Plan a Wisconsin road trip to Brat Days, DAS Fest, Mile of Music, Cherry Fest, even Packers Family Night coming up!
This week offers just about every kind of Wisconsin road-trip experience: food traditions in Sheboygan, German culture in Kenosha County, original music in Appleton and Madison, cherries in Door County, cultural celebrations in Milwaukee and Wausau, and two of the state’s biggest traditions beginning in Green Bay and West Allis.
Check event websites before leaving for the latest schedules, ticket availability, parking information and possible weather-related changes. Then gather your traveling companions, choose a destination and enjoy another great Wisconsin weekend.
Pick Some Roads and GO!!
10 Wisconsin Events Worth a Road Trip: July 31–August 7, 2026
Looking for Wisconsin events this weekend and into the first week of August? This is one of those weeks when you can celebrate bratwurst in Sheboygan, hear hundreds of original musicians in Appleton, explore German traditions in Kenosha County, enjoy cherries in Door County and welcome the Packers back to Lambeau Field.
The Wisconsin State Fair also opens for its historic 175th celebration, while Madison, Milwaukee, Marshfield and Wausau offer music, art and cultural festivals of their own.
Here are 10 major Wisconsin festivals and events happening July 31 through August 7, 2026. Pick some roads and GO!!
1. Sheboygan: Johnsonville Brat Days
When: Friday, July 31–Saturday, August 1
Where: Kiwanis Park and downtown Sheboygan
Road trip routes: I-43 and Highways 23, 28 and 42
Sheboygan reinforces its reputation as the Bratwurst Capital of the World with the 73rd annual Johnsonville Brat Days. Admission and live music are free, leaving you more money for brats prepared in just about every way imaginable.
Friday’s music includes The Lonely Sidekick, Pat McCurdy and Too Hype Crew. Saturday starts with the downtown Brat Days Parade at 9:00 a.m., followed by music from the Ryan Kautzer Band, family activities, a bike playground, magic, cornhole and the famous Brat-Eating Contest. Evening entertainment includes Glam Band and The Fame Monster.
Brat Days has been celebrating Sheboygan since 1953, making it a tasty combination of local history, Wisconsin food culture and summer festival fun.
2. Appleton: Mile of Music Festival
When: Thursday, July 30–Sunday, August 2
Where: Downtown Appleton
Road trip routes: I-41 and Highways 47, 96 and 125
Downtown Appleton becomes one enormous music venue during Mile of Music, a free festival dedicated primarily to original music rather than cover bands.
The 13th edition of Mile of Music features around 200 performing artists spread among approximately 35 indoor and outdoor venues along and near College Avenue. Performances range from singer-songwriters and Americana to rock, blues, folk, country, soul and other genres.
Many venues are open to all ages, although some bars and clubs are restricted to guests 21 and older. With music happening from morning workshops through late-night performances, it is easy to stroll College Avenue and build your own festival itinerary as you go.
3. Kenosha County: PROST! DAS Fest Wisconsin
When: Friday, July 31–Sunday, August 2
Where: Kenosha County Fairgrounds, Wilmot
Road trip routes: I-94 and Highways 50, 83 and W
Break out the lederhosen and dirndls for Das Fest Wisconsin, a three-day German-American summertime celebration at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds.
The festival combines German and American bands, ethnic dance groups, traditional food, beer, stein-hoisting contests, Hammerschlagen, dachshund races, bingo and carnival attractions. Multiple stages and more than a dozen bands provide a steady supply of polkas, party music and opportunities to dance.
Hours are 3:00–10:00 p.m. Friday, 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Saturday and 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 for guests 16 and older, while children 15 and younger are admitted free. Free parking is available in the north lot.
4. Jacksonport: Door County Cherry Fest
When: Saturday, August 1, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Where: Lakeside Park in Jacksonport
Road trip route: Highway 57
Door County’s famous cherry-growing heritage takes center stage during Cherry Fest along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Jacksonport, on the “quiet side” of the peninsula – or as we call it, the Highway 57 State Trunk Tour.
Naturally, plenty of cherry treats await, including cherry pie, cherry kolaches, jams, pie filling and ice cream sundaes. Visitors can also browse a juried arts and crafts fair featuring artists and makers from around the Midwest.
Food booths, children’s activities, historical displays, live entertainment and a classic car show add to the festivities. Admission is free, and Lakeside Park sits directly along Highway 57, making Cherry Fest an easy addition to a Door County road trip.
5. Madison: Sugar Maple Music Festival
When: Friday, July 31–Saturday, August 1
Where: William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park
Road trip routes: I-39/90, U.S. 12/18 and U.S. 151
The Sugar Maple Music Festival celebrates American roots music with two days of outdoor performances, workshops, dancing and informal jam sessions.
