Established back in 1871, the Door County Fair is a fun-filled time for kids and adults of all ages. Check out the fair saluting the county with the longest freshwater coastline in the U.S.!
Attractions include everything from Midway rides to tractor pulls and motorcycle racing to demolition derby. Plenty of animals will be on display and there will be a Quality Meat Animal Sale Saturday evening at 6pm. The Cellcom Festival Stage includes activities for kids including magicians, contests, clowns, juggling, and more.
There will be TONS of great music and other shows, highlights of the schedule can be found further down.
The Drill Team Competition will be held on Saturday, August 3rd, 2019 at noon at the Arena. This competition shows the skills of both the horse and rider performing choreographed maneuvers – all done with multiple horses and riders. You can also catch the Friday Night Exhibition the night before at 6pm at the Horse Arena.
Door County Fair Admission:
$7.00 per day — includes admission to grounds, rides, midway music, grandstand and fairground events, OR buy a Door County Fair booster button. For $18, you can admission to grounds, rides, midway music, grandstand and fairground events for the entire Fair. More details on Events are below the map!
You can find the Door County Fair at John Miles Fair Park, near Highways 42 and 57 in Sturgeon Bay.
Door County Fair Address:
John Miles Fair Park
812 N. 14th Avenue
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
(920) 746-7126 Website
Schedule highlights for the Door County Fair:
Coors Light Midway Musical Stage Headliners:
Wednesday, July 31, 2019 – Boogie and the Yo-Yo’s
Thursday, August 1, 2019 – Haley Grace and the Rebels
Friday, August 2, 2019 – Vic Ferrari Band
Saturday, August 3, 2019 – Forgotten Highway and Jason Michael Carroll
Sunday, August 4, 2018- The Bittorf Brothers & The Modern Day Drifters
Budweiser Grandstand 2019 Program Schedule:
Wednesday, July 31 – Miller Implement Co./Lena Mini & Modified Tractor Pull
Thursday, August 1 – Anhapee Hill Services Stock Car Races
Friday, August 2 – EIS Implement Inc. Tractor Pull
Saturday, August 3 – NAPA AMA Flat Track Motorcycle Races
Sunday, August 4 – O’Reilly Auto Parts 2019 Demolition Derby
Kid’s Activities at the Cellcom Festival Stage, located in the Merchants Building
FREE entertainment starting daily at 1pm
Free balloon animals each day 2-3pm THURSDAY, AUGUST 1
1:00 – Free Face Painting by Miss Door County Ashton Spritka and Outstanding Teen Ellie Krohn
2:00 – Johnny Delorit (from the Coves)
2:45 – Kids’ Contests (12 and Under)
3:15 – Jim Mitchell (Magic)
4:00 – Johnny Delorit (from the Coves)
4:45 – Spelling Bee (All Ages)
5:30 – Jim Mitchell (Hypnosis)
6:10 – Name That Tune (All Ages)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2
1:00 – Jim Mitchell (Magic)
1:45 – Dan Kirk, Juggler with Yellow Shoes
2:30 – Kids’ Contests (12 and Under)
3:15 – Jim Mitchell (Hypnosis)
4:00 – Name That Tune (All Ages)
4:45 – Dan Kirk, Juggler with Yellow Shoes
5:30 – Trivial Pursuit (All Ages)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3
1:00 – Dan Kirk, Juggler with Yellow Shoes
1:45 – Kids’ Contests (12 and Under)
2:30 – Jim Mitchell (Magic)
3:15 – Trivial Pursuit (All Ages)
4:00 – Jim Mitchell (Hypnosis)
4:45 – Dan Kirk, Juggler with Yellow Shoes
5:30 – Name That Tune (All Ages)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 4
1:00 – Jim Mitchell (Magic)
1:45 – Dan Kirk, Juggler with Yellow Shoes
2:30 – Kids’ Contests (12 and Under)
3:00 – Spelling Bee (All Ages)
3:30 – Jim Mitchell (Hypnosis)
4:15 – Dan Kirk, Juggler with Yellow Shoes
5:00 – Name That Tune (All Ages)
5:30 – Trivial Pursuit (All Ages)
Sturgeon Bay welcomes an amazing fleet of tall ships as part of the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Great Lakes 2019 Race Series, making this Tall Ships Sturgeon Bay. On their way back from Green Bay’s festival over the weekend, Sturgeon Bay will be home to these majestic vessels Monday, July 29 and the morning of Tuesday, July 30 as part of Nicolet Bank Tall Ships®, offering a wide variety of entertainment and experiences.
These nine ships will muster by Sherwood Point and then come in under sail tentatively between 3pm and 5pm on Monday, July 29. The ships that are partaking in the Tall Ship Challenge will depart approximately 8am Tuesday morning, July 30. They will sail to Algoma for the start and they will race from there to Kenosha.
Refreshments by the Sturgeon Bay Visitors & Convention Bureau and food by Scats Got Your Tongue will be available at Graham Park Monday evening! Transportation by Door County Trolley will be making the rounds and have stops at the following locations:
Stone Harbor Public Boardwalk (1st and Kentucky)
Corner Cafe (3rd and Louisiana)
CenterPointe Yacht Services (1st Avenue)
Graham Park (1st Avenue and Oregon)
Sawyer Park (Oregon Street Bridge and Neenah Avenue)
Door County Maritime Museum (Michigan and Madison Avenue)
Tall Ships Sturgeon Bay Schedule of Events includes:
Monday, July 29th:
3pm Graham Park SBVC Wine & Beer Tent w/Scat’s Got Your Tongue Food Truck featuring Chef Rob and his special Tall Ship creations.
3pm Graham Park PATH Cookout (brats & hot dogs)
4pm Ships expected to sail into the bay of Sturgeon Bay (3 groups)
4pm Sawyer Park SB Police Cadet cookout (brats, burgers, hot dogs) along with Coastie the Tugboat and US Coast Guard Auxiliary Water Safety Education
4pm Stone Harbor Music & Food on the waterfront patio
5pm Throughout Sturgeon Bay Docks Dockside Docents available to share the history of each Tall Ship
Throughout the afternoon/evening Kayak tours, Segway tours, private sail tours, sunset cruises, and the Swans of Sturgeon Bay paddleboats. Please contact the SBVC at (920) 743-6246 for specific information on tour opportunities.
Tuesday, July 30th:
6-9am CenterPointe Yacht Services (222 1st Avenue) All-you-can-eat breakfast featuring pancakes, pork patties, scrambled eggs, and more! $10 to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Door County.
7-10am Graham Park SBVC Cherry Mimosa to cheer the ships departure.
8am Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club Sail training foundation demonstration
8 am Morning Colors at the US Coast Guard Station
8 am Door County Maritime Museum opens early for indoor viewing (with paid admission)
Tall Ships Sturgeon Bay Address:
Ships will muster around Sherwood Point (map below), and a close street address would be
Sherwood Point Lighthouse
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 Website
Get Your Deutsch On! Celebrating its 39th year, German Fest returns to Milwaukee’s lakefront the weekend of July 26-28. Plenty of great German food and live music, bier (of course) and a lot of fun events. The 14th annual Dachshund Derby runs – literally – at 1pm Sunday. The STIHL Timbersports Series 2019 U.S. Pro & Collegiate Championships happens all three days at German Fest, with plenty of thrilling, chopping, and sawing action!
Dachshunds get competitive in their races.
Check out United for Kids, where you can visit with The MACC Fund, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Make-A-Wish® Wisconsin and Ronald McDonald House of Eastern Wisconsin, Inc. on Saturday, July 29th and Sunday, July 30th inside of the Sports Area. They’ll have games, prizes, information and fun for the whole family! A portion of Sunday’s ticket sales will benefit these four charities.
You can also check out Carousel Organ Association of America’s providing some of the “happy” instrumentation as you dance to music. Children can participate in the Fairy Tale Parade Sunday at 3:30pm and Dance Showcase at 4pm on the Sprecher Oktoberfest Stage. Fireworks will fill the sky Friday and Saturday night starting around 10:30pm.
TICKETS for German Fest are only $3 Friday! General Admission Saturday & Sunday run tickets run $12 in advance and $15 at the gate; children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult. Find out more admission specials here.
German Fest takes place on the Summerfest Grounds in Milwaukee – also known as Henry Maier Festival Park. The grounds are in close proximity to U.S. 18, I-43/94, and Highways 32, 38, 57, 59, 145, and 190.
Green Bay once again has been awarded the honor of hosting a fleet of tall ships as part of the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Great Lakes 2019 Race Series. One of only 11 ports in North America and one of 7 in the USA, the Port of Green Bay will be home to nine majestic vessels July 26-28 as part of Nicolet Bank Tall Ships®, offering a wide variety of entertainment and experiences.
Dockside touring ships allow event-goers to learn about each ship’s rich history and meet the crew. Sailing ships offer even more of an experience as they hoist their anchor and sail down the river to the mouth of the bay. Daily programming includes a full day of entertainment that is sure to make lasting memories. In addition to sail excursions and on-board tours, this year a variety of on-board experiences will be available for purchase.
Activities include:
Day and sunset sail excursions
Friday night on-board Green Bay Gamblers Fireworks viewing
Appledore IV 3-hour sailing experience out to the Bay of Green Bay
Onboard, dockside ship tours
George Kress Foundation Educational Stage
Tundraland Entertainment Stage
Dunkin’ Kids Zone
Oneida Nation Welcome Center
Ticket Star Family Day is Sunday, July 28, where kids ages 5-12 are only $5
Port of Green Bay Boardwalk
North Coast Marine Manufacturing Alliance Ship Yard
The World’s Largest Rubber Duck – presented by Miron Construction
Art in the Schools Project featuring area high school art students
Maritime Vendor Village
Greater Green Bay Convention & Visitor Bureau Trolley service
For parking, you can use metered and un-metered street parking throughout downtown. Parking lots and ramps plus bicycle parking are also available. Limited ADA parking will be available at Leicht Park on a first come, first served basis. The Neville Museum, across the street from the festival, will be selling parking and will have ADA spaces available also on a first come first served basis.
Parking shuttles, powered by the Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, will be running from the Main Street Ramp (East) and Larsen Green (West side near Titletown Brewery) and the Neville Museum near the festival entrance.
Leicht Memorial Park is along the Fox River in downtown Green Bay, right where U.S. 141 (Main/Dousman Streets) crosses the river. Highway 29 crosses just to the south. Titletown Brewing Company is right next door. I-43’s massive Leo Frigo Bridge leapfrogs the area a few blocks to the north. I-41 and Highways 32, 54, 57, and 172 also bring you to Green Bay so you can enjoy this massive event!
Tall Ships Address:
Leicht Memorial Park
128 Dousman Street (U.S. 141)
Green Bay, WI 54303 Website
Wisconsin Farm Technology Days is one of the largest agricultural shows in the nation. Being Wisconsin’s premier outdoor farm show, this three-day event showcases the latest improvements in production agriculture, including many practical applications of recent research findings and technological developments.
