Enjoy some Friday night fun during First Fridays Racine, taking place along Main Street in Downtown Racine from May – December from 4-9pm! It happens throughout the downtown area, centered on Monument Square where Highways 20 and 38 cap the ends of a main thoroughfare that is Highway 32.
Friday, September 5th, 2025 is next for First Fridays Racine
The next First Fridays in 2025 will take place Friday (of course), September 5th from 4 pm to 9 pm. The theme is Country!
Get your boots and cowboy hats ready, because their vibrant community of merchants, restaurants, and bars is ready to roll out the red carpet with a shopping and dining experience that’s bigger and better than ever.
Enjoy Live Country Music at Monument Square by the Roundabouts and toe-tapping, boot-stomping country tunes on Monument Square
First Fridays are your golden ticket to keeping the energy alive and the fun rolling, month after month. From June through December of 2025, each month introduces a fresh new theme, ensuring that Downtown Racine continues to pulse with excitement, community spirit, and celebration.
Live music will fill the air at all your favorite downtown spots like Brickhouse, The Ivanhoe, Marci’s on Main, Reefpoint Brew House, Dimples, Chartroom, and Uncorkt. First Fridays are more than just an event – they’re a celebration of our thriving community, our rich culture, and the lively spirit that defines Downtown Racine.
Parking is conveniently available at the Lake Avenue Ramp (300 Lake Avenue), Civic Centre Ramp (501 Lake Avenue), and the McMynn Ramp (120 7th Street) or Shoop (Main & State) for an all-day rate of only $4.00.
In addition to First Fridays, check out the rest of downtown Racine. Right along the shores of Lake Michigan you can explore Reefpoint Marina, North Beach, the Racine Zoo, the new boutique Hotel Verdant, Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and SC Johnson sites.
Take the drive to where Highways 11, 20, 32, and 38 come together in downtown Racine. Enjoy happy people taking in the best of what downtown Racine has to offer! Check out the First Fridays Racine website for more details.
First Fridays Racine Address:
Monument Square
100 Main Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 634-4287 Website
Sister Bay has a beautiful marina along the waters of Green Bay. Hit the end of Highway 57 along Highway 42 for Marina Fest, which features live entertainment, plenty of food and drink, a water ski show by the Waterboard Warriors, a fireworks show, easy access to Al Johnson’s show you can watch goats on the roof, and more!
Sister Bay Marina Fest Schedule of Events
SATURDAY, AUG 30th
7:30 – 10 AM: Pancake Breakfast Presented by the Sister Bay & Liberty Grove Fire Department
8 AM – 4 PM: Used Book Sale
9 AM – 4 PM: Vintage Boat Show
9 AM – 5 PM: Arts & Crafts Fair with Stained Glass Mosaic Workshop
10 AM – 6 PM: Kid’s Bouncy Houses
11 AM – 4 PM: Kid’s Boat Building with the Lions Club
11 AM – 8 PM: Food Court
12 – 1:30 PM: Kid’s Ages 4-12 Pedal Tractor Pull – Presented by Peach Barn (Registration begins at 11 AM )
1 – 4 PM: Performance by Mistrial
4 – 7 PM: Performance by Modern Day Drifters
3:30 – 5 PM: Kid’s Ages 4-12 Pedal Tractor Pull Presented by Peach Barn (Registration begins at 2:30 PM)
7 – 10 PM: Performance by Big Mouth and the Power Tool Horns
Dusk: Fireworks Presented by Wild Tomato
SUNDAY, AUG 31st
9 AM – 5 PM: Arts & Crafts Fair
10 AM – 2 PM: Used Book Sale
10 AM – 6 PM: Kid’s Bouncy Houses
11 AM – 8 PM: Food Court
12 – 3 PM: Performance by Conscious Pilot
4 – 7 PM: Performance by Second Hand Stereo
Sister Bay Marina Fest Address:
Marina Park
10733 Wisconsin Highway 42 / Bay Shore Drive
Sister Bay, WI 54234
(920) 854-2812 Website
One of three “State Fairs” in Wisconsin, the Central Wisconsin State Fair takes place in Marshfield August 19-24, 2025 on the grounds that also feature the “World’s Largest Round Barn.” The Central Wisconsin State Fair has also been refreshing its equipment with new rides and games to enhance the experience!
Headliners include:
Chris Kroeze Wednesday night, August 20th
Hairball Thursday night, August 21st
Justin Moore Friday night, August 22nd
Halestorm Saturday night, August 23rd
Rice Rodeo, Sunday, August 24th at 3pm
This Fair also features 4-H and open class exhibits, free grandstand entertainment with gate admission, the Round Barn Express train, Junior Fair Market Animal Sale, 13th annual Kiss a Critter Contest, the Dress-A-Cow Contest, midway carnival rides, commercial exhibits and special programs, food and beer gardens, and more. This six-day extravaganza is definitely worth checking out if you want to hit the lovely city of Marshfield in the central part of the state (hence, the event’s name).
Central Wisconsin State Fair’s Round Barn Express Train
U.S. 10 and Highways 13, 80, and 97 all hit Marshfield, Wisconsin (“Hub City”) and the Central Wisconsin State Fair grounds are on the south side of town, a few blocks east of Central Avenue (Bus. Hwy 13) and the Wildwood Zoo. Also check out Central Avenue and the downtown district, the Blue Heron Brewpub, and a plenty of other things and to see and do around Hub City. Get more ideas from Visit Marshfield here!
Check their website for the complete entertainment lineup, ticket specials, and more!
Central Wisconsin State Fair Address:
Wood County Fairgrounds
513 E. 17th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 387-1261 Website
The World’s Largest celebration of Celtic music and culture, the 43rd Milwaukee Irish Fest happens Thursday, August 14th through Sunday, August 17th on Milwaukee’s lakefront! An amazing array of musical artists in Irish and Celtic music fill several stages.
Other Irish Fest activities include a Baking Contest, Photo and Poetry Contests, and “Red Hair & Freckles” Contest, a “Celtic Canines” exhibit, the Jameson Lounge (for whiskey tastings), a Marketplace filled with Irish crafts and other items from over 90 vendors, a Cultural Village, and much more.
Saturday the 16th features a 5K Run/Walk to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Later that day you can enjoy the Lesaffre/Red Star Yeast Baking Contest. Dog lovers can check out Milwaukee Irish Fest’s Celtic Canine Area; this unique area gives you the chance to see and pet some of Ireland’s most popular dog breeds, meet and talk with some of the Midwest’s top breeders, and learn about grooming, general care and training. The Irish dog breeds include Irish Wolfhounds, Irish Terriers, Irish Red Setters, Irish Red and White Setters, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers, Irish Water Spaniels, Kerry Blue Terriers and Kerry Beagles. The Celtic Canines will be on display Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Saturday from noon to 7 p.m., and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For a full lineup of activities and deals for everything else, check out the Irish Fest website!
You can reach Irish Fest at Henry Maier Festival Park (aka the Summerfest grounds) along Milwaukee’s lakefront via I-794 and U.S. 18 most directly. Highways 32, 38, 59, and 145 all bring you within a mile of the grounds.
Milwaukee Irish Fest Address:
Henry Maier Festival Park (aka Summerfest Grounds)
200 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 476-3378 Website
Lake Geneva knows how to throw a great party, and the 63rd annual Lake Geneva Venetian Fest – sponsored by the Lake Geneva Jaycees and running from Wednesday, August 13th through Sunday, August 17th – is a prime example! Five days of fun in town and along the shores of Geneva Lake awaits with a carnival, an arts and crafts fair, a Saturday water ski show, and the Sunday lighted boat parade complete with fireworks to cap it all off.
The Arts & Crafts Fair is returning to Venetian Fest and features over 110 exhibitors. It runs Saturday from 10am – 5pm and Sunday from 10am – 4pm in Library Park, right along Highway 50/Main Street along the lake on the west edge of downtown, just down from The Riviera. Details…
The Lake Geneva Venetian Festival Carnival offers family fun via “Mr. Ed’s Magical Midways” and is open every day of the festival: Wednesday-Thursday 5pm to 10:30pm, Friday 5pm – 11:30pm, Saturday Noon to 11:30pm, and Sunday Noon to 10:30pm.
Saturday you can experience the Baggo Tournament, which takes place at the Entertainment Pavilion in Flatiron Park. It’s a double elimination straight to 21. It starts at 11:30am Saturday and runs until about 3pm.
Check out the Lumberjack Show!
New last year the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack show is back and should be yet another great bit of entertainment for families of all sizes and ages. From log rolling, axe throwing, and wood-cutting, to chainsaw vs cross-cut racing, and quick chainsaw carving, there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you want great old-fashioned fun and family entertainment, the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show is where you’ll want to be.
New this year: Car Show! The inaugural Car Show run at Venetian Fest Sunday from 11am-3pm at Seminary Park, a great thing to check out ahead of all the bands, water ski shows, the lighted boat parade, and the fireworks that evening!
Sunday is the topper, with all the Carnival and Arts & Crafts Fair activities, THREE performers covering live music, and the Lake Geneva Jaycees Water Ski Show featuring the Wonder Lake Ski Team. They’ll perform on Geneva Lake right by the Riviera starting at 6pm. At dusk, the Lighted Boat Parade begins with the theme this year being “Rat Pack” for Lake Geneva Venetian Fest’s 61st anniversary. It concludes with fireworks following the parade.
All of this fun is in downtown Lake Geneva, which is easily accessed via U.S. 12 or Highways 50 and 120. Highway 67 brings you close, as it runs along the west side of Geneva Lake. Make it a road trip destination the weekend of August 14th-18th!
Lake Geneva Venetian Fest Address:
Downtown Lake Geneva, centered at Riviera Ballroom
821 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147 Website
One of the nation’s great fairs, the Wisconsin State Fair runs July 31 – August 10, 2025 on the Wisconsin State Fair Park grounds in West Allis. Everything from the animals to rides, concerts, exhibits, and tasty food and beverages are yours for the taking!
Updates to the Central Mall area include with a new look and ample seating. The rides and games at SpinCity are in full swing, and they include a super assortment of over 40 rides and 25 games with chances to win plenty of prizes!
The Fairgrounds will have plenty of street performers and entertainers, but of course the excellent live music is a huge draw. There are two primary performance stages at Wisconsin State Fair: the Main Stage, which uses the Milwaukee Mile track and bleachers for seating, and the Bank Five Nine Amphitheater, which is near the Central Mall.
