A week from now, Madisonians will be gearing up to take part in the city’s favorite Memorial Day weekend celebration: Brat Fest.
When: Friday, May 24–Sunday 26 | 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: Alliant Energy Center Grounds, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
What: A free-admission three-day festival featuring live music, brats, family-friendly activities, more brats, a carnival, and did we mention brats?
Pro tip: Download the Brat Fest map to get familiar with the grounds before arriving.
Look forward to...
Live music
Here are just a few of the 70+ acts that are performing throughout the weekend:
Friday, May 24
- Morningstar | 1:10-1:50 p.m. | Island Stage
- Foo Foo Dolls | 4:40-5:20 p.m. | Grand Stage
- Madison Country | 7-8 p.m. | Main Stage
- Village People | 8-9:30 p.m. | Grand Stage
Saturday, May 25
- Autumn Reverie | 12:45-1:15 p.m. | Grand Stage
- Kirstie Kraus | 5:10-5:50 p.m. | Island Stage
- Quiet Riot | 7-8 p.m. | Main Stage
- LANCO | 8-9:30 p.m. | Grand Stage
Sunday, May 26
- Rehab | 1:40-2:20 p.m. | Grand Stage
- Rip | 2:55-3:35 p.m. | Main Stage
- Sidewalk Prophets | 7-8 p.m. | Main Stage
- Neal McCoy | 8-9:05 p.m. | Grand Stage
Kid Zone | 4-8 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday | Children of all ages can take part in sports, crafts, and games in a safe, supervised area. It’s open 4-8 p.m. on Friday, May 24 and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Sports Zone | 12-8 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday | Cornhole, volleyball, giant Jenga, and other yard games will be set up for adults to engage in some friendly competition.
Farm Zone | 3-8 p.m. on Friday; 12-6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday | A $5 wristband will grant Brat Fest attendees all-day access to the Farm Zone. Animals from Haven’s Petting Farm, pony rides, and farm machinery will be present.
Take Your Brat to Work Day
Kick the weekend off right with TYBTWD. From 6 to 9 a.m. on Friday, May 24, Madisonians are invited to grab some brats ($5/brat) to bring to work. The drive-up grill is located at Willow Island on the Alliant Energy Center grounds.
Note: If you’re bringing enough back for the whole office, it’s recommended that you pre-order.
Get involved
Brat Fest is still seeking volunteers to help things run smoothly next weekend. Volunteers will receive vouchers for a free brat and Chocolate Shoppe ice cream scoop, a t-shirt, and the choice to donate $12 for every volunteering hour to a Brat Fest Charity.