March 16, 2026, 6:00 a.m. CT
The Middle of NOWhere Rural Art & Music Festival readies for its third summer with a more spacious layout, new interactive art features and a continued focus on welcoming underrepresented rural artists.
The festival, known as MONfest, will be held from 1 to 9 p.m., July 11 at The Cellar Winery near Slater.
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Founder Siriaco “Siricasso” Garcia said the event has grown steadily since its first year, drawing more artists, more visitors and more community support.
“We’ve experienced incredible growth since year one,” he told the Ames Tribune.
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Story County’s MONfest expands access and visitor experience
MONfest’s growth is prompting a few changes.
Organizers are expanding parking along the gravel road leading to the venue and bringing back the mini‑shuttle golf carts that proved popular last year. Garcia said last year the carts “were constantly transporting guests so no one had to walk too far.” The team is also considering a larger shuttle from Huxley to make the rural site easier to reach.
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The festival’s 2026 theme, “Create With Me,” will introduce free, hands‑on art stations throughout the grounds. Guests will be encouraged to paint, draw and experiment alongside the artists.
Another big addition is a mural maze that extends into the property’s corn maze before looping back into the main venue, creating an immersive experience that blends the rural landscape with contemporary art.
Artist applications open as MONfest team grows
Artist interest for MONfest remains strong.
Last year, more than 120 artists and vendors applied, and 75 were selected. This year, organizers plan to choose about 65 to create a more open, accessible experience. Artist applications will be accepted through April 10.
‘We’re also actively seeking sponsors and would truly appreciate additional community support,” Garcia said. “Sponsorship information and all festival details are available on our website or link on our Instagram bio @Themonfest.”
Garcia’s team is also expanding.
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Jen Hoffman, who helped run the Waukee Arts Festival for more than a decade, has joined MONfest’s leadership group. Returning team members include Kaleb Stevens, who oversees talent and sponsorship; Kandace Creel Falcon, the festival’s storytelling and operations director; and Andrew Gunhus, who leads event production.
MONfest received a project grant from the Iowa Arts Council in 2025. Garcia said the funding “provided vital support and helped carry our work forward throughout the year.” Organizers hope to receive the grant again to continue strengthening the festival.
Music lineup builds on MONfest’s momentum
Music remains a major draw to MONfest.
Garcia said this year’s headliner is an Iowa State University alum who has been selling out shows across the United States and Europe. The performer will be announced later in the spring.
MONfest’s mission also centers on creating a space where people of all backgrounds can feel welcome in a rural setting. The festival aims to offer “dynamic, engaging, and unique intergenerational experiences” and to celebrate the diversity of people and perspectives connected to rural land.
Garcia said the work is meaningful, but it’s also supposed to be joyful. With food, drinks, games and a growing creative community, he expects MONfest 2026 to be the biggest yet.
Ronna Faaborg covers business and the arts for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rfaaborg@usatodayco.com.