As always, the State Fair will feature a huge variety of animals from farms all across the state, letting you learn more about and even interact with some – from cows to chickens and rabbits to llamas, ostrich, goats, and more! Check out prize-winning exhibits, including art competitions, farming competitions, even one for the best alcohol-infused pie. Other exhibits include those for barn quilts, horticulture, textile, craft, and culinary exhibits, and even the Young People’s Art Exhibit.
ALL. THE. FOOD.
You will not go hungry: favorite foods at the Fair include the roasted corn, corn dogs, flavored milks, all kinds of creative deep-fried foods, sausages, as much as you can imagine on a stick, and the legendary Wisconsin cream puffs that become a “must have” for attendees needing their true dairy (and carb) fix! They get more eclectic with things like deep-fried bull testicles (listed as “Rocky Mountain Oysters” on the menu at Big Sky Country Bar & Grill), ants on a stick (literally), and earthworm and cricket jerky. But hey, it’s up to you. Last year’s “Sporkies” winner was the Deep Fried Lemonade Bites from Saz’s BBQ.
OTHER FOODS at State Fair include an Apple Crunch Cheesecake Quesadilla from the Mexican Grill, BBQ Mac Tater Tots from Jayme’s Chipstix, the Caramel Turtle Pretzel at Gertrude’s Fresh Pretzels, Loaded Baked Potato with Bacon Pizza from Pistol Pete’s, Prime Rib Sliders at Leadfoots Race Bar & Grill, the Unicorn Beer Float at Slim McGinn’s Irish Pub, and about 60 other choices!
The Milwaukee Mile race track, which hosts races, auto testing, and more throughout the year is just one of the places you can park – which is cool, since you can walk on and check out this legendary oval, the oldest continuously operating raceway in the world.
Get more details here. This is definitely one of the best State Fairs in the nation!
Check out this map of Wisconsin State Fair… you can enlarge it by clicking on it or get a printable .pdf HERE.
Wisconsin State Fair Park is in West Allis, less than ten minutes from downtown Milwaukee. Bordered on the south by Highway 59/Greenfield Ave., on the west by Highway 181/84th Street, on the north by I-94, and on the east by 76th Street. U.S. 18/Bluemound Road comes close to the north, I-41/U.S. 45 and then Highway 100 skim by 2 miles to the west, and Highway 175 is about 2 miles east as it passes Miller Park. There are a lot of great ways to get to the Park!
Wisconsin State Fair Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park
640 S. 84th Street (Highway 181 at Highway 59)
West Allis, WI 53214
(414) 266-7000 Website
All over Kenosha’s beautiful harbor area, you’ll find the Taste of Wisconsin July 25th-27th this year. There’s plenty to eat, drink, and do with over 40 food vendors, four beverage gardens, 75+ musical artists playing across four different stages, and a Kid Zone. The Demonstration Center offers a look at all kinds of foods and products for making awesome culinary delights – or just quick, tasty meals – from a number of chefs and others who show you how to make magic in the kitchen… or on the grill, at the campsite – wherever you want to prepare food.
Admission is FREE for everybody! And while you can enjoy great food, music, and more, you can also explore the HarborPark area, the Kenosha Public Museum, the Civil War Museum, the Dinosaur Discovery Museum, the Southport Light Station & Museum, take rides on the Kenosha Trolley, and more! Taste of Wisconsin happens in Kenosha’s HarborPark area on the edge of downtown. You’ll find it just east of Highway 32 between the east ends of Highways 50 and 158. Enjoy!
Taste of Wisconsin covers a lot of ground in Kenosha’s HarborPark area, right downtown. They need a lot of room for all that food and music! Photo courtesy of the Kenosha News.
Taste of Wisconsin Address:
HarborPark
5400 6th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 496-9400 Website
Marshfield is known as “Hub City” and its 19th annual Hub City Days celebrates the city’s heritage, present, and future. Check out a weekend of fun July 24-26, 2025, including a big screen movie shown right on Central Avenue and Wenzel Family Plaza!
The massive Car & Bike Show, Family Zone with bounce houses and kids’ games, the Craft Show, the Brew Fest and Beer Garden, tons of live music and more are all ready!
The Hub City Brew Fest will feature craft beers from all over Wisconsin and the Midwest! The Car Show will be right on Central Avenue (Historic Highway 13).
You can reach Marshfield via U.S. 10 or Highways 13, 80, and 97. It’s right in the center of Wisconsin, hence the name “Hub City”!
Hub City Days Schedule:
Thursday, July 24th
DOWNTOWN BUSINESS AFTER 5
5 – 7 PM | Elk’s Club
Main Street welcomes MACCI’s monthly business networking event downtown to kick off Hub City Days! Enjoy live music with Curtis Samuel, appetizers, and drinks.
Questions? Contact MACCI: (715) 384-3454
MOVIE IN THE PLAZA
Dusk | Wenzel Family Plaza
Grab some fundraiser concessions alfresco in the Wenzel Family Plaza. Don’t forget your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and your fam! Movie hint: “Smile, Smile,”, Rated PG
Books will be given to kids in attendance thanks to the generosity of the Friends of Marshfield Public Library. (One per household while supplies last.)
Friday, July 25th
SHOP HOP
5 – 7 PM | Downtown Marshfield
Streets will be closed to traffic Central Ave – Veteran’s to 4th St. for pedestrians to enjoy evening shopping and dining downtown.
+ Wander the streets to discover more!
Win Hub City Brew Fest tickets! *Shop downtown this evening and bring your receipt to the Main Street Marshfield tent at Wenzel Family Plaza between 7-9 p.m. You’ll receive an entry for each receipt you show with your 21+ ID. Winners will be announced at 9 p.m. Tickets will be held at Hub City Brew Fest for those not present for the announcement.*
BIKE CRUISE & BIKE ACTIVITIES
5:30-7 PM | Downtown Marshfield
Enjoy a group bicycle ride into downtown from a predetermined Marshfield trail location (TBD). Once downtown, park your bike to shop & dine or enjoy a variety of bike activities set up on Central Ave, including a safety station, local trail updates, summer community ride info, and the bikeshare program. All group ride participants earn a free ice cream at Hiller’s Ice Cream Bike, located near Northside Cycle.
HUB CITY CONCERT SERIES FEATURING ADAM GRUEL AND THE SPACE BURRITOS
7 – 10 PM | Wenzel Family Plaza
Grab your picnic blanket or lawn chairs for a leisurely night out on the grass. Main Street Marshfield will be selling beer, seltzer, and soft drinks to raise funds for downtown events and programming!
Saturday, July 26th
CAR SHOW
10 AM – 3 PM | Downtown Marshfield
The Hub City Days Car Show spans over 10 city blocks, features 500+ car/bike entries, a live DJ, kids games, tons of door prizes, free t-shirts for veterans, veteran appreciation raffle (2 PM), and kids-only raffle (2 PM). It’s the car show you can’t miss! Car show vehicle awards are presented at 3 PM. Car show vehicle registration is free with a suggested donation of a non-perishable food item.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT & BEER GARDEN
11 AM – 11 PM | Wenzel Family Plaza
Enjoy live music with no cover charge! Bands will play 11 AM to 11 PM thanks to our day stage sponsor, Prevail Bank, and main stage sponsors, Marshfield Insurance & West Bend.
11 AM – 3 PM Live Music: Modern Throwback
3 – 7 PM Live Music: Tim Dorsey
7 – 11 PM Live Music: Shirts and Skins
Rain location: Central WI Fairgrounds Expo Building
HUB CITY BREW FEST
12 – 3 PM | Wenzel Family Plaza
Participants receive a souvenir pint glass. Enjoy seating and beer tasting exclusive to Brew Fest attendees. $30/ticket. Tickets on sale here: eventbrite.com
Rain location: Central WI Fairgrounds Expo Building
HORSE POWER SHOW
10 AM – 3 PM | Upham Mansion
Visit the Governor Upham House and walk through an exhibit of horse-drawn carriages dating from the early 1900s.
FAMILY ZONE
10 AM – 3 PM | Veteran’s Park
Find family fun at the Family Zone! Kiddie Cars, Marshfield Fire Dept, Hiller’s Bounce Houses, face painting, and more all in the relaxing shade of Veteran’s Park. Reis Martial Arts’ demonstrations will begin at 11AM. Performances by Main Street Conservatory of Dance will begin at 12PM and 1PM.
NEW: HUB CITY DAYS CRAFT SHOW
10 AM – 3 PM | 100 Block of South Central Avenue Peruse local craft vendors conveniently located near live music and the start of the car show. Wander through the sidewalks to see what local shops have in store for the day and take something home to commemorate the event.
You can easily reach Marshfield via U.S. 10 or Highways 13, 80, and 97. Head to the Hub!
Check out our State Trunk Tour Marshfield Podcast with Matt McLean from VISIT Marshfield, where we talk Hub City Days, the city and all the things to do and see in it, here or stream it below!
The Milwaukee Air & Water Show, sponsored by Waterstone Bank, offers one of the top air shows in the Midwest along the city’s gorgeous lakefront. They roar along Milwaukee’s lakefront Saturday, July 19th and Sunday, July 20th.
An “M” for Milwaukee at the Milwaukee Air & Water Show we snapped from Back Bay Park on Milwaukee’s East Side.
Exciting acts having performed in Milwaukee’s skies this July include the U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon Patrol Aircraft, U.S. Navy Leapfrogs Parachute Team, the USAF T-38 “Talons”in 2-3 ship formation, the return of the U.S. Air Force A-10 Warthogs, the U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super-Hornet Tactical Demonstration Squadron, the Wisconsin Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker straight from Milwaukee’s own 128th Air Refueling Wing base, and the Firebirds X-treme Team. Solo aerobatics and stunts have been performed by Bill Stein, Mike Wiscus, Jack Knutson, Matt Chapman, and Lt. Colonel Josh “Tater” Boudreaux of the “Wild Blue Rodeo.”
On the waters of Lake Michigan, you’ve been able to enjoy the USCGC Bristol Bay (WLB), a 225-foot multi-mission buoy tender out of Detroit; a Water Show act from Milwaukee’s own Dennis Pinter, who demonstrated the “Air Chair” on the water! Daredevil and Pro Flyboard competitor Casey “Swizzle” McElwee who performed with his Hydroflyte and Flyboard act. We also hope to see the return of the Milwaukee Fire Department’s “Trident Fireboat,” which demonstrates its capabilities on the water, and witness an HH-60 Jayhawk Rescue Helicopter Air-Sea Rescue Demostration courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station out of Traverse City, Michigan.
You can watch from Bradford Beach and many other areas along Milwaukee’s lakefront for free. Ticketed areas offer the closest proximity, the best views, hosted narration, the best access to concessions, and great seating. This is definitely a benchmark summer event in Milwaukee! U.S. 18, Highways 32, 36, 38, 57, 59, 145, 190 and more all bring to within eye (and definitely ear!) shot of the show.
