September 25th-27th, 2026
The Largest Cranberry Festival in the World!
Warrens, known as the “Cranberry Capital of Wisconsin,” is located in the northeastern corner of Monroe County, just northwest of Tomah near Interstate 94. With a resident population of approximately 400, Warrens experiences a significant influx of visitors, reaching up to 175,000, during its annual cranberry harvest festival. The Warrens Cranberry Festival currently holds the distinction of being the “World’s Largest Cranberry Festival” and has been recognized by the American Bus Association as one of the top 100 events in the United States and Canada. Each year, the Association acknowledges events that showcase North America’s cultural diversity, with the Cranberry Festival being selected by a committee of motor coach operators and travel industry professionals. Annually, about 30 tour buses bring guests to experience the Warrens Cranberry Festival.
The 53rd annual festival will take place from September 25th to 27th, commencing with the opening of the art and craft show, flea and antique market, and farmers market. These events will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the three-day festival.
The farmer’s market features more than 100 vendors offering a wide selection of autumn produce, including painted pumpkins, dried flowers, honey, maple syrup, gourds, Amish noodles and pies, apples, squash, various fall vegetables, and an assortment of cranberry products such as Craisins, juice, jams, jellies, fresh cranberries, candies, honey, mustards, wine, sauces, salsas, and dips.
The flea market offers a wide selection of products, including new merchandise, antiques, primitives, crocks, pottery, paper collectibles, depression glass, hunting and fishing supplies, toys, knives, signage, and additional items.
The art and craft show features over 800 juried booths representing 26 states, selected for their distinctive and high-quality artistic or craft contributions. This event presents an excellent opportunity for early holiday shopping. The festival showcases more than 1,200 vendors spanning art and crafts, antiques, flea market goods, and farmers market products across three miles of vendor frontage.
A variety of contests are available for participants of all ages. Detailed contest rules can be obtained from the Cranberry Festival office at 608-378-4200 or by visiting www.cranfest.com. Contest winners are exhibited through Saturday at 4 p.m., with notable displays including the largest cranberry and button entries.
Live music is performed throughout the festival grounds during the weekend, featuring instruments such as the Andean flute, piano, and dulcimer.
On Friday and Saturday, visitors are invited to participate in a self-guided walking tour of a local marsh, where growers will be available to address any cranberry-related inquiries.
The grand parade, featuring more than 75 units, will take place on Sunday beginning at 1 p.m.
Throughout the festival, guests can enjoy a variety of culinary offerings. Start the day with a Pancake Breakfast featuring cranberry syrup at the Catholic Church. Indulge in Cranberry Cream Puffs or cheesecake on a stick, dipped in hot fudge or caramel and topped with nuts. For a relaxing break, the Baptist Church offers homemade cranberry pie, soups, and full meals. A wide selection of international and regional cuisine—including gyros, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Bosnian lamb sandwiches, spicy Chinese or Thai dishes, Cajun shrimp, Greek or Italian fare, and Indian fry bread in Mexican or pizza styles—can be found among the eighty food booths located primarily at the Ballpark, as well as downtown near the village office, Post Office lawn, and Warren Place.
The Warrens Cranberry Festival was established in 1973 to enhance the quality of life in the village of Warrens. At that time, community leaders determined that the cranberry was the primary feature worth promoting, leading to the creation of the festival. The initial event was organized in just five weeks and featured 75 booths in the arts and crafts area, attracting an attendance of 3,500 people. Since its inception, the festival has grown significantly, evolving from a small local gathering to an international event welcoming approximately 175,000 attendees from destinations including Alaska, Hawaii, Ecuador, Germany, Russia, Poland, Austria, Sweden, Australia, and Norway.
Each year, the festival contributes to a variety of community projects through donations. Notable initiatives supported by the festival include the construction of municipal facilities such as the municipal building and fire station, procurement of fire trucks, installation of street signs, funding for school scholarships, support for Boy and Girl Scout programs, contributions to the Lions Club building and Sorenson Shelter at the ballpark, upgrades to the ballpark and sidewalks, improvement of roads within Warren Mills Cemetery, assistance to the Tomah and Warrens school systems, enhancements to the Warrens Elementary School’s computer lab, reading program, playground equipment with fencing, Beautification Grants for residential improvements, the First Responders Unit, acquisition of medical and safety equipment such as defibrillators and thermal imaging cameras, sponsorship of Safety Patrol trips to Washington D.C., and support for local organizations including the Crantastic Singers, softball teams, fishing derbies, golf fundraisers, fireworks displays, and the summer recreation program at the ballpark. Additionally, the festival played a pivotal role in bringing the Wisconsin Discovery Center to Warrens and securing a facility to house it.
Over its 53-year history, the small festival has contributed more than three million dollars to the community. Despite experiencing a deficit in its third year and borrowing $500 to continue, the festival has maintained positive financial operations since that time. The ongoing success of the event is attributed not only to financial resources but also to the collaboration and commitment of the community, as well as the significant contributions of over hundreds of volunteers from across a five-county region.
The Cranberry Festival Board of Directors and Advisory Board comprise fourteen members, supported by more than 250 volunteers who assist with preparations, operations, and post-event activities for the three-day festival. Participants are drawn from Warrens and Monroe County, as well as Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, and Wood Counties. This annual event has a substantial economic impact, benefiting local businesses such as motels, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, restaurants, and gas stations. During the festival, Monroe County receives over $14 million in revenue.
For further information, including the schedule of events or contest rules, please contact the Warrens Cranberry Festival at PO Box 146, Warrens, WI 54666; phone: 608-378-4200; fax: 608-378-4250; email: us here; or visit the official website at www.cranfest.com.
Warrens is located eight miles northwest of Tomah, accessible via Interstate 94 West, exit #135, in central Wisconsin’s “Heart of Cranberry Country,” recognized globally for its concentration of cranberry-growing families.