Press Release from Valleyfair:

Shakopee, MN (July 25, 2023) – Valleyfair is excited to announce Corn Fest, a celebration of Minnesota’s favorite crop! This all-new food festival offers a bushel of sweet and savory takes on corn, upbeat music and a barrel of corn-forward activities. Corn Fest will have tons of kernel-popping fun for the entire family.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate that late summer sunshine by having cobs of fun at the park,” said Raul Rehnborg, Valleyfair’s vice president and general manager. “Corn is not only a staple of Minnesota’s harvest season, but it’s also one of the state’s largest exports and something to be proud of. So, bring the whole family and enjoy a multigenerational cornucopia of fun and tasty experiences!”

The event runs Saturdays and Sundays (as well as Labor Day) August 19 through September 4 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (park hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m.). Throughout the park guests can enjoy:

• Cornalicious Dishes and Drinks: Our culinary team is whipping up some sweet and savory takes on corn including Rainbow Elote, Corn Ribs, Roasted Corn Queso Fries, Cornbread Funnel Cakes and much more. We will also be serving up special Jack Daniels cocktails and local brews.

• Live Music and Line Dancing: Throughout the event, rock, bluegrass and country music will be creating ear-pleasing tunes at the Gazebo Stage. Bands include The Dam Jammers (bluegrass rock), Coyote Wild (classic and current rock and country), King Wilkie’s Dream (country) and Bluewater Kings Band (rock and country). Between sets, the audience is invited to get in on the fun with some classic line dancing.

• Corn Eating Contest: We will host two corn eating contests per day for guests to participate in.

• The Residents of Corn Fest: Meet Mayor Shucks and be entertained our wandering performers like jugglers and stilt-walking scarecrows.

• Cobs of Games: From Corn Chucking (corn slingshot) to Cornhole (a backyard favorite), and lawn games to winner-every-time prize games, there is something for all ages to try their hand at winning.

• Crafts: Kids and parents are welcome to weave fall-inspired placemats, create harvest-themed necklaces and create farm-animal stencil art.

Corn Fest is included with park admission. For a complete list of park hours, and special events and to get the best deal on tickets and Season Passes, visit valleyfair.com. Those that purchase a 2024 season pass now get unlimited visits this year, including Corn Fest and Tricks and Treats plus all of 2024.