Milwaukee Air & Water Show Schedule of Events (both days):
10 AM: Water Show
12 PM: National Anthem / Army Golden Knights
3 PM: US Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron
Milwaukee Air & Water Show Address:
2272 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 482-2069 Website
It’s Milwaukee’s annual French festival, one of the largest French celebrations in the United States, and it’s tres magnifique! This FREE four-day bash attracts over 250,000 visitors each year. In 2025, Bastille Days runs Thursday, July 17th through Sunday, July 20th. Set around Cathedral Square on the east side of downtown, Bastille Days begins with a 5K “Storm the Bastille” run on Thursday night and then plenty of live music, an international marketplace, chef and wine demos, French and Cajun cuisine, roaming busker entertainment and a signature 43-foot Eiffel Tower replica offering hourly light shows.
The event is known for the impromptu street performers, roaming minstrels, and a variety of interactive and musical entertainment. Bastille Days also boasts a wide variety of some of the best restaurant vendors in Milwaukee!
Check out Bastille Days wine tastings where you can let your taste buds explore and compare delicious wines from around the world! A wine specialist will guide you through the taste test with selected wines from 5 countries. A separate ticket is needed for each tasting, and seating is limited to 76 per tasting. You’ll find all these tastings at the NE corner of Cathedral Square Park along Jackson Street – look for the tent!
The festival covers the blocks around Cathedral Square, including along Wells, Kilbourn, Jefferson, and Jackson Streets. U.S. 18 and Highway 32 actually detour around the festival, which is one of the largest French festivals in the nation. I-43/94, I-794, and Highways 38, 59, and 145 all bring you close. Grab your beret and check it out!
Thousands line up for the “Storm the Bastille” 5K Run & Walk at Bastille Days in Milwaukee
Bastille Days Hours:
Thursday July 17- 11am-11:30pm
Friday July 18- 11am-11:30pm
Saturday July 19- 10am-11:30pm
(Kid’s Day Activities 10am – 3pm)
Sunday July 20- 11am-8pm
Bastille Days Address:
825 N. Jefferson Street/Cathedral Square
Milwaukee, WI 53202 Website
Hayward hosts the 65th annual Lumberjack World Championships July 17-19, 2025! The Lumberjack World Championships began in 1960 as a way to acknowledge the rich history of the logging industry across the United States. Once again, over 21 events will offer international competition showcasing the best sawing, chopping, speed climbing, log rolling, boom-running & more! It’s great family fun.
More than 100 lumberjacks and lumberjills vie for more than $50,000 in prize money, making this one of the largest paybacks for lumberjack competition in the world – and of course, world records in these events could be set – they often have!
Up to 12,000 spectators enjoy the action in Hayward.
Opening night – Thursday, August 1st – is Mountain Dew Family Night, with special family pricing for admission ($45 for two adults and up to four children) and other specials. Other ticket packages run around $53 for three days’ worth of admission.
Getting to Hayward means a beautiful drive through the North Woods – just what we like! Hayward is along U.S. 63 on the drive from Spooner to Ashland; it’s also where Highways 27 and 77 meet up. While in town, check out the great trails, shopping, the World’s Largest Musky at the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, the Angry Minnow Brewpub, and more!
Hayward Lumberjack World Championships Address:
15670 West County Road B
Hayward, WI 54843
(715) 634-2484 Website
Lumberjack World Championships Schedule of Events
Thursday, July 17
Quarterfinal Competition
8:00 – 11:00am – Amateur Log Rolling
11:30am – LWC Festival Grounds Open to Ticket Holders, Swinging Axe Beer Tent open, Food & Unique Vendors, All Day Family Fun, Try Log Rolling!
11:35am – Qualifying Competitions for Chopping and Sawing Events; ongoing
Noon – Professional Log Rolling Preliminaries
3:00pm-5:00pm – Happy Hour & Live Music in Swinging Axe Beer Garden by Steve Beguhn, American Idol Finalist
3:45pm – Boom Running Qualifiers
5:30pm – Opening Ceremonies and Professional Quaterfinal Competition
Hot Saw
60-Foot Speed Climb
Women’s Underhand Chop
Men’s Log Roll
60-Foot Speed Climb
Men’s Standing Block Chop
Jill & Jill Cross Cut Sawing
Women’s Boom Run
Springboard Chop
90-Foot Speed Climb
Master’s Underhand Chop
Intermission
90-Foot Speed Climb
Women’s Standing Block Chop
Men’s Single Buck Saw
Women’s Log Roll
Jack & Jill Double Buck Saw
90-Foot Speed Climb
Men’s Log Roll
Women’s Single Buck Saw
Men’s Underhand Chop
Men’s Boom Run
Team Relay
Friday, July 18
Semifinal Competition
8:00 – 11:00am – Amateur Log Rolling
11:30am – LWC Festival Grounds Open to Ticket Holders, Swinging Axe Beer Tent open, Food & Unique Vendors, All Day Family Fun, Try Log Rolling!
11:35am – Qualifying Competitions for chopping and sawing; ongoing
Noon – Professional Log Rolling Competitions
3:00pm – 5:00pm – Happy Hour & Live Music – Swinging Axe Beer Garden Music by Molly & the Danger Band
5:30pm – Opening Ceremonies and Professional Semi-Final Competition
Hot Saw
60-Foot Speed Climb
Men’s Log Roll
60-Foot Speed Climb
Women’s Underhand Chop
Women’s Boom Run
Men’s Standing Block Chop
Jill & Jill Double Buck Saw
Springboard Chop
Master’s Underhand Chop
Intermission
90-Foot Speed Climb
Men’s Single Buck Saw
Women’s Standing Block Chop
Women’s Log Roll
90-Foot Speed Climb
Jack & Jill Double Buck Saw
90-Foot Speed Climb
Men’s Log Roll
Women’s Single Buck Saw
Men’s Underhand Chop
Men’s Boom Run
Team Relay
Saturday, July 19
Final World Championship Competition
8:00am – Lumberjack Run 5K Run/Walk – Start and Finish at the Lumberjack Bowl (15670 W County Road B, Hayward, WI 54843)
11:30am – LWC Festival Grounds Open to Ticket Holders, Swinging Axe Beer Tent open, Food & Unique Vendors, All Day Family Fun, Try Log Rolling!
Noon – Professional Log Rolling Competitions and Small Finals Wood Chopping Competitions
1:30pm – Axe Throwing Competition
3:00pm – 5:00pm – Happy Hour & Live Music – Swinging Axe Beer Garden with Live Music by Little Way
5:30pm – Opening Ceremonies and World Championships Finals Competition
Along the Wisconsin-Illinois border you can go back to the 16th century at the Bristol Renaissance Faire. A plethora of entertainment, great food, performances, and a marketplace filled with crafts, art, musical instruments, clothes, jewelry, and more await. You’ll find plenty of colorful characters in period costumery, performers twirling fire, people mashing their mouths into giant turkey legs, wandering minstrels, swordfights, jousting… the list goes on and on. It’s a great summer weekend activity just west of Kenosha on the Illinois border!
Bristol Renaissance Faire runs Saturdays and Sundays July 5th though Labor Day, September 1st (yes, it runs that Monday and that’s the only Monday.)
The Kid’s Kingdom features the Castle Stage where children can get knighted, a face-painting area (don’t worry, it washes off eventually), hobbit houses, an entrance area with five huge thrones that provide great photo opportunities, and an air-conditioned rest area.
A giant turkey leg slathered in barbecue sauce is an essential part of the Bristol Renaissance Faire experience, but they also offer everything from Cornish pasties and bakery goods to vegan items and gelato. The number of entertainment stages now totals sixteen. Comedic sword-fighting, ropewalking, juggling, fire-whipping, acrobatics, chalk art, a variety of musicians, and more. The Marketplace offers the work of nearly 175 artisans and crafters; you can find Scottish kilts, leather masks, bamboo flutes, jester socks, stage-combat-approved swords, steampunkery, and much more. Glass blowing and blacksmithing activities frequently happen in the Marketplace as well as a variety of other crafting.
Tickets range from $40 for adults to $15 for children ages 5-12. Seniors (62+) and Military with ID are $38. Kids 4 and under are free. Season passes can be purchased for $225. You can also get discounted tickets at Menard’s and if you join Friends of the Faire you can also get discounts. U.S. 41, I-41/94, Highway 165, and the state line border the “Fairegrounds,” with U.S. 45 and Highway 50 also getting you close!
Bristol Renaissance Faire Location:
12550 120th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53142
(877) 395-7773 Website
Marshfield features its 44th annual Dairyfest Friday, May 30th and Saturday, May 31st at venues all across the city. This is Hub City’s annual honor of the agricultural industry and Wisconsin’s hardworking dairy farmers! This community tradition has been providing fun for the whole family, during these “dairy-licious” days.
The Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MACCI) puts on the event, which includes a wide variety of fun activities across the three-day weekend.
Dairyfest Info & Schedule of Events:
What is Dairyfest?
Held annually the weekend after Memorial Day, Dairyfest is a fun community celebration that honors the agriculture industry and local dairy farmers. Dairyfest features a lot of fun events, including the annual Dairyfest Breakfast, a parade, kids’ activities, a Picnic in the Park, and much more. The theme of this year’s celebration is “A Dairy Great Time”!
Friday, May 30th
5:30am-9:30am / Mayor’s Breakfast: Held at the Expo Building at the Central Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, 513 E. 17th St., this traditional event welcomes nearly 2,000 people every year. $10/ticket, kids 6 and under are FREE!
5:00pm-8:00pm / Picnic in the Park: Food trucks will be at Columbia Park, 201 W. Arnold St., until 5:00pm and a variety of food booths will be available throughout the evening. Join the fun in the Park including a Petting Zoo, Educational displays, Marshfield Fire & Rescue hands-on fun, Face painting, Main Street Conservatory of Dance show, Coin & Candy hunt (ages 2-9), Bingo (ages 10-15), and the Marshfield Civic Band Concert. Bring your lawn chairs for a night of fun!
Saturday, May 31st
Additional activities scheduled for Saturday include:
11:00am / Dairyfest Downtown Parade, runs from 2nd street and goes South on Central Ave, turns East on 14th Street and ends at the Fairgrounds parking lot.
1:00pm-4:00pm / Family Fun Day at Wenzel Plaza: a UW Madison Marching Band performance, Inflatable fun, plenty of Food Trucks – come hungry! Also enjoy Enoch the Eccentric Magician, DJ Dan Weis of Music Energy, Face painting, and more!
