Strawfest
Discover creative characters and creatures made of straw when Mt. Morris hosts the National Straw Sculpting Competition.
Bales of Fun!
Every August, the village square campus comes alive for three weeks with large, whimsical, and surprisingly detailed displays. The National Straw Sculpting Competition is known affectionately by locals as Strawfest, a unique and uniquely Midwestern festival in every way, from the locally grown materials to the imaginative creations.
Since 2015, people have been drawn to this impressive, one-of-a-kind rural art show where artists – young and old, experienced and beginners – turn their ideas, wood frames, wire and a whole lotta straw into fun and fascinating sculptures.
Explore!
Explore our historic campus square any time during the three-week event to wander among new straw sculptures, plus winners from past years. Be amazed, take selfies, and vote for your favorites. You decide the “People’s Choice” award winner!
Stay!
Stay for free concerts at the Reckmeyer bandshell every Friday and Saturday night during the competition. Grab food at the food trucks or local pubs and eateries, discover the artwork at the Old Sandstone Art Gallery, and tour the Mt. Morris Historical Museum. Concert nights are party nights on the campus.
“STRAW JAM” CONCERT SCHEDULE
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Friday, August 9 – Heartache Tonight (Eagles Tribute)
Saturday, August 10 – Jeff Elbel+Ping (Roots Rock & Roll)
Friday, August 16 – Shindig! (60’s Tribute)
Saturday, August 17 – The Jodi Beach Quartet (Timeless Tunes 1930’s to Today)
Friday, August 23 – The Jimmys (Blues, Funk, Soul, R&B)
Saturday, August 24 – Dirty Fishnet Stockings (Rockabilly)
Festival fun comes to a head on Strawfest Day, the last Saturday of The National Straw Sculpting Competition. That Saturday is filled with awards, straw games and activities, and a final, free “Straw jam” concert in the evening.
See our event calendar for dates and details. Learn more about the history of Strawfest at strawusa.com.