Name: 36th Annual Burger Fest
Start: 2026-09-19T09:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-09-19T23:45:00-05:00

About the event

Burger Fest is an amazing volunteer-run festival that raises funds for scholarships and community projects in the Seymour and surrounding communities. It draws people from around the world for small town fun with a big attitude! Seymour, Wisconsin, is an idyllic community of about 3,000 located in the heart of dairy country 15 miles west of Green Bay. Burger Fest started in 1989 to celebrate the birth of the burger in Seymour in 1885. The historical figure, Hamburger Charlie, invented the hamburger way back then and Americans bit on the hamburger craze! Downtown Seymour - Depot ST. - Burger Fest! Seymour hosts the World's Largest Hamburger Parade, Bun Run, Kids' Run, music, kids' games, the Burger Eating Contest and the Giant Ketchup Slide! The Car Show, Railroad Depot and Community Museum are all included. Follow us! Facebook: Home of the Hamburger Instagram: burger_fest_official

Dates

Sep 19, 2026 · 9:00 AM - Sep 19, 2026 · 11:45 PM(GMT-05:00) Central Time (US & Canada)

Add to calendar

Location

133 Depot St, Seymour, Wisconsin 54165-1103, United States

Directions

Parking instructions

Please follow event signs and parking attendants, as downtown Seymour streets may be closed or restricted during Burger Fest activities.

Health & safety

Attendees should follow all instructions from festival staff, security personnel, and emergency responders; maintain good hygiene practices; use designated facilities; report hazards or injuries immediately; and comply with all health, safety, and security procedures established by the event.

Event highlights

Balloon Rally

View link

As part of Seymour’s Burger Fest, beautiful hot air balloons ascend into the sky. It’s a chance to see these really big balloons up close and personal. There is no charge for the balloon rally, however, non-perishable food donations will be accepted to support local food banks. Parking is also FREE at Rock Ledge School and at Rock Ledge Park. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and head out with the family!

World's Largest Hamburger Parade

View link

Seymour’s “World’s Largest Hamburger Parade” isn’t just a parade—it’s a central tradition celebrating the town’s claim to hamburger history, bringing together community pride, quirky food culture, and thousands of visitors each year in a uniquely Wisconsin way.  

Parade starts at 11:00am Saturday, September 19th, 2026
Main Street Seymour, WI

Burger Eating Contest

View link

At Burger Fest in Seymour, the burger eating contest is a highlight where participants race to eat as many plain hamburgers as possible within a short time limit. Contestants must finish each burger before moving on, often relying on water to keep up the pace. The event draws both competitive eaters and locals, creating an energetic, crowd-cheered spectacle that reflects the festival’s fun community spirit.

Famous Giant Ketchup Slide

View link

The giant ketchup slide at Burger Fest in Seymour is a crowd-favorite spectacle where participants slip and slide down a 225 foot ketchup-covered runway while spectators cheer them on. Messy, hilarious, and totally unique, it’s one of the festival’s most iconic events and a perfect example of its playful, over-the-top celebration of burger culture.

Kids Games & Activities

View link

The downtown portion of Burger Fest features a kids’ games area with simple carnival-style activities, along with bounce houses and inflatables for open play.  Overall, it’s a relaxed, family-friendly environment with easy, drop-in activities geared especially toward younger kids.

Meet Hamburger Charlie

View link

Meeting Hamburger Charlie at Burger Fest in Seymour is a fun, nostalgic experience that celebrates the hometown of the hamburger. Charlie, portrayed in vintage attire, brings history to life by sharing the story of the burger’s origins and engaging with visitors. The lively festival atmosphere, filled with food, music, and community spirit, makes the encounter both entertaining and memorable.

Giant 200 Pound Hamburger!

View link

The 200+pound hamburger takes approximately four hours from start to finish to make. The bun is about 271 times the size of a regular hamburger bun and is made at Seymour's very own Don’s Quality Market. Be sure to get your FREE portion of this whopper of a burger!

