(VENTURA, Calif.)– The Throw Down Cornhole Festival, one of the nation’s largest and most popular cornhole tournaments, returns to oceanfront Ventura County Fairgrounds August 21–23, 2026. 

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the three-day festival will welcome 768 teams competing for hundreds of thousands in cash prizes.

With this much money in play, the event draws the sport’s best players from across the lower 48 plus Hawaii, as well as international teams from Canada, Mexico, England, Venezuela, and Sweden.

The sport and The Throw Down tournament have garnered the attention of ESPN Networks, who will be streaming live coverage of the finals on Sunday.

More than a world-class cornhole competition, this family-friendly festival offers live music, great food from festival founder Spencer Makenzie’s, craft beverages, a marketplace featuring local vendors, an axe-throwing competition, a classic truck and motorcycle show, celebrity appearances, LFA MMA Fight Night, and live motocross stunt shows by Colby Raha, all in a scenic seaside location cooled by coastal breezes.

New for 2026: Legendary Motocross Superstar Colby Raha

Making his Throwdown debut is 12-time X Games medalist and world-record holder Colby Raha, one of the most accomplished athletes in freestyle motocross.

Internationally recognized for redefining what’s possible on two wheels, Raha has established multiple world-record jumps and built a reputation for pushing the limits of height, distance, and technical execution.

Spectators will experience heart-stopping freestyle motocross exhibitions on both Saturday and Sunday, featuring Colby soaring high above the Throw Down Festival in unforgettable aerial stunt performances.

Also returning for a second year after its smashing debut in 2025 is LFA MMA Fight Night on Friday evening, streaming live worldwide on Vice TV.  Fight fans can purchase tickets ranging from $65–$95, with VIP Ringside Tables available including premium front-row seating and table service.

Event Highlights

  • Thousands of dollars in cash payouts for cornhole winners
  • Colby Raha freestyle motocross shows and autograph sessions on Saturday and Sunday
  • LFA MMA Fight Night – Friday only
  • Celebrity Throwdown Charity Tournament – Saturday only, featuring celebrities competing to benefit their favorite charities
  • SoCal ThrowCal three-day axe throwing tournament including riveting hatchet, big axe, and knife throwing competitions
  • Saturday’s Throw Down Truck and Motorcycle Show showcasing classic vehicles from the 1960’s through the 1980’s focusing on ‘square body’ body types including early Broncos, Jeeps, Scouts, Suburbans, Blazers and Chevrolet C10 pickups
  • Live music, including Reggae headliner Pato Banton, Country Rap sensation Camo Cali, Ventura’s most popular 80’s tribute group, Mandex, and the popular No Doubt tribute band, Just A Girl, plus additional live performances and DJs throughout the weekend

“The Throwdown Festival has evolved from just cornhole into a multi-faceted action sport and music festival,” said John Karayan, owner of The Throwdown Productions and Spencer Makenzie’s Fish Co. “What started as a neighborhood block party at my restaurant in Ventura has grown into one of the country’s largest cornhole competitions.

“It’s incredible to see thousands of competitors and fans from around the world come together each year to experience everything The Throwdown Festival has to offer beyond the tournament.”

For those who want to play cornhole just for fun, all festival attendees are invited to play for free on the open-to-the-public courts, amid the excitement but without the high stakes.  Players can also join non-tournament cash blind draw games to try their luck. 

A portion of the proceeds will benefit The House of Magic Foundation for the Arts, a local Santa Paula 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing an accessible, intellectually stimulating experience that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence in students often left behind in traditional settings.

Spencer Makenzie’s 15th annual three-day Throw Down Cornhole Festival will take place from Friday, August 21 through Sunday, August 23, 2026.  Friday’s activities are from 11am to 10pm; Saturday hours are from 8:30am to 10pm; and Sunday hours are 9am to 9pm.  

Tickets are priced at $25 for a day pass or $50 for three days.  LFA MMA Fight Night tickets are sold separately.  Kids 12 and under are free (excluding LFA fight).  Four-day RV or tent camping packages are available. 

The Throw Down will take place at Ventura County Fairgrounds, located at 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura CA 93001.  Sponsored by Spencer Makenzie’s Fish Co., The Throw Down is presented by The Throwdown Productions LLC in partnership with the American Cornhole League (ACL).

The complete event schedule, tickets, hospitality packages, athlete information, and frequently asked questions are available at www.thethrowdowncornholetournament.com.

About Throwdown Productions

Throwdown Productions is a live event and entertainment company based in Ventura, California, specializing in large-scale sporting events, festivals, and broadcast-ready experiences.

Best known for producing the annual Throwdown Cornhole Festival, one of the largest and most recognized cornhole tournaments in the world, Throwdown Productions continues to expand its footprint across combat sports, live athletics, and premium fan experiences. To learn more visit: thethrowdowncornholetournament.com.