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.
Family fun amidst the beautiful fall colors in Egg Harbor are the order of the day for the Pumpkin Patch Festival along Highway 42 in Door County. Entertainment, arts and crafts, rides, live music and lots of treats to eat help top it off, with restaurant all open and street vendors offer brats, roasted corn, caramel apple sundaes, chili, turkey legs and more. And yes, pumpkins will be everywhere!
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.
Billing itself as “the greatest free one-day festival in Wisconsin,” this 85th annual event features carnival rides and food, horse show and pulls, truck and tractor pulls, huge raffle, music, a parade, arts and craft show, and more. Free admission!
Viola is the heart of the GORGEOUS Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin, where Highways 56 and 131 meet. U.S. 14 is nearby, too.
See their website for full details, and informational video, and more.
Think “she sells sea shells by the seashore” is tricky? Wait’ll you hear and see these contestants with some truly tantalizing tongue twister tries! Hey, you can enter too… how many tongue twisters can you get off in 10 seconds? Adults and kids each have their own divisions with appropriate prizes, which might include “a peck of pickled peppers,” or something similar.
Contest tongue twisters are not given out ahead for maximum challenges. Door prizes will be available for all audience members, plus more prizes for all contestants. Don’t be late, this is a fast contest! Just come to watch & listen if you want! Gift shop open after. Parking is free. Admission charge to contest.
This happens in downtown Burlington at the Logic Puzzle Museum, just down the street from Fred’s (the burger place we love!) City Highways 11, 36, and 83 intersect right around here, Highway 142 also brings you in from Kenosha. Get your tongue ready and go check it out!
On Peshtigo Lake, which is actually in Crandon, check out the National Barefooting Championships the weekend of August 22-23! This is a national figure-8 barefoot water ski tournament, featuring head-to-head competition. As they say, the crazy is what makes it insanely entertaining. “Average joes” actually take on barefoot waterskiing champions in the ultimate endurance challenge. Maybe you’re not crazy enough to participate? That’s cool, you can attend and watch!
U.S. 8 and Highways 32 and 55 bring you to Crandon. And no matter how you get there, it’s a beautiful drive!
Check out their website for full activity details.
De Pere buzzes with the Brown County Fair, August 19 to 23, 2015. Check out the roar of engines with demolition derby Wednesday and a Tractor Pull Thursday; bulls, broncos and cowboys at the PRCA Rodeo Friday and Saturday, presented by Broadway Automotive.
Music from bands like The Cougars Thursday, the Mantz Brothers Friday, plus Petty Cash, Nash Vegas, Separate Ways and much more for the whole family.
There’s the All American Lumberjack Show daily, and military appreciation day is Saturday.
Tickets are $9 in advance and $12 at the gate – $5 on Sunday. ight at the gate– all access including rides—all day—just 12 bucks, and just 5 bucks for Sunday. Go online for complete schedule at browncountyfair.com.
You’ll find the Brown County Fairgrounds in De Pere just off I-41, and Highway 32 (Ashland Avenue), across the river from Highway 57 and just south of the 172 Freeway. It’s right on the shores of the Fox River!
Address:
1500 Ft. Howard Avenue
De Pere, WI 54115
(920) 336-7292 Website
Start:
August 19, 2015
End:
August 23, 2015
Venue:
Brown County Fairgrounds
Phone:
920-336-7292
Address:
1500 Fort Howard Avenue, De Pere, WI, 54115, United States
Brady Street is a neighborhood as well as a street on Milwaukee’s lower East Side and it’s a blast. The annual Brady Street Festival happens Saturday, July 25th, 2015 from 11am to midnight and will feature 4 stages packed with live entertainment, including many popular local Milwaukee area bands.
Along with the music, the Division BMX Stunt Team, the Casablanca Rumble V Pro Wrestling Ring, The Milwaukee Flyers tumbling team, and the CFSC Speleo Cave will perform. There’ll be a variety of vendors, over 40 local cheeses to sample at the Glorioso cheese tent, jewelry and pottery crafters, a vast array of food, and of course, ice cold beer.
Brady Street is just off Highway 32 (Farwell/Prospect Avenues) just east of Highway 145, I-43, and north of U.S. 18. Highway 190/Capitol Drive is just a few miles north.
Address:
1224 E. Brady Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 272-3978 Website
Start:
July 25, 2015 11:00 am
End:
July 25, 2015 11:55 pm
Venue:
Brady Street Festival
Phone:
414-272-3978
Address:
1224 E. Brady Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
The county seat of Calumet County, Chilton holds its annual Summer Festival from Thursday, June 18th through Sunday, June 21st. Everything from citywide rummage sales to music, food, entertainment, and a Father’s Day Parade will all take place throughout town. Highways 32, 57, and U.S. 151 all meet in Chilton; it’s an easy drive from anywhere in eastern Wisconsin.
Start:
June 18, 2015
End:
June 21, 2015
Venue:
Chilton Summer Festival
Address:
25 N. Madison Street, Chilton, WI, 53014, United States
This free family festival in Fondy features fish – with an emphasis on walleye (and that was all the alliteration we could work in one line.)
Plenty of live music, games, attractions including FamilyLand, a Strongman competition and tournaments in basketball, volleyball, and fishing … all capped with the Mercury Marine 38th Annual National Walleye Tournament.
It’s a fun outdoor festival along the southern shore of Lake Winnebago. U.S. 41, 45, 151 and Highways 23 and 175 all bring you to Fond Du Lac!
Start:
June 12, 2015
End:
June 14, 2015
Venue:
Walleye Weekend
Phone:
920-923-6555
Address:
650 N. Main Street, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events › Family
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.