Kids Big Wheel Races

We're bringing it back! 
The Big Wheel Races are a family-friendly Burger Fest tradition. Children compete in age-based sprint races on a closed asphalt course using festival-provided Big Wheel tricycles, ensuring fair competition. The event emphasizes fun and participation, with each racer typically receiving a small prize or ribbon. Get ready to start your engines!

Grand Union Band

View link

Rooted in Country and influenced by Rock & Roll, Grand Union is country music that rocks. The sound of Country music is always changing. Grand Union celebrates this fact to bring you a night of "Country Music Without Prejudice". From classic anthems to today's hits, youll hear it all. Sprinkle in enough Rock and Pop to satisfy all tastes, we guarantee a GRAND OLE TIME!

Bubba Lewis Trio & Special Guest

The Bubba Lewis Trio is born of three kindred souls nursed on the great songs of classic FM and the best of internet radio. Soulful southern vocals backed by power trio guitar, bass and drums; covering songs from Clapton, Dylan, John Mayer and reaching to fresh current songs ranging from Noah Kahan, Post Malone and Tyler Childers to The 1975.

The Trio are Bubba Lewis; lead vocals, electric & acoustic guitars, Dan Collins; bass & vocals, Curt Lefevre; drums & vocals.

Formed with Bubba, singer from Road Trip, Dan and Curt from Fun with Atoms; all are former members of Carbon Road. The Bubba Lewis Trio is a refreshing dose of great high energy songs that captures the essence of rock 'n' roll.

Bad Habitz

BAD HABITZ is a high-energy rock trio bringing the best of '70s, '80s, and '90s rock to every stage. Influenced by the iconic sounds of arena rock and hair metal, they deliver a powerful performance, captivating audiences with their impressive musicianship and dynamic stage presence. This seasoned group, honed in the Fox Cities music scene, exudes a confidence and maturity that resonates with fans of all ages.

From Def Leppard and Bon Jovi to Guns N' Roses and Metallica, BAD HABITZ boasts an extensive repertoire of rock anthems and party favorites. Their setlists are carefully crafted to create an unforgettable experience and they are constantly adding new songs. Experience the raw power and excitement of BAD HABITZ.

Frank Childress and The Main Street Band

View link

Frank has been singing and playing guitar for over 35 years. Frank is originally from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where he played in some of the area’s top-rated bands. Frank has taken some of his favorite old and new songs and come up with fun arrangements for one voice and one guitar.

 Frank’s musical influences range from rock and country to blues and classic R&B. Some of Frank’s favorites are Bob Seger, Allman Brothers, Beatles, Rolling Stones and too many others to mention.

​Frank has been playing guitar and singing since he was old enough to open his mouth and pick up a pick. Frank’s growling vocal style matches the rough and raw sound of his guitar, the gritty and fun delivery will have you on your feet screaming for more.

Bun Run 5k

Lace up your running shoes and join us for the Home of the Hamburger Bun Run 5K, a fun-filled community event celebrating fitness, local pride, and family-friendly fun! Whether you're a seasoned runner aiming for a personal best or a casual walker looking to enjoy a beautiful morning outdoors, the Bun Run welcomes participants of all ages and abilities.

The course winds through the charming streets of Seymour, offering a scenic route and a supportive atmosphere filled with enthusiastic volunteers, spectators, and fellow participants. After crossing the finish line, stick around to enjoy refreshments, community activities, and the opportunity to connect with friends, neighbors, and visitors at the main Burgerfest event.

Proceeds from the event help support local programs and initiatives, making every step count toward strengthening the Seymour community. Gather your family, invite your friends, and be part of this exciting tradition that brings health, fun, and hometown spirit together.

Run. Walk. Celebrate. Join the Home of the Hamburger Bun Run 5K and make memories one mile at a time!

