BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The Bucyrus Tourism & Visitors Bureau is thrilled to highlight an event that truly embodies the spirit of our community: the Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival. More than just a summer event, it’s a vibrant celebration of community, heritage, and the beloved bratwurst that has defined this small Ohio city for nearly a century.

DID YOU KNOW? Bucyrus earned its title as the Bratwurst Capital of America thanks to a rich history of German immigrants who settled in the area in the late 1800s and early 1900s. They brought with them traditional recipes and sausage-making techniques that quickly became a local favorite. Over the decades, local butcher shops like Carle’s Brats and Center Street Meat Market perfected their own versions, each contributing to Bucyrus’s growing reputation as a bratwurst hotspot.

The Birth of the Festival The first official Bratwurst Festival was launched in 1968 as a way to celebrate this culinary heritage and bring the community together. What started as a small gathering with local vendors and family fun quickly grew into one of Ohio’s largest and most beloved festivals.

What the Festival Brings Today, the festival is a three-day event held every August, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the state and beyond. Attendees enjoy:

  • Tons of bratwurst served by local restaurants and vendors
  • Live music and entertainment on multiple stages
  • Daily parades through downtown Bucyrus
  • Arts and crafts vendors, carnival rides, and family-friendly activities
  • The famous Bratwurst eating contest and other fun competitions

A Community Tradition The Bratwurst Festival is much more than just food—it’s a point of pride for Bucyrus and a boost to the local economy. It showcases the city’s hospitality, culture, and spirit, welcoming visitors as friends and celebrating the legacy of the German-American families who made bratwurst a way of life here.

Looking Ahead The festival continues to evolve with new attractions while honoring its roots. Each year, it’s a reminder that some traditions—especially those involving great food and great company—are worth preserving.

Come join us at the next Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival and taste a slice of Ohio history!

There’s something magical about a summer night in Bucyrus — the smell of bratwurst on the grill, laughter echoing down the midway, and the sound of live music filling the streets. This year, the 2025 Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival 🌭 is turning up the volume with a country concert that’s sure to be one for the books.

We’re excited to announce that country music legend Tracy Byrd will be performing live and free at this year’s festival! With hits like “Watermelon Crawl” and “The Keeper of the Stars,” Tracy Byrd is bringing that classic country charm we all know and love to the Ohio Mutual Stage, located at 🍺 FC Bank in the Bratwurst Festival Beer Garden.

But before the main act takes the stage, festival-goers will be treated to the rising talent of Toby May, an up-and-coming country artist who’s quickly making a name for himself. Toby will kick off the night at 8 PM, setting the tone with original songs and heartfelt performances that reflect the spirit of small-town America. Then at 9 PM, Tracy Byrd will step up to headline the evening — and we couldn’t be more excited.

This unforgettable night wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Bratwurst Festival Committee and the generous community sponsors who continue to make events like this a reality for Bucyrus. It’s a true celebration of hometown pride, great music, and the people who make our town special.

So grab your friends, find a good spot near the stage, and get ready to sing along under the stars. This is Bucyrus at its best — and you’re invited.

Did you know the Bucyrus Tourism & Visitors Bureau proudly hosts the Best ‘Wurst’ Bike Ride each year? It’s one of the many ways the bureau brings locals and visitors together to celebrate community, health, and heritage.

This annual ride welcomes cyclists of all levels with a variety of route options. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just out for a leisurely ride, there’s a path for you. Along the way, enjoy peaceful rural views, quiet country roads, and that unmistakable Bucyrus charm.

While there may not be bratwurst at the finish line, you’ll still be riding right into the excitement of the 58th Annual Bratwurst Festival—a weekend full of food, fun, and local tradition.