Forward Fest 2026
Wisconsin’s largest technology and entrepreneurship festival
5 days
40+ events
5,000+ attendees
Who should attend Forward Fest?
While Forward Fest was originally by and for entrepreneurs, we actively embrace a wide, inclusive definition of the word. Everyone in the community is welcome: do you work at a startup or nonprofit? Want to know more about running a business? Are you maybe interested in switching to a career in tech? Do you just think entrepreneurship is neat? Join us!
What is Forward Fest?
The Forward Festival is Wisconsin’s largest technology and entrepreneurship festival, attracting more than 5,000 attendees and serving as host for more than 40 events over 5 days every August.
Forward Fest 2026 will run August 17 – 21 in Madison, Wisconsin.
Now in its 16th year, it’s the state’s flagship celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship for business folks, nerds, social impact innovators, foodies, hackers, entrepreneurs, creatives, problem-solvers, community supporters and more from across the Midwest.
Whether you’re already plugged into the Midwest scene or you’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to sample what the area has to offer, Forward Fest is about bringing the technology and startup communities together to learn, share, and have some fun. The Forward Festival provides the rare opportunity to interact with professionals across a wide range of disciplines and at a variety of events, and is open to everyone.