Bridge Street is where the annual “Bridge to Wonderland Parade” begins in beautiful downtown Chippewa Falls. This parade features a huge variety of illuminated floats, with Santa on the last float! As you enjoy the parade, savor complimentary hot drinks at businesses with red carpets and all the shops downtown have to offer.
The 2017 theme is “Christmas in Toyland”, with over 50 illuminated and musical floats, walking units, horse-drawn wagons, and more filling the streets with vibrancy and fun. The parade runs along Bridge Street from Spruce Street to Spring Street.
And don’t forget the thousands of holiday lights and decorations just up Highway 124 in Irvine Park & the Irvine Park Zoo to really keep that holiday spirit flowing!
U.S. 53, Highway 29, and Highway 124 (the historic U.S. 53 route) all bring you to Chippewa Falls. While you’re there, check out the Leinenkugels Brewery right by Irvine Park and Zoo, the historic Cook-Rutledge Mansion, the Riverbend Winery, the Heyde Center for the Performing Arts, Brewster Brothers Brewing and the Chippewa River Distillery, terrific downtown shopping, great trails, and more. There’s a lot to enjoy in Chippewa Falls, why not enjoy the parade first to kick it all off?
Bridge to Wonderland Parade Address:
Downtown Chippewa Falls
514 N. Bridge Street
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
(715) 723-7858 Website
Start:
December 2, 2017 5:00 pm
End:
December 2, 2017 9:00 pm
Venue:
Downtown Chippewa Falls
Phone:
715-723-7858
Address:
514 N. Bridge Street, Chippewa Falls, WI, 54729, United States
Kenosha HarborMarket is great any time of year – but this is a special edition of Kenosha Winter HarborMarket! Located on on the west lawn of the Kenosha Public Museum and Civil War Museum, the market will take place outdoors in two large, heated tents. Approximately 60 vendors will be on-site offering food, beverages, giftable items, fresh produce, and more. There will also be a variety of indoor and outdoor family activities throughout the day.
This collaborative event combines the Civil War Museum’s Victorian Christmas, Kenosha Public Museum’s International Holiday, Winter HarborMarket, and more. A combination of indoor and outdoor events offering fun and food for the entire family, plus holiday shopping!
International Holiday Faire, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., inside the Kenosha Public Museum (5500 First Avenue): Celebrate traditions and holidays of cultures from around the globe. The day includes:
Shop for gifts in the International Bazaar
Food from Italy, Korea, Mexico, Germany, Norway, Greece, Armenia, and Lithuania
Traditional dance and performances
Japanese Ikebana Floral Arrangements
Stop by the hot cocoa bar and add your own toppings to warm up the day
Face Painting
Write a letter to Santa with Mrs. Claus and her elf helpers
11:30 Ed Doody on keyboard
12:30 Korean Dancers
1:30 Ballet Folklorico Regional Mexicano
2:30 MGV Harmonia German Men’s Choir
Victorian Christmas inside the Civil War Museum, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., (5400 First Avenue): Explore the traditions of soldiers and civilians during and after the Civil War. The day includes:
Free admission to the Fiery Trial gallery
Soldier and civilian presentations
Cookie decorating
Games, crafts, and storytelling
Visit with Santa Claus, 2:30 – 6:00
11:00 MGV Harmonia German Men’s Choir
12:00 The 26th Wisconsin at Chancellorsville Lecture
1:00 Holiday favorites performed by Ed Pierce and the Palmyra Eagle Band
2:00 West Side Victorian Dancers
3:00 Kenosha Chamber Choir
Expanded Kenosha Winter HarborMarket – Two heated tents with over 60 vendors offering giftable items. Prepared food vendors will be serving hot food for you to enjoy at the event as well. Fresh produce, meats and cheeses, arts, crafts, and more will be available.
Outdoor Entertainment:
10:00 Carthachords
11:00 Jamey Buencamino
12:30 Women in Motion (with additional performance indoors following)
1:00 Rolando Canales
3:00 Milwaukee Road
4:00 Kenosha Chamber Choir
5:00 Country Crossing
Holiday Wagon Rides – Climb aboard a holiday themed, horse-drawn wagon for a ride around HarborPark. By Black Tie Carriage Service. $5 per person. (weather permitting)
Beer Garden featuring local craft beer by Rustic Road Brewing Co. and PUBLIC Craft Brewing Co.
Homemade Glog and festive centerpieces, greens and holiday decorations by Jerry Smith Produce and Pumpkin Farm.
New! Local artists have created large-scale 12 Days of Christmas pieces to be on display during the event. From 12 Drummers drumming, down to the lone Partridge in a pear tree, designs that are 4-foot by 6-foot will line the west lawn of the Kenosha Public Museum and Civil War Museum. The artwork will serve as a decoration, a photo opportunity for event attendees, and a way to showcase local talent. The artists all have significantly different art styles, so the pieces will be diverse and exciting to see together.
Enjoy FREE rides on the Electric Streetcars. Three cars will be operating from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Use the streetcar for easy parking in any public lot in Downtown Kenosha and be dropped off at the event entrance. One streetcar will have a storyteller onboard for extra holiday cheer!
Kenosha Winter HarborMarket Address:
5500 1st Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 653-4140 Website
Start:
December 2, 2017 10:00 am
End:
December 2, 2017 6:00 pm
Venue:
Kenosha Public Museum
Phone:
262-653-4140
Address:
5500 1st Avenue, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
First Fridays in Cedarburg provides opportunity for families to come together to partake in an artistic experience, including unique educational elements for youth ranging from artist-led crafts to hands-on musical experiences. Guests are greeted with an opening band featuring local musicians at 6:00 pm. Dinner will be available for purchase from food trucks, as well as indoors from “After Party” Sponsor, The Stilthouse Restaurant. Other activities include a local handmade art show, kid’s crafts, dancing, cash bar and good times. At 7:00pm, the lights go down and the party turns up as the main act, Consult the Briefcase, takes the stage for two hours. The Center’s full cash bar and dance floor will multiply the fun. This exciting series is free of charge to members of the Cultural Center and children under 5. Non-member general admission is $5 at the door. Full details are on the Cedarburg Cultural Center website.
Historic downtown Cedarburg can be reached via Washington Avenue, which is Historic Highway 57. Today’s Highway 57, as well as Highways 60, 167, and 181, come close. I-43/Highway 32 is also a few miles to the east and you can access Cedarburg via County C (Exit 89).
Start:
November 3, 2017 4:00 pm
End:
November 3, 2017 11:00 pm
Venue:
Cedarburg Cultural Center
Phone:
262-375-3676
Address:
W62 N546 Washington Avenue, Cedarburg, WI, 53012, United States
Port Washington Ghost Walks are a fun way to celebrate the spooky Halloween season. October 27th and 28th, you can spend an evening hearing the spirited experiences of the residents of Port Washington.
Every walk explores ghost stories and sightings in the historic downtown and haunted Union Cemetery in paranormal Port Washington. Tours take about 2 hours total.
