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 art gallery in College Hall, and tour the Mt. Morris Historical Museum. Concert nights are party nights on the campus.
AUGUST 2026 MT. MORRIS FRIDAY NIGHT JAMBOREE AND SATURDAY NIGHT “STRAW JAM” CONCERT SCHEDULES
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Friday, August 7 – Heartache Tonight (Eagles Tribute)
Saturday, August 8- Jazz in Progress (Jazz)
Friday, August 14 – Brass From the Past (Classic Rock)
Saturday, August 15 – Acoustic Axis (Classic Rock, Blues and Country)
Friday, August 21 – Chicago Tribute Anthology (Music from the band Chicago & more)
Saturday, August 22 – Grass Attack (Bluegrass)
Friday, August 28 – Fortunate Sons (Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute)
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.