Wisconsin Dells’ own Dells On Tap embraces autumn with a craft beer walk, a 5K dash, and plenty of harvest and other fun activities on Friday, October 13th and Saturday, October 14th. This is on top of all the things there are to throughout the Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton areas, from water parks to fun shops, museums, and even the World’s Largest Wooden Trojan Horse along Wisconsin Dells Parkway! Hit I-90/94, U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23 and check these activities out:
Friday, October 13th:
• Dells Craft Beer Walk – Sample from a huge selection of artisan brews at participating bars while you stroll throughout the downtown Wisconsin Dells area.
Saturday, October 13th:
• Race to the Taps – Enjoy this 5K run/walk to help kick off the event!
• Dells On Tap – One of the Midwest’s premier microbrew beer tasting events, with a slew of Wisconsin-based and other nearby breweries showcasing their original creations. For those of you who want to take the craft experience to another level, you’ll want to get in on our VIP admission. Check out the list of craft breweries participating here!
Wisconsin Dells’ Dells On Tap runs Friday night and Saturday but there is also plenty to do Sunday with the rides, water parks, shops along the main drag, restaurants, and more.
Dells On Tap Schedule of Events:
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023
9 am – 7 pm Purchase Dells Craft Beer Walk Glasses $20 Advance/$30 Day Of
5 pm – 9 pm Dells Craft Beer Walk
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2023
9 am Dells on Tap 5K / Race to the Taps
10:30 am Corn Hole/Bag Toss Tournament
12:30pm Beer Pong Tournament
12 pm – 5 pm Dells On Tap VIP Admission $65 Advance/$80 Day Of
1 pm – 5 pm Dells On Tap General Admission $40 Advance/$55 Day Of
All Day Live Entertainment
You’ll find the festivities in Wisconsin Dells (of course), an easy ride off I-90/94 (Exits 85-92), U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23.
Wisconsin Dells On Tap Address:
200 La Crosse Street
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
(800) 223-3557 Event Website
The Bayfield Apple Festival is hailed as one of the 10 Best Fall Harvest Festivals in the nation by USA Today! Bayfield celebrates its Apple Festival every October and in 2023 it will take place October 6th through the 8th.
The three day event features a farm market featuring local producers, over 60 orchard and food booths selling Bayfield’s apples, apple delicacies, and festival food favorites! There is plenty to buy and see at the 140 art, craft and vendor booths. Kids carnival rides and games, an apple peeling contest, fish fry & dance round out the offerings.
You can also catch Big Top Chautauqua’s Blue Canvas Orchestra perform throughout the weekend on the Grandstand stage. The festival culminates with the Grand Parade on Sunday, which features a 400 member “Mass Band” finale.
Bayfield is located along Highway 13 on the shores of Lake Superior, about 15 minutes north of U.S. 2. U.S. 63 brings you towards Bayfield from the Hayward, Spooner, and Twin Cities areas; U.S. 51 north through the North Woods sends you toward U.S. 2 for the connection to Bayfield, too. Enjoy the fall colors on your ride!
Bayfield Apple Festival Address:
Downtown Bayfield & Memorial Park
42 South Broad Street
Bayfield, WI 54814
(715) 779-3335 Website
Read about additional “things to know” below!
More Bayfield Apple Festival features and things to know:
Over 60 orchard and food booths selling Bayfield’s apples and apple desserts and delicacies; Caramel apples, apple pies, apple tortes, dumplings or tarts, apple sundaes, apple cider, bags and bushels of apples – even apple bratwurst, mustard, and butter.
A kids’ carnival with games, rides and favorite foods.
Plenty to buy and see including nearly 140 arts and crafts booths.
Pipes and Drums of Thunder Bay wake up concert at Port Superior Marina, Saturday at 10am
Fine art exhibitors on South Second Street, featuring pottery, paintings, glassworks, photography, wood crafts and fiber arts.
A Grand Parade on Sunday featuring a 400+ member “Mass Band” finale
Big Top Chautauqua’s Blue Canvas Orchestra will perform throughout the weekend on the Essentia Health Grand Stand stage. Hear the original Apple Festival song!
The annual Apple Dumpling Gang for the little ones. Click here for Registration Form.
Bus shuttles for easy parking at Hauser’s Superior View Farm and Legendary Waters Casino.
Bayfield Fire Department offers a traditional fish fry dinner on Saturday afternoon at Lakeside Pavilion followed by a Saturday evening dance.
Boat cruises of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Musical entertainment at many local pubs and Legendary Waters Resort & Casino
Drive 5 minutes outside of town and tour the 15 local orchards and farms, many with pick-your-own apples and pumpkins.
It’s one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the country! La Crosse Oktoberfest celebrates 62 years in 2023, having hosted its first big Oktoberfest back in 1961. This time of year both Munich and La Crosse are filled with “merrymaking” and a carnival atmosphere known in both cities as Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest, USA, is one of the few authentic Old World folk festivals held annually in the United States. You’ll find plenty of beer, music, fun, food, lederhosen, dirndls, and more complemented with a carnival featuring rides, parades featuring the annually-elected “Royal Family,” the 2023 Miss La Crosse/Oktoberfest Pageant, and enough accordions and Munich-style tents to make you feel like you’re in Deutschland.
Downtown Fest Grounds open at 4pm on Thursday, September 28th. The Torchlight Parade will take place at 7pm that evening; Craft Beer Night starts at 4pm and runs until 8pm. For $60 admission, the FestZelt tent will feature over 20 craft brewers and their products – and you can sample ’em all! There’s also a Cornhole Tournament and fireworks – and that’s all on opening night!
The La Crosse Oktoberfest Parade, held Thursday.
Friday night September 29th has the Festmaster Ball at the La Crosse Center’s South Hall, where the Festmaster and Frau will be introduced.
Other events include wiener dog races, live music, special German dinners, Lederhosen Games, and more. Get the latest events list here!
Find out more about Oktoberfest with State Trunk Tour founder Eric Paulsen, who discusses this as co-host of The Cabin, Discover Wisconsin’s official podcast:
TICKETS You can buy a 3-Day Pass for only $20, which gets you in for the whole fest VIP tickets are available for $100
Children 12 and Under Admitted Free
A number of Oktoberfest events require additional ticketed admission. Tickets for most events are available from the Oktoberfest Online Store or at the Oktoberfest office.
La Crosse Oktoberfest USA is a great time in a true beer town. La Crosse is easily reached via U.S. 14, 53, or 61; I-90; and Highways 16, 33, and 35. The drive to and from is gorgeous too, especially at this time of the year!
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th
7–9 am: SENIOR BREAKFAST | Morrie’s Heritage Hofbräu Haus – Downtown Festgrounds
Free Admission! Pancakes, sausage, eggs, coffee, juice. Featuring live music and WIZM-AM live broadcast
11 am–2:30 pm: SPECIAL FESTER CARNIVAL | Northside Family Festgrounds
4–9 pm: CARNIVAL, NORTHSIDE LA CROSSE, Fest fun with carnival rides and food vendors
4–8 pm: CRAFT BEER NIGHT | Downtown Festgrounds
$90 VIP 4 pm | $60 General Admission, 5 pm. Sample from more than 20 craft breweries. Get tickets.
5-7pm: LEDERHOSEN GAMES | Garden Stage Area – Fest Grounds
Stein races, stein holdings, barrel roll, grain toss, Schokolade essen and scavenger hunt | Play games, have fun and win prizes
7 pm: TORCHLIGHT PARADE | Northside La Crosse, Kane & Gillette Streets to Clinton Street
7:15pm: PACKER PARTY WITH DJ TRIVIA | Morrie’s Heritage Hofbräu Haus – Fest
Cheer on the Green Bay Packers as they compete against the Detroit Lions. Trivia, giveaways, and more!
7:30–11 pm: TORCHLIGHT AFTER GLOW bash| Copeland Park – Loggers Field
Free admission and families welcome! Kick off your Oktoberfest on the Northside with The Swing Crew
Free admission for students 21+ with a valid college student ID, enjoy current dance hits played by Twin Cities cover band, Good for Gary
ALTRA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION FESTPLATZ
8–10:30 pm GOOD FOR GARY
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29th
Hours: 9:30am –midnight
10 am: STEIN HOLDING FINALS | The Remainders Garden Stage
11 am: OPENING CEREMONY | The Remainders Garden Stage The much-anticipated tapping of the Sam Adams Golden Keg
2–4 pm: LEDERHOSEN GAMES | The Remainders Garden Stage Area
Stein races, stein holdings, barrel roll, grain toss, Schokolade essen and scavenger hunt | Play games, have fun and win prizes
4–9 pm: CARNIVAL | Copeland Park – Northside La Crosse
Fest fun with carnival rides and food vendors
Live Music:
ALTRA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION FESTPLATZ
11:30 am – 2:30 pm SWING CREW
3 – 5:30 pm PAT MCCURDY
6 – 9 pm RHINO
9:30 pm – Midnight ARCH ALLIES
THE REMAINDERS GARDEN STAGE
11:30 am – 2 pm THE JIMMYS
2:30 pm – 5 pm COPPER BOX OKTOBERFEST EXPERIENCE
5:30 – 8 pm BREWTOWN BEAT
8:30–10:30 pm NATHAN HANSEN MUSIC
LA CROSSE BIERHAUS STAGE INSIDE THE MORRIE’S HERITAGE HOFBRÄU HAUS
11:30am – 2:00 pm MIKE SCHNEIDER BAND
2:30 – 4:30 pm OKTOBERFEST SINGERS
5 – 8 pm GARY BRUEGGEN & THE RIDGELAND DUTCHMAN
8:30 – 10:30 pm RHYTHM PLAYBOYS
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30th
7:00 am: YMCA MAPLE LEAF WALK RUN | Riverside Park
Pre-registration required. Half marathon, 5-mile run, 5k walk and Kid’s Maple Mile. More Info
10 am: MAPLE LEAF PARADE | Northside to Downtown
11 am–midnight: DOWNTOWN FESTGROUNDS OPEN
$15 single-day admission or $20 three-day pass – Get Tickets
Noon – 9 pm: CARNIVAL | Copeland Park – Northside La Crosse
Live Music
ALTRA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION FESTPLATZ
12 Noon – 1:30 pm MIKE MCABEE
2pm – 5:30pm PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY
6–9 pm FAILURE TO LAUNCH
9:30 pm–midnight JUNK FM
THE REMAINDERS GARDEN STAGE
1:30 – 3:30 pm BRATWURST BROTHERS
4 –7:30 pm PIANO FONDUE
8–10 pm THE REMAINDERS
LA CROSSE BIERHAUS STAGE INSIDE THE MORRIE’S HERITAGE HOFBRÄU HAUS
1–4 pm BRIAN BRUEGGEN & THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY DUTCHMEN
4–7:30 pm THE RHYTHM PLAYBOYS
8–10:30 pm KRIS AND THE RIVERBEND DUTCHMEN
Wisconsin’s “Hub City” of Marshfield embraces autumn with Maple Fall Fest, happening Saturday, September 16th and Sunday, September 17th this year. 2023 marks 31 years of Maple Fall Fest, and there’s plenty to see, do, buy, eat, drink, and enjoy.
Maple Fall Fest has been known by many as “the” place to find some of the best original artwork and handmade craft items in the Midwest. Over 100 vendors showcase their wares with original artwork, handmade arts and crafts, Amish specialties, The Maple Village, great food vendors, and their beer garden. The festival will also bring back favorites Mad Dog and Merrill “Grillin’ Buddies,” and family-focused fun for all ages. The legendary Potato Pancake Breakfast is also served each day!