This year… if you want an extra special experience… Join them for an actual GHOST HUNT! The 10:15 tour each night will be an extended version and exploration of the final destination! Over the years, a number of ghost walkers have reported activity in our final stop of the night. This year, we’re going to spend a bit more time there. Break out your equipment or borrow some of ours and see what you catch.
The 7:30, 8:00 and 9:45 ghost walks focus on the downtown and cemetery.
Port Washington is easily accessed from I-43 via Highway 32 or 33; Highway 57 is just to the west.
Port Washington Ghost Walks Address:
106 N. Lake Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 498-5777 Website
More details below!
Where: Tours for Port Washington Ghost Walks all meet at the Niagara Monument and the Wisconsin Chair Company monument adjacent to Dockside Deli and the marina in Port Washington.
Cost: $15.00 per person for the regular tour. $30.00 per person for the tour plus ghost hunt.
Walk-ins: If you can’t buy tickets online, we’re full. We limit the number to 20 people per tour and 8 for the tour plus ghost hunt. We cannot take credit cards for walk-in’s. Cash only.
Ages: 13 and over – primarily to accommodate youngster’s attention spans. If you have a young person who would like to go, please consider whether or not they would be happy walking around hearing ghost stories that don’t involve anyone jumping out at them.
NOTE: Ages 18 and over for the ghost hunt tours beginning at 10:15. No exceptions.
Scare Factor: Mild to Moderate. These are people’s actual stories. Some are mild, a few a bit more disturbing. No one will be jumping out at you wearing a mask.
NOTE: The scare factor on the ghost hunt could be more intense.
Tickets: No tickets will be mailed. Your name will be on a checklist with your tour leader.
Weather: It will be chilly. Wear layers and a jacket. If there’s a light rain, we will still go out.
Visibility: The downtown portion is well lit. You will not need a flashlight. The cemetery portion is dark. You may bring a flashlight but we ask that you only use when instructed.
Walking: We will be doing lots of walking including some stairs. Wear comfortable shoes.
Start:
October 27, 2017 7:30 pm
End:
October 28, 2017 11:55 pm
Venue:
Downtown Port Washington
Phone:
262-498-5777
Address:
106 N. Lake Street, Port Washington, WI, 53074, United States
“The Happiest 5K on Earth” is the slogan for The Color Run, a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness, and individuality. Now the largest running series in the world, The Color Run has been experienced by over 6 million runners worldwide in 35+ countries. On Saturday, September 16th, The Color Run comes to Racine!
This year’s race is called The Color Run 2017 Dream Tour and it features giant unicorns, the all-new Cloud Foam Zone, the whimsical Dream Wall and much more!
Runners/walkers will go through a 5k course on the streets of Racine where they’ll be doused with colored powder. Stick around for the high-energy post-run party. Entry fee ($39.99 for team members, $44.99 for individuals) includes official TCR soft tee, color runner headband, color packet and Unicorn finisher medal.
The Color Run starts 9 a.m. on Pershing Drive behind Gateway Technical College, 1001 S. Main St.
Save $5 per entry with code REALRACINE17
How The Color Run Works
It’s designed to be less about your 10-minute-mile and more about having the time of your life. The Color Run is a five-kilometer (3.1-mile), un-timed event in which thousands of participants, or “Color Runners”, are doused from head to toe in different colors at each kilometer. With only two rules, the idea is easy to follow:
1. Wear white at the starting line!
2. Finish plastered in color!
After Color Runners complete the race, the fun continues with an unforgettable Finish Festival. This larger than life party is equipped with music, dancing and massive color throws, which create millions of vivid color combinations.
Team members run for $39.99 each, individuals for $44.99. That includes entry, a white tee (that will end up in color), a headband, a Unicorn Finishers’ Medal, and a color packet.
Check out in Racine’s Pershing Park, right along Lake Michigan! Highways 11, 20, 32, and 38 bring you there!
Start:
September 16, 2017 9:00 am
End:
September 16, 2017 12:00 pm
Venue:
Pershing Park
Address:
800 Pershing Drive, Racine, WI, 53402, United States
Turn back the clock with the 26th annual Fall Harvest Days at the Racine County Fairgrounds September 15-17!
The Southeastern Wisconsin Antique Power Collectibles Society presents displays of antique tractors, trucks, gasoline engines and farm equipment. In addition to static displays of antique tractors and equipment, there will be large display of antique engines, garden tractors, and vintage cars and trucks. This year they’re featuring 175 Years of Case Tractors and Equipment.
The entire family can enjoy demonstrations of corn shelling, hay baling, threshing, sawmills, plus shingle mill and homemaking demonstrations. There’s a daily tractor parade, children’s activities, horse-drawn wagon rides, crafts, flea market, farm toys and great, down-home food. There are also indoor and outdoor flea markets, crafts, and farm toy displays. Many food and drink vendors are on the grounds. There is a big tractor/equipment parade each day of the show. Each year the club raffles off a hand–made Amish quilt.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. $7 adults; kids 12 and under free. Free parking. You’ll find the Racine County Fairgrounds in Union Grove, along Highway 11 near the junction with U.S. 45.
Fall Harvest Days Address:
Racine County Fairgrounds
19805 Durand Avenue (Highway 11)
Union Grove, WI 53182
(414) 529-2413 Website
Start:
September 15, 2017 8:00 am
End:
September 17, 2017 5:00 pm
Venue:
Racine County Fairgrounds
Phone:
414-529-2413
Address:
19805 Durand Avenue, Union Grove, WI, 53182, United States
Sheboygan’s beautiful South Pier hosts Miesfeld’s Lakeshore Weekend Friday, July 28th through Sunday, July 30th this year, with everything from live music to events and shows right on the water! There will also be plenty of local food vendors, a wine garden, and more. Presented by Miesfeld’s, Lakeshore Weekend helps benefit Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. It’s one of the hallmark summer celebrations in Sheboygan.
Check out Plenco Playland, Euro Bungy, a Bounce House, Aqua Balls, a Dogsled Show, Silent Auction, Fireworks and more throughout the weekend. A “Polka Pancake Breakfast” will take place Sunday morning.
Lakeshore Weekend welcomes the Waterboard Warriors Water Ski Show again this year! They will perform Saturday at 1:15 and 2:30. The show is 40-45 minutes long and will be in the Sheboygan River.
The popular Dragon Boat Races will take place along the Sheboygan River starting at 9am Sunday. The GB Brat Raffle lets you enter to win brats and football merchandise, and perhaps get an autograph from Packers legend Jerry Kramer on Saturday from 1-3pm!
To find Lakeshore Weekend, take Highways 23, 28, 42, or I-43 to reach Sheboygan. From there, head downtown and follow the signs to South Pier, right along the Sheboygan River where its meet Lake Michigan. It’s a fun time in a great area. Check out the shops, restaurants, Spaceport Sheboygan, the Blue Harbor Resort, and all the other amenities down there while you’re at it! Nearby you can enjoy 3 Sheeps Brewery, explore Kohler, Sheboygan Falls, Plymouth, amazing golf courses, and more.
