Enjoy some Friday night fun during First Fridays Racine, taking place along Main Street in Downtown Racine from May – December from 4-9pm! It happens throughout the downtown area, centered on Monument Square where Highways 20 and 38 cap the ends of a main thoroughfare that is Highway 32.
Friday, May 1st is next for First Fridays Racine
The first First Fridays in 2026 will take place Friday (of course), May 1st from 4 pm to 9 pm. The theme is Creative Crawl!
The Creative Crawl will be a citywide celebration of art, creativity, and community. Enjoy hands-on activities, artist demos, local author readings, pop-up exhibits, and more throughout Downtown Racine. More details to come!
As always, Downtown Racine’s merchants, restaurants, and bars are rolling out the red carpet with shopping and dining deals that are too good to pass up. Live music will fill the air at hotspots like Brickhouse, The Ivanhoe, Marci’s on Main, Reefpoint Brew House, Dimples, Chartroom, and Uncorkt, keeping the party going all night long.
Parking is conveniently available at the Lake Avenue Ramp (300 Lake Avenue), Civic Centre Ramp (501 Lake Avenue), and the McMynn Ramp (120 7th Street) or Shoop (Main & State) for an all-day rate of only $4.00.
In addition to First Fridays, check out the rest of downtown Racine. Right along the shores of Lake Michigan you can explore Reefpoint Marina, North Beach, the Racine Zoo, the new boutique Hotel Verdant, Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and SC Johnson sites.
Take the drive to where Highways 11, 20, 32, and 38 come together in downtown Racine. Enjoy happy people taking in the best of what downtown Racine has to offer! Check out the First Fridays Racine website for more details.
First Fridays Racine Address:
Monument Square
100 Main Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 634-4287 Website
Mmmm… Grilled Cheese. Can it get any better?? Dodgeville is “Grilled Cheese Central” on Saturday, April 25, 2026 as the Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship takes place at the Leo Pavilion in Harris Park. Amateurs and professionals compete in 4 “heats” to determine the best grilled cheese sandwiches in Wisconsin and compete for fabulous prizes. Listen to live music, drink some beer and wine, sample outstanding grilled cheese sandwiches. Fun for all ages. Free admission! Get all the details at their website, grilledcheesewisconsin.com.
You can get to Dodgeville via U.S. 18 & 151 and Highway 23. Any trip is worth it for grilled cheese!
Our previous favorites have included the Gouda Girls (below); Tina and Katherine make grilled cheese sandwich combos that win all across the nation. They’re based in Milwaukee and do incredible things with taste buds. Our head State Trunk Tour guy Eric Paulsen got to experience their creations firsthand in this Discover Wisconsinepisode. We don’t have any vote, though, so we’ll see how this goes.
Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship Address:
Harris Park
600 Bennett Road
Dodgeville, WI 53533
(608) 935-9200 Website
The annual Between the Bluffs Beverages & Bites Festival returns Saturday, April 25th, 2026! Between the Bluffs brings together craft beverages, THC, and non-alcoholic/mocktail drinks, specialty meats, and artisan cheeses from the La Crosse Region, across Wisconsin, and throughout the Midwest. Don’t forget to sign-up for the Coulee Region Cornhole Tournament and play some Hammer-Schlagen.
It all begins Friday evening, April 24th, with Friday Night: Taster’s Eve. You can buy a wristband and ride the shuttles to various participating establishments for specials and tap take-overs by guest breweries attending the fest.
The main festival takes place at La Crosse’s Southside Oktoberfest Grounds on Saturday afternoon, April 25rd, with general admission ($50) from 2-6pm. VIP tickets ($90) allow for a noon entry. Details on what you get with each are below!
Here’s how it has looked in previous years!
Sunday, April 26th is the Bacon Bloody Brunch! Jump back on the horse or come out for a “Sunday Funday” at the Oktoberfest Grounds! Enjoy specialty breakfast drinks, yard games, live music, and of course BACON. Specialty drinks include beer bloodies, mimosas and breakfast beer served up by Del’s Bar, Pearl Street Brewery, and Surly Brewing Company. For eats, enjoy giant pancakes served up by Mindoro Lions Club, bacon provided by Bubba’s Meats and Premier Catering, cheesy potatoes, and eggs. Coffee will also be available.
For Sunday’s Bacon Bloody Brunch, tickets are available for $15, which are available online or at the gates. You must be 21 years or older and show ID at the gate.
I-90, U.S. 14/61, U.S. 53, and Highways 16, 33, and 35 all bring you to La Crosse, and they’re all beautiful drives as you head “Between the Bluffs”!
Between the Bluffs Beverages & Bites Festival Address:
Southside Oktoberfest Grounds
2nd & La Crosse Streets
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 782-2250 or (800) 658-9424 Website
The 18th Annual Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival returns to the legendary Brat Stop in Kenosha on Saturday, April 18th! This fun-filled event features a variety of Wisconsin cheeses, some of the most sought after beers from Wisconsin and beyond and awesome live music!. This is a “don’t miss event” for anybody who likes beer, cheese and music!
The festival typically draws over 900 attendees and features over 100 different styles of beer, a home brew competition, and local breweries with unlimited beer and cheese samples. Additionally, live music plays all afternoon with the Empty Bottle Boys and One Shot Jane performing. They play in the Parkway Chateau, adjacent to the Brat Stop.
Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival Tickets
The Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival has a rather extensive VIP ticket package. For $80 in advance or $85 at the door, VIP fest goers receive a lunch buffet courtesy of Festival Foods, specialty cheese and beers, a VIP beer stein and an extra hour of festing! The food buffet is available for the duration of the fest from noon until 5 p.m.
General admission ticketsare $55 in advance and $60 at the door. All tickets include a commemorative glass, live music and four hours of unlimited beer and cheese samples. Designated driver tickets are $15. This is a 21+ only event.
Last time we checked over 50 different brewers will be there. They include large brewers like Miller and Coors to small craft brewers including Lakefront, Bell’s, Toppling Goliath, Bare Bones, Alaskan, and more. Local home brew societies also represent at the festival. All will be pouring samples and providing info about their beers and brewing processes. Also, great food – including brats – will be part of the sustenance as the bands serenade your eating, drinking, talking, and enjoying.
Wisconsin Dells’ own Dells On Tap: Signature Springtime Sips embraces spring in a NEW location!
This year, Dells On Tap: Signature Springtime Sips takes place on Saturday, April 18th, and it moves to Newport Park, right on the Lower Dells overlooking the Wisconsin River. They offer samples from many of Wisconsin’s craft beer producers, including Al Ringling, Hillsboro, Moosejaw, Pals, Lombardi, New Glarus, Titletown, Untitled Art and Vintage. You can also enjoy live entertainment, cornhole games, and food for sale.
General admission tickets are $50 and include a tasting mug. They can be purchased online HERE. Parking for the event will be at nearby Kaminski Park and shuttle services are available to the event site.
This is on top of all the things there are to throughout the Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton areas, from water parks to fun shops, museums, and even the World’s Largest Wooden Trojan Horse along Wisconsin Dells Parkway! Hit I-90/94, U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23.
You’ll find the festivities in Wisconsin Dells (of course), an easy ride off I-90/94 (Exits 85-92), U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23.
Wisconsin Dells On Tap Address:
70 County Road A
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
(800) 223-3557 Event Website
Happening quarterly, Gallery Night & Day is one of the premier art events in Milwaukee. It’s the “Ultimate Art Weekend,” with over 50 venues throughout the Historic Third Ward and Downtown that serve as showcases for viewing art from paintings to sculptures to other creative outlets. Bars and restaurants stay open later than usual Friday night, while Saturday is a prime time to continue the gallery gallivanting while also enjoying the area’s unique and eclectic selection of shops.
Along with art galleries, Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward is filled with locally-owned boutique shops along with national stores like Anthropologie, Designs Within Reach, Francesca’s, Mod Gen, Retique, Warby Parker, Lululemon Athletica, and more. You can also stop in Wizard Works Brewing orBroken Bat Brewery for craft beer, or Vino 100 or Thief Wine in the Milwaukee Public Market for a fantastic selection of wines. Numerous restaurants in the Third Ward offer everything from bar food to Asian fusion, Indian cuisine, American and Korean barbecue, and Italian – plus Shake Shack. The Milwaukee Public Marketdraws visitors from all over and offers takeaway and ready-to-eat food, drinks, and sundries in one dynamic setting.
This quarter, Gallery Night runs Friday and Saturday, April 17th and 18th. Activities begin late afternoon Friday and run through Saturday afternoon. I-43/94, I-794, U.S. 18, and Highway 32 are all amidst where it takes place; Highways 38, 59, and 145 get you close! The city has signs directing you to the Third Ward from the Marquette Interchange. You can also ride The Hop, the local streetcar
Full details and venue listings are available on their website. You’ll find the latest listings of shops, galleries, bars, restaurants, and more – things develop and change quickly in the Third Ward!
Gallery Night & Day Address:
Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward
300 N. Broadway (and all over the area)
Milwaukee, WI 53202 Website
Within the pristine white walls of a contemporary art museum that overlooks Lake Michigan, the Racine Art Museum presents a rather non-traditional exhibition showcasing fluffy, sugar-coated marshmallow PEEPS®. Over the years, many entrants have been become experts in marshmallow candy as a material, using methods like carving, painting, hole punching, gluing, and melting to manipulate PEEPS into incredible shapes. For this show, Richard W. Marklin, Jr. melted a flock of PEEPS to make Raul the Rooster, a realistic barnyard bird; while April Harris and Autumn Kyle assembled the holiday treats into a bust of Black Panther Peeper.
