Appleton’s “Mile of Music” Festival (Twitter: @MileofMusicFest) serves up original singer-songwriters, combos and multi-piece bands showcasing Americana music at both its most colorful and its very best. Genres include roots and indie rock, country, gospel, soul, R&B, jazz and folk. This year’s Mile of Music 10 takes place August 3-6, 2023.
This grassroots festival was co-founded by Appleton marketing executive Dave Willems and Appleton/Nashville-based national recording artist and Grammy nominee Cory Chisel in 2013. Willems Marketing & Events continues to run Mile of Music, with the support of over 100 community organizations and sponsors. Presenting sponsor Fox Communities Credit Union and other major sponsors have allowed this event to be FREE.
Mile of Music is noted as a “handcrafted artisan festival” with over 700 acts across 40 venues spanning a mile… of music (hence the name!)
Brett Newski performs at Mile of Music in Appleton.
Venues vary and include coffee shops, bars, parks, restaurants, museums and other public spaces. with more of them outdoors in the wake of the pandemic we all had to deal with. Some of Mile 10’s biggest artists will perform at the Main Stage in Houdini Plaza, one of the festival’s most popular venues. Remember, Harry Houdini spent time in Appleton and claimed it as his hometown!
Local brewpub Stone Arch will offer up its artisan Mile of Music Americana Pale Ale to add to the flavor of the festival. Music fans who love bicycling can work off those beer calories and indulge their music passions with Bike to the Beat. Added fun includes the Tub of Tunes giveaway, where one lucky attendee will win a bathtub full of CDs and vinyl from Mile 10 artists.
Check it out all weekend in Appleton. Their website has the complete lineup, and you can also download their special app for updates, details on all the events, and more. I-41, U.S. 10, and Highways 47, 96, and 125 bring you to the Mile of Music in the downtown area.
7000apart
A Song Before We Go
Abby Holliday
About You
Acoustic Guitar Workshop
ADAMAH
Adeem the Artist
Adrian+Meredith
Adriel Denae
Afro-Cuban Drumming & Dance
Age of Fable
Ali Holder
Alisa Amador
All Abilities Inclusive Music-Making
Altered Five Blues Band
Amelia Ford
Americana: Sing, Step, and Play
Angela Perley
Anna Moss
Anna Rose
Annie Sumi
Anthony D’Amato
Arts Fishing Club
Ashley Virginia
Audiodacity
Auralai
Baked Shrimp
Balinese Gamelan: Gongs, Drums, and Metallophones
Bascom Hill
Bayo
Bee Taylor
Before Dawn
Ben Harold & The Rising
Ben Mulwana
Benny Bassett
Beth Bombara
Betsy Ade & The Well-Known Strangers
BLKBOK
Blue Ranger
Boy Howdy and the Electric Ranch Hands
Brazilian Samba Drumming (ages 10-adult)
Brian Dunne
Brian Fechino
Buffalo Rose
Caiola
Calvin Arsenia
Carnage The Executioner
Casii Stephan
Cave Paintings
Cayli
Certainly So
Chelsea Lyn Meyer
Chris Haise Band
Chris Jourdan
Christopher Gold
Christopher Gold and The New Old Things
Claire Kelly
Cody James
Cool Waters Band
Coral Moons
Cory Chisel
Cousin Arthur
Crys Matthews
Danielle Nicole Band
Danni Nicholls
darn it.
Decoda Chamber Music Festival ft. Ben Mulwana
Decoda Chamber Music Festival ft. BLKBOK
Decoda Chamber Music Festival ft. Calvin Arsenia
Decoda Chamber Music Festival ft. Decoda
Decoda Chamber Music Festival showcase ft. Ben Mulwana, BLKBOK, & Calvin Arsenia
Didjeridu Workshop
Diggstown
Don DiLego
Drumming & Dance from Ghana
Drumming & Dance from Guinea
Emily Zeck
Emma Peridot
Eric Pedigo
Eric W. Krueger
Eric W. Krueger & the Sheesh
Evan Bartels
Evoked
Fantastic Cat
Feed the Dog
First Steps in Music
Flagship Romance
Fox and Bones
Fox Royale
Free Dirt
Gabe Lee
Girl & The Gunn
Girl Blue
Hang Ten
HAPPY LANDING
Hello June
Hillary Reynolds
Hip Hop Workshop with MxL
Holly and the Nice Lions
Horace Greene
Humbird
Ifdakar
ILL GENESI
Isiah & The New People
J.E. Sunde
Jackson Mankowski
Jamie Kent
Jay Byrd
JD Eicher
Jenny Teator
Jesse Lynn Madera
Jessica Pounds
Jimi W.
Jon Tyler Wiley & His Virginia Choir
Joshua Ray Walker
Joy Clark
Julie Williams
Kaiti Jones
Kal Schimmers
Kat and the Hurricane
Katie Boeck
Katy Guillen & The Drive
Kelly Steward
Kelsey Miles
Ken Yates
Kiss the Tiger
Kristin Andreassen & Chris Eldridge
Kurt Gunn
Kyle Megna & Dave LeBlanc
Kyle Megna & The Brass Monsoons
Lemon Sky
Lilli Lewis
Listening Party
Little Bird
Los Ritmos de Mariachi
LowDown Brass Band
Luke Callen
Luma Knotty
Lunar Moth
Mae Simpson
Making Movies
Marielle Kraft
Marina City
Mark Erelli
Marty Paschke
May Erlewine
Me Like Bees
Meaghan Farrell
Megan Slankard
MEOWBOYS
MET on the Bus
Michael Grabner
Michaela Anne
Mike Montali
Mike Munson
Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts
Miles Over Mountains
Mindful Music-Making: Sing, Explore, and Contemplate
Mo Lowda & the Humble
Mom Rock
More Then Merry
Motherfolk
Mya Byrne & Swan Real
Nathan Kalish
NEWSKI
Nicholas Raymond
Nick Franclik
Nigel Wearne
Nikki Morgan
Nomads
North Wind and The Sun
Old Oaks
Ordinary Elephant
Oshima Brothers
Paisley Fields
Palm Ghosts
Pat Byrne
Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps
Paul Childers
pBone Jam
PEGASIS
Pepper Said
Peridot
Precious Metals
Próxima Parada
Rachael Davis
Rachel Baiman
Radio Free Honduras
Radkey
Redshift Headlights
Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band
Remember Jones
Sam Ness
Sarah Peacock
She Returns From War
Sinking Lessons
SIRSY
Sister Winchester
Sit Kitty Sit
Sleepy Gaucho
SloCoast
Songwriting Workshop with Wade Fernandez
Soultru
Sound Together: Song Circle for Community & Belonging
South for Winter
South Rail
Southeast Asian Dance Workshop
Sprig of That
Stay Outside
Stephanie Joanna
Steve Everett
Steve Poltz
Stories That Move (ages 2-10 & caregivers)
Stories That Sing (ages 2-10 & caregivers)
String Band Jam (Intermediate/Advanced)
Super 400
Supper Club
Sway Wild
Sweet Lizzy Project
TAE
TAE & The Neighborly
Tedious & Brief
The Astronomers
The BOSE Troubadours feat: JD Eicher, Paul Childers, Megan Slankard, and Sarah Peacock
The Brevet
The Brothers Footman
The Driftless Revelers
The End of America (TEOA)
The Gentlemen Grifters
The Heavy Heavy
The Lately
The Lavender Project
The Mascot Theory
The MilBillies
The Mile Jam – Festival After Party
The Other 22 Hours Podcast live taping with Michaela Anne & Aaron Shafer-Haiss ft. Jamie Kent
The Present Age
The Psycodelics
The Rough & Tumble
The Short Pay Riders
The Stews
The Thing
The Tunes
The Vegabonds
the Wishbone Breakers
Tom Mackell
Trash Panda
Trash Pandas
Traveling Suitcase
Twan Mack
Tyler Sj.
Ukulele Workshop (ages 10-adult)
Valley Fox
VOLK
Walden
Walt Hamburger & The Bad Puns
Welshly Arms
Whitehorse
Wild Heart Club
Wire and Nail
Wise Jennings
Wonky Tonk feat. Wiggly Shadows
Writers Round Friday feat: Adriel Denae, Hillary Reynolds, May Erlewine, and Rachael Davis
Writers Round Saturday feat: Joy Clark, Julie Williams, Nikki Morgan and Soultru
Writers Round Thursday feat: Jackson Mankowski, Kurt Gunn, Michael Grabner, and Nicholas Raymond
Wurk
Zach Pietrini
Appleton is easily accessible via I-41, U.S. 10, Highways 15, 47, 96, or, of course 125 – because if you’re on Highway 125, you’re in Appleton already. Highway 441 provides a bypass around the city that allows you to enter from points east and south.
Marshfield is known as “Hub City” and its 18th annual Hub City Days celebrates the city’s heritage, present, and future. Check out a weekend of fun July 27-29, 2023, 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 27
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 28
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 29
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!
Port Fish Days is BACK to being a multi-day festival! This fun weekend, which for a long time has featured “The World’s Largest One-Day Outdoor Fish Fry,” offers a TON of fun in the beautiful downtown and harbor areas of Port Washington.
Okay, along with the fish fry, we’re talking lots of fun: music on four stages, rides, fireworks, and plenty of other cool stuff like soccer water fights all along Port Washington’s beautiful harbor on Lake Michigan, where even on a hot day it tends to be nice and comfortable.
Port Fish Day in 2023 begins on Thursday, July 13th and runs through Saturday, July 15th with a variety of events each day and night. It begins with the Corn Hole Tournament Thursday evening with music Friday afternoon into the evening by Nate Horlache.
Saturday is the busy day – it begins with a nice calorie burn in the form of the Coal Dock Park Portal Run/Walk/Roll at 8am. Starting at 10am, the Beer Garden, Arts & Crafts Show, and Family Zone activities fire up at Upper Lake Park. Coal Dock and Upper Lake Park essentially flank downtown Port Washington, with all of their shops, restaurants, and marina activities in between.
Along with the Beer Garden, Arts & Crafts Show, and Family Zone from 10am – 8pm in Upper Lake Park, Port Washington hosts the Downtown Parade from 11am – 12:30pm up Franklin Street. Upper Lake Park adds its Car, Bike & Truck Show at noon, lasting through 5pm.
Live music starts up in Lower Lake Park with performances from Zach Steinbach, Letter 8, and headliners The Love Monkeys – get more details here. It all caps off at 7pm in Rotary Park along the water with the Fireworks Watch Party.
Port Fish Day is focused around the beautiful harbor area in downtown Port Washington. Highways 32 and 33 bring you right into downtown Port, just east of I-43 and Highway 57, a few miles north of Highway 60.
Further details are on their website. While in Port Washington, be sure to check out Coal Dock Park, raise a glass at Inventors Brewpub, trace the history of the Blues, shop Duluth Trading Company or any of the local stores downtown, and enjoy the lakefront! Of course you can check out Allen Edmonds Shoe Outlet on the north side of town or get some exercise on the Interurban Trail, which cuts right through town.
Port Fish Day Address:
Port Washington Harbor
100 N. Franklin Street (Highway 32)
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 284-0900 Website
Start:
July 14, 2023
End:
July 15, 2023
Venue:
Port Washington Harbor
Phone:
262-284-0900
Address:
100 N. Franklin Street, Port Washington, WI, 53074, United States
The 78th annual Greek Fest Sheboygan takes place June 23rd-25th, 2022 in Sheboygan’s Deland Park on the shores of Lake Michigan! Greek Fest, sponsored by St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, is three full days of authentic Greek food, pastries, beer and wine, and traditional music.
The dance performances and usual Sunday Liturgy service is BACK in 2023! There will be activities for kids including inflatables, and a Sunday raffle at 6pm also offers the opportunity to win prizes.
The Greek food including gyros, spinach pies, baklava, hot honey puffs, rotisserie chicken with Greek spices, flaming cheese, and more. The flaming cheese – called Saganaki – is breaded Sartori Fontina cheese served with pita bread. Enjoy a tantalizing hot honey puff or some baklava-topped ice cream. FREE admission, free parking. Opa!!
Marshfield features its 42nd annual Dairyfest Friday, June 2nd through Sunday, June 4th 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 “To the Moo-n Back”!
Thursday, June 1
3:00-5:00pm /Kick-Off to Summer & Giveaways: Held at the Wenzel Family Plaza come for the ceremonial start of the water fountain and the Vandehey Waters giveaway and the Wisconsin Dells giveaway!
Friday, June 2
5:30-9:30am / Dairyfest 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. This year’s menu includes a scrambled egg special, hot coffee, white or chocolate milk, and more. The first 1,000 attendees will receive a commemorative ceramic coffee mug. Carry-out orders are accepted but must be placed ahead of time.
11:00-8:00pm / Food Truck Friday and 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 inflatables, petting zoo, coin & candy hunt, educational games by Richfield 4-H, Reis Martial Arts, Main Street Conservatory of Dance, and the Marshfield Civic Band. And don’t miss out on Movie in the Park at sundown!
