Brat Fest

Brat Fest

Brat Fest is an annual food festival held in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. It is one of the largest bratwurst festivals in the world, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The festival celebrates the German heritage of the region and is known for its delicious bratwursts, live music, and family-friendly activities.

History

Brat Fest was first organized in 1983 by Tom Metcalfe, a local businessman and philanthropist. The festival started as a small community event to raise funds for local charities. Over the years, it has grown in size and popularity, becoming a major attraction for both locals and tourists.

Event Details

The festival takes place over Memorial Day weekend, spanning four days from Friday to Monday. It is held at the Alliant Energy Center, a large exhibition and event venue in Madison. Admission to the festival is free, but attendees can purchase food and beverages from various vendors.

Brat Fest is primarily known for its wide variety of bratwursts. Local and regional vendors set up booths offering different flavors and styles of brats, including traditional bratwurst, beer brats, and specialty brats. Visitors can enjoy these delicious sausages with a variety of toppings and condiments.

In addition to the food, Brat Fest features live music performances on multiple stages throughout the festival grounds. Local and national bands entertain the crowd with a diverse range of genres, including rock, country, and pop. There are also activities for children, such as carnival rides, games, and face painting.

Community Impact

Brat Fest has a strong community focus and aims to give back to the local area. The festival partners with various charities and nonprofit organizations, donating a portion of its proceeds to support their causes. Over the years, Brat Fest has raised millions of dollars for charity, making a significant impact on the community.