This year, the RAM 17th Annual International PEEPS Art Exhibition takes place now through April 18th; awards will be handed out after. Previous shows have drawn over 4,000 visitors to the museum during its three-week run, setting daily spring attendance records along the way. Previous pieces included Peep Swift: The Marshmallow Era (yes, channeling Taylor); the It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere parrot-looking PEEP with the Jimmy Buffett vibe; Funky Peepcock fashioned in sparkling glass beads and feathers; Pop Art Peeps crafted in glazed stoneware; and Sweet Meets Wild, an inlaid box made of different hardwoods. Inspired by inventive puns, pop culture, sports, and famous artists, many of the PEEPS art entries are by local artists, families, and organizations but quite a few artists from out-of-state also participate.
Vote for Your Favorite PEEPS
Stop by the museum to vote for your favorite PEEPS creation. You will decide who wins the coveted PEEPles Choice Award, announced at the end of the show.
You’ll find the Racine Art Museum along Main Street/Highway 32 in downtown Racine, just blocks from Lake Michigan. Highways 20 and 38 also bring you downtown, and Highway 11 is just to the south. It’s a little over a 10-minute drive east of I-41/94, depending on traffic and how you lit the lights. There is plenty else to see and do there, from picking up a fresh kringle at one of Racine’s famous Danish bakeries to exploring the city’s heritage at the Racine Historical Museum, enjoying the beautiful harbor and waterfront, shopping the stores of 6th Street and Main Street, or even exploring Hotel Verdant, the new boutique hotel downtown. These are all within walking distance of the Racine Art Museum!
International PEEPS Art Exhibition Address:
Racine Art Museum
441 Main Street (Highway 32)
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 638-8300 Website
PEEPS Exhibit called “Mt. PEEPmore” by Elizabeth Peterson. Yes, it’s a mountain of PEEPs. Photo credit: Christina Lieffring, Racine Journal-Times.
The 21st annual Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) runs from March 25th – 29th, 2026! Run in conjunction with Beloit College, the BIFF draws thousands upon thousands of film lovers, and writers and directors from around the world for viewing, workshops, and more. The “International” in the title isn’t just for show, after all.
The Beloit International Film Festival celebrates the power of independent film from around the globe. Local residents and visitors from across the nation fill venues ranging in size from 40 to 400 seats to view more than 150 films and meet scores of filmmakers who come from throughout the U.S. and around the world. This unique festival continues to grow and has caught national attention with the New York Times calling BIFF, “a festival with a unique goal of returning the spirit of film festivals’ golden era, when guests talked film all night with directors and writers who were on hand and available for questions.” The New York Times also listed the festival as a unique alternative to other big international film festivals such as Sundance and Tribeca.
BIFF celebrates filmmakers in all genres—features, documentaries, shorts— who enjoy the Beloit setting as much as the attendees do. BIFF promises crowds of interested viewers filling venues, questioning them at the films, and stopping them on the street to talk about their shared passions and projects in independent filmmaking.
Getting to Beloit is easy! Just follow I-43 from Milwaukee, I-90 from Madison or Janesville, or Highway 81 from Monroe and points west. Highway 213 also brings you in from points northwest. Then just follow the roads to the Rock River and the downtown area. Guide signs will help you find the way downtown. And be sure to check out all the amazing new developments in downtown Beloit and throughout the area!
Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) Address:
Various locations in Beloit, mostly downtown
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 312-4256 Website
The 3rd annual Balloon Adventure is BACK at Pier 290 in Williams Bay, Thursday, March 19th through Sunday, March 29th, 2026!
This amazing display and show features over 100,000 balloons from 14 balloon artists who craft dazzling displays that are literally “full of hot air.” This years theme is “Bug Out!”
The Boat Showroom at PIER 290 in Williams Bay transforms into a magical marine adventure for the 2026 Balloon Adventure. The “Bug Out!” theme lets you get ready to shrink down and bug out in a balloon-filled world where butterflies, beetles, and bumblebees take over. From dazzling balloon artistry to interactive experiences, photo ops, themed nights, and family fun—this whimsical event is for all ages! It’s all in support of the 531 Fund’s charitable mission.
In addition, a variety of special events take place on select days. They include the Glow Waves Adventure, Rave Under the Wave, the Deep Sea Shuffle, Tales of the Sea (a family movie night), and more. Get the full list here.
Tickets for Balloon Adventure
General Admission tickets are available online here as well as at the door during the event. In advance tickets are $20, $25 at the door. Kids 2 and under are free. Special events have separate pricing.
The Balloon Adventure is a unique and fun stop while in the Lake Geneva area. Check it out at Pier 290 when you’re road tripping on Highway 67! You’ll find Williams Bay just south of Highway 50 and northeast of U.S. 14, just minutes off I-43.
Afterwards – or before if you prefer – check out the nearby Yerkes Observatory. It’s the birthplace of astrophysics, after all. They offer tours on occasion, too! Meanwhile, more adventures and fun await in Lake Geneva, just a few minutes once you head east on Highway 50.
The Balloon Adventure Address:
The Boat Showroom at PIER 290
1 Liechty Drive
Williams Bay, WI 53191 Website
Downtown Waukesha, along with being a crazy maze of streets, offers up a lot of fun places. That includes art galleries. For the Waukesha Art Crawl, over 175 artisans at 20 galleries and showplaces, live music, gift shops and more are featured at this seasonal event. Walk the downtown streets to discover your next artistic treasure, shop the boutiques, listen to live music or indulge in food and drink.
The next Waukesha Art Crawl on Saturday, March 7th with a theme to be announced. This crawl takes place throughout downtown Waukesha from 2pm – 8pm.
How do you get into Waukesha? I-94 and Highway 16 bring you to the north side; Highways 59 and 164 round the south and east sides. U.S. 18 cuts right through, take that or East or St. Paul Avenues.
Waukesha Art Crawl Address:
Downtown Waukesha
337 W. Main Street
Waukesha, WI 53186
(262) 542-1522 Website
The annual Cedarburg Winter Festival hits the heart of Cedarburg’s ridiculously beautiful and historic downtown along Washington Avenue (Historic Highway 57) Saturday, February 21st & Sunday, February 22nd, 2026. It’s a weekend full of fun across this beautiful city!
Activities run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, followed by a Saturday Night “Luau” that runs 6pm-9pm, and then 8:30am to 4pm on Sunday. The popular Ice Carving Contest, which runs from 8:30am – 2pm on Saturday, sets the stage along the city’s main street. Multiple 300-pound blocks of ice will be transformed into glistening pieces of Superhero-inspired art by talented ice carvers.
Explore the Vendor Market from 10am to 4pm inside the Community Gym or the Foxtown BBQ during that same time. Enjoy food trucks, parked up and down next to the gym from 10am to 5pm.
A tractor-drawn hay wagon provides a great view, but fest-goers who opt to stroll along Washington Avenue and prefer being outside can test their endurance by enjoying camel rides, egg hunts, sledding, ice skating or watching an old-fashioned dog pull. Bed Races take place Saturday afternoon at 1:30, too!
Sunday will dawn with the popular Pancake Breakfast at the Community Center from 8:30am to 11:00am. There’s a Soup Contest from Noon – 3pm too, if you want things to be… soupier.
On Sunday from 10:00am – 4:00pm, top dogs will compete in the Dog Weight Pull Competition sponsored by the Alaskan Malamute Club of Wisconsin and Fromm Foods.
Check out Granny Impersonator Bingo at the Community Gym Sunday from Noon – 2pm, and the Scavenger Hunt continues on Sunday from 10am – 4pm.
Kenosha Restaurant Week is a nine-day celebration of the city’s and area’s delicious and diverse dining scene. It’s a way to show some LOVE to our locally owned, small restaurants, pubs, eateries, and food shops. It’s also the perfect opportunity to explore new places to dine, return to a favorite place, try something new at your go-to restaurant, or just show your support to our local restaurants.
It runs Saturday, February 21st through Sunday, March 1st this year. Over 80 restaurants are participating in Kenosha Restaurant Week – the most yet – offering special menus with special pricing for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts, even snacks. Here’s a video showcasing it all!
Details on participating restaurants and links to their menus are coming soon!
Battle on Bago is the Midwest’s largest ice fishing tournament and the family and fishing event of the year! The 19th annual Battle on Bago (winter version, there’s a summer one in June) takes place on Lake Winnebago February 20th-21st, 2026. There’s a Friday Fish Fry on the ice – weather permitting – with live music. Saturday’s Ice Fishing Tournament features over $275,000 in cash and prizes!
The Tournament starts Friday, February 20th at 6:00 am; scales will be open from 4pm to 8pm. On Saturday February 21st, scales will open at 9am; the tournament ends at 2:00pm. Tournament ticket sales END at 6am Friday. You must be in line by 2:00 pm at Menominee Park in Oshkosh.