3:00pm-11pm / Annual Outdoor Dairyfest Beer Garden at Nutz Deep II 809 South Central Avenue
Marshfield Dairyfest Address:
Various locations around town, including the Central Wisconsin State Fairgrounds
513 E. 17th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449 Website
The 2nd annual Wisconsin Cheese Festival runs May 16-18, 2025 at Lake Geneva House of Music, which is a very cool live music venue located right along County H (the original U.S. 12) in Lake Geneva! Wisconsin Cheese is amazing, and a festival further celebrating it will be a blast, since we know how much you love cheese!
The festival is a gathering of cheese makers and lovers, farmers, artisans and vendors to celebrate what is obviously Wisconsin’s most famous food. You can also enjoy world-class Americana, alt-country, folk and bluegrass music, whiskey, wine and craft beer. Plus fun contests, educational presentations, fantastic music, and then a delicious variety of creative foods including BBQ, locally-made pies, pig bacon candy, curds and more. During the fest, you can even learn about cheese sculpting and participate in a Stein Hoisting Competition Saturday night! It’s a particularly family-friendly weekend at the Lake Geneva House of Music festival grounds. Get the full list of vendors here!
Midwest Picking Coalition…… 5pm – 7pm, Studio G
Johnny Lyons & The Pride…… 7pm – 9pm, Main Stage
Stryder Bluegrass Band…… 9:30pm-11pm, Main Stage More acts to be announced, get the latest here
Sun. May 18th, 10am until 9pm FREE DAY | GENEVA OUTDOOR MARKET | WINE DAY
Nicole Nystrom Trio…… 10:30am-12:30pm, Studio G
Fox Crossing Stringband…… 12:30pm-2:45pm, Main Stage
Awards Ceremony……. 2:30 pm – 3 pm, Main Stage More acts to be announced, get the latest here
Wisconsin Cheese Festival Ticket Info:
Fri. Advanced GA: $10 | At Gate: $12.50
Sat. Advanced GA: $12.50 | At Gate: $15
Kids 6-12 Fri: $5 | Kids 6-12 Sat. $7.50
Weekend Pass Advanced: $17.50 | At Gate: $22.50
Kids 6-12 Weekend Pass: $10 FREE on Sunday for all! Children 5 & Under are FREE! Get Tickets Here
It’s easy to get to Lake Geneva House of Music, just follow County H north from Lake Geneva. If you’d rather, you can certainly head south from U.S. 12 by the I-43 interchange when you reach County NN south of Elkhorn. Similarly, Highway 67 brings you close. Then just follow H until you see all the action! Prior to 1973, this was the original route of U.S. 12 before they built the freeway (some fun trivia for road geeks like us!)
Wisconsin Cheese Festival Address:
Lake Geneva House of Music
N3241 County Trunk H (formerly U.S. 12)
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(262) 248-0606 Website
Within the pristine white walls of a contemporary art museum that overlooks Lake Michigan, the Racine Art Museum presents a rather non-traditional exhibition showcasing fluffy, sugar-coated marshmallow PEEPS®. Over the years, many entrants have been become experts in marshmallow candy as a material, using methods like carving, painting, hole punching, gluing, and melting to manipulate PEEPS into incredible shapes. For this show, Richard W. Marklin, Jr. melted a flock of PEEPS to make Raul the Rooster, a realistic barnyard bird; while April Harris and Autumn Kyle assembled the holiday treats into a bust of Black Panther Peeper.
This year, the RAM 16th Annual International PEEPS Art Exhibition takes place now through April 26th; awards will be handed out after. Previous shows have drawn over 4,000 visitors to the museum during its three-week run, setting daily spring attendance records along the way. Previous pieces included Peep Swift: The Marshmallow Era (yes, channeling Taylor); the It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere parrot-looking PEEP with the Jimmy Buffett vibe; Funky Peepcock fashioned in sparkling glass beads and feathers; Pop Art Peeps crafted in glazed stoneware; and Sweet Meets Wild, an inlaid box made of different hardwoods. Inspired by inventive puns, pop culture, sports, and famous artists, many of the PEEPS art entries are by local artists, families, and organizations but quite a few artists from out-of-state also participate.
Vote for Your Favorite PEEPS
Stop by the museum to vote for your favorite PEEPS creation. You will decide who wins the coveted PEEPles Choice Award, announced at the end of the show.
You’ll find the Racine Art Museum along Main Street/Highway 32 in downtown Racine, just blocks from Lake Michigan. Highways 20 and 38 also bring you downtown, and Highway 11 is just to the south. It’s a little over a 10-minute drive east of I-41/94, depending on traffic and how you lit the lights. There is plenty else to see and do there, from picking up a fresh kringle at one of Racine’s famous Danish bakeries to exploring the city’s heritage at the Racine Historical Museum, enjoying the beautiful harbor and waterfront, shopping the stores of 6th Street and Main Street, or even exploring Hotel Verdant, the new boutique hotel downtown. These are all within walking distance of the Racine Art Museum!
International PEEPS Art Exhibition Address:
Racine Art Museum
441 Main Street (Highway 32)
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 638-8300 Website
PEEPS Exhibit called “Mt. PEEPmore” by Elizabeth Peterson. Yes, it’s a mountain of PEEPs. Photo credit: Christina Lieffring, Racine Journal-Times.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show runs March 4-8 at the Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center, where State Trunk Tour Highways 59 and 181 meet just south of I-94 in West Allis, Wisconsin. Hundreds of vendors, displays, showcases, special events, and more are available for the outdoor sports lovers across the entire family!
Start:
March 7, 2025 12:00 pm
End:
March 9, 2025 6:00 pm
Venue:
Wisconsin State Fair Exposition Center
Phone:
888-488-4286
Address:
640 S. 84th Street, West Allis, WI, 53214, United States
The 2nd annual Balloon Adventure is BACK at Pier 290 in Williams Bay, Thursday, March 6th through Sunday, March 16th, 2025!
This amazing display and show features over 100,000 balloons from 14 balloon artists who craft dazzling displays that are literally “full of hot air.”
This year, the Boat Showroom at PIER 290 in Williams Bay transforms into a magical marine adventure for the 2025 Balloon Adventure. The theme is Voyage Into the Deep Sea! From vibrant coral reefs and playful sea creatures to a whimsical oceanic ambiance, this immersive experience promises an unforgettable voyage into the deep blue.
Dive into a magical underwater world brought to life by these 100,000+ balloons. These are intricately crafted by Sara Meyer, owner of Wisconsin Balloon Decor. Plus, she welcomes in 13 professional balloon artists from around the globe. It’s an unforgettable adventure blending artistry, imagination, and community. It’s all in support of the 531 Fund’s charitable mission.
In addition, a variety of special events take place on select days. They include the Glow Waves Adventure, Rave Under the Wave, the Deep Sea Shuffle, Tales of the Sea (a family movie night), and more. Get the full list here.
Tickets for Balloon Adventure
General Admission tickets are available online here as well as at the door during the event. In advance tickets are $20, $25 at the door. Kids 2 and under are free. Special events have separate pricing.
The Balloon Adventure is a unique and fun stop while in the Lake Geneva area. Check it out at Pier 290 when you’re road tripping on Highway 67! You’ll find Williams Bay just south of Highway 50 and northeast of U.S. 14, just minutes off I-43.
Afterwards – or before if you prefer – check out the nearby Yerkes Observatory. It’s the birthplace of astrophysics, after all. They offer tours on occasion, too! Meanwhile, more adventures and fun await in Lake Geneva, just a few minutes once you head east on Highway 50.
The Balloon Adventure Address:
The Boat Showroom at PIER 290
1 Liechty Drive
Williams Bay, WI 53191 Website
The “Birkie” returns to Hayward, providing year-round, healthy, active lifestyle events for thousands of adventurous spirits of all ages and abilities. Their slogan is SKI . RUN . BIKE . LIVE! It all began in 1973, when 35 determined skiers gathered on the starting line for the American Birkebeiner. Little did they know…they were about to change everything. Today, the Birkie provides year-round, healthy, active lifestyle events for thousands of adventurous spirits of all ages and abilities. In 2025, it’s back the weekend of February 22nd and 23rd!
The official name of this main event is the Slumberland American Birkebeiner Cross-Country Ski Event. It’s North America’s largest and most prestigious X-C ski marathon; 12,000 skiers of all ages, genders and nationalities participate in the 51K Birkebeiner, the 24K Kortelopet, Prince Haakon 13K, the children’s Barnebirkie, Junior Birkie, Elite Sprints, and Family Fun Ski.
The Barkebirkie in Hayward, where people line the streets, big-time.
Other fun events include the Barkie Birkie Skijor and Thursday’s Giant Ski Competition (six people on one pair of skis. What-what?? Find out more here.) The Birkie is a year-round lifestyle choice for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts of all levels. From its signature ski race, the legendary American Birkebeiner–Title Sponsor, Slumberland Furniture–the Birkie has grown into an exciting array of fitness and recreational opportunities. The 107-kilometer Birkie Trail system attracts skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from casual day-trippers to elite superstars.
The Slumberland American Birkebeiner®:
Spans 50 kilometers from Cable to Hayward for Skaters, and 55K for Classic Skiers
North America’s largest cross-country ski marathon
Attracts over 10,000 Birkie/Korte skiers
Part of the Worldloppet circuit of 20 international ski marathons and part of the American Ski Marathon series of 13 races.
American Birkebeiner (the Birkie) Event Address:
10527 Main Street
Hayward, WI 54843
(715) 634-5025 Website
U.S. 63 and Highways 27 and 77 bring you to Hayward! From U.S. 53 at Trego, follow U.S. 63 north about 25 minutes.
Battle on Bago is the Midwest’s largest ice fishing tournament and the family and fishing event of the year! The 18th annual Battle on Bago (winter version, there’s a summer one in June) takes place on Lake Winnebago February 14-15, 2025. There’s a Friday Fish Fry on the ice – weather permitting – with live music. Saturday’s Ice Fishing Tournament features over $275,000 in cash and prizes!
The Tournament starts Friday, February 14th at 6:00 am; scales will be open from 4pm to 8pm. On Saturday February 23rd, scales will open at 9am; the tournament ends at 2:00pm. Tournament ticket sales END at 6am Friday. You must be in line by 2:00 pm at Menominee Park in Oshkosh. Contestants will be allowed to fish Lake Winnebago and the Upper River Lakes: Lake Poygan, Lake Winneconne, and Lake Butte des Morts. Ice Fishing Permitted ONLY. You can weigh 1 fish per fishing ticket of any of the following species: Walleye (minimum length 14”), panfish (perch, bluegills, crappies), or whitebass. Any other fish not listed here will not be eligible for registration. Fish may be taken with tip-ups or by rod and reel. There is no age requirement on tournament participation.
