This Corn-Themed Festival In Northern Illinois Has Been Going Strong Since 1977 With Free Corn, A Carnival, And Live Music
By Linze Rice|Published July 11, 2023
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
No matter where you live in Illinois, you probably know the state is filled with an abundance of corn fields. Growing up in DeKalb County, ears of golden kernels were impossible to avoid — whether you were grabbing a baker’s dozen from a roadside stand, spent summers detasseling, or were out on the farm growing it. In fact, corn is so ingrained in this region of the state that it got its own dedicated weekend in the form of a free music festival in DeKalb, Illinois. And while there are lots of great festivals in Illinois, this one truly cries out “Midwest” like no other.
Corn Fest is a free festival that takes place in August each year in the charming small town of DeKalb, Illinois.
In 1957, Corn Fest began as a corn boil event where people could come and get free ears of sweet corn as the harvest season began. Then, in 1977, the festival expanded into its current version: A street fest filled with local vendors, crafts, kids' activities, live entertainment, and more.
The tradition of free sweet continues, with boiled ears given away on Saturday (Day 2 of the fest) starting at 11 a.m. until it runs out. Each year, more than 100,000 Midwesterners gather here for a taste of the state's best corn.
For many, Corn Fest is a rite of passage that signals the end of summer. Of course, there are plenty of agriculture-themed attractions meant to entertain and educate, such as combine tractors that are used to harvest the corn.
But one of the main attractions is the festival's live music and entertainment round-up, complete with multiple stages and full productions. It's one of the last free live music festivals in Illinois, although, for a small price, you can upgrade your stage access and gain a spot in the beer garden.
Another great feature is the craft show, which gathers dozens of local vendors to show off their amazing handcrafted wares. A major plus: The craft tents are often set up among some of DeKalb's most iconic and historic buildings, like the Egyptian Theatre.
This is always a favorite section of the festival for me.
A carnival is also included in the festivities, with all the classic rides and games that scream "old-fashioned street festival." While the daytime sees corn and crafts, nighttime glows with neon lights.
As day turns into night, the party keeps going with the help of beloved food pop-ups — so not only do you get free corn, but you can also grab a corn dog, funnel cake, and lemon shaker. Now THAT is summer in a nutshell.
So, would you add this free music festival in DeKalb, Illinois to your summer bucket list? What’s your favorite festival in Illinois? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your trip by checking out the Corn Fest website and the Corn Fest Facebook page. And if you love local festivals, come back to DeKalb County the last week in October, that’s when the Sycamore Pumpkin Festival (my favorite!) takes place.
Learn more about Corn Fest from the video below!
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