Norskedalen hosts Ghoulees in the Coulees events Thursday, October 28th through Saturday, October 30th, 2021 providing a fun, yet scary and haunting, experience for the whole family in this beautiful natural and cultural area near Coon Valley in southeastern La Crosse County.
At Ghoulees in the Coulees, you can take a half-mile walk through chilling and thrilling spook stations along one of their wooded trails lined by hundreds of carved, lit pumpkins. Once you navigate this, you’ll regain your wits and end up with a treat and hot apple cider at Bekkum Homestead, a historic homestead over 100 years old, illuminated only by the light of the moon and jack-‘o-lanterns.
Some of what awaits in the dark in Norskedalen during Ghoulees in the Coulees. Is this out of focus? Or are they ghosts??
Along with the hike, you can enjoy storytelling, fortune-telling, grabbing a snack around the roaring fireplace, and walking through the haunted barns and other buildings. While it can be fun for kids of all ages, you may want to plan earlier hikes while it’s still light out for the very young and “faint of heart.” Earlier hikes around 5-7pm, hikes are less scary (the spooks do not try to scare you, but may offer a high-five, handshake, or wave). Conversely, 7-10:30pm, hikes are SUPER SCARY. They mean it! Chilling ghost stories designed to give you goosebumps will also be told at the end of your hike, making regaining your wits tricky for some. Fortune tellers will also be there to peer into your future.
Family-friendly trick-or-treating takes place Thursday, October 28th. Norskedalen’s Ghoulees in the Coulees Haunted Hikes take place Friday and Saturday October 29th & 30th. Friday slot times range from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (note: most Friday slots are sold out already!); Saturday slot times run from 4:30 p.m. to just after 8:00 p.m.
Tickets for the hikes are $35 per person. Advance reservations are required.
Norsekdalen Ghoulees in the Coulees prepares for State Trunk Tour’s Eric Paulsen.
You’ll find Norskedalen (which means “Norwegian Valley”) along County PI between Highway 162 and U.S. 14/61 just north of Coon Valley in southern La Crosse County. It’s a beautiful drive through the Driftess Area, right as the trees drop the rest of their colorful leaves.
Address for Ghoulees in the Coulees:
Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center
N455 O Ophus Road
Coon Valley, WI 54623
(608) 452-3424 Website
The NEW Zoo (NE Wisconsin Zoo, that’s what “NEW” stands for) northwest of Green Bay celebrates the North Shore Bank NEW Zoo Boo once again in 2021! It’s happening this year on the Friday-Saturday weekends of October 8-9, 15-16, and 22-23. For 2020 there will be no hay rides or giant inflatables, but otherwise show up in costume and enjoy all treats and no tricks. As the NEW Zoo notes on its website, “this year, every guest over the age of 1 can receive a bag of candy on arrival (yes, even the grown-ups)! The Zoo will be filled with festive, family-friendly Halloween decorations, so enjoy the sights of the Halloween season while visiting the animals. Be sure to ride the carousel and walk through the Happy Haunted Maze in the Children’s Zoo. The Dog House will also be on-site selling their full menu, including their famous, fresh battered cheese curds. Families can participate in North Shore Bank’s Zoo Scavenger Hunt, and the first 500 families to finish during each time slot can pick up a prize (while supplies last).”
Festivities for the NEW Zoo Boo run 3-8pm each day. The Adventure Park will be open for regular hours, 10am – 6pm, on all Saturdays and Sundays in October.
Regarding COVID precautions, the NEW Zoo website states: “To encourage comfortable social distancing throughout the Zoo, this year’s event will feature Timed Entries, with limited capacity for each arrival window. Guests must purchase tickets in advance that correspond to the date and time you wish to attend. Each night, guests can choose to arrive during a 60- or 90-minute arrival window, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., or from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Gates will close at 7:30 p.m., and guests can stay in the Zoo as long as they wish after arrival.”
Tickets are available at newzoo.org. Tickets are $15 per person; kids under 3 are free. Everyone aged 3 and above must have a ticket or a bar code (emailed after your online purchase) for entry. Tickets will be available at the gate each day only if they have not sold out in advance or online. Zoo Pass Members will receive one free ticket (per membership) on arrival, the same way as in past years OR Members can pickup your ticket in advance by stopping into the Zoo’s gift shop anytime during regular business hours. All other tickets needed by Members should be purchased in advance.”
The NEW Zoo Boo is accessible via U.S. 41/141 just north of Green Bay; Highways 29, 32, 54, 57, and 172 are all close by.
The Milwaukee County Zoo is going drive-thru again this year! The Milwaukee County Drive-Thru Boo at the Zoo lets you drive on Zoo pathways and take in a variety of Halloween-themed areas, carved pumpkins and illuminated light shows. The ride is specially designed for kids of all ages, including people who are kids at heart. The route is a 30-minute, 1.5-mile Halloween ride that travels on the wide and winding pathways through the Zoo. For safety purposes, animals are not viewable during these evenings.
New this year! Guests can trick-or-treat from their vehicles! Tasty treats will be handed-out along the route.
This event is a merry-not-scary ride, appropriate for kids of all ages, and kids at heart. Concession stops will be available along the route to purchase snacks and treats. Merchandise areas will be available to purchase a favorite memento.
Boo at the Zoo Drive-Thru Admission is $55 per carload for general visitors, $50 per carload for Zoo Pass members. Advance tickets are available online only and cannot be purchased at the Zoo. Vehicles will be admitted into the Zoo at the specified time, in 30-minute intervals. Entries are allowed only at the purchased time; last car admittance for the evening is 9 p.m. Tickets are non-transferrable and non-refundable. Proceeds go to support the Milwaukee County Zoological Society and the 2,000+ animals they care for.
The Milwaukee County Zoo is easily accessible via I-94, I-41/894, U.S. 18, U.S. 45, or Highway 100. It’s essentially in the center of all those major arteries! Enter the zoo off U.S. 18/Bluemound Road between Highway 100 and the Zoo Freeway, which is I-41/U.S. 45.
Milwaukee County Drive-Thru Boo at the Zoo Address:
Milwaukee County Zoo
10001 W. Bluemound Road (U.S. 18)
Milwaukee, WI 53226
(414) 256-5466 Website
The inaugural Whitewater Storytelling Festival will fill you with stories, tours, and fun Friday, October 15th through Sunday, October 17th, 2021. Enjoy the tales of numerous storytellers, story walks through the community, art exhibits, a market & author fair, music, crafts and activities for children, and so much more!
Nestled in the beautiful and inspiring Kettle Moraine State Forest, Whitewater is home to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, the Young Auditorium, and a robust artist community supported by the Whitewater Arts Alliance. The community enjoys a rich history in educating future teachers and entertaining the region with world-class theater productions, innovative art exhibits, and a variety of musical offerings by university students, faculty, and locals alike.
The Whitewater Storytelling Festival weekend will be filled with fun ways to engage with local and regionally known storytellers, art galleries, and creativity-inspiring activities. Stop for the day or stay for the weekend to take in the beauty of Whitewater, which is an Ice Age Trail community. You can check out their Workshop Flyer & Schedule (.pdf) and their Activities at a Glance (.pdf) flyer for more info.
Whitewater Storytelling Festival Schedule “at a Glance”:
Friday, October 15, 2021
Campfire Stories around the firepit at Cravath Lakefront Park with Hot Cocoa & S’Mores available
Story Stroll around Whitewater
Art exhibits at multiple galleries **Whitewater Spirit Tour**
Saturday, October 16, 2021
Art exhibits at multiple galleries
Story Stroll around Whitewater
Community Oral Story Gathering project with the Irving L Young Memorial Library
Whitewater History Museum open
All ages storytelling performances during the daytime
Adult only storytelling performances in the evening
Creative Workshops to inspire your inner storyteller
Children’s activity tents & reading zone
Community Storybook Project
Local authors fair & author readings
Open Mic Night at The Book Teller **Whitewater Spirit Tour**
Sunday, October 17, 2021
Story stroll around Whitewater
Create your own stories by exploring the local segments of the Ice Age Trail just outside of Whitewater!
Whitewater is right along U.S. 12 and Highways 59 and 89 on the Walworth-Jefferson County border. This city of nearly 15,000 is not only a busy college town, but one filled with stories of the paranormal, witchcraft, and more – perfect for the Halloween season! You can also check out Second Salem Brewing Company in town and enjoy some craft beer carrying names with ties to local history and lore.
Whitewater Storytelling Festival Address:
Cravath Lakefront Park
341 S. Fremont Street
Whitewater, WI 53190
(262) 473-4005 Website
The Hartford Hot Air Balloon Rally is BACK after being gone for a decade, dotting the sky with colors and the city with all kinds of fun activities on Saturday, August 7, 2021! Enjoy the massive balloon launch, the Night Glow, vintage airplanes, plus plenty of food, music, and more at Hartford’s Municipal Airport. Fireworks will take place at dusk, too.
Admission is free! Carry-ins are allowed, although they request no glass items. Shuttle service begins at 4pm from the Jack Russell Memorial Library parking lot and Schauer Arts Center parking lot, right next to the Wisconsin Automotive Museum.
Note that the balloon launch is weather dependent; balloons will be arriving on the tarmac around 4:30pm and launch 1.5-2 hours before sunset. Arrive early, you don’t want to miss the launch! Following the launch, there will be a ping pong drop and night glow. Fireworks to follow the night glow.
