Corn Palace Festival Cuts Concerts to Two Amid Bid for Bigger Acts

The Corn Palace Festival in Mitchell will feature two ticketed concerts this year, down from three in 2025. According to Dave Sietsema, director of the Corn Palace, ticket sales are steady and on pace, but Mitchell audiences tend to wait until closer to show dates to buy.

Officials hope to attract bigger music acts to boost revenue after spending about $100,000 more on talent in 2025 compared to 2024. The festival's entertainment board reduced the concert series to two shows while pursuing higher-profile performers and limiting financial exposure.

This year's headlining acts include pop artist Andy Grammer and country artist Cole Swindell, both of whom have had top 100 hits in recent years. Swindell was reportedly the most expensive artist ever booked at the Corn Palace, with ticket prices ranging from $83.24 to $194.52.

Goldammer acknowledged that concert prices can be high for families and noted that the city now displays taxes and fees in the price shown when a buyer selects a seat.