There’s so much to love about spring in Madison. May is my favorite month because of the nice weather and everything is in bloom throughout town. As May progresses, I ring in the “unofficial start of summer” in the most Wisconsinite way possible: Brat Fest. This festival features high quality brats, beer, ice cream, along with plenty of music and fun for the whole family. While there are many hours spent planning the event, it’s something I look forward to every year. Below are my three favorite things about Brat Fest.
Take Your Brat to Work Day
Take Your Brat to Work Day will kick off Brat Fest on Friday, May 26. Pickup will be on Willow Island from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Be the hero of your office by picking up brats for you and your fellow co-workers. You also might run into some of your favorite NBC 15 personalities. If you’re one of the first 100 people and show up on a bike, you’ll get your brat for free! Madison B-cycle will also offer free rides all day Friday when you use the code “BRATS” (27878). For those of you who can’t make it to Willow Island, brat delivery is available. You can check out the delivery zone here.
Lifest Stage
Source: Facebook
Once again, EZ Office Products is sponsoring the Lifest stage at Brat Fest. This stage will bring some of the best acts in Christian rock, and provides inspiring music for all in attendance.
Here’s the current schedule of performers, along with links to find out more about their music or act:
Friday, May 26
11:00 -11:40 a.m.: Lybecker
Noon – 12:40 p.m.: 4th Point
1:00 – 1:40 p.m.: We Are Leo
2:00 – 2:40 p.m.: The Harley Rev Band
3:00 – 3:40 p.m.: We Are Leo
4:00 – 4:40 p.m.: 4th Point
5:00 – 5:40 p.m.: The Harley Rev Band
6:00 – 6:40 p.m.: Lybecker
7:00 – 8:15 p.m.: Hawk Nelson
Saturday, May 27
11:00 -11:40 a.m.: We Are Leo
Noon – 12:40 p.m.: 100 White Flags
1:00 – 1:40 p.m.: Lybecker
2:00 – 2:40 p.m.: Abandon
3:00 – 3:40 p.m.: We Are Leo
4:00 – 4:40 p.m.: 4th Point
5:00 – 5:40 p.m.: Lybecker
6:00 – 6:40 p.m.: Abandon
7:00 – 8:15 p.m.: Colton Dixon
Sunday, May 28
8:30 – 9:45 a.m.: Community-Wide Worship Service
11:00 -11:40 a.m.: 100 White Flags
Noon – 12:40 p.m.: Manic Drive
1:00 – 1:40 p.m.: Humbled Kings
2:00 – 2:40 p.m.: The Illusionist Tom Coverly
3:00 – 3:40 p.m.: 100 White Flags
4:00 – 4:40 p.m.: Humbled Kings
5:00 – 5:40 p.m.: Manic Drive
6:00 – 6:40 p.m.: Bonray
7:00 – 8:00 p.m.: Mark Schultz
Monday, May 29
11:00 – 11:40 a.m.: 6’10
Noon – 12:40 p.m.: Adelaide
1:00 – 1:40 p.m.: 7eventh Time Down
2:00 – 2:40 p.m.: The Illusionist Tom Coverly
3:00 – 3:40 p.m.: 6’10
4:00 – 4:40 p.m.: 7eventh Time Down
5:00 – 5:40 p.m.: Adelaide
Charitable Giving
Source: Instagram (@bratfestofficial)
While all of the live music, bratwursts, and other entertainment is great, I’m proud to sponsor it because Brat Fest helps over 100 charitable organizations within the Madison area. Approximately $120,000 was raised last year from Brat Fest, and over the past 30 years, it has raised $1.75 million. It’s also great to see so many people willing to volunteer each year, whether it’s manning the grill or being a “celebrity cashier.” Each volunteer also gets paid $8 an hour to a charity of his or her choice. If you’re looking for a way to give back, there’s still time to sign up as a volunteer.