Hartford Hot Air Balloon Rally Schedule of Events
12:00 – 7:00 – Kid’s Activities
1:00- 5:00- Washington County Sheriff Car display
2:00 – 4:00 – EMS display
2:00 – 4:30 – Safety Trailer display
3:00 – 7:00 – Dolce Duo’ & Company
5:00 – 5:30 – Hartford Energizers Dance
**4:00 – After Fireworks – Shuttle Service from Jack Russel Library Parking Lot & Schauer Center Parking Lot**
Flight Simulator – All Day (kids 12 & over)
Helicopter Rides – All Day ($50)
Hot Air Balloon Launch – 1 ½ Hours Before Sunset
Ping Pong Ball Drop – After Hot Air Balloon Launch
Hot Air Balloon Glow – 8:30 or when Balloons Return
Fireworks – After Balloon Glow
Food Trucks, Popcorn, Cotton Candy, Kids Vendors & Beverages – All Day
You’ll see the balloons in the air from miles around, but to get to Hartford’s Municipal Airport, head to County U northwest of downtown via Highway 60 or Highway 83. There is also FREE shuttle service from the Schauer Arts Center, right next to the Wisconsin Automotive Museum, from 4pm until after the fireworks are done.
Hear more about the Hot Air Balloon Rally in our State Trunk Tour Podcast interview with Doreen Buntrock from the Hartford Chamber! It begins about 19 minutes in…
Hartford Hot Air Balloon Rally Address:
Hartford Municipal Airport
4200 County Highway U
Hartford, WI 53027
(262) 673-7002 Website
Motor Mania is on a mission is to build a community of high-octane enthusiasts who possess passion for anything with a motor. So join them June 25-27, 2021 at the Washington County Fairgrounds for Motor Mania, a great event for everyone who loves motorsports of all kinds. Trucks, Muscle cars, Hot Rods, Bikes, New Muscle, Antique and Imports. Don’t miss the music, fun and great people. For three days, you can enjoy the Builder Showcase, over 1,000 custom Hot Rods and Classics, Live Music at the Amphitheater, a SWAP Meet, food trucks, and dozens of vendors.
Music acts include Jack Russell’s Great White on Friday, Steelheart (can the guy still hit the high note on “Never Let You Go”??) Saturday, and Counts 77 on Sunday.
Ticket prices vary based on whether you want general admission or VIP concert access. Adults are $20 for general admission and Kids are $10 (plus fees), while concert access can run closer to $45. Get all the info and buy tickets here.
Washington County Fair Park is right along the U.S. 45 freeway on the south end of West Bend. Highways 33 and 144 bring you to West Bend, while you can also access the park from Highway 60 to U.S. 45 north. It’s part of a great road trip, since you can also check out Kettle Moraine and its scenic drives nearby!
Motor Mania is holding this event near West Bend, but their HQ is in Greenfield, a “dream garage” at 4251 S. 27th Street – the original U.S. 41 – with an amazing array of classic cars, hot rods, games, ice cold beer – it’s a pretty cool place and they are reopening it closer to fall. We’ll keep you posted!
Motor Mania Address:
Washington County Fairgrounds
3000 County Highway PV
West Bend, WI 53095
(414) 817-8888 Website
It’s like a prehistoric passport! Drive through and among over 40 giant moving dinosaurs with Dino Safari, a family-friendly drive-thru dinosaur adventure. Check out every type of dinosaur from the T. Rex to the giant Spinosaurus. As you watch them from your vehicle, you can learn how these dinosaurs evolved over millions of years, where they lived and roamed, what they ate, how they moved, and more. (Maybe, in the case of T. Rex, you can learn why they had such short arms!)
Before you go through, videos are available to help illustrate what you’re about to witness. An audio tour is also available to accompany you as you go through, helping to illustrate all of this information. Also be aware that earthquakes might erupt on your tour, dinosaurs might get into battles, and you might have to step up and help save a baby dinosaur! All COVID-safe, by the way.
Dino Safari Hours
Monday – Thursdays 12pm – 8pm, last ticket sold at 7:30
Fridays – Sundays 9am – 9pm, last ticket sold at 8:30
Get Tickets Here. Admission is $49.95 per regular car or SUV, up to 7 occupants allowed per vehicle. For larger vehicles (up to 6′ wide, 9′ high, and 20′ long) admission is $59.95. Admission includes the drive-thru experience, a survival pack with a park passport, and – as they say – “other surprises”!
The Dino Safari takes place on the Wisconsin State Fair Park grounds from April 18th through May 2nd, 2021. You can easily get to the grounds via I-94 (exit #306) and Highways 59 (Greenfield Avenue) and 181 (84th Street). U.S. 18/Bluemound Road is close by to the north, and you can access 84th Street via ramps from northbound and southbound I-41/I-894/U.S. 45. It’s a great way to have family fun while staying safe in your vehicle – from both COVID and the dinosaurs!
Dino Safari Drive-Thru Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park (enter at North Lot 5 off Highway 181/84th Street)
640 S. 84th Street
West Allis, WI 53214
Website
West Bend’s Regner Park hosts Washington County’s premier holiday lights event from November 27th through Christmas Eve (December 24th, obviously), 2020 with Enchantment in the Park.
Flush with holiday lights throughout the park, you can do the drive-thru or walk-thru; the drive-thru entrance is off Silverbook Drive while walk-thru visitors are asked to enter via Main Street. The walk-thru is shorter than the drive-thru. Another option is a Horse and Carriage Ride, which costs $5 per person; rides are available for anyone age 16 or over from 5pm – 9pm; they are spacing out riders to follow COVID-19 precautions.
There’s no cost to enter Enchantment in the Park, but donations are welcome – a suggested cash donation is $10; non-perishable food donations are also welcome.
Enchantment in the Park is open daily, 5pm to 9pm. You’ll find Regner Park along Highway 144/Main Street just north ofHighway 33 and downtown West Bend. It’s less than five minutes east of the U.S. 45 freeway.
Enchantment in the Park Address:
Regner Park
800 N. Main Street
West Bend, WI 53090 Website
Old World Wisconsin, the 1870s-era crossroads village and ethnic farmsteads on 576 acres of wooded hills in the Southern Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest, has gone drive-thru with the Old World Wisconsin Fall Family Fun Drive. This amazing Wisconsin State Historic Site is offering the opportunity for people and families to tour the grounds from the comfort and safety of their vehicles.
Enjoy the fall colors, historic sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Old World Wisconsin on this scenic, 45-minute drive tour of the grounds. This is designed to let you experience OWW differently than ever before; you can even cover routes that aren’t normally accessible during the regular season. The set route offers vignettes that capture the beauty of the landscapes and architecture on the grounds – especially in autumn.
Adding to the fun, an interactive Old World Wisconsin Bingo game will help guide the journey. You’re supposed to remain in your vehicle for most of the tour, but “Instagrammable” opportunities allow you to hop out for photos at select locations. You can also munch on “Fall Flavor Samplers,” filled with tastes of fall like apple cider donuts, landjaeger sausages, and pumpkin cookies, which are available for pre-order that you can then pick up at The Creamery to enjoy during the drive.
The cost for this drive-thru is $20 per vehicle; the optional Fall Flavor Samplers are also $20 and should feed two easily.
You can enjoy the Old World Wisconsin Fall Family Fun Drive-Thru (yes, that’s a long title) on Saturdays and Sundays, October 10th, 11th, 17th, and 18th, from 9am – 3pm. Advanced registration and payment is required; tickets are timed entry, giving guests a 15-minute window to enter the site. You can call 262-594-6311 to register, Shout-out to WaterStone Bank and the Old World Foundation for supporting this!
As part of the COVID-19 precautions, face masks are required for all guests upon entry.
Old World Wisconsin Fall Family Fun Drive Address:
Old World Wisconsin
W372 S9727 Highway 67
Eagle, WI 53119-9503
(262) 594-6311 Website
“Quilts on Barns” Road Rally takes place Saturday, October 10, 2020. Enjoy spending the day – or even just a part of it if you prefer – driving around the highways and byways of Racine County where you can see the beauty of rural art, looking for the 26 quilt patterns on a variety of barns! Make your first stop the Real Racine Visitor Center to pick up a Quilts on Barns driving tour map and road rally instruction card. Take a tour of four (4) barns, Sew n’ Save Quilt Palette OR Country Rose Bakery Cafe Quilt Palette. Then take a “selfie” of each and come on down to the Quilts on Barns Road Rally Downtown Headquarters or Real Racine Visitor Center to show them off. Several lucky winners will be randomly chosen to win quilts, original artwork and other prizes!
The Quilts on Barns Driving Tour includes 26 barns with an 8′ x 8′ wooden quilt pattern. Many other “quilt treasures” adorn barns and buildings along your driving route. Feel free to visit local Racine County businesses , restaurants, art galleries, and quilt stores. You will be amazed at what you can find!
Quilts on Barns Road Rally Address:
The Rally is obviously happening all around Racine County, but the central meeting point is the Real Racine Visitors Center on Highway 20 just west of I-41/94. The address (for your GPS) is 14015 Washington Avenue/Highway 20, Sturtevant, WI 53177. For more info, call (262) 635-0261.
It’s a spooktacular experience filled with light displays and ghostly charms at the Halloween Glow Drive-Thru at Racine Zoo, running October 7th through November 1st, 2020! Enjoy this “illuminated Halloween adventure” from the safety and comfort of your vehicle. Just follow the dedicated light pathway and be prepared for surprises – but they’re all family friendly.
Halloween Glow is open Wednesdays – Sundays from 6pm to 9pm; admission is $5 per person at the gate. Children 2 years and younger are admitted FREE. Proceeds benefit Racine Zoo’s animals and programs.