7:00-9:00pm / Hub City Concert Series Kick-Off: Join the fun at the Wenzel Family Plaza and enjoy food trucks and outdoor games. Live music starts at 7:00pm with NEWSKIES.
Saturday, June 3
Additional activities scheduled for Saturday include:
9:00am-3:00pm / Fishing For Kids Hosted by the Lions Club at Wildwood Park & Zoo Upper Pond. Kids 12 and under; $1 fee
10:00am-3:00pm / Pie Social at Upham Mansion, 212 W. 3rd St.
10:00am-4:00pm / Center City Fun Day at Wenzel Family Plaza
11:00am / Dairyfest Parade
Food trucks / Friday & Saturday
Softball /Friday & Saturday at The Marshfield Fairgrounds
Disc golf tournaments / Registration starts from 7:00-8:30am at Braem Park
3:00pm-11pm / Nutz Deep Dairyfest Beer Garden at 809 S. Central Ave.
Marshfield Dairyfest Address:
Various locations around town, including the Central Wisconsin State Fairgrounds
513 E. 17th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449 Website
Chippewa Falls’ annual Springfest hits the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds the weekend of May 19-20, 2023! It’s a family friendly event with over 40 exhibitors showing and selling their Spring and Summer products and services. Enjoy great food, from deep fried cheese curds to State Fair French fries, brick oven pizzas, prime rib sandwiches and so much more!
There’s plenty of family fun including a petting zoo, inflatables, a bonfire, and plenty of other activities for kids and grown-ups alike.
Plenty of live music will be available too, in either of two heated tents, the Main Stage and the Kwik Trip Party Tent. Here’s the main lineup so far:
Friday, May 19th, 7:30pm, Boogie & the Yo-Yo’z
Saturday, May 20th, 7:30 pm, The John Stone Band from Nashville
Tickets can be purchased at The Leinie Lodge, Select Kwik Trip Stores in the Chippewa Falls area, The Chippewa YMCA or online at the Chippewa Falls Rotary Club’s Facebook page.
Springfest Tickets and Pricing:
Friday, May 19th:
FREE General Gate Admission
FREE Parking
Gates open at 4pm
Vendors Open at 4 – 8 pm Expo Hall A
5pm: Brady Luke Band in the Kwik Trip Party Tent
7:30pm: Boogie & The Yo-Yo’z on the Main Stage (Tickets)
11pm: Brady Luke Band (round two!)
Saturday, May 20th:
$5 General Gate Admission
FREE Parking
$20 Advance Boogie and the Yo-Yo’z Concert* (includes General Gate Admission)
$25 Day of Show Boogie and the Yo-Yo’z Concert (includes General Gate Admission)
$75 VIP Concert (Includes: Free Beverages & Snacks from 7-11pm, Exclusive Family Fare VIP Tent Access, Separate Entrance to Concert, Front of Stage Access During Show! Free parking & gate admission. Meet and Greet opportunity [Artist Approved])
Gates open at 11am
12 Noon: The Gators in the Kwik Trip Party Tent
2pm: Chi-Hi Wire Choir, the Chippewa Falls High School students take the stage in the Kwik Trip Party Tent
2:30pm: Howard “Guitar” Luedtke and Blue Max in the Kwik Trip Party Tent
5pm: Bumblefist in the Kwik Trip Party Tent
7:30pm headliner: The John Stone Band – the “King of Broadway” from Nashville (Tickets)
11pm: Bumblefist in the Kwik Trip Party Tent
You can find the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds just off Highway 124 on Edward Street, just north of the Leinenkugel Brewery and across from the beautiful Irvine Park & Zoo. It’s less than a mile north of downtown Chippewa Falls, where Business Highway 29 and Business U.S. 53 meet.
Chippewa Falls Springfest Address:
Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds (along Highway 124)
225 Edward Street
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
(715) 723-2861 Website
Lake Geneva celebrates winter like no other place. Winterfest is a brouhaha of shopping, dining, music, magic, refreshments, and activities including thrilling helicopter rides over the town and lake. It’s capped off, of course, by the amazing designs and creativity of the U.S. Nationals Snow Sculpting Competition – right along the lake at the Riviera – where fifteen teams of the most talented snow sculptors and artists from around the country gather to compete for a national title. The entire competition is open to the public, so Winterfest attendees can actually watch the artists at work!
Be here to witness these teams at work during an epic 72-hour competition where their artistry is put to the test in creating remarkable, larger-than-life snow sculptures.
In addition to the snow sculpting competition, you’ll find more wintery fun during Winterfest week, including the 4th annual Downtown Ice Sculpture Walk, Bonfires on the Beach, Fire & Ice Bar, a Cocoa Crawl and many more events, activities and specials around Lake Geneva and the surrounding area. It runs Wednesday through Sunday, February 1st-5th as part of Winterfest. The walk is just steps away from the snow sculpting competition, with dozens of artfully crafted ice sculptures adorning the front faces of shops, restaurants, and other businesses throughout the Downtown district. Ice sculptures will be installed Friday morning, February 4th and remain on display as long as the cold weather permits!
Avant Cycle Café | 234 Broad Street
Barrique Bistro & Wine Bar | 835 Wrigley Drive
Bloomingbyrds | 755 W. Main Street
Brick & Mortar Home | 832 Geneva Street
Brick & Mortar Home and Outdoor | 222 Center Street
Clearwater Outdoor Sports | 744 W. Main Street
Cornerstone Shop & Gallery | 214 Broad Street
Egg Harbor Café | 827 W Main Street
Evr drygds | 719 W. Main Street
Fancy Fair Mall | 830 W Main Street
Geneva Gifts | 150 Broad Street
Haberdapper | 253 Broad Street
Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva | 300 Wrigley Drive
Interstate Insurance Group | 811 Wrigley Drive (Popeye’s)
Kilwins | 772 Main Street
Lake Geneva Lifestyle/Donna Brongiel | 703 Main Street
Lake Geneva Motel | 201 Wrigley Drive (Visitor Info Center)
Lake Geneva Spice Company | 255 Broad Street
Marigold | 725 W Main Street
Overland Sheepskin Co. | 752 W. Main Street
Queen Bee Artisan Market | 830 W. Main Street
Sopra Bistro | 724 Main Street
The Bottle Shop | 617 W. Main Street
The Candle Mercantile | 870 W. Main Street
The Olive Oil Shops | 221 Broad Street
Thumbs Up | 260 Broad Street
Winterfest activities focus on downtown Lake Geneva, which lies right along Highway 50. U.S. 12 and Highway 120 are close to the east and Highway 67 is a few miles to the west near Delavan. It’s easy to get to – and a total blast!
A horse-drawn carriage ride through Lake Geneva is perfect on a winter day.
Lake Geneva Winterfest & U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition Address:
Downtown Lake Geneva/Riviera Park
201 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(262) 248-4416 Website
Ice Castles are back in Lake Geneva! Tickets are on sale now.
Lake Geneva is beautiful and fun enough already, but with the Ice Castles coming again after such a crazy 2022, this winter it gets even better! Seven days a week starting soon through early March – weather permitting – the massive ice castles compound can be explored and enjoyed by the whole family. The artistic project got underway in November, one of several projects in North America by Ice Castles LLC, a Utah-based company with similar projects in Colorado, New Hampshire, and Utah. One of the most unique and amazing facts about the Ice Castles is that they are literally built by hand. They grow more than 5,000 icicles each day that they harvest and sculpt together. These Ice Castles create life-size winter playgrounds, with illuminated inside the castles at night with color-changing LED lights that twinkle to music. You can explore ice-carved tunnels, fountains, slides, frozen thrones, and towering ice formations. This is truly something to dazzle the entire family. This mega-complex of ice will be at the Geneva National Resort and Club, just west of downtown Lake Geneva off Highway 50, a little east of Highway 67. How long will it last? Depends on the weather, of course, but they’ll keep it open into March if they can. You can keep up with the construction of Ice Castles and weather conditions, which will be continuously updated, on their website.
Tickets are on sale now. Admission prices are:
WEEKDAYS (Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday): General Admission, ages 12 and up: $25 Child Admission, ages 4-11: $17 Children 3 and younger: Free
WEEKENDS (Friday – Sunday): General Admission, ages 12 and up: $29 Child Admission, ages 4-11: $22 Children 3 and younger: Free
Be prepared to hit U.S. 12 or Highways 50, 67, or 120 to get to Lake Geneva and experience Ice Castles Wisconsin and the magic of the winter season!
Photo courtesy of Facebook.com/TheIceCastles
Ice Castles Lake Geneva Address:
Geneva National Resort & Club 1091 Hidden Cottage Circle Lake Geneva, WI 53147 (262) 248-4416 Website
Pulled from their website, here are some “Tips for a great experience” to Ice Castles Lake Geneva:
Wear Boots! The walking surface inside Ice Castles is made of crushed ice. Walking in boots is definitely best.
Buy Tickets Before You Arrive! When you buy a ticket, you buy an arrival time. They ask that you arrive within your 30-minute time window. Once you are inside Ice Castles you can stay as long as you’d like.
You can save some trees when you buy your tickets online; they’ll send you an email with a unique QR code, so there’s no need to print your tickets. They scan the code right from your phone.
Photos are encouraged (and they want to see them! #icecastles) but they ask that you please leave photography equipment such as tripods and lights at home.
Sleds are great, and they highly recommend bringing a small sled to pull children instead of a stroller. It is extremely difficult to push a stroller through Ice Castles – think of it like trying to push a stroller on a sandy beach)
The Plymouth Arts Center, touting Plymouth as the “Cheese Capital of the World,” is doing its 16th annual Big Cheese Drop and New Year’s Eve party on Saturday, December 31st and is ready for the biggest one yet!
This should make national news (again), since it’s been on the list for the top 10 things to do on New Year’s Eve for many years. All the details are on the Plymouth Arts Center website. While in downtown Plymouth, admire all the cool murals and decor along the historic downtown blocks, filled with great shops, restaurants, bars, and more.
Why is Plymouth the “Cheese Capital”? Well, it’s rooted in the fact that the price of cheese in the United States was designated at the Wisconsin Cheese Exchange in downtown Plymouth, beginning in 1918. The Cheese Exchange pricing and standards were the platform for cheese pricing until 1956. During these decades Plymouth became known as “Cheeseville” because of the cheese storage facilities, the processing of cheese and shipping of product throughout the country. Today, over 15% of the cheese consumed in the U.S. goes through the city.
Follow Highways 23, 57, or 67 to get to Plymouth and check out this unique way to ring in 2021. Check out a brief video clip of last year’s party below!
Address for the Big Cheese Drop in Plymouth for New Year’s Eve:
Plymouth Arts Center
520 E. Mill Street
Plymouth, WI 53073
(920) 892-8409 Website
The 2nd annual Jingle & Mingle at City Green in downtown Sheboygan is a family-friendly event that includes entertainment, a marketplace, a brat fry, trolley rides, and of course, Santa!
Make plans to visit Santa and his elves from 12:30pm – 2:00pm and 2:30pm -4:00pm.
The Marketplace is open from Noon to 4 :00pm with crafters, sweet treats, and a traditional brat fry.
Warm up around the bonfire while you roast a tasty s’more or two.
Climb aboard the trolley for rides around town and mingle through the local shops. The Holiday Open House will be happening in select downtown, riverfront and South Pier businesses to help with your holiday shopping.
Help us decorate our tree with handmade ornaments or write your letter to Santa and we’ll deliver it to the North Pole.
Participate in the ugly sweater contest to win prizes.
The Marketplace is open from Noon to 6pm with crafters, sweet treats, and a traditional Sheboygan Jaycees Brat Fry. Marketplace Vendors include:
Comfort & Joy Wooden Ornaments
Crafters Attic (soaps, lotions & more)
Fat Cat 3D creations
Hope Church Bake Sale
Infernal Candles
Mz.Nita’s Kitchen (desserts & baked goods)
Nap Time Treasures (wire jewelry)
She Sews Creations (purses, wallets, backpacks, kids pouches)
Sit back and relax for a bit with some holiday entertainment.
Jingle & Mingle Schedule of Events:
12:15 PM: Storytime with Santa.
12:30 PM: The Kohler High School Madrigal Singers
1 PM: Ugly Sweater Contest
1:30 PM: South High School Singers
2 PM: Lutheran High School Chamber Choir
2:30 PM: Noah & Grace
3 PM: Livie
You can get to City Green and downtown Sheboygan via Highways 23, 28, or 42 in from I-43. Just head towards the lake and make your way to 8th Street, City Green is right at the New York Avenue intersection. While in Sheboygan, you can check out so many fun attractions, restaurants, and more. They include the John Michael Kohler Arts Center – practically adjacent to City Green – the Above & Beyond Children’s Museum, also within blocks of City Green, the Harbor District along the Sheboygan River, North Beach, Maywood Environmental Park and 3 Sheeps Brewing on the north side (both just off Highway 42), and much more.