The Kid’s Zone ensures that the younger ones have plenty to do. There’s a petting zoo, inflatable rides and of course all of the treats from the food court.
You won’t end up hungry, with that special pancake breakfast and a huge assortment of food vendors ready to serve pizza, brats, cheese curds, egg rolls, fried pasta, hot dogs, hamburgers, gyros, cream puffs, ice cream, kettlecorn, mouse ears, tacos, and a whole lot more.
Marshfield’s “Hub City” status relates to its location close to the exact center of Wisconsin, and many railroads always converged here. Today, you can take U.S. 10, Highway 13, Highway 80, or Highway 97 to reach Marshfield – it truly is in the center of everything.
Wildwood Park & Zoo
1800 S. Roddis Avenue
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 384-4314 Website
See the full schedule below!
Maple Fall Fest Schedule of Events (tentative, subject to change):
Saturday, September 17th 7am – Noon – Breakfast: Regular and potato pancakes with Wenzel’s Farm Maple Sausage. Takeout available! $10 per person. Age 6 & Under $5 9am-4pm – Kid’s Zone, Inflatables, Arts & Crafts by Discovery Education Station and Chestnut Center for The Arts, Scavenger Hunt 9am-5pm – 150+ Handmade Arts & Crafts Vendors, Amish Specialties, Maple Village, Maple Syrup Products, Food Court & Beer Garden 10am – Performance by Main Street Conservatory of Dance: Jazz Dance Company and Ballet Company 10:30am – Performance by Marshfield Youth Ballet 11:30am – Mad Dog & Merrill – “Grillin’ Buddies” 1pm – Performance and dance lessons by the Country Style Dancers 2pm – Wildwood Zoo Tour – Meet at Zoo East Entrance!
Sunday, September 18th 7am-Noon Breakfast: Regular and potato pancakes with Wenzel’s Farm Maple Sausage. Takeout Available! $10 per person. Age 6 & Under $5 10am-4pm – 150+ Handmade Arts & Crafts Vendors, Amish Specialties, Maple Village, Maple Syrup Products, Food Court & Beer Garden 10am-4pm – Kid’s Zone, Inflatables, Arts & Crafts by Discovery Education Station and Chestnut Center for The Arts, Scavenger Hunt 11:30am – Mad Dog & Merrill – “Grillin’ Buddies” 2pm Zoo Tour – Meet at Zoo East Entrance 2:30pm – Marshfield Monarchs Butterfly Release on Main Stage
Related to Maple Fall Fest is Blue Heron Oktoberfest, which takes place from Noon – 10pm at Blue Heron Brewpub on 14th Street, just up the road from Wildwood Park. Enjoy Hammerschlagen, Yard Jenga, Corn Hole games, a Stein Hoisting Contest, and live music from Modern Throwback Saturday evening starting at 7pm!
Lake Geneva Oktoberfest 2022 is happening Saturday, October 8th and Sunday, October 9th, with a kickoff party at Topsy Turvy Brewery Friday night the 7th! The activity is centered in Flat Iron Park and throughout Downtown Lake Geneva.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT:
Playing at Flat Iron Park (Bring your own chairs)
Saturday, October 8th
Ed Wagner’s Lustige Blaskapelle, 12:30-3:00pm
Dunn Lumber Stein Hoisting Competition, 2:00pm
Grand Geneva Doxie Dash Race, 4:00pm
Steve Meisner Band, 4:00-6:00pm
Sunday, October 9th
Badger High School Jazz Band, 12:30-2:00pm
Dunn Lumber Stein Hoisting Competition, 2:00pm
The Phenix Band, 3:00-5:00pm
Grand Geneva Doxie Dash Race, 4:00pm
Also Saturday & Sunday
Playing throughout the downtown district and in the Flat Iron Park tent during band change overs.
Shows in the Rotary Club of Lake Geneva’s KIDS ENTERTAINMENT ZONE repeat throughout each day.
FREE PUMPKIN GIVEAWAY
U.S. 12 and Highways 50 and 120 bring you to Lake Geneva for all the fun.
Lake Geneva Oktoberfest 2022 Address:
Flat Iron Park, 201 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(262) 248-4416 Website
Windigo Fest is “a Festival of Folklore Freaks and ALL Things Halloween!” For 2022, this spine-chilling festival will take place at Manitowoc’s Expo Grounds, same place where the Manitowoc County Fair is held on the west end of town – there’s a lot of room on those grounds! All Hallows Eve enthusiasts with a hunger for the strange and unusual can experience a weekend filled with various seasonal activities including outstanding music, costume contests, dark art exhibits and contests, bizarre performances, and the historical cemetery bus tour. Windigo Fest kicks off Friday evening. After a day full of Halloween havoc, a parade will again display the Midwest’s best competitive costumes.
IT IS HALLOWEEN SO WEAR A COSTUME!!!!!
This is a huge event, with over 40 unique vendors with tons of Halloween and horror merch, plenty of creative art, unique oddities, and LOTS of live entertainment.
The Entertainment includes Kane Hopper, one of the actors who played Jason; ghost tribute band Absolution; Midgets With Attitude wrestling entertainment; EDM featuring Lockvibe; Blackened: Hellbilly Deluxe; Istra the Belly Dancer; and more.
Saturday features a Costume Contest & Halloween Parade for people of all ages! That starts around 6:07.
There’s also a Hearse & Rat Rod Auto Show, tons of food trucks, and plenty of vendors “Shop ‘Til You Drop Dead,” they say!)
Windigo Fest runs Friday, September 30th, Saturday, October 1st, and Sunday, October 2nd at the Manitowoc Expo Grounds. The grounds are easily accessible off I-43, at U.S. 151 and Highway 42 (Exit #149). U.S. 10 arrives in Manitowoc a few miles north of the Expo Grounds, which are accessible from U.S. 10 via I-43 or County R/Rapids Road (which was the original main highway – U.S. 141 – between Milwaukee and Green Bay before I-43 was built.)
The Gays Mills Apple Festival – the 63rd annual – runs September 23-25, 2022! Gays Mills is pretty much the apple capital of Wisconsin, and it celebrates the apple harvest with parades, carnivals, arts and crafts, flea markets, music, dancing, a 2K and 5K fun run/walk, food and festivities.
Get the rest of the details from their website or see the schedule below!
You’ll find Gays Mills in the heart of Wisconsin’s beautiful Driftless Area, where Highways 131 and 171 meet by the Kickapoo River. It’s worth going for the drive alone!
2022 Gays Mills Apple Festival Schedule of Events
FRIDAY EVENTS
Carnival: Wristband Night 5pm-9pm Fairgrounds
Lions Club Flea Market: 8am-5pm Fairgrounds
Main Street Vending: 10am-5pm Downtown
BMZ Church Food Stand:10am-5pm Fairgrounds
4-H Food Stand: Friday-Sunday Fairgrounds
American Legion Food Stand: 10am-5pm Fairgrounds
Societies Sons M/C: Music
Dante’s:Music Last Ride
Halver’s Town Tap: Music
SATURDAY EVENTS To See & Do:
Run and Walk:Registration 8am Main St Bridge, 2 & 5 Mi. Run; 2 Mi. Walk; ¼ Mi. Kids Fun Run: 9am
Lions Club Flea Market: 8am-5pm Fairgrounds
Main Street Vending: 9:30am-5pm Downtown
Cornhole Tournament
American Legion Volleyball Tournament: 9am 4-person Co-Ed Teams, 312 Main
Library Book Sale: 9am-5pm, 212 Main
Lions Club Arts and Crafts: 9am-5pm Fairgrounds
Carnival: 10am-5pm Fairgrounds
Open Horseshoe Tournament: Saturday Partner draw,Sunday 10 am registration and 11am start, Log CabinVillage Park
Societies Sons M/C: Music from American Standard
Fire Department: Raffle (Drawing in Nov.)
Dante’s: Music from Pilot of the Airwaves 3pm-7pm, Last Ride
Halver’s Town Tap: Music from Dylan Harris 2-6pm, DJ Robert 9pm – 1am
Inflatables:Downtown
SUNDAY EVENTS To See & Do:
Ride the FREE Trolley stops at Flea Market & Main! APPLE FESTIVAL PARADE 1:30 pm, Main Street to Riverside Park Lions Club Arts and Crafts & Flea Market: 8am-5pm Fairgrounds Main Street Vending: 9:30am-4pm Downtown Library Book Sale: 9am-3:30 pm 212 Main Carnival: 10am-5pm Fairgrounds Open Horseshoe Tournament: Saturday draw for partners, Sunday 10am registration, 11am start, Log Cabin Village Park Fire Department: Raffle (Drawing in Nov.) Inflatables: Downtown
Harvest Fair at Wisconsin State Fair Park features tons of fall-focused events, activities, live entertainment, competitions, scarecrow making and the much anticipated Pumpkin Bowling. It runs September 23-25, 2022 and has FREE admission.
Over 30 vendors will be there, selling everything from tasty food to cool crafts. Since it’s fall, imbibe in a pumpkin spice cream puff; enjoy pies from the Elegant Farmer; grab a cup of Kozie’s Harvest Stew; explore a multitude of Wisconsin cheeses; and The Micro will be offering over 60 varieties of craft beers. Prefer wine? No problem, Wineberry will be serving up red wines, white wines, even wine slushies.
Check out the Antique Tractors Display, the Backyard Circus, Camel and Pony Rides, a Farmers’ Market, Free Live Music, Giant Cookie Decorating, Hay Rides, a Kiddie Tractor Maze, “Make Your Own Caramel Apple” fun (they provide a lot of toppings), even a chance for kids to slide down the “World’s Largest Piggy Bank.” Free, lively entertainment is rocking stages all weekend long, including performances by the 5 Card Studs, Too Hype Crew, Rhythm Kings, The Toys and more will be on the Bank Five Nine Amphitheater with nightly entertainment presented by Bud Light. Plus, multiple Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Shows, presented by WaterStone Bank, are also on deck.
A major feature of Harvest Fair is the massive pumpkin patch, big enough to impress Linus from Peanuts (yes, we’re going old school here.)
Wisconsin State Fair Park is in West Allis, minutes west of downtown Milwaukee. I-94 and Highways 59 and 181 border the park; I-41, I-894, U.S. 18, U.S. 45, and Highway 100 all get you close.
Harvest Fair / Maker Faire Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park
640 S. 84th Street (Highways 181 & 59)
West Allis, WI 53214
(800) 884-3247 Website
Norskedalen hosts Ghoulees in the Coulees events Thursday, October 28th through Saturday, October 30th, 2021 providing a fun, yet scary and haunting, experience for the whole family in this beautiful natural and cultural area near Coon Valley in southeastern La Crosse County.
At Ghoulees in the Coulees, you can take a half-mile walk through chilling and thrilling spook stations along one of their wooded trails lined by hundreds of carved, lit pumpkins. Once you navigate this, you’ll regain your wits and end up with a treat and hot apple cider at Bekkum Homestead, a historic homestead over 100 years old, illuminated only by the light of the moon and jack-‘o-lanterns.
Some of what awaits in the dark in Norskedalen during Ghoulees in the Coulees. Is this out of focus? Or are they ghosts??
Along with the hike, you can enjoy storytelling, fortune-telling, grabbing a snack around the roaring fireplace, and walking through the haunted barns and other buildings. While it can be fun for kids of all ages, you may want to plan earlier hikes while it’s still light out for the very young and “faint of heart.” Earlier hikes around 5-7pm, hikes are less scary (the spooks do not try to scare you, but may offer a high-five, handshake, or wave). Conversely, 7-10:30pm, hikes are SUPER SCARY. They mean it! Chilling ghost stories designed to give you goosebumps will also be told at the end of your hike, making regaining your wits tricky for some. Fortune tellers will also be there to peer into your future.