This year, the 65th annual Farm Technology Days takes place at the Walter Grain Farms in Johnson Creek, right in Jefferson County. Follow the signs off I-94, Highways 19, 26, or 89, or County Highways B (the old historic Highway 30, once the main road between Madison and Milwaukee) or Q to get to the property.
The “Cheesehead Express” and Ag Career Day on Tuesday
Get on board the Cheesehead Express on Tuesday, July 23rd for a FREE trip to Ag Career Day!
Buses from 10 different locations in the state will will embark to Jefferson County for the 65th annual Wisconsin Farm Technology Days. 1,000 students, going into grades 7th – 12th are invited to attend and will receive: A free Ag Career Day t-shirt, free admission to the show, free transportation, a coupon for a free scoop of Culver’s fresh frozen custard. Each student will also be provided with a lanyard holding a cow ear tag with an RFID button on it to participate in the Interactive Career Scavenger Hunt powered by Allflex Livestock Intelligence, with great prizes at the end. Students can register here.
Wednesday Block Party featuring Charlie Berens
Wednesday’s Block Party features Charlie Berens, da Manitowoc Minute guy. A guest of Bank First, greet Charlie at 3:30pm and follow him as he tours Tent City. From the center of Tent City at Innovation Square, Charlie will enjoy a sampling event featuring beer from local Wisconsin breweries, such as Tyranena Brewing Company: Legendary Wisconsin Beer. In addition to beer, he will sample local wine from area vintners and our favorite Wisconsin foods!
Charlie takes the stage at 5:30 pm to help ‘celebrate, toast and roast…all-the-things-we-love-about-Wisconsin!’ Admission to Wisconsin Farm Technology Days to see Charlie is $5 at 3pm. This is a rain or shine event. All ages show. Sampling event requires separate purchase and I.D. for alcohol.
The Hoard Historical Museum and National Dairy Shrine in Fort Atkinson has its annual Dairy Day at the “MOOseum” Saturday, June 15th, 2019. It’s a celebration of all things dairy!
Learn about the dairy industry—both past and present—from the cow to the final products of cheese, yogurt, and milk. Booths featuring dairy-related businesses, groups, and dairy samples available throughout grounds and Museum.
Inga from PBS’ Around the Farm Table will be here to talk about dairy tourism and hold a cooking demonstration at 11:30 a.m.
This year’s Dairy Cook-off theme is grilled cheese sandwiches, and you can buy a grilled cheese sandwich from Jefferson County Agribusiness or a Root-breed float in honor of your favorite dairy breed for lunch!
Family friendly activities include as barn games, dairy trivia, and the Cow Parade, which gets “moooo-ving” at 1:30 pm.
In addition, the Hoard Historical Museum and the National Dairy Shrine Museum will be open for visitors from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
You’ll find both in Fort Atkinson along U.S. 12 and Highway 89; Highways 26 and 106 also bring you to Fort.
Dairy Day at the MOOseum Address:
401 Whitewater Avenue (U.S. 12 & Highway 89)
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
(920) 563-7769 Website
Start:
June 15, 2019 11:00 am
End:
June 15, 2019 2:00 pm
Venue:
Hoard Historic Museum & National Dairy Shrine
Phone:
920-563-7769
Address:
401 Whitewater Avenue, Fort Atkinson, WI, 53538, United States
Racine’s award-winning North Beach hosts EVP Beach Volleyball once again on Saturday, June 15, 2019! EVP is calling this the “$3,000 Beach Sports Festival” as they seek to support beach volleyball events that engage families, fans, athletes, students, communities and sponsors in a great day at the beach. At each event, spectators will not only see elite athletes compete on the sand for top honors, they also have the chance to interact with the pros by participating in contests and promotions.
Real Racine officially presents the EVP Beach Sports Festival. The volleyball courts will be set up on North Beach, adjacent to the Oasis. All events are free to spectators. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Two-person men’s and women’s volleyball teams will compete in pro and amateur divisions.
The pro and amateur teams that finish in first and second place are awarded a big to compete in the 2019 EVP World Finals of Beach Volleyball Championship held at Hampton, VA in August.
Friday’s event schedule
8:30 a.m., juniors tournament begins (open to ages 8 through 18).
Saturday’s event schedule
8 a.m. pro matches begin
9 a.m. men’s and women’s amateur tournament begins
11 a.m. center court contest
2 p.m. juniors playoffs begin
4 to 6 p.m, amateur finals.
Sunday’s event schedule
9:30 a.m., co-ed 2s and juniors sign in
10 a.m., men’s pro finals
11 a.m., women’s pro finals.
The EVP® Beach Volleyball Tour’s primary aim is to support beach volleyball events that engage families, fans, athletes, students, communities and sponsors in a great day at the beach. At each event, spectators will not only see elite athletes compete on the sand for top honors, they also have the chance to interact with the pros by participating in contests and promotions at hosting venues.
Teams who finish 1st and 2nd are awarded a bid to compete in the 2019 EVP® World Finals of Beach Volleyball Championship in Hampton, VA at Paradise Ocean Club on: Friday, August 9 (Juniors 12U & 14U) Saturday, August 11 (Pro, Adult & 16U, 18U)
Astronomy lovers and people who just like “far out” things, this is for you! The Modine-Benstead Observatory is hosing one of its Open House Racine County events Saturday night, June 8th for free exploration of the observatory and the stars and planets its telescopes gaze upon.
Seriously, you can just go in for free and look at the universe through their telescopes. Depending on conditions, you can check out the moon, planets, and many deep sky objects. If they’re deep enough, remember that you’re actually looking back in time. For example, when you view the Andromeda galaxy, you are looking back in time 2.9 million years. Trippy, man!
These public open house events are held monthly from April through October. Parking is free along with free admission. The Racine Astrological Society, which runs the whole thing, is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization and of course small donations are welcomed to help defray the yearly costs of observatory maintenance and care. While families are welcome, be sure to keep young children close (it’s a dark area, since the grounds are not illuminated to promote better observing) and instruct them to be careful with the telescope equipment, which is provided by RAS members. Note that there may be lines to make observations through some telescopes. Questions are expected and welcomed, since part of their club mission is to educate and inspire people to participate in the world of amateur astronomy. Astronomical equipment you’ll find at the RAS observatory will range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars in value.The night of an open house there will be a message on the observatory answering machine (262-878-2774) if the skies are too cloudy.
The Modine-Benstead Observatory is located at the intersection of County Highway A & 63rd Drive in Yorkville, less than a mile south of Highway 20, a little over a mile east of U.S. 45, and less than 3 miles west of I-41/94 (take Exit 333/Highway 20 west.)
Open House at Modine-Benstead Observatory Event Address:
Modine-Benstead Observatory
112 63rd Avenue
Union Grove, WI 53182
(262) 878-2774 Website
Additional Modine-Benstead Observatory Open House Days in 2019:
Spring Astronomy Day
Sat., May 11th
8:30 – 11:00 PM
Friday, June 7th
8:30 – 11:00 PM
Solar Observing
Sat., June 8th
1:00 – 4:00 PM
Friday, July 12th
8:30 – 11:00 PM
Friday, August 16th
8:00 – 11:00 PM
Friday, Sept. 13th
8:00 – 11:00 PM
Fall Astronomy Day
Sat., October 5th
7:00 – 10:00 PM
Start:
June 8, 2019 8:00 pm
End:
June 8, 2019 11:00 pm
Venue:
Modine-Benstead Observatory
Phone:
262-878-2774
Address:
112 63rd Avenue, Union Grove, WI, 53182, United States
Hey, what’s a pirate’s favorite sock? ARRRR-gyle! The Port Pirate Fest hits this beautiful lakefront city June 7-9, 2019, with plenty of fun mayhem and merriment sure to please.
Port Washington’s picturesque setting has helped make this a “must attend” event for boaters, bikers, Buccaneers, Revolutionary War reenactors & families alike from all over the Midwest and beyond.
The event includes the Thieves Marketplace (see a list of vendors below), a Gruel Galley, a Buccaneer Bash, Parade, Children’s activities, demonstrations, educational exhibits, musicians, comedians, a Pirate Ship & much more.
On Saturday night June 8th, the Harborview 8K Run (that’s 5 miles for you non-metrics) will let you experience sunset views as you run next to Lake Michigan and through the Port Washington Marina. There will be commemorative finisher medals, a lightweight hoodie event shirt, free entry into the Port Pirate Family Daze and finally a free drink ticket for the big kids.
Also, feel free to explore the Port Exploreum in town, as well as the shops, restaurants, and more in this beautiful downtown.
Hours:
Friday 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm; Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Port Pirate Fest Address:
Port Washington Lakefront
105 N. Lake Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 323-6612 Website Facebook page
To get to Port Washington, just follow Highway 32 or Highway 33 from I-43 or Highway 57. It’s only about 30 minutes north of Milwaukee. And stay tuned to find out more about their history with the Blues, events like Port Fish Day, and much more!
Thieves Marketplace Vendors:
Junque In Thy Trunk
DaSue Dragon Designs
LuLaroe By Deidre
Renewal By Anderson
LeafFilter
Singletree, Inc
The Froggy Viking
Captain Kuts Pirate Ware
MRM, LLC
US Cellular
Aurora’s Apothecary
Laughing Dawg Studio
Ever Dry Wisconsin
Archimedes Azure
Yellow Dog Treats
SaintA
Claire’s Creative Designs
Huasi Craft
Otavalo
L’BRI
The Racine Zoo’s annual Eggstravaganza is 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20th at the zoo, right along Highway 32 north of downtown, along the beautiful Lake Michigan lakefront.
Children and parents are invited to have fun hunting for the six “cluck-cluck” doors, playing themed games, enjoying two bouncy houses, cookie decorating and crafts, as as well as up-close animal encounters with the Racine Zoo Animal Ambassadors. Of course, food and beverages will be available for purchase. The Easter Bunny will be on hand to pose for photos at an additional $5 charge.
This “hoppin’ event” will feature:
• A hunt for 6 cluck-cluck doors throughout the Zoo to collect candy
• A photo with our special guest…the Easter Bunny! (digital photo will be emailed to you)
• Bounce houses
• EGG-cellent games
• Fun crafts and yummy snacktivities
• Easter Egg and Cookie Decorating
• Egg Dig
• Hoppin’ Dance Party
• Trunk Hunt (“Easter Style” of Trunk-or-Treat)
You’ll find the Racine Zoo, which is fun any time of year, just north of downtown Racine along Highway 32. Highways 11, 20, and 38 also bring you close. Nearby, you can enjoy North Beach and the shopping, restaurants, and fun to be had in downtown Racine including the Racine Art Museum and Monument Square. To the north, the Wind Point Lighthouse beckons for a beautiful look at history and Lake Michigan; and in various locales around town, you can explore Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture including the famous Johnson Wax Research Tower, Wingspan, and more. Kids might also love the historic fire station along 6th Street near City Hall and interactive exhibits at the Racine Historical Museum. All of the action is about 9-10 miles east of I-41/94; good north-south road trip alternates – if you want to avoid interstate construction zones – include U.S. 45 and Highway 31.
