The four-day event runs Thursday through Sunday, July 16-19. Thursday’s schedule inside Schell’s Tent featured continuous music on dual stages.

Thursday’s performances were dedicated to cover and tribute bands beginning with Heartless, a Heart tribute act, opened on the Nuvera Stage. The GSM Stage followed at 7:15 p.m. with a Bee Gees tribute presented by regional promoter Mick Sterling. ‘Rumours & Dreams,’ a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, closed the night on the Nuvera Stage.

During the Fleetwood Mac set, the band dedicated “Sentimental Lady” to the late Bob Welch, who recorded the song with the group before Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined. 

Singer Pamela McNeill promoted the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame on North Broadway, thanking executive Neal Bond for a morning tour. 

Elmer Sheid Tribute Band performs Friday at the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame Polka Hall. (Photos by Amy Zents)

Singer Mary Jane Alm announced that anyone with a valid Bavarian Blast ticket stub would receive free admission to the hall throughout the weekend.

Regular grounds programming resumed late Friday morning in the main tent with traditional heritage and polka acts. Dan Witucki and The Concord Singers traded off performing on the main stages.

Other afternoon heritage acts included the Walburg Boys and the Bockfest Boys.

The Minnesota Music Hall of Fame Polka Hall featured tribute performances throughout the day, including sets by the Leon Olsen Tribute Band and the Elmer Scheid Tribute Band.

Evening sets shifted to contemporary country music, with performances from Stephen Paul, Hailey James and Confederate Railroad to close out the night

Carrie Deans on guitar and lead vocals with Heartless, the Minneapolis Heart tribute band, performing Thursday evening on the Nuvera Stage at Bavarian Blast in New Ulm. (Photo by Amy Zents)

High temperatures created challenges for attendees and staff. 

The onsite first aid station in the Civic Center entryway, staffed by volunteer registered nurses Lynette Froehlich and Shirley Hop, treated multiple cases of early-stage heat exhaustion Thursday evening and Friday.

Froehlich’s son Ryan, serves on the Bavarian Blast board. 

Hop, who has 52 years of nursing experience with Allina Home Care and Hospice, volunteered for the shift. Medical staff advised attendees to stay hydrated, use shaded areas, and take breaks from dancing.

Festival gates were staffed by volunteers, including at one entry gate by Tom and his wife Lynae Flatau.

Bockfest Boys peform on Friday afternoon in the Schell's Tent. (Photo by Amy Zents)

Lynae said attendance was strong despite the heat. 

On Friday afternoon, event organizer and vice president of Bavarian Blast Tom Furth said, “We’re off to a great start! Huge crowd on Thursday with three amazing bands! Friday is going well. Nice breeze, and plenty of shade under the tent!”

Festival gates reopened Saturday at 10 a.m. for continued programming. Saturday’s schedule at the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame Polka Hall includes Brian Brueggen & the Mississippi Valley Dutchmen and the Wendinger Band.

The festival continues Sunday with a full day of events. At Schell’s Tent, activities begin with a church service at 9:45 a.m. featuring Dan Witucki, Jim Strehlke and Mollie B, followed by the New Ulm Municipal Band at 11 a.m. A parade is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. 

Afternoon and evening performances include the Schells Hobo Band (2-3 p.m.), Walburg Boys (3-4 p.m.), Bockfest Boys (4-5 p.m.), Concord Singers (5-6 p.m.) and Church of Cash (6-7:30 p.m.).

The Minnesota Music Hall of Fame Polka Hall will host the Larry Olsen Band (11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and later in the afternoon), Dain’s Dutchmen and additional sets.

The GSM Children’s Tent offers family-friendly entertainment both Saturday and Sunday, including performances by comedy ventriloquist Jeremy Lepak at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday.