World's Largest Brat Fest

10/02/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Jeff Schroeter, Brat Fest Executive Director from 2014 to 2024.

Jeff was more than a leader. He was a builder. During his decade at the helm of Brat Fest, he created the Zero Waste Initiative, brought the Sports Zone to life, launched Senior Brat Delivery so no one had to miss out, and brought the Vietnam Memorial Exhibit to our grounds. When COVID threatened to silence a 40-year tradition, Jeff found a way forward, navigating the event through its most uncertain chapter and creating Build Your Own Brat Fest so Bratfesters could still gather, even from a distance. These are just a few of his major contributions to Brat Fest.

His fingerprints are on more of this event than most people will ever know. The Brat Fest you walk into every Memorial Day Weekend carries his work in it.

Jeff was honored with the Tommy Award in 2025, a recognition that meant a great deal to those who knew what he gave to this community.

We are grateful for every year he gave to this event and to the people it serves. He will be deeply missed by everyone in the Brat Fest family.

09/14/2026

Best Festival in Madison. Voted by you.

We are beyond grateful to everyone who cast a vote and to everyone who has ever shown up at Willow Island and made this weekend what it is. This one is yours.

Thank you, Madison! See you next Memorial Day Weekend!

08/17/2026

Happy National Nonprofit Day!

Brat Fest has donated more than $3 million to area nonprofits. This year alone, over $120,000 went back into the local organizations that make this community worth showing up for.

Did you know Brat Fest is a nonprofit too? The people who attend, volunteer, and sponsor this event are the reason it keeps going year after year, and the reason that number keeps climbing!

Three million dollars. One brat at a time.

06/04/2026

The food. OH the food at Brat Fest! Anyone else still thinking of those Johnsonville Brats?

06/03/2026

At Brat Fest, the camera persons do whatever it takes to get THE shot.

Shout out to the incredible team at Fire Up Video!

06/02/2026

We're still thinking about how Priscilla Block turned the Park Bank Grand Stage into her own bar to close out night one of Brat Fest 2026.

Amazing. Perfect. Just like her!

05/29/2026

05/29/2026

VIP Experience photos have dropped! Thanks to everyone who got themselves a VIP ticket. You too can get in on the action next year! Be sure to check out our VIP Experience in 2027!

05/29/2026

05/27/2026

Looking for something you left at Brat Fest? All Brat Fest Lost and Found items have been turned into Alliant Energy Center who will hold onto them for 30 days.

Please fill out this form to see if it's been turned in:

If you'e lost something while visiting the Alliant Energy Center, recover your possessions by filling out the convenient online lost-and-found form here.