You’ll find the Racine Zoo just north of downtown Racine. It’s along Main Street and Goold, abutting Lake Michigan just east of Highways 32 and 38. Highways 11 and 20 also bring you into the Belle City, all about 8 miles east of I-41/94.
Halloween Glow Address:
Racine Zoo
200 Goold Street
Racine, WI 53402
(262) 636-9189 Website
How about a prehistoric road trip? Take a tour at the Dinosaur Adventure Drive-Thru, where over 80 life-sized dinosaurs await.
Among the 80 dinosaurs, you can crawl past a 40-foot T-Rex, 30-foot Brachiosaurus, Triceratops, Velociraptor, and more – all from the comfort of your own vehicle. This Dinosaur Drive-Thru experience is available for three weekends at Waukesha County Expo Center. Tickets are sold online only in advance, and are purchased on a per-vehicle basis – so feel free to cram people in, up to 8 people! It runs now Thursdays through Sundays; last day is October 4th.
The Dinosaurs await you at the Waukesha County Expo Center on the north side of Waukesha, just south of where I-94 and Highway 16 meet. U.S. 18 and Highways 59 and 164 also get you close. Find out more and get tickets here.
Dinosaur Adventure Drive-Thru Address:
Waukesha County Expo Center
1000 Northview Road
Waukesha, WI 53188
(651) 504-2000
Website
Bacon & Brews Fest combines running, walking, bacon, and beer along the shores of Lake Michigan in Oak Creek’s Lake Vista Park on Saturday, September 5th, 2020. It begins with a 5K run and walk, which you can participate in in person along a twisty, turny course in the park, or participate in virtually from wherever you are. Why the 5th of September? Because that’s International Bacon Day!
After the 5K, at the Lake Vista location they’ll have an after party featuring the aforementioned bacon, brews in the form of great craft beers, plus soda, water, food of all kinds, and more. All participants will receive a finishers medal, Special Swag, a T-shirt, and a bacon/beer filled lunch. The party will include social distancing measures, and masks will be provided if participants don’t have one. But be sure to party after the run… you can bring a chair, enjoy delicious food and beverages, and take in the beautiful views of Lake Vista Park!
This is all happening in Oak Creek, right at the end of Highway 100 just past where it meets with Highway 32, which runs along the shores of Lake Michigan from Milwaukee to Racine, Kenosha, and all points south. When you’re done – or even before you go – check out Drexel Town Square, which offers a ton of shops, bars and restaurants, hotels, and more! They also have their Farmers Market in the Square on Saturdays from 9am – 1pm. You’ll find the whole complex just north of Drexel Avenue just west of Highway 38/Howell Avenue. IKEA also has its only Wisconsin location along Drexel just west of I-41/I-94 (Exit #320). This is all just minutes south of downtown Milwaukee.
Bacon & Brews Fest Address:
Lake Vista Park
4001 E. Lakeside Avenue
Oak Creek, WI 53154 Website Facebook Page
The 28th annual Exeland Trout Festival, sponsored by the Exeland Rod & Gun Club, will be held over Labor Day weekend, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, September 4, 5 & 6, 2020. A $3 Trout Fest button gets you admission to get on the Sports Center grounds, and the button is good for all three days. This year’s festival motto is “Make your day a keeper!”
Festivities begin Friday at the Sports Center at 5:00 p.m. A trout fish sandwich & chips basket will be the night’s specialty at Rod’s Bar & Grill. You can sign up for the cribbage tournament, which begins at 5:00 pm (play begins at 5:30 registration fee of $10 per team.) The men’s 8-team double elimination softball tournament also starts with games at 5:45 & 6:45 p.m. Everyone is welcome to play on the Bean Bag court during the evening. Presentation of the Medallion Hunt winner is at 7:00 p.m. DJ music will be played throughout the activities.
At 7:30 pm, Chris Kroeze performs. The former star on The Voice is from nearby and will put on a terrific show with great music! Fans are urged to bring a lawn chair.
Appropriately, Saturday’s events start with a trout fishing contest. Registration is on Main Street. The contest begins at 7:30 a.m. and concludes at 11:30 a.m. Entry fee is proof of a festival button. Contest is for brook trout only. Trophies will be awarded to the top three fish. The three winners of the contest will be invited to ride on the Exeland Rod & Gun Club float in Sunday’s parade. Once again, the trout fishing in the Exeland area this year has been unbelievable!
The Dave Lindau Memorial pancake breakfast will be from 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. inside the Exeland Rod & Gun Clubhouse located at the Sports Center.
Main Street will be busy on Saturday morning beginning at 8:00 a.m. Rummage sales, craft sales, garage sales, and a bake sale will be going on. If you have a craft booth or other items to sell, just show up, find a spot on the street, and start selling. There is no fee to vendors.
It’s a bike rider’s paradise! This will be the fourth year of the Trout Fest off road bike ride. A 27 mile loop through some of the most beautiful country northern Wisconsin has to offer. All ages are welcome but you should be in good physical shape as it’s a very challenging route. Registration is at 9:00 a.m. on Main Street in front of Superior Choice Credit Union and the ride will begin at 10:00 a.m. Cost is a Trout Fest button. A meal coupon will be presented to all participants after the ride to be redeemed at the Sports Center.
Follow the many sporting events taking place at the Sports Center. Enjoy watching the softball tourney (10 a.m. start) & volleyball tourney (11 a.m. start).
The horseshoe court will be open all day for everyone to enjoy and compete.
The 32-team co-ed Bean Bag Toss tournament begins at 10:30 a.m. 100% payback. Top 6 places will receive cash. Entry fee for the 2-person team is $20.
Inflatable games will be scattered on the grounds to entertain the kid’s. Enough fun to entertain them all day. A wrist band needs to be purchased to get into the games.
Nobody should go hungry. Stop at one of the Rod & Gun Club’s concession areas or pay the food vendors a visit. There’s a lot of good food everywhere.
At noon in the pavilion listen to the music of the “Bare Bones” of Rice Lake, formerly known as the Porch Dogs. 4 hours of great music.
The Texas Hold’em Tourney has been cancelled year but will return next year
At 4:30 p.m. a new Trout Festival queen will be crowned. Seven beautiful girls are competing for this year’s prestigious title. Last year’s queen Grace Zimmer will pass her crown onto the new winner. One of the 16 little gals competing for the Little Princess title will also be crowned at this time.
At 5:30 p.m. the Exeland Rod & Gun Club will make a little boy and girl happy when they draw to give away two free bikes and fishing poles.
Saturday concludes with a street dance at the Sports Center pavilion from 8:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. Music will be provided by “The G Men”. The former Exeland band is reuniting for the first time in 30 years. Look for a fun night!
Sunday’s events continue in the morning at 7:30 a.m. with the pancake breakfast at the Rod & Gun Clubhouse located at the Sports Center. Blueberry pancakes are the specialty. Breakfast concludes at 10:30 a.m.
At high noon the “Joe Trcka Memorial Parade” with 75 units will move down Main Street. One of the best small town parades in the area with lots of candy being tossed out to the kids. If you haven’t registered your unit yet and would like to be in the parade, just show up at Swan Creek Park between 11 – 11:30 a.m. This year’s grand marshals are Neal & Marna Halberg, longtime Exeland residents who are very active in all community events.
After the parade, it’s back to the Sports Center to be part of the many events still going on. Watch the finals of all the sporting events. Once again, the kids can enjoy the inflatable games that are on the ground.
At 1:00 p.m. a delicious “chicken dinner” will be available at the new food shelter. Plus, a lot of other good food will be available all day long in and around the pavilion.
Cow Pie Bingo will take place south of the softball field shortly after the parade. $10 per square to win cash! Whichever one of the hundred spot the calf decides to crap on will determine the winner. Advance tickets are now being sold at local businesses. Event is compliments of North Star Acres Farm of Exeland.
At 2:00 p.m. the Jump River Valley Mow Masters lawn mower races will take place at the Club’s race track located southwest of the pavilion. An exciting & must see event.
If you want to stay near the pavilion and enjoy good food and cold beverages you can listen to the music of the popular “Man 2 Man” band. Denny Goin and his son will perform from 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
At 5:30 p.m. in the pavilion, all of the drawings will be held for the raffle prizes. The $100 cash raffle, Special 28th Anniversary raffle, the 4-wheeler, small cash prizes and a deer rifle will go to the lucky winners who have purchased raffle tickets. Two more kid’s bikes will also be given away.
Join the fun and help Exeland celebrate the 28th annual Exeland Trout Festival! Follow State Highway 48 to get to Exeland, east of Rice Lake off U.S. 53 or just a mile or so west of Highway 40 in Sawyer County. Truly a fun North Woods getaway event!
Exeland Trout Festival Address:
State Highway 48
Exeland, WI 54835
Info: (715) 943-2242 (ask for Jim) Website
Interesting name, even more interesting event! SEWERfestactually stands for South East Wisconsin Exotic Reptiles, and SEWERfest features dealers and exhibits of captive-bred reptiles in Wisconsin’s largest reptile show.
In this unusual year, SEWERfest is taking place Sunday, August 2nd from 9am – 3pm and Sunday, November 8th from 10am – 3pm at Fountain Banquet Hall. The Hall is right along Highway 11/Durand Avenue, just east of I-41/94 in Sturtevant, just west of Racine in Racine County. SEWERFest includes a wide variety of diverse captive bred animals and lets you meet quality breeders across Wisconsin, the Midwest, and all over the United States.