Lakeshore Weekend Music Lineup:
Main Stage
Friday, July 28th
5:00 PM Kick Off Celebration
5:30 PM-7:30 PM The El Dorados
8:00 PM-11:00PM Bacchus Lotus
Saturday, July 29th
11:00 AM-12:30 PM Classic Racket
1:00 PM-5:00 PM Our House
7:00 PM-11:00 PM Cold Sweat & The Brew City Horns
Sunday, July 30th
8:00 AM-11:00 AM Polka Potion
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Aaron Schwoerer
2:00PM – 5:00 PM Sunblind Lion
The Fox Valley’s paper making history gets its salute with the 29th annual Paperfest celebration! This year, Paperfest takes place in Kimberly’s Sunset Point Park, right along the Fox River. Paperfest is a fun, family-oriented festival spanning three days offering up plenty of games, sports, music and food – and education about paper.
Friday night features the Paper Chase, a 4 mile run/walk. Saturday is the Tour de Fest ’17, a biking competition which will be held rain or shine. This annual bike tour offers cyclists a choice of four routes – 18, 40, 70, and 100 miles. The cyclists should their energy – the 100 mile route includes the appropriately named Seven Hills Road!
Rest stops along the way will provide bagels, fruit, snacks, beverages, and restrooms. SAG wagons will patrol the routes until 3:00 p.m., providing direction, mechanical assistance and transportation, if needed. Spectators can watch and enjoy while imbibing in the food and drink available at Paperfest and at establishments along each route.
Other fun things to check out include the toilet paper toss, carnival rides, lawn games, yoga, and more. Saturday features events in the Family Tent including comedy, magic, and karate demonstrations. On the music stages across three days The Bomb, Road Trip. Rob & The Rest, Eminence, Boogie & The Yo-Yo’z, Bad Habits, and RPM perform.
There is also a papermaking demonstration, the Age of Reptiles show, a petting zoo, graffiti fence painting, a sawdust hunt, sidewalk chalk art, hula hoop games, face painting, and more. The Family Stage will feature children’s music and magic tricks. Sports events include a volleyball tournament and tug-of-war competition.
You can reach Kimberly and Paperfest by following I-41, U.S. 10, Highway 55, Highway 96, or Highway 441 to get close, then follow the streets to Sunset Park.
Paperfest Location:
Sunset Park
Sunset Point Road
Kimberly, WI 54136 Website
Start:
July 21, 2017 5:30 pm
End:
July 23, 2017 7:30 pm
Venue:
Sunset Park
Address:
Sunset Park Road, Kimberly, WI, 54136, United States
Sheboygan’s surfing and water sports prowess is well-known, and the 6th annual SUP N’ Surf Challenge adds Stand-Up Paddleboarding to the mix! On Saturday, June 17th you can “race the river” with Stand Up Paddleboard Races, from beginners to experts and team relays.
Along with the fun and exciting racing, there will be free demos, fun, and food. Racers will take off from the Sprecher Restaurant along the Sheboygan River. You can also check out the EOS Surf & Outdoor Shop (510 N. 8th Street, 920-208-7873) in downtown Sheboygan for equipment and part of the celebration.
Wisconsin Dells is one of the ultimate summer destinations – not just in Wisconsin, but nationwide! Come and celebrate the start of summer with Taste of the Dells, where you can enjoy tasty samples from many Dells area restaurants.
Ribs. I had ribs for lunch. That’s why I’m doing this.
There is also live entertainment, a fish boil, family entertainment, arts and crafts show, antique tractor show and a library book sale. Taste of the Dells and all the activities happen throughout the downtown area (right along Highways 13, 16, and 23) pretty much all day on Friday, June 9th and Saturday, June 10th. Admission is free!
Participating restaurants include:
Boomtown Saloon
Carvelli’s Pizza & Pasta House
Chalet Lanes & Lounge
Dells Distillery
Famous Dave’s BBQ
The Frozen Bear
High Rock Cafe
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Dining
Mac’s Macaroni & Cheese Shop
Monk’s Bar & Grill
Oodlesmack Popcorn
Pizza Pub
San Antonio Mexican Restaurant
Spring Brook Sports Bar & Grill
Stuff’s Restaurant & Catering
The Keg Bar & Grill/The Patio
Schedule of Events:
Friday, June 9th
Fish Boil, 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm (requires tickets)
Beer Tent Open, 4:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Live Entertainment, 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Saturday, June 10th
Arts and Crafts Show, 9 am – 4 pm
Antique Tractor Show, 9 am – 4 pm
Library Book Sale, 9 am – 4 pm
Bowman House Open, 10 am – 2 pm
Corvettes Parade, 11 am – 1:30 pm
Restaurant Tent Open, 11 am – 10 pm
Beer Tent Open, 11 am – 10 pm
Family Entertainment, 11 am – 7 pm
Live Entertainment, 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
I-90/94, U.S. 12, and Highways 13, 16, and 23 all bring you to the Dells!
Start:
June 9, 2017 4:30 pm
End:
June 10, 2017 10:30 pm
Venue:
Downtown Wisconsin Dells
Phone:
608-254-2992
Address:
Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI, 53965, United States
Imagine an Ice Castle Wonderland in the already wondrous Wisconsin Dells, right next to the upside-down White House on the grounds as the World’s Largest Wooden Trojan Horse on the grounds of Mt Olympus Resort.
Well, you don’t need to imagine. Six days a week from January 12th through mid-March (weather permitting), a massive ice castle compound will be in that very spot, ready for exploration by the whole family. The artistic project began in October on the grounds of Mount Olympus Resort, one of five projects in North America by Ice Castles LLC, a Utah-based company with similar projects in New Hampshire, Minnesota, Utah, and Alberta, Canada. One of the most unique and amazing facts about the Ice Castles is that they are literally built by hand. They grow more than 5,000 icicles each day that we harvest and sculpt together.
Photo courtesy of Facebook.com/TheIceCastles
In the Dells, the Ice Castle Wonderland features two 50-foot-long slides, a 35-foot tower, a fountain, and a domed room with a waterfall. You’ll also find tunnels, towers, trails, and even thrones lined with crushed ice and snow, all of which feature embedded light shows.
Some Tips (from their website) for a Great Experience:
Wear Boots. The walking surface inside of the Ice Castles is made of crushed ice. Walking in boots is definitely best.
Buy Tickets Before You Arrive. When you buy a ticket, you buy an arrival time. We ask that you arrive within your 30 minute time window. Once you are inside the castle you can stay as long as you’d like!
Save some trees. When you buy your tickets online we’ll send you an email with a unique QR code, so there’s no need to print your tickets. We can scan the code right from your phone!
Photos are encouraged (and they want to see them! #icecastles) but they ask that you please leave photography equipment such as tripods and lights at home. For information about commercial or specialized photo sessions please email them at info@icecastles.com.
It is HIGHLY recommended to bring a small sled to pull children instead of a stroller. It is extremely difficult to push the stroller through the castle (think of it like trying to push a stroller through a sandy beach).
To reach Wisconsin Dells, just hit I-90/94, U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23. And hope the weather stays cold!