Contestants will be allowed to fish Lake Winnebago and the Upper River Lakes: Lake Poygan, Lake Winneconne, and Lake Butte des Morts. Ice Fishing Permitted ONLY. You can weigh 1 fish per fishing ticket of any of the following species: Walleye (minimum length 14”), panfish (perch, bluegills, crappies), or whitebass. Any other fish not listed here will not be eligible for registration. Fish may be taken with tip-ups or by rod and reel. There is no age requirement on tournament participation.
Along with fishing, check out the heated tent and enjoy a great fish fry and other food from 5-10pm, plus live music from 7:30pm-11pm Friday night. The Raffle will be held on Saturday at 5pm. FREE Admission to all non-fishing events!
You can get tickets here. Fishing tickets are $40. You can also buy tickets are various locales in the Oshkosh area, as well as Fleet Farm stores statewide. You also need a valid fishing license from the Wisconsin DNR (888-936-7463).
More info on tickets, tournaments, entertainment, and more can be found on their website, BattleonBago.org.
You can get to Menominee Park in Oshkosh by hitting I-41 and heading into town or accessing downtown Oshkosh using Highways 21, 26, 44, 76, 91, or U.S. 45. A lot of roads lead to Oshkosh… by gosh.
Battle on Bago Address:
Menominee Park/Millers Bay
Irving Avenue & Hazel Street
Oshkosh, WI 54901
(920) 303-9200 Website
Start:
February 20, 2026
End:
February 21, 2026
Venue:
Menominee Park
Phone:
920-303-9200
Address:
East Irving Avenue at Hazel Street, Oshkosh, WI, 54903, United States
The “Birkie” returns to Hayward, providing year-round, healthy, active lifestyle events for thousands of adventurous spirits of all ages and abilities. Their slogan is SKI . RUN . BIKE . LIVE! It all began in 1973, when 35 determined skiers gathered on the starting line for the American Birkebeiner. Little did they know…they were about to change everything. Today, the Birkie provides year-round, healthy, active lifestyle events for thousands of adventurous spirits of all ages and abilities. In 2026, it’s back for Birkie Week February 18th through the 22nd!
The official name of this main event is the Slumberland American Birkebeiner Cross-Country Ski Event. It’s North America’s largest and most prestigious X-C ski marathon; 12,000 skiers of all ages, genders and nationalities participate in the 51K Birkebeiner, the 24K Kortelopet, Prince Haakon 13K, the children’s Barnebirkie, Junior Birkie, Elite Sprints, and Family Fun Ski.
The Barkebirkie in Hayward, where people line the streets, big-time.
Other fun events include the Barkie Birkie Skijor and Thursday’s Giant Ski Competition (six people on one pair of skis. What-what?? Find out more here.) The Birkie is a year-round lifestyle choice for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts of all levels. From its signature ski race, the legendary American Birkebeiner–Title Sponsor, Slumberland Furniture–the Birkie has grown into an exciting array of fitness and recreational opportunities. The 107-kilometer Birkie Trail system attracts skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from casual day-trippers to elite superstars.
The Slumberland American Birkebeiner®:
Spans 50 kilometers from Cable to Hayward for Skaters, and 55K for Classic Skiers
North America’s largest cross-country ski marathon
Attracts over 10,000 Birkie/Korte skiers
Part of the Worldloppet circuit of 20 international ski marathons and part of the American Ski Marathon series of 13 races.
American Birkebeiner (the Birkie) Event Address:
10527 Main Street
Hayward, WI 54843
(715) 634-5025 Website
U.S. 63 and Highways 27 and 77 bring you to Hayward! From U.S. 53 at Trego, follow U.S. 63 north about 25 minutes.
Ashland’s Book Across the Bay is one of the upper Midwest’s most unique winter events, open to over 4,000 skiers and snowshoers of all ages and ability levels. The 10-kilometer course, which is groomed for both classic-style and skate skiing, starts in Ashland and ends in Washburn, and follows a route not on land, but over the frozen surface of Lake Superior, the world’s largest lake. The event is held at night, and the course is lit by the stars above and up to 1,000 candles in ice luminaries that line the entire route!
This is a FREE point-to-point race that, this year, starts in Washburn and ends in Ashland. Please plan your transportation accordingly. They strongly urge you to park your car in Washburn near the finish area at Thompson’s West End Park just off Highway 13, and catch a shuttle to Ashland before the race. Buses will run from Ashland to Washburn 1:00–5:00 pm prior to the race.
The race itself starts in waves, from competitive skiers and snowshoers to recreational, and then walkers who may prefer not to be timed. The start area is at Maslowski Beach, which is located along U.S. Highway 2 at the far west end of Ashland. The finish line is in Washburn, on the bay near Thompson’s West End Park. A heated tent will be set up there for the post-race chili feed, beer and soda, music and awards.
Three Fun Races take place on Lake Superior in front of The Blue Wave:
The Penguin Fun Race starts at 11:00AM for children under 8 years old
The Fox Fun Race starts at 11:15AM for children 8 to 10 years old. Each participant in the Penguin and Fox races will receive an award, hot chocolate and cookies
The Polar Bear Race starts at 11:30AM for children 11 to 14 years of age. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place; cookie and hot chocolate
Participate, or just marvel at it. It’s a fun party and the area is beautiful this time of year – as long as you’re bundled up properly!
Also on Sunday, February 15th: Bike Across the Bay!
Bike Across the Bay at 10am, hosted by North Coast Cycling Association. The race will start from the Washburn Shore. Registration will be from 8:30-9:30am at the Harbor View Event Center, 130 Harbor View Dr, Washburn. Get more info at www.northcoastcycling.com.
U.S. 2 and Highway 13 are the main highways to and from Ashland. U.S. 63 guides you there from western Wisconsin, and local Highways 112 and 118 help you navigate the area. More things to do for this event in Ashland are available below.
Book Across the Bay Address:
Maslowski Beach Park
U.S. Highway 2 West
Ashland, WI 54806
(715) 682-2500 Website
Fond du Lac hosts the Sturgeon Spectacular and the Wisconsin State Snow Sculpting Championships Friday-Sunday February 13-15, 2026 on and along the south shores of Lake Winnebago and down Main Street in the heart of Fond du Lac. The Sturgeon’s evolution dates back over 200 million years, haven’t they earned a multi-day celebration? The city at the “bottom of the lake” celebrates these famed “bottom feeders” with a top-drawer weekend of fun for all.
Whether you join the always popular Wisconsin Snow Sculpting Championship, the Outdoor Curling Funspiel, Snow Land family activities, or come out to see the awesome snow & ice sculptures and enjoy one of many great restaurants or shops in downtown Fond du Lac, this festival has something for everyone. And it’s easy to get to via I-41, U.S. 45, U.S. 151, or Highway 23 – they all offer quick and easy access to FDL’s vibrant Main Street downtown and Lakeside Park on the shores of Lake Winnebago!
This quirky and fun take on a winter festival features events on the ice and off the ice. Enjoy Spear the Beer Promotions at venues across town, activities indoors, outdoors and throughout the community. Highlights include a kick-off parade, live musical performances including Boogie and the Yo-yo’z, the hottest party band in Wisconsin, ice and snow carving, comedy shows and the hilarious Guys on Ice show. Whether you love outdoor hockey, kids zones, fat tire bike racing, chili crawls or warming up near a toasty bonfire, you and your family will NOT run out of things to do at this year’s Sturgeon Spectacular.
FREE EVENTS ALL WEEKEND LONG!
Sturgeon Spectacular Schedule of Events
Friday, February 13th
ALL Day Wisconsin Snow Sculpting Championship presented by Grande Cheese @ Downtown, outside Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
1:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Downtown Sturgeon Scavenger Hunt @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
4:30 pm – 6:15 pm: Sturgeon Spectacular Kids Kickoff @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Sturgeon Spectacular Kick-off Celebration and Live Music @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
Saturday, February 14th
All day: Biggest Sturgeon Contest presented by Fleet Farm @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
All day: Wisconsin Snow Sculpting Championship presented by Grande Cheese @ Downtown, outside Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
9:00 am – 12:00 pm: 5K Run/Walk & Kids Fun Run presented by SSM Health @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
9:00 am – 9:00 pm: Downtown Sturgeon Scavenger Hunt
9:00 am – 4:00 pm: High School Snow Sculping Competition @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
9:00 am – 4:00 pm: Winter Fun Event – Fond du Lac Children’s Museum @ Fond du Lac Children’s Museum
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Downtown Fond du Lac Sweet Stroll @ Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership
10:00 am – 5:00 pm: Downtown Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides @ Downtown Fond du Lac
10:00 am – 6:00 pm: Downtown Snow Land @ Downtown Fond du Lac
10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Hammerschlagen Competition @ Fond du Lac Cyclery
10:00 am – 8:00 pm: Spearing and Beering presented by Busch Light @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
11:00 am – 3:00 pm: Downtown Chili Crawl presented by Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership @ Various locations in downtown Fond du Lac
11:00 am – 3:00 pm: Downtown Ice Sculpting Presented by U.S. Bank @ Various Locations, Downtown Fond du Lac
11:00 am – 5:00 pm: Outdoor Winter Fun Activities @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
11:00 am – 4:00 pm: Petting Zoo – Saturday @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
11:00 am – 4:00 pm: Sturgeon Mini Games & Activities @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
11:00 am – 1:00 pm: The Dragon Trainer – Dragon Training Show @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
12:30 pm – 3:00 pm: Paint Your Own Sturgeon Ornament @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm: BRRRINGO!
