August 2025
Downtown Sun Prairie August Events
Believe it or not, August in Sun Prairie is more than the annual Sweet Corn Festival.
On August 7th, both the National Night Out and Classic Car Show combine for a wonderful evening filled with music, food, classic cars, and squad vehicles. Chat with car owners and meet members of the Sun Prairie Police department. The event begins at 5p.m. and runs until eight.
And, yes, the Sweet Corn Festival is on for five days filled with a parade, corn and other delicious foods, music, carnival rides, contests, and more! The event runs from August 13-17.
Interview with Ray Thomson, Special Operations Lieutenant
Update on Sun Prairie Road Projects
- ST. ALBERT THE GREAT DRIVE MILL & OVERLAY AND WILBURN ROAD-COLUMBUS STREET BIKE PATH OVERLAY PROJECT
- MONTANA AVE, OAKLAND AVE, WOODWARD DRIVE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
- 2025 LINNERUD DRIVE REHABILITATION AND SIDEWALK PROJECT
- 2025 THOMPSON ROAD – ST. ALBERT THE GREAT DRIVE PAVEMENT REHAB PROJECT (WISDOT PROJECT)
- 2025 BIRD STREET ROAD PROJECT (WISDOT PROJECT)
- NORTH BIRD STREET PEDESTRIAN PATH PROJECT
Interview with Michael Campos, Staff Engineer
Amphitheater Ribbon Cutting
On July 28th, we celebrated the opening of a new space at the library - the Kind Stage & Amphitheater. This outdoor amphitheater is designed to share stories through music, song, dance, spoken word, and a celebration of community.
The ribbon cutting included a land acknowledgment, and the first performance will be by Little Priest Singers & Drums. The Kind Stage is named to recognize two friends who believed in the power of libraries, music, storytelling, and community.
Thank you to Elsbeth Kind and Ada Bird for your commitment to the Sun Prairie Public Library and the greater community.
Interview with Theresa Stevens, Executive Director - Sun Prairie Public Library Foundation
Slow Mow Let it Grow Final Report
Slow Mow Let it Grow (SM) is a Sun Prairie program that encourages community members to reduce mowing practices during the spring. The purpose of SM is to provide early-season foraging resources and habitat for pollinators. It can be challenging for pollinators to find food during the onset of spring. Allowing lawns to grow and flower increases the food supply for pollinators. Additionally, not mowing reduces emissions from lawn care machinery.
See the impact of the 2025 SM program in the final report!
Interview with Rose Daily, Sustainability & Resilience Manager
KIDS4 Crew Registration
Get ready for a summer full of sunshine, laughter, and unforgettable memories! The Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department is thrilled to unveil its 2025 Summer Events Schedule, running from June through October.
This year’s lineup promises something for everyone, whether you're a foodie, music lover, movie buff, or just looking for fun ways to enjoy the outdoors. With many events featuring local food trucks, refreshing beverages, and family-friendly activities, all you need to bring is your appetite and your sense of adventure!
Stay updated on all dates, locations and event announcements by visiting www.cityofsunprairie.com/communityevents or by following us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sunprairierec
Interview with Rachel Packard, Director - Sun Prairie Media Center
Administration
Slow Mow Let it Grow Final Results
Engineering
Road Projects and Construction Updates
ST. ALBERT THE GREAT DRIVE MILL & OVERLAY AND WILBURN ROAD-COLUMBUS STREET BIKE PATH OVERLAY PROJECT
LIMITS: St. Albert the Great Drive from North Thompson Road to Broadway Drive. The Wilburn portion of this project starts at 1000 Wilburn Rd and ends at Progress Way. The Columbus Street portion begins at Wilburn Road intersection and ends at the Quarra Stone cul-de-sac.
PROJECT SCHEDULE: June 9, 2025 - September 15, 2025
SCOPE OF PROJECT: This project will include curb & gutter and sidewalk spot repairs, bike path repair, pavement milling and overlay and pavement markings. The path portion of the project includes a 1.5” asphalt overlay of the existing 10’ wide shared-use path with spot asphalt removal and replacement, and sidewalk crossing improvements.
CURRENT STATUS: All mill and overlay complete, bike path complete, currently finishing bus stop pad installation throughout the City.
