The Corn Palace Festival, an annual celebration centered around the redecoration of the World's Only Corn Palace, beckons visitors to Mitchell, South Dakota. This unique event blends tradition with entertainment, offering a diverse array of activities and attractions for attendees of all ages.
Cultural Spectacle
At the heart of the festival lies the renowned Corn Palace, adorned with thousands of bushels of corn and other grains, creating intricate murals and designs. This architectural marvel serves as the backdrop for a variety of festivities, including live performances by top-tier entertainers, exhilarating carnival rides, and an abundance of delectable food and artisanal wares. The Corn Palace Festival takes place during the annual corn harvest, which gives visitors a chance to participate in construction. From the vibrant energy of vendor stalls to the camaraderie fostered at bingo nights, the fest fosters connections and a sense of belonging among attendees.
Concerts and Tickets
The Corn Palace Festival promises an electrifying lineup of entertainment featuring performances by acclaimed artists Scotty McCreery and Skillet. On Thursday, August 22, country music sensation Scotty McCreery will take the stage at 7:30 pm. With an impressive resume boasting five consecutive #1 hits and prestigious awards such as ACM New Artist of the Year, McCreery is sure to deliver an unforgettable performance. Then, on Saturday, August 24, rock powerhouse Skillet will rock the festival grounds at 7:30 pm. Known for their genre-defying sound and chart-topping hits, Skillet promises an evening of high-energy anthems and electrifying performances. Tickets range from $35 to $70, depending on section. Doors for the shows open at 6:30 pm.
Carnival Rides
For those seeking unlimited rides during the Corn Palace Festival, consider purchasing Passports to Fun vouchers, available from Monday, August 7 through Tuesday, August 22, at the Corn Palace box office for just $49. These vouchers can be exchanged for the Passports to Fun Wristband starting Wednesday, August 23, at the Goldstar Ticket Boxes in the City Hall parking lot. The price jumps to $55 starting August 23. Each wristband is valid for one person and should remain attached for the duration of the fair. Children who are too short to ride alone may require an adult companion. One-day wristbands are available for $24 each day, with specific hours of operation listed for each day of the festival.
Historical Significance
Many American Great Plains region cities used crop or grain palaces in the 19th century to showcase their agriculture industry. Corn Palace in Mitchell was first built in 1892 to motivate people to settle down in the area boasting excellent soils. The Corn Palace was rebuilt in 1921 and underwent significant reconstruction in 2015, evolving into a beloved cultural landmark and a symbol of agricultural pride.
Corn Palace serves as a concert, sports event, exhibit, and show venue in the summer. It also offers free guided tours about the Corn Palace Story. Visited by up to 500,000 tourists yearly, it also hosts the Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo every July and the Corn Palace Polka Festival every September.