EggStravaganza Address (Racine Zoo)
Racine Zoo
2131 Main Street (Highway 32)
Racine, WI 53402
(262) 636-9189 Website
Start:
April 20, 2019 9:00 am
End:
April 20, 2019 4:30 pm
Venue:
Racine Zoological Society
Phone:
262-636-9189
Address:
2131 N. Main Street, Racine, WI, 53402, United States
The East Troy Bunny Train provides Easter weekend family fun on Saturday and Sunday, April 13th and 14th, and Saturday, April 20th. The ride is a ten-mile round trip starting at the East Troy Depot. Board the heated train where kids can participate in Easter themed activities during the ride to the Elegant Farmer. Enjoy bunny displays by local 4-H Students and treats at the Elegant Farmer. Every Child with a ticket will receive an Easter gift! Boarding is only done at the East Troy Depot and advance reservations are required. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, all ticket sales are final. Tickets can be purchased online or by phone & leave a message. A volunteer will return your call, and they appreciate your interest and support!
Bunny Train Admission Prices:
$8.00 – Toddlers (ages 0-2)
$14.00 – Children (ages 3-14)
$17.00 – Adults (ages 15 and up)
$12.00 – Members (call 262-642-3263 for details on membership)
Did you know Wisconsin is fourth in the nation in the production of maple syrup? Phelps Maple Syrup Fest celebrates this sweet and natural concoction on Saturday, April 6th!
Head up Highway 17 to Phelps and get in on the action. Learn more about how and where maple syrup is made, browse local arts & crafts, and tickle your taste buds… not only with maple syrup, but with honey this year, too!
Phelps Maple Syrup Fest is centered on the grounds of the Phelps school. There will be tree-tapping demonstrations and driving tour or guided bus tours of local sugar bushes to see where this popular treat originates and how sap becomes maple syrup. Furthermore, kid’s games and activities, a wonderful arts and crafts show with over 70 vendors, maple syrup and honey displays, and a maple syrup contest judged by local celebrities makes the Phelps Maple Syrup Fest a great event for the whole family. Be sure to taste the maple syrup goodies available at the Maple Cafe, try your hand at making Maple Taffy on the snow, or bring your homemade maple syrup to enter into the judging contest!
The day’s activities and sugar bush tours are free of charge for all attendees. Interested in learning how to make maple syrup or honey? This will be the first year for a new Beekeepers 101 class and a Maple Syrup 101 class. Each class is $10 per person, with no pre-registration required.
Phelps is a quiet and beautiful little town on the eastern end of North Twin Lake. It’s less than 20 minutes north and east of Eagle River via Highway 17 in Vilas County. Phelps is in the midst of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, right along the border with the U.P. of Michigan.
The 49th annual Rock Gem & Mineral Show hits the Rock County Fairgrounds Saturday, March 23rd and Sunday, March 24th. The Badger Lapidary and Geological Society presents this show, with dealers, excellent speakers, many beautiful club displays, lapidary demonstrations, club sales table, door prizes, educational films and activities for kids. A full menu is available.
Eleven dealers will be at this show dealing in minerals, fossils, gems, and jewelry. Children’s activities include a fish pond, scavenger hunt, rock crafts, and the Roaming Rock Wizard.
Rock Gem & Mineral Show Hours:
Saturday, March 23rd: 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday, March 24th: 9 am – 4 pm
You’ll find the Rock County Fairgrounds on the east side of Janesville, the “City of Parks.” I-39/90, U.S. 14, U.S. 51, and Highways 11 and 26 all bring you there!
Rock Gem & Mineral Show Address:
Craig Center, Rock County Fairgrounds
1301 Craig Avenue
Janesville, WI 53545 Website
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade Milwaukee winds through downtown from noon until about 1:30pm on Saturday, March 9th! It’s the 53rd Annual Shamrock Club of Wisconsin St. Patrick’s Day Parade with live Irish music, dance, food, beverages and more all afternoon. We’re pretty sure you can find corned beef, for example…
*** STT Tidbit: Milwaukee’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade dates back to 1843; it’s the 6th oldest such parade in the nation. **
Check out one of the best St Patrick’s Day Parades in the country and the grandest parade in Wisconsin. The Parade will feature 140+ units and includes local politicians and celebrities, floats, bagpipe and marching bands and Irish and Celtic organizations. It’s the perfect event for the whole family, because on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish!
Before the parade, there’s an 8:30am mass at St. Patrick’s Church at 723 W. Washington Street just south of downtown. After the parade, the Shamrock Club Post-Parade Party will take place at the Irish Cultural & Heritage Center at 2133 W. Wisconsin Avenue, just west of downtown and the Marquette University campus. It’s Milwaukee’s Largest Family Parade Day Party and features four stages of entertainment. There’s a $2 admission fee ($10 family maximum) and children 10 and younger are free. There will be plenty of food and beverages too!
The parade itself starts at noon on 3rd and Wisconsin and finishes at Water and Highland. It will actually go over portions of U.S. 18 and Highway 32 in the city. I-43/94 and Highways 38, 57, 59, and 145 also bring you within blocks of the parade route.
The Milwaukee St. Patrick’s Day Parade website has full details on all the events. It’s definitely a fun way to spend a Saturday and prepare for St. Patrick’s Day (and week, based on the timing of the parade!)
The Shamrock
Milwaukee’s Largest Family Parade Day Party
Four stages of entertainment
$2 admission | children 10 & younger free
Family maximum cost is $10
Food & beverages
Start:
March 9, 2019 11:00 am
End:
March 9, 2019 5:00 pm
Venue:
Downtown Milwaukee
Phone:
414-276-6696
Address:
300 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53203, United States
That’s an attention getter, right? Watch winter come to a climactic end as the greatest event on ice wraps up the season. Thousands of Weenie enthusiasts come annually to watch the fastest sleds compete for top speed of the day while eating up those great Klement’s Hot Dogs and drinking down an ice cold Pepsi or Budweiser beer. Watch as dozens of people get the first swim of the year in Lake Namakagon at the Frozen Weenie Polar Bear Plunge, win prizes at the many games and enjoy great music while taking it all in. This event is the highlight of winter and rooms fill up quickly. Don’t miss out on this fantastic family event.
Held to raise funds for the Great Divide Ambulance Service, the Namakagon Volunteer Fire Department and other area charities and not-for-profits, this event holds the record for the longest line of hot dog cookers over one fire in the world. With events like snowmobile speed runs, ice drags, crooked weenie obstacle course, and snow drags all on Lake Namakagon, there is more than enough fun for everyone.
All the action for the World’s Largest Weenie Roast takes place Saturday, March 2nd in Cable, along County M near U.S. 63 at the Lakewoods Resort & Forest Ridge Golf Course. Get all the event details here!
World’s Longest Weenie Roast Address:
Lakewoods Resort & Forest Ridge Golf Course
21540 County Road M
Cable, WI 54821
(715) 794-2561 Website
Date:
March 2, 2019
Venue:
Lakewoods Resort & Forest Ridge Golf Course
Phone:
715-794-2561
Address:
21540 County Road M, Cable, WI, 54821, United States
Ever explored some ice caves? You can enjoy this Ice Caves Exploration event on Sunday, February 24, 2019 in the gorgeous Kickapoo Valley Reserve. Hosted by the UW-La Crosse Outdoor Connection, this all-day trip lets you examine some ice formations of the Driftless Region via footpaths that were once only traveled by Native Americans. This trip is dependent on winter weather conditions.
Ice Caves Exploration registration includes:
Transportation from UWL’s campus
Snowshoe or Hiking Crampons (if needed)
Lunch
Trail passes
Staffing
Questions? Call UW-La Crosse Outdoor Connection 608.785.8860 or email them at outdoorcnt@uwlax.edu.
This is not a Kickapoo Valley Reserve-sponsored event, so please contact the UW-L Outdoor Connection with any questions at (608) 785-8860.
You’ll find the Kickapoo Valley Reserve along Highway 131, a beautiful drive any time of year. This event, however, originates from La Crosse and you’ll need to take I-90, U.S. 14/61, U.S. 53, or Highways 16, 33, or 35 to get there.
Ice Caves Exploration Address:
Kickapoo Valley Reserve
3661 State Highway 131
La Farge, WI 54639
(608) 785-8860 Facebook Event Page
Start:
February 24, 2019 9:00 am
End:
February 24, 2019 4:00 pm
Venue:
Kickapoo Valley Reserve
Phone:
608-785-8860
Address:
3661 State Highway 131, La Farge, WI, 54639, United States
Prairie du Chien hosts Bald Eagle Appreciation Days at Hoffman Hall in the city and at locales around town Friday and Saturday, February 22-23. You can view eagles along the beautiful Great River Road (Highway 35) and up and down the Mississippi River flyway around Prairie du Chien, check out live Bald Eagle and raptor programs, educational exhibits and displays, birding experts on hand, outdoor viewing of Bald Eagles through spotting scopes, life-size Bald Eagle nest, craft activities for children and more.
All programs and activities at Hoffman Hall in Prairie Du Chien on Saturday are free. Educational Birding programs will also be held Friday evening – at local hotels and are open to the public at no charge. The event is co-sponsored by Effigy Mounds National Monument and the Prairie du Chien Tourism Council. Effigy Mounds Winter Film Festival will also be going on that weekend and the Villa Louis will be open for tours. Stop and get some tasty fish and other morsels at Valley Fish & Cheese right where Highway 27 starts in the downtown area, too!
U.S. 18 and Highways 27, 35, and 60 all bring you to Prairie du Chien.
Bald Eagle Appreciation Days Address:
Along with being all over town, activities focus on Hoffman Hall
1600 S. Waucota Avenue
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
(608) 326-8555 Website
Viewing Area Tips for Eagle Watching In and Around Prairie du Chien (courtesy of their website)
A good spot for eagle viewing is between the Blackhawk Avenue and Washington Street bridges in Prairie du Chien. A large artesian well provides open water. Eagles will perch in trees along the slough. Check the trees along the Mississippi River shore near and across from Lawler Park on St. Feriole Island is another location of eagle activity. The park is west and north of the Blackhawk Avenue bridge. A mounted bird scope for viewing is available (located in back of building) at the Wisconsin Welcome Center/Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce building, 211 S. Main. Enroute to Prairie du Chien watch for eagles soaring or perching in trees in open field areas looking for food.
You can spend the day or several days viewing eagles. You will need appropriate clothing and binoculars. A spotting scope is nice too. Eagle watching begins in the morning about an hour after sunrise. The birds are most active from then until about 3:00PM, feeding in open water areas. Birds can be seen soaring, perching in riverside trees, and sitting on the ice. By late afternoon the birds will be heading for the roost and will not be active unless you are on a flight path to the roost.
The best places to see eagles in the area include the Gordon’s Bay boat landing and Lock and Dam #9, 10 miles north of Prairie du Chien. The boat landing is cleared of snow so eagle watchers can simply park near the ramp facing slightly upstream. Watch for eagles in the big cottonwoods along the Wisconsin shoreline, across the river in trees along the Iowa shoreline, and soaring overhead or over the open water caused by flowing water from the dam. Staying in your vehicle will provide you the best viewing as soaring eagles have been known to come very close to the boat landing with their feeding activity. Eagles will be seen flying and perched in trees along the river as you travel to and from this area from Prairie du Chien.