MONTANA AVE, OAKLAND AVE, WOODWARD DRIVE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
LIMITS: Montana Ave from Walmar Dr. to Windsor/STH 19, Oakland Ave. from Montana to Pennsylvania Ave, and Woodward Drive from Montana Ave. to Oakland Ave.
WHEN: April 21, 2025 - August 29, 2025
SCOPE OF PROJECT: The project will include new storm sewer pipe, new curb & gutter, driveway apron repair, crushed aggregate base course, bituminous concrete pavement, and new sidewalk on both sides of each street. All streets will be reduced from 38’ back of curb to back of curb to 28’ back to back. Parking will remain the same as existing when the project is completed.
CURRENT STATUS: Utilities have been installed, sidewalk and curb have been poured, and restoration is ongoing. The contractor is finishing grading on the street in preparation for asphalt paving.
2025 LINNERUD DRIVE REHABILITATION AND SIDEWALK PROJECT
LIMITS: Linnerud Drive from Walker Way to Bird Street.
WHEN: July 21, 2025 - September 19, 2025
SCOPE OF PROJECT: This project will include new storm sewer structures and pipe, spot repairs to the existing curb, gutter, and sidewalk, curb ramp improvements at Walker and Linnerud intersection, added pedestrian safety measures, and the replacement of existing asphalt pavement.
STATUS: Contactor has started with curb and sidewalk removals. Work has started on storm sewer install at Walker Way. Concrete curb and gutter and sidewalk preparation will take place next week.
2025 THOMPSON ROAD – ST. ALBERT THE GREAT DRIVE PAVEMENT REHAB PROJECT (WISDOT PROJECT)
LIMITS: North Thompson Road from STH 19 to St. Albert the Great Drive St. Albert the Great Drive from Thompson Rd to CTH C
SCOPE OF PROJECT: This project will include watermain work, curb & gutter and sidewalk spot repairs, curb bump-outs to increase pedestrian safety and pavement replacement. There will be some driveways and street closures.
Phase 1: Complete
Phase 2: June 16, 2025 - August 22, 2025
STATUS: Ongoing curb work and road grading in preparation for paving.
2025 BIRD STREET ROAD PROJECT (WISDOT PROJECT)
LIMITS: 151 Bridge South to STH 19 (Windsor)
WHEN: May 2025 - August 22, 2025
SCOPE OF PROJECT: This project will include reconstruction of existing asphalt pavement and base aggregate with new asphaltic pavement and base aggregate. Added 10’ shared use path on the west side of the road, the bridge over USH 51 (B-13-274) includes restriping to incorporate an on-street bicycle path to connect the two shared-use paths on either side of the bridge. Also included are curb ramp upgrades, intersection bump-outs for pedestrian safety, storm sewer adjustments, new Pavement markings, and restoration. Reconstruction of existing asphalt pavement and base aggregate with new asphaltic pavement and base aggregate. Added 10’ shared use path on the west side of the road, the bridge over USH 51 (B-13-274) includes restriping to incorporate an on-street bicycle path to connect the two shared-use paths on either side of the bridge. Also included are curb ramp upgrades, intersection bump-outs for pedestrian safety, storm sewer adjustments, new Pavement markings, and restoration.
STATUS:
- Traffic has been switched into the Stage 2 configuration. The road is closed to traffic except people going to the businesses at STH 19 or people going to the residences between STH 19 and USH 151.
- The remaining asphalt pavement has been removed and the curb and gutter and sidewalk at Lincoln and Summit have been removed.
- Storm sewer was finished across the roadway at Summit and Lincoln.
- Crews are now grading for the new curb and sidewalk at the Summit and Lincoln intersections.
Upcoming Construction Operations (Week of 7/21/2025):
- Crews will continue to grade for new curb and sidewalk at the Summit and Lincoln intersections and will grade the roadway to prep for paving.
- Concrete crews will be onsite to setup and pour the remaining curb and gutter and sidewalks.
NORTH BIRD STREET PEDESTRIAN PATH PROJECT
LIMITS: North of Stonehaven to South of Heyday
WHEN: June 1, 2025 - August 25, 2025.