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Guys on Ice – Saturday Matinee @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Guys on Ice – Saturday Evening @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
Sunday, February 15th
All day: Wisconsin Snow Sculpting Championship presented by Grande Cheese @ Downtown, outside Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
9:00 am – 3:00 pm: Downtown Sturgeon Scavenger Hunt
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Downtown Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides @ Downtown Fond du Lac
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Downtown Snow Land @ Downtown Fond du Lac
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Learn to Curl @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
10:30 am – 12:00 pm: Art of the Bloody Mary! @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Petting Zoo – Sunday @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Sturgeon Spectacular Finale with Live Music @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
Sturgeon Spectacular Address:
Lakeside Park, Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts, and locations throughout town
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
(920) 923-3010 Website|
Fond du Lac is easily reached via I-41, U.S. 45, U.S. 151, and Highways 23 and 175.
Downtown Sturgeon Bay and the Stone Harbor Resort are the epicenter for the annual Fire & Ice Festival Weekend, happening February 13-14, 2026 right along the waters of the bay in Door County. Enjoy the beauty of winter at an event So Cool, it’s Hot!
Here’s the schedule for Fire & Ice events:
Friday, February 13th
5:30pm-7pm – Candlelight Ski & Snowshoe at Crossroads at Big Creek Nature Preserve.
Kick-off Destination Sturgeon Bay’s Fire & Ice Weekend with a candlelight ski or snowshoe at Crossroads at Big Creek. Trails that wind through Crossroads’ 125-acre Big Creek nature preserve will be lit by luminaries to provide a magical, memorable winter experience. (We will offer a candlelight hike if there’s not enough snow to ski.) Bring your own equipment or borrow ours. We have skis, poles, boots and snowshoes in all sizes from tiny tot to large adult. (First come, first serve as inventory allows.) Our volunteers will be on hand to help get you started. Staggered departures and safety protocols will be followed. Please avoid others when on the trails and step off the trails when necessary to avoid contact. This is a family-friendly event offered at no charge. Freewill donations to Crossroads are accepted and appreciated. No reservations necessary.
Saturday, February 14th
9am-2pm – Snow & Ice Carvings around downtown
Stroll around town to witness novice and professional carvers turn blocks of snow and ice into works of art beginning at 9 am. Businesses will have in-store specials as well as outdoor activities. For the second year in a row, don’t forget to create your own snow-friend during the Community Snowman Build (weather permitting) at Martin Park to build your very own snowman. Carrots, scarves, and other snowman making materials will be provided.
9:30am-5:30pm – Winter Bourbon & Wine Tasting
Madison Avenue Market. Bourbon & Wine Samples, Chili & More!
10am-4pm – Bay Shore Outfitters Ice Castles
Ice Castles, in-store specials, and more
11am -1pm – Boys & Girls Club Fire Demonstration
Bay Shore Outfitters. Learn how to build your own Bonfire with the Door County Boys & Girls Club!
6pm – ? Fire & Ice Gala
The weekend fun continues with our Virtual Fire & Ice Gala event! Your ticket and “Gala Gift” includes dinner for two (don’t worry–we sell single tickets, too!) from Scaturo’s Baking Co. & Cafe and a spectacular Fire & Ice created dessert from Stone Harbor Resort.
9pm – Winter on the Water Fireworks Show
Old Train Spur Bridge (at Sonny’s & Bridge Up Brewing Company)
Be sure to take a trolley around to see all of the sculptures!
For more information about the daytime activities, email vacation@sturgeonbay.net or call (920) 743-6246.
Sturgeon Bay is the seat of Door County, right where the peninsula is split by the waters the city is named after. Highways 42 and 57 bring you in, and there’s plenty else to see while you’re there – and of course, beauty and adventure await further up the peninsula!
Sturgeon Bay Fire & Ice Festival Address:
Downtown Sturgeon Bay & Stone Harbor Resort
107 N. 1st Avenue
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
(920) 746-0700 Website
Saturday, February 7th, 2026 is a great day to Visit Kenosha because the 14th annual Snow Daze Festival in Library Park will celebrate winter with an ice carving demonstration and display of ice sculptures. More than 40 ice sculptures will decorate Library Park and sidewalks throughout downtown Kenosha.
Featuring:
Ice artists from Art Below Zero in Franksville will create a one-of-a-kind ice sculpture beginning at 2 p.m.
Midwest DJ Productions will add fun and music to the event.
Free kits for s’mores at the park beginning at 2 p.m. until supplies run out; sponsored by Zeigler Hyundai. People may use the fire pits set up near the Veterans Memorial fountain at the park to toast marshmallows for the s’mores.
Additional treats are available for purchase from vendors.
Stroll around the park to view ice sculptures sponsored by:
-Align Wellness Collective | Sculpture: Custom
-Blackhawk Community Credit Union | Sculpture: Piggy Bank
-City of Kenosha | Custom Ice Carving Demo
-Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce | Sculpture: American Flag
-Snap-on | Sculpture: Tools
-The Gratzi | Sculpture: Custom
-Visit Kenosha | Sculpture: Custom Logo
Hudson bursts with color in the middle of winter with the balloon-filled Hot Air Affair! Enjoy not only hot air balloons, but a HUGE slew of events throughout the weekend, both indoors and out. The Hot Air Affair balloons, of course, are all outside. Twenty featured balloons will launch Saturday and Sunday morning at 8am. The 2026 theme “Sky Walkers Return to Rock”
Starting Friday at 10am and running all weekend, many of Hudson’s shops, destinations, and restaurants have special offers, promotions, and events. They include the Sippin’ with the Hotties Beverage Crawl and the Torchlight Parade starting at 7pm in downtown Hudson.
Saturday at 7:35am is the first Balloon Launch, with 20 hot air balloons rising from River Crest Elementary School on County F, south of Hudson. Across the area, you can look to the sky and see the balloons dotting the winter sky. A Pancake Breakfast precedes this at 7am at the Hudson Masonic Lodge on Locust Street in town. A Smoosh Board Competition also takes place at River Crest from 1-2:30pm with four people strapped onto two Smooshboards.
A second balloon launch happens Saturday afternoon at 3pm, also from River Crest Elementary. All day long, River Crest also hosts the Marketplace & Craft Fair, running 8am-8pm Saturday.
Back in town, the St. Croix River Dunk goes on from 1-3pm at Lakefront Park Beach; it’s the Hudson Rotary Club’s premiere winter fundraising event and… it sounds cold.
The Sunday Balloon Launch takes place at 7:35am – yes – from River Crest. All balloon inflations and flights are weather-dependent.
Geocaching fans, the Hot Air Affair has plenty of coordinates for you to uncover, with a series of new hidden geocaches.
Saturday from 11am to 4pm, the Octagon House has walking tours and both the house/museum and the carriage house will be open for tours in return for a small, suggested donation. An After the Glow Dance Party caps off Saturday evening at The Empourium on Rodeo Drive in Hudson with live music and plenty of fun.
Sunday continues with geocaching, the Pop Up Ballon Launch at 7:35am again, and continued deals and events at shops and restaurants. At 12pm, you can check out the Hot Air Balloon Fat Bike Race. It takes place at Lakefront Park in Hudson. It’s a 3K technical sprint along the St. Croix River bottoms and through the park, with “punchy hills and twisty turns.” 3pm is the Balloonist Roundtable.
Hudson is right along the gorgeous St. Croix River on the border with Minnesota, where I-94 and U.S. 12 enter the state. Highway 35 runs through the center of town. The beautiful Willow River State Park is nearby. Check out Hudson whenever you can, but if you can make it for Hot Air Affair, it’s definitely going to be a soaring good time!
The Torchlight Parade lights up the night during Hudson’s Hot Air Affair.
Hot Air Affair Address:
Downtown Hudson as well as River Crest Elementary School
535 County Road F
Hudson, WI 54016
(715) 386-4011 or (800) 657-6775 Website
Cabin fever? Sick of winter? Shake off the winter blues at the Mount Horeb Area Scandihoovian Winter Festival the first weekend in February. Stroll, shop, eat, and play throughout one of Dane County’s most unique and charming villages and the beautiful areas that surround it. Saturday is the big day, but there will be a whole weekend full of indoor/outdoor events tailored for winter enthusiasts.
Scandihoovian Winter Festival Event Schedule:
ALL DAY EVENTS Friday – Sunday The Driftless Historium‘s Downtown Troll Town Scavenger Hunt Learn More
SATURDAY EVENTS
9-5pmKids’ Craft Activity: Make Your Own Viking Helmet*, at the Mount Horeb Public Library 9am Start Scandi-Fatty Fat Tire Bike Race*, at Tyrol BasinLearn More 10am Start Snow Sculptures*, at Evangelical Lutheran Church 10-12pm Barnespill Kids’ Games*, at the Mount Horeb Welcome Center Learn More 10-4pmScandinavian Baking Demonstrations*, at the Driftless Historium Learn More 10-6pmTelsaan Tea‘s Free Tea & Coloring Learn More 10-3pm Center Ground Studio‘s Paint Your Own Gnome: Make and Take Pottery Kits Learn More 11-12pm Sugar Troll’s Activity: Sukkar’s Scandinavian Story and Craft Learn More 12-5pm Botham Vineyards’ Scandihoovian Hike & Picnic with Wine by the FireLearn More 1-3pmScandihoovian Adult Spelling Bee*, at Martinson Hall at Buck & Honey’s Learn More 3-4pm Brix Cider’s Partner Carry Learn More 4-6pmFrozen Turkey Bowling*, at Garfield Park Ice Rink Learn More 4:30-5:30pmCave of the Mounds‘ Guided Black Light Tour Learn More
SUNDAY EVENTS 9-12:30pmMount Horeb Rotary‘s SUPER BRUNCH Learn More 9-12:30pmOptimist Club‘s Silent Auction Learn More 11-4pm Telsaan Tea’s Free Tea & Coloring Learn More
Mount Horeb’s main drag (Highway 78, historic U.S. 18/151) is not only called Main Street, but also the “Trollway.” The U.S. 18/151 freeway brings you to the area, as well as Highway 92 on top of Highway 78. Activities center in this area but are held all over the area, including the nearby Blue Mounds.