Other Eagle Viewing Sites
Effigy Mounds National Monument
Three miles north of Marquette, IA, via U.S. 18 across the river and Iowa Highway 76 northbound
563-873-3491
Pikes Peak State Park
2.5 miles south of McGregor, IA on Hwy 340, via U.S. 18 across the river
563-873-2341
Wyalusing State Park
10 miles south of Prairie du Chien, via U.S. 18/Highway 35 and County C (the Great River Road)
608-996-2261
Start:
February 22, 2019 5:00 pm
End:
February 23, 2019 3:00 pm
Venue:
Hoffman Hall
Phone:
608-326-8555
Address:
1600 S. Waucota Avenue, Prairie du Chien, WI, 53821, United States
The Northwoods Blizzard Blast is a “flurry of winter fun for everyone” in Conover, between Eagle River and Land O’Lakes along Highway 32 & U.S. 45 in the heart of the North Woods! Activities in Conover Community Park include ice bowling, the Dogsled Dash, recliner racing, sledding, face painting, fireworks, horse drawn sleigh rides, snow carving, snowshoe baseball, and an Artisan Bazaar in the adjacent Conover Community Center. Check out related events in Phelps and Land O’Lakes, too!
The Blizzard Blast Bazaar hosts numerous artisans and exhibitors with hand-crafted items, talents on display, food and beverages, and more. Admission is free for the Bazaar all day.
Recliner races. Not as relaxing as most recliner activities.
All of this activity is in Vilas County north of Eagle River. Follow U.S. 45 & Highway 32 north from Eagle River, past where Highway 17 veers off for its ride to Phelps. Conover is about 15 minutes north of Eagle River, and Land O’Lakes (plus the source of the Wisconsin River in Lac Vieax Desert) is just north of Conover.
Northwoods Blizzard Blast Addresses:
Conover Community Park
4697 Park Circle, just off U.S. 45/Hwy 32
Conover, WI 54519
(715) 891-6254 Website
Blizzard Blast Schedule of Events in Conover (subject to updates and changes):
Wed-Sat SNOW SCULPTING COMPETITION -$100 prize! $25 (team)
9am-4pm ARTISAN BAZAAR Free
9am-4pm FACE PAINTING Varies
10am-4pm HORSE DRAWN SCENIC RIDES $2-$5
10:15am X-COUNTRY FUN SKI & TRAIL TOUR $10
10am-4pm SLAP SHOT HOCKEY-Shot on goal, win a prize! $1
10am-4pm ICE BOWLING-Bowl at strike, win a prize! $1
10am-4pm WINTER CARNIVAL GAMES FOR KIDS $1 each
10am-4pm PONY RIDES $2
10am-4pm YOUTH ARCHERY DEMO Free
10am-4pm SNOW ART FUN FOR KIDS Free
10am-4pm SNOWBOARD DEMO & INSTRUCTION Free
10am-2pm SNOWSHOE BASEBALL GAMES Free
10pm-4pm SNOWSHOE DEMO BY HIKER BOX Free
12pm-3pm KID’S DOGSLED DASH-win a Musher’s Medal $2
10am-2:30 RECLINER RACE QUALIFYING LAPS $1
3pm RECLINER RACE FINALS-$100 prize! (register by 2:30pm) $20 (team of 3)
4 pm TROPHY PRESENTATION Free
Sandwiches, S’mores, snacks, soda & beer are available all day.
Toasty bonfires and heated restrooms are located throughout the park.
Start:
February 16, 2019 10:00 am
End:
February 16, 2019 6:00 pm
Venue:
Conover Community Park
Phone:
715-547-8120
Address:
4697 Park Circle, Conover, WI, 54519, United States
The Milwaukee Kids Expo is the perfect opportunity for families to come out and learn, explore + play together!
This brand new event debuts February 9th & 10th, 2019 and is held at the Exposition Center inside Wisconsin State Fair Park. This two-day expo offers fun experiences for kids of all ages, plus plenty of shopping and information for parents.
Kids will love the various Play Zones set up throughout the hall, including bounce houses, a petting zoo, a rock climbing wall, pony rides, caricature paintings, a maze challenge and more. Stop by the Main Stage for interactive science shows, fairytale princess sing-a-longs, and ballet school demonstrations.
Parents will love our expo hall full of local child-related vendors & businesses (toys and games, sports and fitness classes, learning devices, safety products, day cares, schools, camps and more).
TONS of Event details are below!
Tickets
Adults: $7 in advance, $9 at the door
Kids: $5 in advance, $6 at the door
Kids 2 and under are FREE Buy tickets here
Milwaukee Kids Expo Address:
Wisconsin State Park Expo Center
640 S. 84th Street (corner of Highway 59 & 181)
West Allis, WI 53214
(262) 729-4471 x102 Website
You’ll find Wisconsin State Fair Park’s Expo Center at the corner of Highway 59 (Greenfield Avenue) and Highway 181 (84th Street). The State Fair Park grounds run all the way up to I-94 (where you’ll also find the Pettit National Ice Center) and can easily be accessed via Exit 306 from I-94, as well as northbound and southbound I-41/I-894. U.S. 18/Bluemound Road is just to the north and also provides easy access.
Events include:
Caricature Expressive Portraits
Open all day Saturday + Sunday
$5 per portrait
Hand-drawn, expressive portraits completed on custom paper to commemorate your family fun at the Kids Expo!
Left Turn Only Maze
Open all day Saturday + Sunday
The LTO (or Left Turn Only) maze is constructed on a 30’x 40′ plastic tarp duct tape was used to replicate city streets. The object is to get from home base to the store without making any right hand turns and without moving in reverse. The maze and its construction is perfect for wheel chair bound participants as long as the indoor surface is wooden (gym floor) or concrete. Groups of up to 25 can fit on the same maze.
Animals of the World with the Racine Zoo
30-minute shows on Saturday + Sunday at the following times: 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. Presented by Racine Zoo Conservation Education Staff Have you ever come face to face with an alligator, or touched the back of an endangered turtle? Join the Racine Zoo for our “Animals of the World,” program to learn about, see, and touch animals from around the globe.
Adventure Rock Climbing – Activity for All Ages
Open all day Saturday + Sunday
$5.00 per person (includes 2 climbs) Presented by Adventure Rock Climbing and Fitness
Adventure Rock’s portable wall is a great way to wet your appetite for fun and excitement of climbing. Try all the different climbs and see if you can make it to the top!
Petting Zoo & Pony Rides
Open all day Saturday + Sunday
Pony rides are $6 each; petting zoo is free. Presented by Jo Don Farms
Come enjoy the animals of Jo Don Farms! Our Petting Zoo is free to enjoy for all ages. Cups of feed will be available for purchase outside the attraction. Children ages 1-10 years of age and or under 100 lbs can enjoy a pony ride at $6.00 each.
“Design 101” Valentine’s Day Project
Open all day Saturday + Sunday Presented by “The Kohl’s Design It! Lab” at Discovery World
Children will be able to make cards with spiral graph shaped hearts, gems and etc. Find us at our Mobile set-up and make a personalized pop-up card to take home!
“We pride ourselves on hands-on educational programming focused around problem solving and creativity. We inspire students and families to explore how things are made and how things work in an educational experience encompassing science, technology innovation, and creativity.”
Face Painting
Open all day Saturday + Sunday
$5-$10, based on selected design Presented by Life’s A Party Face Painting
Life’s a Party-Face Painting provides professional face painting, special effects makeup, glitter tattoos, hair tinsel, henna and air brush tattoos. Adding color and sparkle to any event.
Rainbow Play Systems Playground
Open all day Saturday + Sunday Presented by Rainbow Play Systems of southern Wisconsin
Climb, swing and slide your way around this fun indoor playground, courtesy of Rainbow Play Systems of southern Wisconsin. Rainbow Play Systems has been helping families make childhood memories for over 30 years.
Photo Booth
Open all day Saturday + Sunday Presented by Grant Images
Grant Images is bringing their super fun photo booth for all ages to enjoy. Be sure to stop by to have your picture taken!
Milwaukee Mile Race
Open all day Saturday + Sunday Presented by Timothy Shepherd with ARCA Midwest Tours
Come check out the race cars for the ARCA Midwest Tour race at the Milwaukee Mile. Feel free to take pictures with the cars and grab a flier about the upcoming event.
Craft-a-Cube
Open all day Saturday + Sunday Presented by Educators Credit Union
Saving made fun! Design your own money cube using markers, stickers and more. Once it looks perfect, bring it home and start saving.
West Allis Fire Department
Open all day Saturday + Sunday Presented by West Allis Firefighters
Check out one of our fire apparatus, get a photo, and meet the firefighters. Give-a-ways will be available for those willing to learn about Hands Only CPR.
Alex McGreen and the Tale of the Mysterious Kale
Open Feb. 9 at 2:00 pm and Feb. 10 11:00 am & 2:00 pm Presented by Aurora Children’s Health and the Healthy Food Movement
Gather around to hear an explosive tale of how a ten-year-old girl saves her fifth grade science class with kale in the book Alex McGreen and the Tale of the Mysterious Kale. It mixes fiction with real world threats and shows that anyone at any age can cause a healthy food movement. This easy reader is all about food, innovation and community. Participants will learn how to make one of Alex McGreen’s mysterious kale smoothies. Select participants will receive a FREE copy of the book.
Tropical Palm Tree Slide
Open all day Saturday + Sunday Presented by Music on the Move Plus
The Inflatable Tropical Theme Slide features a green, yellow and blue color scheme reflecting the lush foliage and warm sands of an island paradise.
Crayon Bounce
Open all day Saturday + Sunday Presented by Music on the Move Plus
The Crayon Bouncy House features a bright pastel crayon theme: Green, Yellow, Blue and Red. The crayons convenient size makes it perfect for both boys and girls. This unique party bounce house features four crayons on the pillars to give it a school-themed look.
My Little Farm
Open all day Saturday + Sunday Presented by Music on the Move Plus
The My Little Farm educational inflatable structure is designed to educate and entertain toddlers in an adorable farm setting. This game offers a small climb and slide and several 3D animals and structures, such as a dog, horse, chickens, hay stock and a cactus.
Rainforest Fun Center
Open all day Saturday + Sunday Presented by Music on the Move Plus
The Rainforest Fun Center inflatable is packed with hours of fun for up to 8 patrons. With spacious bouncing areas, multiple obstacles, tunnels, colorful characters, and two slides, kids will have a blast in this conveniently sized inflatable combo!
Inflatable Brain Exhibit
Open all day Saturday + Sunday Presented by Aurora Children’s Health
Enjoy a fun and interactive learning experience by walking through a 10 FOOT TALL inflatable brain! Aurora Children’s Health is bringing the AmeriBrain to the Milwaukee Kids Expo. Plus, test your breath support with cotton ball races or challenge your balance skills on equipment we use in therapy. Lots of activities the entire family will enjoy… you won’t want to miss this!