Hours & Tickets:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 3pm – 9pm (closed Tuesday)
Online Tickets: $9.95 ages 12 and up, $6.95 ages 4-11
Tickets at the Door: $15 ages 12 and up, $10 ages 4-11 Child (4-11): $10
Friday, 3pm – 10pm
Saturday, noon – 10pm
Sunday, noon – 9pm
Online Tickets: $12.95 ages 12 and up, $8.95 ages 4-11
Tickets at the Door: $18 ages 12 and up, $10 ages 4-11 Child (4-11): $12
Start:
January 12, 2017
End:
March 18, 2017
Venue:
Mt Olympus Resort
Phone:
800-800-4997
Address:
1701 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, Wisconsin Dells, WI, 53965, United States
Heirloom Garden Weekend takes place the weekend of August 20-21, 2016 at Old World Wisconsin, a beautiful place that documents the settlement of 19th- and early 20th-century Wisconsin. It comprises an 1870s crossroads village and 10 ethnic farmsteads located on 576 acres of wooded hills in the Southern Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest in the southwestern corner of Waukesha County.
Throughout Heirloom Garden Weekend you can participate in special programs, walking tours, mini-workshops, family activities and sampling of heirloom plants in and about Old World Wisconsin’s historic gardens. Learn about the gardening practices of early immigrant settlers and get tips for growing and enjoying plants in your garden. Feel free to contact them at 262-594-6301 for more information and times.
Highlights include:
Saturday at 1:00 p.m. in Caldwell Hall enjoy a talk by Jennifer Jordan, UWM Professor and author of “Edible Memory: The Lure of Heirloom Tomatoes and Other Forgotten Foods.” She will discuss “How Tomotoes Became Heirlooms and Apples became Antiques.” Ms. Jordan will be available to sign books following her talk. Books will be available for sale.
Saturday at 3:00 p.m. in Caldwell Hall hear Ellen Penwell, former curator of Collections at Old World Wisconsin, talk about “Dig In! The History of Garden Tools.”
Sunday at 1:00 p.m. in Caldwell Hall Bill Stone of Brightonwoods Orchard will present, “Heirloom Apple Tees in WI” with a tree grafting demo.
For Heirloom Garden Weekend, the cost for adults (18-64) is $19; children (5-17) are $10; children 4 and under are free; Senior citizens (65 and over) are $16. Fees include an all-day tram transportation pass. Parking is free.
You’ll find Old World Wisconsin along Highway 67 on its beautiful drive through Kettle Moraine near Eagle, just south of the junction with Highway 59. U.S. 12 and Highway 20 meet Highway 67 about seven miles to the south.
Address:
Old World Wisconsin
W372 S9727 Wisconsin Highway 67
Eagle, WI 53119
(262) 594-6301 Website
Email: oww@wisconsinhistory.org
Start:
August 20, 2016
End:
August 21, 2016
Venue:
Old World Wisconsin
Phone:
262-594-6301
Address:
W372 S9727 Wisconsin Highway 67, Eagle, WI, 53119, United States
Managed by the Bay View Arts Guild in this dynamic Milwaukee neighborhood, the South Shore Frolics celebrates its 67th year in 2016. Plenty of fun and games (especially for kids) along with bands, a fish fry, an art show, a classic car show, and more in South Shore Park, which is not only a fun park but also a place providing a beautiful view of the bay (hence, the neighborhood name “Bay View”) and downtown Milwaukee.
And if you hear the crowd yell “Blow up the beach!” don’t be alarmed; it’s just that they put on a great fireworks show there, too.
You’ll find the Frolics in South Shore Park, along Highway 32/Superior Street in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood. Highways 38 and 794 also bring you there, and it’s just a two miles east of I-43/94.
Address:
2900 S. Shore Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53207
(414) 482-4270 Website
Start:
July 15, 2016
End:
July 17, 2016
Venue:
South Shore Park
Phone:
414-482-4270
Address:
2900 S. Shore Drive, Milwaukee, WI, 53207, United States
Celebrate Dairy Month, and Wisconsin’s dairy heritage, at Wade House by taking part in cheese, butter and ice cream making in the fashion of the 1860s.
Wade House is an 1850s stagecoach inn built to serve traffic along the plank road that connected Fond du Lac and Sheboygan, tells the story of frontier entrepreneur Sylvanus Wade and his family during the Civil War years. In addition to the inn, the historic site includes the recently reconstructed Herrling sawmill, one of the few working, water-powered sawmills of its kind in the nation. Wade House is also home to the Wesley Jung Carriage Museum, which houses the state’s largest collection of antique carriages and working wagons.
Tickets:
Adults $11; children (5-17) $5.50; students and senior citizens (65 and over) $9.25; family (two adults and two or more dependent children 5-17) $30. Horse-drawn transportation on the site included in ticket cost.
Wade House is along Highway 23 between Fond du Lac and Sheboygan, just west of Plymouth. Highways 57 and 67 come close too! All the details on this event and more on Wade House can be found on their website HERE.
Start:
June 25, 2016 10:00 am
End:
June 26, 2016 5:00 pm
Venue:
Wade House Historic Site
Phone:
920-526-3271
Address:
W7965 State Highway 23, Greenbush, WI, 53026, United States
“First Fridays” will provide an opportunity for families to come together to partake in an artistic experience, including unique educational elements for youth ranging from artist-led crafts to hands-on musical experiences. Guests are greeted with an opening band featuring local musicians at 6:00 pm. Dinner will be available for purchase from food trucks, as well as indoors from “After Party” Sponsor, The Stilthouse Restaurant. Other activities include a local handmade art show, kid’s crafts, dancing, cash bar and good times. At 7:00pm, the lights go down and the party turns up as the main act, Comfort Shag, takes the stage for two hours. The Center’s full cash bar and dance floor will multiply the fun. This exciting series is free of charge to members of the Cultural Center and children under 5. Non-member general admission is $5 at the door. Full details can be found on the Cedarburg Cultural Center website.
Historic downtown Cedarburg can be reached via Washington Avenue, which is Historic Highway 57. Today’s Highway 57, as well as Highways 60, 167, and 181, come close. I-43/Highway 32 is also a few miles to the east and you can access Cedarburg via County C (Exit 89).
Start:
April 1, 2016 4:00 pm
End:
April 1, 2016 11:00 pm
Venue:
Cedarburg Cultural Center
Phone:
262-375-3676
Address:
W62 N546 Washington Avenue, Cedarburg, WI, 53012, United States
Organizers of the Lakewoods’ Hot Air for Hearts Balloon Rally are holding another fun-filled weekend with hot air balloonists from Wisconsin and Minnesota who come to participate in the Hot Air Balloon Rally for Charity.
People from all over the Midwest attend this event, which raises money for the Cable Area Lions Heart Benefit. Weather permitting, crew members help the balloonists set up and take down balloons and may ride along with the pilots during the flights. Flights are scheduled mornings and afternoons on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (morning only) and will fly as often as the weather permits.