Scandihoovian Winter Festival Address:
Mount Horeb & Blue Mounds Area
Mount Horeb, WI 53572
(608) 437-5914 Website
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events › Festival
May 1, 2026
First Fridays Racine
Enjoy some Friday night fun during First Fridays Racine, taking place along Main Street in Downtown Racine from May – December from 4-9pm! It happens throughout the downtown area, centered on Monument Square where Highways 20 and 38 cap the ends of a main thoroughfare that is Highway 32.
Friday, May 1st is next for First Fridays Racine
The first First Fridays in 2026 will take place Friday (of course), May 1st from 4 pm to 9 pm. The theme is Creative Crawl!
The Creative Crawl will be a citywide celebration of art, creativity, and community. Enjoy hands-on activities, artist demos, local author readings, pop-up exhibits, and more throughout Downtown Racine. More details to come!
As always, Downtown Racine’s merchants, restaurants, and bars are rolling out the red carpet with shopping and dining deals that are too good to pass up. Live music will fill the air at hotspots like Brickhouse, The Ivanhoe, Marci’s on Main, Reefpoint Brew House, Dimples, Chartroom, and Uncorkt, keeping the party going all night long.
Parking is conveniently available at the Lake Avenue Ramp (300 Lake Avenue), Civic Centre Ramp (501 Lake Avenue), and the McMynn Ramp (120 7th Street) or Shoop (Main & State) for an all-day rate of only $4.00.
In addition to First Fridays, check out the rest of downtown Racine. Right along the shores of Lake Michigan you can explore Reefpoint Marina, North Beach, the Racine Zoo, the new boutique Hotel Verdant, Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and SC Johnson sites.
Take the drive to where Highways 11, 20, 32, and 38 come together in downtown Racine. Enjoy happy people taking in the best of what downtown Racine has to offer! Check out the First Fridays Racine website for more details.
Monument Square
100 Main Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 634-4287
Website
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April 25, 2026
Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship
You can get to Dodgeville via U.S. 18 & 151 and Highway 23. Any trip is worth it for grilled cheese!
Our previous favorites have included the Gouda Girls (below); Tina and Katherine make grilled cheese sandwich combos that win all across the nation. They’re based in Milwaukee and do incredible things with taste buds. Our head State Trunk Tour guy Eric Paulsen got to experience their creations firsthand in this Discover Wisconsin episode. We don’t have any vote, though, so we’ll see how this goes.
Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship Address:
Harris Park
600 Bennett Road
Dodgeville, WI 53533
(608) 935-9200
Website
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Between the Bluffs Beer Wine and Cheese Festival
The annual Between the Bluffs Beverages & Bites Festival returns Saturday, April 25th, 2026! Between the Bluffs brings together craft beverages, THC, and non-alcoholic/mocktail drinks, specialty meats, and artisan cheeses from the La Crosse Region, across Wisconsin, and throughout the Midwest. Don’t forget to sign-up for the Coulee Region Cornhole Tournament and play some Hammer-Schlagen.
It all begins Friday evening, April 24th, with Friday Night: Taster’s Eve. You can buy a wristband and ride the shuttles to various participating establishments for specials and tap take-overs by guest breweries attending the fest.
The main festival takes place at La Crosse’s Southside Oktoberfest Grounds on Saturday afternoon, April 25rd, with general admission ($50) from 2-6pm. VIP tickets ($90) allow for a noon entry. Details on what you get with each are below!
Here’s how it has looked in previous years!
Sunday, April 26th is the Bacon Bloody Brunch! Jump back on the horse or come out for a “Sunday Funday” at the Oktoberfest Grounds! Enjoy specialty breakfast drinks, yard games, live music, and of course BACON. Specialty drinks include beer bloodies, mimosas and breakfast beer served up by Del’s Bar, Pearl Street Brewery, and Surly Brewing Company. For eats, enjoy giant pancakes served up by Mindoro Lions Club, bacon provided by Bubba’s Meats and Premier Catering, cheesy potatoes, and eggs. Coffee will also be available.
For Sunday’s Bacon Bloody Brunch, tickets are available for $15, which are available online or at the gates. You must be 21 years or older and show ID at the gate.
I-90, U.S. 14/61, U.S. 53, and Highways 16, 33, and 35 all bring you to La Crosse, and they’re all beautiful drives as you head “Between the Bluffs”!
Between the Bluffs Beverages & Bites Festival Address:
Southside Oktoberfest Grounds
2nd & La Crosse Streets
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 782-2250 or (800) 658-9424
Website
Between the Bluffs Ticket ($65-70) Details:
General Admission Tickets include:
VIP Tickets ($110) Include:
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April 18, 2026
Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival
The festival typically draws over 900 attendees and features over 100 different styles of beer, a home brew competition, and local breweries with unlimited beer and cheese samples. Additionally, live music plays all afternoon with the Empty Bottle Boys and One Shot Jane performing. They play in the Parkway Chateau, adjacent to the Brat Stop.
Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival Tickets
General admission tickets are $55 in advance and $60 at the door. All tickets include a commemorative glass, live music and four hours of unlimited beer and cheese samples. Designated driver tickets are $15. This is a 21+ only event.
Last time we checked over 50 different brewers will be there. They include large brewers like Miller and Coors to small craft brewers including Lakefront, Bell’s, Toppling Goliath, Bare Bones, Alaskan, and more. Local home brew societies also represent at the festival. All will be pouring samples and providing info about their beers and brewing processes. Also, great food – including brats – will be part of the sustenance as the bands serenade your eating, drinking, talking, and enjoying.
Proceeds benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Kenosha. Check the Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival Website for tickets, continued updates, and other details!
You’ll find the Brat Stop right along Highway 50, just west of the I-41/94 interchange. It’s a Wisconsin staple, after all.
Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival Address:
The Brat Stop
12304 75th Street (Highway 50)
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 653-7304
Website
Buy Tickets Here
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Dells On Tap: Signature Springtime Sips
Wisconsin Dells’ own Dells On Tap: Signature Springtime Sips embraces spring in a NEW location!
This year, Dells On Tap: Signature Springtime Sips takes place on Saturday, April 18th, and it moves to Newport Park, right on the Lower Dells overlooking the Wisconsin River. They offer samples from many of Wisconsin’s craft beer producers, including Al Ringling, Hillsboro, Moosejaw, Pals, Lombardi, New Glarus, Titletown, Untitled Art and Vintage. You can also enjoy live entertainment, cornhole games, and food for sale.
General admission tickets are $50 and include a tasting mug. They can be purchased online HERE. Parking for the event will be at nearby Kaminski Park and shuttle services are available to the event site.
This is on top of all the things there are to throughout the Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton areas, from water parks to fun shops, museums, and even the World’s Largest Wooden Trojan Horse along Wisconsin Dells Parkway! Hit I-90/94, U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23.
You’ll find the festivities in Wisconsin Dells (of course), an easy ride off I-90/94 (Exits 85-92), U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23.
Wisconsin Dells On Tap Address:
70 County Road A
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
(800) 223-3557
Event Website
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April 17, 2026 – April 18, 2026
Gallery Night & Day, Milwaukee
Happening quarterly, Gallery Night & Day is one of the premier art events in Milwaukee. It’s the “Ultimate Art Weekend,” with over 50 venues throughout the Historic Third Ward and Downtown that serve as showcases for viewing art from paintings to sculptures to other creative outlets. Bars and restaurants stay open later than usual Friday night, while Saturday is a prime time to continue the gallery gallivanting while also enjoying the area’s unique and eclectic selection of shops.
Along with art galleries, Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward is filled with locally-owned boutique shops along with national stores like Anthropologie, Designs Within Reach, Francesca’s, Mod Gen, Retique, Warby Parker, Lululemon Athletica, and more. You can also stop in Wizard Works Brewing or Broken Bat Brewery for craft beer, or Vino 100 or Thief Wine in the Milwaukee Public Market for a fantastic selection of wines. Numerous restaurants in the Third Ward offer everything from bar food to Asian fusion, Indian cuisine, American and Korean barbecue, and Italian – plus Shake Shack. The Milwaukee Public Market draws visitors from all over and offers takeaway and ready-to-eat food, drinks, and sundries in one dynamic setting.
This quarter, Gallery Night runs Friday and Saturday, April 17th and 18th. Activities begin late afternoon Friday and run through Saturday afternoon. I-43/94, I-794, U.S. 18, and Highway 32 are all amidst where it takes place; Highways 38, 59, and 145 get you close! The city has signs directing you to the Third Ward from the Marquette Interchange. You can also ride The Hop, the local streetcar
Full details and venue listings are available on their website. You’ll find the latest listings of shops, galleries, bars, restaurants, and more – things develop and change quickly in the Third Ward!