“Animal House” Pets & Supplies will be there with over 60 terrariums and over 100 animals to see. They’ll also have Exo Terra terrariums and Zilla Front openings of every size, Zilla Top Openings in five popular sizes, Zoo med paladariums in both sizes, as well as Zilla vertical decor, Zilla spring caves, Driftwood, Cholla wood, Jungle wood, Bamboo, Waterfalls, and more.
Check out the Captive Bred Specialties booth, where you can get a free raffle ticket with ANY purchase as you check out 10 tables of reptiles, feeders, and supplies with great discounts up to 60% off retail. exoterra terrariums, crickets, goliathworms, mealworms, and waxworms, and CB baby Red Tegus, Sudanese Uromastyx (U.Ocellata), Redfoot Tortoises, Hermann Tortoises, Elongated Tortoises, Sulcatta Tortoises, Bearded Dragon Morphs, and Adult Bearded Dragons including a Yellow Ackie Dwarf Monitor (Adult Male), Red tail boa morphs, Monkey tail skinks, Green Tree Pythons, Ambilobe Panther Chameleons, Ball python Morphs, Baby PAC-Man frog Morphs, Driftwood/Corkbark, Wildlife Photography, and more.
SEWERfest is a great opportunity to see & learn about animals that you rarely see in zoos or museums; it can be a fun, learning experience for the whole family. Fountain Banquet Hall has a number of amenities including – in true Wisconsin style – a bar.
Admission pricing is dynamic, based on the time you arrive. They have it as follows:
9-10am Adults:$10, 12 and under:$5
10am-Noon Adults:$8, 12 and under:$2
Noon-3pm Adults:$5, 12 and under:$1
SEWERFest Address:
Fountain Banquet Hall
8505 Durand Avenue (Highway 11)
Sturtevant, WI 53177
(262) 994-4547 Website
The Lantern Festival at the Racine Zoo is a spectacular nighttime event, covering the zoo with incredible works of art! From tigers, lions, pandas, exotic flora, and a colossal dragon, Racine Zoo will be transformed into a world of illumination with custom-made lanterns. To top it off, an array of food and drink options will make the Lantern Festival a truly unforgettable event.
The Racine Zoo Lantern Festival continues in 2020 to run on weekends through February 9th.
Lantern Festival Hours:
Fridays – Sundays: 5pm – 8pm (Last entry 8pm. Zoo closes at 9pm.)
Ticket Prices: $5!!
Kids 2 and under are admitted free.
**Children 15 and younger need to be accompanied by a paying adult**. Also, note a $2.50 processing fee may be added if you pay with a credit card at the gate. But still, that’s a great deal!
Racine Zoo Lantern Festival Address:
Racine Zoo
2131 N. Main Street
Racine, WI 53402
(262) 636-9291 Website
Prairie du Sac and Sauk City, collectively known as Sauk Prairie, is the home of Bald Eagle Watching Days along the Wisconsin River. Bald eagles naturally flock to Prairie du Sac every winter to fish the river’s open waters. Check out Birds of Prey shows, an eagle release, guided bus tours, Native American legends, aerial antics, and family activities at this free, family-friendly event Friday, January 17th and Saturday, January 18th.
For winter survival, eagles need open water for fishing, undeveloped shoreline with large trees for perching, and sheltered valleys for night-time roosting. Eagle watching is best during the morning when the birds are most active fishing and are frequently seen perching in trees along the river. Spotting scopes are available for your use at Ferry Bluff Eagle Council’s Overlook in Prairie du Sac.
Marge from REGIS (the Raptor Education Group Inc.) will be releasing up to 3 eagles, including one “magnificent” adult, starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2019. Eagle release is held at VFW Park in Prairie du Sac.
Check out this video about the event from last year:
Prairie du Sac and neighboring Sauk City are often combined to be called “Sauk Prairie.” These two towns not only birthed Culver’s restaurants and host bald eagles in winter, they have a variety of great shops, galleries, restaurants, bars, and more. Vintage Brewing recently opened a satellite brewery in Sauk City and the riverfront views are fantastic across both towns. Highways 60 and 78 run through the heart of each downtown, while U.S. 12 provides high-speed access on the west side to Madison and Wisconsin Dells. Highway 188, on the other side of the river, offers access to the Wollersheim Winery & Distillery. You can truly make this an awesome road trip day or weekend!
Address for Bald Eagle Watching Days:
River Arts Center
105 9th Street (Highways 60/78)
Prairie du Sac, WI 53578 Website
Start:
January 17, 2020
End:
January 18, 2020
Venue:
River Arts Center
Phone:
608-643-4168
Address:
105 9th Street, Prairie du Sac, WI, 53578, United States
Spooner celebrates fall with a full day and evening of fun at the annual Jack O’ Lantern Festival, happening Saturday, October 19th, 2019. Enjoy this fun family festival with tons of kids’ games, a pumpkin roll down Siegner Hill, pumpkin painting, inflatable bounce houses and much more. There’s also a Pumpkin Recipe Contest and a Pumpkin Carving Contest.
The 5K Zombie Fun Run takes place in the evening through Spooner’s “haunted woods” and promises adventure.
Spooner is easy to get to via U.S. 53, U.S. 63, or Highway 70, about halfway between Eau Claire/Chippewa Falls and Superior. There’s a reason they call Spooner the “Crossroads of the North”!
Jack O’ Lantern Festival Address:
Downtown Spooner
Spooner, WI 54801
(715) 635-2168 Website
Check out the full Schedule of Events below!
Schedule of Events:
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Craft Fair near Main Tent
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Moms Club of Northern Wisconsin Bake Sale
9 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Pumpkin Recipe contest drop-off presented by the Spooner Memorial Library. Judging at noon.
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Pumpkin Carving Contest drop-off Presented by Spooner Memorial Library. Judging at 2 p.m.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Small pumpkin painting presented by Lakeland Family Resource Center.
9 a.m.—4 p.m.– Face painting presented by Indianhead Credit Union
10 a.m. – Kids’ Pavilion Opens, presented by State Farm Insurance – Tim Reedy Agency, with… Inflatables, Kids Bouncys, food, business booths, Jack O’ Lantern Store, game pavilion & more!
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – $5 wristband gets unlimited “kids rides” on the inflatables.
10 a.m.– 4 p.m.– kids activities and events held in the Main Tent presented by St. Francis de Sales School.
1-3 p.m. – Pumpkin Roll on Siegner Hill presented by the Spooner Fire District Auxiliary.
2:30-4:30 p.m.—5K Zombie Run Check In & Packet Pick up in the Main Tent.
Evening Events
5:30 p.m. 5K Zombie Run presented by Spooner Health
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. – Bonfires and Brewfest presented by Schmitz’s Economart in the Main Tent
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. – Live Music featuring SchuStrings – Dan Schullo in Main tent
7 p.m. – 9 p.m. – Kids’ Halloween Movie presented by the Spooner Civic Center in the event ballroom
Applefest is an annual celebration in Two Rivers, filling the town’s Central Park with apple growers, bakers, and apple lovers enjoy this incredible fruit. An arts and crafts fair, apple pie social, and all kinds of entertainment will also take place throughout the day.
Central Park in Two Rivers, home to Applefest. (Photo credit: Lester Public Library’s Flicker.)
This year’s Applefest takes place on Saturday, October 12th from 9 am – 4 pm. You’ll find all the action in Central Park, right along Highway 42. This is also the place where the ice cream sundae was invented, so check out the Washington House and enjoy one in the original location. Explore the East and West Twin Rivers, the fascinating Rogers Street Historic Fishing Village, Neshotah Beach, and the beautiful area around the lakefront and city.
The drive along Lake Michigan on Highway 42/Memorial Drive between Two Rivers and Manitowoc is beautiful too, and there’s plenty more to see in Manitowoc, less than six miles away!
Applefest Address:
1710 W. Park Street
Two Rivers, WI 54241
(920) 755-2775 Website
Appleton Octoberfest is called “A Mile of Fun” in downtown Appleton and kicks off with License to Cruise, a classic car show featuring over 400 cars, plenty of live entertainment, and over 100 food vendors along College and nearby streets.
On Saturday, it’s Appleton’s largest block party! 100 food booths, 6 stages of music, 180 arts & crafts booths, family fun area.
Music starts as early as 9 a.m. (the full band line up is available on the website). Arts and Crafts and Family Fun for all ages! Octoberfest is a community-driven festival benefiting local non-profit organizations. Bring your ID if you plan to purchase beer tickets; beer ticket sales are from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Beer sales end at 5:30 p.m. and the event ends at 6 p.m.
Downtown Appleton is reached via U.S. 10, I-41, or Highways 47, 96, and 125.