“The balloons can’t always go up daily due to weather,” said Jill H. volunteer crew member, “but when you get to fly the views are incredible.” In addition to the balloon flights, a “glow” is scheduled in front of Lakewoods Resort after dark. On Saturday night, guests in the dining room and spectators alike are treated to a fantastic view of Lake Namakagon and the 7 story high balloons lit up from the inside like giant luminary candles.
This charity event is great for the family and is a fantastic way to get out and enjoy the new snow this winter. All the colors of the balloons and racers make for a fun and festive atmosphere and both are very exciting to watch. Registration starts at 8am. Full details are available on the Lakewoods Resort website!
U.S. 63 is the main way to Cable, northeast of Hayward and southwest of Ashland.
Start:
March 18, 2016
End:
March 20, 2016
Venue:
Lakewoods Resort
Phone:
715-794-2561
Address:
21540 County Road M, Cable, WI, 54821, United States
The River Falls area comes alive when you take part in the Fall Finds and Barn Tour! Enjoy a leisurely tour of the beautiful Wisconsin countryside while you experience a diverse mix of shopping in rustic barns and downtown shops in and around River Falls. Find eclectic & handmade items, fine art, unique gifts, antiques, functional wares, local harvest and preserves, furniture, festive holiday, garden art & so much more, including:
– 125 on Main
– Over 30 artists and eclectic mix of holiday, harvest, repurposed, vintage and more.
– Holidays at Blue Ridge – over 20 artists’ original artwork, jewelry, edibles and more.
– Our Neighbor’s Old Barn – eclectic mix of gifts, vintage, furniture and fun.
– Garden Divas – unique gifts, harvest, holiday, garden, fair trade, vintage, local and more.
– Holidays on the Kinni – artists group and antiques, restored, harvest, holiday gifts and more.
– Riverwalk Art and Antiques – antiques, vintage, home, local gifts, edibles and more.
River Falls is in Pierce County, where Highways 29, 35, and 65 meet.
Sheboygan’s John Michael Kohler Arts Center heats things up with an immersion into the culture of the world’s fifth largest country. Marvel at the talents of Milwaukee’s Capoeira Nagô, practitioners of an art form that fuses the acrobatic and martial arts. Sample traditional foods and Brazil’s national beverage – coffee! And enjoy creating colorful works of art.
The John Michael Kohler Arts Center is in downtown Sheboygan on 6th Street & New York Avenue. Highways 23, 28, and 42 all bring you towards downtown.
Start:
October 17, 2015 11:00 am
End:
October 17, 2015 3:00 pm
Venue:
John Michael Kohler Arts Center
Phone:
920-458-6144
Address:
608 New York Avenue, Sheboygan, WI, 53081, United States
Check out the beautiful fall colors in the St. Croix River valley from vintage train cars powered by a diesel locomotive from the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railroad. It’s a fun and gorgeous ride between Osceola and Marine.
Highway 35 brings you to Osceola in Polk County, right by Highway 243, the shortest state highway in Wisconsin. It’s worth the drive to take the ride!
Check their website, which is part of the Minnesota Transportation Museum, for full schedules and details. Fall rides run the weekends of Oct 3-4 and 10-11, 2015.
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events › Family
December 2, 2017
Chippewa Falls Bridge to Wonderland Parade
Bridge Street is where the annual “Bridge to Wonderland Parade” begins in beautiful downtown Chippewa Falls. This parade features a huge variety of illuminated floats, with Santa on the last float! As you enjoy the parade, savor complimentary hot drinks at businesses with red carpets and all the shops downtown have to offer.
The 2017 theme is “Christmas in Toyland”, with over 50 illuminated and musical floats, walking units, horse-drawn wagons, and more filling the streets with vibrancy and fun. The parade runs along Bridge Street from Spruce Street to Spring Street.
And don’t forget the thousands of holiday lights and decorations just up Highway 124 in Irvine Park & the Irvine Park Zoo to really keep that holiday spirit flowing!
U.S. 53, Highway 29, and Highway 124 (the historic U.S. 53 route) all bring you to Chippewa Falls. While you’re there, check out the Leinenkugels Brewery right by Irvine Park and Zoo, the historic Cook-Rutledge Mansion, the Riverbend Winery, the Heyde Center for the Performing Arts, Brewster Brothers Brewing and the Chippewa River Distillery, terrific downtown shopping, great trails, and more. There’s a lot to enjoy in Chippewa Falls, why not enjoy the parade first to kick it all off?
Bridge to Wonderland Parade Address:
Downtown Chippewa Falls
514 N. Bridge Street
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
(715) 723-7858
Website
Kenosha Winter HarborMarket – Special HarborHoliday
Kenosha HarborMarket is great any time of year – but this is a special edition of Kenosha Winter HarborMarket! Located on on the west lawn of the Kenosha Public Museum and Civil War Museum, the market will take place outdoors in two large, heated tents. Approximately 60 vendors will be on-site offering food, beverages, giftable items, fresh produce, and more. There will also be a variety of indoor and outdoor family activities throughout the day.
This collaborative event combines the Civil War Museum’s Victorian Christmas, Kenosha Public Museum’s International Holiday, Winter HarborMarket, and more. A combination of indoor and outdoor events offering fun and food for the entire family, plus holiday shopping!
Homemade Glog and festive centerpieces, greens and holiday decorations by Jerry Smith Produce and Pumpkin Farm.
Kenosha Winter HarborMarket Address:
5500 1st Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 653-4140
Website
November 3, 2017
First Fridays in Cedarburg
First Fridays in Cedarburg provides opportunity for families to come together to partake in an artistic experience, including unique educational elements for youth ranging from artist-led crafts to hands-on musical experiences. Guests are greeted with an opening band featuring local musicians at 6:00 pm. Dinner will be available for purchase from food trucks, as well as indoors from “After Party” Sponsor, The Stilthouse Restaurant. Other activities include a local handmade art show, kid’s crafts, dancing, cash bar and good times. At 7:00pm, the lights go down and the party turns up as the main act, Consult the Briefcase, takes the stage for two hours. The Center’s full cash bar and dance floor will multiply the fun. This exciting series is free of charge to members of the Cultural Center and children under 5. Non-member general admission is $5 at the door. Full details are on the Cedarburg Cultural Center website.
Historic downtown Cedarburg can be reached via Washington Avenue, which is Historic Highway 57. Today’s Highway 57, as well as Highways 60, 167, and 181, come close. I-43/Highway 32 is also a few miles to the east and you can access Cedarburg via County C (Exit 89).
October 27, 2017 – October 28, 2017
Port Washington Ghost Walks
Port Washington Ghost Walks are a fun way to celebrate the spooky Halloween season. October 27th and 28th, you can spend an evening hearing the spirited experiences of the residents of Port Washington.
Every walk explores ghost stories and sightings in the historic downtown and haunted Union Cemetery in paranormal Port Washington. Tours take about 2 hours total.
This year… if you want an extra special experience… Join them for an actual GHOST HUNT! The 10:15 tour each night will be an extended version and exploration of the
final destination! Over the years, a number of ghost walkers have reported activity in our final stop of the night. This year, we’re going to spend a bit more time there. Break out your equipment or borrow some of ours and see what you catch.