Jingle & Mingle Address:
City Green, downtown Sheboygan
710 New York Avenue
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 335-0060 Website
The Lincoln Park Zoo is a terrific free zoo in the “Coolest Coast” city of Manitowoc. Every holiday season, Lights In Lincoln Park dazzles with a “twinkly bright drive-thru wonder” from November 24th through December 9th on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, and then resuming for EVERY evening from December 14th through the 28th, 2023.
Along with beautiful lights on trees, trellises and more, enjoy over 70 wild animal light displays, many with animated characters. Among them is animated elephant, a wood duck, a standing polar bear, an animated wolf, and whispering pine tree… just to give you an idea of what you’ll get to enjoy. This is the 10th annual Lights in Lincoln Park and they manage to add new features every year.
Admission is $5 per car and proceeds go to benefit zoo educational programs and enhancements to the Lincoln Park Zoo. You can enter from Waldo/Lincoln Boulevard, right where U.S. 10 and Highway 42 meet. It’s just north of downtown Manitowoc, about five minutes east of I-43, following the U.S. 10 (Waldo Blvd.) exit. It’s just west of Highway 42/Memorial Drive, which is a beautiful drive along the shores of Lake Michigan between Manitowoc and Two Rivers.
Lights In Lincoln Park Hours:
November 24th – December 9th: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm- Thursday, Friday and Saturday
December 14th – December 28th: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm- Every Night You can visit Santa on Cabin 1 on Friday nights: December 2nd, 9th, and 16th.
Lights in Lincoln Park Family Night Fun Walk is Friday December 29th, 2022 from 5:00 pm- 8:00 pm, featuring a fun walk through the Lincoln Park Lights. It’s a great way for the whole family to enjoy the lights and get some steps in! Admission for the Family Night Fun Walk is $5/person or $10/family.
Lights In Lincoln Park Address:
Lincoln Park Zoo
900 Quay Street (just off Highway 42, blocks from U.S. 10)
Manitowoc, WI 54220 Website
Harvest Fair at Wisconsin State Fair Park features tons of fall-focused events, activities, live entertainment, competitions, scarecrow making and the much anticipated Pumpkin Bowling. It runs September 23-25, 2022 and has FREE admission.
Over 30 vendors will be there, selling everything from tasty food to cool crafts. Since it’s fall, imbibe in a pumpkin spice cream puff; enjoy pies from the Elegant Farmer; grab a cup of Kozie’s Harvest Stew; explore a multitude of Wisconsin cheeses; and The Micro will be offering over 60 varieties of craft beers. Prefer wine? No problem, Wineberry will be serving up red wines, white wines, even wine slushies.
Check out the Antique Tractors Display, the Backyard Circus, Camel and Pony Rides, a Farmers’ Market, Free Live Music, Giant Cookie Decorating, Hay Rides, a Kiddie Tractor Maze, “Make Your Own Caramel Apple” fun (they provide a lot of toppings), even a chance for kids to slide down the “World’s Largest Piggy Bank.” Free, lively entertainment is rocking stages all weekend long, including performances by the 5 Card Studs, Too Hype Crew, Rhythm Kings, The Toys and more will be on the Bank Five Nine Amphitheater with nightly entertainment presented by Bud Light. Plus, multiple Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Shows, presented by WaterStone Bank, are also on deck.
A major feature of Harvest Fair is the massive pumpkin patch, big enough to impress Linus from Peanuts (yes, we’re going old school here.)
Wisconsin State Fair Park is in West Allis, minutes west of downtown Milwaukee. I-94 and Highways 59 and 181 border the park; I-41, I-894, U.S. 18, U.S. 45, and Highway 100 all get you close.
Harvest Fair / Maker Faire Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park
640 S. 84th Street (Highways 181 & 59)
West Allis, WI 53214
(800) 884-3247 Website
The largest and most realistic dinosaur exhibit in North America is back, bigger, and better than ever! More than 100 photorealistic dinosaurs are ready to delight families when Jurassic Quest roars into Wisconsin State Fair Park Friday, September 16th through Sunday, September 18th, 2022.
Jurassic Quest offers some of the most beloved and unique experiences for the whole family including more than 100 life-like dinosaurs, dinosaur themed rides, live dinosaur shows, interactive science and art activities, a “Triceratots” soft play area for our littlest explorers, bounce houses and inflatable attractions (socks required), photo opportunities, and more.
Walk and drive through the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic periods to see the dinos that ruled on land, and “deep dive” into the “Ancient Oceans” exhibit to come face to face with the largest apex predator that ever existed – a moving, life-size, 50-foot-long megalodon. Meet the babies, hatched only at Jurassic Quest: Cammie the Camarasaurus, Tyson the T-Rex and Trixie the Triceratops – and, you may even catch one of our star dino trainers: Safari Sarah, Dino Dustin, Captain Caleb, Prehistoric Nick or Park Ranger Marty!
The Jurassic Quest herd of animatronic dinos – from the largest predators to playful baby dinos – are displayed in realistic scenes with some that move and roar, allowing guests to experience them as they were when they roamed the earth billions of years ago.
Jurassic Quest works in collaboration with leading paleontologists to ensure each dinosaur is painstakingly replicated in every detail, from coloration to teeth size, to textured skin, fur or feathers, drawing on the latest research about how we understand dinosaurs and ancient giants of the sea looked and moved.
Tickets are timed entry — reserve online to ensure desired date and time. Tickets are also available on-site and include a 100% ticket guarantee that in the event of a show cancellation or postponement for any reason, ticket purchases will be automatically refunded for the full purchase amount. Tickets are for a timed arrival window, and advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged.
Guests can walk through the dinosaur experience at their own pace, and strollers are permitted.
General admission tickets include access to the dinosaur and marine exhibits, arts and crafts activities, and dinosaur shows. There are rides and activities that require activity tickets available on site for $5 each, or guests can upgrade to the Kids Unlimited Rides ticket (the best value for children ages 2-12). Green screen photography and animal art tattoos are available at a separate cost. Entry is free for children under age 2.
You can easily get to Wisconsin State Fair Park via I-94, Highway 59, or Highway 181 – they surround the park! U.S. 18 and I-41/U.S. 45/I-894 get you close for connections.
Jurassic Quest Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park
640 S. 84th Street
West Allis, WI 53214 Website
Kites Over Lake Michigan is one of the largest kite festivals in the Midwest and attracts kitefliers from all over. Check out giant show kites, precision stunt kite teams flying dual- and quad-line kites, spectacular and colorful ground displays, running of the bols, and games for kids! Learn how to fly two and quad line stunt kites from the experts.
Kites Over Lake Michigan continues at Two Rivers High School with other activities taking place along Lake Michigan nearby. It will take place Saturday, September 3rd and Sunday, September 4th. This includes a night fly on Saturday night, conditions permitting.
There will be a role reversal of role this year; since the High School serves as the festival grounds, Walsh Field (on 22nd Street just before the turn into Neshotah Beach) will serve as the overflow parking area. A shuttle bus service will run between Walsh Field and the high school both days from 11 am to 5 pm. Please note that the bus will be limited to 23 people per trip to allow for social distancing, more if family members living together are present. All those using the shuttle will have to be masked. Also, pets are not allowed anywhere on school property.
Good news: Free kite making for kids will continue, taking place Sunday 9/4/20 at 9.00 am.
Great News: The Fireworks Show WILL take place, and it will happen Saturday evening at 8 pm. Fireworks will be shot off behind the Coast Guard Station, allowing people to spread out over a wide area and still have optimum viewing from various places along the waterfront.
Highway 42 is the road to both Neshotah Beach and Two Rivers High School; Highway 147 brings you to Two Rivers from the north, and Highway 310 provides quick access to and from I-43. Check out this colorful fest (which we need in 2020) September 5th and 6th!
Kites Over Lake Michigan Event Address:
Two Rivers High School
4519 Lincoln Avenue (Highway 42)
Two Rivers, WI 54241
(920) 793-9599 Website
One of three “State Fairs” in Wisconsin, the Central Wisconsin State Fair takes place in Marshfield August 23-28, 2022 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:
Hotel California, a Tribute to the Eagles Wednesday night, August 24th
This Fair also features Mad Dog & Merrill and Pumpkin Bowling as a new thing this year. Tons of arts & crafts vendors will be there, and you can enjoy the Saturday & Sunday Pancake Breakfast with local maple syrup from 7am – noon. As usual, Central Wisconsin State Fair hosts the 4-H and open class exhibits, free grandstand entertainment with gate admission, the Round Barn Express train, Junior Fair Market Animal Sale, 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
Chippewa Falls celebrates its clean, bountiful water and the community in general with the 46th Annual Pure Water Days Parade and Riverfest celebration Saturday, August 13th!
With Pure Water Days, enjoy the big parade early Saturday afternoon with over 70 parade entries and a vintage car parade. Then, head down the street to Allen Park for RiverFest, which begins at 2pm.
Bring the kids and take advantage of the giant inflatables, games for both kids and adults, tons of prizes, a balloon artist, live music by Irie Sol, a Veterans tribute, food trucks, a beer tent, arts and crafts vendors, and fireworks. Throughout the day, city-wide events also include YMCA races and other sporting events, plus much more. It’s always an awesome family-friendly time!
During Pure Water Days, you can also enjoy the classic Cruise-In Car Show. This is the fourth of four car shows held downtown every summer. Vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles with great music!
The Pure Water Days Parade theme for 2019 is “History of Chippewa Falls,” perfect for the city’s ongoing 150th (sesquicentennial) celebrations! So expect a lot of historic-looking floats and formations. The Chippewa River and Duncan Creek flow through town and provide pure water and plenty of scenic beauty.
While in Chippewa Falls, be sure to explore the famous Leinenkugel Brewery, take a tour and discover their new “pilot brewery”; enjoy the amenities of nearby Irvine Park and Zoo, Brewster Brothers Brewing & the Chippewa River Distillery on the west edge of downtown along Business 29 & 53, the lovely Riverbend Vineyard & Winery west of town along Business 29, the historic Cook-Rutledge Mansion, the downtown shopping, nearby Lake Wissota State Park, and much more. And be sure to mark your calendar for the upcoming Oktoberfest celebration at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds! It’s definitely one of the best in the Midwest.
Chippewa Falls is easy to get to! Today’s U.S. 53 freeway, Highway 29 freeway, Highway 124, and Highway 178 all bring you to Chippewa Falls, too. It’s only about 15 minutes north of Eau Claire off I-94, too.
Hayward hosts the 62nd annual Lumberjack World Championships July 28-30, 2022! 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, July 28th – 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 28, 2022
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 Logrolling!
11:30am – Qualifying Competitions for chopping and sawing; ongoing
Noon – Professional Logrolling Preliminaries
3:00pm-5:00pm – Happy Hour & Live Music in Swinging Axe Beer Garden Music by Molly & The Danger Band
Free Tastings from 3-5pm
Ages 21 & Over
Earth Rider SWAG Giveaways
3:30pm – Boom Running Qualifiers
5:45pm – Opening Ceremonies
6:00pm – Professional Quarterfinal Competition
Friday, July 29, 2022
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 Logrolling!
11:30am – Qualifying Competitions for chopping and sawing; ongoing
Noon – Professional Logrolling Competitions
3:00pm – 5:00pm – Happy Hour & Live Music – Swinging Axe Beer Garden Music by Scott Kirby and Guest, Ed Willet
Happy Hour Giveaway! You Could Win a Shiner Bock 54-QT Coleman cooler
Free Can Koozie(c) to the First 250, Courtesy of Northern Lakes Coop
Ages 21 & Over
5:45pm – Opening Ceremonies
6:00pm – Professional Semi-Final Competition
Saturday, July 30, 2022
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 Logrolling!
Noon – Professional Logrolling Competitions
1:00pm – Axe Throwing Competition
3:00pm – 5:00pm – Happy Hour & Live Music – Swinging Axe Beer Garden Music by Steve Beguhn, American Idol Finalist
Happy Hour Giveaway! You Could Win a Sam Adams/Truly 45-QT Cooler
The Northern Wisconsin State Fair is always a fun-filled, family event that brings folks back year after year to Chippewa Falls, right along Historic U.S. 53 and today’s Highway 124. In 2022, it runs Wednesday July 12th through Sunday, July 17th!
The five days of the fair feature midway carnival excitement, numerous exhibits, animal judging, contests for milk drinking, pie eating, karaoke and more, animal shows, the Northern Wisconsin Show Us Your Talent Show, a draft horse show, a pedal tractor pull, and much more.
Of course, the food is always a highlight. Each day offers new and exciting competitions and entertainment.
The fairgrounds are indicated by this formation of stones right along Highway 124.
Music Headliners on the Leinenkugel Main Stage/Northwestern Bank Grandstand include:
Tuesday, July 12th: Rick Springfield, 8pm (gates open at 7)
Wednesday, July 13th: Hairball, 8pm (gates open at 7)
Thursday July 14th: Chris Janson, 8pm (gates open at 7)
Friday, July 15th:Neil McCoy, 8pm (gates open at 7)
Saturday, July 16th: Charlie Berens + Free Fallin – A Tribute to Tom Petty, 7pm (gates open at 6)
Sunday, July 17th: CHURCH@theFair, 10am
Sunday, July 17th: Kids From Wisconsin, a free, family-friendly concert. 1:30pm, gates open at 12:30.