Along with fishing, check out the heated tent and enjoy a great fish fry and other food from 5-10pm, plus live music from 7:30pm-11pm Friday night. The Raffle will be held on Saturday at 5pm. FREE Admission to all non-fishing events!
You can get tickets here. Fishing tickets are $30. You can also buy tickets are various locales in the Oshkosh area, as well as Fleet Farm stores statewide. You also need a valid fishing license from the Wisconsin DNR (888-936-7463).
More info on tickets, tournaments, entertainment, and more can be found on their website, BattleonBago.org.
You can get to Menominee Park in Oshkosh by hitting I-41 and heading into town or accessing downtown Oshkosh using Highways 21, 26, 44, 76, 91, or U.S. 45. A lot of roads lead to Oshkosh… by gosh.
Battle on Bago Address:
Menominee Park/Millers Bay
Irving Avenue & Hazel Street
Oshkosh, WI 54901
(920) 303-9200 Website
Start:
February 14, 2025
End:
February 15, 2025
Venue:
Menominee Park
Phone:
920-303-9200
Address:
East Irving Avenue at Hazel Street, Oshkosh, WI, 54903, United States
Hudson bursts with color in the middle of winter with the balloon-filled Hot Air Affair! Enjoy not only hot air balloons, but a HUGE slew of events throughout the weekend, both indoors and out. The Hot Air Affair balloons, of course, are all outside. Twenty featured balloons will launch Saturday and Sunday morning at 8am.
Saturday at 7:35am is the first Balloon Launch, with 20 hot air balloons rising from River Crest Elementary School on County F, south of Hudson. Across the area, you can look to the sky and see the balloons dotting the winter sky. A Pancake Breakfast precedes this at 7am at the Hudson Masonic Lodge on Locust Street in town. A Smoosh Board Competition also takes place at River Crest from 1-2:30pm with four people strapped onto two Smooshboards.
A second balloon launch happens Saturday afternoon at 3pm, also from River Crest Elementary. All day long, River Crest also hosts the Marketplace & Craft Fair, running 8am-8pm Saturday.
Back in town, the St. Croix River Dunk goes on from 1-3pm at Lakefront Park Beach; it’s the Hudson Rotary Club’s premiere winter fundraising event and… it sounds cold.
The Sunday Balloon Launch takes place at 7:35am – yes – from River Crest. All balloon inflations and flights are weather-dependent.
Geocaching fans, the Hot Air Affair has plenty of coordinates for you to uncover, with a series of new hidden geocaches.
Saturday from 11am to 4pm, the Octagon House has walking tours and both the house/museum and the carriage house will be open for tours in return for a small, suggested donation. An After the Glow Dance Party caps off Saturday evening at The Empourium on Rodeo Drive in Hudson with live music and plenty of fun.
Sunday continues with geocaching, the Pop Up Ballon Launch at 7:35am again, and continued deals and events at shops and restaurants. At 12pm, you can check out the Hot Air Balloon Fat Bike Race. It takes place at Lakefront Park in Hudson. It’s a 3K technical sprint along the St. Croix River bottoms and through the park, with “punchy hills and twisty turns.” 3pm is the Balloonist Roundtable.
Hudson is right along the gorgeous St. Croix River on the border with Minnesota, where I-94 and U.S. 12 enter the state. Highway 35 runs through the center of town. The beautiful Willow River State Park is nearby. Check out Hudson whenever you can, but if you can make it for Hot Air Affair, it’s definitely going to be a soaring good time!
The Torchlight Parade lights up the night during Hudson’s Hot Air Affair.
Hot Air Affair Address:
Downtown Hudson as well as River Crest Elementary School
535 County Road F
Hudson, WI 54016
(715) 386-4011 or (800) 657-6775 Website
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events › Family
September 5, 2025
First Fridays Racine
Enjoy some Friday night fun during First Fridays Racine, taking place along Main Street in Downtown Racine from May – December from 4-9pm! It happens throughout the downtown area, centered on Monument Square where Highways 20 and 38 cap the ends of a main thoroughfare that is Highway 32.
Friday, September 5th, 2025 is next for First Fridays Racine
The next First Fridays in 2025 will take place Friday (of course), September 5th from 4 pm to 9 pm. The theme is Country!
Get your boots and cowboy hats ready, because their vibrant community of merchants, restaurants, and bars is ready to roll out the red carpet with a shopping and dining experience that’s bigger and better than ever.
Enjoy Live Country Music at Monument Square by the Roundabouts and toe-tapping, boot-stomping country tunes on Monument Square
First Fridays are your golden ticket to keeping the energy alive and the fun rolling, month after month. From June through December of 2025, each month introduces a fresh new theme, ensuring that Downtown Racine continues to pulse with excitement, community spirit, and celebration.
Live music will fill the air at all your favorite downtown spots like Brickhouse, The Ivanhoe, Marci’s on Main, Reefpoint Brew House, Dimples, Chartroom, and Uncorkt. First Fridays are more than just an event – they’re a celebration of our thriving community, our rich culture, and the lively spirit that defines Downtown Racine.
Parking is conveniently available at the Lake Avenue Ramp (300 Lake Avenue), Civic Centre Ramp (501 Lake Avenue), and the McMynn Ramp (120 7th Street) or Shoop (Main & State) for an all-day rate of only $4.00.
In addition to First Fridays, check out the rest of downtown Racine. Right along the shores of Lake Michigan you can explore Reefpoint Marina, North Beach, the Racine Zoo, the new boutique Hotel Verdant, Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and SC Johnson sites.
Take the drive to where Highways 11, 20, 32, and 38 come together in downtown Racine. Enjoy happy people taking in the best of what downtown Racine has to offer! Check out the First Fridays Racine website for more details.
First Fridays Racine Address:
Monument Square
100 Main Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 634-4287
Website
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August 30, 2025 – August 31, 2025
Marina Fest
Sister Bay has a beautiful marina along the waters of Green Bay. Hit the end of Highway 57 along Highway 42 for Marina Fest, which features live entertainment, plenty of food and drink, a water ski show by the Waterboard Warriors, a fireworks show, easy access to Al Johnson’s show you can watch goats on the roof, and more!
Sister Bay Marina Fest Schedule of Events
7:30 – 10 AM: Pancake Breakfast Presented by the Sister Bay & Liberty Grove Fire Department
8 AM – 4 PM: Used Book Sale
9 AM – 4 PM: Vintage Boat Show
9 AM – 5 PM: Arts & Crafts Fair with Stained Glass Mosaic Workshop
10 AM – 6 PM: Kid’s Bouncy Houses
11 AM – 4 PM: Kid’s Boat Building with the Lions Club
11 AM – 8 PM: Food Court
12 – 1:30 PM: Kid’s Ages 4-12 Pedal Tractor Pull – Presented by Peach Barn (Registration begins at 11 AM )
1 – 4 PM: Performance by Mistrial
4 – 7 PM: Performance by Modern Day Drifters
3:30 – 5 PM: Kid’s Ages 4-12 Pedal Tractor Pull Presented by Peach Barn (Registration begins at 2:30 PM)
7 – 10 PM: Performance by Big Mouth and the Power Tool Horns
Dusk: Fireworks Presented by Wild Tomato
SUNDAY, AUG 31st
9 AM – 5 PM: Arts & Crafts Fair
10 AM – 2 PM: Used Book Sale
10 AM – 6 PM: Kid’s Bouncy Houses
11 AM – 8 PM: Food Court
12 – 3 PM: Performance by Conscious Pilot
4 – 7 PM: Performance by Second Hand Stereo
Sister Bay Marina Fest Address:
Marina Park
10733 Wisconsin Highway 42 / Bay Shore Drive
Sister Bay, WI 54234
(920) 854-2812
Website
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August 20, 2025 – August 24, 2025
Central Wisconsin State Fair
One of three “State Fairs” in Wisconsin, the Central Wisconsin State Fair takes place in Marshfield August 19-24, 2025 on the grounds that also feature the “World’s Largest Round Barn.” The Central Wisconsin State Fair has also been refreshing its equipment with new rides and games to enhance the experience!
Headliners include:
This Fair also features 4-H and open class exhibits, free grandstand entertainment with gate admission, the Round Barn Express train, Junior Fair Market Animal Sale, 13th annual Kiss a Critter Contest, the Dress-A-Cow Contest, midway carnival rides, commercial exhibits and special programs, food and beer gardens, and more. This six-day extravaganza is definitely worth checking out if you want to hit the lovely city of Marshfield in the central part of the state (hence, the event’s name).
U.S. 10 and Highways 13, 80, and 97 all hit Marshfield, Wisconsin (“Hub City”) and the Central Wisconsin State Fair grounds are on the south side of town, a few blocks east of Central Avenue (Bus. Hwy 13) and the Wildwood Zoo. Also check out Central Avenue and the downtown district, the Blue Heron Brewpub, and a plenty of other things and to see and do around Hub City. Get more ideas from Visit Marshfield here!
Check their website for the complete entertainment lineup, ticket specials, and more!
Central Wisconsin State Fair Address:
Wood County Fairgrounds
513 E. 17th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 387-1261
Website
Find out more about Marshfield in this episode of our State Trunk Tour Podcast!
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August 14, 2025 – August 17, 2025
Irish Fest Milwaukee
The World’s Largest celebration of Celtic music and culture, the 43rd Milwaukee Irish Fest happens Thursday, August 14th through Sunday, August 17th on Milwaukee’s lakefront! An amazing array of musical artists in Irish and Celtic music fill several stages.
Other Irish Fest activities include a Baking Contest, Photo and Poetry Contests, and “Red Hair & Freckles” Contest, a “Celtic Canines” exhibit, the Jameson Lounge (for whiskey tastings), a Marketplace filled with Irish crafts and other items from over 90 vendors, a Cultural Village, and much more.
Saturday the 16th features a 5K Run/Walk to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Later that day you can enjoy the Lesaffre/Red Star Yeast Baking Contest. Dog lovers can check out Milwaukee Irish Fest’s Celtic Canine Area; this unique area gives you the chance to see and pet some of Ireland’s most popular dog breeds, meet and talk with some of the Midwest’s top breeders, and learn about grooming, general care and training. The Irish dog breeds include Irish Wolfhounds, Irish Terriers, Irish Red Setters, Irish Red and White Setters, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers, Irish Water Spaniels, Kerry Blue Terriers and Kerry Beagles. The Celtic Canines will be on display Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Saturday from noon to 7 p.m., and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For a full lineup of activities and deals for everything else, check out the Irish Fest website!