The 7:30, 8:00 and 9:45 ghost walks focus on the downtown and cemetery.
Port Washington is easily accessed from I-43 via Highway 32 or 33; Highway 57 is just to the west.
Port Washington Ghost Walks Address:
106 N. Lake Street
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 498-5777
Website
More details below!
Where: Tours for Port Washington Ghost Walks all meet at the Niagara Monument and the Wisconsin Chair Company monument adjacent to Dockside Deli and the marina in Port Washington.
Cost: $15.00 per person for the regular tour. $30.00 per person for the tour plus ghost hunt.
Walk-ins: If you can’t buy tickets online, we’re full. We limit the number to 20 people per tour and 8 for the tour plus ghost hunt. We cannot take credit cards for walk-in’s. Cash only.
Ages: 13 and over – primarily to accommodate youngster’s attention spans. If you have a young person who would like to go, please consider whether or not they would be happy walking around hearing ghost stories that don’t involve anyone jumping out at them.
NOTE: Ages 18 and over for the ghost hunt tours beginning at 10:15. No exceptions.
Scare Factor: Mild to Moderate. These are people’s actual stories. Some are mild, a few a bit more disturbing. No one will be jumping out at you wearing a mask.
NOTE: The scare factor on the ghost hunt could be more intense.
Tickets: No tickets will be mailed. Your name will be on a checklist with your tour leader.
Weather: It will be chilly. Wear layers and a jacket. If there’s a light rain, we will still go out.
Visibility: The downtown portion is well lit. You will not need a flashlight. The cemetery portion is dark. You may bring a flashlight but we ask that you only use when instructed.
Walking: We will be doing lots of walking including some stairs. Wear comfortable shoes.
September 16, 2017
The Color Run – Racine
“The Happiest 5K on Earth” is the slogan for The Color Run, a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness, and individuality. Now the largest running series in the world, The Color Run has been experienced by over 6 million runners worldwide in 35+ countries. On Saturday, September 16th, The Color Run comes to Racine!
This year’s race is called The Color Run 2017 Dream Tour and it features giant unicorns, the all-new Cloud Foam Zone, the whimsical Dream Wall and much more!
Runners/walkers will go through a 5k course on the streets of Racine where they’ll be doused with colored powder. Stick around for the high-energy post-run party. Entry fee ($39.99 for team members, $44.99 for individuals) includes official TCR soft tee, color runner headband, color packet and Unicorn finisher medal.
The Color Run starts 9 a.m. on Pershing Drive behind Gateway Technical College, 1001 S. Main St.
Save $5 per entry with code REALRACINE17
How The Color Run Works
It’s designed to be less about your 10-minute-mile and more about having the time of your life. The Color Run is a five-kilometer (3.1-mile), un-timed event in which thousands of participants, or “Color Runners”, are doused from head to toe in different colors at each kilometer. With only two rules, the idea is easy to follow:
1. Wear white at the starting line!
2. Finish plastered in color!
After Color Runners complete the race, the fun continues with an unforgettable Finish Festival. This larger than life party is equipped with music, dancing and massive color throws, which create millions of vivid color combinations.
Team members run for $39.99 each, individuals for $44.99. That includes entry, a white tee (that will end up in color), a headband, a Unicorn Finishers’ Medal, and a color packet.
Check out in Racine’s Pershing Park, right along Lake Michigan! Highways 11, 20, 32, and 38 bring you there!
September 15, 2017 – September 17, 2017
Fall Harvest Days at the Racine County Fairgrounds
Turn back the clock with the 26th annual Fall Harvest Days at the Racine County Fairgrounds September 15-17!
The Southeastern Wisconsin Antique Power Collectibles Society presents displays of antique tractors, trucks, gasoline engines and farm equipment. In addition to static displays of antique tractors and equipment, there will be large display of antique engines, garden tractors, and vintage cars and trucks. This year they’re featuring 175 Years of Case Tractors and Equipment.
The entire family can enjoy demonstrations of corn shelling, hay baling, threshing, sawmills, plus shingle mill and homemaking demonstrations. There’s a daily tractor parade, children’s activities, horse-drawn wagon rides, crafts, flea market, farm toys and great, down-home food. There are also indoor and outdoor flea markets, crafts, and farm toy displays. Many food and drink vendors are on the grounds. There is a big tractor/equipment parade each day of the show. Each year the club raffles off a hand–made Amish quilt.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. $7 adults; kids 12 and under free. Free parking. You’ll find the Racine County Fairgrounds in Union Grove, along Highway 11 near the junction with U.S. 45.
Fall Harvest Days Address:
Racine County Fairgrounds
19805 Durand Avenue (Highway 11)
Union Grove, WI 53182
(414) 529-2413
Website
July 28, 2017 – July 30, 2017
Sheboygan Lakeshore Weekend
Sheboygan’s beautiful South Pier hosts Miesfeld’s Lakeshore Weekend Friday, July 28th through Sunday, July 30th this year, with everything from live music to events and shows right on the water! There will also be plenty of local food vendors, a wine garden, and more. Presented by Miesfeld’s, Lakeshore Weekend helps benefit Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. It’s one of the hallmark summer celebrations in Sheboygan.
Check out Plenco Playland, Euro Bungy, a Bounce House, Aqua Balls, a Dogsled Show, Silent Auction, Fireworks and more throughout the weekend. A “Polka Pancake Breakfast” will take place Sunday morning.
Lakeshore Weekend welcomes the Waterboard Warriors Water Ski Show again this year! They will perform Saturday at 1:15 and 2:30. The show is 40-45 minutes long and will be in the Sheboygan River.
The popular Dragon Boat Races will take place along the Sheboygan River starting at 9am Sunday. The GB Brat Raffle lets you enter to win brats and football merchandise, and perhaps get an autograph from Packers legend Jerry Kramer on Saturday from 1-3pm!
To find Lakeshore Weekend, take Highways 23, 28, 42, or I-43 to reach Sheboygan. From there, head downtown and follow the signs to South Pier, right along the Sheboygan River where its meet Lake Michigan. It’s a fun time in a great area. Check out the shops, restaurants, Spaceport Sheboygan, the Blue Harbor Resort, and all the other amenities down there while you’re at it! Nearby you can enjoy 3 Sheeps Brewery, explore Kohler, Sheboygan Falls, Plymouth, amazing golf courses, and more.
Lakeshore Weekend Music Lineup:
Main Stage
Friday, July 28th
5:00 PM Kick Off Celebration
5:30 PM-7:30 PM The El Dorados
8:00 PM-11:00PM Bacchus Lotus
Saturday, July 29th
11:00 AM-12:30 PM Classic Racket
1:00 PM-5:00 PM Our House
7:00 PM-11:00 PM Cold Sweat & The Brew City Horns
Sunday, July 30th
8:00 AM-11:00 AM Polka Potion
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Aaron Schwoerer
2:00PM – 5:00 PM Sunblind Lion
July 21, 2017 – July 23, 2017
Paperfest
The Fox Valley’s paper making history gets its salute with the 29th annual Paperfest celebration! This year, Paperfest takes place in Kimberly’s Sunset Point Park, right along the Fox River. Paperfest is a fun, family-oriented festival spanning three days offering up plenty of games, sports, music and food – and education about paper.