Northern Wisconsin State Fair Admission:
Adult 6 Day Admission: $25 (covers all six days, a $35 total savings!)
Adult One Day Admission (Ages 12 and Older): $10
Youth One Day Admission (Ages 6-11): $5
Children 5 and Under: FREE
Parking: $5 per vehicle
Active/Retired Military and Veterans: Free with Active/Retired Military ID Card, DD214
The Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds are right along Highway 124 in Chippewa Falls, just a hop, skip, and a jump north of the Leinenkugel Brewery and across from beautiful Irvine Park and the Irvine Park Zoo. Highways 29 and U.S. 53 bring you close by.
Northern Wisconsin State Fair Address:
Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds
225 Edward Street (just off Highway 124)
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
(715) 723-2861 Website
A full Schedule of Events list is below! For more on Chippewa Falls in general and more about the Northern Wisconsin State Fair, check out our State Trunk Tour Chippewa Falls Podcast:
Craving an art-filled weekend brimming with the most luscious summer fruit? After being shut down for 2020 and 2021, one of Cedarburg’s biggest fests returns! Check out the 37th annual Cedarburg Strawberry Festival, sponsored by BMO Harris Bank, June 25-26, 2022. This free, family-oriented festival is a favorite of many, drawing up to 100,000 people annually to toast the bold and delicious fruit in all its forms, and enjoy some of the most decadent homegrown strawberries in the area.
The Cedarburg Strawberry Festival’s many food vendors are sure to please any palate, boasting about an extensive Food Court near the Community Center, offering everything from summer favorites like hamburgers, chicken, BBQ and roasted corn, to sweet treats and specialty foods. Festival Food Court’s exclusive favorites include the “Original” Strawberry Brat, Strawberry Chicken Wrap, and strawberry shortcake. Wander through the Festival for other locally made delicacies such as strawberry pie, strawberry crepes, strawberry slushies and chocolate-covered strawberries. Schmit’s Berry Farm, a local grower, provides the festival with the most ripe and juicy strawberries, available for purchase by the quart.
For attendees with a taste for wine, Cedar Creek Winery’s Strawberry Blush Wine is a must – this and the winery’s other award-winning wines can be purchased by the glass throughout the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival.
Wander down Washington Avenue and you’ll see why “Art is a Tradition” in Cedarburg. Fondly referred to as “Arts on the Avenue,” Strawberry Festival highlights more than 250 of the best local and Midwest artists who bring their combined perspectives, skills, and thousands of works of arts to the streets of Cedarburg, including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber art, fine glass, woodwork, mixed media, and photography. Art on the Avenue is a combined effort of four local organizations, the Cedarburg Cultural Center, Cedar Creek Settlement Merchant’s Association, the Ozaukee Art Center and the Cedarburg Art Museum, and offers one-of-a-kind works of art from functional to surreal, from witty to the elegantly decorative, as well as the opportunity to meet most of the artists in person.
Cedar Creek Settlement events at the north end of town include live bands, food, and features a new Cedar Creek Marketplace as well as a merchant’s marketplace and indoor shopping. The Sunday Morning Strawberry Pancake Breakfast will be worth checking out. The popular breakfast takes place on the north end of the Festival grounds from 8:00-11:00 a.m. and is served by the Cedar Creek Settlement merchants. More than 1,000 customers get their fill of mouthwatering strawberry pancakes while listening to live music outside along Cedar Creek.
Live music all over the Festival’s Historic District satisfies every audiophile all day Saturday and Sunday. The best place to enjoy the live music is at the Gruber Law Office Main Stage – Festival Food Court which will feature rockin’ fun cover bands like Our House and Life in a Tree. Enjoy live music into the evening with extended hours until 8:30 p.m on Saturday, June 25th. The Beer Garden offers shaded seating and is in close proximity to the main Festival Food Court.
For the littlest strawberry-lovers, Henry’s Kids Korner at Cedar Creek Park offers Jo-Don Farms pony rides and petting zoo, inflatable bounce houses, food and tons of other activities and vendors. One of the most popular events is the CedarQuacker 500 sponsored by Port Washington State Bank, where hundreds of rubber ducks are launched into the creek in a race to the finish Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 3 p.m.
You can check out a little more of Historic Cedarburg with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Ozaukee County’s “Berry Big” 5K Run/Walk, which kicks off in Cedar Creek Park on Saturday at 8:15 a.m. for the timed runners and 8:25 a.m. for fun runners/walkers. The route circles through the neighborhoods that surround the downtown area.
If you tire of walking, take a ride on the Country Aire Rides Tractor Hayride Shuttle that travels around the festival route. Off the festival footprint, the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts will feature exhibits and fun family activities.
Cedarburg Strawberry Festival Schedule of Events
Saturday, June 25
10am-8:30pm FESTIVAL FOOD COURT – Washington Ave. – Community Center Parking Lot Serving up the original strawberry shortcake, roasted corn, cheese curds, BBQ, chicken, hamburgers, brats, hot dogs, gyros, tacos, gator on a stick, Jambalaya, beer, wine, lemonade, soda, desserts CHS Robotics Food Booth – Serving up the ORIGINAL STRAWBERRY BRAT and STRAWBERRY CHICKEN WRAP, STRAWBERRY BRAT CORNDOG
GRUBER LAW OFFICES MAIN STAGE – Washington Ave. – Festival Food Court at the Community Center Live music, Fermentorium beer including ther new Strawberry Shandy, Molson Coors Beer and Cedar Creek Wine Garden, shaded seating and tables, restrooms
10:30 am – 11:30 am Dollar Dog
12:00 pm – 2:30 pm The Last Bees
3:00 pm – 5:30 pm In the Know
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Throwback Stereo
EASY CHEESY GRILLED CHEESE – Washington Ave. at the Festival Food Court Serving up delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. Benefits the Guardians of the Children and Strawberry Festival
WASHINGTON AVE. BEER/WINE BOOTH – Washington Ave. at the Community Center Fermentorium Speciality Beer, Molson Coors Beers, Cedar Creek Wines. All proceeds benefit Strawberry Festival. Wine served in your own Halovino Cup – while supplies last
SHOPS AT CEDAR CREEK SETTLEMENT and the CEDAR CREEK WINERY – Bridge Rd. at Washington Ave. Brats, BBQ, burgers, nachos, strawberry desserts, crepes, slushies, beer, wine by the glass, 25 indoor shops, marketplace, and live music
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm The Hit Men
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Kevin Kennedy
CEDARBURG LION’S CLUB – Two locations: North Location: Washington Ave. at Bridge Rd. Grilled foods, turkey legs, beer, wine, soda, live music
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Jerry Unger with The Fog
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm. The Hurricane
Midtown: Washington Ave. at Turner St.: Wraps, cheese curds, beer, wine, soda, live music
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm Hot Corner
TURNER STREET MARKETPLACE – Washington Ave. at Turner St. Serving up the original strawberry shortcake. Shop the Marketplace I: cheese, sausage, sauces, dips, Bundt cakes, cleaning supplies, soap, lotions, jewelry, Aussie hats, pet collars, CBD, micro greens, pain relief, jerky, crispie treats, leggings, accessories and more!
MILL STREET MARKETPLACE – Washington Ave. at Mill St. Serving up the original strawberry shortcake, and Molson Coors beers, Cedar Creek Wines, Fermentorium Strawberry Shandy and Speciality Beers and lemonade. Shop the Marketplace II: Dips, sauces, pasta, women’s clothing, plants and garden, elderberry syrup, macramé, dog treats, Tastefully Simple, pro sports gear, nail care, skincare products, wallets, candles, and much more!!
CLEVELAND STREET MARKETPLACE – Washington Ave. at Cleveland Ave. FREE Motorcycle parking compliments of Cedar Creek Motorsports. Shop the Marketplace III: St. Nicholas baked goods, and seasoning and mixes
PORT WASHINGTON STATE BANK PARKING LOT – Washington Ave. at Mill St. Mel’s Charities of Ozaukee County – serving up the famous pork sandwiches
UNION HOUSE CEDARBURG BACK PARKING LOT – Washington Ave. south of Center St. Backyard BBQ – Beer, Wine and Cocktails (must be enjoyed on property). Delicious shrimp or steak kabobs, hamburger sliders and more, beverages, seating, shade, fun and games. Enjoy a game of Cornhole. FESTIVAL CONTESTS – Win Prizes! Sign up begins at 10:00 am, spaces are limited – 15 years of age to adults (new temporary location)
12:30 pm Ice Cream Licking Contest
1:30 pm Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest
2:30 pm Strawberry Bubble Gum Eating Contest
3:30 pm Ice Cream Licking Contest
4:30 pm Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest
BELLA LEI BEAUTY STAGE – Washington Ave. just south of Center St. Featuring Live Music & Performances
10:00am : Water Street Dance
12:00am : Ryan McIntyre
03:00pm : Breaking Cadence
CEDARBURG CULTURAL CENTER – Washington Ave. north of Mill St. Grilled foods, beer, wine, Sangria, “Art Off the Avenue” in the back parking lot
Free admission – Plein Air Cash & Carry sale – June 15 – July 9
Youth Plein Air Art – June 24 – July 10
KUHEFUSS HOUSE – Washington Ave north of Turner St. Adult Beverages, “Tropical Oasis Bar”
CEDARBURG ART MUSEUM – Washington Ave. north of Cleveland Ave. Beer Garden serving beer, wine, and soda from the Lakefront Brewery Carriage Tap House; Outdoor Sculpture Garden; live music and food truck: Blue Cow Creperie 11:30 am – 8:00 pm
10:00 am – 4:00 pm Museum Open
11:30 am – 3:00 pm Some Assembly Required
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm January Autumn
Sunday, June 26th
FESTIVAL FOOD COURT – Washington Ave. – Community Center Parking Lot Serving up the original strawberry shortcake, roasted corn, cheese curds, BBQ, chicken, hamburgers, brats, hot dogs, gyros, tacos, gator on a stick, Jambalaya, beer, wine, lemonade, soda, desserts CHS Robotics Food Booth – Serving up the ORIGINAL STRAWBERRY BRAT and STRAWBERRY CHICKEN WRAP, STRAWBERRY BRAT CORNDOG
GRUBER LAW OFFICES MAIN STAGE – Washington Ave. – Festival Food Court at the Community Center Live music, Fermentorium beer including their new Strawberry Shandy, Molson Coors Beer and Cedar Creek Wine Garden, shaded seating and tables, restrooms
12:00 pm – 2:30 am Our House
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm The Sensations
EASY CHEESY GRILLED CHEESE – Washington Ave. at the Festival Food Court Serving up delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. Benefits the Guardians of the Children and Strawberry Festival
WASHINGTON AVE. BEER/WINE BOOTH – Washington Ave. at the Community Center Fermentorium Speciality Beer, Molson Coors Beers, Cedar Creek Wines. All proceeds benefit Strawberry Festival. Wine served in your own Halovino Cup – while supplies last
SHOPS AT CEDAR CREEK SETTLEMENT and the CEDAR CREEK WINERY – Bridge Rd. at Washington Ave. Brats, BBQ, burgers, nachos, strawberry desserts, crepes, slushies, beer, wine by the glass, 25 indoor shops, marketplace, and live music
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm Livin’ the Dream
CEDARBURG LION’S CLUB – Two locations: North Location: Washington Ave. at Bridge Rd. Grilled foods, turkey legs, beer, wine, soda, live music
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm TBD
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm. TBD
Midtown: Washington Ave. at Turner St.:
Wraps, cheese curds, beer, wine, soda, live music
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm Chaz Duo
TURNER STREET MARKETPLACE – Washington Ave. at Turner St. Serving up the original strawberry shortcake. Shop the Marketplace I: cheese, sausage, sauces, dips, Bundt cakes, cleaning supplies, soap, lotions, jewelry, Aussie hats, pet collars, CBD, micro greens, pain relief, jerky, crispie treats, leggings, accessories and more!
MILL STREET MARKETPLACE – Washington Ave. at Mill St. Serving up the original strawberry shortcake, and Molson Coors beers, Cedar Creek Wines, Fermentorium Strawberry Shandy and Speciality Beers and lemonade. Shop the Marketplace II: Dips, sauces, pasta, women’s clothing, plants and garden, elderberry syrup, macramé, dog treats, Tastefully Simple, pro sports gear, nail care, skincare products, wallets, candles, and much more!!
