Once upon a time - in 2014 - a gallant group of heroesembarked on a quest. To create a celebration of life and life around their favorite green ogre, talking donkey, and an assortment of fairytale creatures. They held a festival in the far, far, away land of Madison Wisconsin. They held a roaring contest, a costume contest, and an onion eating contest, then watched their favorite Academy Award winning film. And thus, Shrekfest was born.
The years kept coming and they wouldn’t stop coming. For 10 years in a row, at the end of summer, the merry group of fans kept the festivities alive. Firstin Madison from 2014 - 2019, thenonline from 2020 - 2021, then migrated to Milwaukee in 2022 - 2023. Bands joined. Food trucks flocked. Artists gathered. And the crowds grew and grew.
But tragedy struck. The success was overwhelming. An ogre-sized crowd meant ogre-sized resources would be needed to keep the festival going, which our dear original heroes could no longer meet. And thus, Shrekfest was declared all ogre in 2024.
But shooting stars break the mold. And like a phoenix rising from the ashes, a new star was born in the night sky.
A new group of intrepid adventurers are here, having created Shrekfest Inc - to make sure Shrekfest lives on 4 ever after. Will they succeed? Our story has just began - and you may be a part of it!
Our Mission: Every fairytale needs a narrator. For one special day, that narrator is Shrekfest Inc. We are the ogre-enthusiasts working to keep Shrekfest alive every year. Our Vision: To annually create Shrekfest: A Celebration of Love and Life
Community - Shrekfest does not exist without the local community it grew up in. We will partner with Madison artists, musicians, businesses, and creators to make the best fan festival ever seen.
Absurdity - We revel in the weird and wonderful. Come as you are and let your fairy-tale freak flag fly.
Inclusion - The swamp welcomes all. Our festival is a safe space for all ages, and just like Shrek, for anyone who has ever felt judged before they were known.
Accessibility - A festival is no festival if everyone cannot participate. Shrekfest is free to the public - your wallet should not be the limit to the joy in your life. And we work to make sure no matter who you are, you can easily attend and participate in all Shrekfest has to offer.
Shrek - He is love. He is life