Appleton Octoberfest Address:
100 College Avenue
Appleton, WI 54912
(920) 734-7101 Website
FRIDAY, 9/27/2019 Houdini Plaza (WVBO – 103.9 AND WNAM – 1280)
6:00 PM – 9:30 PM Doo Wop Daddies
6:00 PM – 9:30 PM Street Corner Entertainment
Corner of College & State WPKR (NASH FM)
Corner of College & Oneida Appleton Rock School w/their own stage & sound
Corner of College & Division 484th Army Band (6:00 PM – 7:30 PM)
Corner of College & Superior Joe Sly
Corner of College & Walnut Anna Little
Corner of College & Morrison The Polar Project
Corner of College & Durkee Lilie
Roaming Entertainment Jukebox Barbershop Quartet
SATURDAY, 9/28/2019 West End of College Avenue (105.7 WAPL)
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM Appleton Rock School
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Coyote Kid
12:15 PM – 2:15 PM Road Trip N/A
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM Vic Ferrari
Corner of College Avenue & Division Street (KZ 104.3 AND WGBA-NBC26)
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM Twisted Chords
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Ill Genesi
11:45 AM – 2:15 PM The Boy Band Night
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM Too White Crew
Corner of College Avenue & Superior Street (RAZOR 94.7 | 104.7)
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Stricken
12:15 PM – 3:15 PM Sir Real
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM Leading the Blind
Houdini Plaza (95.9 KISS FM)
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Newtonburg Oktoberfest Band
10:15 AM – 12:15 PM The Lately
12:30 PM – 2:45 PM Unity The Band
3:00 PM – 5:30 PM Kyle Megna & The Monsoons
Corner of College Avenue & Durkee Street (WHBY AND 95.3 | 99.1 THE SCORE)
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Doo Wop Daddies
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM Zeroed In (484th Army Variety Band)
12:30 PM – 2:15 PM Copper Box
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM The Glam Band
Corner of College Avenue & Morrison Street
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM FBI & The Untouchable Horns
1:30 PM – 5:30 PM The Polar Project
Corner of College Avenue & Drew Street
9:00 AM – 10:45 AM Happy Wanderers
11:00 AM – 3:45 PM 484th Army Band Ensembles
Family Fun Stage
9:15 AM – 9:45 AM Karate America Appleton East/Darboy
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM Dan Kirk (Juggler)
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM Randy Peterson (Children’s Singer)
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Cirq-Attude
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM Dan Kirk (Juggler)
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM Miller & Mike (Family Variety Act)
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM Randy Peterson (Children’s Singer)
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM Miller & Mike (Family Variety Act)
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events › Family
October 30, 2021
Ghoulees in the Coulees
Norskedalen hosts Ghoulees in the Coulees events Thursday, October 28th through Saturday, October 30th, 2021 providing a fun, yet scary and haunting, experience for the whole family in this beautiful natural and cultural area near Coon Valley in southeastern La Crosse County.
At Ghoulees in the Coulees, you can take a half-mile walk through chilling and thrilling spook stations along one of their wooded trails lined by hundreds of carved, lit pumpkins. Once you navigate this, you’ll regain your wits and end up with a treat and hot apple cider at Bekkum Homestead, a historic homestead over 100 years old, illuminated only by the light of the moon and jack-‘o-lanterns.
Along with the hike, you can enjoy storytelling, fortune-telling, grabbing a snack around the roaring fireplace, and walking through the haunted barns and other buildings. While it can be fun for kids of all ages, you may want to plan earlier hikes while it’s still light out for the very young and “faint of heart.” Earlier hikes around 5-7pm, hikes are less scary (the spooks do not try to scare you, but may offer a high-five, handshake, or wave). Conversely, 7-10:30pm, hikes are SUPER SCARY. They mean it! Chilling ghost stories designed to give you goosebumps will also be told at the end of your hike, making regaining your wits tricky for some. Fortune tellers will also be there to peer into your future.
Family-friendly trick-or-treating takes place Thursday, October 28th. Norskedalen’s Ghoulees in the Coulees Haunted Hikes take place Friday and Saturday October 29th & 30th. Friday slot times range from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (note: most Friday slots are sold out already!); Saturday slot times run from 4:30 p.m. to just after 8:00 p.m.
Tickets for the hikes are $35 per person. Advance reservations are required.
You’ll find Norskedalen (which means “Norwegian Valley”) along County PI between Highway 162 and U.S. 14/61 just north of Coon Valley in southern La Crosse County. It’s a beautiful drive through the Driftess Area, right as the trees drop the rest of their colorful leaves.
Address for Ghoulees in the Coulees:
Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center
N455 O Ophus Road
Coon Valley, WI 54623
(608) 452-3424
Website
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October 22, 2021 – October 23, 2021
NEW Zoo Boo
Festivities for the NEW Zoo Boo run 3-8pm each day. The Adventure Park will be open for regular hours, 10am – 6pm, on all Saturdays and Sundays in October.
Regarding COVID precautions, the NEW Zoo website states: “To encourage comfortable social distancing throughout the Zoo, this year’s event will feature Timed Entries, with limited capacity for each arrival window. Guests must purchase tickets in advance that correspond to the date and time you wish to attend. Each night, guests can choose to arrive during a 60- or 90-minute arrival window, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., or from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Gates will close at 7:30 p.m., and guests can stay in the Zoo as long as they wish after arrival.”
Tickets are available at newzoo.org. Tickets are $15 per person; kids under 3 are free. Everyone aged 3 and above must have a ticket or a bar code (emailed after your online purchase) for entry. Tickets will be available at the gate each day only if they have not sold out in advance or online. Zoo Pass Members will receive one free ticket (per membership) on arrival, the same way as in past years OR Members can pickup your ticket in advance by stopping into the Zoo’s gift shop anytime during regular business hours. All other tickets needed by Members should be purchased in advance.”
The NEW Zoo Boo is accessible via U.S. 41/141 just north of Green Bay; Highways 29, 32, 54, 57, and 172 are all close by.
The NEW Zoo website offers up details, directions, and more!
NEW Zoo Boo Event Address:
4418 Reforestation Road
Green Bay, WI 54313
(920) 434-7841
Website
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October 21, 2021 – October 24, 2021
Milwaukee County Drive-Thru Boo at the Zoo
The Milwaukee County Zoo is going drive-thru again this year! The Milwaukee County Drive-Thru Boo at the Zoo lets you drive on Zoo pathways and take in a variety of Halloween-themed areas, carved pumpkins and illuminated light shows. The ride is specially designed for kids of all ages, including people who are kids at heart. The route is a 30-minute, 1.5-mile Halloween ride that travels on the wide and winding pathways through the Zoo. For safety purposes, animals are not viewable during these evenings.
New this year! Guests can trick-or-treat from their vehicles! Tasty treats will be handed-out along the route.
This event is a merry-not-scary ride, appropriate for kids of all ages, and kids at heart. Concession stops will be available along the route to purchase snacks and treats. Merchandise areas will be available to purchase a favorite memento.
The Milwaukee County Zoo is easily accessible via I-94, I-41/894, U.S. 18, U.S. 45, or Highway 100. It’s essentially in the center of all those major arteries! Enter the zoo off U.S. 18/Bluemound Road between Highway 100 and the Zoo Freeway, which is I-41/U.S. 45.
Milwaukee County Drive-Thru Boo at the Zoo Address:
Milwaukee County Zoo
10001 W. Bluemound Road (U.S. 18)
Milwaukee, WI 53226
(414) 256-5466
Website
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October 15, 2021 – October 17, 2021
Whitewater Storytelling Festival
The inaugural Whitewater Storytelling Festival will fill you with stories, tours, and fun Friday, October 15th through Sunday, October 17th, 2021. Enjoy the tales of numerous storytellers, story walks through the community, art exhibits, a market & author fair, music, crafts and activities for children, and so much more!
Nestled in the beautiful and inspiring Kettle Moraine State Forest, Whitewater is home to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, the Young Auditorium, and a robust artist community supported by the Whitewater Arts Alliance. The community enjoys a rich history in educating future teachers and entertaining the region with world-class theater productions, innovative art exhibits, and a variety of musical offerings by university students, faculty, and locals alike.
The Whitewater Storytelling Festival weekend will be filled with fun ways to engage with local and regionally known storytellers, art galleries, and creativity-inspiring activities. Stop for the day or stay for the weekend to take in the beauty of Whitewater, which is an Ice Age Trail community. You can check out their Workshop Flyer & Schedule (.pdf) and their Activities at a Glance (.pdf) flyer for more info.
Whitewater Storytelling Festival Schedule “at a Glance”:
Friday, October 15, 2021
Campfire Stories around the firepit at Cravath Lakefront Park with Hot Cocoa & S’Mores available
Story Stroll around Whitewater
Art exhibits at multiple galleries
**Whitewater Spirit Tour**
Saturday, October 16, 2021
Art exhibits at multiple galleries
Story Stroll around Whitewater
Community Oral Story Gathering project with the Irving L Young Memorial Library
Whitewater History Museum open
All ages storytelling performances during the daytime
Adult only storytelling performances in the evening
Creative Workshops to inspire your inner storyteller
Children’s activity tents & reading zone
Community Storybook Project
Local authors fair & author readings
Open Mic Night at The Book Teller
**Whitewater Spirit Tour**
Sunday, October 17, 2021
Story stroll around Whitewater
Create your own stories by exploring the local segments of the Ice Age Trail just outside of Whitewater!
Whitewater is right along U.S. 12 and Highways 59 and 89 on the Walworth-Jefferson County border. This city of nearly 15,000 is not only a busy college town, but one filled with stories of the paranormal, witchcraft, and more – perfect for the Halloween season! You can also check out Second Salem Brewing Company in town and enjoy some craft beer carrying names with ties to local history and lore.
Whitewater Storytelling Festival Address:
Cravath Lakefront Park
341 S. Fremont Street
Whitewater, WI 53190
(262) 473-4005
Website
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August 7, 2021
Hartford Hot Air Balloon Rally
Hartford Hot Air Balloon Rally Schedule of Events
You’ll see the balloons in the air from miles around, but to get to Hartford’s Municipal Airport, head to County U northwest of downtown via Highway 60 or Highway 83. There is also FREE shuttle service from the Schauer Arts Center, right next to the Wisconsin Automotive Museum, from 4pm until after the fireworks are done.