CLEVELAND STREET MARKETPLACE – Washington Ave. at Cleveland Ave. FREE Motorcycle parking compliments of Cedar Creek Motorsports. Shop the Marketplace III: St. Nicholas baked goods, and seasoning and mixes
PORT WASHINGTON STATE BANK PARKING LOT – Washington Ave. at Mill St. Mel’s Charities of Ozaukee County – serving up the famous pork sandwiches
UNION HOUSE CEDARBURG BACK PARKING LOT – Washington Ave. south of Center St. Backyard BBQ – Beer, Wine and Cocktails (must be enjoyed on property). Delicious shrimp or steak kabobs, hamburger sliders and more, beverages, seating, shade, fun and games. Enjoy a game of Cornhole. CONTESTS – Win Prizes! Sign up begins at 10:00 am, spaces are limited – 15 years of age to adults (new temporary location)
12:30 pm Ice Cream Licking Contest
1:30 pm Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest
2:30 pm Strawberry Bubble Gum Eating Contest
3:30 pm Ice Cream Licking Contest
4:30 pm Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest
BELLA LEI BEAUTY STAGE – Washington Ave. just south of Center St. Featuring Live Music & Performances
10:00am : Water Street Dance
11:30am : Comfort Shag
02:00pm : Boomer Nation
CEDARBURG CULTURAL CENTER – Washington Ave. north of Mill St. Grilled foods, beer, wine, Sangria, “Art Off the Avenue” in the back parking lot
Free admission – Plein Air Cash & Carry sale – June 15 – July 9
Youth Plein Air Art – June 24 – July 10
KUHEFUSS HOUSE – Washington Ave north of Turner St. Adult Beverages, “Tropical Oasis Bar”
CEDARBURG ART MUSEUM – Washington Ave. north of Cleveland Ave. Beer Garden serving beer, wine, and soda from the Lakefront Brewery Carriage Tap House; Outdoor Sculpture Garden; live music and food truck: Pork in the Road 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
12:00 am – 4:00 pm Museum Open
12:00 pm – 2:30 pm Wire and Nail (aka Solid Cedar)
3:30 pm – 6:00 pm Lovin’ Kind
You’ll find the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival in Cedarburg’s historic downtown along Washington Avenue (historic Highway 57), a few miles north of Highway 167, just east of Highway 181, and south of Highway 60.
Cedarburg Strawberry Festival Address:
Downtown Cedarburg
Washington Avenue
Cedarburg, WI 53012
(262) 377-5856 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 2022, it’s back the weekend of February 26th and 27th!
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 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.
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events › Family
August 6, 2023
Mile of Music
Appleton’s “Mile of Music” Festival (Twitter: @MileofMusicFest) serves up original singer-songwriters, combos and multi-piece bands showcasing Americana music at both its most colorful and its very best. Genres include roots and indie rock, country, gospel, soul, R&B, jazz and folk. This year’s Mile of Music 10 takes place August 3-6, 2023.
This grassroots festival was co-founded by Appleton marketing executive Dave Willems and Appleton/Nashville-based national recording artist and Grammy nominee Cory Chisel in 2013. Willems Marketing & Events continues to run Mile of Music, with the support of over 100 community organizations and sponsors. Presenting sponsor Fox Communities Credit Union and other major sponsors have allowed this event to be FREE.
Mile of Music is noted as a “handcrafted artisan festival” with over 700 acts across 40 venues spanning a mile… of music (hence the name!)
Venues vary and include coffee shops, bars, parks, restaurants, museums and other public spaces. with more of them outdoors in the wake of the pandemic we all had to deal with. Some of Mile 10’s biggest artists will perform at the Main Stage in Houdini Plaza, one of the festival’s most popular venues. Remember, Harry Houdini spent time in Appleton and claimed it as his hometown!
Local brewpub Stone Arch will offer up its artisan Mile of Music Americana Pale Ale to add to the flavor of the festival. Music fans who love bicycling can work off those beer calories and indulge their music passions with Bike to the Beat. Added fun includes the Tub of Tunes giveaway, where one lucky attendee will win a bathtub full of CDs and vinyl from Mile 10 artists.
They even have their own radio station, Mile of Music Radio. Listen to it here!
Check it out all weekend in Appleton. Their website has the complete lineup, and you can also download their special app for updates, details on all the events, and more. I-41, U.S. 10, and Highways 47, 96, and 125 bring you to the Mile of Music in the downtown area.
Here’s the full Mile of Music Artist List for 2023, and you can connect to the Schedule here!
7000apart
A Song Before We Go
Abby Holliday
About You
Acoustic Guitar Workshop
ADAMAH
Adeem the Artist
Adrian+Meredith
Adriel Denae
Afro-Cuban Drumming & Dance
Age of Fable
Ali Holder
Alisa Amador
All Abilities Inclusive Music-Making
Altered Five Blues Band
Amelia Ford
Americana: Sing, Step, and Play
Angela Perley
Anna Moss
Anna Rose
Annie Sumi
Anthony D’Amato
Arts Fishing Club
Ashley Virginia
Audiodacity
Auralai
Baked Shrimp
Balinese Gamelan: Gongs, Drums, and Metallophones
Bascom Hill
Bayo
Bee Taylor
Before Dawn
Ben Harold & The Rising
Ben Mulwana
Benny Bassett
Beth Bombara
Betsy Ade & The Well-Known Strangers
BLKBOK
Blue Ranger
Boy Howdy and the Electric Ranch Hands
Brazilian Samba Drumming (ages 10-adult)
Brian Dunne
Brian Fechino
Buffalo Rose
Caiola
Calvin Arsenia
Carnage The Executioner
Casii Stephan
Cave Paintings
Cayli
Certainly So
Chelsea Lyn Meyer
Chris Haise Band
Chris Jourdan
Christopher Gold
Christopher Gold and The New Old Things
Claire Kelly
Cody James
Cool Waters Band
Coral Moons
Cory Chisel
Cousin Arthur
Crys Matthews
Danielle Nicole Band
Danni Nicholls
darn it.
Decoda Chamber Music Festival ft. Ben Mulwana
Decoda Chamber Music Festival ft. BLKBOK
Decoda Chamber Music Festival ft. Calvin Arsenia
Decoda Chamber Music Festival ft. Decoda
Decoda Chamber Music Festival showcase ft. Ben Mulwana, BLKBOK, & Calvin Arsenia
Didjeridu Workshop
Diggstown
Don DiLego
Drumming & Dance from Ghana
Drumming & Dance from Guinea
Emily Zeck
Emma Peridot
Eric Pedigo
Eric W. Krueger
Eric W. Krueger & the Sheesh
Evan Bartels
Evoked
Fantastic Cat
Feed the Dog
First Steps in Music
Flagship Romance
Fox and Bones
Fox Royale
Free Dirt
Gabe Lee
Girl & The Gunn
Girl Blue
Hang Ten
HAPPY LANDING
Hello June
Hillary Reynolds
Hip Hop Workshop with MxL
Holly and the Nice Lions
Horace Greene
Humbird
Ifdakar
ILL GENESI
Isiah & The New People
J.E. Sunde
Jackson Mankowski
Jamie Kent
Jay Byrd
JD Eicher
Jenny Teator
Jesse Lynn Madera
Jessica Pounds
Jimi W.
Jon Tyler Wiley & His Virginia Choir
Joshua Ray Walker
Joy Clark
Julie Williams
Kaiti Jones
Kal Schimmers
Kat and the Hurricane
Katie Boeck
Katy Guillen & The Drive
Kelly Steward
Kelsey Miles
Ken Yates
Kiss the Tiger
Kristin Andreassen & Chris Eldridge
Kurt Gunn
Kyle Megna & Dave LeBlanc
Kyle Megna & The Brass Monsoons
Lemon Sky
Lilli Lewis
Listening Party
Little Bird
Los Ritmos de Mariachi
LowDown Brass Band
Luke Callen
Luma Knotty
Lunar Moth
Mae Simpson
Making Movies
Marielle Kraft
Marina City
Mark Erelli
Marty Paschke
May Erlewine
Me Like Bees
Meaghan Farrell
Megan Slankard
MEOWBOYS
MET on the Bus
Michael Grabner
Michaela Anne
Mike Montali
Mike Munson
Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts
Miles Over Mountains
Mindful Music-Making: Sing, Explore, and Contemplate
Mo Lowda & the Humble
Mom Rock
More Then Merry
Motherfolk
Mya Byrne & Swan Real
Nathan Kalish
NEWSKI
Nicholas Raymond
Nick Franclik
Nigel Wearne
Nikki Morgan
Nomads
North Wind and The Sun
Old Oaks
Ordinary Elephant
Oshima Brothers
Paisley Fields
Palm Ghosts
Pat Byrne
Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps
Paul Childers
pBone Jam
PEGASIS
Pepper Said
Peridot
Precious Metals
Próxima Parada
Rachael Davis
Rachel Baiman
Radio Free Honduras
Radkey
Redshift Headlights
Reese Fulmer & The Carriage House Band
Remember Jones
Sam Ness
Sarah Peacock
She Returns From War
Sinking Lessons
SIRSY
Sister Winchester
Sit Kitty Sit
Sleepy Gaucho
SloCoast
Songwriting Workshop with Wade Fernandez
Soultru
Sound Together: Song Circle for Community & Belonging
South for Winter
South Rail
Southeast Asian Dance Workshop
Sprig of That
Stay Outside
Stephanie Joanna
Steve Everett
Steve Poltz
Stories That Move (ages 2-10 & caregivers)
Stories That Sing (ages 2-10 & caregivers)
String Band Jam (Intermediate/Advanced)
Super 400
Supper Club
Sway Wild
Sweet Lizzy Project
TAE
TAE & The Neighborly
Tedious & Brief
The Astronomers
The BOSE Troubadours feat: JD Eicher, Paul Childers, Megan Slankard, and Sarah Peacock
The Brevet
The Brothers Footman
The Driftless Revelers
The End of America (TEOA)
The Gentlemen Grifters
The Heavy Heavy
The Lately
The Lavender Project
The Mascot Theory
The MilBillies
The Mile Jam – Festival After Party
The Other 22 Hours Podcast live taping with Michaela Anne & Aaron Shafer-Haiss ft. Jamie Kent
The Present Age
The Psycodelics
The Rough & Tumble
The Short Pay Riders
The Stews
The Thing
The Tunes
The Vegabonds
the Wishbone Breakers
Tom Mackell
Trash Panda
Trash Pandas
Traveling Suitcase
Twan Mack
Tyler Sj.
Ukulele Workshop (ages 10-adult)
Valley Fox
VOLK
Walden
Walt Hamburger & The Bad Puns
Welshly Arms
Whitehorse
Wild Heart Club
Wire and Nail
Wise Jennings
Wonky Tonk feat. Wiggly Shadows
Writers Round Friday feat: Adriel Denae, Hillary Reynolds, May Erlewine, and Rachael Davis
Writers Round Saturday feat: Joy Clark, Julie Williams, Nikki Morgan and Soultru
Writers Round Thursday feat: Jackson Mankowski, Kurt Gunn, Michael Grabner, and Nicholas Raymond
Wurk
Zach Pietrini
Appleton is easily accessible via I-41, U.S. 10, Highways 15, 47, 96, or, of course 125 – because if you’re on Highway 125, you’re in Appleton already. Highway 441 provides a bypass around the city that allows you to enter from points east and south.
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July 28, 2023 – July 29, 2023
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 27
FRIDAY, JULY 28
SATURDAY, JULY 29
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 14, 2023 – July 15, 2023
Port Fish Days
Okay, along with the fish fry, we’re talking lots of fun: music on four stages, rides, fireworks, and plenty of other cool stuff like soccer water fights all along Port Washington’s beautiful harbor on Lake Michigan, where even on a hot day it tends to be nice and comfortable.
Port Fish Day in 2023 begins on Thursday, July 13th and runs through Saturday, July 15th with a variety of events each day and night. It begins with the Corn Hole Tournament Thursday evening with music Friday afternoon into the evening by Nate Horlache.
Saturday is the busy day – it begins with a nice calorie burn in the form of the Coal Dock Park Portal Run/Walk/Roll at 8am. Starting at 10am, the Beer Garden, Arts & Crafts Show, and Family Zone activities fire up at Upper Lake Park. Coal Dock and Upper Lake Park essentially flank downtown Port Washington, with all of their shops, restaurants, and marina activities in between.
Live music starts up in Lower Lake Park with performances from Zach Steinbach, Letter 8, and headliners The Love Monkeys – get more details here. It all caps off at 7pm in Rotary Park along the water with the Fireworks Watch Party.
Port Fish Day is focused around the beautiful harbor area in downtown Port Washington. Highways 32 and 33 bring you right into downtown Port, just east of I-43 and Highway 57, a few miles north of Highway 60.
Further details are on their website. While in Port Washington, be sure to check out Coal Dock Park, raise a glass at Inventors Brewpub, trace the history of the Blues, shop Duluth Trading Company or any of the local stores downtown, and enjoy the lakefront! Of course you can check out Allen Edmonds Shoe Outlet on the north side of town or get some exercise on the Interurban Trail, which cuts right through town.
Port Fish Day Address:
Port Washington Harbor
100 N. Franklin Street (Highway 32)
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 284-0900
Website
June 23, 2023 – June 25, 2023
Greek Fest, Sheboygan
The 78th annual Greek Fest Sheboygan takes place June 23rd-25th, 2022 in Sheboygan’s Deland Park on the shores of Lake Michigan! Greek Fest, sponsored by St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, is three full days of authentic Greek food, pastries, beer and wine, and traditional music.