Gallery Night & Day Address:
Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward
300 N. Broadway (and all over the area)
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Website
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April 1, 2026 – April 18, 2026
International PEEPS Art Exhibition at the Racine Art Museum
Within the pristine white walls of a contemporary art museum that overlooks Lake Michigan, the Racine Art Museum presents a rather non-traditional exhibition showcasing fluffy, sugar-coated marshmallow PEEPS®. Over the years, many entrants have been become experts in marshmallow candy as a material, using methods like carving, painting, hole punching, gluing, and melting to manipulate PEEPS into incredible shapes. For this show, Richard W. Marklin, Jr. melted a flock of PEEPS to make Raul the Rooster, a realistic barnyard bird; while April Harris and Autumn Kyle assembled the holiday treats into a bust of Black Panther Peeper.
Vote for Your Favorite PEEPS
Stop by the museum to vote for your favorite PEEPS creation. You will decide who wins the coveted PEEPles Choice Award, announced at the end of the show.
You’ll find the Racine Art Museum along Main Street/Highway 32 in downtown Racine, just blocks from Lake Michigan. Highways 20 and 38 also bring you downtown, and Highway 11 is just to the south. It’s a little over a 10-minute drive east of I-41/94, depending on traffic and how you lit the lights. There is plenty else to see and do there, from picking up a fresh kringle at one of Racine’s famous Danish bakeries to exploring the city’s heritage at the Racine Historical Museum, enjoying the beautiful harbor and waterfront, shopping the stores of 6th Street and Main Street, or even exploring Hotel Verdant, the new boutique hotel downtown. These are all within walking distance of the Racine Art Museum!
International PEEPS Art Exhibition Address:
Racine Art Museum
441 Main Street (Highway 32)
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 638-8300
Website
PEEPS Exhibit called “Mt. PEEPmore” by Elizabeth Peterson. Yes, it’s a mountain of PEEPs. Photo credit: Christina Lieffring, Racine Journal-Times.
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March 25, 2026 – March 29, 2026
Beloit International Film Festival
The 21st annual Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) runs from March 25th – 29th, 2026! Run in conjunction with Beloit College, the BIFF draws thousands upon thousands of film lovers, and writers and directors from around the world for viewing, workshops, and more. The “International” in the title isn’t just for show, after all.
The Beloit International Film Festival celebrates the power of independent film from around the globe. Local residents and visitors from across the nation fill venues ranging in size from 40 to 400 seats to view more than 150 films and meet scores of filmmakers who come from throughout the U.S. and around the world. This unique festival continues to grow and has caught national attention with the New York Times calling BIFF, “a festival with a unique goal of returning the spirit of film festivals’ golden era, when guests talked film all night with directors and writers who were on hand and available for questions.” The New York Times also listed the festival as a unique alternative to other big international film festivals such as Sundance and Tribeca.
BIFF celebrates filmmakers in all genres—features, documentaries, shorts— who enjoy the Beloit setting as much as the attendees do. BIFF promises crowds of interested viewers filling venues, questioning them at the films, and stopping them on the street to talk about their shared passions and projects in independent filmmaking.
Get the Beloit International Film Festival Film Lineup here
Getting to Beloit is easy! Just follow I-43 from Milwaukee, I-90 from Madison or Janesville, or Highway 81 from Monroe and points west. Highway 213 also brings you in from points northwest. Then just follow the roads to the Rock River and the downtown area. Guide signs will help you find the way downtown. And be sure to check out all the amazing new developments in downtown Beloit and throughout the area!
Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) Address:
Various locations in Beloit, mostly downtown
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 312-4256
Website
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March 19, 2026 – March 29, 2026
The Balloon Adventure
The 3rd annual Balloon Adventure is BACK at Pier 290 in Williams Bay, Thursday, March 19th through Sunday, March 29th, 2026!
The Boat Showroom at PIER 290 in Williams Bay transforms into a magical marine adventure for the 2026 Balloon Adventure. The “Bug Out!” theme lets you get ready to shrink down and bug out in a balloon-filled world where butterflies, beetles, and bumblebees take over. From dazzling balloon artistry to interactive experiences, photo ops, themed nights, and family fun—this whimsical event is for all ages! It’s all in support of the 531 Fund’s charitable mission.
In addition, a variety of special events take place on select days. They include the Glow Waves Adventure, Rave Under the Wave, the Deep Sea Shuffle, Tales of the Sea (a family movie night), and more. Get the full list here.
Tickets for Balloon Adventure
General Admission tickets are available online here as well as at the door during the event. In advance tickets are $20, $25 at the door. Kids 2 and under are free. Special events have separate pricing.
The Balloon Adventure is a unique and fun stop while in the Lake Geneva area. Check it out at Pier 290 when you’re road tripping on Highway 67! You’ll find Williams Bay just south of Highway 50 and northeast of U.S. 14, just minutes off I-43.
Afterwards – or before if you prefer – check out the nearby Yerkes Observatory. It’s the birthplace of astrophysics, after all. They offer tours on occasion, too! Meanwhile, more adventures and fun await in Lake Geneva, just a few minutes once you head east on Highway 50.
The Balloon Adventure Address:
The Boat Showroom at PIER 290
1 Liechty Drive
Williams Bay, WI 53191
Website
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March 7, 2026
Waukesha Art Crawl
Downtown Waukesha, along with being a crazy maze of streets, offers up a lot of fun places. That includes art galleries. For the Waukesha Art Crawl, over 175 artisans at 20 galleries and showplaces, live music, gift shops and more are featured at this seasonal event. Walk the downtown streets to discover your next artistic treasure, shop the boutiques, listen to live music or indulge in food and drink.
The next Waukesha Art Crawl on Saturday, March 7th with a theme to be announced. This crawl takes place throughout downtown Waukesha from 2pm – 8pm.
Check out WaukeshaArt.com for all the updates and details!
How do you get into Waukesha? I-94 and Highway 16 bring you to the north side; Highways 59 and 164 round the south and east sides. U.S. 18 cuts right through, take that or East or St. Paul Avenues.
Waukesha Art Crawl Address:
Downtown Waukesha
337 W. Main Street
Waukesha, WI 53186
(262) 542-1522
Website
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February 21, 2026 – February 22, 2026
Cedarburg Winter Festival
Activities run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, followed by a Saturday Night “Luau” that runs 6pm-9pm, and then 8:30am to 4pm on Sunday. The popular Ice Carving Contest, which runs from 8:30am – 2pm on Saturday, sets the stage along the city’s main street. Multiple 300-pound blocks of ice will be transformed into glistening pieces of Superhero-inspired art by talented ice carvers.
Explore the Vendor Market from 10am to 4pm inside the Community Gym or the Foxtown BBQ during that same time. Enjoy food trucks, parked up and down next to the gym from 10am to 5pm.
A tractor-drawn hay wagon provides a great view, but fest-goers who opt to stroll along Washington Avenue and prefer being outside can test their endurance by enjoying camel rides, egg hunts, sledding, ice skating or watching an old-fashioned dog pull. Bed Races take place Saturday afternoon at 1:30, too!
Sunday will dawn with the popular Pancake Breakfast at the Community Center from 8:30am to 11:00am. There’s a Soup Contest from Noon – 3pm too, if you want things to be… soupier.
On Sunday from 10:00am – 4:00pm, top dogs will compete in the Dog Weight Pull Competition sponsored by the Alaskan Malamute Club of Wisconsin and Fromm Foods.
Check out Granny Impersonator Bingo at the Community Gym Sunday from Noon – 2pm, and the Scavenger Hunt continues on Sunday from 10am – 4pm.
Plenty more events are happening at the Cedarburg Winter Festival, check their site for the full lineup!
Cedarburg Winter Festival Address:
Downtown Cedarburg
Washington Avenue
Cedarburg, WI 53012
(262) 377-9620
Website
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February 21, 2026 – March 1, 2026
Kenosha Restaurant Week
Kenosha Restaurant Week is a nine-day celebration of the city’s and area’s delicious and diverse dining scene. It’s a way to show some LOVE to our locally owned, small restaurants, pubs, eateries, and food shops. It’s also the perfect opportunity to explore new places to dine, return to a favorite place, try something new at your go-to restaurant, or just show your support to our local restaurants.
It runs Saturday, February 21st through Sunday, March 1st this year. Over 80 restaurants are participating in Kenosha Restaurant Week – the most yet – offering special menus with special pricing for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts, even snacks. Here’s a video showcasing it all!
Details on participating restaurants and links to their menus are coming soon!
Kenosha Restaurant Week Locations (latest list here)
Kenosha Restaurant Week Website
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February 20, 2026 – February 21, 2026
Battle on Bago
The Tournament starts Friday, February 20th at 6:00 am; scales will be open from 4pm to 8pm. On Saturday February 21st, scales will open at 9am; the tournament ends at 2:00pm. Tournament ticket sales END at 6am Friday. You must be in line by 2:00 pm at Menominee Park in Oshkosh.
