Your 2026 Grundy County Corn Festival Guide (Based on What You're Looking For) 🌽

Corn Fest is back!! Downtown Morris is about to be packed for five straight days and this is one of my favorite weeks of the whole year.

The schedule is huge. So I broke it down by what you're actually coming for. Find your section, save this post, and plan your week.

What: The 77th annual Grundy County Corn Festival
When: Wednesday, September 23 through Sunday, September 27, 2026
Where: Downtown Morris, IL, with events on Liberty Street, the Jackson St. Stage, Stratton Park, Goold Park, Chapin Park and more
Big moments: Kickoff Wednesday at 5 PM, fireworks Saturday at 8:30 PM, the Corn Festival Parade Sunday at 1 PM
Good to know: Some events need a Corn Festival Button, and carnival wristbands are $30

Bringing the Kids to Corn Fest?

You'll have plenty to choose from all week. The petting zoo and pony rides are set up at Franklin and Main Street every day from 11 AM to 7 PM (11 AM to 5 PM on Sunday). Heads up, the petting zoo needs a Corn Festival Button.

Train rides run from the Grundy County Courthouse, and Skinners' Amusements Carnival is open every day of the fest.

Here's the kid stuff I'd put on the calendar:

Wednesday: Water Fights at 6 PM on the 100 block of W. Washington Street
Thursday: Diamond Dogs shows at 5:30 and 7:30 PM
Friday: Kids Pedal Pull at 6 PM at Old National Bank (registration at 5 PM)
Saturday: Kiddie Water Fights at 10 AM on the 500 block of Liberty Street (register at 9:30), plus a corn husk doll making class with the Grundy County Historical Society from 1 to 3 PM
Sunday: Big Wheel Race at 11 AM on the 200 block of Liberty Street

And if your kids like a slower walk, the Scarecrow Stroll at Chapin Park runs all week. The Morris Women's Club hosts the Literary Scarecrow Contest there, and it's always fun to see what people come up with.

Here for the Live Music?About 25 miles.

The Main Stage and Beer Tent open at 5 PM Wednesday and Thursday, and at 4 PM Friday and Saturday.

Thursday, Sept. 24: Broken Record (5 to 7 PM), Frankfort Brass Band (7:30 PM), Kashmir (8 to 10 PM)

Friday, Sept. 25: River Road Trio (4 to 5:30 PM), Wreckin Dixie (6 to 8 PM), Billy Gray Band (9 to 11 PM), Echo Riot and Exit 122 (9:30 to 11:30 PM)

Saturday, Sept. 26: Southern Jack Band (4 to 6 PM), My 80's Band (6:30 to 8:30 PM), 1989 (7:30 to 9:30 PM), CRUEligans (9:30 to 11:30 PM), Mariachi Perla de Mexico (10 to 11:30 PM)

Wednesday night there's also Musical Bingo in the Beer Tent (cards go on sale at 6 PM, button required).

Coming for the Food?

About 26 to 28 miles.

This is where Corn Fest really shines. Our local churches and clubs go all out.

Chili Supper: Wednesday, 4 to 7 PM at First Presbyterian Church (button required)
Ham & Bean Dinner: Friday, 11 AM to 7 PM at First United Methodist Church
Pie Eating Contest: Saturday at 1 PM on the Jackson St. Stage
Pork Burgers: Sunday, 11 AM to 1 PM at First United Methodist Church

Grab some fudge from the Eagle Auxiliary Fudge Sale at Liberty and Washington (open every day), and don't forget the free popcorn giveaway Wednesday at 5 PM on the 400 block of Liberty Street.

Plus food vendors all week. Pizza, tacos, funnel cakes, pork, ice cream and a whole lot more.

Shopping for Local Finds?

The Craft Show and Flea Market is Saturday, Sept. 26 from 8 AM to 4 PM at the Grundy County Fairgrounds. Crafts, flea market treasures, new merchandise and holiday decor. There's free parking and a shuttle, so you don't have to fight for a spot downtown.

Looking for the Classic Corn Fest Events?

Saturday is packed:

Morris Hospital 5K: 9 AM, starting and finishing at Morris Grade School
Crackerbox Derby: 9 AM at Goold Park
Pickleball Tournament: 9 AM at the Morris Hospital YMCA (check-in at 8 AM, button required)
4-H Cut Meat Auction: 10:30 AM at the American Legion
Cornhole Bags Tournament: 11 AM on the 400 block of Liberty Street ($20 cash, registration at 10:30)
Fireworks: 8:30 PM at Stratton Park

Then Sunday at 1 PM, the Corn Festival Parade wraps up the whole week. If you only make it to one thing, make it the parade.

Want to Make a Whole Weekend of It?About 30 miles.

Here's the easiest way to break it up:

Wednesday to Thursday: Kickoff, carnival, kids' activities and live entertainment
Friday: Food, carnival and music
Saturday: Craft Show, races, contests, carnival, music and fireworks
Sunday: Food, carnival and the parade

A Few Tips Before You Go

Get your Corn Festival Button. You'll need it for the petting zoo, Chili Supper, pickleball, Crackerbox Derby and Musical Bingo.
Bring cash. The cornhole tournament is cash only, and it's just easier with the food stands.
Carnival wristbands are $30. On Saturday, wristbands are only good from 1 to 4:30 PM.
Check cornfestival.org before you head out in case anything changes with the weather.

Why Corn Fest Is Peak Morris

If anyone ever asks me what living in Morris actually feels like, I tell them to come the week of Corn Fest. Neighbors running into neighbors on Liberty Street. Kids on Big Wheels. The whole town at Stratton Park for fireworks.

See you downtown!

If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in Grundy County and want someone who actually knows this area, I'd love to help. Reach out anytime.

— Christy Schmaedeke, your local real estate agent in Morris, Channahon, Minooka, Grundy County & surrounding areas 🐾