Family-friendly trick-or-treating takes place Thursday, October 28th. Norskedalen’s Ghoulees in the Coulees Haunted Hikes take place Friday and Saturday October 29th & 30th. Friday slot times range from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (note: most Friday slots are sold out already!); Saturday slot times run from 4:30 p.m. to just after 8:00 p.m.
Tickets for the hikes are $35 per person. Advance reservations are required.
Norsekdalen Ghoulees in the Coulees prepares for State Trunk Tour’s Eric Paulsen.
You’ll find Norskedalen (which means “Norwegian Valley”) along County PI between Highway 162 and U.S. 14/61 just north of Coon Valley in southern La Crosse County. It’s a beautiful drive through the Driftess Area, right as the trees drop the rest of their colorful leaves.
Address for Ghoulees in the Coulees:
Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center
N455 O Ophus Road
Coon Valley, WI 54623
(608) 452-3424 Website
The 2nd annual Manty Monster Mash is happening Saturday, October 23rd at the Manitowoc County Expo Center! From 10am – 3pm, enjoy this indoor art, craft, and vendor fair featuring over 70 booths in total – approximately 85% of them focus on handmade arts & crafts. Categories include:
Bath, Body & Scent
Fashion & Clothing
Food & Snack
Health & Beauty
Home Goods & Decor
Jewelry & Gemstone
Local Entertainment
Metalwork
Painting & Illustration
Paper Crafts
Prints & Photography
Textile Crafts
Woodwork
Head inside the Manitowoc County Expo Center’s Merchant Building for this spook-tacular celebration that includes Trick or Treating at every vendor booth. This show is costume friendly, but not necessary! But feel free to be creative.
Admission is FREE. Parking is FREE. Fun is pretty much guaranteed.
You’ll find the Manitowoc County Expo Center just off U.S. 151 & Highway 42 on the west side of Manitowoc, right near Exit #149 off I-43. U.S. 10 comes in from the north and west, too – it’s easy to access!
Manty Monster Mash Address:
Manitowoc County Expo Grounds
4921 Expo Drive
Manitowoc, WI 54220
(920) 683-4378 Website
The NEW Zoo (NE Wisconsin Zoo, that’s what “NEW” stands for) northwest of Green Bay celebrates the North Shore Bank NEW Zoo Boo once again in 2021! It’s happening this year on the Friday-Saturday weekends of October 8-9, 15-16, and 22-23. For 2020 there will be no hay rides or giant inflatables, but otherwise show up in costume and enjoy all treats and no tricks. As the NEW Zoo notes on its website, “this year, every guest over the age of 1 can receive a bag of candy on arrival (yes, even the grown-ups)! The Zoo will be filled with festive, family-friendly Halloween decorations, so enjoy the sights of the Halloween season while visiting the animals. Be sure to ride the carousel and walk through the Happy Haunted Maze in the Children’s Zoo. The Dog House will also be on-site selling their full menu, including their famous, fresh battered cheese curds. Families can participate in North Shore Bank’s Zoo Scavenger Hunt, and the first 500 families to finish during each time slot can pick up a prize (while supplies last).”
Festivities for the NEW Zoo Boo run 3-8pm each day. The Adventure Park will be open for regular hours, 10am – 6pm, on all Saturdays and Sundays in October.
Regarding COVID precautions, the NEW Zoo website states: “To encourage comfortable social distancing throughout the Zoo, this year’s event will feature Timed Entries, with limited capacity for each arrival window. Guests must purchase tickets in advance that correspond to the date and time you wish to attend. Each night, guests can choose to arrive during a 60- or 90-minute arrival window, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., or from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Gates will close at 7:30 p.m., and guests can stay in the Zoo as long as they wish after arrival.”
Tickets are available at newzoo.org. Tickets are $15 per person; kids under 3 are free. Everyone aged 3 and above must have a ticket or a bar code (emailed after your online purchase) for entry. Tickets will be available at the gate each day only if they have not sold out in advance or online. Zoo Pass Members will receive one free ticket (per membership) on arrival, the same way as in past years OR Members can pickup your ticket in advance by stopping into the Zoo’s gift shop anytime during regular business hours. All other tickets needed by Members should be purchased in advance.”
The NEW Zoo Boo is accessible via U.S. 41/141 just north of Green Bay; Highways 29, 32, 54, 57, and 172 are all close by.
The Milwaukee County Zoo is going drive-thru again this year! The Milwaukee County Drive-Thru Boo at the Zoo lets you drive on Zoo pathways and take in a variety of Halloween-themed areas, carved pumpkins and illuminated light shows. The ride is specially designed for kids of all ages, including people who are kids at heart. The route is a 30-minute, 1.5-mile Halloween ride that travels on the wide and winding pathways through the Zoo. For safety purposes, animals are not viewable during these evenings.
New this year! Guests can trick-or-treat from their vehicles! Tasty treats will be handed-out along the route.
This event is a merry-not-scary ride, appropriate for kids of all ages, and kids at heart. Concession stops will be available along the route to purchase snacks and treats. Merchandise areas will be available to purchase a favorite memento.
Boo at the Zoo Drive-Thru Admission is $55 per carload for general visitors, $50 per carload for Zoo Pass members. Advance tickets are available online only and cannot be purchased at the Zoo. Vehicles will be admitted into the Zoo at the specified time, in 30-minute intervals. Entries are allowed only at the purchased time; last car admittance for the evening is 9 p.m. Tickets are non-transferrable and non-refundable. Proceeds go to support the Milwaukee County Zoological Society and the 2,000+ animals they care for.
The Milwaukee County Zoo is easily accessible via I-94, I-41/894, U.S. 18, U.S. 45, or Highway 100. It’s essentially in the center of all those major arteries! Enter the zoo off U.S. 18/Bluemound Road between Highway 100 and the Zoo Freeway, which is I-41/U.S. 45.
Milwaukee County Drive-Thru Boo at the Zoo Address:
Milwaukee County Zoo
10001 W. Bluemound Road (U.S. 18)
Milwaukee, WI 53226
(414) 256-5466 Website
Sister Bay Fall Fest is the “granddaddy” of Door County festivals is celebrating its 75th year! The streets of this lovely Door County town along Highway 42 where Highway 57 ends will be packed with fun. Check out a Saturday Parade, a huge arts and crafts fair, plenty of food and live entertainment, and great activities for children of all ages.
Check out live music at Husby’s (which also has great Bloody Marys and is a Sister Bay Fall Fest institution – plus, check out the awesome and huge 1920 Wisconsin state map they have in there!) as well as Door County Creamery, Stabbur, and the Boathouse on the Bay, and more.The Lion’s Club Fish Boil is a yearly favorite along with Saturday’s Pancake Breakfast followed by the annual Fall Fest Parade. Explore nearly 100 different artisans’ creations and high-quality handmade crafts. These include media, fine photography, wood carvers, furniture, unique jewelry, cozy mittens & sweaters, customized signs, and fine milled soaps & lotions. Be sure to watch the Wooden Shoe carver, too! Sunday – well before the Packers-Bears game kicks off – is the return of the Derby Race. The race is held right on Highway 42 in downtown Sister Bay where girls and boys ages 7 to 13 can build (with assistance from an adult) and then race in their gravity powered cars. Get the full schedule here or on the picture to the left
Of course, businesses all over town will have specials and it’s always great to check out Sister Bay’s gorgeous shoreline, marina, and the goats on the roof at Al Johnson’s Swedish Butik & Restaurant!
Enjoy Sister Bay Fall Fest all weekend. Just take Highways 42 or 57 and you’ll get there!
Sister Bay Fall Fest Address:
Waterfront Park
2362 Mill Road
Sister Bay, WI 54234 Website
Check out the full Schedule of Events below!
Sister Bay Fall Festival Schedule of Events (click to enlarge or download)
Port Washington, which calls itself “Your Home Port” for a reason, it’s gorgeous in that downtown area and along the marina, hosts the annual Port Washington Fall Festival on Saturday, October 9th from 11am to 4pm. It’s a “two-fer”, though – 9:30am to 4pm it’s also Love Our Great Lakes Day.
First, the Port Washington Fall Festival celebrates the autumnal season right downtown with a farmer’s market, live music, great food and drinks, even a Fall Family Run along Franklin & Grand in downtown Port. The shops up and down the downtown streets will be ready with their offerings, and of course checking out the harbor area, Rotary Park, the marina, Coal Dock Park, Inventors Brewpub, and more are must-stops when you’re down there. The Fall Festival begins at 11am and runs full force until 4pm, with plenty of fun to follow – stick around and enjoy!
For nature and water lovers, Love Our Great Lakes Day offers a detailed examination of the waters of Lake Michigan and the other Great Lakes, with speakers and afternoon field site visits of restoration work at Mineral Springs Creek and Birchwood Hills, a bird hike through Coal Dock Park led by Observatory staff, music by the Green Sails, tours through the Heart of the Harbor and the Port Washington Exploreum, and more.
It’s easy to get to downtown Port Washington: just follow Highways 32 or 33 from I-43 or Highway 57. VISIT Port Washington‘s office is right downtown too, and you can get more information while you’re down there, or call (800) 719-4881.
Port Washington Fall Festival Address:
Grand & Franklin Avenues (Highway 32)
Port Washington, WI 53074
(800) 719-4881 Website
It’s Oktoberfest in Dallas! Wisconsin. Yes, this hamlet of 400 tucked into the beautiful hills of Barron County hosts Valkyrie Brewing Company, and Valkyrie is hosting the 25th annual Dallas Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 2nd!
While hosted by Valkyrie, the Oktoberfest celebration will be taking place across parks and streets throughout Dallas. Enjoy everything from a pancake breakfast to a Kubb tournament. There is a car show, an arts and crafts fair, an 1860s era baseball game, a dog costume contest, wiener dog race, raffles, plenty of food, and of course tons of beer from Valkyrie Brewing. Taps will be open from 10am to 8pm at the brewery, with other stands pouring throughout the day as well.
Live music plays from noon to 5pm, with performers like KJ Country, Mark Thompson, Steve Midboe, and Weez & Hans. The Squires Band will also be cranking out polka music, which is a required for any Oktoberfest celebration.
Check out the Dallas Oktoberfest schedule right here, and make plans to hit Dallas on Saturday!
There is road construction around Dallas. You can use these directions as your guide:
– From the South, including Eau Claire & Chippewa Falls: Follow U.S. 53 to the Highway 64 exit north of Bloomer. Head west on 64 to Highway 25. Go north on Highway 25 and take a right on County Highway A to Dallas (there are detour signs, but Highway A IS complete and open to Dallas.)
– From the West: Once again, ignore the detour signs on Highway 25. Hwy A is open to Dallas from Hwy 25.
– From the North: Take U.S. 53 to the U.S. 8 exit and head west to Barron. Go south on Highway 25 to County U. Take U east and south into Dallas.
Dallas Oktoberfest Address:
234 Dallas Street (County A)
Dallas, WI 54733 Website
With Beef-A-Rama, the smell of beef fills the air and more than 12,000 people fill the streets of downtown Minocqua. For over 50 years, Beef-a-Rama™ has been a premiere event drawing visitors back year after year to join in on the one-of-a kind fun you can only find in the Northwoods.
Roasters begin cooking their signature beefs before dawn. Herds of creative festival goers dressed in cow-themed costumes start packing downtown early for the 10K and 5K Rump Roast Run and Walk along Lake Minocqua, live music, & Prime Choice Craft Show featuring more than 70 vendors.
Mooo-ve on down to Torpy Park to grab a roast beef sandwich and watch the Beef Eating Contest, Cow Pie Plop, and of course the famous Roaster Parade down main street!
