Experience Five Days of Family Fun at Sun Prairie Corn Fest

If there's one event that perfectly captures the spirit of a Wisconsin summer, it's Sun Prairie Corn Fest.

Returning this August, the 73rd annual Corn Fest will once again transform Sun Prairie into one of the state's most popular destinations for live entertainment, carnival rides, community celebrations, and, of course, plenty of sweet corn.

With an estimated 75,000 visitors expected over five days, Corn Fest continues to be one of the largest community festivals in Wisconsin.

Whether you're coming for the parade, the live music, the carnival, or the famous corn, here's everything you need to know about Sun Prairie Corn Fest 2026.

When Is Sun Prairie Corn Fest 2026?

Corn Fest kicks off on Wednesday, August 19, with a parade through downtown Sun Prairie.

The celebration continues throughout the week before moving to Angel Park Speedway for a full weekend of food, music, entertainment, and family activities.

Corn Fest 2026 Schedule

Wednesday, August 19

• Corn Fest Parade
• Downtown Sun Prairie
• Block party featuring live music from Dirty Birds beginning at 7 p.m.

Thursday

• Carnival wristband night

Friday

• Carnival wristband night
• Live entertainment

Saturday

• Full festival activities at Angel Park
• Live music featuring Kings of Radio

Sunday

• Full festival activities
• La Movida Day
• More sweet corn and family entertainment

Why Is Sun Prairie Called the Corn Capital?

Corn Fest began 73 years ago when local business leaders wanted to create an event that would attract visitors and encourage people to support local businesses.

At the time, Sun Prairie was home to a canning company located near downtown. Community leaders approached the owner with an idea.

What if they built an entire festival around corn?

The owner agreed and provided freshly steamed corn for festival visitors.

Originally held behind the Bank of Sun Prairie, the event quickly outgrew its first location. Within a few years, Corn Fest moved to Angel Park, where it continues to thrive today.

Over seven decades later, Corn Fest has evolved into one of Wisconsin's signature summer traditions.

How Much Corn Is Served at Corn Fest?

The answer is simple.

A lot.

Festival organizers estimate that 80 tons of corn will be served throughout the weekend.

That's the equivalent of four semi-truck loads of corn spread across two days.

Whether you prefer your corn grilled, buttered, seasoned, or served in a completely different style, you'll find plenty of options throughout the festival grounds.

Corn Fest Isn't Just About Food

One of the most impressive aspects of Corn Fest is that it's much more than a summer celebration.

The entire festival operates as a fundraiser.

Every dollar spent at the festival helps support nonprofit organizations that continue to make a difference throughout the Sun Prairie community.

Organizations benefiting from Corn Fest include:

• Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce
• Sun Prairie Lions Club
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
• American Legion
• Knights of Columbus
• Exchange Club

Additional nonprofit organizations also participate throughout the festival grounds, creating even more opportunities for visitors to support community initiatives.

A Festival Built Around Community

The organizations behind Corn Fest have one thing in common.

They're deeply connected to the community.

For more than seven decades, Corn Fest has combined family entertainment with community investment, creating an event that supports local programs while bringing residents and visitors together.

It's a tradition that continues to grow year after year.

Plan Your Visit to Sun Prairie Corn Fest 2026

If you're looking for one final summer celebration before fall arrives, Corn Fest offers something for everyone.

From carnival rides and live music to community events and 80 tons of sweet corn, there's no shortage of reasons to spend a few days in Sun Prairie.

For the complete festival schedule, entertainment lineup, and additional event information, visit SunPrairieCornFest.com.

See you in Sun Prairie on August 19 for the parade and at Angel Park throughout the weekend for one of Wisconsin's favorite summer traditions.