Adel Sweet Corn Festival | August 8, 2026
Shuttle Services & Handicap Parking
New this year, we're making it even easier to get to the Sweet Corn Festival! A complimentary shuttle service will run from 8:00am-4:00pm, picking up festival-goers at ADM High School and dropping them off at the former Wells Fargo parking lot, just steps away from the festival grounds. Skip the hassle of finding downtown parking and enjoy a quick, convenient ride to all the Sweet Corn Festival fun. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this new service and spend more time enjoying the festival!
Handicap parking is available at the City Hall parking lot (301 S 10th St), just steps away from the festival grounds.
REMINDER:
Highway 169 is closed south of Adel. Please use the detour on R-16 and P-58.
Sweet Corn Festival 5K Presented by AnyTime Fitness
Taking place along the scenic streets of Adel, join us for a beautiful run (or walk) through our wonderful town. Then stick around to enjoy the fun and festivities of the Sweet Corn Festival.
The 2026 5K proceeds will benefit the Adel Chamber Arts & Trails Committee for future projects and trail improvements.
Get the latest updates and information by following our Adel Sweet Corn Festival 5K page on Facebook.
Sweet Corn Festival Parade
Join us for Dallas County's largest parade! Beginning at 9:30am, you and your family can enjoy floats, entertainment, candy, and goodies from local businesses, clubs, and more.
See the parade route and arrive early to save your spot.
Want to participate?
New this year, all Sweet Corn Festival parade participants are required to register in advance. This change helps us better communicate with participants and respond quickly in the event of inclement weather, a medical emergency, lost child, or other safety concern.
Our goal is to create a safer and more organized experience for everyone involved while continuing the fun tradition our community loves. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to another great parade!
The Kernel Kid
Meet our 2026 Kernel Kid, Kaden Grife!
This special honor recognizes a local child who demonstrates kindness, leadership, service, and a positive impact on those around them.
Help us celebrate the amazing kids in our community by submitting a nomination today. Because it truly doesn’t get any butter than lifting up the next generation.
Welcome to Adel, Iowa Sweet Corn Festival !
The main attraction at the Sweet Corn Festival! Seven tons of Deardorff Sweet Corn is purchased by the Adel Chamber. The sweet corn is shucked on Friday evening, stored in a refrigerated truck, then cooked and served by volunteers for you to enjoy!
Our Sponsors
Activities for all to enjoy!
Little kernels kids zone
Little kernels kids zone
Little kernels kids zone
This year, Little Kernels Kids Zone is sponsored by The Garlick Team! Enjoy free bounce houses and activities for our littlest Kernels to enjoy!
Corn Eating Contest
Little kernels kids zone
Little kernels kids zone
Think you've got what it takes to be Adel's Corn Eating Champion? Put your appetite to the test in the Sweet Corn Festival Corn Eating Contest! With age divisions for kids, teens, and adults, fun prizes, and plenty of bragging rights on the line, this is one event you won't want to miss. Register today before your age group fills up!
Car Show
bags Tournament
bags Tournament
This year's Car Show is hosted by Brick Street Storage.
Rev up your engines for the Sweet Corn Festival Car Show! The Cruise-In runs from 9:00am-11:00am, with Showtime from 11:00 to 3:00pm at Brick Street Storage, just east of the square. All makes and models are welcome - no entry fee required.
bags Tournament
bags Tournament
bags Tournament
The annual Bags Tournament is presented by St. John's Catholic Church.
Get ready to toss for a cause at the Sweet Corn Festival Bags Tournament!
ADM DAC (215 N 11th)
August 8
11:30am
Entry is $30 per team and all proceeds support activities for the St. John's Youth Organization!
Register at the event or drop the completed form at St. John's Catholic Church