You can reach Irish Fest at Henry Maier Festival Park (aka the Summerfest grounds) along Milwaukee’s lakefront via I-794 and U.S. 18 most directly. Highways 32, 38, 59, and 145 all bring you within a mile of the grounds.
Milwaukee Irish Fest Address:
Henry Maier Festival Park (aka Summerfest Grounds)
200 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 476-3378
Website
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August 13, 2025 – August 17, 2025
Lake Geneva Venetian Fest
The Entertainment Pavilion includes a beer tent and stage for live music. Here’s the Music Schedule:
Wednesday 8/14: Sons of Sconnie, 8pm-midnight
Thursday 8/15: Rok Brigade, 8pm-midnight
Friday 8/18: Kelly Daniels, 8pm-midnight
Saturday 8/19: Rebecca and the Grey Notes, 3pm-6pm
Saturday 8/19: Too Hype Crew, 8pm-midnight
Sunday 8/20: Rock Central, Noon-3pm
Sunday 8/20: Big Al Wetzel Band, 3pm-6pm
Sunday 8/20: Venetian All-Stars, 8pm-midnight
The Arts & Crafts Fair is returning to Venetian Fest and features over 110 exhibitors. It runs Saturday from 10am – 5pm and Sunday from 10am – 4pm in Library Park, right along Highway 50/Main Street along the lake on the west edge of downtown, just down from The Riviera. Details…
The Lake Geneva Venetian Festival Carnival offers family fun via “Mr. Ed’s Magical Midways” and is open every day of the festival: Wednesday-Thursday 5pm to 10:30pm, Friday 5pm – 11:30pm, Saturday Noon to 11:30pm, and Sunday Noon to 10:30pm.
Saturday you can experience the Baggo Tournament, which takes place at the Entertainment Pavilion in Flatiron Park. It’s a double elimination straight to 21. It starts at 11:30am Saturday and runs until about 3pm.
Check out the Lumberjack Show!
New last year the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack show is back and should be yet another great bit of entertainment for families of all sizes and ages. From log rolling, axe throwing, and wood-cutting, to chainsaw vs cross-cut racing, and quick chainsaw carving, there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you want great old-fashioned fun and family entertainment, the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show is where you’ll want to be.
New this year: Car Show! The inaugural Car Show run at Venetian Fest Sunday from 11am-3pm at Seminary Park, a great thing to check out ahead of all the bands, water ski shows, the lighted boat parade, and the fireworks that evening!
Sunday is the topper, with all the Carnival and Arts & Crafts Fair activities, THREE performers covering live music, and the Lake Geneva Jaycees Water Ski Show featuring the Wonder Lake Ski Team. They’ll perform on Geneva Lake right by the Riviera starting at 6pm. At dusk, the Lighted Boat Parade begins with the theme this year being “Rat Pack” for Lake Geneva Venetian Fest’s 61st anniversary. It concludes with fireworks following the parade.
All of this fun is in downtown Lake Geneva, which is easily accessed via U.S. 12 or Highways 50 and 120. Highway 67 brings you close, as it runs along the west side of Geneva Lake. Make it a road trip destination the weekend of August 14th-18th!
Lake Geneva Venetian Fest Address:
Downtown Lake Geneva, centered at Riviera Ballroom
821 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
Website
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July 31, 2025 – August 10, 2025
Wisconsin State Fair
One of the nation’s great fairs, the Wisconsin State Fair runs July 31 – August 10, 2025 on the Wisconsin State Fair Park grounds in West Allis. Everything from the animals to rides, concerts, exhibits, and tasty food and beverages are yours for the taking!
Updates to the Central Mall area include with a new look and ample seating. The rides and games at SpinCity are in full swing, and they include a super assortment of over 40 rides and 25 games with chances to win plenty of prizes!
The Fairgrounds will have plenty of street performers and entertainers, but of course the excellent live music is a huge draw. There are two primary performance stages at Wisconsin State Fair: the Main Stage, which uses the Milwaukee Mile track and bleachers for seating, and the Bank Five Nine Amphitheater, which is near the Central Mall.
Bank Five Nine Main Stage headliners at Wisconsin State Fair include:
Thursday, July 31st: Midland
Friday, August 1st: Boyz II Men
Saturday, August 2nd: Ne-Yo with Bryce Vine
Sunday, August 3rd: Queensrÿche
Monday, August 4th: We the Kingdom & Josiah Queen
Tuesday, August 5th: Kidz Bop LIVE 2024
Wednesday, August 6th: Jon Pardi with Easton Corbin
Thursday, August 7th: Gabriel Iglesias
Friday, August 8th: Darius Rucker with Uncle Kracker
Saturday, August 9th: Lynyrd Skynyrd
Sunday, August 10th: The “Happy Together” Tour
Bank Five Nine Amphitheater headliners include:
Thursday, July 31st: Journey from the Heart
Friday, August 1st: Here Come the Mummies
Saturday, August 2nd: Here Come the Mummies
Sunday, August 3rd: Los Fugitivos
Monday, August 4th: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
Tuesday, August 5th: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
Wednesday, August 6th: Too Hype Crew
Thursday, August 7th: Hairbangers Ball
Friday, August 8th: Ying Yang Twins
Saturday, August 9th: Taylor Inspired Dance Party
Sunday, August 10th: Pat McCurdy
You will not go hungry: favorite foods at the Fair include the roasted corn, corn dogs, flavored milks, all kinds of creative deep-fried foods, sausages, as much as you can imagine on a stick, and the legendary Wisconsin cream puffs that become a “must have” for attendees needing their true dairy (and carb) fix! They get more eclectic with things like deep-fried bull testicles (listed as “Rocky Mountain Oysters” on the menu at Big Sky Country Bar & Grill), ants on a stick (literally), and earthworm and cricket jerky. But hey, it’s up to you. Last year’s “Sporkies” winner was the Deep Fried Lemonade Bites from Saz’s BBQ.
SPORKIES AND DRINKIES FINALISTS THIS YEAR
The Sporkies and Drinkies competition finalists are among the best – or most unique – offerings (according to a crack team of judges) each year. In 2025, Sporkies finalists included A Hunk A Hunk Fat Elvis Donut Ice Cream Sandwich, Blueberry Breakfast Bratwurst, Brat Rangoon, the Gochujang Smashburger with Kimchi Bacon Jam, Mexican Street Corn Pizza, Pretzaroni Pizza Brat, S’mores Churro Fries, and the Ube Butter Banana French Toast Lumpia. Drinkies finalists include the Carnival Cooler, Dirty Pancakes, Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie, and a Purple Rain Refresher.
OTHER FOODS at State Fair include an Apple Crunch Cheesecake Quesadilla from the Mexican Grill, BBQ Mac Tater Tots from Jayme’s Chipstix, the Caramel Turtle Pretzel at Gertrude’s Fresh Pretzels, Loaded Baked Potato with Bacon Pizza from Pistol Pete’s, Prime Rib Sliders at Leadfoots Race Bar & Grill, the Unicorn Beer Float at Slim McGinn’s Irish Pub, and about 60 other choices!
The Milwaukee Mile race track, which hosts races, auto testing, and more throughout the year is just one of the places you can park – which is cool, since you can walk on and check out this legendary oval, the oldest continuously operating raceway in the world.
Get more details here. This is definitely one of the best State Fairs in the nation!
Check out this map of Wisconsin State Fair… you can enlarge it by clicking on it or get a printable .pdf HERE.
Wisconsin State Fair Park is in West Allis, less than ten minutes from downtown Milwaukee. Bordered on the south by Highway 59/Greenfield Ave., on the west by Highway 181/84th Street, on the north by I-94, and on the east by 76th Street. U.S. 18/Bluemound Road comes close to the north, I-41/U.S. 45 and then Highway 100 skim by 2 miles to the west, and Highway 175 is about 2 miles east as it passes Miller Park. There are a lot of great ways to get to the Park!
Wisconsin State Fair Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park
640 S. 84th Street (Highway 181 at Highway 59)
West Allis, WI 53214
(414) 266-7000
Website
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July 25, 2025 – July 27, 2025
Taste of Wisconsin
Admission is FREE for everybody! And while you can enjoy great food, music, and more, you can also explore the HarborPark area, the Kenosha Public Museum, the Civil War Museum, the Dinosaur Discovery Museum, the Southport Light Station & Museum, take rides on the Kenosha Trolley, and more! Taste of Wisconsin happens in Kenosha’s HarborPark area on the edge of downtown. You’ll find it just east of Highway 32 between the east ends of Highways 50 and 158. Enjoy!
Taste of Wisconsin Address:
HarborPark
5400 6th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 496-9400
Website
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July 24, 2025 – July 26, 2025
Hub City Days
The massive Car & Bike Show, Family Zone with bounce houses and kids’ games, the Craft Show, the Brew Fest and Beer Garden, tons of live music and more are all ready!
The Hub City Brew Fest will feature craft beers from all over Wisconsin and the Midwest! The Car Show will be right on Central Avenue (Historic Highway 13).
You can reach Marshfield via U.S. 10 or Highways 13, 80, and 97. It’s right in the center of Wisconsin, hence the name “Hub City”!
Hub City Days Schedule:
Thursday, July 24th
DOWNTOWN BUSINESS AFTER 5
Friday, July 25th
Saturday, July 26th
Find out more here from Visit Marshfield.
You can easily reach Marshfield via U.S. 10 or Highways 13, 80, and 97. Head to the Hub!
Check out our State Trunk Tour Marshfield Podcast with Matt McLean from VISIT Marshfield, where we talk Hub City Days, the city and all the things to do and see in it, here or stream it below!
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July 19, 2025 – July 20, 2025
Milwaukee WaterStone Bank Air & Water Show
The Milwaukee Air & Water Show, sponsored by Waterstone Bank, offers one of the top air shows in the Midwest along the city’s gorgeous lakefront. They roar along Milwaukee’s lakefront Saturday, July 19th and Sunday, July 20th.
Exciting acts having performed in Milwaukee’s skies this July include the U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon Patrol Aircraft, U.S. Navy Leapfrogs Parachute Team, the USAF T-38 “Talons”in 2-3 ship formation, the return of the U.S. Air Force A-10 Warthogs, the U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super-Hornet Tactical Demonstration Squadron, the Wisconsin Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker straight from Milwaukee’s own 128th Air Refueling Wing base, and the Firebirds X-treme Team. Solo aerobatics and stunts have been performed by Bill Stein, Mike Wiscus, Jack Knutson, Matt Chapman, and Lt. Colonel Josh “Tater” Boudreaux of the “Wild Blue Rodeo.”