STOMP your way into 2019 with the 39th Running of the Samson Stomp & Romp at the Milwaukee County Zoo! Happening Sunday, January 20, 2019, this popular race honors one of the most famous Zoo residents, Samson, the silverback gorilla (1950-1981). Money raised from the event supports all of the animals in the Zoo’s collection. There’s a 5K Competitive Run, a 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk, and 1-Mile Romp & 1/4-Mile “Mini Romp” designed for children.
Fees/Times:
5K Competitive Run: $25 in advance, $30 day of. Start time: 9:30am. Map2-Mile Fun Run/Walk: $25 in advance, $30 day of. Start time: 10:15am. Map
1-Mile Romp for Children: $10 in advance, $30 day of. Start time: 10:45am. Map
1/4-Mile Mini-Romp for Children: $10 in advance, $30 day of. Start time: 11:00am. Map
Get ALL of the details here at the Zoo’s website. Entry fees include a 100% cotton long-sleeved T-shirt, Zoo admission, beverage and parking for runner only. Race will be held rain or shine, snow or cold, however the Milwaukee County Zoo reserves the right to cancel due to severe weather or dangerous, unforeseen race conditions. No refunds will be given.
The 5K race is officially timed and limited to 1,500 runners; all races take place on public walkways throughout the Zoo. Due to safety concerns, no strollers, in-line skates or similar devices permitted.
During the event, take part in the mission of conservation by donating your old cell phones to the Zoo for recycling. The drop-off area is located in the Zoo’s U.S. Bank Gathering Place. Recycling cell phones reduces the need for additional coltan, a mineral extracted from the forests of Congo – home to endangered lowland gorillas (the coltan mining business has led to a dramatic reduction of the gorillas’ habitat.)
Samson Stomp & Romp Address:
Milwaukee County Zoological Gardens
10001 W. Bluemound Road (U.S. 18)
Milwaukee, WI 53213
(414) 256-5412 Website
The Milwaukee County Zoo is in Milwaukee’s west side, surrounded by Wauwatosa, West Allis, and Elm Grove/Brookfield. U.S. 18/Bluemound Road offers the main entrance, while I-41/U.S. 45, I-94, and Highway 100 all surround the 200-acre grounds.
Start:
January 20, 2019 8:00 am
End:
January 20, 2019 2:00 pm
Venue:
Milwaukee County Zoological Gardens
Phone:
414-256-5412
Address:
10001 W. Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, WI, 53213, United States
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events › Family
July 31, 2019 – August 4, 2019
Door County Fair
Established back in 1871, the Door County Fair is a fun-filled time for kids and adults of all ages. Check out the fair saluting the county with the longest freshwater coastline in the U.S.!
Attractions include everything from Midway rides to tractor pulls and motorcycle racing to demolition derby. Plenty of animals will be on display and there will be a Quality Meat Animal Sale Saturday evening at 6pm. The Cellcom Festival Stage includes activities for kids including magicians, contests, clowns, juggling, and more.
There will be TONS of great music and other shows, highlights of the schedule can be found further down.
The Drill Team Competition will be held on Saturday, August 3rd, 2019 at noon at the Arena. This competition shows the skills of both the horse and rider performing choreographed maneuvers – all done with multiple horses and riders. You can also catch the Friday Night Exhibition the night before at 6pm at the Horse Arena.
Door County Fair Admission:
$7.00 per day — includes admission to grounds, rides, midway music, grandstand and fairground events, OR buy a Door County Fair booster button. For $18, you can admission to grounds, rides, midway music, grandstand and fairground events for the entire Fair. More details on Events are below the map!
You can find the Door County Fair at John Miles Fair Park, near Highways 42 and 57 in Sturgeon Bay.
Door County Fair Address:
John Miles Fair Park
812 N. 14th Avenue
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
(920) 746-7126
Website
Schedule highlights for the Door County Fair:
Coors Light Midway Musical Stage Headliners:
Wednesday, July 31, 2019 – Boogie and the Yo-Yo’s
Thursday, August 1, 2019 – Haley Grace and the Rebels
Friday, August 2, 2019 – Vic Ferrari Band
Saturday, August 3, 2019 – Forgotten Highway and Jason Michael Carroll
Sunday, August 4, 2018- The Bittorf Brothers & The Modern Day Drifters
Budweiser Grandstand 2019 Program Schedule:
Wednesday, July 31 – Miller Implement Co./Lena Mini & Modified Tractor Pull
Thursday, August 1 – Anhapee Hill Services Stock Car Races
Friday, August 2 – EIS Implement Inc. Tractor Pull
Saturday, August 3 – NAPA AMA Flat Track Motorcycle Races
Sunday, August 4 – O’Reilly Auto Parts 2019 Demolition Derby
Kid’s Activities at the Cellcom Festival Stage, located in the Merchants Building
FREE entertainment starting daily at 1pm
Free balloon animals each day 2-3pm
THURSDAY, AUGUST 1
1:00 – Free Face Painting by Miss Door County Ashton Spritka and Outstanding Teen Ellie Krohn
2:00 – Johnny Delorit (from the Coves)
2:45 – Kids’ Contests (12 and Under)
3:15 – Jim Mitchell (Magic)
4:00 – Johnny Delorit (from the Coves)
4:45 – Spelling Bee (All Ages)
5:30 – Jim Mitchell (Hypnosis)
6:10 – Name That Tune (All Ages)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2
1:00 – Jim Mitchell (Magic)
1:45 – Dan Kirk, Juggler with Yellow Shoes
2:30 – Kids’ Contests (12 and Under)
3:15 – Jim Mitchell (Hypnosis)
4:00 – Name That Tune (All Ages)
4:45 – Dan Kirk, Juggler with Yellow Shoes
5:30 – Trivial Pursuit (All Ages)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3
1:00 – Dan Kirk, Juggler with Yellow Shoes
1:45 – Kids’ Contests (12 and Under)
2:30 – Jim Mitchell (Magic)
3:15 – Trivial Pursuit (All Ages)
4:00 – Jim Mitchell (Hypnosis)
4:45 – Dan Kirk, Juggler with Yellow Shoes
5:30 – Name That Tune (All Ages)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 4
1:00 – Jim Mitchell (Magic)
1:45 – Dan Kirk, Juggler with Yellow Shoes
2:30 – Kids’ Contests (12 and Under)
3:00 – Spelling Bee (All Ages)
3:30 – Jim Mitchell (Hypnosis)
4:15 – Dan Kirk, Juggler with Yellow Shoes
5:00 – Name That Tune (All Ages)
5:30 – Trivial Pursuit (All Ages)
Get more details on events here!
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July 29, 2019 – July 30, 2019
Nicolet Bank Tall Ships Parade of Sail Salute, Sturgeon Bay
These nine ships will muster by Sherwood Point and then come in under sail tentatively between 3pm and 5pm on Monday, July 29. The ships that are partaking in the Tall Ship Challenge will depart approximately 8am Tuesday morning, July 30. They will sail to Algoma for the start and they will race from there to Kenosha.
Refreshments by the Sturgeon Bay Visitors & Convention Bureau and food by Scats Got Your Tongue will be available at Graham Park Monday evening! Transportation by Door County Trolley will be making the rounds and have stops at the following locations:
Tall Ships Sturgeon Bay Schedule of Events includes:
Monday, July 29th:
Throughout the afternoon/evening Kayak tours, Segway tours, private sail tours, sunset cruises, and the Swans of Sturgeon Bay paddleboats. Please contact the SBVC at (920) 743-6246 for specific information on tour opportunities.
Tuesday, July 30th:
Tall Ships Sturgeon Bay Address:
Ships will muster around Sherwood Point (map below), and a close street address would be
Sherwood Point Lighthouse
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Website
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July 26, 2019 – July 28, 2019
German Fest
Check out United for Kids, where you can visit with The MACC Fund, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Make-A-Wish® Wisconsin and Ronald McDonald House of Eastern Wisconsin, Inc. on Saturday, July 29th and Sunday, July 30th inside of the Sports Area. They’ll have games, prizes, information and fun for the whole family! A portion of Sunday’s ticket sales will benefit these four charities.
You can also check out Carousel Organ Association of America’s providing some of the “happy” instrumentation as you dance to music. Children can participate in the Fairy Tale Parade Sunday at 3:30pm and Dance Showcase at 4pm on the Sprecher Oktoberfest Stage. Fireworks will fill the sky Friday and Saturday night starting around 10:30pm.
TICKETS for German Fest are only $3 Friday! General Admission Saturday & Sunday run tickets run $12 in advance and $15 at the gate; children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult. Find out more admission specials here.
German Fest takes place on the Summerfest Grounds in Milwaukee – also known as Henry Maier Festival Park. The grounds are in close proximity to U.S. 18, I-43/94, and Highways 32, 38, 57, 59, 145, and 190.
Prosit!
Get the German Fest Entertainment Brochure HERE, and get the
German Fest Address:
Henry Maier Festival Grounds
200 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 464-9444
Website
July 26, 2019 – July 28, 2019
Tall Ships Festival, Green Bay
Dockside touring ships allow event-goers to learn about each ship’s rich history and meet the crew. Sailing ships offer even more of an experience as they hoist their anchor and sail down the river to the mouth of the bay. Daily programming includes a full day of entertainment that is sure to make lasting memories. In addition to sail excursions and on-board tours, this year a variety of on-board experiences will be available for purchase.
Activities include:
For parking, you can use metered and un-metered street parking throughout downtown. Parking lots and ramps plus bicycle parking are also available. Limited ADA parking will be available at Leicht Park on a first come, first served basis. The Neville Museum, across the street from the festival, will be selling parking and will have ADA spaces available also on a first come first served basis.
Parking shuttles, powered by the Greater Green Bay Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, will be running from the Main Street Ramp (East) and Larsen Green (West side near Titletown Brewery) and the Neville Museum near the festival entrance.
Leicht Memorial Park is along the Fox River in downtown Green Bay, right where U.S. 141 (Main/Dousman Streets) crosses the river. Highway 29 crosses just to the south. Titletown Brewing Company is right next door. I-43’s massive Leo Frigo Bridge leapfrogs the area a few blocks to the north. I-41 and Highways 32, 54, 57, and 172 also bring you to Green Bay so you can enjoy this massive event!
Tall Ships Address:
Leicht Memorial Park
128 Dousman Street (U.S. 141)
Green Bay, WI 54303
Website
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July 23, 2019 – July 25, 2019
Wisconsin Farm Technology Days
Wisconsin Farm Technology Days is one of the largest agricultural shows in the nation. Being Wisconsin’s premier outdoor farm show, this three-day event showcases the latest improvements in production agriculture, including many practical applications of recent research findings and technological developments.
This year, the 65th annual Farm Technology Days takes place at the Walter Grain Farms in Johnson Creek, right in Jefferson County. Follow the signs off I-94, Highways 19, 26, or 89, or County Highways B (the old historic Highway 30, once the main road between Madison and Milwaukee) or Q to get to the property.
Get on board the Cheesehead Express on Tuesday, July 23rd for a FREE trip to Ag Career Day!
