BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW) – One of Ohio’s most beloved community traditions returns Aug. 13-15 as the Bratwurst Festival once again transforms downtown Bucyrus into a celebration of food, entertainment, family activities and hometown pride.

Known as the “Bratwurst Capital of America,” Bucyrus welcomes thousands of visitors each year to enjoy handcrafted bratwurst, live entertainment, contests, parades and community events that have become a hallmark of summer in Crawford County.

The 2026 festival kicks off Thursday, Aug. 13, with the Opening Ceremony at 11 a.m. in Schine’s Art Park, followed by a full day of activities including a cheerleading contest, the popular bratwurst eating contest, a kiddie tractor pull and the first of three festival parades.

Evening entertainment on Thursday includes performances by Bluecats and MixTape 216, while the Junior Princess, Princess and Queen Court Crowning will recognize the festival’s newest royalty. The night concludes with performances by the Sensational Soul Bros. and Jeff Holland.

Friday’s schedule adds even more family-friendly competition with ice cream, cream puff, watermelon and pizza eating contests throughout the afternoon. Visitors can also enjoy a Mini Moto Race and performances by New Washington Band and Dylan Coppler before the evening parade.

The highlight of Friday night will be a performance by nationally known Southern rock group The Kentucky Headhunters, taking the FCBank Stage at 9 p.m. Presented by Ohio Mutual Insurance Group, the concert is expected to draw a large crowd.

Saturday begins with a 5K Color Run/Walk before continuing with a full lineup of unique contests and activities, including the Pigtail Contest, Brattie Baby Showcase, Mini Moto Races and the ever-popular Men’s Legs and Beard/Mustache Contest.

Additional Saturday entertainment features Madison Lee, United in Harmony, Seventy80, One Foot in the Grave and Pearl Pilots. Parade awards and the annual Stein Auction will also take place before the festival’s final evening of music.

Beyond the entertainment, the Bratwurst Festival continues to celebrate local talent and community involvement. The Crawford County Art Center is currently accepting submissions for the 2026 Bratwurst Festival Art Show, with artists allowed to enter up to three pieces. Physical artwork may be dropped off Aug. 9-11, while digital submissions are due Aug. 10.

Festival organizers also encourage community participation through vendor opportunities and the annual 50/50 raffle, which benefits the Bucyrus Backpack Program. One lucky winner will receive half of the proceeds, while the remaining funds support local students and families.
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Held throughout downtown Bucyrus along Sandusky Avenue, the Bratwurst Festival remains one of the area’s largest annual events, bringing together residents, former community members and visitors from across the region for three days of food, fellowship and fun.

Whether attendees come for the famous bratwurst, the live music, the contests or the community spirit, organizers say there truly is something for everyone at this year’s festival.

The Bratwurst Festival runs Aug. 13-15 in downtown Bucyrus. Admission is free, and a complete schedule of events is available through the festival’s website and social media channels.
Website: bratwurstfest.com/

Facebook: facebook.com/BratwurstFestival/ Android and Apple App: app.jotform.com/bratfest2025/2026-bratwurst-festival-/