A Guide to the 2024 St. Jude Sweet Corn Festival in Cedar Rapids

Who's ready for some SWEET CORN?!

The 49th annual St. Jude Sweet Corn Festival is coming up August 9th through 11th, and it's going to be a busy three days! Here is a rundown of everything you need to know about the 2024 event:

When is it?

The St. Jude Sweet Corn Festival will take place Friday, August 9th from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday the 10th from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday the 11th from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Where is it?

The festival takes is held on the grounds at St. Jude Catholic Church at 50 Edgewood Rd NW in Cedar Rapids.

Where do I park?

Parking is available on the church grounds off the Edgewood Rd entrance and 1st Ave entrance, with handicap and motorcycle parking available off the 1st Ave entrance.

You can also park at the MidAmerican Aerospace Parking Lot at the intersection of Williams Boulevard SW and 16th Avenue SW. The shuttles will run Friday from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday from 12 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

How much is it to get in?

It is $5 for daily admission for ages 11 to 59. All others get in free. Debit and credit cards ARE accepted at the gate.

With a paid admission on Friday or Saturday, you will get free admission on Sunday, but you must still be wearing your wristband.

It's also important to note that ages 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Is there a bag policy?

Yes. The site says that "no large bags over 20 inches will be allowed into the festival." They also reserve the right to search all bags upon entry and while on festival grounds. Things that are prohibited include:

Weapons
Bikes/Scooters/Skateboards
Smoking
Pets (except for service animals)
Coolers

How much sweet corn will they have?

18,000 EARS OF CORN. Each hot, buttered ear of corn will cost $1.

Who shucks all that corn?

Volunteers! If you'd like to help, corn husking will take place at St. Jude on Thursday, August 8th beginning at 9 a.m. The website says that there's "no need to RSVP or call ahead. With plenty of work to do, just show up and jump in."

Is there a beer tent?

Absolutely! Admission to the beer tent is free, but you do have to be 21 or older to get in. There will be alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages available for purchase. Debit/credit cards ARE accepted.

There will also be live music at the beer tent. The schedule includes:

Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. - Boot Jack Band
Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. - The Laid Back Band
Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. - Gimikk
Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. - Dogs on Skis

Where else can I see live music?

The Family Entertainment Stage will offer free live music for all ages. The schedule includes:

Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. - My Midlife Crisis
Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Ice Cream & the Cones
Saturday from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. - All Star Jazz Band
Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. - Greg Helton
Saturday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Jerry Stack
Sunday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. - Madie Renner
Sunday from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Amity Brass Quintet

What else is there to do?

Plenty! There are carnival rides, with adult, family, and kid's rides ranging anywhere from 2 to 5 tickets each (cost is $1 per ticket). Ticket sales end at 10 p.m. on Friday/Saturday and 5 p.m. on Sunday.

There is a bags tournament taking place on Saturday at 12 p.m. in the beer tent for ages 21+. There is no pre-registration required, just show up before noon to participate.

Other activities at the festival include BINGO, games, a silent auction, and a massive raffle. This year's grand prize is your choice of a 2024 Chevy Trailblazer or $20,000 in cash! You also have a chance to win one of five $1,000 prizes. Each ticket is $10 and the drawing will be held on Sunday at 6 p.m. (but you don't have to be present to win).