The dance performances and usual Sunday Liturgy service is BACK in 2023! There will be activities for kids including inflatables, and a Sunday raffle at 6pm also offers the opportunity to win prizes.
The Greek food including gyros, spinach pies, baklava, hot honey puffs, rotisserie chicken with Greek spices, flaming cheese, and more. The flaming cheese – called Saganaki – is breaded Sartori Fontina cheese served with pita bread. Enjoy a tantalizing hot honey puff or some baklava-topped ice cream. FREE admission, free parking. Opa!!
Greek Fest Hours: Friday 5pm – 9pm Saturday 11am – 9pm Sunday 11am – 6pm
Greek Fest Sheboygan Address:
Deland Park
901 Broughton Drive
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(800) 457-9497
Website
Updates and details are available on their website. Get to Sheboygan via I-43, Highways 23, 28, or 42. Deland Park is east of downtown right along Lake Michigan. It’s a beautiful park, and everything from gyros to baklava only makes it better! While in Sheboygan, check out the Harbor District, 8th Street downtown, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, the Above & Beyond Children’s Museum, 3 Sheeps Brewery, and much more. The Visit Sheboygan Visitor Center on 8th Street has more for you… stop by and check it out!
Map of Deland Park in Sheboygan:
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June 4, 2023
Dairyfest 2023, Marshfield
Marshfield features its 42nd annual Dairyfest Friday, June 2nd through Sunday, June 4th 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 “To the Moo-n Back”!
Thursday, June 1
3:00-5:00pm /Kick-Off to Summer & Giveaways: Held at the Wenzel Family Plaza come for the ceremonial start of the water fountain and the Vandehey Waters giveaway and the Wisconsin Dells giveaway!
Friday, June 2
5:30-9:30am / Dairyfest 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. This year’s menu includes a scrambled egg special, hot coffee, white or chocolate milk, and more. The first 1,000 attendees will receive a commemorative ceramic coffee mug. Carry-out orders are accepted but must be placed ahead of time.
11:00-8:00pm / Food Truck Friday and 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 inflatables, petting zoo, coin & candy hunt, educational games by Richfield 4-H, Reis Martial Arts, Main Street Conservatory of Dance, and the Marshfield Civic Band. And don’t miss out on Movie in the Park at sundown!
7:00-9:00pm / Hub City Concert Series Kick-Off: Join the fun at the Wenzel Family Plaza and enjoy food trucks and outdoor games. Live music starts at 7:00pm with NEWSKIES.
Saturday, June 3
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 20, 2023
Springfest, Chippewa Falls
Chippewa Falls’ annual Springfest hits the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds the weekend of May 19-20, 2023! It’s a family friendly event with over 40 exhibitors showing and selling their Spring and Summer products and services. Enjoy great food, from deep fried cheese curds to State Fair French fries, brick oven pizzas, prime rib sandwiches and so much more!
There’s plenty of family fun including a petting zoo, inflatables, a bonfire, and plenty of other activities for kids and grown-ups alike.
Plenty of live music will be available too, in either of two heated tents, the Main Stage and the Kwik Trip Party Tent. Here’s the main lineup so far:
Friday, May 19th, 7:30pm, Boogie & the Yo-Yo’z
Saturday, May 20th, 7:30 pm, The John Stone Band from Nashville
You’ll also be able to enjoy Leininkugel’s Springfest Kubb Championship! What’s Kubb?? Find out here!
NEW in 2023 is the Dinosaur Exhibit!
Tickets can be purchased at The Leinie Lodge, Select Kwik Trip Stores in the Chippewa Falls area, The Chippewa YMCA or online at the Chippewa Falls Rotary Club’s Facebook page.
Springfest Tickets and Pricing:
Friday, May 19th:
FREE General Gate Admission
FREE Parking
Gates open at 4pm
Vendors Open at 4 – 8 pm Expo Hall A
5pm: Brady Luke Band in the Kwik Trip Party Tent
7:30pm: Boogie & The Yo-Yo’z on the Main Stage (Tickets)
11pm: Brady Luke Band (round two!)
Saturday, May 20th:
$5 General Gate Admission
FREE Parking
$20 Advance Boogie and the Yo-Yo’z Concert* (includes General Gate Admission)
$25 Day of Show Boogie and the Yo-Yo’z Concert (includes General Gate Admission)
$75 VIP Concert (Includes: Free Beverages & Snacks from 7-11pm, Exclusive Family Fare VIP Tent Access, Separate Entrance to Concert, Front of Stage Access During Show! Free parking & gate admission. Meet and Greet opportunity [Artist Approved])
Gates open at 11am
12 Noon: The Gators in the Kwik Trip Party Tent
2pm: Chi-Hi Wire Choir, the Chippewa Falls High School students take the stage in the Kwik Trip Party Tent
2:30pm: Howard “Guitar” Luedtke and Blue Max in the Kwik Trip Party Tent
5pm: Bumblefist in the Kwik Trip Party Tent
7:30pm headliner: The John Stone Band – the “King of Broadway” from Nashville (Tickets)
11pm: Bumblefist in the Kwik Trip Party Tent
You can find the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds just off Highway 124 on Edward Street, just north of the Leinenkugel Brewery and across from the beautiful Irvine Park & Zoo. It’s less than a mile north of downtown Chippewa Falls, where Business Highway 29 and Business U.S. 53 meet.
Chippewa Falls Springfest Address:
Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds (along Highway 124)
225 Edward Street
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
(715) 723-2861
Website
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February 1, 2023 – February 5, 2023
Lake Geneva Winterfest & the U.S. Nationals Snow Sculpting Competition
L
ake Geneva celebrates winter like no other place. Winterfest is a brouhaha of shopping, dining, music, magic, refreshments, and activities including thrilling helicopter rides over the town and lake. It’s capped off, of course, by the amazing designs and creativity of the U.S. Nationals Snow Sculpting Competition – right along the lake at the Riviera – where fifteen teams of the most talented snow sculptors and artists from around the country gather to compete for a national title. The entire competition is open to the public, so Winterfest attendees can actually watch the artists at work!
Be here to witness these teams at work during an epic 72-hour competition where their artistry is put to the test in creating remarkable, larger-than-life snow sculptures.
2023 TEAMS:
• Block #1: Team Alaska: AK Department of Snow
• Block #2: Team Illinois 1: Cave People from Space
• Block #3: Team Colorado: Snicecarvings
• Block #4: Team North Dakota: Jay Ray w/SnoKraft
• Block #5: Team Vermont: The Pour Saps
• Block #6: Team Wisconsin 2: Up to Snow Good
• Block #7: Team New York
• Block #8: Team Iowa 2: The Driftless Snow Sculptors
• Block #9: Team Wisconsin 1: Sculptora Borealis
• Block #10: Team Illinois 2: Two Blondes and a Brunette
• Block #11: Team New Hampshire: Granite State Snow Sculptors
• Block #12: Team Minnesota 2: Snow Van Gogh
• Block #13: Team Michigan
• Block #14: Team Iowa 1: Butch St. Carvers
• Block #15: Team Minnesota 1: Team Kwe
In addition to the snow sculpting competition, you’ll find more wintery fun during Winterfest week, including the 4th annual Downtown Ice Sculpture Walk, Bonfires on the Beach, Fire & Ice Bar, a Cocoa Crawl and many more events, activities and specials around Lake Geneva and the surrounding area. It runs Wednesday through Sunday, February 1st-5th as part of Winterfest. The walk is just steps away from the snow sculpting competition, with dozens of artfully crafted ice sculptures adorning the front faces of shops, restaurants, and other businesses throughout the Downtown district. Ice sculptures will be installed Friday morning, February 4th and remain on display as long as the cold weather permits!
Avant Cycle Café | 234 Broad Street
Barrique Bistro & Wine Bar | 835 Wrigley Drive
Bloomingbyrds | 755 W. Main Street
Brick & Mortar Home | 832 Geneva Street
Brick & Mortar Home and Outdoor | 222 Center Street
Clearwater Outdoor Sports | 744 W. Main Street
Cornerstone Shop & Gallery | 214 Broad Street
Egg Harbor Café | 827 W Main Street
Evr drygds | 719 W. Main Street
Fancy Fair Mall | 830 W Main Street
Geneva Gifts | 150 Broad Street
Haberdapper | 253 Broad Street
Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva | 300 Wrigley Drive
Interstate Insurance Group | 811 Wrigley Drive (Popeye’s)
Kilwins | 772 Main Street
Lake Geneva Lifestyle/Donna Brongiel | 703 Main Street
Lake Geneva Motel | 201 Wrigley Drive (Visitor Info Center)
Lake Geneva Spice Company | 255 Broad Street
Marigold | 725 W Main Street
Overland Sheepskin Co. | 752 W. Main Street
Queen Bee Artisan Market | 830 W. Main Street
Sopra Bistro | 724 Main Street
The Bottle Shop | 617 W. Main Street
The Candle Mercantile | 870 W. Main Street
The Olive Oil Shops | 221 Broad Street
Thumbs Up | 260 Broad Street
Winterfest activities focus on downtown Lake Geneva, which lies right along Highway 50. U.S. 12 and Highway 120 are close to the east and Highway 67 is a few miles to the west near Delavan. It’s easy to get to – and a total blast!
Lake Geneva Winterfest & U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition Address:
Downtown Lake Geneva/Riviera Park
201 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(262) 248-4416
Website
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January 13, 2023 – March 10, 2023
Ice Castles Lake Geneva
Ice Castles are back in Lake Geneva! Tickets are on sale now.
Lake Geneva is beautiful and fun enough already, but with the Ice Castles coming again after such a crazy 2022, this winter it gets even better! Seven days a week starting soon through early March – weather permitting – the massive ice castles compound can be explored and enjoyed by the whole family. The artistic project got underway in November, one of several projects in North America by Ice Castles LLC, a Utah-based company with similar projects in Colorado, New Hampshire, and Utah. One of the most unique and amazing facts about the Ice Castles is that they are literally built by hand. They grow more than 5,000 icicles each day that they harvest and sculpt together. These Ice Castles create life-size winter playgrounds, with illuminated inside the castles at night with color-changing LED lights that twinkle to music. You can explore ice-carved tunnels, fountains, slides, frozen thrones, and towering ice formations. This is truly something to dazzle the entire family. This mega-complex of ice will be at the Geneva National Resort and Club, just west of downtown Lake Geneva off Highway 50, a little east of Highway 67. How long will it last? Depends on the weather, of course, but they’ll keep it open into March if they can. You can keep up with the construction of Ice Castles and weather conditions, which will be continuously updated, on their website.
Tickets are on sale now. Admission prices are:
WEEKDAYS (Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday): General Admission, ages 12 and up: $25 Child Admission, ages 4-11: $17 Children 3 and younger: Free
WEEKENDS (Friday – Sunday): General Admission, ages 12 and up: $29 Child Admission, ages 4-11: $22 Children 3 and younger: Free
Be prepared to hit U.S. 12 or Highways 50, 67, or 120 to get to Lake Geneva and experience Ice Castles Wisconsin and the magic of the winter season!
Ice Castles Lake Geneva Address:
Geneva National Resort & Club
1091 Hidden Cottage Circle
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(262) 248-4416
Website
Pulled from their website, here are some “Tips for a great experience” to Ice Castles Lake Geneva:
Find out more about Lake Geneva HERE.
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December 31, 2022 – January 1, 2023
Plymouth’s New Years’ Eve “Cheese Drop”
The Plymouth Arts Center, touting Plymouth as the “Cheese Capital of the World,” is doing its 16th annual Big Cheese Drop and New Year’s Eve party on Saturday, December 31st and is ready for the biggest one yet!
This should make national news (again), since it’s been on the list for the top 10 things to do on New Year’s Eve for many years. All the details are on the Plymouth Arts Center website. While in downtown Plymouth, admire all the cool murals and decor along the historic downtown blocks, filled with great shops, restaurants, bars, and more.
Why is Plymouth the “Cheese Capital”? Well, it’s rooted in the fact that the price of cheese in the United States was designated at the Wisconsin Cheese Exchange in downtown Plymouth, beginning in 1918. The Cheese Exchange pricing and standards were the platform for cheese pricing until 1956. During these decades Plymouth became known as “Cheeseville” because of the cheese storage facilities, the processing of cheese and shipping of product throughout the country. Today, over 15% of the cheese consumed in the U.S. goes through the city.
Follow Highways 23, 57, or 67 to get to Plymouth and check out this unique way to ring in 2021. Check out a brief video clip of last year’s party below!
Address for the Big Cheese Drop in Plymouth for New Year’s Eve:
Plymouth Arts Center
520 E. Mill Street
Plymouth, WI 53073
(920) 892-8409
Website
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December 3, 2022
Jingle & Mingle, Sheboygan
The 2nd annual Jingle & Mingle at City Green in downtown Sheboygan is a family-friendly event that includes entertainment, a marketplace, a brat fry, trolley rides, and of course, Santa!
Jingle & Mingle Schedule of Events:
12:15 PM: Storytime with Santa.