SCOPE OF PROJECT: This project includes the installation of a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) crossing north of Stonehaven and Bird Street as well as curb work and continuing the 10 foot Shared Use Path along the east side of Bird Street and connecting to the Heyday development path.
Community Development
Downtown Sun Prairie Hosts Classic Car Show and National Night Out
Experience the magic of summer evenings at the Downtown Sun Prairie Night Market!
Downtown Sun Prairie will be the place to be on Thursday, August 7, as the annual Classic Car Show teams up with the Sun Prairie Police Department’s National Night Out to bring a fun, family-friendly evening full of cars, community, and connection.
From 5:00–8:00 PM, the streets and parking lots around Cannery Square and Market Street will be alive with activity. This collaborative event offers something for everyone — from vintage car lovers to families looking for an engaging night out.
National Night Out, hosted by the Sun Prairie Police Department, will feature:
- Meet-and-greet opportunities with first responders
- Touch-a-truck with emergency vehicles
- Free burgers and hot dogs grilled by officers
- Face painting
- Activities hosted by local non-profits and community groups
Classic Cars, hosted by Downtown Sun Prairie, will feature:
- A showcase of classic and custom vehicles from local car owners and clubs
- The chance to meet and chat with car enthusiasts
- Live music from Tony Rocker
- Food vendors with delicious options for purchase
- A walkable, family-friendly atmosphere in the heart of downtown
“This is a great example of collaboration between community partners,” said Lt. Ray Thomson, Sun Prairie Police Department. “By combining two beloved events in one walkable area, we’re creating a unique night out for residents and visitors alike.”
National Night Out activities will take place in Cannery Square and along Market Street, with the Classic Car Show just steps away in the public parking lots at 251 & 252 E. Lane Street—all within easy walking distance. Admission to both the car show and National Night Out is free. Attendees are encouraged to spend the evening downtown to explore all the activities and support our first responders, local non-profits, and small businesses while enjoying the festivities.
For more information or to sign up a vehicle for the car show, visit DowntownSunPrairieWI.com/events
Parks, Recreation and Forestry
Upcoming Events
The Fall Rec Connection is now available! View here https://tinyurl.com/fallguide2025 or visit rec.cityofsunprairie.com for more information.
Online registration begins August 12
Family Aquatic Center Dive-In Movie Night featuring Moana 2
Friday, August 8
Doors Open 5:30 pm / Movie begins 6:00 pm
Sponsored by Sun Prairie Utilities and TDS
Get ready to break the curse of Motufetu at the Prairie Family Aquatic Center on August 8th for a showing of Moana 2 on the big screen! Doors open at 5:30 pm and the movie will begin at approximately 6:00 pm.
FREE admission for season pass holders
$3 admission for non-season pass holders
Interested in sponsoring the 6th annual Trunk or Treat?
Despite the hot temperatures, we are already gearing up for Trunk or Treat! If you love to participate and want to help support the event, reach out to us today for sponsorship information! All inquiries can be sent to Jade, the Community Event Manager at jpekol@cityofsunprairie.com.
Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum
Summer Historical Speaker Series
The Museum is open to the public Wednesdays 11:00am - 4:00pm and by appointment for research and events through the winter months. To learn more, visit www.cityofsunprairie.com/museum.
Staff can be reached by phone at (608) 825-0837 or by email at museum@cityofsunprairie.com.
The Historical Library and Museum is located at 115 East Main St. Sun Prairie with parking behind the building. Admission is always free.
The Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum invites you to three public talks by experts in their fields. All talks are free to the public and require advanced registration due to limited seating. Please reserve your seat(s) at: https://form.jotform.com/SPPRF/sphlm2025speakers
- Friday, August 22nd at 6:00pm “Sun Prairie Scandals” by Museum Staff & Volunteers (In-Person)
Preserving Pieces of Your Past
Learn from local Museum professionals about methods of preservation you can use at home for your family artifacts. Courses will guide participants through best practices for cleaning, digitizing, displaying, and preserving items commonly found in family collections and how to avoid deterioration. Courses can be registered for individually. Cost is $45 per session for residents, $65 for non-residents.
*The cost of this program includes sample preservation materials provided for participant use during the program that can be taken home. Materials vary between courses.
