MITCHELL, S.D. (Mitchell Now)— Downtown Mitchell will soon welcome carnival rides, vendors, live entertainment and thousands of visitors as the 2026 Corn Palace Festival returns Aug. 26-30.

Festival activities will be centered along Main Street between Fifth and Ninth avenues. The annual event celebrates the redecoration of the World’s Only Corn Palace and features food, specialty vendors, carnival attractions and entertainment.

Festival Hours

The City of Mitchell lists the following festival hours:

  • Wednesday, Aug. 26: 5-10 p.m.
  • Thursday, Aug. 27: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
  • Friday, Aug. 28: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
  • Saturday, Aug. 29: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
  • Sunday, Aug. 30: Noon-5 p.m.

Vendor setup is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Aug. 25, so residents can expect activity and access changes downtown before the festival officially opens.

Main Street Closures Planned

The city has approved street and parking lot closures for the festival, along with noise and alcohol-consumption permits.

The festival will occupy Main Street from Fifth to Ninth avenues. Drivers should prepare to use alternate routes and allow additional travel time through downtown during the event.

Visitors should also watch for temporary parking restrictions and avoid leaving vehicles in areas marked for festival setup, vendors or carnival operations.

Andy Grammer and Cole Swindell to Perform

Two nationally known performers will headline this year’s festival inside the Corn Palace.

Pop singer-songwriter Andy Grammer will perform Friday, Aug. 28, at 7:30 p.m., with special guest Audri Vargas. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Country music artist Cole Swindell will perform Saturday, Aug. 29, at 7:30 p.m., with special guest Julie Eddy. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are required for both concerts and can be purchased through the Corn Palace’s official ticketing provider.

Admission and Festival Information

Admission to the outdoor festival is free, but tickets are required for select entertainment inside the Corn Palace.

The Corn Palace is located at 604 N. Main St. Festival visitors can expect food and specialty vendors, carnival rides and other activities throughout the downtown area.

Schedules and operating times may change. Additional information and updates are available on the official Corn Palace Festival website: https://cornpalace.com/35/Corn-Palace-Festival