12:30 PM: The Kohler High School Madrigal Singers
1 PM: Ugly Sweater Contest
1:30 PM: South High School Singers
2 PM: Lutheran High School Chamber Choir
2:30 PM: Noah & Grace
3 PM: Livie
You can get to City Green and downtown Sheboygan via Highways 23, 28, or 42 in from I-43. Just head towards the lake and make your way to 8th Street, City Green is right at the New York Avenue intersection. While in Sheboygan, you can check out so many fun attractions, restaurants, and more. They include the John Michael Kohler Arts Center – practically adjacent to City Green – the Above & Beyond Children’s Museum, also within blocks of City Green, the Harbor District along the Sheboygan River, North Beach, Maywood Environmental Park and 3 Sheeps Brewing on the north side (both just off Highway 42), and much more.
Jingle & Mingle Address:
City Green, downtown Sheboygan
710 New York Avenue
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 335-0060
Website
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November 27, 2022 – December 29, 2022
Lights in Lincoln Park, Manitowoc
The Lincoln Park Zoo is a terrific free zoo in the “Coolest Coast” city of Manitowoc. Every holiday season, Lights In Lincoln Park dazzles with a “twinkly bright drive-thru wonder” from November 24th through December 9th on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, and then resuming for EVERY evening from December 14th through the 28th, 2023.
Along with beautiful lights on trees, trellises and more, enjoy over 70 wild animal light displays, many with animated characters. Among them is animated elephant, a wood duck, a standing polar bear, an animated wolf, and whispering pine tree… just to give you an idea of what you’ll get to enjoy. This is the 10th annual Lights in Lincoln Park and they manage to add new features every year.
Admission is $5 per car and proceeds go to benefit zoo educational programs and enhancements to the Lincoln Park Zoo. You can enter from Waldo/Lincoln Boulevard, right where U.S. 10 and Highway 42 meet. It’s just north of downtown Manitowoc, about five minutes east of I-43, following the U.S. 10 (Waldo Blvd.) exit. It’s just west of Highway 42/Memorial Drive, which is a beautiful drive along the shores of Lake Michigan between Manitowoc and Two Rivers.
Lights In Lincoln Park Hours:
November 24th – December 9th: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm- Thursday, Friday and Saturday
December 14th – December 28th: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm- Every Night
You can visit Santa on Cabin 1 on Friday nights: December 2nd, 9th, and 16th.
Lights in Lincoln Park Family Night Fun Walk is Friday December 29th, 2022 from 5:00 pm- 8:00 pm, featuring a fun walk through the Lincoln Park Lights. It’s a great way for the whole family to enjoy the lights and get some steps in! Admission for the Family Night Fun Walk is $5/person or $10/family.
Lights In Lincoln Park Address:
Lincoln Park Zoo
900 Quay Street (just off Highway 42, blocks from U.S. 10)
Manitowoc, WI 54220
Website
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September 23, 2022 – September 25, 2022
Harvest Fair
Harvest Fair at Wisconsin State Fair Park features tons of fall-focused events, activities, live entertainment, competitions, scarecrow making and the much anticipated Pumpkin Bowling. It runs September 23-25, 2022 and has FREE admission.
Over 30 vendors will be there, selling everything from tasty food to cool crafts. Since it’s fall, imbibe in a pumpkin spice cream puff; enjoy pies from the Elegant Farmer; grab a cup of Kozie’s Harvest Stew; explore a multitude of Wisconsin cheeses; and The Micro will be offering over 60 varieties of craft beers. Prefer wine? No problem, Wineberry will be serving up red wines, white wines, even wine slushies.
Check out the Antique Tractors Display, the Backyard Circus, Camel and Pony Rides, a Farmers’ Market, Free Live Music, Giant Cookie Decorating, Hay Rides, a Kiddie Tractor Maze, “Make Your Own Caramel Apple” fun (they provide a lot of toppings), even a chance for kids to slide down the “World’s Largest Piggy Bank.” Free, lively entertainment is rocking stages all weekend long, including performances by the 5 Card Studs, Too Hype Crew, Rhythm Kings, The Toys and more will be on the Bank Five Nine Amphitheater with nightly entertainment presented by Bud Light. Plus, multiple Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Shows, presented by WaterStone Bank, are also on deck.
A major feature of Harvest Fair is the massive pumpkin patch, big enough to impress Linus from Peanuts (yes, we’re going old school here.)
And, a lot more! Check their website for full schedules and details.
Wisconsin State Fair Park is in West Allis, minutes west of downtown Milwaukee. I-94 and Highways 59 and 181 border the park; I-41, I-894, U.S. 18, U.S. 45, and Highway 100 all get you close.
Harvest Fair / Maker Faire Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park
640 S. 84th Street (Highways 181 & 59)
West Allis, WI 53214
(800) 884-3247
Website
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September 17, 2022 – September 18, 2022
Jurassic Quest
The largest and most realistic dinosaur exhibit in North America is back, bigger, and better than ever! More than 100 photorealistic dinosaurs are ready to delight families when Jurassic Quest roars into Wisconsin State Fair Park Friday, September 16th through Sunday, September 18th, 2022.
Jurassic Quest offers some of the most beloved and unique experiences for the whole family including more than 100 life-like dinosaurs, dinosaur themed rides, live dinosaur shows, interactive science and art activities, a “Triceratots” soft play area for our littlest explorers, bounce houses and inflatable attractions (socks required), photo opportunities, and more.
Walk and drive through the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic periods to see the dinos that ruled on land, and “deep dive” into the “Ancient Oceans” exhibit to come face to face with the largest apex predator that ever existed – a moving, life-size, 50-foot-long megalodon. Meet the babies, hatched only at Jurassic Quest: Cammie the Camarasaurus, Tyson the T-Rex and Trixie the Triceratops – and, you may even catch one of our star dino trainers: Safari Sarah, Dino Dustin, Captain Caleb, Prehistoric Nick or Park Ranger Marty!
The Jurassic Quest herd of animatronic dinos – from the largest predators to playful baby dinos – are displayed in realistic scenes with some that move and roar, allowing guests to experience them as they were when they roamed the earth billions of years ago.
Jurassic Quest works in collaboration with leading paleontologists to ensure each dinosaur is painstakingly replicated in every detail, from coloration to teeth size, to textured skin, fur or feathers, drawing on the latest research about how we understand dinosaurs and ancient giants of the sea looked and moved.
Tickets are timed entry — reserve online to ensure desired date and time. Tickets are also available on-site and include a 100% ticket guarantee that in the event of a show cancellation or postponement for any reason, ticket purchases will be automatically refunded for the full purchase amount. Tickets are for a timed arrival window, and advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged.
Guests can walk through the dinosaur experience at their own pace, and strollers are permitted.
General admission tickets include access to the dinosaur and marine exhibits, arts and crafts activities, and dinosaur shows. There are rides and activities that require activity tickets available on site for $5 each, or guests can upgrade to the Kids Unlimited Rides ticket (the best value for children ages 2-12). Green screen photography and animal art tattoos are available at a separate cost. Entry is free for children under age 2.
You can easily get to Wisconsin State Fair Park via I-94, Highway 59, or Highway 181 – they surround the park! U.S. 18 and I-41/U.S. 45/I-894 get you close for connections.
Jurassic Quest Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park
640 S. 84th Street
West Allis, WI 53214
Website
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September 3, 2022 – September 4, 2022
Kites Over Lake Michigan
Kites Over Lake Michigan is one of the largest kite festivals in the Midwest and attracts kitefliers from all over. Check out giant show kites, precision stunt kite teams flying dual- and quad-line kites, spectacular and colorful ground displays, running of the bols, and games for kids! Learn how to fly two and quad line stunt kites from the experts.
Kites Over Lake Michigan continues at Two Rivers High School with other activities taking place along Lake Michigan nearby. It will take place Saturday, September 3rd and Sunday, September 4th. This includes a night fly on Saturday night, conditions permitting.
There will be a role reversal of role this year; since the High School serves as the festival grounds, Walsh Field (on 22nd Street just before the turn into Neshotah Beach) will serve as the overflow parking area. A shuttle bus service will run between Walsh Field and the high school both days from 11 am to 5 pm. Please note that the bus will be limited to 23 people per trip to allow for social distancing, more if family members living together are present. All those using the shuttle will have to be masked. Also, pets are not allowed anywhere on school property.
Good news: Free kite making for kids will continue, taking place Sunday 9/4/20 at 9.00 am.
Great News: The Fireworks Show WILL take place, and it will happen Saturday evening at 8 pm. Fireworks will be shot off behind the Coast Guard Station, allowing people to spread out over a wide area and still have optimum viewing from various places along the waterfront.
Highway 42 is the road to both Neshotah Beach and Two Rivers High School; Highway 147 brings you to Two Rivers from the north, and Highway 310 provides quick access to and from I-43. Check out this colorful fest (which we need in 2020) September 5th and 6th!
Kites Over Lake Michigan Event Address:
Two Rivers High School
4519 Lincoln Avenue (Highway 42)
Two Rivers, WI 54241
(920) 793-9599
Website
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August 28, 2022
Central Wisconsin State Fair 2022
One of three “State Fairs” in Wisconsin, the Central Wisconsin State Fair takes place in Marshfield August 23-28, 2022 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 Mad Dog & Merrill and Pumpkin Bowling as a new thing this year. Tons of arts & crafts vendors will be there, and you can enjoy the Saturday & Sunday Pancake Breakfast with local maple syrup from 7am – noon. As usual, Central Wisconsin State Fair hosts the 4-H and open class exhibits, free grandstand entertainment with gate admission, the Round Barn Express train, Junior Fair Market Animal Sale, 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 13, 2022
Pure Water Days Riverfest
Chippewa Falls celebrates its clean, bountiful water and the community in general with the 46th Annual Pure Water Days Parade and Riverfest celebration Saturday, August 13th!
With Pure Water Days, enjoy the big parade early Saturday afternoon with over 70 parade entries and a vintage car parade. Then, head down the street to Allen Park for RiverFest, which begins at 2pm.
During Pure Water Days, you can also enjoy the classic Cruise-In Car Show. This is the fourth of four car shows held downtown every summer. Vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles with great music!
The Pure Water Days Parade theme for 2019 is “History of Chippewa Falls,” perfect for the city’s ongoing 150th (sesquicentennial) celebrations! So expect a lot of historic-looking floats and formations. The Chippewa River and Duncan Creek flow through town and provide pure water and plenty of scenic beauty.
While in Chippewa Falls, be sure to explore the famous Leinenkugel Brewery, take a tour and discover their new “pilot brewery”; enjoy the amenities of nearby Irvine Park and Zoo, Brewster Brothers Brewing & the Chippewa River Distillery on the west edge of downtown along Business 29 & 53, the lovely Riverbend Vineyard & Winery west of town along Business 29, the historic Cook-Rutledge Mansion, the downtown shopping, nearby Lake Wissota State Park, and much more. And be sure to mark your calendar for the upcoming Oktoberfest celebration at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds! It’s definitely one of the best in the Midwest.
Chippewa Falls is easy to get to! Today’s U.S. 53 freeway, Highway 29 freeway, Highway 124, and Highway 178 all bring you to Chippewa Falls, too. It’s only about 15 minutes north of Eau Claire off I-94, too.
For more on #GOChippewa Falls, check out our State Trunk Tour Chippewa Falls Podcast:
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July 28, 2022 – July 30, 2022
Lumberjack World Championships
Hayward hosts the 62nd annual Lumberjack World Championships July 28-30, 2022! 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, July 28th – 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 28, 2022
Friday, July 29, 2022
Saturday, July 30, 2022
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July 15, 2022 – July 17, 2022
Northern Wisconsin State Fair
The Northern Wisconsin State Fair is always a fun-filled, family event that brings folks back year after year to Chippewa Falls, right along Historic U.S. 53 and today’s Highway 124. In 2022, it runs Wednesday July 12th through Sunday, July 17th!
The five days of the fair feature midway carnival excitement, numerous exhibits, animal judging, contests for milk drinking, pie eating, karaoke and more, animal shows, the Northern Wisconsin Show Us Your Talent Show, a draft horse show, a pedal tractor pull, and much more.
Of course, the food is always a highlight. Each day offers new and exciting competitions and entertainment.
Music Headliners on the Leinenkugel Main Stage/Northwestern Bank Grandstand include:
Tuesday, July 12th: Rick Springfield, 8pm (gates open at 7)
Wednesday, July 13th: Hairball, 8pm (gates open at 7)
Thursday July 14th: Chris Janson, 8pm (gates open at 7)
Friday, July 15th: Neil McCoy, 8pm (gates open at 7)
Saturday, July 16th: Charlie Berens + Free Fallin – A Tribute to Tom Petty, 7pm (gates open at 6)
Sunday, July 17th: CHURCH@theFair, 10am
Sunday, July 17th: Kids From Wisconsin, a free, family-friendly concert. 1:30pm, gates open at 12:30.
Northern Wisconsin State Fair Admission:
Adult 6 Day Admission: $25 (covers all six days, a $35 total savings!)