Listen for the top roasters at the Awards Ceremony at 3pm following the Parade. Check for the latest itinerary online.
Minocqua is along “Wisconsin’s Backbone,” U.S. 51, just south of Highways 47 and 70.
Beef-A-Rama Address:
Torpy Park
806 U.S. Highway 51
Minocqua, WI 54548
(715) 356-5266 Website
Check out the Schedule of Events below!
Beef-A-Rama Schedule of Events:
Friday, September 24th
10am-Noon Live Radio Broadcast with WRJO at the Minocqua Area Chamber of Commerce
6:00-9:00pm Lakeland Rotary Rump Roast Run registration at American Legion Hall
6:30-9:30pm Live Music The Lincoln Boys Band and Beer Garden sponsored by The Minocqua Island Business Association at Torpy Park
Saturday, September 25th
7am Rump Roast Run Registration at the American Legion Hall
7:30am Street Closure Begins
7am-8pm Shuttles Run ($3 fee per car) from Lakeland Union High School, Hribar Corporation/Truck Country, Lakeland Hawks Ice Arena & Builders First Source
8:15am Lakeland Rotary’s Calf Mile Run for Kids
9am Lakeland Rotary’s Rump Roast Run
9am-3pm Live Radio Broadcast by WRJO at Torpy Park
9am-11:00am Live Music Red Ben and the Missing Miles at Torpy Park
9am-5pm Bouncy Houses for Kids on the lower level of Torpy Park
9am-5pm Prime Choice Craft Show on the lower level of Torpy Park
9am-5pm Official Beef-A-Rama™ apparel sales at Torpy Park
10am-5:00pm Henna, Face painting, Glitter Painting at Veterans Park
10am-9:00pm Lakeland Rotary Beer Garden on Chicago Street
10am-9:00pm Minocqua Lions Club Beer Garden at Torpy Park
10am-5pm Official Beef-A-Rama™ Sandwich Sales at Torpy Park
10am-12pm Live Music by Corey Carlson at the Rotary Beer Garden on Chicago Street
10am-3pm Kids’ Games, Bouncy Houses, and Face Painting in lower level of Torpy Park
10am-4pm Kraft’s Kuddly Kritters Petting Zoo at Veterans Park
10am-5pm Twisted Widdlin’ Fool chainsaw carving exhibition
10am Food Sales Begin Torpy Park & Chicago Street
11am-1pm Kids’ Activities at Redman Realty on Oneida Street
11am-1:45pm Judging of the Beef along Oneida Street
11am-3pm Cow Pie Plop & Mechanical Bull sponsored by Lakeland Hawks Ice Arena at Island City Ice Cream
11:00am Beef Eating Contest at Torpy Park sponsored by Associated Bank
Noon-4:00pm Live Music by The Lincoln Boys at Torpy Park
Noon-3:00 pm Live Music by Useful Jenkins at the Rotary Beer Garden on Chicago Street
3:00 pm Parade of Beef down Oneida Street from Redman Realty to Torpy Park
3:15 pm Awards Ceremony and Beef Raffle Drawing at Torpy Park
3:00-5:00 pm Live Music by Corey Carlson at the Rotary Beer Garden on Chicago Street
5pm Street Open to Traffic
4:00-8:30 pm Live Music Reality Bites sponsored by the Minocqua Lions Club at Torpy Park
5-9:00pm Live Music Whitehouse Players at the Rotary Beer Garden on Chicago Street
Chippewa Falls is plenty of fun any time of the year, but as summer turns to fall Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest hits the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds and the party really starts! This year, Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest runs Friday, September 16th and Saturday, September 17th, 2022.
This year will bring more kids’ activities and Glockenspiel acts, as well as some of our favorite competitions, such as stein holding, sauerkraut eating, and keg rolling. The weekend kicks off in earnest with the Festmeister and Festmeisterin being announced at the Leinenkugel grounds at 12:00 noon on Friday, followed by the Golden Keg procession to the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds and the tapping of the Golden Keg. Festival goers can enjoy four stages, over 30 entertainers, vendors, authentic foods, and plenty of dancing. And of course, plenty of Gemütlichkeit!
Dick Leinenkugel and State Trunk Tour founder Eric Paulsen at Oktoberfest in Chippewa Falls.
Raise a stein, don a dirndl or some lederhosen, and enjoy live music ranging from polka to folk. Plenty of German food, kids’ activities, dancing, and more can be enjoyed at Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest. It’s located adjacent to the Leinenkugel Brewery and lovely Irvine Park, so there’s a great source of beer and another source of recreation just a stone’s throw away!
Admission to Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest is $10 at the gate; kids 12 and under get in free. You can buy wristbands, parking, multi-day deals, merch, and more here.
Chippewa Falls is easy to get to! The Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds are right along Highway 124 (U.S. 53 back in the day), just north of Business Highway 29. Today’s U.S. 53 freeway, Highway 29 freeway, and Highway 178 all bring you to Chippewa Falls, too. It’s only about 15 minutes north of Eau Claire off I-94, too.
A Schedule of Events is below!
Here’s this year’s Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest Schedule of Events (.pdf):
FRIDAY
11:00 am – 11:00 pm Grounds Open
11:00 am- 8:45 pm Souvenir Haus Open
Noon Announcement of 2022 Festmeister and Festmeisterin Golden Keg Procession from the Leinenkugel Brewery
1:30 pm – 8:00 pm Boxx Sanitation’s Kid’s Kingdom and Games Open
Glockenspiel Stage
3:00 pm Glockenspiel Show sponsored by Great Northern Corporation
6:00 pm Stein Holding Competition
Famileintreff (Family Fun) Building
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm The Spoon Man
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Face Painting
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm Kevin Hall, Magician
5:15 pm – 5:45 pm Cale the Juggler
6:00 pm – 6:30 pm The Spoon Man
6:45 pm – 7:15 pm Kevin Hall, Magician
7:30 pm – 8:00 pm Cale the Juggler
8:00 pm Sauerkraut Eating Competition
SATURDAY
11:00 am- 11:00 pm Grounds Open
11:00 am Boxx Sanitation’s Kid’s Kingdom & Games, Art Area Open
11:00 am – 8:45 pm Souvenir Haus Open
1:00 pm Sheepshead & Euchre Card Tournament
2:00 pm Hoeft Brothers Keg Rolling Competition
3:00 pm On Grounds Parade
Glockenspiel Stage
4:00 pm Glockenspiel Show sponsored by Great Northern Corporation
6:00 pm Stein Holding Competition
9:00 pm Glockenspiel Show sponsored by Great Northern Corporation
Familientreff (Family Fun) Stage
11:00am – 2:00 pm Bird Haus Making – Optimist Club
12:00pm – 4:00pm Balloon Artist David Olson
12:00pm – 7:00 pm Face Painting
11:45am – 12:15am Magician, Kristopher Olson
12:30pm – 1:00 pm The Spoon Man
1:00pm German Star Making Demonstration
1:15pm – 1:45pm Cale the Juggler
2:00pm Scherenschnitte Demonstration
2:00pm – 2:30pm Magician, Kristopher Olson
2:30pm – 3:00pm Kinder Kostume Fashion Show (Kid’s Ethnic Attire)
3:30pm Dumpling Making Demonstration
3:30pm – 4:00pm Cale the Juggler
4:15pm – 5:00pm Magician, Kristopher Olson
4:30pm Sauerkraut Making Demonstration
5:15pm – 5:45pm The Spoon Man
6:00pm – 6:30pm Cale the Juggler
7:00pm Kid’s Sauerkraut Eating Contest
7:30pm Meet the Oktoberfest Royalty
7:45pm Sauerkraut Eating Contest
Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest Address:
Northern Wisconsin State Fair
331 Jefferson Avenue
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
(866) 723-0340 Website
“Wo-Zha-Wa” means “fun time” in the Ho-Chunk language, and Wisconsin Dells offers just that September 17-19! As one of the largest festivals in Wisconsin, Wo-Zha-Wa is a three day extravaganza with delicious food, a 100-unit parade, rousing live music, and arts and crafts that everyone can enjoy.
Wo-Zha-Wa’s flea market (Maxwell Street Days) always has new novel items to check out including gourmet dog treats, hand-made works of art, custom pieces of jewelry, organic cosmetics, and wood flowers made before your eyes. You can stroll through all these different stalls while chowing down on some of the festival’s favorite culinary treats, like kettle corn and alligator on a stick.
The whole family can enjoy themselves at Wo-Zha-Wa. The yearly Wo-Zha-Wa parade is a spectacle filled with floats, performers, and music that fills the entire street. The carnival rides are always a hit with the kids, who always get a thrill on the rides’ twists, turns, and spins.
When you attend, you’re invited to participate in a street carnival with refreshment concessions and the Wo-Zha-Wa Run, Wisconsin’s oldest long-distance race. Runners can take part in the challenging half-marathon course, or the fast-paced four-mile run.
Festival admission is free, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t go to this Wisconsin favorite!
All activities located in Downtown Wisconsin Dells & Bowman Park.
You can get to the Dells easily, of course: I-90/94, U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23 all bring you there. Check their website for full details!
Here’s a video from a previous year of Wo-Zha-Wa Days to give you an idea:
Schedule of Events:
Friday, September 17
All Day Concessions and Carnival Rides
8 am – 5 pm Maxwell Street Days
8 am – 6 pm Antique Flea Market
Noon – 5 pm Arts & Crafts Fair
Saturday, September 18
All Day Concessions and Carnival Rides
8 am – 5 pm Maxwell Street Days
8 am Wo-Zha-Wa Run
8 am – 6 pm Antique Flea Market
9am – 5 pm Arts & Crafts Fair
Sunday, September 19
All Day Concessions and Carnival Rides
8 am – 3 pm Maxwell Street Days
8 am – 3 pm Antique Flea Market
9 am – 3 pm Arts & Crafts Fair
1:30 pm 100-unit Parade
Oak Creek Fall Festival is the city’s annual harvest tradition, taking place throughout the Drexel Town Square complex! It’s an outdoor event that celebrates everything autumn on Saturday, October 24th from 9am to 6pm. Family-friendly events will feature pumpkin decorating, vendor booths, and more!
Check out live music, including the Five Card Studs from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. and SuperFly from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Activities around Drexel Town Square include:
Oak Creek Farmers Market (last day of the year!)
Art vendors
Beer/food vendors
Pumpkin decorating
Scarecrow building
Rock painting
Mad science show
More to come!
Donate a nonperishable food item at the event and receive a free pumpkin! (while supplies last.)
They ask that you please wear a mask when in line or walking around Oak Creek Fall Festival; masks can be removed when sitting at your table. They will monitor for social distancing, and will frequently clean common touchpoints (tables, bathrooms, etc.). Hand sanitizer will be provided at the event!
Great shops, bars, and restaurants are located in and right around Drexel Town Square; feel free to imbibe and enjoy in as many as possible. You’ll find Drexel Town Square along Drexel Avenue, just west of Highway 38/Howell Avenue, 1 1/2 miles east of I-41/94 (where you’ll also find IKEA) and two miles north of Highway 100/Ryan Road.
Oak Creek Fall Festival Address:
Drexel Town Square
361 W. Town Square Way
Oak Creek, WI 53154 Website
It’s a spooktacular experience filled with light displays and ghostly charms at the Halloween Glow Drive-Thru at Racine Zoo, running October 7th through November 1st, 2020! Enjoy this “illuminated Halloween adventure” from the safety and comfort of your vehicle. Just follow the dedicated light pathway and be prepared for surprises – but they’re all family friendly.
