FAQ

How do I get into Brat Fest?

Follow your nose! Just kidding- The main entrance to Brat Fest is off of John Nolen drive. There will be plenty of signs and volunteers helping direct traffic to get you there.  Check out the Brat Fest Map for entrance locations.

Where can I park?

There’s plenty of FREE parking at Brat Fest – don’t worry – we’ll have plenty of room.  Click here for more parking details.

What are the hours of Brat Fest?

Take Your Brat to Work Day – 6am to 9am

Festival hours:

Friday –   10am  to 9 pm
Saturday – 10 am to 9 pm
Sunday  – 10 am to 9 pm

Brats Served Hours:

Friday –   10am  to 9 pm
Saturday – 10 am to 9 pm
Sunday  – 10 am to 9 pm

Are there any admission costs?

Nope! this is a FREE festival, with FREE live music!

Are there any costs for the music events?

Nope! All the music stages and concerts are FREE and the seating is first come first served.

Where do check-in if I'm a volunteer or celebrity cashier?

Check out our Volunteer Map to see where volunteers & celebrity cashiers are able to enter the island, park, and check in!

Where do I park if I'm a band playing at Brat Fest?

Check out Band Parking Map to see where bands are able to enter the island, park, and check in!

Are credit cards accepted?

The Brat Tent, Corn Tent, and Brat Gear Tent all accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and cash (no checks please). The Carnival also accepts credit cards. However, it is up to the individual vendors throughout the festival as to whether or not they accept cards or cash only. If you forgot to get cash out prior to making it to Brat Fest- have no fear- there are 6 ATM’s located throughout the festival grounds. Check out the Brat Fest Map for ATM locations.

Is public transportation available?

Madison Metro has regular bus stops along John Nolen Drive, Olin Avenue, and Rimrock Road adjacent to the Alliant Energy Center; you can get to these by routes 11, 12 & 13. Visit www.mymetrobus.com for more details.

For a complete listing of taxi and limousine services in Madison, check out visitmadison.com

Can I ride my bike to Brat Fest?

You Betcha! It is a fun, easy, and healthy way to travel to Brat Fest with an estimated 5,000 people biking to the Fest each year. There are two major bike path systems that provide connections to Brat Fest: The Wingra Creek Bike Path to the north follows Wingra Creek through and connects to the Park Street and Fish Hatchery Road area. The Lake Monona bike path system runs along Lake Monona on the east side of John Nolen Drive.

Bike Parking is located by the Quann-Olin entrance. Saris is proud to provide parking for over 200 bikes.

What items am I able to bring into Brat Fest and what items need to be left at home?

Your one-of-a-kind ancient Roman Pugio dagger may be the perfect accessory for your gladiator sandals – but don’t show up with it at Brat Fest. It really doesn’t match your outfit and we won’t let you bring it in.  Please have a look over our Carry in Policy & Code of Conduct for a detailed list of allowed and prohibited items. If you have questions, please contact us.

How do I find an item I may have lost at the Brat Fest?

We’re sorry, losing stuff is never fun! Anything that is found and turned in we will have placed at our Volunteer Tent. After the Festival all items will be given to the Alliant Energy Center where they will safely keep for 30 days after the festival. Please contact our Lost & Found

How do I volunteer at the Brat Fest?

Please visit our Volunteering Page for more information

Are there any lockers available to store items?

Unfortunately, there are not. Everything you bring with you needs to be able to stay with you.