The 2026 lineup includes Hot Club of Cowtown, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Special Consensus, Jerron Paxton and Dennis Lichtman, Mark Schatz and Bryan McDowell, Magnolia Sisters, Tall Poppy String Band, MadFiddle and several additional performers.
Sugar Maple is more intimate and interactive than many large music festivals. Guests can hear bluegrass, old-time music, Cajun sounds, fiddle tunes and roots-oriented country while learning about the musical traditions behind the performances. Children’s programming and free admission for younger guests make it a strong family option, too.
6. Milwaukee: Bronzeville Week
When: Saturday, August 1–Saturday, August 8
Where: Milwaukee’s Bronzeville district
Road trip routes: I-43 and Highways 32 and 145
Milwaukee’s annual Bronzeville Week celebrates African American history, culture, art, business and entertainment throughout one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods.
The week begins August 1 and features a variety of performances, exhibits, community activities, food events, educational programs and opportunities to support neighborhood businesses. One of the biggest gatherings is the Bronzeville Cultural and Arts Festival on Sunday, August 2.
Additional 2026 events include a gallery night, natural-hair demonstrations, a fashion show and the Together We Dream Bronzeville Art Walk. Visitors can also explore the neighborhood’s restaurants, shops, murals and cultural landmarks along and near Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
7. Wausau: Hmong Wausau Festival
When: Saturday, August 1–Sunday, August 2
Where: People’s Sports Complex, 602 East Kent Street
Road trip routes: I-39/U.S. 51 and Highway 29
Music, dancing, sports and traditional food come together during the annual Hmong Wausau Festival.
The festival was created to preserve and promote Hmong culture while welcoming people from throughout central Wisconsin and beyond to experience its traditions. Cultural performances and music share the schedule with food vendors, community activities and competitive sports.
Soccer, volleyball and other tournaments are a significant part of the weekend, turning the People’s Sports Complex into a busy gathering place for athletes, families and spectators. The festival runs from approximately 10:00 a.m. Saturday through Sunday evening.
8. Marshfield: Hub City Concert Series Finale
When: Friday, July 31, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Wenzel Family Plaza in downtown Marshfield
Road trip routes: U.S. 10 and Highways 13 and 97
Marshfield wraps up its summer Hub City Concert Series with a free doubleheader at Wenzel Family Plaza.
Watt Millians begin the evening at 6:00 p.m., followed by Brett Newski & the Bad Inventions at 7:00 p.m. Newski brings an energetic combination of alternative rock, power pop and singer-songwriter storytelling to the downtown stage.
Food and beverages will be available, and the plaza provides an inviting setting within walking distance of downtown Marshfield’s restaurants and shops. While smaller than some festivals on this list, the finale offers an easy, free evening road trip in central Wisconsin.
9. West Allis: The Wisconsin State Fair Opens
When: Thursday, August 6–Sunday, August 16
Where: Wisconsin State Fair Park
Road trip routes: I-94, U.S. 45 and Highway 100
The Wisconsin State Fair opens Thursday for 11 days of rides, animals, entertainment, competitions and foods that you probably will not encounter anywhere else.
The 2026 fair marks an impressive 175 years of Wisconsin State Fair tradition. Visitors can explore livestock barns, agricultural exhibits, shopping marketplaces, family attractions, contests, amusement rides and dozens of stages offering entertainment included with fair admission.
Then there is the food. Cream puffs remain the essential State Fair treat, but hundreds of additional options range from classic corn dogs and cheese curds to imaginative new creations served on sticks, inside doughnuts or covered with sauces nobody knew existed.
The fair runs through August 16, but visiting during its opening days can be a good way to start August with a true Wisconsin tradition. Especially with the wild food and drink combos!
10. Green Bay: Packers Family Night at Lambeau Field
When: Friday, August 7
Where: Lambeau Field
Road trip routes: I-41, I-43 and Highways 29, 32 and 57
Football season begins to feel real when the Green Bay Packers take the field for the 25th annual Packers Family Night at Lambeau Field.
Family Night features a full team practice in front of a capacity crowd, giving fans an early look at the 2026 Packers. Stadium doors open at 5:30 p.m., the team begins warmups at 7:00 and practice starts at 7:30.
The atmosphere resembles a Packers game, complete with music, entertainment and thousands of fans filling Lambeau Field on a summer evening. Family-friendly activities will also take place earlier in the day at nearby Titletown.
Tickets are priced at $10 plus applicable fees. Fans making the trip can combine Family Night with visits to the Packers Hall of Fame, Lambeau Field Atrium, Titletown and the growing collection of restaurants and attractions surrounding the stadium district.
