schedule!

Registration is open for our Weekday Preschool, Kindergarten, and Saturday School programs!

Our bilingual and full-day German Immersion Schule immerse Pre-K and Kindergarten students in language learning while building strong academic, social, and emotional foundations.

Through play and project-based learning, students explore reading, math, science, music, and the arts, guided by curiosity and creativity!

Our Saturday community based heritage language school welcomes children ages 6 months through 18 years for a half day of learning. Sign up now to receive Early Bird pricing and Friday classes!

Marketing Manager | Part-Time

The DANK Haus is seeking a creative, mission-driven Marketing Manager to lead digital strategy, content creation, and community engagement efforts. Ideal candidates will have experience in marketing or digital strategy, strong communication skills, video editing experience, and proficiency in platforms such as Canva, CapCut, Loomly, Constant Contact, Google Suite, and website builders. German language skills are a plus.

Marketing & Social Media Intern

The DANK Haus is seeking a creative and motivated Marketing & Social Media Intern to assist with social media content, marketing materials, event promotion, and digital campaigns. Ideal candidates are students or recent graduates with strong communication skills, Canva and social media experience, and an interest in nonprofit or cultural work. German language skills are a plus.

Volunteer at Maifest with Us!

May 28 - May 31

Volunteering is a great way to enjoy the festivities while supporting the DANK Haus. Even better, net proceeds are shared based on volunteer participation, so every shift worked for DANK Chicago North helps generate vital funding for the Haus.

Whether you can give a few hours or an afternoon, your support makes all the difference!

Prefer to volunteer in the DANK Haus Information Booth (non-revenue generating but equally important), sign up here to secure your spot! 

Thank you for your continued dedication to our community. Let’s work together to make Maifest 2026 unforgettable!



Neue Deutsche Welle: Sound, Style, and Youth Culture in 1980s Germany

April 6 - June 13 

Experience the sound of a generation. Neue Deutsche Welle: Sound, Style, and Youth Culture in 1980s Germany is open now through June 13th. From West German pop to underground scenes in the GDR, this exhibit explores how music and style became powerful tools of identity, resistance, and expression across a divided nation.



Maifest Chicago hosted by German Day

May 29th-May 31st

Lincoln Ave/Western Ave/Leland

Join the German Day Association for Maifest Chicago, back in its original home in Lincoln Square! Enjoy feed, dancing, and plenty of German Gemütlichkeit!

German American Police Association

Annual Golf Outing

Monday, June 8 | 8:30 AM Start

Renwood Golf Course

Join the German American Police Association for a day of golf and Gemütlichkeit on June 8, 2026 at Renwood Golf Course in Round Lake Beach—supporting Gold Star Families and the Chicago Police Memorial Fund. Spots are limited! (144 golfers)

$125/ golfer includes 18 holes, cart, lunch, and a German dinner. Dinner-only: $40

DANK Haus German American Cultural Center

dankhaus.com