Buses from 10 different locations in the state will will embark to Jefferson County for the 65th annual Wisconsin Farm Technology Days. 1,000 students, going into grades 7th – 12th are invited to attend and will receive: A free Ag Career Day t-shirt, free admission to the show, free transportation, a coupon for a free scoop of Culver’s fresh frozen custard. Each student will also be provided with a lanyard holding a cow ear tag with an RFID button on it to participate in the Interactive Career Scavenger Hunt powered by Allflex Livestock Intelligence, with great prizes at the end. Students can register here.
Wednesday Block Party featuring Charlie Berens
Wednesday’s Block Party features Charlie Berens, da Manitowoc Minute guy. A guest of Bank First, greet Charlie at 3:30pm and follow him as he tours Tent City. From the center of Tent City at Innovation Square, Charlie will enjoy a sampling event featuring beer from local Wisconsin breweries, such as Tyranena Brewing Company: Legendary Wisconsin Beer. In addition to beer, he will sample local wine from area vintners and our favorite Wisconsin foods!
Charlie takes the stage at 5:30 pm to help ‘celebrate, toast and roast…all-the-things-we-love-about-Wisconsin!’ Admission to Wisconsin Farm Technology Days to see Charlie is $5 at 3pm. This is a rain or shine event. All ages show. Sampling event requires separate purchase and I.D. for alcohol.
Check out Pam Jahnke’s with Charlie here!
There are plenty of exhibits and other events to enjoy at Farm Technology Days, get the full lineup with the program below.
Farm Technology Days Address:
W5340 French Road
Johnson Creek, WI 53038
Website
Get the official 2019 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days Program right here!
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June 15, 2019
Dairy Day at the MOOseum
The Hoard Historical Museum and National Dairy Shrine in Fort Atkinson has its annual Dairy Day at the “MOOseum” Saturday, June 15th, 2019. It’s a celebration of all things dairy!
Learn about the dairy industry—both past and present—from the cow to the final products of cheese, yogurt, and milk. Booths featuring dairy-related businesses, groups, and dairy samples available throughout grounds and Museum.
Inga from PBS’ Around the Farm Table will be here to talk about dairy tourism and hold a cooking demonstration at 11:30 a.m.
This year’s Dairy Cook-off theme is grilled cheese sandwiches, and you can buy a grilled cheese sandwich from Jefferson County Agribusiness or a Root-breed float in honor of your favorite dairy breed for lunch!
Family friendly activities include as barn games, dairy trivia, and the Cow Parade, which gets “moooo-ving” at 1:30 pm.
In addition, the Hoard Historical Museum and the National Dairy Shrine Museum will be open for visitors from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
You’ll find both in Fort Atkinson along U.S. 12 and Highway 89; Highways 26 and 106 also bring you to Fort.
Dairy Day at the MOOseum Address:
401 Whitewater Avenue (U.S. 12 & Highway 89)
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
(920) 563-7769
Website
EVP Beach Sports Festival, Racine
Racine’s award-winning North Beach hosts EVP Beach Volleyball once again on Saturday, June 15, 2019! EVP is calling this the “$3,000 Beach Sports Festival” as they seek to support beach volleyball events that engage families, fans, athletes, students, communities and sponsors in a great day at the beach. At each event, spectators will not only see elite athletes compete on the sand for top honors, they also have the chance to interact with the pros by participating in contests and promotions.
Real Racine officially presents the EVP Beach Sports Festival. The volleyball courts will be set up on North Beach, adjacent to the Oasis. All events are free to spectators. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Two-person men’s and women’s volleyball teams will compete in pro and amateur divisions.
The pro and amateur teams that finish in first and second place are awarded a big to compete in the 2019 EVP World Finals of Beach Volleyball Championship held at Hampton, VA in August.
Friday’s event schedule
8:30 a.m., juniors tournament begins (open to ages 8 through 18).
Saturday’s event schedule
8 a.m. pro matches begin
9 a.m. men’s and women’s amateur tournament begins
11 a.m. center court contest
2 p.m. juniors playoffs begin
4 to 6 p.m, amateur finals.
Sunday’s event schedule
9:30 a.m., co-ed 2s and juniors sign in
10 a.m., men’s pro finals
11 a.m., women’s pro finals.
EVP Beach Sports Festival Address:
North Beach
1 Barker Avenue
Racine, WI 53402
(262) 884-6400
EVP Website
Real Racine Website
About EVP Beach Tours
The EVP® Beach Volleyball Tour’s primary aim is to support beach volleyball events that engage families, fans, athletes, students, communities and sponsors in a great day at the beach. At each event, spectators will not only see elite athletes compete on the sand for top honors, they also have the chance to interact with the pros by participating in contests and promotions at hosting venues.
Teams who finish 1st and 2nd are awarded a bid to compete in the 2019 EVP® World Finals of Beach Volleyball Championship in Hampton, VA at Paradise Ocean Club on: Friday, August 9 (Juniors 12U & 14U) Saturday, August 11 (Pro, Adult & 16U, 18U)
June 8, 2019
Open House Racine County at Modine-Benstead Observatory
Astronomy lovers and people who just like “far out” things, this is for you! The Modine-Benstead Observatory is hosing one of its Open House Racine County events Saturday night, June 8th for free exploration of the observatory and the stars and planets its telescopes gaze upon.
Seriously, you can just go in for free and look at the universe through their telescopes. Depending on conditions, you can check out the moon, planets, and many deep sky objects. If they’re deep enough, remember that you’re actually looking back in time. For example, when you view the Andromeda galaxy, you are looking back in time 2.9 million years. Trippy, man!
These public open house events are held monthly from April through October. Parking is free along with free admission. The Racine Astrological Society, which runs the whole thing, is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization and of course small donations are welcomed to help defray the yearly costs of observatory maintenance and care. While families are welcome, be sure to keep young children close (it’s a dark area, since the grounds are not illuminated to promote better observing) and instruct them to be careful with the telescope equipment, which is provided by RAS members. Note that there may be lines to make observations through some telescopes. Questions are expected and welcomed, since part of their club mission is to educate and inspire people to participate in the world of amateur astronomy. Astronomical equipment you’ll find at the RAS observatory will range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars in value.The night of an open house there will be a message on the observatory answering machine (262-878-2774) if the skies are too cloudy.
The Modine-Benstead Observatory is located at the intersection of County Highway A & 63rd Drive in Yorkville, less than a mile south of Highway 20, a little over a mile east of U.S. 45, and less than 3 miles west of I-41/94 (take Exit 333/Highway 20 west.)
Open House at Modine-Benstead Observatory Event Address:
Modine-Benstead Observatory
112 63rd Avenue
Union Grove, WI 53182
(262) 878-2774
Website
Additional Modine-Benstead Observatory Open House Days in 2019:
Spring Astronomy Day
Sat., May 11th
8:30 – 11:00 PM
Friday, June 7th
8:30 – 11:00 PM
Solar Observing
Sat., June 8th
1:00 – 4:00 PM
Friday, July 12th
8:30 – 11:00 PM
Friday, August 16th
8:00 – 11:00 PM
Friday, Sept. 13th
8:00 – 11:00 PM
Fall Astronomy Day
Sat., October 5th
7:00 – 10:00 PM
June 7, 2019 – June 9, 2019
Port Washington’s Port Pirate Fest
Port Washington’s picturesque setting has helped make this a “must attend” event for boaters, bikers, Buccaneers, Revolutionary War reenactors & families alike from all over the Midwest and beyond.
On Saturday night June 8th, the Harborview 8K Run (that’s 5 miles for you non-metrics) will let you experience sunset views as you run next to Lake Michigan and through the Port Washington Marina. There will be commemorative finisher medals, a lightweight hoodie event shirt, free entry into the Port Pirate Family Daze and finally a free drink ticket for the big kids.
Also, feel free to explore the Port Exploreum in town, as well as the shops, restaurants, and more in this beautiful downtown.
Hours:
Friday 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm; Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Port Washington Lakefront
105 N. Lake Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 323-6612
Website
Facebook page
To get to Port Washington, just follow Highway 32 or Highway 33 from I-43 or Highway 57. It’s only about 30 minutes north of Milwaukee. And stay tuned to find out more about their history with the Blues, events like Port Fish Day, and much more!
Thieves Marketplace Vendors:
Junque In Thy Trunk
DaSue Dragon Designs
LuLaroe By Deidre
Renewal By Anderson
LeafFilter
Singletree, Inc
The Froggy Viking
Captain Kuts Pirate Ware
MRM, LLC
US Cellular
Aurora’s Apothecary
Laughing Dawg Studio
Ever Dry Wisconsin
Archimedes Azure
Yellow Dog Treats
SaintA
Claire’s Creative Designs
Huasi Craft
Otavalo
L’BRI
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April 20, 2019
Eggstravaganza at Racine Zoo
The Racine Zoo’s annual Eggstravaganza is 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20th at the zoo, right along Highway 32 north of downtown, along the beautiful Lake Michigan lakefront.
Children and parents are invited to have fun hunting for the six “cluck-cluck” doors, playing themed games, enjoying two bouncy houses, cookie decorating and crafts, as as well as up-close animal encounters with the Racine Zoo Animal Ambassadors. Of course, food and beverages will be available for purchase. The Easter Bunny will be on hand to pose for photos at an additional $5 charge.
This “hoppin’ event” will feature:
• A hunt for 6 cluck-cluck doors throughout the Zoo to collect candy
• A photo with our special guest…the Easter Bunny! (digital photo will be emailed to you)
• Bounce houses
• EGG-cellent games
• Fun crafts and yummy snacktivities
• Easter Egg and Cookie Decorating
• Egg Dig
• Hoppin’ Dance Party
• Trunk Hunt (“Easter Style” of Trunk-or-Treat)
EggStravaganza Admission Rates:
Zoo Members: FREE
Adults: $8
Child 3-15: $6
Seniors 62 & Older: $7
2 & Younger: FREE
You’ll find the Racine Zoo, which is fun any time of year, just north of downtown Racine along Highway 32. Highways 11, 20, and 38 also bring you close. Nearby, you can enjoy North Beach and the shopping, restaurants, and fun to be had in downtown Racine including the Racine Art Museum and Monument Square. To the north, the Wind Point Lighthouse beckons for a beautiful look at history and Lake Michigan; and in various locales around town, you can explore Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture including the famous Johnson Wax Research Tower, Wingspan, and more. Kids might also love the historic fire station along 6th Street near City Hall and interactive exhibits at the Racine Historical Museum. All of the action is about 9-10 miles east of I-41/94; good north-south road trip alternates – if you want to avoid interstate construction zones – include U.S. 45 and Highway 31.
EggStravaganza Address (Racine Zoo)
Racine Zoo
2131 Main Street (Highway 32)
Racine, WI 53402
(262) 636-9189
Website
April 13, 2019 – April 14, 2019
East Troy Bunny Train
The East Troy Bunny Train provides Easter weekend family fun on Saturday and Sunday, April 13th and 14th, and Saturday, April 20th. The ride is a ten-mile round trip starting at the East Troy Depot. Board the heated train where kids can participate in Easter themed activities during the ride to the Elegant Farmer. Enjoy bunny displays by local 4-H Students and treats at the Elegant Farmer. Every Child with a ticket will receive an Easter gift! Boarding is only done at the East Troy Depot and advance reservations are required. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, all ticket sales are final. Tickets can be purchased online or by phone & leave a message. A volunteer will return your call, and they appreciate your interest and support!