Clothing and Textiles: Tuesday, August 12 from 5:30-6:30pm
Sun Prairie Media Center
KIDS4 Afterschool Registration Open
Here’s your child’s chance to write and produce their own videos by joining the one-of-a-kind KIDS4 program! KIDS4 is an after-school media production program run by the Sun Prairie Media Center designed for students in 4th through 8th grade.
In KIDS4, students are trained in many areas necessary to create their own television and video productions including cameras, lighting, sound, directing, producing, writing, editing, and animation. While students work with adult staff, their creativity is unfiltered, and their work is entirely their own. By creating their own media messages, students become smarter and more critical consumers of others' media messages. Students enrolled in KIDS4 Crews work after school once a week in ‘crews’ and their work airs on KIDS4, a 24-hour public access station available on Spectrum, TDS, Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire devices, as well as streaming on kids4.tv and on the free Sun Prairie Media Center app. Some projects will also air on 103.5FM The SUN Community Radio.
Registration for all students will open on August 1 at 7:00AM. KIDS4 Crew registration information is available online at www.kids4.tv/kids-4-signup-info/ . Families who are interested in touring KIDS4 are welcome to visit the station during the Open House on July 30 from 5:00PM-6:00PM. For additional questions, please contact staff at staff@sunprairiemediacenter.com or call 608-837-4193. Registration deadline is set for Friday, September 12. Please keep in mind that registration numbers are limited for this program.
-KIDS4 Registration Information: https://www.kids4.tv/kids-4-signup-info/
-KIDS4 Open House: July 30, 5:00PM-6:00PM, KIDS4 is located inside the Sun Prairie Public Library, 1350 Linnerud Dr.
-Contact Sun Prairie Media Center with questions at: 837-4193 or staff@sunprairiemediacenter.com
-Program Fee = $200 for Members and $275 for Non-members. Price includes a t-shirt, crew poster and digital copies of the projects that are created. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
Please visit kids4.tv for more information.
Sun Prairie Public Library
Library Renovation Updates & Renovation Project
August 2025
The new Youth Services space and Atrium are now open to the public! The renovation portion of the project has begun, which includes many familiar spaces, including the Renk Room, Discussion Rooms, the Read Before Book Store, and the spaces that house the Adult Services area and collections. The spaces are closed while they are being renovated, and a large temporary wall has gone up, to protect patrons and staff.
What’s new?
Brand new, beautifully designed, sustainable spaces!
- Early Literacy Play Structure
- Youth Program Room
- New Teen Area
- Atrium space and seating area
- Outdoor amphitheater (opening Monday, July 28)
- Home Delivery Service
- Adult Book Clubs at Westside Community Building
As we continue our renovation of existing spaces, the following services will be unavailable or limited:
- Temporary book return bins in the lobby
- Drive-up book return and drive-thru window CLOSED
- Read Before Book Store closed until Spring 2026
- Combined Welcome and Information Desk for assistance and tech help
- Discussion Rooms, Conference Room, and Community Room CLOSED until Spring 2026
- Renk Reading Room CLOSED until Spring 2026.
- Newspapers and seating are available in the Atrium.
- Limited seating
- Some collections will be limited
- Microfilm and microfilm reader unavailable
- Limited programs
We thank you for your continued patience and support during our expansion and renovation project.
Children’s & Teen Services
Summer Reading Program: Color Our World
Monday, June 9 – Saturday, August 9
There’s a reading program for everyone – babies through teens! (And adults, too!) Register for the Summer Reading Program online anytime between June 9 and August 9. In-person registration is available at the Youth Services desk.
Starting June 9, use the Beanstack app to record your reading! Prefer paper? Printed sheets are available at the Youth Services desk or online for you to print at home. Track by books (titles) or by minutes (time) – your choice! There’s even a program just for babies that also includes songs, rhymes, and activities!
The more you read, the more prizes you earn! Complete 75 books, 12 hours, or 15 hours to earn all the prizes, a pass to the exclusive Library Pool Party in August, and your “Library Champion” sign! We’ll also have some extra activities to earn raffle tickets for a chance to win a toy!