Hear more about the Hot Air Balloon Rally in our State Trunk Tour Podcast interview with Doreen Buntrock from the Hartford Chamber! It begins about 19 minutes in…
Hartford Hot Air Balloon Rally Address:
Hartford Municipal Airport
4200 County Highway U
Hartford, WI 53027
(262) 673-7002
Website
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June 25, 2021 – June 27, 2021
Motor Mania
Motor Mania is on a mission is to build a community of high-octane enthusiasts who possess passion for anything with a motor. So join them June 25-27, 2021 at the Washington County Fairgrounds for Motor Mania, a great event for everyone who loves motorsports of all kinds. Trucks, Muscle cars, Hot Rods, Bikes, New Muscle, Antique and Imports. Don’t miss the music, fun and great people. For three days, you can enjoy the Builder Showcase, over 1,000 custom Hot Rods and Classics, Live Music at the Amphitheater, a SWAP Meet, food trucks, and dozens of vendors.
Music acts include Jack Russell’s Great White on Friday, Steelheart (can the guy still hit the high note on “Never Let You Go”??) Saturday, and Counts 77 on Sunday.
Ticket prices vary based on whether you want general admission or VIP concert access. Adults are $20 for general admission and Kids are $10 (plus fees), while concert access can run closer to $45. Get all the info and buy tickets here.
Washington County Fair Park is right along the U.S. 45 freeway on the south end of West Bend. Highways 33 and 144 bring you to West Bend, while you can also access the park from Highway 60 to U.S. 45 north. It’s part of a great road trip, since you can also check out Kettle Moraine and its scenic drives nearby!
Motor Mania is holding this event near West Bend, but their HQ is in Greenfield, a “dream garage” at 4251 S. 27th Street – the original U.S. 41 – with an amazing array of classic cars, hot rods, games, ice cold beer – it’s a pretty cool place and they are reopening it closer to fall. We’ll keep you posted!
Motor Mania Address:
Washington County Fairgrounds
3000 County Highway PV
West Bend, WI 53095
(414) 817-8888
Website
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April 18, 2021 – May 2, 2021
Dino Safari – A Drive-Thru Adventure
It’s like a prehistoric passport! Drive through and among over 40 giant moving dinosaurs with Dino Safari, a family-friendly drive-thru dinosaur adventure. Check out every type of dinosaur from the T. Rex to the giant Spinosaurus. As you watch them from your vehicle, you can learn how these dinosaurs evolved over millions of years, where they lived and roamed, what they ate, how they moved, and more. (Maybe, in the case of T. Rex, you can learn why they had such short arms!)
Before you go through, videos are available to help illustrate what you’re about to witness. An audio tour is also available to accompany you as you go through, helping to illustrate all of this information. Also be aware that earthquakes might erupt on your tour, dinosaurs might get into battles, and you might have to step up and help save a baby dinosaur! All COVID-safe, by the way.
Dino Safari Hours
Monday – Thursdays 12pm – 8pm, last ticket sold at 7:30
Fridays – Sundays 9am – 9pm, last ticket sold at 8:30
Get Tickets Here. Admission is $49.95 per regular car or SUV, up to 7 occupants allowed per vehicle. For larger vehicles (up to 6′ wide, 9′ high, and 20′ long) admission is $59.95. Admission includes the drive-thru experience, a survival pack with a park passport, and – as they say – “other surprises”!
The Dino Safari takes place on the Wisconsin State Fair Park grounds from April 18th through May 2nd, 2021. You can easily get to the grounds via I-94 (exit #306) and Highways 59 (Greenfield Avenue) and 181 (84th Street). U.S. 18/Bluemound Road is close by to the north, and you can access 84th Street via ramps from northbound and southbound I-41/I-894/U.S. 45. It’s a great way to have family fun while staying safe in your vehicle – from both COVID and the dinosaurs!
Dino Safari Drive-Thru Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park (enter at North Lot 5 off Highway 181/84th Street)
640 S. 84th Street
West Allis, WI 53214
Website
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November 27, 2020 – December 24, 2020
Enchantment in the Park, West Bend
West Bend’s Regner Park hosts Washington County’s premier holiday lights event from November 27th through Christmas Eve (December 24th, obviously), 2020 with Enchantment in the Park.
There’s no cost to enter Enchantment in the Park, but donations are welcome – a suggested cash donation is $10; non-perishable food donations are also welcome.
Enchantment in the Park is open daily, 5pm to 9pm. You’ll find Regner Park along Highway 144/Main Street just north of Highway 33 and downtown West Bend. It’s less than five minutes east of the U.S. 45 freeway.
Enchantment in the Park Address:
Regner Park
800 N. Main Street
West Bend, WI 53090
Website
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October 17, 2020 – October 18, 2020
Old World Wisconsin Fall Family Fun Drive
Old World Wisconsin, the 1870s-era crossroads village and ethnic farmsteads on 576 acres of wooded hills in the Southern Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest, has gone drive-thru with the Old World Wisconsin Fall Family Fun Drive. This amazing Wisconsin State Historic Site is offering the opportunity for people and families to tour the grounds from the comfort and safety of their vehicles.
Enjoy the fall colors, historic sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Old World Wisconsin on this scenic, 45-minute drive tour of the grounds. This is designed to let you experience OWW differently than ever before; you can even cover routes that aren’t normally accessible during the regular season. The set route offers vignettes that capture the beauty of the landscapes and architecture on the grounds – especially in autumn.
Adding to the fun, an interactive Old World Wisconsin Bingo game will help guide the journey. You’re supposed to remain in your vehicle for most of the tour, but “Instagrammable” opportunities allow you to hop out for photos at select locations. You can also munch on “Fall Flavor Samplers,” filled with tastes of fall like apple cider donuts, landjaeger sausages, and pumpkin cookies, which are available for pre-order that you can then pick up at The Creamery to enjoy during the drive.
The cost for this drive-thru is $20 per vehicle; the optional Fall Flavor Samplers are also $20 and should feed two easily.
You can enjoy the Old World Wisconsin Fall Family Fun Drive-Thru (yes, that’s a long title) on Saturdays and Sundays, October 10th, 11th, 17th, and 18th, from 9am – 3pm. Advanced registration and payment is required; tickets are timed entry, giving guests a 15-minute window to enter the site. You can call 262-594-6311 to register, Shout-out to WaterStone Bank and the Old World Foundation for supporting this!
As part of the COVID-19 precautions, face masks are required for all guests upon entry.
Old World Wisconsin Fall Family Fun Drive Address:
Old World Wisconsin
W372 S9727 Highway 67
Eagle, WI 53119-9503
(262) 594-6311
Website
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October 10, 2020
Quilts on Barns Road Rally
“Quilts on Barns” Road Rally takes place Saturday, October 10, 2020. Enjoy spending the day – or even just a part of it if you prefer – driving around the highways and byways of Racine County where you can see the beauty of rural art, looking for the 26 quilt patterns on a variety of barns! Make your first stop the Real Racine Visitor Center to pick up a Quilts on Barns driving tour map and road rally instruction card. Take a tour of four (4) barns, Sew n’ Save Quilt Palette OR Country Rose Bakery Cafe Quilt Palette. Then take a “selfie” of each and come on down to the Quilts on Barns Road Rally Downtown Headquarters or Real Racine Visitor Center to show them off. Several lucky winners will be randomly chosen to win quilts, original artwork and other prizes!
The Quilts on Barns Driving Tour includes 26 barns with an 8′ x 8′ wooden quilt pattern. Many other “quilt treasures” adorn barns and buildings along your driving route. Feel free to visit local Racine County businesses , restaurants, art galleries, and quilt stores. You will be amazed at what you can find!
Quilts on Barns Road Rally Address:
The Rally is obviously happening all around Racine County, but the central meeting point is the Real Racine Visitors Center on Highway 20 just west of I-41/94. The address (for your GPS) is 14015 Washington Avenue/Highway 20, Sturtevant, WI 53177. For more info, call (262) 635-0261.
More info is available on the Racine Arts Council website.
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October 7, 2020 – November 1, 2020
Halloween Glow Drive-Thru at Racine Zoo
It’s a spooktacular experience filled with light displays and ghostly charms at the Halloween Glow Drive-Thru at Racine Zoo, running October 7th through November 1st, 2020! Enjoy this “illuminated Halloween adventure” from the safety and comfort of your vehicle. Just follow the dedicated light pathway and be prepared for surprises – but they’re all family friendly.
Halloween Glow is open Wednesdays – Sundays from 6pm to 9pm; admission is $5 per person at the gate. Children 2 years and younger are admitted FREE. Proceeds benefit Racine Zoo’s animals and programs.
You’ll find the Racine Zoo just north of downtown Racine. It’s along Main Street and Goold, abutting Lake Michigan just east of Highways 32 and 38. Highways 11 and 20 also bring you into the Belle City, all about 8 miles east of I-41/94.
Halloween Glow Address:
Racine Zoo
200 Goold Street
Racine, WI 53402
(262) 636-9189
Website
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September 17, 2020 – October 4, 2020
Dinosaur Adventure Drive-Thru
Among the 80 dinosaurs, you can crawl past a 40-foot T-Rex, 30-foot Brachiosaurus, Triceratops, Velociraptor, and more – all from the comfort of your own vehicle. This Dinosaur Drive-Thru experience is available for three weekends at Waukesha County Expo Center. Tickets are sold online only in advance, and are purchased on a per-vehicle basis – so feel free to cram people in, up to 8 people! It runs now Thursdays through Sundays; last day is October 4th.
