Warrens Cranberry Festival Location, Guests, and Ticket info
Every fall in Wisconsin, the small village of Warrens turns into the center of attention for one of the most colorful and lively events in the Midwest. The Warrens Cranberry Festival attracts thousands of visitors who come to enjoy food, culture, history, and community spirit. It is more than a festival—it is a tradition that has grown for decades. Just as families enjoy outdoor places like Lions Valley Park: A Place to Connect with Nature, people gather in Warrens to connect with history and celebrate the cranberry harvest in an unforgettable way.
What Type of Festival Is It?
The Warrens Cranberry Festival is primarily a harvest and community festival that celebrates cranberries, one of Wisconsin’s most famous crops. It began in 1973 with the idea of showcasing the cranberry marshes and offering a way for local businesses and artisans to reach visitors. Over the years, it has grown into a three-day event with food, parades, contests, and cultural performances.
People often describe it as both a food festival and a cultural gathering. Visitors find everything from freshly harvested cranberries to unique arts and crafts. Local vendors bring handmade goods, while food stalls prepare creative dishes made with cranberries. The event also provides entertainment through live music, a large parade, and educational tours. This mix of learning, fun, and food makes it one of the largest harvest festivals in the United States.
Location of the Festival
The festival is held in Warrens, Wisconsin, a small village in Monroe County. Warrens is surrounded by cranberry marshes, which are part of the region’s identity. Because Wisconsin is the largest producer of cranberries in the country, the setting is perfect for such an event.
During the three days of celebration, nearly every part of the town is involved. Streets turn into vendor markets, schools open space for activities, and local fields become parking lots for the thousands of visitors. Warrens, which usually has fewer than 400 residents, hosts over 140,000 guests during the festival weekend. This transformation is one of the reasons why the event is so unique and impressive.
Who Organizes This Festival?
The Warrens Cranberry Festival is organized by a nonprofit group known as Cranfest Inc. This group was formed to promote the welfare of the Warrens community and provide financial support for civic projects. The money raised from the festival goes back to schools, scholarships, public improvements, and local organizations.
The organizers work year-round to plan the event. Volunteers play a major role in making sure everything runs smoothly, from ticket sales to parade arrangements. Local farmers, business owners, and community members all contribute their time and energy. This community-driven spirit is one of the strongest reasons why the festival has continued successfully for more than 50 years.
Dates and Times
The Warrens Cranberry Festival takes place every year on the last full weekend of September. The festival runs for three days: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Here is a simple overview of the timing:
| Day | Date (2025) | Main Events |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | September 26, 2025 | Opening ceremony, marsh tours, vendor markets |
| Saturday | September 27, 2025 | Craft shows, food stalls, contests, live music |
| Sunday | September 28, 2025 | Parade, final day shopping, closing events |
Events start in the morning, usually around 7 a.m. when the first vendors open, and they continue into the evening with entertainment. The parade on Sunday is one of the highlights and draws large crowds.
Where to Buy Tickets?
One of the best things about the Warrens Cranberry Festival is that it is free to attend. Visitors do not need to purchase admission tickets to walk through the vendor markets, watch the parade, or enjoy the festive environment. However, certain activities such as marsh tours or special shows may require small fees.
Marsh tour tickets are usually sold at designated booths or online through the official Cranfest website. Parking is also a paid service, as the town needs to accommodate thousands of cars from across the region. Buying parking permits in advance helps visitors secure a spot and avoid delays.
Food, crafts, and souvenirs are available for purchase throughout the festival grounds. Vendors accept both cash and cards, but carrying some cash is recommended for easier transactions at smaller stalls.
Performers at Warrens Cranberry Festival
The Warrens Cranberry Festival is not only about food and markets. It also brings together performers who create a lively and entertaining atmosphere. Local bands, folk artists, dance groups, and school choirs take the stage during the weekend. Music ranges from traditional folk tunes to modern covers, giving something for every age group to enjoy.
The parade on Sunday is the biggest performance event. Floats decorated with cranberries, costumes, and marching bands move through the streets. Schools, community groups, and businesses all take part. The energy is joyful, and visitors line up early to get a good view. Children especially love the parade because candy and small gifts are often handed out.
In addition to music and parades, there are smaller cultural performances such as storytelling, cooking demonstrations, and educational talks about cranberry farming. These shows combine fun with knowledge, keeping the festival both entertaining and educational.
Attractions and Highlights
The Warrens Cranberry Festival offers countless attractions. Visitors can explore one of the largest arts and crafts fairs in the Midwest, with hundreds of booths. Food lovers enjoy cranberry-based dishes like cranberry pies, cranberry brats, and even cranberry wine.
Educational tours allow people to visit cranberry marshes and learn how the fruit is grown and harvested. These tours are among the most popular activities because they give a close-up look at the unique floating red berries in water-filled bogs. Families also enjoy scarecrow contests, button design competitions, and photo opportunities with giant cranberry displays.
By the middle of the festival, the excitement reaches its peak, similar to how visitors feel at the Plano Balloon Festival: SEPTEMBER 19 – 22, 2024 when balloons fill the sky. In Warrens, instead of balloons, the bright red of cranberries becomes the symbol of celebration.
Food and Market Experience
Food plays a huge role in the festival. Visitors find everything from classic Wisconsin favorites to creative cranberry specialties. Stalls sell cranberry jams, sauces, muffins, and desserts. Local restaurants prepare special festival menus that highlight cranberries in savory and sweet dishes.
The farmers’ market section includes fresh cranberries, dried berries, and juices. Many visitors stock up to take these products home. In addition, the craft market offers handmade jewelry, wooden carvings, textiles, and other artisan goods. Together, these markets give the festival a unique charm that combines shopping with cultural discovery.
Travel Tips for Visitors
Visitors should plan ahead because Warrens becomes very crowded during the three days. Arriving early helps secure better parking and easier access to vendors. Comfortable shoes are important because there is a lot of walking involved. Carrying a small bag for purchases makes shopping easier, and bringing cash helps speed up transactions.
Weather in late September can be unpredictable, so packing a light jacket or umbrella is wise. Families with children should plan breaks between activities to avoid getting too tired. For those traveling from far away, booking hotels early is necessary, as nearby accommodations fill up quickly.
Conclusion
The Warrens Cranberry Festival is one of America’s most exciting harvest events, combining culture, community, and food in one place. It has grown from a small town gathering into a massive celebration that attracts visitors from across the country. With its lively parade, unique cranberry dishes, arts and crafts, and educational tours, the festival offers something for everyone.
For those seeking a fall adventure filled with history, flavor, and tradition, Warrens is the place to be. This event captures the heart of Wisconsin’s cranberry culture and shows how a small village can create a festival that touches thousands of lives. Whether it is your first visit or your tenth, the experience remains unforgettable.