Friday night features the Paper Chase, a 4 mile run/walk. Saturday is the Tour de Fest ’17, a biking competition which will be held rain or shine. This annual bike tour offers cyclists a choice of four routes – 18, 40, 70, and 100 miles. The cyclists should their energy – the 100 mile route includes the appropriately named Seven Hills Road!
Rest stops along the way will provide bagels, fruit, snacks, beverages, and restrooms. SAG wagons will patrol the routes until 3:00 p.m., providing direction, mechanical assistance and transportation, if needed. Spectators can watch and enjoy while imbibing in the food and drink available at Paperfest and at establishments along each route.
There is also a papermaking demonstration, the Age of Reptiles show, a petting zoo, graffiti fence painting, a sawdust hunt, sidewalk chalk art, hula hoop games, face painting, and more. The Family Stage will feature children’s music and magic tricks. Sports events include a volleyball tournament and tug-of-war competition.
You can reach Kimberly and Paperfest by following I-41, U.S. 10, Highway 55, Highway 96, or Highway 441 to get close, then follow the streets to Sunset Park.
Paperfest Location:
Sunset Park
Sunset Point Road
Kimberly, WI 54136
Website
June 17, 2017
6th Annual SUP N’ Surf, Sheboygan
Sheboygan’s surfing and water sports prowess is well-known, and the 6th annual SUP N’ Surf Challenge adds Stand-Up Paddleboarding to the mix! On Saturday, June 17th you can “race the river” with Stand Up Paddleboard Races, from beginners to experts and team relays.
SUP N’ Surf Event Address:
Sprecher Restaurant
820 Indiana Avanue
Sheboygan, WI
(920) 208-SURF (7873)
Website
I-43 and Highways 23, 28, and 42 all bring you to Sheboygan. Have FUN!!
June 9, 2017 – June 10, 2017
Taste of the Dells
Wisconsin Dells is one of the ultimate summer destinations – not just in Wisconsin, but nationwide! Come and celebrate the start of summer with Taste of the Dells, where you can enjoy tasty samples from many Dells area restaurants.
There is also live entertainment, a fish boil, family entertainment, arts and crafts show, antique tractor show and a library book sale. Taste of the Dells and all the activities happen throughout the downtown area (right along Highways 13, 16, and 23) pretty much all day on Friday, June 9th and Saturday, June 10th. Admission is free!
Participating restaurants include:
Schedule of Events:
Friday, June 9th
Fish Boil, 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm (requires tickets)
Beer Tent Open, 4:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Live Entertainment, 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Saturday, June 10th
Arts and Crafts Show, 9 am – 4 pm
Antique Tractor Show, 9 am – 4 pm
Library Book Sale, 9 am – 4 pm
Bowman House Open, 10 am – 2 pm
Corvettes Parade, 11 am – 1:30 pm
Restaurant Tent Open, 11 am – 10 pm
Beer Tent Open, 11 am – 10 pm
Family Entertainment, 11 am – 7 pm
Live Entertainment, 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
I-90/94, U.S. 12, and Highways 13, 16, and 23 all bring you to the Dells!
January 12, 2017 – March 18, 2017
Ice Castle Wonderland in Wisconsin Dells
Imagine an Ice Castle Wonderland in the already wondrous Wisconsin Dells, right next to the upside-down White House on the grounds as the World’s Largest Wooden Trojan Horse on the grounds of Mt Olympus Resort.
Well, you don’t need to imagine. Six days a week from January 12th through mid-March (weather permitting), a massive ice castle compound will be in that very spot, ready for exploration by the whole family. The artistic project began in October on the grounds of Mount Olympus Resort, one of five projects in North America by Ice Castles LLC, a Utah-based company with similar projects in New Hampshire, Minnesota, Utah, and Alberta, Canada. One of the most unique and amazing facts about the Ice Castles is that they are literally built by hand. They grow more than 5,000 icicles each day that we harvest and sculpt together.
In the Dells, the Ice Castle Wonderland features two 50-foot-long slides, a 35-foot tower, a fountain, and a domed room with a waterfall. You’ll also find tunnels, towers, trails, and even thrones lined with crushed ice and snow, all of which feature embedded light shows.
Some Tips (from their website) for a Great Experience:
To reach Wisconsin Dells, just hit I-90/94, U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23. And hope the weather stays cold!
Hours & Tickets:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 3pm – 9pm (closed Tuesday)
Online Tickets: $9.95 ages 12 and up, $6.95 ages 4-11
Tickets at the Door: $15 ages 12 and up, $10 ages 4-11 Child (4-11): $10
Friday, 3pm – 10pm
Saturday, noon – 10pm
Sunday, noon – 9pm
Online Tickets: $12.95 ages 12 and up, $8.95 ages 4-11
Tickets at the Door: $18 ages 12 and up, $10 ages 4-11 Child (4-11): $12
August 20, 2016 – August 21, 2016
Heirloom Garden Weekend
Heirloom Garden Weekend takes place the weekend of August 20-21, 2016 at Old World Wisconsin, a beautiful place that documents the settlement of 19th- and early 20th-century Wisconsin. It comprises an 1870s crossroads village and 10 ethnic farmsteads located on 576 acres of wooded hills in the Southern Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest in the southwestern corner of Waukesha County.
Throughout Heirloom Garden Weekend you can participate in special programs, walking tours, mini-workshops, family activities and sampling of heirloom plants in and about Old World Wisconsin’s historic gardens. Learn about the gardening practices of early immigrant settlers and get tips for growing and enjoying plants in your garden. Feel free to contact them at 262-594-6301 for more information and times.
Highlights include:
Saturday at 1:00 p.m. in Caldwell Hall enjoy a talk by Jennifer Jordan, UWM Professor and author of “Edible Memory: The Lure of Heirloom Tomatoes and Other Forgotten Foods.” She will discuss “How Tomotoes Became Heirlooms and Apples became Antiques.” Ms. Jordan will be available to sign books following her talk. Books will be available for sale.
Saturday at 3:00 p.m. in Caldwell Hall hear Ellen Penwell, former curator of Collections at Old World Wisconsin, talk about “Dig In! The History of Garden Tools.”
Sunday at 1:00 p.m. in Caldwell Hall Bill Stone of Brightonwoods Orchard will present, “Heirloom Apple Tees in WI” with a tree grafting demo.
For Heirloom Garden Weekend, the cost for adults (18-64) is $19; children (5-17) are $10; children 4 and under are free; Senior citizens (65 and over) are $16. Fees include an all-day tram transportation pass. Parking is free.
You’ll find Old World Wisconsin along Highway 67 on its beautiful drive through Kettle Moraine near Eagle, just south of the junction with Highway 59. U.S. 12 and Highway 20 meet Highway 67 about seven miles to the south.