The Dinosaurs await you at the Waukesha County Expo Center on the north side of Waukesha, just south of where I-94 and Highway 16 meet. U.S. 18 and Highways 59 and 164 also get you close. Find out more and get tickets here.Dinosaur Adventure Drive-Thru Address:
Waukesha County Expo Center 1000 Northview Road Waukesha, WI 53188 (651) 504-2000 WebsiteBack to StateTrunkTour.com
September 5, 2020
Bacon & Brews Fest, Oak Creek
Bacon & Brews Fest combines running, walking, bacon, and beer along the shores of Lake Michigan in Oak Creek’s Lake Vista Park on Saturday, September 5th, 2020. It begins with a 5K run and walk, which you can participate in in person along a twisty, turny course in the park, or participate in virtually from wherever you are. Why the 5th of September? Because that’s International Bacon Day!
After the 5K, at the Lake Vista location they’ll have an after party featuring the aforementioned bacon, brews in the form of great craft beers, plus soda, water, food of all kinds, and more. All participants will receive a finishers medal, Special Swag, a T-shirt, and a bacon/beer filled lunch. The party will include social distancing measures, and masks will be provided if participants don’t have one. But be sure to party after the run… you can bring a chair, enjoy delicious food and beverages, and take in the beautiful views of Lake Vista Park!
This is all happening in Oak Creek, right at the end of Highway 100 just past where it meets with Highway 32, which runs along the shores of Lake Michigan from Milwaukee to Racine, Kenosha, and all points south. When you’re done – or even before you go – check out Drexel Town Square, which offers a ton of shops, bars and restaurants, hotels, and more! They also have their Farmers Market in the Square on Saturdays from 9am – 1pm. You’ll find the whole complex just north of Drexel Avenue just west of Highway 38/Howell Avenue. IKEA also has its only Wisconsin location along Drexel just west of I-41/I-94 (Exit #320). This is all just minutes south of downtown Milwaukee.
Bacon & Brews Fest Address:
Lake Vista Park
4001 E. Lakeside Avenue
Oak Creek, WI 53154
Website
Facebook Page
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September 4, 2020 – September 6, 2020
Exeland Trout Festival
The 28th annual Exeland Trout Festival, sponsored by the Exeland Rod & Gun Club, will be held over Labor Day weekend, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, September 4, 5 & 6, 2020. A $3 Trout Fest button gets you admission to get on the Sports Center grounds, and the button is good for all three days. This year’s festival motto is “Make your day a keeper!”
Festivities begin Friday at the Sports Center at 5:00 p.m. A trout fish sandwich & chips basket will be the night’s specialty at Rod’s Bar & Grill. You can sign up for the cribbage tournament, which begins at 5:00 pm (play begins at 5:30 registration fee of $10 per team.) The men’s 8-team double elimination softball tournament also starts with games at 5:45 & 6:45 p.m. Everyone is welcome to play on the Bean Bag court during the evening. Presentation of the Medallion Hunt winner is at 7:00 p.m. DJ music will be played throughout the activities.
At 7:30 pm, Chris Kroeze performs. The former star on The Voice is from nearby and will put on a terrific show with great music! Fans are urged to bring a lawn chair.
Appropriately, Saturday’s events start with a trout fishing contest. Registration is on Main Street. The contest begins at 7:30 a.m. and concludes at 11:30 a.m. Entry fee is proof of a festival button. Contest is for brook trout only. Trophies will be awarded to the top three fish. The three winners of the contest will be invited to ride on the Exeland Rod & Gun Club float in Sunday’s parade. Once again, the trout fishing in the Exeland area this year has been unbelievable!
The Dave Lindau Memorial pancake breakfast will be from 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. inside the Exeland Rod & Gun Clubhouse located at the Sports Center.
Main Street will be busy on Saturday morning beginning at 8:00 a.m. Rummage sales, craft sales, garage sales, and a bake sale will be going on. If you have a craft booth or other items to sell, just show up, find a spot on the street, and start selling. There is no fee to vendors.
It’s a bike rider’s paradise! This will be the fourth year of the Trout Fest off road bike ride. A 27 mile loop through some of the most beautiful country northern Wisconsin has to offer. All ages are welcome but you should be in good physical shape as it’s a very challenging route. Registration is at 9:00 a.m. on Main Street in front of Superior Choice Credit Union and the ride will begin at 10:00 a.m. Cost is a Trout Fest button. A meal coupon will be presented to all participants after the ride to be redeemed at the Sports Center.
Follow the many sporting events taking place at the Sports Center. Enjoy watching the softball tourney (10 a.m. start) & volleyball tourney (11 a.m. start).
The horseshoe court will be open all day for everyone to enjoy and compete.
The 32-team co-ed Bean Bag Toss tournament begins at 10:30 a.m. 100% payback. Top 6 places will receive cash. Entry fee for the 2-person team is $20.
Inflatable games will be scattered on the grounds to entertain the kid’s. Enough fun to entertain them all day. A wrist band needs to be purchased to get into the games.
Nobody should go hungry. Stop at one of the Rod & Gun Club’s concession areas or pay the food vendors a visit. There’s a lot of good food everywhere.
At noon in the pavilion listen to the music of the “Bare Bones” of Rice Lake, formerly known as the Porch Dogs. 4 hours of great music.
The Texas Hold’em Tourney has been cancelled year but will return next year
At 4:30 p.m. a new Trout Festival queen will be crowned. Seven beautiful girls are competing for this year’s prestigious title. Last year’s queen Grace Zimmer will pass her crown onto the new winner. One of the 16 little gals competing for the Little Princess title will also be crowned at this time.
At 5:30 p.m. the Exeland Rod & Gun Club will make a little boy and girl happy when they draw to give away two free bikes and fishing poles.
Saturday concludes with a street dance at the Sports Center pavilion from 8:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. Music will be provided by “The G Men”. The former Exeland band is reuniting for the first time in 30 years. Look for a fun night!
Sunday’s events continue in the morning at 7:30 a.m. with the pancake breakfast at the Rod & Gun Clubhouse located at the Sports Center. Blueberry pancakes are the specialty. Breakfast concludes at 10:30 a.m.
At high noon the “Joe Trcka Memorial Parade” with 75 units will move down Main Street. One of the best small town parades in the area with lots of candy being tossed out to the kids. If you haven’t registered your unit yet and would like to be in the parade, just show up at Swan Creek Park between 11 – 11:30 a.m. This year’s grand marshals are Neal & Marna Halberg, longtime Exeland residents who are very active in all community events.
After the parade, it’s back to the Sports Center to be part of the many events still going on. Watch the finals of all the sporting events. Once again, the kids can enjoy the inflatable games that are on the ground.
At 1:00 p.m. a delicious “chicken dinner” will be available at the new food shelter. Plus, a lot of other good food will be available all day long in and around the pavilion.
Cow Pie Bingo will take place south of the softball field shortly after the parade. $10 per square to win cash! Whichever one of the hundred spot the calf decides to crap on will determine the winner. Advance tickets are now being sold at local businesses. Event is compliments of North Star Acres Farm of Exeland.
At 2:00 p.m. the Jump River Valley Mow Masters lawn mower races will take place at the Club’s race track located southwest of the pavilion. An exciting & must see event.
If you want to stay near the pavilion and enjoy good food and cold beverages you can listen to the music of the popular “Man 2 Man” band. Denny Goin and his son will perform from 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
At 5:30 p.m. in the pavilion, all of the drawings will be held for the raffle prizes. The $100 cash raffle, Special 28th Anniversary raffle, the 4-wheeler, small cash prizes and a deer rifle will go to the lucky winners who have purchased raffle tickets. Two more kid’s bikes will also be given away.
Join the fun and help Exeland celebrate the 28th annual Exeland Trout Festival! Follow State Highway 48 to get to Exeland, east of Rice Lake off U.S. 53 or just a mile or so west of Highway 40 in Sawyer County. Truly a fun North Woods getaway event!
Exeland Trout Festival Address:
State Highway 48
Exeland, WI 54835
Info: (715) 943-2242 (ask for Jim)
Website
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August 2, 2020
SEWERFest
Interesting name, even more interesting event! SEWERfest actually stands for South East Wisconsin Exotic Reptiles, and SEWERfest features dealers and exhibits of captive-bred reptiles in Wisconsin’s largest reptile show.
In this unusual year, SEWERfest is taking place Sunday, August 2nd from 9am – 3pm and Sunday, November 8th from 10am – 3pm at Fountain Banquet Hall. The Hall is right along Highway 11/Durand Avenue, just east of I-41/94 in Sturtevant, just west of Racine in Racine County. SEWERFest includes a wide variety of diverse captive bred animals and lets you meet quality breeders across Wisconsin, the Midwest, and all over the United States.
“Animal House” Pets & Supplies will be there with over 60 terrariums and over 100 animals to see. They’ll also have Exo Terra terrariums and Zilla Front openings of every size, Zilla Top Openings in five popular sizes, Zoo med paladariums in both sizes, as well as Zilla vertical decor, Zilla spring caves, Driftwood, Cholla wood, Jungle wood, Bamboo, Waterfalls, and more.
Check out the Captive Bred Specialties booth, where you can get a free raffle ticket with ANY purchase as you check out 10 tables of reptiles, feeders, and supplies with great discounts up to 60% off retail. exoterra terrariums, crickets, goliathworms, mealworms, and waxworms, and CB baby Red Tegus, Sudanese Uromastyx (U.Ocellata), Redfoot Tortoises, Hermann Tortoises, Elongated Tortoises, Sulcatta Tortoises, Bearded Dragon Morphs, and Adult Bearded Dragons including a Yellow Ackie Dwarf Monitor (Adult Male), Red tail boa morphs, Monkey tail skinks, Green Tree Pythons, Ambilobe Panther Chameleons, Ball python Morphs, Baby PAC-Man frog Morphs, Driftwood/Corkbark, Wildlife Photography, and more.