Drop in anytime between 3:00 to 5:00 PM
Youth Services Area
We'll have crafts, games, activities, and more! No registration. It’s also a great time to check in your completed Summer Reading Log (75 books, 12 hours, or 15 hours) and get your Library Champion Sign! Everyone is welcome! All library programs are free and open to the public.
Adult Services
Adult Summer Reading Program: Color Our World
Monday, June 9 – Sunday, August 31
This summer, Color Our World with the Sun Prairie Public Library! The Adult Summer Reading Program kicks off on June 9 and runs through August 31. Pre-registration begins June 2 via Beanstack or you can pick up a paper copy at the library! Also, join us in reading the ‘Big Summer Read’ selection The Crane Husband by Kelly Barnhill.
Sun Prairie Public Library Foundation
Music Mondays
6:30-8pm, Kind Stage and Amphitheater
Join us for the Monday Music Series at the Kind Stage @ the Sun Prairie Public Library! This free, family-friendly event starts at 6:30 PM. Non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase from the Kiwanis Club.
August 4: Rod Ellenbecker
August 11: The Schwanky Modes
August 18: Marta Hansen aka The Piano Gal
August 25: Sun Prairie Strummers Ukulele Group with Kona Ice Food Truck
Presenting Sponsor: Beans n' Cream
Sponsors: The Piano Gal Shop, American Family Insurance: Josh Erickson Agency LLC, Ashley Jacobs: Real Estate & Design, LIF: Library Furniture International, One Community Bank
Sun Prairie Utilities
Sun Prairie Utilities is teaming up with Sunny Nutrition to celebrate SPU's water department with a themed drink!
Similar to the Public Power-themed cold brew in October of 2024, SPU employees brainstormed and voted to find the winning drink name, and Sunny Nutrition crafted an H2-OG refreshment for everyone to taste.
The special drink will be available at Sunny Nutrition the whole month of August 2025.
You can learn more about the faucet-nating beverage on Sun Prairie Utilities' website - sunprairieutilities.com
To learn more about SPU, please visit https://www.sunprairieutilities.com/.
City of Sun Prairie residents can view the special May 22 Utilities Commission meeting and the June 3 City Council meeting on the Sun Prairie Media Center's website, found under KSUN On Demand in Playlists at https://www.sunprairiemediacenter.com/ksun-on-demand/;
About City of Sun Prairie
Sun Prairie is a vibrant and thriving community located in northeastern Dane County, just east of the City of Madison. The City of Sun Prairie has experienced strong population growth since its incorporation from a village to a city in 1958, undergoing a transformation from a relatively small community of less than 4,000 to an estimated 39,419 today.
About Sun Prairie Utilities
Serving the community since 1910, Sun Prairie Utilities (SPU) is a not-for-profit, locally-owned municipal electric and water utility that provides safe, reliable, and cost-competitive services to residents and businesses, mostly within the city limits of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Local representation and control allow all citizens to have a voice in how our utility can best meet the community’s needs. As a co-owner of WPPI Energy, a nonprofit, Sun Prairie-based power company, we purchase cost-competitive electricity for our community and take advantage of the latest technologies to better serve our customers.
Annual Corn Fest
The festival kicks off with the Annual Corn Fest parade on Wednesday August 13th at 6pm followed by a Block Party with live music in Cannery Square! More fun follows from Thursday - Sunday at Angell Park with family fun, food and a carnival!
This five-day festival is coordinated by the Chamber of Commerce with several non-profit organizations sharing in the proceeds.
Non-profit benefactors include: the Sun Prairie VFW Post #9362, the Sun Prairie American Legion Post 333, the Sun Prairie Exchange Club, the Sun Prairie Lions, and the Knights of Columbus.
*Pets are not allowed on the fairgrounds. Please leave all your fur babies safely at home. (Certified support/service animals are allowed).
Be a part of Corn Fest 2025 by volunteering! We have various volunteer opportunities available along with paid positions for the garbage crew. All Volunteers will receive a t-shirt! Click here and scroll to the bottom to find sign ups.
Parade & Block Party!
The festival kicks-off with a parade at on Wednesday evening August 13th. Come early and enjoy shopping and dining before the parade. After the parade, grab a snack or your favorite take out and head over to Cannery Square and enjoy a beer and some live music from The Dirty Birds.