Halloween Glow is open Wednesdays – Sundays from 6pm to 9pm; admission is $5 per person at the gate. Children 2 years and younger are admitted FREE. Proceeds benefit Racine Zoo’s animals and programs.
You’ll find the Racine Zoo just north of downtown Racine. It’s along Main Street and Goold, abutting Lake Michigan just east of Highways 32 and 38. Highways 11 and 20 also bring you into the Belle City, all about 8 miles east of I-41/94.
Halloween Glow Address:
Racine Zoo
200 Goold Street
Racine, WI 53402
(262) 636-9189 Website
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events › Fall Festival
October 14, 2023
Dells On Tap
Wisconsin Dells’ own Dells On Tap embraces autumn with a craft beer walk, a 5K dash, and plenty of harvest and other fun activities on Friday, October 13th and Saturday, October 14th. This is on top of all the things there are to throughout the Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton areas, from water parks to fun shops, museums, and even the World’s Largest Wooden Trojan Horse along Wisconsin Dells Parkway! Hit I-90/94, U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23 and check these activities out:
Friday, October 13th:
• Dells Craft Beer Walk – Sample from a huge selection of artisan brews at participating bars while you stroll throughout the downtown Wisconsin Dells area.
Saturday, October 13th:
• Race to the Taps – Enjoy this 5K run/walk to help kick off the event!
• Dells On Tap – One of the Midwest’s premier microbrew beer tasting events, with a slew of Wisconsin-based and other nearby breweries showcasing their original creations. For those of you who want to take the craft experience to another level, you’ll want to get in on our VIP admission. Check out the list of craft breweries participating here!
Wisconsin Dells’ Dells On Tap runs Friday night and Saturday but there is also plenty to do Sunday with the rides, water parks, shops along the main drag, restaurants, and more.
Dells On Tap Schedule of Events:
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023
9 am – 7 pm Purchase Dells Craft Beer Walk Glasses $20 Advance/$30 Day Of
5 pm – 9 pm Dells Craft Beer Walk
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2023
9 am Dells on Tap 5K / Race to the Taps
10:30 am Corn Hole/Bag Toss Tournament
12:30pm Beer Pong Tournament
12 pm – 5 pm Dells On Tap VIP Admission $65 Advance/$80 Day Of
1 pm – 5 pm Dells On Tap General Admission $40 Advance/$55 Day Of
All Day Live Entertainment
You’ll find the festivities in Wisconsin Dells (of course), an easy ride off I-90/94 (Exits 85-92), U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23.
Wisconsin Dells On Tap Address:
200 La Crosse Street
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
(800) 223-3557
Event Website
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October 7, 2023 – October 8, 2023
Bayfield Apple Festival
The three day event features a farm market featuring local producers, over 60 orchard and food booths selling Bayfield’s apples, apple delicacies, and festival food favorites! There is plenty to buy and see at the 140 art, craft and vendor booths. Kids carnival rides and games, an apple peeling contest, fish fry & dance round out the offerings.
You can also catch Big Top Chautauqua’s Blue Canvas Orchestra perform throughout the weekend on the Grandstand stage. The festival culminates with the Grand Parade on Sunday, which features a 400 member “Mass Band” finale.
Bayfield is located along Highway 13 on the shores of Lake Superior, about 15 minutes north of U.S. 2. U.S. 63 brings you towards Bayfield from the Hayward, Spooner, and Twin Cities areas; U.S. 51 north through the North Woods sends you toward U.S. 2 for the connection to Bayfield, too. Enjoy the fall colors on your ride!
Bayfield Apple Festival Address:
Downtown Bayfield & Memorial Park
42 South Broad Street
Bayfield, WI 54814
(715) 779-3335
Website
Read about additional “things to know” below!
More Bayfield Apple Festival features and things to know:
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September 30, 2023
La Crosse Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest, USA, is one of the few authentic Old World folk festivals held annually in the United States. You’ll find plenty of beer, music, fun, food, lederhosen, dirndls, and more complemented with a carnival featuring rides, parades featuring the annually-elected “Royal Family,” the 2023 Miss La Crosse/Oktoberfest Pageant, and enough accordions and Munich-style tents to make you feel like you’re in Deutschland.
Downtown Fest Grounds open at 4pm on Thursday, September 28th. The Torchlight Parade will take place at 7pm that evening; Craft Beer Night starts at 4pm and runs until 8pm. For $60 admission, the FestZelt tent will feature over 20 craft brewers and their products – and you can sample ’em all! There’s also a Cornhole Tournament and fireworks – and that’s all on opening night!
Friday night September 29th has the Festmaster Ball at the La Crosse Center’s South Hall, where the Festmaster and Frau will be introduced.
Other events include wiener dog races, live music, special German dinners, Lederhosen Games, and more. Get the latest events list here!
Find out more about Oktoberfest with State Trunk Tour founder Eric Paulsen, who discusses this as co-host of The Cabin, Discover Wisconsin’s official podcast:
TICKETS
You can buy a 3-Day Pass for only $20, which gets you in for the whole fest
VIP tickets are available for $100
Children 12 and Under Admitted Free
A number of Oktoberfest events require additional ticketed admission. Tickets for most events are available from the Oktoberfest Online Store or at the Oktoberfest office.
La Crosse Oktoberfest USA is a great time in a true beer town. La Crosse is easily reached via U.S. 14, 53, or 61; I-90; and Highways 16, 33, and 35. The drive to and from is gorgeous too, especially at this time of the year!
Check the La Crosse Oktoberfest USA website for additional details!
La Crosse Oktoberfest Schedule of Events:
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th
7–9 am: SENIOR BREAKFAST | Morrie’s Heritage Hofbräu Haus – Downtown Festgrounds
Free Admission! Pancakes, sausage, eggs, coffee, juice. Featuring live music and WIZM-AM live broadcast
11 am–2:30 pm: SPECIAL FESTER CARNIVAL | Northside Family Festgrounds
4–11 pm: DOWNTOWN FESTGROUNDS OPEN, $20 three-day pass or $100 VIP tickets available
4-11 pm: STUDENT NIGHT | Downtown Festgrounds
4–9 pm: CARNIVAL, NORTHSIDE LA CROSSE, Fest fun with carnival rides and food vendors
4–8 pm: CRAFT BEER NIGHT | Downtown Festgrounds
$90 VIP 4 pm | $60 General Admission, 5 pm. Sample from more than 20 craft breweries. Get tickets.
5-7pm: LEDERHOSEN GAMES | Garden Stage Area – Fest Grounds
Stein races, stein holdings, barrel roll, grain toss, Schokolade essen and scavenger hunt | Play games, have fun and win prizes
7 pm: TORCHLIGHT PARADE | Northside La Crosse, Kane & Gillette Streets to Clinton Street
7:15pm: PACKER PARTY WITH DJ TRIVIA | Morrie’s Heritage Hofbräu Haus – Fest
Cheer on the Green Bay Packers as they compete against the Detroit Lions. Trivia, giveaways, and more!
7:30–11 pm: TORCHLIGHT AFTER GLOW bash| Copeland Park – Loggers Field
Free admission and families welcome! Kick off your Oktoberfest on the Northside with The Swing Crew
Free admission for students 21+ with a valid college student ID, enjoy current dance hits played by Twin Cities cover band, Good for Gary
Thursday’s Live Music
LA CROSSE BIERHAUS STAGE INSIDE THE MORRIE’S HERITAGE HOFBRÄU HAUS
4-6:30 pm BRIAN BRUEGGEN AND THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY DUTCHMEN
ALTRA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION FESTPLATZ
8–10:30 pm GOOD FOR GARY
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29th
Hours: 9:30am –midnight
10 am: STEIN HOLDING FINALS | The Remainders Garden Stage
11 am: OPENING CEREMONY | The Remainders Garden Stage The much-anticipated tapping of the Sam Adams Golden Keg
2–4 pm: LEDERHOSEN GAMES | The Remainders Garden Stage Area
Stein races, stein holdings, barrel roll, grain toss, Schokolade essen and scavenger hunt | Play games, have fun and win prizes
4–9 pm: CARNIVAL | Copeland Park – Northside La Crosse
Fest fun with carnival rides and food vendors
Live Music:
ALTRA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION FESTPLATZ
11:30 am – 2:30 pm SWING CREW
3 – 5:30 pm PAT MCCURDY
6 – 9 pm RHINO
9:30 pm – Midnight ARCH ALLIES
THE REMAINDERS GARDEN STAGE
11:30 am – 2 pm THE JIMMYS
2:30 pm – 5 pm COPPER BOX OKTOBERFEST EXPERIENCE
5:30 – 8 pm BREWTOWN BEAT
8:30–10:30 pm NATHAN HANSEN MUSIC
LA CROSSE BIERHAUS STAGE INSIDE THE MORRIE’S HERITAGE HOFBRÄU HAUS
7:00 am: YMCA MAPLE LEAF WALK RUN | Riverside Park
Pre-registration required. Half marathon, 5-mile run, 5k walk and Kid’s Maple Mile. More Info
10 am: MAPLE LEAF PARADE | Northside to Downtown
11 am–midnight: DOWNTOWN FESTGROUNDS OPEN
$15 single-day admission or $20 three-day pass – Get Tickets
Noon – 9 pm: CARNIVAL | Copeland Park – Northside La Crosse
2–4 pm: LEDERHOSEN GAMES | Garden Stage Area
9 pm: 62ND OKTOBERFEST FIREWORKS CELEBRATION | Downtown Festgrounds
Live Music
ALTRA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION FESTPLATZ
12 Noon – 1:30 pm MIKE MCABEE
2pm – 5:30pm PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY
6–9 pm FAILURE TO LAUNCH
9:30 pm–midnight JUNK FM
THE REMAINDERS GARDEN STAGE
1:30 – 3:30 pm BRATWURST BROTHERS
4 –7:30 pm PIANO FONDUE
8–10 pm THE REMAINDERS
LA CROSSE BIERHAUS STAGE INSIDE THE MORRIE’S HERITAGE HOFBRÄU HAUS
1–4 pm BRIAN BRUEGGEN & THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY DUTCHMEN
4–7:30 pm THE RHYTHM PLAYBOYS
8–10:30 pm KRIS AND THE RIVERBEND DUTCHMEN
Back to StateTrunkTour.com
September 16, 2023 – September 17, 2023
Marshfield Maple Fall Fest
Maple Fall Fest has been known by many as “the” place to find some of the best original artwork and handmade craft items in the Midwest. Over 100 vendors showcase their wares with original artwork, handmade arts and crafts, Amish specialties, The Maple Village, great food vendors, and their beer garden. The festival will also bring back favorites Mad Dog and Merrill “Grillin’ Buddies,” and family-focused fun for all ages. The legendary Potato Pancake Breakfast is also served each day!
The Kid’s Zone ensures that the younger ones have plenty to do. There’s a petting zoo, inflatable rides and of course all of the treats from the food court.
You won’t end up hungry, with that special pancake breakfast and a huge assortment of food vendors ready to serve pizza, brats, cheese curds, egg rolls, fried pasta, hot dogs, hamburgers, gyros, cream puffs, ice cream, kettlecorn, mouse ears, tacos, and a whole lot more.
Marshfield’s “Hub City” status relates to its location close to the exact center of Wisconsin, and many railroads always converged here. Today, you can take U.S. 10, Highway 13, Highway 80, or Highway 97 to reach Marshfield – it truly is in the center of everything.
Maple Fall Fest takes place at Marshfield’s beautiful Wildwood Zoo and Park, just off Central Avenue (Business 13). Check out some great places to stay in Marshfield, too!
Marshfield Maple Fall Fest Address:
Wildwood Park & Zoo
1800 S. Roddis Avenue
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 384-4314
Website
See the full schedule below!