Contestants will be allowed to fish Lake Winnebago and the Upper River Lakes: Lake Poygan, Lake Winneconne, and Lake Butte des Morts. Ice Fishing Permitted ONLY. You can weigh 1 fish per fishing ticket of any of the following species: Walleye (minimum length 14”), panfish (perch, bluegills, crappies), or whitebass. Any other fish not listed here will not be eligible for registration. Fish may be taken with tip-ups or by rod and reel. There is no age requirement on tournament participation.
Along with fishing, check out the heated tent and enjoy a great fish fry and other food from 5-10pm, plus live music from 7:30pm-11pm Friday night. The Raffle will be held on Saturday at 5pm. FREE Admission to all non-fishing events!
You can get tickets here. Fishing tickets are $40. You can also buy tickets are various locales in the Oshkosh area, as well as Fleet Farm stores statewide. You also need a valid fishing license from the Wisconsin DNR (888-936-7463).
More info on tickets, tournaments, entertainment, and more can be found on their website, BattleonBago.org.
You can get to Menominee Park in Oshkosh by hitting I-41 and heading into town or accessing downtown Oshkosh using Highways 21, 26, 44, 76, 91, or U.S. 45. A lot of roads lead to Oshkosh… by gosh.
Battle on Bago Address:
Menominee Park/Millers Bay
Irving Avenue & Hazel Street
Oshkosh, WI 54901
(920) 303-9200
Website
February 18, 2026 – February 22, 2026
Slumberland American Birkebeiner
The “Birkie” returns to Hayward, providing year-round, healthy, active lifestyle events for thousands of adventurous spirits of all ages and abilities. Their slogan is SKI . RUN . BIKE . LIVE! It all began in 1973, when 35 determined skiers gathered on the starting line for the American Birkebeiner. Little did they know…they were about to change everything. Today, the Birkie provides year-round, healthy, active lifestyle events for thousands of adventurous spirits of all ages and abilities. In 2026, it’s back for Birkie Week February 18th through the 22nd!
The official name of this main event is the Slumberland American Birkebeiner Cross-Country Ski Event. It’s North America’s largest and most prestigious X-C ski marathon; 12,000 skiers of all ages, genders and nationalities participate in the 51K Birkebeiner, the 24K Kortelopet, Prince Haakon 13K, the children’s Barnebirkie, Junior Birkie, Elite Sprints, and Family Fun Ski.
Other fun events include the Barkie Birkie Skijor and Thursday’s Giant Ski Competition (six people on one pair of skis. What-what?? Find out more here.) The Birkie is a year-round lifestyle choice for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts of all levels. From its signature ski race, the legendary American Birkebeiner–Title Sponsor, Slumberland Furniture–the Birkie has grown into an exciting array of fitness and recreational opportunities. The 107-kilometer Birkie Trail system attracts skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from casual day-trippers to elite superstars.
The Slumberland American Birkebeiner®:
American Birkebeiner (the Birkie) Event Address:
10527 Main Street
Hayward, WI 54843
(715) 634-5025
Website
U.S. 63 and Highways 27 and 77 bring you to Hayward! From U.S. 53 at Trego, follow U.S. 63 north about 25 minutes.
Check out a recent recap here!
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February 14, 2026
Ashland Book Across the Bay
Ashland’s Book Across the Bay is one of the upper Midwest’s most unique winter events, open to over 4,000 skiers and snowshoers of all ages and ability levels. The 10-kilometer course, which is groomed for both classic-style and skate skiing, starts in Ashland and ends in Washburn, and follows a route not on land, but over the frozen surface of Lake Superior, the world’s largest lake. The event is held at night, and the course is lit by the stars above and up to 1,000 candles in ice luminaries that line the entire route!
This is a FREE point-to-point race that, this year, starts in Washburn and ends in Ashland. Please plan your transportation accordingly. They strongly urge you to park your car in Washburn near the finish area at Thompson’s West End Park just off Highway 13, and catch a shuttle to Ashland before the race. Buses will run from Ashland to Washburn 1:00–5:00 pm prior to the race.
The race itself starts in waves, from competitive skiers and snowshoers to recreational, and then walkers who may prefer not to be timed. The start area is at Maslowski Beach, which is located along U.S. Highway 2 at the far west end of Ashland. The finish line is in Washburn, on the bay near Thompson’s West End Park. A heated tent will be set up there for the post-race chili feed, beer and soda, music and awards.
Three Fun Races take place on Lake Superior in front of The Blue Wave:
Participate, or just marvel at it. It’s a fun party and the area is beautiful this time of year – as long as you’re bundled up properly!
Also on Sunday, February 15th: Bike Across the Bay!
Bike Across the Bay at 10am, hosted by North Coast Cycling Association. The race will start from the Washburn Shore. Registration will be from 8:30-9:30am at the Harbor View Event Center, 130 Harbor View Dr, Washburn. Get more info at www.northcoastcycling.com.
U.S. 2 and Highway 13 are the main highways to and from Ashland. U.S. 63 guides you there from western Wisconsin, and local Highways 112 and 118 help you navigate the area. More things to do for this event in Ashland are available below.
Book Across the Bay Address:
Maslowski Beach Park
U.S. Highway 2 West
Ashland, WI 54806
(715) 682-2500
Website
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February 13, 2026 – February 15, 2026
Sturgeon Spectacular
Fond du Lac hosts the Sturgeon Spectacular and the Wisconsin State Snow Sculpting Championships Friday-Sunday February 13-15, 2026 on and along the south shores of Lake Winnebago and down Main Street in the heart of Fond du Lac. The Sturgeon’s evolution dates back over 200 million years, haven’t they earned a multi-day celebration? The city at the “bottom of the lake” celebrates these famed “bottom feeders” with a top-drawer weekend of fun for all.
Whether you join the always popular Wisconsin Snow Sculpting Championship, the Outdoor Curling Funspiel, Snow Land family activities, or come out to see the awesome snow & ice sculptures and enjoy one of many great restaurants or shops in downtown Fond du Lac, this festival has something for everyone. And it’s easy to get to via I-41, U.S. 45, U.S. 151, or Highway 23 – they all offer quick and easy access to FDL’s vibrant Main Street downtown and Lakeside Park on the shores of Lake Winnebago!
This quirky and fun take on a winter festival features events on the ice and off the ice. Enjoy Spear the Beer Promotions at venues across town, activities indoors, outdoors and throughout the community. Highlights include a kick-off parade, live musical performances including Boogie and the Yo-yo’z, the hottest party band in Wisconsin, ice and snow carving, comedy shows and the hilarious Guys on Ice show. Whether you love outdoor hockey, kids zones, fat tire bike racing, chili crawls or warming up near a toasty bonfire, you and your family will NOT run out of things to do at this year’s Sturgeon Spectacular.
FREE EVENTS ALL WEEKEND LONG!
Sturgeon Spectacular Schedule of Events
Friday, February 13th
ALL Day Wisconsin Snow Sculpting Championship presented by Grande Cheese @ Downtown, outside Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
1:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Downtown Sturgeon Scavenger Hunt @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
4:30 pm – 6:15 pm: Sturgeon Spectacular Kids Kickoff @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Sturgeon Spectacular Kick-off Celebration and Live Music @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
Saturday, February 14th
All day: Biggest Sturgeon Contest presented by Fleet Farm @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
All day: Wisconsin Snow Sculpting Championship presented by Grande Cheese @ Downtown, outside Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
9:00 am – 12:00 pm: 5K Run/Walk & Kids Fun Run presented by SSM Health @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
9:00 am – 9:00 pm: Downtown Sturgeon Scavenger Hunt
9:00 am – 4:00 pm: High School Snow Sculping Competition @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
9:00 am – 4:00 pm: Winter Fun Event – Fond du Lac Children’s Museum @ Fond du Lac Children’s Museum
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Downtown Fond du Lac Sweet Stroll @ Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership
10:00 am – 5:00 pm: Downtown Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides @ Downtown Fond du Lac
10:00 am – 6:00 pm: Downtown Snow Land @ Downtown Fond du Lac
10:00 am – 4:00 pm: Hammerschlagen Competition @ Fond du Lac Cyclery
10:00 am – 8:00 pm: Spearing and Beering presented by Busch Light @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
11:00 am – 3:00 pm: Downtown Chili Crawl presented by Downtown Fond du Lac Partnership @ Various locations in downtown Fond du Lac
11:00 am – 3:00 pm: Downtown Ice Sculpting Presented by U.S. Bank @ Various Locations, Downtown Fond du Lac
11:00 am – 5:00 pm: Outdoor Winter Fun Activities @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
11:00 am – 4:00 pm: Petting Zoo – Saturday @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
11:00 am – 4:00 pm: Sturgeon Mini Games & Activities @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
11:00 am – 1:00 pm: The Dragon Trainer – Dragon Training Show @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
12:30 pm – 3:00 pm: Paint Your Own Sturgeon Ornament @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm: BRRRINGO!
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Guys on Ice – Saturday Matinee @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Guys on Ice – Saturday Evening @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
Sunday, February 15th
All day: Wisconsin Snow Sculpting Championship presented by Grande Cheese @ Downtown, outside Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
9:00 am – 3:00 pm: Downtown Sturgeon Scavenger Hunt
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Downtown Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides @ Downtown Fond du Lac
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Downtown Snow Land @ Downtown Fond du Lac
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Learn to Curl @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
10:30 am – 12:00 pm: Art of the Bloody Mary! @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Petting Zoo – Sunday @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Sturgeon Spectacular Finale with Live Music @ Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts
Sturgeon Spectacular Address:
Lakeside Park, Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts, and locations throughout town
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
(920) 923-3010
Website|
Fond du Lac is easily reached via I-41, U.S. 45, U.S. 151, and Highways 23 and 175.