October 10, 2015 – October 11, 2015
Pumpkin Patch Festival
Family fun amidst the beautiful fall colors in Egg Harbor are the order of the day for the Pumpkin Patch Festival along Highway 42 in Door County. Entertainment, arts and crafts, rides, live music and lots of treats to eat help top it off, with restaurant all open and street vendors offer brats, roasted corn, caramel apple sundaes, chili, turkey legs and more. And yes, pumpkins will be everywhere!
Their event website has more updates and details.
October 3, 2015 – October 4, 2015
Osceola Fall Color Train Ride
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.
September 25, 2015 – September 26, 2015
Viola Horse and Colt Show
Billing itself as “the greatest free one-day festival in Wisconsin,” this 85th annual event features carnival rides and food, horse show and pulls, truck and tractor pulls, huge raffle, music, a parade, arts and craft show, and more. Free admission!
Viola is the heart of the GORGEOUS Driftless Area of southwestern Wisconsin, where Highways 56 and 131 meet. U.S. 14 is nearby, too.
See their website for full details, and informational video, and more.
August 22, 2015
International Tongue Twister Contest
Think “she sells sea shells by the seashore” is tricky? Wait’ll you hear and see these contestants with some truly tantalizing tongue twister tries! Hey, you can enter too… how many tongue twisters can you get off in 10 seconds? Adults and kids each have their own divisions with appropriate prizes, which might include “a peck of pickled peppers,” or something similar.
Contest tongue twisters are not given out ahead for maximum challenges. Door prizes will be available for all audience members, plus more prizes for all contestants. Don’t be late, this is a fast contest! Just come to watch & listen if you want! Gift shop open after. Parking is free. Admission charge to contest.
This happens in downtown Burlington at the Logic Puzzle Museum, just down the street from Fred’s (the burger place we love!) City Highways 11, 36, and 83 intersect right around here, Highway 142 also brings you in from Kenosha. Get your tongue ready and go check it out!
Check their website for all the details.
August 21, 2015 – August 23, 2015
Footstock Waterski Competition
On Peshtigo Lake, which is actually in Crandon, check out the National Barefooting Championships the weekend of August 22-23! This is a national figure-8 barefoot water ski tournament, featuring head-to-head competition. As they say, the crazy is what makes it insanely entertaining. “Average joes” actually take on barefoot waterskiing champions in the ultimate endurance challenge. Maybe you’re not crazy enough to participate? That’s cool, you can attend and watch!
U.S. 8 and Highways 32 and 55 bring you to Crandon. And no matter how you get there, it’s a beautiful drive!
Check out their website for full activity details.
August 19, 2015 – August 23, 2015
Brown County Fair
De Pere buzzes with the Brown County Fair, August 19 to 23, 2015. Check out the roar of engines with demolition derby Wednesday and a Tractor Pull Thursday; bulls, broncos and cowboys at the PRCA Rodeo Friday and Saturday, presented by Broadway Automotive.
Music from bands like The Cougars Thursday, the Mantz Brothers Friday, plus Petty Cash, Nash Vegas, Separate Ways and much more for the whole family.
There’s the All American Lumberjack Show daily, and military appreciation day is Saturday.
Tickets are $9 in advance and $12 at the gate – $5 on Sunday. ight at the gate– all access including rides—all day—just 12 bucks, and just 5 bucks for Sunday. Go online for complete schedule at browncountyfair.com.
You’ll find the Brown County Fairgrounds in De Pere just off I-41, and Highway 32 (Ashland Avenue), across the river from Highway 57 and just south of the 172 Freeway. It’s right on the shores of the Fox River!
Address:
1500 Ft. Howard Avenue
De Pere, WI 54115
(920) 336-7292
Website
July 25, 2015
Brady Street Festival
Brady Street is a neighborhood as well as a street on Milwaukee’s lower East Side and it’s a blast. The annual Brady Street Festival happens Saturday, July 25th, 2015 from 11am to midnight and will feature 4 stages packed with live entertainment, including many popular local Milwaukee area bands.
Along with the music, the Division BMX Stunt Team, the Casablanca Rumble V Pro Wrestling Ring, The Milwaukee Flyers tumbling team, and the CFSC Speleo Cave will perform. There’ll be a variety of vendors, over 40 local cheeses to sample at the Glorioso cheese tent, jewelry and pottery crafters, a vast array of food, and of course, ice cold beer.
Brady Street is just off Highway 32 (Farwell/Prospect Avenues) just east of Highway 145, I-43, and north of U.S. 18. Highway 190/Capitol Drive is just a few miles north.
Address:
1224 E. Brady Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 272-3978
Website
June 18, 2015 – June 21, 2015
Chilton Summer Festival
The county seat of Calumet County, Chilton holds its annual Summer Festival from Thursday, June 18th through Sunday, June 21st. Everything from citywide rummage sales to music, food, entertainment, and a Father’s Day Parade will all take place throughout town. Highways 32, 57, and U.S. 151 all meet in Chilton; it’s an easy drive from anywhere in eastern Wisconsin.
June 12, 2015 – June 14, 2015
Walleye Weekend, Fond du Lac
This free family festival in Fondy features fish – with an emphasis on walleye (and that was all the alliteration we could work in one line.)
Plenty of live music, games, attractions including FamilyLand, a Strongman competition and tournaments in basketball, volleyball, and fishing … all capped with the Mercury Marine 38th Annual National Walleye Tournament.
It’s a fun outdoor festival along the southern shore of Lake Winnebago. U.S. 41, 45, 151 and Highways 23 and 175 all bring you to Fond Du Lac!