Bunny Train Admission Prices:
$8.00 – Toddlers (ages 0-2)
$14.00 – Children (ages 3-14)
$17.00 – Adults (ages 15 and up)
$12.00 – Members (call 262-642-3263 for details on membership)
Bunny Train FAQs
More details and advance ticket purchases can be made on their website.
You can get to the East Troy Depot via Highway 20 or Highway 120, just north I-43. It’s also known as Church Street just north of the town square.
East Troy Bunny Train Address:
East Troy Railroad Depot
2002 Church Street
East Troy, WI 53120
Website
April 6, 2019
Phelps Maple Syrup Fest
Head up Highway 17 to Phelps and get in on the action. Learn more about how and where maple syrup is made, browse local arts & crafts, and tickle your taste buds… not only with maple syrup, but with honey this year, too!
Phelps Maple Syrup Fest is centered on the grounds of the Phelps school. There will be tree-tapping demonstrations and driving tour or guided bus tours of local sugar bushes to see where this popular treat originates and how sap becomes maple syrup. Furthermore, kid’s games and activities, a wonderful arts and crafts show with over 70 vendors, maple syrup and honey displays, and a maple syrup contest judged by local celebrities makes the Phelps Maple Syrup Fest a great event for the whole family. Be sure to taste the maple syrup goodies available at the Maple Cafe, try your hand at making Maple Taffy on the snow, or bring your homemade maple syrup to enter into the judging contest!
Phelps is a quiet and beautiful little town on the eastern end of North Twin Lake. It’s less than 20 minutes north and east of Eagle River via Highway 17 in Vilas County. Phelps is in the midst of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, right along the border with the U.P. of Michigan.
Phelps Maple Syrup Fest Address:
4451 Old School Road
Phelps, WI 54554
(715) 545-3800
Website
Facebook page
March 23, 2019 – March 24, 2019
Rock Gem & Mineral Show, Janesville
The 49th annual Rock Gem & Mineral Show hits the Rock County Fairgrounds Saturday, March 23rd and Sunday, March 24th. The Badger Lapidary and Geological Society presents this show, with dealers, excellent speakers, many beautiful club displays, lapidary demonstrations, club sales table, door prizes, educational films and activities for kids. A full menu is available.
Eleven dealers will be at this show dealing in minerals, fossils, gems, and jewelry. Children’s activities include a fish pond, scavenger hunt, rock crafts, and the Roaming Rock Wizard.
Rock Gem & Mineral Show Hours:
Saturday, March 23rd: 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday, March 24th: 9 am – 4 pm
You’ll find the Rock County Fairgrounds on the east side of Janesville, the “City of Parks.” I-39/90, U.S. 14, U.S. 51, and Highways 11 and 26 all bring you there!
Rock Gem & Mineral Show Address:
Craig Center, Rock County Fairgrounds
1301 Craig Avenue
Janesville, WI 53545
Website
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March 9, 2019
St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Milwaukee
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade Milwaukee winds through downtown from noon until about 1:30pm on Saturday, March 9th! It’s the 53rd Annual Shamrock Club of Wisconsin St. Patrick’s Day Parade with live Irish music, dance, food, beverages and more all afternoon. We’re pretty sure you can find corned beef, for example…
*** STT Tidbit: Milwaukee’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade dates back to 1843; it’s the 6th oldest such parade in the nation. **
Check out one of the best St Patrick’s Day Parades in the country and the grandest parade in Wisconsin. The Parade will feature 140+ units and includes local politicians and celebrities, floats, bagpipe and marching bands and Irish and Celtic organizations. It’s the perfect event for the whole family, because on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish!
Before the parade, there’s an 8:30am mass at St. Patrick’s Church at 723 W. Washington Street just south of downtown. After the parade, the Shamrock Club Post-Parade Party will take place at the Irish Cultural & Heritage Center at 2133 W. Wisconsin Avenue, just west of downtown and the Marquette University campus. It’s Milwaukee’s Largest Family Parade Day Party and features four stages of entertainment. There’s a $2 admission fee ($10 family maximum) and children 10 and younger are free. There will be plenty of food and beverages too!
The parade itself starts at noon on 3rd and Wisconsin and finishes at Water and Highland. It will actually go over portions of U.S. 18 and Highway 32 in the city. I-43/94 and Highways 38, 57, 59, and 145 also bring you within blocks of the parade route.
The Milwaukee St. Patrick’s Day Parade website has full details on all the events. It’s definitely a fun way to spend a Saturday and prepare for St. Patrick’s Day (and week, based on the timing of the parade!)
The Shamrock
Milwaukee’s Largest Family Parade Day Party
Four stages of entertainment
$2 admission | children 10 & younger free
Family maximum cost is $10
Food & beverages
March 2, 2019
World’s Longest Weenie Roast
“The World’s Longest Weenie Roast!”
Held to raise funds for the Great Divide Ambulance Service, the Namakagon Volunteer Fire Department and other area charities and not-for-profits, this event holds the record for the longest line of hot dog cookers over one fire in the world. With events like snowmobile speed runs, ice drags, crooked weenie obstacle course, and snow drags all on Lake Namakagon, there is more than enough fun for everyone.
All the action for the World’s Largest Weenie Roast takes place Saturday, March 2nd in Cable, along County M near U.S. 63 at the Lakewoods Resort & Forest Ridge Golf Course. Get all the event details here!
World’s Longest Weenie Roast Address:
Lakewoods Resort & Forest Ridge Golf Course
21540 County Road M
Cable, WI 54821
(715) 794-2561
Website
February 24, 2019
Ice Caves Exploration at Kickapoo Valley Reserve
Ever explored some ice caves? You can enjoy this Ice Caves Exploration event on Sunday, February 24, 2019 in the gorgeous Kickapoo Valley Reserve. Hosted by the UW-La Crosse Outdoor Connection, this all-day trip lets you examine some ice formations of the Driftless Region via footpaths that were once only traveled by Native Americans. This trip is dependent on winter weather conditions.
Ice Caves Exploration registration includes:
Questions? Call UW-La Crosse Outdoor Connection 608.785.8860 or email them at outdoorcnt@uwlax.edu.
This is not a Kickapoo Valley Reserve-sponsored event, so please contact the UW-L Outdoor Connection with any questions at (608) 785-8860.
You’ll find the Kickapoo Valley Reserve along Highway 131, a beautiful drive any time of year. This event, however, originates from La Crosse and you’ll need to take I-90, U.S. 14/61, U.S. 53, or Highways 16, 33, or 35 to get there.
Ice Caves Exploration Address:
Kickapoo Valley Reserve
3661 State Highway 131
La Farge, WI 54639
(608) 785-8860
Facebook Event Page
February 22, 2019 – February 23, 2019
Bald Eagle Appreciation Days
All programs and activities at Hoffman Hall in Prairie Du Chien on Saturday are free. Educational Birding programs will also be held Friday evening – at local hotels and are open to the public at no charge. The event is co-sponsored by Effigy Mounds National Monument and the Prairie du Chien Tourism Council. Effigy Mounds Winter Film Festival will also be going on that weekend and the Villa Louis will be open for tours. Stop and get some tasty fish and other morsels at Valley Fish & Cheese right where Highway 27 starts in the downtown area, too!
Get all the details on their website!
U.S. 18 and Highways 27, 35, and 60 all bring you to Prairie du Chien.
Bald Eagle Appreciation Days Address:
Along with being all over town, activities focus on Hoffman Hall
1600 S. Waucota Avenue
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
(608) 326-8555
Website
Viewing Area Tips for Eagle Watching In and Around Prairie du Chien (courtesy of their website)
A good spot for eagle viewing is between the Blackhawk Avenue and Washington Street bridges in Prairie du Chien. A large artesian well provides open water. Eagles will perch in trees along the slough. Check the trees along the Mississippi River shore near and across from Lawler Park on St. Feriole Island is another location of eagle activity. The park is west and north of the Blackhawk Avenue bridge. A mounted bird scope for viewing is available (located in back of building) at the Wisconsin Welcome Center/Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce building, 211 S. Main. Enroute to Prairie du Chien watch for eagles soaring or perching in trees in open field areas looking for food.
You can spend the day or several days viewing eagles. You will need appropriate clothing and binoculars. A spotting scope is nice too. Eagle watching begins in the morning about an hour after sunrise. The birds are most active from then until about 3:00PM, feeding in open water areas. Birds can be seen soaring, perching in riverside trees, and sitting on the ice. By late afternoon the birds will be heading for the roost and will not be active unless you are on a flight path to the roost.
The best places to see eagles in the area include the Gordon’s Bay boat landing and Lock and Dam #9, 10 miles north of Prairie du Chien. The boat landing is cleared of snow so eagle watchers can simply park near the ramp facing slightly upstream. Watch for eagles in the big cottonwoods along the Wisconsin shoreline, across the river in trees along the Iowa shoreline, and soaring overhead or over the open water caused by flowing water from the dam. Staying in your vehicle will provide you the best viewing as soaring eagles have been known to come very close to the boat landing with their feeding activity. Eagles will be seen flying and perched in trees along the river as you travel to and from this area from Prairie du Chien.
Other Eagle Viewing Sites
Effigy Mounds National Monument
Three miles north of Marquette, IA, via U.S. 18 across the river and Iowa Highway 76 northbound
563-873-3491
Pikes Peak State Park
2.5 miles south of McGregor, IA on Hwy 340, via U.S. 18 across the river
563-873-2341
Wyalusing State Park
10 miles south of Prairie du Chien, via U.S. 18/Highway 35 and County C (the Great River Road)
608-996-2261
February 16, 2019
Northwoods Blizzard Blast
The Northwoods Blizzard Blast is a “flurry of winter fun for everyone” in Conover, between Eagle River and Land O’Lakes along Highway 32 & U.S. 45 in the heart of the North Woods! Activities in Conover Community Park include ice bowling, the Dogsled Dash, recliner racing, sledding, face painting, fireworks, horse drawn sleigh rides, snow carving, snowshoe baseball, and an Artisan Bazaar in the adjacent Conover Community Center. Check out related events in Phelps and Land O’Lakes, too!
The Blizzard Blast Bazaar hosts numerous artisans and exhibitors with hand-crafted items, talents on display, food and beverages, and more. Admission is free for the Bazaar all day.
All of this activity is in Vilas County north of Eagle River. Follow U.S. 45 & Highway 32 north from Eagle River, past where Highway 17 veers off for its ride to Phelps. Conover is about 15 minutes north of Eagle River, and Land O’Lakes (plus the source of the Wisconsin River in Lac Vieax Desert) is just north of Conover.