Maple Fall Fest Schedule of Events (tentative, subject to change):
Saturday, September 17th
7am – Noon – Breakfast: Regular and potato pancakes with Wenzel’s Farm Maple Sausage. Takeout available! $10 per person. Age 6 & Under $5
9am-4pm – Kid’s Zone, Inflatables, Arts & Crafts by Discovery Education Station and Chestnut Center for The Arts, Scavenger Hunt
9am-5pm – 150+ Handmade Arts & Crafts Vendors, Amish Specialties, Maple Village, Maple Syrup Products, Food Court & Beer Garden
10am – Performance by Main Street Conservatory of Dance: Jazz Dance Company and Ballet Company
10:30am – Performance by Marshfield Youth Ballet
11:30am – Mad Dog & Merrill – “Grillin’ Buddies”
1pm – Performance and dance lessons by the Country Style Dancers
2pm – Wildwood Zoo Tour – Meet at Zoo East Entrance!
Sunday, September 18th
7am-Noon Breakfast: Regular and potato pancakes with Wenzel’s Farm Maple Sausage. Takeout Available! $10 per person. Age 6 & Under $5
10am-4pm – 150+ Handmade Arts & Crafts Vendors, Amish Specialties, Maple Village, Maple Syrup Products, Food Court & Beer Garden
10am-4pm – Kid’s Zone, Inflatables, Arts & Crafts by Discovery Education Station and Chestnut Center for The Arts, Scavenger Hunt
11:30am – Mad Dog & Merrill – “Grillin’ Buddies”
2pm Zoo Tour – Meet at Zoo East Entrance
2:30pm – Marshfield Monarchs Butterfly Release on Main Stage
Related to Maple Fall Fest is Blue Heron Oktoberfest, which takes place from Noon – 10pm at Blue Heron Brewpub on 14th Street, just up the road from Wildwood Park. Enjoy Hammerschlagen, Yard Jenga, Corn Hole games, a Stein Hoisting Contest, and live music from Modern Throwback Saturday evening starting at 7pm!
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October 8, 2022 – October 9, 2022
Lake Geneva Oktoberfest
Lake Geneva Oktoberfest 2022 is happening Saturday, October 8th and Sunday, October 9th, with a kickoff party at Topsy Turvy Brewery Friday night the 7th! The activity is centered in Flat Iron Park and throughout Downtown Lake Geneva.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT:
Playing at Flat Iron Park
(Bring your own chairs)
Saturday, October 8th
Ed Wagner’s Lustige Blaskapelle, 12:30-3:00pm
Dunn Lumber Stein Hoisting Competition, 2:00pm
Grand Geneva Doxie Dash Race, 4:00pm
Steve Meisner Band, 4:00-6:00pm
Sunday, October 9th
Badger High School Jazz Band, 12:30-2:00pm
Dunn Lumber Stein Hoisting Competition, 2:00pm
The Phenix Band, 3:00-5:00pm
Grand Geneva Doxie Dash Race, 4:00pm
Also Saturday & Sunday
Playing throughout the downtown district and in the Flat Iron Park tent during band change overs.
Shows in the Rotary Club of Lake Geneva’s KIDS ENTERTAINMENT ZONE repeat throughout each day.
FREE PUMPKIN GIVEAWAY
U.S. 12 and Highways 50 and 120 bring you to Lake Geneva for all the fun.
Lake Geneva Oktoberfest 2022 Address:
Flat Iron Park, 201 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(262) 248-4416
Website
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September 30, 2022 – October 2, 2022
Windigo Fest
Windigo Fest is “a Festival of Folklore Freaks and ALL Things Halloween!” For 2022, this spine-chilling festival will take place at Manitowoc’s Expo Grounds, same place where the Manitowoc County Fair is held on the west end of town – there’s a lot of room on those grounds! All Hallows Eve enthusiasts with a hunger for the strange and unusual can experience a weekend filled with various seasonal activities including outstanding music, costume contests, dark art exhibits and contests, bizarre performances, and the historical cemetery bus tour. Windigo Fest kicks off Friday evening. After a day full of Halloween havoc, a parade will again display the Midwest’s best competitive costumes.
IT IS HALLOWEEN SO WEAR A COSTUME!!!!!
This is a huge event, with over 40 unique vendors with tons of Halloween and horror merch, plenty of creative art, unique oddities, and LOTS of live entertainment.
The Entertainment includes Kane Hopper, one of the actors who played Jason; ghost tribute band Absolution; Midgets With Attitude wrestling entertainment; EDM featuring Lockvibe; Blackened: Hellbilly Deluxe; Istra the Belly Dancer; and more.
Saturday features a Costume Contest & Halloween Parade for people of all ages! That starts around 6:07.
There’s also a Hearse & Rat Rod Auto Show, tons of food trucks, and plenty of vendors “Shop ‘Til You Drop Dead,” they say!)
Windigo Fest runs Friday, September 30th, Saturday, October 1st, and Sunday, October 2nd at the Manitowoc Expo Grounds. The grounds are easily accessible off I-43, at U.S. 151 and Highway 42 (Exit #149). U.S. 10 arrives in Manitowoc a few miles north of the Expo Grounds, which are accessible from U.S. 10 via I-43 or County R/Rapids Road (which was the original main highway – U.S. 141 – between Milwaukee and Green Bay before I-43 was built.)
Windigo Fest Address:
Manitowoc Expo Grounds
4921 Expo Drive
Manitowoc, WI 54220
(920) 683-4378
Website
A shot during the Cemetery Tours at Windigo Fest, Manitowoc.
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September 23, 2022 – September 25, 2022
Gays Mills Apple Festival
The Gays Mills Apple Festival – the 63rd annual – runs September 23-25, 2022! Gays Mills is pretty much the apple capital of Wisconsin, and it celebrates the apple harvest with parades, carnivals, arts and crafts, flea markets, music, dancing, a 2K and 5K fun run/walk, food and festivities.
Get the rest of the details from their website or see the schedule below!
You’ll find Gays Mills in the heart of Wisconsin’s beautiful Driftless Area, where Highways 131 and 171 meet by the Kickapoo River. It’s worth going for the drive alone!
2022 Gays Mills Apple Festival Schedule of Events
FRIDAY EVENTS
Carnival: Wristband Night 5pm-9pm Fairgrounds
Lions Club Flea Market: 8am-5pm Fairgrounds
Main Street Vending: 10am-5pm Downtown
BMZ Church Food Stand:10am-5pm Fairgrounds
4-H Food Stand: Friday-Sunday Fairgrounds
American Legion Food Stand: 10am-5pm Fairgrounds
Societies Sons M/C: Music
Dante’s:Music Last Ride
Halver’s Town Tap: Music
SATURDAY EVENTS To See & Do:
Run and Walk:Registration 8am Main St Bridge, 2 & 5 Mi. Run; 2 Mi. Walk; ¼ Mi. Kids Fun Run: 9am
Lions Club Flea Market: 8am-5pm Fairgrounds
Main Street Vending: 9:30am-5pm Downtown
Cornhole Tournament
American Legion Volleyball Tournament: 9am 4-person Co-Ed Teams, 312 Main
Library Book Sale: 9am-5pm, 212 Main
Lions Club Arts and Crafts: 9am-5pm Fairgrounds
Carnival: 10am-5pm Fairgrounds
Open Horseshoe Tournament: Saturday Partner draw,Sunday 10 am registration and 11am start, Log CabinVillage Park
Societies Sons M/C: Music from American Standard
Fire Department: Raffle (Drawing in Nov.)
Dante’s: Music from Pilot of the Airwaves 3pm-7pm, Last Ride
Halver’s Town Tap: Music from Dylan Harris 2-6pm, DJ Robert 9pm – 1am
Inflatables:Downtown
SUNDAY EVENTS To See & Do:
Ride the FREE Trolley stops at Flea Market & Main!
APPLE FESTIVAL PARADE 1:30 pm, Main Street to Riverside Park
Lions Club Arts and Crafts & Flea Market: 8am-5pm Fairgrounds
Main Street Vending: 9:30am-4pm Downtown
Library Book Sale: 9am-3:30 pm 212 Main
Carnival: 10am-5pm Fairgrounds
Open Horseshoe Tournament: Saturday draw for partners, Sunday 10am registration, 11am start, Log Cabin Village Park
Fire Department: Raffle (Drawing in Nov.)
Inflatables: Downtown
Gays Mills Apple Festival Address:
Highways 131 & 171
Gays Mills, WI 54631
(608) 735-4341
Website
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September 23, 2022 – September 25, 2022
Harvest Fair
Harvest Fair at Wisconsin State Fair Park features tons of fall-focused events, activities, live entertainment, competitions, scarecrow making and the much anticipated Pumpkin Bowling. It runs September 23-25, 2022 and has FREE admission.
Over 30 vendors will be there, selling everything from tasty food to cool crafts. Since it’s fall, imbibe in a pumpkin spice cream puff; enjoy pies from the Elegant Farmer; grab a cup of Kozie’s Harvest Stew; explore a multitude of Wisconsin cheeses; and The Micro will be offering over 60 varieties of craft beers. Prefer wine? No problem, Wineberry will be serving up red wines, white wines, even wine slushies.
Check out the Antique Tractors Display, the Backyard Circus, Camel and Pony Rides, a Farmers’ Market, Free Live Music, Giant Cookie Decorating, Hay Rides, a Kiddie Tractor Maze, “Make Your Own Caramel Apple” fun (they provide a lot of toppings), even a chance for kids to slide down the “World’s Largest Piggy Bank.” Free, lively entertainment is rocking stages all weekend long, including performances by the 5 Card Studs, Too Hype Crew, Rhythm Kings, The Toys and more will be on the Bank Five Nine Amphitheater with nightly entertainment presented by Bud Light. Plus, multiple Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Shows, presented by WaterStone Bank, are also on deck.
A major feature of Harvest Fair is the massive pumpkin patch, big enough to impress Linus from Peanuts (yes, we’re going old school here.)
And, a lot more! Check their website for full schedules and details.
Wisconsin State Fair Park is in West Allis, minutes west of downtown Milwaukee. I-94 and Highways 59 and 181 border the park; I-41, I-894, U.S. 18, U.S. 45, and Highway 100 all get you close.
Harvest Fair / Maker Faire Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park
640 S. 84th Street (Highways 181 & 59)
West Allis, WI 53214
(800) 884-3247
Website
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October 30, 2021
Ghoulees in the Coulees
Norskedalen hosts Ghoulees in the Coulees events Thursday, October 28th through Saturday, October 30th, 2021 providing a fun, yet scary and haunting, experience for the whole family in this beautiful natural and cultural area near Coon Valley in southeastern La Crosse County.
At Ghoulees in the Coulees, you can take a half-mile walk through chilling and thrilling spook stations along one of their wooded trails lined by hundreds of carved, lit pumpkins. Once you navigate this, you’ll regain your wits and end up with a treat and hot apple cider at Bekkum Homestead, a historic homestead over 100 years old, illuminated only by the light of the moon and jack-‘o-lanterns.
Along with the hike, you can enjoy storytelling, fortune-telling, grabbing a snack around the roaring fireplace, and walking through the haunted barns and other buildings. While it can be fun for kids of all ages, you may want to plan earlier hikes while it’s still light out for the very young and “faint of heart.” Earlier hikes around 5-7pm, hikes are less scary (the spooks do not try to scare you, but may offer a high-five, handshake, or wave). Conversely, 7-10:30pm, hikes are SUPER SCARY. They mean it! Chilling ghost stories designed to give you goosebumps will also be told at the end of your hike, making regaining your wits tricky for some. Fortune tellers will also be there to peer into your future.
