I am a long-time resident of Madison, Wisconsin. We’re surrounded by lakes, there are nice bike paths, and we have a bangin’ farmer’s market, but my very favorite thing about this place is Brat Fest.
For those you not familiar with brats (rhymes with knots) or bratwursts as they’re formally known, they are delicious sausages hailing from Germany that found their way over to the states and are now a staple on mid-western grills. You usually soak them in beer and onions before you cook them, then you can top them with assorted condiments and relishes. It’s essentially what a hot dog aspires to be.
Brat Fest is exactly what is sounds like: thousands of people converging on a park in the middle of the city to listen to local bands, sit in the sun and gorge themselves on these unique sausages. All the proceeds go to local charities, and boy do they rake it in. At least 170,000+ brats are sold over the course of the weekend making the event “The World’s Largest Brat Fest.” Yes, I know they don’t have too much competition but when’s the last time you set a world record? Read More »