Adult One Day Admission (Ages 12 and Older): $10
Youth One Day Admission (Ages 6-11): $5
Children 5 and Under: FREE
Parking: $5 per vehicle
Active/Retired Military and Veterans: Free with Active/Retired Military ID Card, DD214
The Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds are right along Highway 124 in Chippewa Falls, just a hop, skip, and a jump north of the Leinenkugel Brewery and across from beautiful Irvine Park and the Irvine Park Zoo. Highways 29 and U.S. 53 bring you close by.
Northern Wisconsin State Fair Address:
Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds
225 Edward Street (just off Highway 124)
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
(715) 723-2861
Website
A full Schedule of Events list is below! For more on Chippewa Falls in general and more about the Northern Wisconsin State Fair, check out our State Trunk Tour Chippewa Falls Podcast:
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June 25, 2022 – June 26, 2022
Cedarburg Strawberry Festival
The Annual Cedarburg Strawberry Festival is BACK!
Craving an art-filled weekend brimming with the most luscious summer fruit? After being shut down for 2020 and 2021, one of Cedarburg’s biggest fests returns! Check out the 37th annual Cedarburg Strawberry Festival, sponsored by BMO Harris Bank, June 25-26, 2022. This free, family-oriented festival is a favorite of many, drawing up to 100,000 people annually to toast the bold and delicious fruit in all its forms, and enjoy some of the most decadent homegrown strawberries in the area.
The Cedarburg Strawberry Festival’s many food vendors are sure to please any palate, boasting about an extensive Food Court near the Community Center, offering everything from summer favorites like hamburgers, chicken, BBQ and roasted corn, to sweet treats and specialty foods. Festival Food Court’s exclusive favorites include the “Original” Strawberry Brat, Strawberry Chicken Wrap, and strawberry shortcake. Wander through the Festival for other locally made delicacies such as strawberry pie, strawberry crepes, strawberry slushies and chocolate-covered strawberries. Schmit’s Berry Farm, a local grower, provides the festival with the most ripe and juicy strawberries, available for purchase by the quart.
For attendees with a taste for wine, Cedar Creek Winery’s Strawberry Blush Wine is a must – this and the winery’s other award-winning wines can be purchased by the glass throughout the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival.
Wander down Washington Avenue and you’ll see why “Art is a Tradition” in Cedarburg. Fondly referred to as “Arts on the Avenue,” Strawberry Festival highlights more than 250 of the best local and Midwest artists who bring their combined perspectives, skills, and thousands of works of arts to the streets of Cedarburg, including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber art, fine glass, woodwork, mixed media, and photography. Art on the Avenue is a combined effort of four local organizations, the Cedarburg Cultural Center, Cedar Creek Settlement Merchant’s Association, the Ozaukee Art Center and the Cedarburg Art Museum, and offers one-of-a-kind works of art from functional to surreal, from witty to the elegantly decorative, as well as the opportunity to meet most of the artists in person.
Cedar Creek Settlement events at the north end of town include live bands, food, and features a new Cedar Creek Marketplace as well as a merchant’s marketplace and indoor shopping. The Sunday Morning Strawberry Pancake Breakfast will be worth checking out. The popular breakfast takes place on the north end of the Festival grounds from 8:00-11:00 a.m. and is served by the Cedar Creek Settlement merchants. More than 1,000 customers get their fill of mouthwatering strawberry pancakes while listening to live music outside along Cedar Creek.
Live music all over the Festival’s Historic District satisfies every audiophile all day Saturday and Sunday. The best place to enjoy the live music is at the Gruber Law Office Main Stage – Festival Food Court which will feature rockin’ fun cover bands like Our House and Life in a Tree. Enjoy live music into the evening with extended hours until 8:30 p.m on Saturday, June 25th. The Beer Garden offers shaded seating and is in close proximity to the main Festival Food Court.
For the littlest strawberry-lovers, Henry’s Kids Korner at Cedar Creek Park offers Jo-Don Farms pony rides and petting zoo, inflatable bounce houses, food and tons of other activities and vendors. One of the most popular events is the CedarQuacker 500 sponsored by Port Washington State Bank, where hundreds of rubber ducks are launched into the creek in a race to the finish Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 3 p.m.
You can check out a little more of Historic Cedarburg with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Ozaukee County’s “Berry Big” 5K Run/Walk, which kicks off in Cedar Creek Park on Saturday at 8:15 a.m. for the timed runners and 8:25 a.m. for fun runners/walkers. The route circles through the neighborhoods that surround the downtown area.
If you tire of walking, take a ride on the Country Aire Rides Tractor Hayride Shuttle that travels around the festival route. Off the festival footprint, the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts will feature exhibits and fun family activities.
Cedarburg Strawberry Festival Schedule of Events
Saturday, June 25
10am-8:30pm FESTIVAL FOOD COURT – Washington Ave. – Community Center Parking Lot
Serving up the original strawberry shortcake, roasted corn, cheese curds, BBQ, chicken, hamburgers, brats, hot dogs, gyros, tacos, gator on a stick, Jambalaya, beer, wine, lemonade, soda, desserts
CHS Robotics Food Booth – Serving up the ORIGINAL STRAWBERRY BRAT and STRAWBERRY CHICKEN WRAP, STRAWBERRY BRAT CORNDOG
GRUBER LAW OFFICES MAIN STAGE – Washington Ave. – Festival Food Court at the Community Center Live music, Fermentorium beer including ther new Strawberry Shandy, Molson Coors Beer and Cedar Creek Wine Garden, shaded seating and tables, restrooms
EASY CHEESY GRILLED CHEESE – Washington Ave. at the Festival Food Court
Serving up delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. Benefits the Guardians of the Children and Strawberry Festival
WASHINGTON AVE. BEER/WINE BOOTH – Washington Ave. at the Community Center
Fermentorium Speciality Beer, Molson Coors Beers, Cedar Creek Wines. All proceeds benefit Strawberry Festival. Wine served in your own Halovino Cup – while supplies last
SHOPS AT CEDAR CREEK SETTLEMENT and the CEDAR CREEK WINERY – Bridge Rd. at Washington Ave.
Brats, BBQ, burgers, nachos, strawberry desserts, crepes, slushies, beer, wine by the glass, 25 indoor shops, marketplace, and live music
CEDARBURG LION’S CLUB – Two locations: North Location: Washington Ave. at Bridge Rd.
Grilled foods, turkey legs, beer, wine, soda, live music
TURNER STREET MARKETPLACE – Washington Ave. at Turner St.
Serving up the original strawberry shortcake. Shop the Marketplace I: cheese, sausage, sauces, dips, Bundt cakes, cleaning supplies, soap, lotions, jewelry, Aussie hats, pet collars, CBD, micro greens, pain relief, jerky, crispie treats, leggings, accessories and more!
MILL STREET MARKETPLACE – Washington Ave. at Mill St.
Serving up the original strawberry shortcake, and Molson Coors beers, Cedar Creek Wines, Fermentorium Strawberry Shandy and Speciality Beers and lemonade. Shop the Marketplace II: Dips, sauces, pasta, women’s clothing, plants and garden, elderberry syrup, macramé, dog treats, Tastefully Simple, pro sports gear, nail care, skincare products, wallets, candles, and much more!!
CLEVELAND STREET MARKETPLACE – Washington Ave. at Cleveland Ave.
FREE Motorcycle parking compliments of Cedar Creek Motorsports. Shop the Marketplace III: St. Nicholas baked goods, and seasoning and mixes
PORT WASHINGTON STATE BANK PARKING LOT – Washington Ave. at Mill St.
Mel’s Charities of Ozaukee County – serving up the famous pork sandwiches
UNION HOUSE CEDARBURG BACK PARKING LOT – Washington Ave. south of Center St.
Backyard BBQ – Beer, Wine and Cocktails (must be enjoyed on property). Delicious shrimp or steak kabobs, hamburger sliders and more, beverages, seating, shade, fun and games. Enjoy a game of Cornhole. FESTIVAL CONTESTS – Win Prizes! Sign up begins at 10:00 am, spaces are limited – 15 years of age to adults (new temporary location)
BELLA LEI BEAUTY STAGE – Washington Ave. just south of Center St.
Featuring Live Music & Performances
CEDARBURG CULTURAL CENTER – Washington Ave. north of Mill St.
Grilled foods, beer, wine, Sangria, “Art Off the Avenue” in the back parking lot
KUHEFUSS HOUSE – Washington Ave north of Turner St.
Adult Beverages, “Tropical Oasis Bar”
CEDARBURG ART MUSEUM – Washington Ave. north of Cleveland Ave.
Beer Garden serving beer, wine, and soda from the Lakefront Brewery Carriage Tap House; Outdoor Sculpture Garden; live music and food truck: Blue Cow Creperie 11:30 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday, June 26th
FESTIVAL FOOD COURT – Washington Ave. – Community Center Parking Lot
Serving up the original strawberry shortcake, roasted corn, cheese curds, BBQ, chicken, hamburgers, brats, hot dogs, gyros, tacos, gator on a stick, Jambalaya, beer, wine, lemonade, soda, desserts
CHS Robotics Food Booth – Serving up the ORIGINAL STRAWBERRY BRAT and STRAWBERRY CHICKEN WRAP, STRAWBERRY BRAT CORNDOG
GRUBER LAW OFFICES MAIN STAGE – Washington Ave. – Festival Food Court at the Community Center Live music, Fermentorium beer including their new Strawberry Shandy, Molson Coors Beer and Cedar Creek Wine Garden, shaded seating and tables, restrooms
EASY CHEESY GRILLED CHEESE – Washington Ave. at the Festival Food Court
Serving up delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. Benefits the Guardians of the Children and Strawberry Festival
WASHINGTON AVE. BEER/WINE BOOTH – Washington Ave. at the Community Center
Fermentorium Speciality Beer, Molson Coors Beers, Cedar Creek Wines. All proceeds benefit Strawberry Festival. Wine served in your own Halovino Cup – while supplies last
SHOPS AT CEDAR CREEK SETTLEMENT and the CEDAR CREEK WINERY – Bridge Rd. at Washington Ave.
Brats, BBQ, burgers, nachos, strawberry desserts, crepes, slushies, beer, wine by the glass, 25 indoor shops, marketplace, and live music
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm Livin’ the Dream
CEDARBURG LION’S CLUB – Two locations: North Location: Washington Ave. at Bridge Rd.
Grilled foods, turkey legs, beer, wine, soda, live music
TURNER STREET MARKETPLACE – Washington Ave. at Turner St.
Serving up the original strawberry shortcake. Shop the Marketplace I: cheese, sausage, sauces, dips, Bundt cakes, cleaning supplies, soap, lotions, jewelry, Aussie hats, pet collars, CBD, micro greens, pain relief, jerky, crispie treats, leggings, accessories and more!
MILL STREET MARKETPLACE – Washington Ave. at Mill St.
Serving up the original strawberry shortcake, and Molson Coors beers, Cedar Creek Wines, Fermentorium Strawberry Shandy and Speciality Beers and lemonade. Shop the Marketplace II: Dips, sauces, pasta, women’s clothing, plants and garden, elderberry syrup, macramé, dog treats, Tastefully Simple, pro sports gear, nail care, skincare products, wallets, candles, and much more!!
CLEVELAND STREET MARKETPLACE – Washington Ave. at Cleveland Ave.
FREE Motorcycle parking compliments of Cedar Creek Motorsports. Shop the Marketplace III: St. Nicholas baked goods, and seasoning and mixes
PORT WASHINGTON STATE BANK PARKING LOT – Washington Ave. at Mill St.
Mel’s Charities of Ozaukee County – serving up the famous pork sandwiches
UNION HOUSE CEDARBURG BACK PARKING LOT – Washington Ave. south of Center St.
Backyard BBQ – Beer, Wine and Cocktails (must be enjoyed on property). Delicious shrimp or steak kabobs, hamburger sliders and more, beverages, seating, shade, fun and games. Enjoy a game of Cornhole. CONTESTS – Win Prizes! Sign up begins at 10:00 am, spaces are limited – 15 years of age to adults (new temporary location)
BELLA LEI BEAUTY STAGE – Washington Ave. just south of Center St.
Featuring Live Music & Performances
CEDARBURG CULTURAL CENTER – Washington Ave. north of Mill St.
Grilled foods, beer, wine, Sangria, “Art Off the Avenue” in the back parking lot
KUHEFUSS HOUSE – Washington Ave north of Turner St.
Adult Beverages, “Tropical Oasis Bar”
CEDARBURG ART MUSEUM – Washington Ave. north of Cleveland Ave.
Beer Garden serving beer, wine, and soda from the Lakefront Brewery Carriage Tap House; Outdoor Sculpture Garden; live music and food truck: Pork in the Road 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
You’ll find the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival in Cedarburg’s historic downtown along Washington Avenue (historic Highway 57), a few miles north of Highway 167, just east of Highway 181, and south of Highway 60.
Cedarburg Strawberry Festival Address:
Downtown Cedarburg
Washington Avenue
Cedarburg, WI 53012
(262) 377-5856
Website
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February 26, 2022 – February 27, 2022
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 2022, it’s back the weekend of February 26th and 27th!
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 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 recap from last year here!
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