Family-friendly trick-or-treating takes place Thursday, October 28th. Norskedalen’s Ghoulees in the Coulees Haunted Hikes take place Friday and Saturday October 29th & 30th. Friday slot times range from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (note: most Friday slots are sold out already!); Saturday slot times run from 4:30 p.m. to just after 8:00 p.m.
Tickets for the hikes are $35 per person. Advance reservations are required.
You’ll find Norskedalen (which means “Norwegian Valley”) along County PI between Highway 162 and U.S. 14/61 just north of Coon Valley in southern La Crosse County. It’s a beautiful drive through the Driftess Area, right as the trees drop the rest of their colorful leaves.
Address for Ghoulees in the Coulees:
Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center
N455 O Ophus Road
Coon Valley, WI 54623
(608) 452-3424
Website
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October 23, 2021
Manty Monster Mash
Head inside the Manitowoc County Expo Center’s Merchant Building for this spook-tacular celebration that includes Trick or Treating at every vendor booth. This show is costume friendly, but not necessary! But feel free to be creative.
Admission is FREE. Parking is FREE. Fun is pretty much guaranteed.
You’ll find the Manitowoc County Expo Center just off U.S. 151 & Highway 42 on the west side of Manitowoc, right near Exit #149 off I-43. U.S. 10 comes in from the north and west, too – it’s easy to access!
Manty Monster Mash Address:
Manitowoc County Expo Grounds
4921 Expo Drive
Manitowoc, WI 54220
(920) 683-4378
Website
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October 22, 2021 – October 23, 2021
NEW Zoo Boo
Festivities for the NEW Zoo Boo run 3-8pm each day. The Adventure Park will be open for regular hours, 10am – 6pm, on all Saturdays and Sundays in October.
Regarding COVID precautions, the NEW Zoo website states: “To encourage comfortable social distancing throughout the Zoo, this year’s event will feature Timed Entries, with limited capacity for each arrival window. Guests must purchase tickets in advance that correspond to the date and time you wish to attend. Each night, guests can choose to arrive during a 60- or 90-minute arrival window, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., or from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Gates will close at 7:30 p.m., and guests can stay in the Zoo as long as they wish after arrival.”
Tickets are available at newzoo.org. Tickets are $15 per person; kids under 3 are free. Everyone aged 3 and above must have a ticket or a bar code (emailed after your online purchase) for entry. Tickets will be available at the gate each day only if they have not sold out in advance or online. Zoo Pass Members will receive one free ticket (per membership) on arrival, the same way as in past years OR Members can pickup your ticket in advance by stopping into the Zoo’s gift shop anytime during regular business hours. All other tickets needed by Members should be purchased in advance.”
The NEW Zoo Boo is accessible via U.S. 41/141 just north of Green Bay; Highways 29, 32, 54, 57, and 172 are all close by.
The NEW Zoo website offers up details, directions, and more!
NEW Zoo Boo Event Address:
4418 Reforestation Road
Green Bay, WI 54313
(920) 434-7841
Website
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October 21, 2021 – October 24, 2021
Milwaukee County Drive-Thru Boo at the Zoo
The Milwaukee County Zoo is going drive-thru again this year! The Milwaukee County Drive-Thru Boo at the Zoo lets you drive on Zoo pathways and take in a variety of Halloween-themed areas, carved pumpkins and illuminated light shows. The ride is specially designed for kids of all ages, including people who are kids at heart. The route is a 30-minute, 1.5-mile Halloween ride that travels on the wide and winding pathways through the Zoo. For safety purposes, animals are not viewable during these evenings.
New this year! Guests can trick-or-treat from their vehicles! Tasty treats will be handed-out along the route.
This event is a merry-not-scary ride, appropriate for kids of all ages, and kids at heart. Concession stops will be available along the route to purchase snacks and treats. Merchandise areas will be available to purchase a favorite memento.
The Milwaukee County Zoo is easily accessible via I-94, I-41/894, U.S. 18, U.S. 45, or Highway 100. It’s essentially in the center of all those major arteries! Enter the zoo off U.S. 18/Bluemound Road between Highway 100 and the Zoo Freeway, which is I-41/U.S. 45.
Milwaukee County Drive-Thru Boo at the Zoo Address:
Milwaukee County Zoo
10001 W. Bluemound Road (U.S. 18)
Milwaukee, WI 53226
(414) 256-5466
Website
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October 15, 2021 – October 17, 2021
Sister Bay Fall Fest
Sister Bay Fall Fest is the “granddaddy” of Door County festivals is celebrating its 75th year! The streets of this lovely Door County town along Highway 42 where Highway 57 ends will be packed with fun. Check out a Saturday Parade, a huge arts and crafts fair, plenty of food and live entertainment, and great activities for children of all ages.
Check out live music at Husby’s (which also has great Bloody Marys and is a Sister Bay Fall Fest institution – plus, check out the awesome and huge 1920 Wisconsin state map they have in there!) as well as Door County Creamery, Stabbur, and the Boathouse on the Bay, and more.The Lion’s Club Fish Boil is a yearly favorite along with Saturday’s Pancake Breakfast followed by the annual Fall Fest Parade. Explore nearly 100 different artisans’ creations and high-quality handmade crafts. These include media, fine photography, wood carvers, furniture, unique jewelry, cozy mittens & sweaters, customized signs, and fine milled soaps & lotions. Be sure to watch the Wooden Shoe carver, too! Sunday – well before the Packers-Bears game kicks off – is the return of the Derby Race. The race is held right on Highway 42 in downtown Sister Bay where girls and boys ages 7 to 13 can build (with assistance from an adult) and then race in their gravity powered cars. Get the full schedule here or on the picture to the left
Of course, businesses all over town will have specials and it’s always great to check out Sister Bay’s gorgeous shoreline, marina, and the goats on the roof at Al Johnson’s Swedish Butik & Restaurant!
Enjoy Sister Bay Fall Fest all weekend. Just take Highways 42 or 57 and you’ll get there!
Sister Bay Fall Fest Address:
Waterfront Park
2362 Mill Road
Sister Bay, WI 54234
Website
Check out the full Schedule of Events below!
Sister Bay Fall Festival Schedule of Events (click to enlarge or download)
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October 9, 2021
Port Washington Fall Festival & Love Our Great Lakes Day
Port Washington, which calls itself “Your Home Port” for a reason, it’s gorgeous in that downtown area and along the marina, hosts the annual Port Washington Fall Festival on Saturday, October 9th from 11am to 4pm. It’s a “two-fer”, though – 9:30am to 4pm it’s also Love Our Great Lakes Day.
First, the Port Washington Fall Festival celebrates the autumnal season right downtown with a farmer’s market, live music, great food and drinks, even a Fall Family Run along Franklin & Grand in downtown Port. The shops up and down the downtown streets will be ready with their offerings, and of course checking out the harbor area, Rotary Park, the marina, Coal Dock Park, Inventors Brewpub, and more are must-stops when you’re down there. The Fall Festival begins at 11am and runs full force until 4pm, with plenty of fun to follow – stick around and enjoy!
For nature and water lovers, Love Our Great Lakes Day offers a detailed examination of the waters of Lake Michigan and the other Great Lakes, with speakers and afternoon field site visits of restoration work at Mineral Springs Creek and Birchwood Hills, a bird hike through Coal Dock Park led by Observatory staff, music by the Green Sails, tours through the Heart of the Harbor and the Port Washington Exploreum, and more.
It’s easy to get to downtown Port Washington: just follow Highways 32 or 33 from I-43 or Highway 57. VISIT Port Washington‘s office is right downtown too, and you can get more information while you’re down there, or call (800) 719-4881.
Port Washington Fall Festival Address:
Grand & Franklin Avenues (Highway 32)
Port Washington, WI 53074
(800) 719-4881
Website
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October 2, 2021
Dallas Oktoberfest
It’s Oktoberfest in Dallas! Wisconsin. Yes, this hamlet of 400 tucked into the beautiful hills of Barron County hosts Valkyrie Brewing Company, and Valkyrie is hosting the 25th annual Dallas Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 2nd!
While hosted by Valkyrie, the Oktoberfest celebration will be taking place across parks and streets throughout Dallas. Enjoy everything from a pancake breakfast to a Kubb tournament. There is a car show, an arts and crafts fair, an 1860s era baseball game, a dog costume contest, wiener dog race, raffles, plenty of food, and of course tons of beer from Valkyrie Brewing. Taps will be open from 10am to 8pm at the brewery, with other stands pouring throughout the day as well.
Live music plays from noon to 5pm, with performers like KJ Country, Mark Thompson, Steve Midboe, and Weez & Hans. The Squires Band will also be cranking out polka music, which is a required for any Oktoberfest celebration.
Check out the Dallas Oktoberfest schedule right here, and make plans to hit Dallas on Saturday!
There is road construction around Dallas. You can use these directions as your guide:
– From the South, including Eau Claire & Chippewa Falls: Follow U.S. 53 to the Highway 64 exit north of Bloomer. Head west on 64 to Highway 25. Go north on Highway 25 and take a right on County Highway A to Dallas (there are detour signs, but Highway A IS complete and open to Dallas.)
– From the West: Once again, ignore the detour signs on Highway 25. Hwy A is open to Dallas from Hwy 25.
– From the North: Take U.S. 53 to the U.S. 8 exit and head west to Barron. Go south on Highway 25 to County U. Take U east and south into Dallas.
Dallas Oktoberfest Address:
234 Dallas Street (County A)
Dallas, WI 54733
Website
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September 24, 2021 – September 25, 2021
Beef-A-Rama
With Beef-A-Rama, the smell of beef fills the air and more than 12,000 people fill the streets of downtown Minocqua. For over 50 years, Beef-a-Rama™ has been a premiere event drawing visitors back year after year to join in on the one-of-a kind fun you can only find in the Northwoods.
Roasters begin cooking their signature beefs before dawn. Herds of creative festival goers dressed in cow-themed costumes start packing downtown early for the 10K and 5K Rump Roast Run and Walk along Lake Minocqua, live music, & Prime Choice Craft Show featuring more than 70 vendors.
Mooo-ve on down to Torpy Park to grab a roast beef sandwich and watch the Beef Eating Contest, Cow Pie Plop, and of course the famous Roaster Parade down main street!
Listen for the top roasters at the Awards Ceremony at 3pm following the Parade. Check for the latest itinerary online.
Minocqua is along “Wisconsin’s Backbone,” U.S. 51, just south of Highways 47 and 70.
Beef-A-Rama Address:
Torpy Park
806 U.S. Highway 51
Minocqua, WI 54548
(715) 356-5266
Website
Check out the Schedule of Events below!