Marketplace

Interested in applying:

1 active application

Vendor Inquiry

Deadline: Jul 31, 2026

Apply now

12'x12' Exhibit Space $30 each: You must stay within your assigned booth space—both front/back and side to side. Once assigned a booth, you may not move without permission from organizer. Multiple spaces may be purchased.
No electrical service offered
Parking is limited
This event will be held rain or shine. All fees are non-refundable.

The 2026 Burgerfest Marketplace takes place rain or shine on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 9am thru 3pm.

Booth fees are due upon acceptance and are non-refundable with the following exception: In the event Seymour's Burgerfest is cancelled for any reason, booth fees may be refunded at the sole discretion of the Home of the Hamburger Inc.

You are responsible for you own tent, tent weights, tables, chairs, and booth furnishings.

You may begin to set up at 7:00am (after checking-in with event staff). All vehicles must be removed from the site by 8:30am. Your booth must remain set up until the event ends. You will have twelve (12) feet of depth and each booth is twelve (12) feet wide. Tent weights will be needed to secure booth. No electricity included.

Donate

Home of the Hamburger Fundraising Goal

Deadline: Sep 18, 2026

Contribute

Applications

Interested in applying:

1 active application

THE OFFICIAL BURGERFEST 2026 T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST

Deadline: Jul 31, 2026

Apply now

CALLING ALL ARTISTS, DESIGNERS & CREATIVE MINDS!

THE OFFICIAL BURGERFEST 2026 T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST IS HERE!

Have you ever dreamed of seeing your artwork worn by hundreds of people throughout Wisconsin and beyond?

Now is your chance!

Home of the Hamburger is looking for creative, original artwork to help celebrate BurgerFest 2026 and our beloved Seymour story. We are excited to select winning designs from both youth and adult artists that may be featured on official BurgerFest merchandise and promoted throughout the festival season.

WINNING ARTISTS MAY RECEIVE:

✨ Your design featured on official BurgerFest merchandise

✨ Recognition on Home of the Hamburger social media platforms

✨ National exposure through our merchandise fundraising program

✨ Promotion of you, the artist and/or your business

✨ Special prizes and HOTH merchandise

✨ The opportunity to become part of BurgerFest history!

❤️DESIGN REQUIREMENTS ❤️

✅ Must feature either Hamburger Charlie, our beloved hamburger, or both

✅ Must include our signature red, white, and blue color palette

✅ Must celebrate BurgerFest, Seymour, Wisconsin, community pride, or the Home of the Hamburger story

✅ Must be original artwork created by the submitting artist

✅ Must be suitable for printing on t-shirts and other merchandise

✅ Multiple submissions are welcome

✅ Must be family-friendly and appropriate for a general audience

*No profanity

*No political messaging

*No offensive or discriminatory content

*No promotion of businesses, products, services, websites, organizations, or brands other than Home of the Hamburger and BurgerFest

FILE REQUIREMENTS

• JPG or PNG format only

• High-resolution artwork is strongly encouraged

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

July 15, 2026

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?
Because Burger Fest belongs to Seymour.
We want local artists, students, designers, and community members to help tell our story through their creativity. This is your chance to leave a lasting mark on one of Seymour's most beloved traditions while helping us continue our mission of preserving local history, supporting local youth, and Building a Better Seymour Together.
We cannot wait to see what you create!
Good luck, artists! ❤️
#BurgerFest2026 #HomeOfTheHamburger #SeymourWI #DesignContest #HamburgerCharlie #SupportLocalArtists #BuildingABetterSeymourTogether #HometownPride

Terms & Conditions

All sales are final. Event is rain or shine. Admission may be revoked without refund for violation of festival rules. Attendees assume all risks associated with attendance and release organizers from liability for injury, loss, or damage occurring at the event.

Hosted by Home of the Hamburger

Joined Eventeny in April 2026

4 events

Seymour, Wisconsin, United States