Northwoods Blizzard Blast Addresses:
Conover Community Park
4697 Park Circle, just off U.S. 45/Hwy 32
Conover, WI 54519
(715) 891-6254
Website
Blizzard Blast Schedule of Events in Conover (subject to updates and changes):
Wed-Sat SNOW SCULPTING COMPETITION -$100 prize! $25 (team)
9am-4pm ARTISAN BAZAAR Free
9am-4pm FACE PAINTING Varies
10am-4pm HORSE DRAWN SCENIC RIDES $2-$5
10:15am X-COUNTRY FUN SKI & TRAIL TOUR $10
10am-4pm SLAP SHOT HOCKEY-Shot on goal, win a prize! $1
10am-4pm ICE BOWLING-Bowl at strike, win a prize! $1
10am-4pm WINTER CARNIVAL GAMES FOR KIDS $1 each
10am-4pm PONY RIDES $2
10am-4pm YOUTH ARCHERY DEMO Free
10am-4pm SNOW ART FUN FOR KIDS Free
10am-4pm SNOWBOARD DEMO & INSTRUCTION Free
10am-2pm SNOWSHOE BASEBALL GAMES Free
10pm-4pm SNOWSHOE DEMO BY HIKER BOX Free
12pm-3pm KID’S DOGSLED DASH-win a Musher’s Medal $2
10am-2:30 RECLINER RACE QUALIFYING LAPS $1
3pm RECLINER RACE FINALS-$100 prize! (register by 2:30pm) $20 (team of 3)
4 pm TROPHY PRESENTATION Free
Sandwiches, S’mores, snacks, soda & beer are available all day.
Toasty bonfires and heated restrooms are located throughout the park.
February 9, 2019 – February 10, 2019
Milwaukee Kids Expo
The Milwaukee Kids Expo is the perfect opportunity for families to come out and learn, explore + play together!
This brand new event debuts February 9th & 10th, 2019 and is held at the Exposition Center inside Wisconsin State Fair Park. This two-day expo offers fun experiences for kids of all ages, plus plenty of shopping and information for parents.
Kids will love the various Play Zones set up throughout the hall, including bounce houses, a petting zoo, a rock climbing wall, pony rides, caricature paintings, a maze challenge and more. Stop by the Main Stage for interactive science shows, fairytale princess sing-a-longs, and ballet school demonstrations.
Parents will love our expo hall full of local child-related vendors & businesses (toys and games, sports and fitness classes, learning devices, safety products, day cares, schools, camps and more).
TONS of Event details are below!
Tickets
Adults: $7 in advance, $9 at the door
Kids: $5 in advance, $6 at the door
Kids 2 and under are FREE
Buy tickets here
Milwaukee Kids Expo Address:
Wisconsin State Park Expo Center
640 S. 84th Street (corner of Highway 59 & 181)
West Allis, WI 53214
(262) 729-4471 x102
Website
You’ll find Wisconsin State Fair Park’s Expo Center at the corner of Highway 59 (Greenfield Avenue) and Highway 181 (84th Street). The State Fair Park grounds run all the way up to I-94 (where you’ll also find the Pettit National Ice Center) and can easily be accessed via Exit 306 from I-94, as well as northbound and southbound I-41/I-894. U.S. 18/Bluemound Road is just to the north and also provides easy access.
Events include:
Caricature Expressive Portraits
Open all day Saturday + Sunday
$5 per portrait
Hand-drawn, expressive portraits completed on custom paper to commemorate your family fun at the Kids Expo!
Left Turn Only Maze
Open all day Saturday + Sunday
The LTO (or Left Turn Only) maze is constructed on a 30’x 40′ plastic tarp duct tape was used to replicate city streets. The object is to get from home base to the store without making any right hand turns and without moving in reverse. The maze and its construction is perfect for wheel chair bound participants as long as the indoor surface is wooden (gym floor) or concrete. Groups of up to 25 can fit on the same maze.
Animals of the World with the Racine Zoo
30-minute shows on Saturday + Sunday at the following times: 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m.
Presented by Racine Zoo Conservation Education Staff
Have you ever come face to face with an alligator, or touched the back of an endangered turtle? Join the Racine Zoo for our “Animals of the World,” program to learn about, see, and touch animals from around the globe.
Adventure Rock Climbing – Activity for All Ages
Open all day Saturday + Sunday
$5.00 per person (includes 2 climbs)
Presented by Adventure Rock Climbing and Fitness
Adventure Rock’s portable wall is a great way to wet your appetite for fun and excitement of climbing. Try all the different climbs and see if you can make it to the top!
Petting Zoo & Pony Rides
Open all day Saturday + Sunday
Pony rides are $6 each; petting zoo is free.
Presented by Jo Don Farms
Come enjoy the animals of Jo Don Farms! Our Petting Zoo is free to enjoy for all ages. Cups of feed will be available for purchase outside the attraction. Children ages 1-10 years of age and or under 100 lbs can enjoy a pony ride at $6.00 each.
“Design 101” Valentine’s Day Project
Open all day Saturday + Sunday
Presented by “The Kohl’s Design It! Lab” at Discovery World
Children will be able to make cards with spiral graph shaped hearts, gems and etc. Find us at our Mobile set-up and make a personalized pop-up card to take home!
“We pride ourselves on hands-on educational programming focused around problem solving and creativity. We inspire students and families to explore how things are made and how things work in an educational experience encompassing science, technology innovation, and creativity.”
Face Painting
Open all day Saturday + Sunday
$5-$10, based on selected design
Presented by Life’s A Party Face Painting
Life’s a Party-Face Painting provides professional face painting, special effects makeup, glitter tattoos, hair tinsel, henna and air brush tattoos. Adding color and sparkle to any event.
Rainbow Play Systems Playground
Open all day Saturday + Sunday
Presented by Rainbow Play Systems of southern Wisconsin
Climb, swing and slide your way around this fun indoor playground, courtesy of Rainbow Play Systems of southern Wisconsin. Rainbow Play Systems has been helping families make childhood memories for over 30 years.
Photo Booth
Open all day Saturday + Sunday
Presented by Grant Images
Grant Images is bringing their super fun photo booth for all ages to enjoy. Be sure to stop by to have your picture taken!
Milwaukee Mile Race
Open all day Saturday + Sunday
Presented by Timothy Shepherd with ARCA Midwest Tours
Come check out the race cars for the ARCA Midwest Tour race at the Milwaukee Mile. Feel free to take pictures with the cars and grab a flier about the upcoming event.
Craft-a-Cube
Open all day Saturday + Sunday
Presented by Educators Credit Union
Saving made fun! Design your own money cube using markers, stickers and more. Once it looks perfect, bring it home and start saving.
West Allis Fire Department
Open all day Saturday + Sunday
Presented by West Allis Firefighters
Check out one of our fire apparatus, get a photo, and meet the firefighters. Give-a-ways will be available for those willing to learn about Hands Only CPR.
Alex McGreen and the Tale of the Mysterious Kale
Open Feb. 9 at 2:00 pm and Feb. 10 11:00 am & 2:00 pm
Presented by Aurora Children’s Health and the Healthy Food Movement
Gather around to hear an explosive tale of how a ten-year-old girl saves her fifth grade science class with kale in the book Alex McGreen and the Tale of the Mysterious Kale. It mixes fiction with real world threats and shows that anyone at any age can cause a healthy food movement. This easy reader is all about food, innovation and community. Participants will learn how to make one of Alex McGreen’s mysterious kale smoothies. Select participants will receive a FREE copy of the book.
Tropical Palm Tree Slide
Open all day Saturday + Sunday
Presented by Music on the Move Plus
The Inflatable Tropical Theme Slide features a green, yellow and blue color scheme reflecting the lush foliage and warm sands of an island paradise.
Crayon Bounce
Open all day Saturday + Sunday
Presented by Music on the Move Plus
The Crayon Bouncy House features a bright pastel crayon theme: Green, Yellow, Blue and Red. The crayons convenient size makes it perfect for both boys and girls. This unique party bounce house features four crayons on the pillars to give it a school-themed look.
My Little Farm
Open all day Saturday + Sunday
Presented by Music on the Move Plus
The My Little Farm educational inflatable structure is designed to educate and entertain toddlers in an adorable farm setting. This game offers a small climb and slide and several 3D animals and structures, such as a dog, horse, chickens, hay stock and a cactus.
Rainforest Fun Center
Open all day Saturday + Sunday
Presented by Music on the Move Plus
The Rainforest Fun Center inflatable is packed with hours of fun for up to 8 patrons. With spacious bouncing areas, multiple obstacles, tunnels, colorful characters, and two slides, kids will have a blast in this conveniently sized inflatable combo!
Inflatable Brain Exhibit
Open all day Saturday + Sunday
Presented by Aurora Children’s Health
Enjoy a fun and interactive learning experience by walking through a 10 FOOT TALL inflatable brain! Aurora Children’s Health is bringing the AmeriBrain to the Milwaukee Kids Expo. Plus, test your breath support with cotton ball races or challenge your balance skills on equipment we use in therapy. Lots of activities the entire family will enjoy… you won’t want to miss this!
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January 20, 2019
Samson Stomp & Romp at Milwaukee County Zoo
STOMP your way into 2019 with the 39th Running of the Samson Stomp & Romp at the Milwaukee County Zoo! Happening Sunday, January 20, 2019, this popular race honors one of the most famous Zoo residents, Samson, the silverback gorilla (1950-1981). Money raised from the event supports all of the animals in the Zoo’s collection. There’s a 5K Competitive Run, a 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk, and 1-Mile Romp & 1/4-Mile “Mini Romp” designed for children.
Fees/Times:
5K Competitive Run: $25 in advance, $30 day of. Start time: 9:30am. Map2-Mile Fun Run/Walk: $25 in advance, $30 day of. Start time: 10:15am. Map
1-Mile Romp for Children: $10 in advance, $30 day of. Start time: 10:45am. Map
1/4-Mile Mini-Romp for Children: $10 in advance, $30 day of. Start time: 11:00am. Map
Get ALL of the details here at the Zoo’s website. Entry fees include a 100% cotton long-sleeved T-shirt, Zoo admission, beverage and parking for runner only. Race will be held rain or shine, snow or cold, however the Milwaukee County Zoo reserves the right to cancel due to severe weather or dangerous, unforeseen race conditions. No refunds will be given.
The 5K race is officially timed and limited to 1,500 runners; all races take place on public walkways throughout the Zoo. Due to safety concerns, no strollers, in-line skates or similar devices permitted.
During the event, take part in the mission of conservation by donating your old cell phones to the Zoo for recycling. The drop-off area is located in the Zoo’s U.S. Bank Gathering Place. Recycling cell phones reduces the need for additional coltan, a mineral extracted from the forests of Congo – home to endangered lowland gorillas (the coltan mining business has led to a dramatic reduction of the gorillas’ habitat.)
Samson Stomp & Romp Address:
Milwaukee County Zoological Gardens
10001 W. Bluemound Road (U.S. 18)
Milwaukee, WI 53213
(414) 256-5412
Website
The Milwaukee County Zoo is in Milwaukee’s west side, surrounded by Wauwatosa, West Allis, and Elm Grove/Brookfield. U.S. 18/Bluemound Road offers the main entrance, while I-41/U.S. 45, I-94, and Highway 100 all surround the 200-acre grounds.