On the waters of Lake Michigan, you’ve been able to enjoy the USCGC Bristol Bay (WLB), a 225-foot multi-mission buoy tender out of Detroit; a Water Show act from Milwaukee’s own Dennis Pinter, who demonstrated the “Air Chair” on the water! Daredevil and Pro Flyboard competitor Casey “Swizzle” McElwee who performed with his Hydroflyte and Flyboard act. We also hope to see the return of the Milwaukee Fire Department’s “Trident Fireboat,” which demonstrates its capabilities on the water, and witness an HH-60 Jayhawk Rescue Helicopter Air-Sea Rescue Demostration courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station out of Traverse City, Michigan.
You can watch from Bradford Beach and many other areas along Milwaukee’s lakefront for free. Ticketed areas offer the closest proximity, the best views, hosted narration, the best access to concessions, and great seating. This is definitely a benchmark summer event in Milwaukee! U.S. 18, Highways 32, 36, 38, 57, 59, 145, 190 and more all bring to within eye (and definitely ear!) shot of the show.
Milwaukee Air & Water Show Schedule of Events (both days):
10 AM: Water Show
12 PM: National Anthem / Army Golden Knights
3 PM: US Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron
Milwaukee Air & Water Show Address:
2272 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 482-2069
Website
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July 17, 2025 – July 20, 2025
Bastille Days
It’s Milwaukee’s annual French festival, one of the largest French celebrations in the United States, and it’s tres magnifique! This FREE four-day bash attracts over 250,000 visitors each year. In 2025, Bastille Days runs Thursday, July 17th through Sunday, July 20th. Set around Cathedral Square on the east side of downtown, Bastille Days begins with a 5K “Storm the Bastille” run on Thursday night and then plenty of live music, an international marketplace, chef and wine demos, French and Cajun cuisine, roaming busker entertainment and a signature 43-foot Eiffel Tower replica offering hourly light shows.
The event is known for the impromptu street performers, roaming minstrels, and a variety of interactive and musical entertainment. Bastille Days also boasts a wide variety of some of the best restaurant vendors in Milwaukee!
Check out Bastille Days wine tastings where you can let your taste buds explore and compare delicious wines from around the world! A wine specialist will guide you through the taste test with selected wines from 5 countries. A separate ticket is needed for each tasting, and seating is limited to 76 per tasting. You’ll find all these tastings at the NE corner of Cathedral Square Park along Jackson Street – look for the tent!
The festival covers the blocks around Cathedral Square, including along Wells, Kilbourn, Jefferson, and Jackson Streets. U.S. 18 and Highway 32 actually detour around the festival, which is one of the largest French festivals in the nation. I-43/94, I-794, and Highways 38, 59, and 145 all bring you close. Grab your beret and check it out!
Bastille Days Hours:
Thursday July 17- 11am-11:30pm
Friday July 18- 11am-11:30pm
Saturday July 19- 10am-11:30pm
(Kid’s Day Activities 10am – 3pm)
Sunday July 20- 11am-8pm
Bastille Days Address:
825 N. Jefferson Street/Cathedral Square
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Website
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July 16, 2025 – July 19, 2025
Lumberjack World Championships
Hayward hosts the 65th annual Lumberjack World Championships July 17-19, 2025! The Lumberjack World Championships began in 1960 as a way to acknowledge the rich history of the logging industry across the United States. Once again, over 21 events will offer international competition showcasing the best sawing, chopping, speed climbing, log rolling, boom-running & more! It’s great family fun.
More than 100 lumberjacks and lumberjills vie for more than $50,000 in prize money, making this one of the largest paybacks for lumberjack competition in the world – and of course, world records in these events could be set – they often have!
Opening night – Thursday, August 1st – is Mountain Dew Family Night, with special family pricing for admission ($45 for two adults and up to four children) and other specials. Other ticket packages run around $53 for three days’ worth of admission.
Tickets can be purchased online here!
Getting to Hayward means a beautiful drive through the North Woods – just what we like! Hayward is along U.S. 63 on the drive from Spooner to Ashland; it’s also where Highways 27 and 77 meet up. While in town, check out the great trails, shopping, the World’s Largest Musky at the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, the Angry Minnow Brewpub, and more!
Hayward Lumberjack World Championships Address:
15670 West County Road B
Hayward, WI 54843
(715) 634-2484
Website
Lumberjack World Championships Schedule of Events
Thursday, July 17
Quarterfinal Competition
Friday, July 18
Semifinal Competition
Saturday, July 19
Final World Championship Competition
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July 5, 2025 – September 1, 2025
Bristol Renaissance Faire
Bristol Renaissance Faire runs Saturdays and Sundays July 5th though Labor Day, September 1st (yes, it runs that Monday and that’s the only Monday.)
The Kid’s Kingdom features the Castle Stage where children can get knighted, a face-painting area (don’t worry, it washes off eventually), hobbit houses, an entrance area with five huge thrones that provide great photo opportunities, and an air-conditioned rest area.
A giant turkey leg slathered in barbecue sauce is an essential part of the Bristol Renaissance Faire experience, but they also offer everything from Cornish pasties and bakery goods to vegan items and gelato. The number of entertainment stages now totals sixteen. Comedic sword-fighting, ropewalking, juggling, fire-whipping, acrobatics, chalk art, a variety of musicians, and more. The Marketplace offers the work of nearly 175 artisans and crafters; you can find Scottish kilts, leather masks, bamboo flutes, jester socks, stage-combat-approved swords, steampunkery, and much more. Glass blowing and blacksmithing activities frequently happen in the Marketplace as well as a variety of other crafting.
Tickets range from $40 for adults to $15 for children ages 5-12. Seniors (62+) and Military with ID are $38. Kids 4 and under are free. Season passes can be purchased for $225. You can also get discounted tickets at Menard’s and if you join Friends of the Faire you can also get discounts. U.S. 41, I-41/94, Highway 165, and the state line border the “Fairegrounds,” with U.S. 45 and Highway 50 also getting you close!
Bristol Renaissance Faire Location:
12550 120th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53142
(877) 395-7773
Website
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May 30, 2025 – May 31, 2025
Dairyfest 2025, Marshfield
Marshfield features its 44th annual Dairyfest Friday, May 30th and Saturday, May 31st at venues all across the city. This is Hub City’s annual honor of the agricultural industry and Wisconsin’s hardworking dairy farmers! This community tradition has been providing fun for the whole family, during these “dairy-licious” days.
The Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MACCI) puts on the event, which includes a wide variety of fun activities across the three-day weekend.
What is Dairyfest?
Held annually the weekend after Memorial Day, Dairyfest is a fun community celebration that honors the agriculture industry and local dairy farmers. Dairyfest features a lot of fun events, including the annual Dairyfest Breakfast, a parade, kids’ activities, a Picnic in the Park, and much more. The theme of this year’s celebration is “A Dairy Great Time”!
Friday, May 30th
5:30am-9:30am / Mayor’s Breakfast: Held at the Expo Building at the Central Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, 513 E. 17th St., this traditional event welcomes nearly 2,000 people every year. $10/ticket, kids 6 and under are FREE!
5:00pm-8:00pm / Picnic in the Park: Food trucks will be at Columbia Park, 201 W. Arnold St., until 5:00pm and a variety of food booths will be available throughout the evening. Join the fun in the Park including a Petting Zoo, Educational displays, Marshfield Fire & Rescue hands-on fun, Face painting, Main Street Conservatory of Dance show, Coin & Candy hunt (ages 2-9), Bingo (ages 10-15), and the Marshfield Civic Band Concert. Bring your lawn chairs for a night of fun!
Saturday, May 31st
Additional activities scheduled for Saturday include:
Marshfield Dairyfest Address:
Various locations around town, including the Central Wisconsin State Fairgrounds
513 E. 17th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449
Website
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May 16, 2025 – May 18, 2025
Wisconsin Cheese Festival
The 2nd annual Wisconsin Cheese Festival runs May 16-18, 2025 at Lake Geneva House of Music, which is a very cool live music venue located right along County H (the original U.S. 12) in Lake Geneva! Wisconsin Cheese is amazing, and a festival further celebrating it will be a blast, since we know how much you love cheese!
The festival is a gathering of cheese makers and lovers, farmers, artisans and vendors to celebrate what is obviously Wisconsin’s most famous food. You can also enjoy world-class Americana, alt-country, folk and bluegrass music, whiskey, wine and craft beer. Plus fun contests, educational presentations, fantastic music, and then a delicious variety of creative foods including BBQ, locally-made pies, pig bacon candy, curds and more. During the fest, you can even learn about cheese sculpting and participate in a Stein Hoisting Competition Saturday night! It’s a particularly family-friendly weekend at the Lake Geneva House of Music festival grounds. Get the full list of vendors here!
Wisconsin Cheese Festival Event Schedule:
Fri. May 16th, 4pm until 9pm:
WHISKEY DAY
Midwest Picking Coalition…… 5pm – 7pm, Studio G
Johnny Lyons & The Pride…… 7pm – 9pm, Main Stage
Stryder Bluegrass Band…… 9:30pm-11pm, Main Stage
More acts to be announced, get the latest here
Sat. May 17th, 11am until 9pm:
CRAFT BEER DAY
Aiden Muse…… Noon-2pm, Studio G
Tony John & the Flatland String Band……. 4:30pm-7pm, Studio G
Henhouse Prowlers…… 7pm-9pm, Main Stage
More acts to be announced, get the latest here
Sun. May 18th, 10am until 9pm
FREE DAY | GENEVA OUTDOOR MARKET | WINE DAY
Nicole Nystrom Trio…… 10:30am-12:30pm, Studio G
Fox Crossing Stringband…… 12:30pm-2:45pm, Main Stage
Awards Ceremony……. 2:30 pm – 3 pm, Main Stage
More acts to be announced, get the latest here
Wisconsin Cheese Festival Ticket Info:
Fri. Advanced GA: $10 | At Gate: $12.50
Sat. Advanced GA: $12.50 | At Gate: $15
Kids 6-12 Fri: $5 | Kids 6-12 Sat. $7.50
Weekend Pass Advanced: $17.50 | At Gate: $22.50
Kids 6-12 Weekend Pass: $10
FREE on Sunday for all!
Children 5 & Under are FREE!