SEWERfest is a great opportunity to see & learn about animals that you rarely see in zoos or museums; it can be a fun, learning experience for the whole family. Fountain Banquet Hall has a number of amenities including – in true Wisconsin style – a bar.
Admission pricing is dynamic, based on the time you arrive. They have it as follows:
9-10am Adults:$10, 12 and under:$5
10am-Noon Adults:$8, 12 and under:$2
Noon-3pm Adults:$5, 12 and under:$1
Fountain Banquet Hall
8505 Durand Avenue (Highway 11)
Sturtevant, WI 53177
(262) 994-4547
Website
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January 24, 2020 – February 9, 2020
Racine Zoo Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival at the Racine Zoo is a spectacular nighttime event, covering the zoo with incredible works of art! From tigers, lions, pandas, exotic flora, and a colossal dragon, Racine Zoo will be transformed into a world of illumination with custom-made lanterns. To top it off, an array of food and drink options will make the Lantern Festival a truly unforgettable event.
The Racine Zoo Lantern Festival continues in 2020 to run on weekends through February 9th.
Lantern Festival Hours:
Fridays – Sundays: 5pm – 8pm (Last entry 8pm. Zoo closes at 9pm.)
Ticket Prices: $5!!
Kids 2 and under are admitted free.
**Children 15 and younger need to be accompanied by a paying adult**. Also, note a $2.50 processing fee may be added if you pay with a credit card at the gate. But still, that’s a great deal!
Racine Zoo Lantern Festival Address:
Racine Zoo
2131 N. Main Street
Racine, WI 53402
(262) 636-9291
Website
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January 17, 2020 – January 18, 2020
Bald Eagle Watching Days
For winter survival, eagles need open water for fishing, undeveloped shoreline with large trees for perching, and sheltered valleys for night-time roosting. Eagle watching is best during the morning when the birds are most active fishing and are frequently seen perching in trees along the river. Spotting scopes are available for your use at Ferry Bluff Eagle Council’s Overlook in Prairie du Sac.
Marge from REGIS (the Raptor Education Group Inc.) will be releasing up to 3 eagles, including one “magnificent” adult, starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2019. Eagle release is held at VFW Park in Prairie du Sac.
Check out this video about the event from last year:
Prairie du Sac and neighboring Sauk City are often combined to be called “Sauk Prairie.” These two towns not only birthed Culver’s restaurants and host bald eagles in winter, they have a variety of great shops, galleries, restaurants, bars, and more. Vintage Brewing recently opened a satellite brewery in Sauk City and the riverfront views are fantastic across both towns. Highways 60 and 78 run through the heart of each downtown, while U.S. 12 provides high-speed access on the west side to Madison and Wisconsin Dells. Highway 188, on the other side of the river, offers access to the Wollersheim Winery & Distillery. You can truly make this an awesome road trip day or weekend!
Address for Bald Eagle Watching Days:
River Arts Center
105 9th Street (Highways 60/78)
Prairie du Sac, WI 53578
Website
October 19, 2019
Jack O’ Lantern Festival and 5K Zombie Run
Spooner celebrates fall with a full day and evening of fun at the annual Jack O’ Lantern Festival, happening Saturday, October 19th, 2019. Enjoy this fun family festival with tons of kids’ games, a pumpkin roll down Siegner Hill, pumpkin painting, inflatable bounce houses and much more. There’s also a Pumpkin Recipe Contest and a Pumpkin Carving Contest.
The 5K Zombie Fun Run takes place in the evening through Spooner’s “haunted woods” and promises adventure.
Spooner is easy to get to via U.S. 53, U.S. 63, or Highway 70, about halfway between Eau Claire/Chippewa Falls and Superior. There’s a reason they call Spooner the “Crossroads of the North”!
Jack O’ Lantern Festival Address:
Downtown Spooner
Spooner, WI 54801
(715) 635-2168
Website
Check out the full Schedule of Events below!
Schedule of Events:
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Craft Fair near Main Tent
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Moms Club of Northern Wisconsin Bake Sale
9 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Pumpkin Recipe contest drop-off presented by the Spooner Memorial Library. Judging at noon.
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Pumpkin Carving Contest drop-off Presented by Spooner Memorial Library. Judging at 2 p.m.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Small pumpkin painting presented by Lakeland Family Resource Center.
9 a.m.—4 p.m.– Face painting presented by Indianhead Credit Union
10 a.m. – Kids’ Pavilion Opens, presented by State Farm Insurance – Tim Reedy Agency, with… Inflatables, Kids Bouncys, food, business booths, Jack O’ Lantern Store, game pavilion & more!
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – $5 wristband gets unlimited “kids rides” on the inflatables.
10 a.m.– 4 p.m.– kids activities and events held in the Main Tent presented by St. Francis de Sales School.
1-3 p.m. – Pumpkin Roll on Siegner Hill presented by the Spooner Fire District Auxiliary.
2:30-4:30 p.m.—5K Zombie Run Check In & Packet Pick up in the Main Tent.
Evening Events
5:30 p.m. 5K Zombie Run presented by Spooner Health
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. – Bonfires and Brewfest presented by Schmitz’s Economart in the Main Tent
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. – Live Music featuring SchuStrings – Dan Schullo in Main tent
7 p.m. – 9 p.m. – Kids’ Halloween Movie presented by the Spooner Civic Center in the event ballroom
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October 12, 2019
Applefest, Two Rivers
Applefest is an annual celebration in Two Rivers, filling the town’s Central Park with apple growers, bakers, and apple lovers enjoy this incredible fruit. An arts and crafts fair, apple pie social, and all kinds of entertainment will also take place throughout the day.
This year’s Applefest takes place on Saturday, October 12th from 9 am – 4 pm. You’ll find all the action in Central Park, right along Highway 42. This is also the place where the ice cream sundae was invented, so check out the Washington House and enjoy one in the original location. Explore the East and West Twin Rivers, the fascinating Rogers Street Historic Fishing Village, Neshotah Beach, and the beautiful area around the lakefront and city.
The drive along Lake Michigan on Highway 42/Memorial Drive between Two Rivers and Manitowoc is beautiful too, and there’s plenty more to see in Manitowoc, less than six miles away!
Applefest Address:
1710 W. Park Street
Two Rivers, WI 54241
(920) 755-2775
Website
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September 27, 2019 – September 28, 2019
Appleton Octoberfest
On Saturday, it’s Appleton’s largest block party! 100 food booths, 6 stages of music, 180 arts & crafts booths, family fun area.
Music starts as early as 9 a.m. (the full band line up is available on the website). Arts and Crafts and Family Fun for all ages! Octoberfest is a community-driven festival benefiting local non-profit organizations. Bring your ID if you plan to purchase beer tickets; beer ticket sales are from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Beer sales end at 5:30 p.m. and the event ends at 6 p.m.
Appleton Octoberfest Address:
100 College Avenue
Appleton, WI 54912
(920) 734-7101
Website
You can download their Octoberfest app here. See their website for complete schedules and details or check the music lineup below!
Schedule of Appleton Octoberfest Events:
FRIDAY, 9/27/2019
Houdini Plaza (WVBO – 103.9 AND WNAM – 1280)
6:00 PM – 9:30 PM Doo Wop Daddies
6:00 PM – 9:30 PM Street Corner Entertainment
Corner of College & State WPKR (NASH FM)
Corner of College & Oneida Appleton Rock School w/their own stage & sound
Corner of College & Division 484th Army Band (6:00 PM – 7:30 PM)
Corner of College & Superior Joe Sly
Corner of College & Walnut Anna Little
Corner of College & Morrison The Polar Project
Corner of College & Durkee Lilie
Roaming Entertainment Jukebox Barbershop Quartet
SATURDAY, 9/28/2019
West End of College Avenue (105.7 WAPL)
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM Appleton Rock School
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Coyote Kid
12:15 PM – 2:15 PM Road Trip N/A
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM Vic Ferrari
Corner of College Avenue & Division Street (KZ 104.3 AND WGBA-NBC26)
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM Twisted Chords
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM Ill Genesi
11:45 AM – 2:15 PM The Boy Band Night
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM Too White Crew
Corner of College Avenue & Superior Street (RAZOR 94.7 | 104.7)
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Stricken
12:15 PM – 3:15 PM Sir Real
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM Leading the Blind
Houdini Plaza (95.9 KISS FM)
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Newtonburg Oktoberfest Band
10:15 AM – 12:15 PM The Lately
12:30 PM – 2:45 PM Unity The Band
3:00 PM – 5:30 PM Kyle Megna & The Monsoons
Corner of College Avenue & Durkee Street (WHBY AND 95.3 | 99.1 THE SCORE)
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Doo Wop Daddies
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM Zeroed In (484th Army Variety Band)
12:30 PM – 2:15 PM Copper Box
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM The Glam Band
Corner of College Avenue & Morrison Street
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM FBI & The Untouchable Horns
1:30 PM – 5:30 PM The Polar Project
Corner of College Avenue & Drew Street
9:00 AM – 10:45 AM Happy Wanderers
11:00 AM – 3:45 PM 484th Army Band Ensembles
Family Fun Stage
9:15 AM – 9:45 AM Karate America Appleton East/Darboy
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM Dan Kirk (Juggler)
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM Randy Peterson (Children’s Singer)
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Cirq-Attude
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM Dan Kirk (Juggler)
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM Miller & Mike (Family Variety Act)
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM Randy Peterson (Children’s Singer)
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM Miller & Mike (Family Variety Act)
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