Grills will be sizzling and music will be playing as the World’s Largest Brat Fest will be back again on Willow Island at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis., over Memorial Day Weekend May 23rd-May 25th.
Free, live musical performances from 75 local and Midwest entertainers will take place all weekend, featuring headliners Ace Frehley , Tyler Farr, Steven Adler of Guns N Roses on the Grand Stage and Danny Gokey on our Faith based Stage on Sunday. Other notable acts performing at this year’s festival include: MacKenzie Carpenter, Harper Grace, Digital Underground, Skee-Lo, and Quad City DJ’s.
All images owned by Brat Fest, Inc.
“This is one of the best line-ups we have ever had! We are so excited for this year’s festival, kicking off summer in Wisconsin while giving back to over 100 area charities!” said Brat Man and festival organizer Tim Metcalfe. “Last year’s festival was tough on all of us with two days of rain and lightning. Many volunteers stepped up to help regardless, making it possible to donate $105,000 to Brat Fest Charities.” Metcalfe added, “To our sponsors, volunteers, and all of YOU who came out to enjoy a Brat (or two) and have a fun and safe time with your family last year…we THANK YOU! Let’s do it again in 2025!”
Non-profits and School Organizations – Over 100 area Non-Profits benefit from Brat Fest. Non-Profits/School Organizations can apply to be a Brat Fest Charity for 2026 in February!
Sponsors – If you are interested in being a Sponsor for next year’s Festival, let us know! Connect to Brat Fest in 2026 to reach a projected 150,000 attendees and support area organizations at the same time. Email eric.s@bratfest.com to learn more!
Exhibitors – have the opportunity to showcase their services to everyone who attends. Sold out this year, but you can apply on our website for the 2026 event!
*NEW* this year: Brat Fest Marketplace – will take place in the Arena on the Alliant Energy Center grounds; check out and shop vendors who are local and from around the state!
Additional information about music, events and food will also be added on our website as we continue to get closer to The World’s Largest Brat Fest. Visit us at www.BratFest.com!
About the World’s Largest Brat Fest
Brat Fest has been held every Memorial Day weekend since 1983 as a fundraiser for local charities and has grown to support over 100 non-profits today. Tom and Margaret Metcalfe held the very first Brat Fest in front of their Madison, WI family-owned grocery store, Metcalfe’s Market, with a 22” Weber Grill, a table and three chairs. It was a way for them to say “thank you” to their customers. In 2001, Johnsonville came on-board as the ‘Official Brat” for the Festival. In 2005, Brat Fest outgrew Metcalfe’s parking lot and moved to Willow Island at the Alliant Energy Center. Over 35 years after its small parking lot start, the still-family-friendly Brat Fest features 100 free musical acts, free parking, free admission, fireworks, a carnival and of course, brats – with more than $2.75 million donated to local charities since 1983. For a complete list of Brat Fest programming, events, and highlights, visit www.BratFest.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn (@bratfest/@bratfestoffical).
Sponsored by Metcalfe’s Market
Metcalfe’s Market is a fourth-generation, family run market with two locations in Madison (Hilldale and West Towne), and one in the Village in Wauwatosa. Proudly operating since 1917, Metcalfe’s has been committed to sustainability for over 100 years. From creating a local food miles program featuring over 3,500 local foods to 100 percent green power and composting, Metcalfe’s Market is committed to a more sustainable place where we all work, live and play. For more information on Metcalfe’s Market, visit www.shopmetcalfes.com or follow-on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@MetcalfesMarket). Sponsored by Johnsonville Sausage Wisconsin-based Johnsonville Sausage is the No. 1 national brand of bratwurst, Italian sausage, smoked-cooked links and fresh breakfast sausage links. Johnsonville employs approximately 1,600 members. Each member takes ownership of product quality to ensure the excellence and “Big Flavor” of Johnsonville Sausage. Founded in 1945 by Ralph F. and Alice Stayer, the company remains privately owned today. Visit www.johnsonville.com.