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February 13, 2026 – February 14, 2026
Fire & Ice Festival, Sturgeon Bay
Here’s the schedule for Fire & Ice events:
Friday, February 13th
5:30pm-7pm – Candlelight Ski & Snowshoe at Crossroads at Big Creek Nature Preserve.
Kick-off Destination Sturgeon Bay’s Fire & Ice Weekend with a candlelight ski or snowshoe at Crossroads at Big Creek. Trails that wind through Crossroads’ 125-acre Big Creek nature preserve will be lit by luminaries to provide a magical, memorable winter experience. (We will offer a candlelight hike if there’s not enough snow to ski.) Bring your own equipment or borrow ours. We have skis, poles, boots and snowshoes in all sizes from tiny tot to large adult. (First come, first serve as inventory allows.) Our volunteers will be on hand to help get you started. Staggered departures and safety protocols will be followed. Please avoid others when on the trails and step off the trails when necessary to avoid contact. This is a family-friendly event offered at no charge. Freewill donations to Crossroads are accepted and appreciated. No reservations necessary.
Saturday, February 14th
9am-2pm – Snow & Ice Carvings around downtown
Stroll around town to witness novice and professional carvers turn blocks of snow and ice into works of art beginning at 9 am. Businesses will have in-store specials as well as outdoor activities. For the second year in a row, don’t forget to create your own snow-friend during the Community Snowman Build (weather permitting) at Martin Park to build your very own snowman. Carrots, scarves, and other snowman making materials will be provided.
9:30am-5:30pm – Winter Bourbon & Wine Tasting
Madison Avenue Market. Bourbon & Wine Samples, Chili & More!
10am-4pm – Bay Shore Outfitters Ice Castles
Ice Castles, in-store specials, and more
11am -1pm – Boys & Girls Club Fire Demonstration
Bay Shore Outfitters. Learn how to build your own Bonfire with the Door County Boys & Girls Club!
6pm – ? Fire & Ice Gala
The weekend fun continues with our Virtual Fire & Ice Gala event! Your ticket and “Gala Gift” includes dinner for two (don’t worry–we sell single tickets, too!) from Scaturo’s Baking Co. & Cafe and a spectacular Fire & Ice created dessert from Stone Harbor Resort.
9pm – Winter on the Water Fireworks Show
Old Train Spur Bridge (at Sonny’s & Bridge Up Brewing Company)
Be sure to take a trolley around to see all of the sculptures!
For more information about the daytime activities, email vacation@sturgeonbay.net or call (920) 743-6246.
Sturgeon Bay is the seat of Door County, right where the peninsula is split by the waters the city is named after. Highways 42 and 57 bring you in, and there’s plenty else to see while you’re there – and of course, beauty and adventure await further up the peninsula!
Sturgeon Bay Fire & Ice Festival Address:
Downtown Sturgeon Bay & Stone Harbor Resort
107 N. 1st Avenue
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
(920) 746-0700
Website
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February 7, 2026
Snow Daze, Kenosha
Saturday, February 7th, 2026 is a great day to Visit Kenosha because the 14th annual Snow Daze Festival in Library Park will celebrate winter with an ice carving demonstration and display of ice sculptures. More than 40 ice sculptures will decorate Library Park and sidewalks throughout downtown Kenosha.
Ice artists from Art Below Zero in Franksville will create a one-of-a-kind ice sculpture beginning at 2 p.m.
Midwest DJ Productions will add fun and music to the event.
-Align Wellness Collective | Sculpture: Custom
-Blackhawk Community Credit Union | Sculpture: Piggy Bank
-City of Kenosha | Custom Ice Carving Demo
-Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce | Sculpture: American Flag
-Snap-on | Sculpture: Tools
-The Gratzi | Sculpture: Custom
-Visit Kenosha | Sculpture: Custom Logo
Get updates and more details on the Snow Daze website!
You can access downtown Kenosha via Highways 32, 50, or 158. I-41/94 and Highway 31 also get you close.
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February 6, 2026 – February 8, 2026
Hudson Hot Air Affair
Hudson bursts with color in the middle of winter with the balloon-filled Hot Air Affair! Enjoy not only hot air balloons, but a HUGE slew of events throughout the weekend, both indoors and out. The Hot Air Affair balloons, of course, are all outside. Twenty featured balloons will launch Saturday and Sunday morning at 8am. The 2026 theme “Sky Walkers Return to Rock”
Saturday at 7:35am is the first Balloon Launch, with 20 hot air balloons rising from River Crest Elementary School on County F, south of Hudson. Across the area, you can look to the sky and see the balloons dotting the winter sky. A Pancake Breakfast precedes this at 7am at the Hudson Masonic Lodge on Locust Street in town. A Smoosh Board Competition also takes place at River Crest from 1-2:30pm with four people strapped onto two Smooshboards.
A second balloon launch happens Saturday afternoon at 3pm, also from River Crest Elementary. All day long, River Crest also hosts the Marketplace & Craft Fair, running 8am-8pm Saturday.
Back in town, the St. Croix River Dunk goes on from 1-3pm at Lakefront Park Beach; it’s the Hudson Rotary Club’s premiere winter fundraising event and… it sounds cold.
The Sunday Balloon Launch takes place at 7:35am – yes – from River Crest. All balloon inflations and flights are weather-dependent.
Geocaching fans, the Hot Air Affair has plenty of coordinates for you to uncover, with a series of new hidden geocaches.
Saturday from 11am to 4pm, the Octagon House has walking tours and both the house/museum and the carriage house will be open for tours in return for a small, suggested donation. An After the Glow Dance Party caps off Saturday evening at The Empourium on Rodeo Drive in Hudson with live music and plenty of fun.
Sunday continues with geocaching, the Pop Up Ballon Launch at 7:35am again, and continued deals and events at shops and restaurants. At 12pm, you can check out the Hot Air Balloon Fat Bike Race. It takes place at Lakefront Park in Hudson. It’s a 3K technical sprint along the St. Croix River bottoms and through the park, with “punchy hills and twisty turns.” 3pm is the Balloonist Roundtable.
Hudson is right along the gorgeous St. Croix River on the border with Minnesota, where I-94 and U.S. 12 enter the state. Highway 35 runs through the center of town. The beautiful Willow River State Park is nearby. Check out Hudson whenever you can, but if you can make it for Hot Air Affair, it’s definitely going to be a soaring good time!
Hot Air Affair Address:
Downtown Hudson as well as River Crest Elementary School
535 County Road F
Hudson, WI 54016
(715) 386-4011 or (800) 657-6775
Website
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February 6, 2026 – February 8, 2026
Scandihoovian Winter Festival
Cabin fever? Sick of winter? Shake off the winter blues at the Mount Horeb Area Scandihoovian Winter Festival the first weekend in February. Stroll, shop, eat, and play throughout one of Dane County’s most unique and charming villages and the beautiful areas that surround it. Saturday is the big day, but there will be a whole weekend full of indoor/outdoor events tailored for winter enthusiasts.
Scandihoovian Winter Festival Event Schedule:
ALL DAY EVENTS
Friday – Sunday The Driftless Historium‘s Downtown Troll Town Scavenger Hunt Learn More
SATURDAY EVENTS
9-5pm Kids’ Craft Activity: Make Your Own Viking Helmet*, at the Mount Horeb Public Library
9am Start Scandi-Fatty Fat Tire Bike Race*, at Tyrol Basin Learn More
10am Start Snow Sculptures*, at Evangelical Lutheran Church
10-12pm Barnespill Kids’ Games*, at the Mount Horeb Welcome Center Learn More
10-4pm Scandinavian Baking Demonstrations*, at the Driftless Historium Learn More
10-6pm Telsaan Tea‘s Free Tea & Coloring Learn More
10-3pm Center Ground Studio‘s Paint Your Own Gnome: Make and Take Pottery Kits Learn More
11-12pm Sugar Troll’s Activity: Sukkar’s Scandinavian Story and Craft Learn More
12-5pm Botham Vineyards’ Scandihoovian Hike & Picnic with Wine by the Fire Learn More
1-3pm Scandihoovian Adult Spelling Bee*, at Martinson Hall at Buck & Honey’s Learn More
3-4pm Brix Cider’s Partner Carry Learn More
4-6pm Frozen Turkey Bowling*, at Garfield Park Ice Rink Learn More
4:30-5:30pm Cave of the Mounds‘ Guided Black Light Tour Learn More
SUNDAY EVENTS
9-12:30pm Mount Horeb Rotary‘s SUPER BRUNCH Learn More
9-12:30pm Optimist Club‘s Silent Auction Learn More
11-4pm Telsaan Tea’s Free Tea & Coloring Learn More
Mount Horeb’s main drag (Highway 78, historic U.S. 18/151) is not only called Main Street, but also the “Trollway.” The U.S. 18/151 freeway brings you to the area, as well as Highway 92 on top of Highway 78. Activities center in this area but are held all over the area, including the nearby Blue Mounds.
Scandihoovian Winter Festival Address:
Mount Horeb & Blue Mounds Area
Mount Horeb, WI 53572
(608) 437-5914
Website
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