Beef-A-Rama Schedule of Events:
Friday, September 24th
10am-Noon Live Radio Broadcast with WRJO at the Minocqua Area Chamber of Commerce
6:00-9:00pm Lakeland Rotary Rump Roast Run registration at American Legion Hall
6:30-9:30pm Live Music The Lincoln Boys Band and Beer Garden sponsored by The Minocqua Island Business Association at Torpy Park
Saturday, September 25th
7am Rump Roast Run Registration at the American Legion Hall
7:30am Street Closure Begins
7am-8pm Shuttles Run ($3 fee per car) from Lakeland Union High School, Hribar Corporation/Truck Country, Lakeland Hawks Ice Arena & Builders First Source
8:15am Lakeland Rotary’s Calf Mile Run for Kids
9am Lakeland Rotary’s Rump Roast Run
9am-3pm Live Radio Broadcast by WRJO at Torpy Park
9am-11:00am Live Music Red Ben and the Missing Miles at Torpy Park
9am-5pm Bouncy Houses for Kids on the lower level of Torpy Park
9am-5pm Prime Choice Craft Show on the lower level of Torpy Park
9am-5pm Official Beef-A-Rama™ apparel sales at Torpy Park
10am-5:00pm Henna, Face painting, Glitter Painting at Veterans Park
10am-9:00pm Lakeland Rotary Beer Garden on Chicago Street
10am-9:00pm Minocqua Lions Club Beer Garden at Torpy Park
10am-5pm Official Beef-A-Rama™ Sandwich Sales at Torpy Park
10am-12pm Live Music by Corey Carlson at the Rotary Beer Garden on Chicago Street
10am-3pm Kids’ Games, Bouncy Houses, and Face Painting in lower level of Torpy Park
10am-4pm Kraft’s Kuddly Kritters Petting Zoo at Veterans Park
10am-5pm Twisted Widdlin’ Fool chainsaw carving exhibition
10am Food Sales Begin Torpy Park & Chicago Street
11am-1pm Kids’ Activities at Redman Realty on Oneida Street
11am-1:45pm Judging of the Beef along Oneida Street
11am-3pm Cow Pie Plop & Mechanical Bull sponsored by Lakeland Hawks Ice Arena at Island City Ice Cream
11:00am Beef Eating Contest at Torpy Park sponsored by Associated Bank
Noon-4:00pm Live Music by The Lincoln Boys at Torpy Park
Noon-3:00 pm Live Music by Useful Jenkins at the Rotary Beer Garden on Chicago Street
3:00 pm Parade of Beef down Oneida Street from Redman Realty to Torpy Park
3:15 pm Awards Ceremony and Beef Raffle Drawing at Torpy Park
3:00-5:00 pm Live Music by Corey Carlson at the Rotary Beer Garden on Chicago Street
5pm Street Open to Traffic
4:00-8:30 pm Live Music Reality Bites sponsored by the Minocqua Lions Club at Torpy Park
5-9:00pm Live Music Whitehouse Players at the Rotary Beer Garden on Chicago Street
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September 18, 2021
Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest
Chippewa Falls is plenty of fun any time of the year, but as summer turns to fall Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest hits the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds and the party really starts! This year, Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest runs Friday, September 16th and Saturday, September 17th, 2022.
This year will bring more kids’ activities and Glockenspiel acts, as well as some of our favorite competitions, such as stein holding, sauerkraut eating, and keg rolling. The weekend kicks off in earnest with the Festmeister and Festmeisterin being announced at the Leinenkugel grounds at 12:00 noon on Friday, followed by the Golden Keg procession to the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds and the tapping of the Golden Keg. Festival goers can enjoy four stages, over 30 entertainers, vendors, authentic foods, and plenty of dancing. And of course, plenty of Gemütlichkeit!
Admission to Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest is $10 at the gate; kids 12 and under get in free. You can buy wristbands, parking, multi-day deals, merch, and more here.
Chippewa Falls is easy to get to! The Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds are right along Highway 124 (U.S. 53 back in the day), just north of Business Highway 29. Today’s U.S. 53 freeway, Highway 29 freeway, and Highway 178 all bring you to Chippewa Falls, too. It’s only about 15 minutes north of Eau Claire off I-94, too.
A Schedule of Events is below!
Here’s this year’s Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest Schedule of Events (.pdf):
FRIDAY
11:00 am – 11:00 pm Grounds Open
11:00 am- 8:45 pm Souvenir Haus Open
Noon Announcement of 2022 Festmeister and Festmeisterin Golden Keg Procession from the Leinenkugel Brewery
1:30 pm – 8:00 pm Boxx Sanitation’s Kid’s Kingdom and Games Open
Northwestern Bank Hauptfestzelt – Main Entertainment Tent
Upon Entrance: Golden Keg Tap
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm The Bavarian Musikmeisters
3:30 pm – 6:30 pm Brass Barn Polka Band
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm Brian Bruggen & The Mississippi Valley Dutchmen
Festival Foods Oktoberfest Pavilion
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Marshall Star Band
4:30 pm – 7:00 pm Lovin’ Country
7:30 pm – 11:00 pm Bear Creek Band
Leinie Lodge Biergarten
1:00 pm – 3:30 pm Rhythm Playboys
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm The Bockfest Boys
7:30 pm – 11:00 pm Drop Tailgate
Glockenspiel Stage
3:00 pm Glockenspiel Show sponsored by Great Northern Corporation
6:00 pm Stein Holding Competition
Famileintreff (Family Fun) Building
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm The Spoon Man
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Face Painting
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm Kevin Hall, Magician
5:15 pm – 5:45 pm Cale the Juggler
6:00 pm – 6:30 pm The Spoon Man
6:45 pm – 7:15 pm Kevin Hall, Magician
7:30 pm – 8:00 pm Cale the Juggler
8:00 pm Sauerkraut Eating Competition
SATURDAY
11:00 am- 11:00 pm Grounds Open
11:00 am Boxx Sanitation’s Kid’s Kingdom & Games, Art Area Open
11:00 am – 8:45 pm Souvenir Haus Open
1:00 pm Sheepshead & Euchre Card Tournament
2:00 pm Hoeft Brothers Keg Rolling Competition
3:00 pm On Grounds Parade
Northwestern Bank Hauptfestzelt – Main Entertainment Tent
11:00 am – 2:00 pm Jim Busta Band
3:30 pm – 6:30 pm Blaskapelle Milwaukee
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm LIVEWire
Festival Foods Oktoberfest Pavilion
11:00 am – 2:45 pm Troppo Big Band
3:30 pm – 6:30 pm Schnapps und Tanz Oktoberfest Band
7:30 pm – 11:00 pm The Justmann Band
Leinie Lodge Biergarten
12:00 pm- 3:00 pm Sean & Ian Okamoto
3:30 pm – 6:30 pm Gary’s Ridgeland Dutchmen
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm Legacy of the Loud
Glockenspiel Stage
4:00 pm Glockenspiel Show sponsored by Great Northern Corporation
6:00 pm Stein Holding Competition
9:00 pm Glockenspiel Show sponsored by Great Northern Corporation
Familientreff (Family Fun) Stage
11:00am – 2:00 pm Bird Haus Making – Optimist Club
12:00pm – 4:00pm Balloon Artist David Olson
12:00pm – 7:00 pm Face Painting
11:45am – 12:15am Magician, Kristopher Olson
12:30pm – 1:00 pm The Spoon Man
1:00pm German Star Making Demonstration
1:15pm – 1:45pm Cale the Juggler
2:00pm Scherenschnitte Demonstration
2:00pm – 2:30pm Magician, Kristopher Olson
2:30pm – 3:00pm Kinder Kostume Fashion Show (Kid’s Ethnic Attire)
3:30pm Dumpling Making Demonstration
3:30pm – 4:00pm Cale the Juggler
4:15pm – 5:00pm Magician, Kristopher Olson
4:30pm Sauerkraut Making Demonstration
5:15pm – 5:45pm The Spoon Man
6:00pm – 6:30pm Cale the Juggler
7:00pm Kid’s Sauerkraut Eating Contest
7:30pm Meet the Oktoberfest Royalty
7:45pm Sauerkraut Eating Contest
Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest Address:
Northern Wisconsin State Fair
331 Jefferson Avenue
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
(866) 723-0340
Website
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September 18, 2021 – September 19, 2021
Wo-Zha-Wa Days
“Wo-Zha-Wa” means “fun time” in the Ho-Chunk language, and Wisconsin Dells offers just that September 17-19! As one of the largest festivals in Wisconsin, Wo-Zha-Wa is a three day extravaganza with delicious food, a 100-unit parade, rousing live music, and arts and crafts that everyone can enjoy.
Wo-Zha-Wa’s flea market (Maxwell Street Days) always has new novel items to check out including gourmet dog treats, hand-made works of art, custom pieces of jewelry, organic cosmetics, and wood flowers made before your eyes. You can stroll through all these different stalls while chowing down on some of the festival’s favorite culinary treats, like kettle corn and alligator on a stick.
The whole family can enjoy themselves at Wo-Zha-Wa. The yearly Wo-Zha-Wa parade is a spectacle filled with floats, performers, and music that fills the entire street. The carnival rides are always a hit with the kids, who always get a thrill on the rides’ twists, turns, and spins.
When you attend, you’re invited to participate in a street carnival with refreshment concessions and the Wo-Zha-Wa Run, Wisconsin’s oldest long-distance race. Runners can take part in the challenging half-marathon course, or the fast-paced four-mile run.
Festival admission is free, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t go to this Wisconsin favorite!
All activities located in Downtown Wisconsin Dells & Bowman Park.
You can get to the Dells easily, of course: I-90/94, U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23 all bring you there. Check their website for full details!
Here’s a video from a previous year of Wo-Zha-Wa Days to give you an idea:
Schedule of Events:
Friday, September 17
All Day Concessions and Carnival Rides
8 am – 5 pm Maxwell Street Days
8 am – 6 pm Antique Flea Market
Noon – 5 pm Arts & Crafts Fair
Saturday, September 18
All Day Concessions and Carnival Rides
8 am – 5 pm Maxwell Street Days
8 am Wo-Zha-Wa Run
8 am – 6 pm Antique Flea Market
9am – 5 pm Arts & Crafts Fair
Sunday, September 19
All Day Concessions and Carnival Rides
8 am – 3 pm Maxwell Street Days
8 am – 3 pm Antique Flea Market
9 am – 3 pm Arts & Crafts Fair
1:30 pm 100-unit Parade
Wo-Zha-Wa Days Address:
Website
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October 24, 2020
Oak Creek Fall Festival
Oak Creek Fall Festival is the city’s annual harvest tradition, taking place throughout the Drexel Town Square complex! It’s an outdoor event that celebrates everything autumn on Saturday, October 24th from 9am to 6pm. Family-friendly events will feature pumpkin decorating, vendor booths, and more!
Check out live music, including the Five Card Studs from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. and SuperFly from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Activities around Drexel Town Square include:
They ask that you please wear a mask when in line or walking around Oak Creek Fall Festival; masks can be removed when sitting at your table. They will monitor for social distancing, and will frequently clean common touchpoints (tables, bathrooms, etc.). Hand sanitizer will be provided at the event!
Great shops, bars, and restaurants are located in and right around Drexel Town Square; feel free to imbibe and enjoy in as many as possible. You’ll find Drexel Town Square along Drexel Avenue, just west of Highway 38/Howell Avenue, 1 1/2 miles east of I-41/94 (where you’ll also find IKEA) and two miles north of Highway 100/Ryan Road.
Oak Creek Fall Festival Address:
Drexel Town Square
361 W. Town Square Way
Oak Creek, WI 53154
Website
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October 7, 2020 – November 1, 2020
Halloween Glow Drive-Thru at Racine Zoo
It’s a spooktacular experience filled with light displays and ghostly charms at the Halloween Glow Drive-Thru at Racine Zoo, running October 7th through November 1st, 2020! Enjoy this “illuminated Halloween adventure” from the safety and comfort of your vehicle. Just follow the dedicated light pathway and be prepared for surprises – but they’re all family friendly.
Halloween Glow is open Wednesdays – Sundays from 6pm to 9pm; admission is $5 per person at the gate. Children 2 years and younger are admitted FREE. Proceeds benefit Racine Zoo’s animals and programs.
You’ll find the Racine Zoo just north of downtown Racine. It’s along Main Street and Goold, abutting Lake Michigan just east of Highways 32 and 38. Highways 11 and 20 also bring you into the Belle City, all about 8 miles east of I-41/94.
Halloween Glow Address:
Racine Zoo
200 Goold Street
Racine, WI 53402
(262) 636-9189
Website
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