Get Tickets Here
It’s easy to get to Lake Geneva House of Music, just follow County H north from Lake Geneva. If you’d rather, you can certainly head south from U.S. 12 by the I-43 interchange when you reach County NN south of Elkhorn. Similarly, Highway 67 brings you close. Then just follow H until you see all the action! Prior to 1973, this was the original route of U.S. 12 before they built the freeway (some fun trivia for road geeks like us!)
Wisconsin Cheese Festival Address:
Lake Geneva House of Music
N3241 County Trunk H (formerly U.S. 12)
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(262) 248-0606
Website
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April 9, 2025 – April 26, 2025
International PEEPS Art Exhibition at the Racine Art Museum
Within the pristine white walls of a contemporary art museum that overlooks Lake Michigan, the Racine Art Museum presents a rather non-traditional exhibition showcasing fluffy, sugar-coated marshmallow PEEPS®. Over the years, many entrants have been become experts in marshmallow candy as a material, using methods like carving, painting, hole punching, gluing, and melting to manipulate PEEPS into incredible shapes. For this show, Richard W. Marklin, Jr. melted a flock of PEEPS to make Raul the Rooster, a realistic barnyard bird; while April Harris and Autumn Kyle assembled the holiday treats into a bust of Black Panther Peeper.
Vote for Your Favorite PEEPS
Stop by the museum to vote for your favorite PEEPS creation. You will decide who wins the coveted PEEPles Choice Award, announced at the end of the show.
You’ll find the Racine Art Museum along Main Street/Highway 32 in downtown Racine, just blocks from Lake Michigan. Highways 20 and 38 also bring you downtown, and Highway 11 is just to the south. It’s a little over a 10-minute drive east of I-41/94, depending on traffic and how you lit the lights. There is plenty else to see and do there, from picking up a fresh kringle at one of Racine’s famous Danish bakeries to exploring the city’s heritage at the Racine Historical Museum, enjoying the beautiful harbor and waterfront, shopping the stores of 6th Street and Main Street, or even exploring Hotel Verdant, the new boutique hotel downtown. These are all within walking distance of the Racine Art Museum!
International PEEPS Art Exhibition Address:
Racine Art Museum
441 Main Street (Highway 32)
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 638-8300
Website
PEEPS Exhibit called “Mt. PEEPmore” by Elizabeth Peterson. Yes, it’s a mountain of PEEPs. Photo credit: Christina Lieffring, Racine Journal-Times.
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March 7, 2025 – March 9, 2025
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show runs March 4-8 at the Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center, where State Trunk Tour Highways 59 and 181 meet just south of I-94 in West Allis, Wisconsin. Hundreds of vendors, displays, showcases, special events, and more are available for the outdoor sports lovers across the entire family!
March 6, 2025 – March 16, 2025
The Balloon Adventure
The 2nd annual Balloon Adventure is BACK at Pier 290 in Williams Bay, Thursday, March 6th through Sunday, March 16th, 2025!
This year, the Boat Showroom at PIER 290 in Williams Bay transforms into a magical marine adventure for the 2025 Balloon Adventure. The theme is Voyage Into the Deep Sea! From vibrant coral reefs and playful sea creatures to a whimsical oceanic ambiance, this immersive experience promises an unforgettable voyage into the deep blue.
Dive into a magical underwater world brought to life by these 100,000+ balloons. These are intricately crafted by Sara Meyer, owner of Wisconsin Balloon Decor. Plus, she welcomes in 13 professional balloon artists from around the globe. It’s an unforgettable adventure blending artistry, imagination, and community. It’s all in support of the 531 Fund’s charitable mission.
In addition, a variety of special events take place on select days. They include the Glow Waves Adventure, Rave Under the Wave, the Deep Sea Shuffle, Tales of the Sea (a family movie night), and more. Get the full list here.
Tickets for Balloon Adventure
General Admission tickets are available online here as well as at the door during the event. In advance tickets are $20, $25 at the door. Kids 2 and under are free. Special events have separate pricing.
The Balloon Adventure is a unique and fun stop while in the Lake Geneva area. Check it out at Pier 290 when you’re road tripping on Highway 67! You’ll find Williams Bay just south of Highway 50 and northeast of U.S. 14, just minutes off I-43.
Afterwards – or before if you prefer – check out the nearby Yerkes Observatory. It’s the birthplace of astrophysics, after all. They offer tours on occasion, too! Meanwhile, more adventures and fun await in Lake Geneva, just a few minutes once you head east on Highway 50.
The Balloon Adventure Address:
The Boat Showroom at PIER 290
1 Liechty Drive
Williams Bay, WI 53191
Website
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February 22, 2025 – February 23, 2025
Slumberland American Birkebeiner
The “Birkie” returns to Hayward, providing year-round, healthy, active lifestyle events for thousands of adventurous spirits of all ages and abilities. Their slogan is SKI . RUN . BIKE . LIVE! It all began in 1973, when 35 determined skiers gathered on the starting line for the American Birkebeiner. Little did they know…they were about to change everything. Today, the Birkie provides year-round, healthy, active lifestyle events for thousands of adventurous spirits of all ages and abilities. In 2025, it’s back the weekend of February 22nd and 23rd!
The official name of this main event is the Slumberland American Birkebeiner Cross-Country Ski Event. It’s North America’s largest and most prestigious X-C ski marathon; 12,000 skiers of all ages, genders and nationalities participate in the 51K Birkebeiner, the 24K Kortelopet, Prince Haakon 13K, the children’s Barnebirkie, Junior Birkie, Elite Sprints, and Family Fun Ski.
Other fun events include the Barkie Birkie Skijor and Thursday’s Giant Ski Competition (six people on one pair of skis. What-what?? Find out more here.) The Birkie is a year-round lifestyle choice for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts of all levels. From its signature ski race, the legendary American Birkebeiner–Title Sponsor, Slumberland Furniture–the Birkie has grown into an exciting array of fitness and recreational opportunities. The 107-kilometer Birkie Trail system attracts skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from casual day-trippers to elite superstars.
The Slumberland American Birkebeiner®:
American Birkebeiner (the Birkie) Event Address:
10527 Main Street
Hayward, WI 54843
(715) 634-5025
Website
U.S. 63 and Highways 27 and 77 bring you to Hayward! From U.S. 53 at Trego, follow U.S. 63 north about 25 minutes.
Check out a recent recap here!
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February 14, 2025 – February 15, 2025
Battle on Bago
The Tournament starts Friday, February 14th at 6:00 am; scales will be open from 4pm to 8pm. On Saturday February 23rd, scales will open at 9am; the tournament ends at 2:00pm. Tournament ticket sales END at 6am Friday. You must be in line by 2:00 pm at Menominee Park in Oshkosh. Contestants will be allowed to fish Lake Winnebago and the Upper River Lakes: Lake Poygan, Lake Winneconne, and Lake Butte des Morts. Ice Fishing Permitted ONLY. You can weigh 1 fish per fishing ticket of any of the following species: Walleye (minimum length 14”), panfish (perch, bluegills, crappies), or whitebass. Any other fish not listed here will not be eligible for registration. Fish may be taken with tip-ups or by rod and reel. There is no age requirement on tournament participation.
Along with fishing, check out the heated tent and enjoy a great fish fry and other food from 5-10pm, plus live music from 7:30pm-11pm Friday night. The Raffle will be held on Saturday at 5pm. FREE Admission to all non-fishing events!
You can get tickets here. Fishing tickets are $30. You can also buy tickets are various locales in the Oshkosh area, as well as Fleet Farm stores statewide. You also need a valid fishing license from the Wisconsin DNR (888-936-7463).
More info on tickets, tournaments, entertainment, and more can be found on their website, BattleonBago.org.
You can get to Menominee Park in Oshkosh by hitting I-41 and heading into town or accessing downtown Oshkosh using Highways 21, 26, 44, 76, 91, or U.S. 45. A lot of roads lead to Oshkosh… by gosh.
Battle on Bago Address:
Menominee Park/Millers Bay
Irving Avenue & Hazel Street
Oshkosh, WI 54901
(920) 303-9200
Website
February 7, 2025 – February 9, 2025
Hudson Hot Air Affair
Hudson bursts with color in the middle of winter with the balloon-filled Hot Air Affair! Enjoy not only hot air balloons, but a HUGE slew of events throughout the weekend, both indoors and out. The Hot Air Affair balloons, of course, are all outside. Twenty featured balloons will launch Saturday and Sunday morning at 8am.
Saturday at 7:35am is the first Balloon Launch, with 20 hot air balloons rising from River Crest Elementary School on County F, south of Hudson. Across the area, you can look to the sky and see the balloons dotting the winter sky. A Pancake Breakfast precedes this at 7am at the Hudson Masonic Lodge on Locust Street in town. A Smoosh Board Competition also takes place at River Crest from 1-2:30pm with four people strapped onto two Smooshboards.
A second balloon launch happens Saturday afternoon at 3pm, also from River Crest Elementary. All day long, River Crest also hosts the Marketplace & Craft Fair, running 8am-8pm Saturday.
Back in town, the St. Croix River Dunk goes on from 1-3pm at Lakefront Park Beach; it’s the Hudson Rotary Club’s premiere winter fundraising event and… it sounds cold.
The Sunday Balloon Launch takes place at 7:35am – yes – from River Crest. All balloon inflations and flights are weather-dependent.
Geocaching fans, the Hot Air Affair has plenty of coordinates for you to uncover, with a series of new hidden geocaches.
Saturday from Noon to 3pm is the Bean Bag Tournament at Hop & Barrel Brewing Company on 310 2nd Street, which also happens to be Highway 35.
Saturday from 11am to 4pm, the Octagon House has walking tours and both the house/museum and the carriage house will be open for tours in return for a small, suggested donation. An After the Glow Dance Party caps off Saturday evening at The Empourium on Rodeo Drive in Hudson with live music and plenty of fun.
Sunday continues with geocaching, the Pop Up Ballon Launch at 7:35am again, and continued deals and events at shops and restaurants. At 12pm, you can check out the Hot Air Balloon Fat Bike Race. It takes place at Lakefront Park in Hudson. It’s a 3K technical sprint along the St. Croix River bottoms and through the park, with “punchy hills and twisty turns.” 3pm is the Balloonist Roundtable.
Hudson is right along the gorgeous St. Croix River on the border with Minnesota, where I-94 and U.S. 12 enter the state. Highway 35 runs through the center of town. The beautiful Willow River State Park is nearby. Check out Hudson whenever you can, but if you can make it for Hot Air Affair, it’s definitely going to be a soaring good time!
Hot Air Affair Address:
Downtown Hudson as well as River Crest Elementary School
535 County Road F
Hudson, WI 54016
(715) 386-4011 or (800) 657-6775
Website
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