If you’re planning a late summer trip to northern Colorado, there’s one local tradition you won’t want to miss. The Loveland Corn Roast Festival is one of the region’s most vibrant community celebrations — a lively, two-day event that combines small-town charm with big-time fun. Held at Fairgrounds Park, this annual event draws more than 10,000 attendees and has been going strong for 129 years.
Hosted by the Loveland Chamber of Commerce and proudly sponsored by Visit Loveland, the Corn Roast Festival is your chance to experience northern Colorado like a local, through live music, games, a beloved community parade and more corn than you can imagine. The theme this year is “Follow the Yellow Corn Road to the Corn Roast Festival!” playfully leaning into Wizard of Oz imagery.
Whether you’re returning to our neck of the woods for the weekend or planning your first Loveland getaway, here are five top experiences that make this event a summer standout!
1. Sink Your Teeth into Roasted Corn (and So Much More)
You can’t visit the Corn Roast Festival without trying its signature treat: sweet, smoky roasted corn served piping hot. It’s a must-try snack that nods to our agricultural history, which keeps people coming back year after year.
Not in the mood for corn? The festival also features a variety of food trucks and vendors offering everything from local barbecue to kid-friendly sweets and festival favorites. Grab a bite, relax in the beer garden and take in the live entertainment while you refuel.
When: Roasted corn sales, food trucks, vendors and the beer garden are open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, 2025 and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025.
2. Experience the Corn Roast Parade
Start your weekend with a hometown highlight: the Corn Roast Parade. This spirited event weaves through downtown Loveland with colorful floats, marching bands and local organizations celebrating community pride.
If you’re visiting Loveland, the parade is a great way to see the community in action and feel like part of the fun. Families often arrive early to stake out a shady spot near Fairgrounds Park, where the parade begins before looping through the heart of downtown. Expect road closures and consider walking or biking if you’re staying nearby.
When: Parade starts at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025.
3. Join the Fun at the Corn Shucking Contest
Looking for some good-natured competition? Don’t miss the Corn Shucking Contest, a kickoff tradition for the event that gets the crowd cheering and the corn flying. Local teams square off to see who can shuck the fastest – trust us when we say, it’s just as entertaining to watch as it is to participate.
Visitors are welcome to join the crowd and enjoy the friendly chaos. It’s the kind of homespun fun that gives the festival its personality and makes you feel like you’ve been part of the community all along.
When: Contest begins at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, following sponsor recognition and opening remarks.
4. Enjoy Live Music All Weekend
From danceable cover bands to award-winning vocalists, the Corn Roast Festival delivers live music all weekend long. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and find a spot near the main stage. Performances are spread throughout both days.
This year’s lineup features country artist Duey & Unbroken, classic rock and country band 10 Year Echo, the all-vocal rock band FACE Vocal Band and funk and R&B group Soul School, offering something for every musical taste. Whether you’re winding down after the parade or making an evening of it, the live sets are a great way to soak up the local vibe.
When: Catch live music Friday, Aug. 22, 2025 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, from noon to 8 p.m.
5. Cornhole Tournament and Other Fun
Beyond the headliners, the Corn Roast Festival offers plenty of ways to explore and engage. Another local favorite activity is the Cornhole Tournament, which starts at noon on Saturday. Pairs are welcome to participate, and you do not need to sign up in advance. For families, the Kids Zone is packed with activities and games and is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. For shoppers, vendor booths feature handmade goods, local services and giveaways.
Don’t miss the Loveland Rotary Duck Race at 4 p.m. on Saturday. This race is a lighthearted tradition where hundreds of rubber ducks race their way downstream for prizes and bragging rights.
When:
- Cornhole Tournament: Saturday, Aug. 23 at noon
- Loveland Rotary Duck Race: Saturday, Aug. 24 at 4 p.m.
- Kids Zone: Friday, Aug. 22 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Visit https://loveland.org/events-2/corn-roast-festival/ for the full schedule.
Plan Your Trip to the Corn Roast Festival
If you’re traveling to Loveland this August, make sure the Corn Roast Festival is on your itinerary. Whether you’re here for the day or making it a full weekend getaway, this free community event is a great way to experience the heart and hospitality of the Sweetheart City. Aside from the festival, Loveland is well-known for our extensive shopping, both locally owned and familiar restaurants and plenty of outdoor fun. Or check out our curated itineraries for even more inspiration for your stay.
Join us Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, and Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, at Fairgrounds Park at 700 S. Railroad Ave. From roasted corn and live music to local flavor and friendly faces, it’s one of the best ways to spend a summer weekend in northern Colorado.