*Note: Porta potties are available at Cannery Square
Food (located upper & lower grounds)
The key food highlight is serving 80 tons of uncooked and freshly-steamed corn (Saturday and Sunday Only). After husking the corn, the butter volunteers provide the savory butter and last but not least customers give the "salt tree" a shake. Additional, food vendors include traditional fair favorites (beer, brats, burgers, funnel cakes, popcorn, cotton candy, etc.), single ear ROASTED corn on Friday night (while it lasts), along with other favorites.
Steamed Corn is served on the lower grounds and while supplies last.
Saturday from noon - 7pm
Sunday from noon - 6pm
Upper Grounds Food Vendor Hours:
6pm - 11:30pm Friday
noon - 11:30pm Saturday
noon - 8:30pm Sunday
Fun!
A carnival-midway complete with rides & games. Carnival ride wristbands are available Thursday and Friday nights.
The festival also features a large Kids Corner area with inflatables, free activities from local non profit organizations, an activity tent where will also have our Annual Corn Eating Contest and more!
Saturday and Sunday you can also enjoy the entertainment at the Family Stage and browse through the business vendor booths.
Carnival Grounds Hours (lower grounds)
Thursday - 6 pm -10:00 pm
Friday - Wristbands 6 pm -10:00 pm
Saturday - Noon - 10:00 pm
Sunday - Noon - 8:00 pm
Kids Corner Hours (non profit fun area for kids to enjoy free or mostly free activities on the upper grounds)
noon-8pm Saturday
noon-5pm Sunday
Vendors (lower grounds)
Browse some business booths, grab some swag and learn about what services they can offer you.
Vendor Hours:
noon-8pm Saturday
noon-5pm Sunday
Family Stage (lower grounds)
Enjoy free entertainment! Sit down and enjoy your corn as you watch Karate demonstrations, local dancers, African drummers, piano music and more!
Stage Hours:
noon-6pm Saturday
noon-4pm Sunday
Kids Corner (upper grounds)
Enjoy a petting farm, a Train Station Bounce (ages 2-5) House donated by Fun Time Inflatables along with other great inflatables from them including, The Monster Obstacle Course (ages 5+), Water Balls and other children's activities at little or no cost!
The kids can also enjoy many interactive fun activities such as crafts, face painting, games, sensory items, and more from local non profit organizations in their booths and in our activity tent. Most are free with donations appreciated!
And back again this year is our corn playing area where kids can have fun playing in field corn donated by Renk Seeds.
Corn Eating Contest!
Get your fill of corn with our Annual Corn Eating Contest on Saturday (time TBD). Sign up will be limited and is at the Chamber Booth located on the upper grounds by the gate entrance.
Kids Corner hours
Saturday 12-8pm
Sunday 12-5pm
*Pets are not allowed on the fairgrounds. Please leave all your fur babies safely at home. (Certified support/service animals are allowed).
Music (upper grounds)
The event also features live bands Friday and Saturday nights from 7-11pm and LaMovida on Sunday in our beer "tent."
Wednesday night, The Dirty Birds rock Downtown Sun Prairie after the parade!
sunprairiecornfest.com/speaker/the-dirty-birds
Saturday night Super Tuesday rocks the fest!
sunprairiecornfest.com/speaker/supertuesday
Sunday LaMovida will broadcast live from the festival and feature live bands throughout the afternoon.
sunprairiecornfest.com/speaker/la-movida
Midget Auto Races!
Sunday evening concludes with the infamous Badger Midget Auto Races. For more info about Angell Park Speedway visit: https://angellpark.racing/
Race Hours:
4pm Time Trials
6pm Racing Note: NO DOUBLE PARKING IS ALLOWED!
*Pets are not allowed on the fairgrounds. Please leave all your fur babies safely at home. (Certified support/service animals are allowed).
City Services Guide
Have you ever wanted to learn more about the City's departments and the services they provide? Check out the new city services guide that will get you connected! Print copies will be made available in city buildings such as City Hall and the Westside Community Services Building. Click the graphic below to access the online version.
Streets of Sun Prairie
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