Vision
Honoring Battle Creek’s pioneering legacy in food innovation, our festival celebrates the spirit of culinary creativity and encourages the next generation of bold thinkers to reimagine how nutritional snacks are crafted, shared, and enjoyed.
Fest Sched
Thursday — Kickoff
- Opening Ceremony
- Live Music in the Square
- Peanut Butter Taste-Off
Friday — Family & Fun
- School Group Tours
- Peanut Art & Science Showcase
- Open Market & Demonstrations
- Evening Outdoor Movie
Saturday — Celebration
- Community Parade
- Peanut Butter Cook-Off
- Games & Competitions
- Local Talent Performances
- Awards & Closing Celebration
Location
The festival takes place at McCamly Park in downtown Battle Creek (10 N. Washington Ave), with food trucks and vendors along Gould Street and community activities throughout the nearby Festival Market Square.
Timing
The first weekend of October is an ideal time for Battle Creek’s peanut butter festival, offering a perfect blend of historical significance and favorable weather. It closely aligns with Dr. John Harvey Kellogg’s 1895 patent filing on September 22, marking a key moment in peanut butter’s origin story. The mild fall temperatures—typically in the upper 60s—make it comfortable for outdoor events, while the early autumn atmosphere provides a festive, harvest-season feel. With schools back in session and community routines reestablished, it’s a prime window to engage families, students, and local organizations in a fun, meaningful celebration.
Next Steps
- Form a Festival Committee: Include reps from the city, tourism board, local schools, food banks, artists, and businesses.
- Secure Location & Permits: Reserve downtown space and apply for event, food, and noise permits.
- Budget & Funding: Estimate costs (stages, rentals, marketing, etc.). Seek sponsors (Kellogg, Skippy, local grocers, credit unions). Apply for community development or tourism grants.
- Community Engagement: Partner with schools for art & parade floats. Involve local restaurants in themed dishes. Recruit volunteers and vendors.
- Marketing & Promotion: Create website and social media (countdown, contests, history posts). Press release to local media. Posters in local businesses and libraries.
- Logistics & Safety: Plan for bathrooms, crowd control, trash, first aid. Coordinate with police and fire departments.
- Documentation: Capture photos/videos. Gather feedback for future expansion to a full week.