Address:
Old World Wisconsin
W372 S9727 Wisconsin Highway 67
Eagle, WI 53119
(262) 594-6301
Website
Email: oww@wisconsinhistory.org
July 15, 2016 – July 17, 2016
South Shore Frolics
Managed by the Bay View Arts Guild in this dynamic Milwaukee neighborhood, the South Shore Frolics celebrates its 67th year in 2016. Plenty of fun and games (especially for kids) along with bands, a fish fry, an art show, a classic car show, and more in South Shore Park, which is not only a fun park but also a place providing a beautiful view of the bay (hence, the neighborhood name “Bay View”) and downtown Milwaukee.
And if you hear the crowd yell “Blow up the beach!” don’t be alarmed; it’s just that they put on a great fireworks show there, too.
You’ll find the Frolics in South Shore Park, along Highway 32/Superior Street in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood. Highways 38 and 794 also bring you there, and it’s just a two miles east of I-43/94.
Address:
2900 S. Shore Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53207
(414) 482-4270
Website
June 25, 2016 – June 26, 2016
1860s Dairy Days at Wade House
Celebrate Dairy Month, and Wisconsin’s dairy heritage, at Wade House by taking part in cheese, butter and ice cream making in the fashion of the 1860s.
Wade House is an 1850s stagecoach inn built to serve traffic along the plank road that connected Fond du Lac and Sheboygan, tells the story of frontier entrepreneur Sylvanus Wade and his family during the Civil War years. In addition to the inn, the historic site includes the recently reconstructed Herrling sawmill, one of the few working, water-powered sawmills of its kind in the nation. Wade House is also home to the Wesley Jung Carriage Museum, which houses the state’s largest collection of antique carriages and working wagons.
Tickets:
Adults $11; children (5-17) $5.50; students and senior citizens (65 and over) $9.25; family (two adults and two or more dependent children 5-17) $30. Horse-drawn transportation on the site included in ticket cost.
Wade House is along Highway 23 between Fond du Lac and Sheboygan, just west of Plymouth. Highways 57 and 67 come close too! All the details on this event and more on Wade House can be found on their website HERE.
April 1, 2016
“First Fridays” at the Cedarburg Cultural Center featuring Comfort Shag
“First Fridays” will provide an opportunity for families to come together to partake in an artistic experience, including unique educational elements for youth ranging from artist-led crafts to hands-on musical experiences. Guests are greeted with an opening band featuring local musicians at 6:00 pm. Dinner will be available for purchase from food trucks, as well as indoors from “After Party” Sponsor, The Stilthouse Restaurant. Other activities include a local handmade art show, kid’s crafts, dancing, cash bar and good times. At 7:00pm, the lights go down and the party turns up as the main act, Comfort Shag, takes the stage for two hours. The Center’s full cash bar and dance floor will multiply the fun. This exciting series is free of charge to members of the Cultural Center and children under 5. Non-member general admission is $5 at the door. Full details can be found on the Cedarburg Cultural Center website.
Historic downtown Cedarburg can be reached via Washington Avenue, which is Historic Highway 57. Today’s Highway 57, as well as Highways 60, 167, and 181, come close. I-43/Highway 32 is also a few miles to the east and you can access Cedarburg via County C (Exit 89).
March 18, 2016 – March 20, 2016
Hot Air for Hearts Balloon Rally
Organizers of the Lakewoods’ Hot Air for Hearts Balloon Rally are holding another fun-filled weekend with hot air balloonists from Wisconsin and Minnesota who come to participate in the Hot Air Balloon Rally for Charity.
People from all over the Midwest attend this event, which raises money for the Cable Area Lions Heart Benefit. Weather permitting, crew members help the balloonists set up and take down balloons and may ride along with the pilots during the flights. Flights are scheduled mornings and afternoons on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (morning only) and will fly as often as the weather permits.
“The balloons can’t always go up daily due to weather,” said Jill H. volunteer crew member, “but when you get to fly the views are incredible.” In addition to the balloon flights, a “glow” is scheduled in front of Lakewoods Resort after dark. On Saturday night, guests in the dining room and spectators alike are treated to a fantastic view of Lake Namakagon and the 7 story high balloons lit up from the inside like giant luminary candles.
This charity event is great for the family and is a fantastic way to get out and enjoy the new snow this winter. All the colors of the balloons and racers make for a fun and festive atmosphere and both are very exciting to watch. Registration starts at 8am. Full details are available on the Lakewoods Resort website!
U.S. 63 is the main way to Cable, northeast of Hayward and southwest of Ashland.
January 1, 2016
Polar Bear Swim – Sheboygan
1pm. New Year’s Day. The shores of Lake Michigan at Deland Park in Sheboygan. Your body. The water. Are you ready??
Highways 23, 28, and 42 all bring you into Sheboygan from I-43.
Get all the details from Visit Sheboygan!
November 20, 2015 – November 22, 2015
Falls Finds and Barn Tour
The River Falls area comes alive when you take part in the Fall Finds and Barn Tour! Enjoy a leisurely tour of the beautiful Wisconsin countryside while you experience a diverse mix of shopping in rustic barns and downtown shops in and around River Falls. Find eclectic & handmade items, fine art, unique gifts, antiques, functional wares, local harvest and preserves, furniture, festive holiday, garden art & so much more, including:
– 125 on Main
– Over 30 artists and eclectic mix of holiday, harvest, repurposed, vintage and more.
– Holidays at Blue Ridge – over 20 artists’ original artwork, jewelry, edibles and more.
– Our Neighbor’s Old Barn – eclectic mix of gifts, vintage, furniture and fun.
– Garden Divas – unique gifts, harvest, holiday, garden, fair trade, vintage, local and more.
– Holidays on the Kinni – artists group and antiques, restored, harvest, holiday gifts and more.
– Riverwalk Art and Antiques – antiques, vintage, home, local gifts, edibles and more.
River Falls is in Pierce County, where Highways 29, 35, and 65 meet.
Check their event website for more details!
October 17, 2015
Festival Brazil, Sheboygan
Sheboygan’s John Michael Kohler Arts Center heats things up with an immersion into the culture of the world’s fifth largest country. Marvel at the talents of Milwaukee’s Capoeira Nagô, practitioners of an art form that fuses the acrobatic and martial arts. Sample traditional foods and Brazil’s national beverage – coffee! And enjoy creating colorful works of art.
The John Michael Kohler Arts Center is in downtown Sheboygan on 6th Street & New York Avenue. Highways 23, 28, and 42 all bring you towards downtown.
October 10, 2015 – October 11, 2015
Osceola Fall Color Train Rides
Check out the beautiful fall colors in the St. Croix River valley from vintage train cars powered by a diesel locomotive from the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railroad. It’s a fun and gorgeous ride between Osceola and Marine.
Highway 35 brings you to Osceola in Polk County, right by Highway 243, the shortest state highway in Wisconsin. It’s worth the drive to take the ride!
Check their website, which is part of the Minnesota Transportation Museum, for full schedules and details. Fall rides run the weekends of Oct 3-4 and 10-11, 2015.