This blog post is sponsored by Brat Fest and Travel Wisconsin, but as always, all words, thoughts, and opinions are my own.
Growing up, I looked forward to Memorial Day Weekend every single year. School was almost out for the summer, the Wisconsin weather was finally warm enough for shorts, and one of my favorite festivals was ready to go – The World’s Largest Brat Fest in Madison.
My dad and I attended Brat Fest every year when I was in school and we always had so much fun enjoying the grilled food, visiting with friends, and listening to awesome singers and bands. Over the years the event got bigger and carnival rides became part of the weekend too!
Today I look forward to sharing the Brat Fest experience with my husband (who’s from California) where we love gathering with friends to enjoy the food and music, and even a few carnival games.
As one of the first major outdoor events in Madison each year, Brat Fest ignites the city and surrounding communities, and serves as a beacon of the fun summer ahead.
Continue reading for my top recommendations if you attend the Brat Fest this year, along with all the details you need to plan your weekend.
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Background of the World’s Largest Brat Fest
You might be surprised to learn that what is now known as the World’s Largest Brat Fest actually had very humble beginnings. In 1983, the owners of Metcalfe’s Market in Madison grilled brats and sold them to customers at just 50 cents a brat as a way to say ‘thank you’ for their business.
The parking lot in Hilldale Mall housed a single grill where the owners cooked and sold the brats. The event quickly became a Memorial Day Weekend favorite for locals. I still remember grabbing brats with my aunt and uncle during an outing to Hilldale one Memorial Day Weekend.
However, by 2005, the Brat Fest outgrew the parking lot and moved to Willow Island at the Alliant Energy Center, where it is still held today.
One of my favorite things about Brat Fest is that much of the event is run by volunteers who donate their time in exchange for contributions to numerous pre-approved organizations. In 2025, volunteers receive $12 per hour donated to the approved organization of their choosing.
Volunteers transport attendees from the parking lot to the attrance via golf cars, prepare all the food, operate the cash registers, and staff the check-in stands.
While several groups provide volunteers for the event, individuals can also sign up. And it’s not too late to sign up for 2025! You simply choose the organization to credit your volunteer hours when signing up for a shift. Volunteers receive an event t-shirt along with vouchers for a meal and free scoop of ice cream.
Since its inception, Brat Fest has donated over $2.75 million to charity organizations in and around Dane County.
Attending Brat Fest
If it’s your first time attending Brat Fest, I’d recommend hitting up the food stands first for a famous brat, hot dog, or a piece of buttery corn-on-the-cob. You can also purchase beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties.
After filling up your belly, head to a stage to listen to some of your favorite music. Headliners this year include Ace Frehley, Tyler Farr, Steven Adler, and Danny Gokey.
Brat Fest also offers tons of fun activities that provide hours of entertainment. The Kid Zone is perfect if you have young ones where they can get their energy out through games and sports, arts, and more. Most activities are free.
Both kids and adults love the Farm Zone where Havens Petting Farm brings out their animals for you to feed and enjoy. Wristbands are $5 for both kids and adults and are good for the entire day.
And active adults will love the Sports Zone where you can enjoy games of volleyball, cornhole, and the famous brattyball tournament. Advanced registration is required for brattyball, but most games are available for open play.
As a kid I loved the carnival with tons of fun rides and games. Now I can’t handle the motion of a swing so I usually skip the rides, but I’m so excited about the addition of a vendor marketplace this year with over 40 vendors.
2025 Brat Fest: Know Before You Go
Event Dates & Hours
Dates: Friday, May 23rd through Sunday, May 25th (the festival does not operate on Memorial Day!)
Main Festival: 10am until 9:30pm
Take Your Brat To Work Day (Friday, May 23rd): 6am until 9am
– Grab brats to-go via a drive-through lane and take them to the office for your colleagues to enjoy. Pre-orders recommended for large quantities and delivery options are also available.
How to Get to Brat Fest
Address: 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713
Brat Fest is located on Willow Island at Madison’s Alliant Energy Center. If you are local to Madison, Madison Metro has bus stops on John Nolen Drive, Olin Avenue, and Rimrock Road, all within walking distance of the entrance.
If you are coming from out of town, or driving, the event has free parking on-site. There are also plenty of bike racks for those utilizing Madison’s many incredible trails.
Where to Stay in Madison for Brat Fest
Madison and the surrounding communities offer several excellent lodging options.
– Sheraton Madison Hotel (4-star, within walking distance)
– Wyndham Garden Madison Fitchburg (3-star, continental breakfast, pets allowed)
– Home2Suites by Hilton Madison Central Alliant Energy Center (within walking distance, affordable, pet-friendly)
– Best Western Premier Park Hotel (capitol square hotel, close to Madison Metro bus routes)
– Holiday Inn Express & Suites Madison Central by IHG (free buffet breakfast, free parking)
Important Details
Dogs are not allowed at Brat Fest. However, the festival does offer FREE doggy daycare so you can bring your pup and not have to worry about getting home for potty time.
– Open 12pm-5pm Friday and 9am-5pm Saturday and Sunday
– Due to insurance reasons, unfortunately certain breeds are restricted. Please check online before bringing your pup.
Aside from factory-sealed water bottles, no outside food or beverage is allowed inside the grounds. I promise you will not go hungry with all the options available for purchase. And since entrance to Brat Fest is free, you can always go back to your car for a snack.
Purses, bags, lawn chairs, etc. are allowed, but may be subject to search.
What to Bring to Brat Fest
– Factory-Sealed Water Bottle
– Comfy Walking Shoes
– Cash and Card (individual vendors may not accept cards, but there are ATMs available across the grounds)
Have a Great Memorial Day Weekend!
