A German spring festival with free admission, live music, and a kids vendor market comes to New Town Amphitheater in St. Charles this Saturday.

Midwest Maifest runs May 9 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the amphitheater in the New Town at St. Charles community. The festival is now in its ninth year.

The afternoon begins with the hoisting of the maibaum, a tall pole decorated with colorful shields, ribbons, and a wreath symbolizing the arrival of spring. Attendees can then browse food vendors, artisan booths, and live entertainment throughout the afternoon.

Entry is free and open to all ages. Beverage tasting — beer, wine, and spirits — requires a separate wristband, available for purchase at MidwestMaifest.org. Pricing was not listed at press time.

Younger visitors have their own draw. A Kids Market Experience lets children register as vendors and run mini stores during the festival. Sign-ups are open at kidsmarkets.com.

The festival is organized by the German St. Charles Sister Cities Chapter, which supports student and adult exchange programs between St. Charles and Ludwigsburg, Germany. "This event maintains the visibility of German heritage within the community," said Mary Johnson, president of the St. Charles-Ludwigsburg Sister Cities program.

New Town Amphitheater is located near 3312 Rue Royale, St. Charles, MO 63301.