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.
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.
Start:
October 6, 2018 4:00 pm
End:
October 6, 2018 10:00 pm
Venue:
Downtown Waukesha
Phone:
262-542-1522
Address:
337 W. Main Street, Waukesha, WI, 53186, United States
Black River Falls and the Jackson County Fairgrounds get into the Gemütlichkeit spirit with Black River Area Oktoberfest! This 12th annual music, beer, food, and fun-filled event takes place Friday, October 5th and Saturday, October 6th.
The Kick-Off Party is Friday evening from 6-9 pm at Sand Creek Brewing in Black River Falls, with live music and plenty of food and locally-brewed craft beer to kick off Black River Falls Oktoberfest.
Saturday features tons of music and entertainment at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, from 10am – 10pm. Artists and bands include Dave Kiral, Gary’s Ridgeland Dutchmen, and evening headliner Copper Box. The “Tapping of the Golden Keg” will happen at 1pm. There will be plenty of food and drink vendors, a caricature artist, children’s inflatables, games and face painting, a photo booth, horse-drawn wagon rides, alpacas from Fevolden Farm, a giant pumpkin you can guess the weight of to win prizes, and of course plenty of German celebrations and bier specialties. Free shuttles will run from Sand Creek Brewing to the Jackson County Fairgrounds throughout the day Saturday from 10am – 5pm.
The “Things That Roll” Car Show also takes place on the Jackson County Fairgrounds Saturday, with cars, trucks, motorcycles, tractors, classic RVs, ATVs and more. Many are classics; some are sport; all are fun to explore. It’s a motor paradise as part of the Black River Falls Oktoberfest.
Black River Falls is along I-94, U.S. 12, and Highways 27 and 54. The Jackson County Fairgrounds are right along Highway 54 on the southwest edge of town.
Black River Area Oktoberfest Address:
Jackson County Fairgrounds
388 Melrose Street
Black River Falls, WI 54615
(715) 284-4658 Website
Click to read the full size poster!
Start:
October 5, 2018 6:00 pm
End:
October 6, 2018 10:00 pm
Venue:
Jackson County Fairgrounds
Phone:
715-284-4658
Address:
388 Melrose Street, Black River Falls, WI, 54615, United States
Milwaukee is one of the most Germanic cities in the U.S., so why wouldn’t it host one of the oldest Bavarian Oktoberfests in the Midwest? And this year, Milwaukee Oktoberfest is the FIRST event held on the Plaza of the new Fiserv Forum (or “fiserv.forum,” stylized) October 5-7, 2018!
The Milwaukee Oktoberfest has moved toward the new Fiserv Forum so you can experience the new plaza area. It’s still sponsored by Spaten. The fun includes traditional German brass bands, sing-alongs and spontaneous dancing for everyone. Delicious and authentic German food is available, from huge pretzels and brats to a variety of specialties from the Levy Restaurant Group. Of course there’s plenty of beer/bier on tap imported and domestic – as well as wine, soft drinks and, yes, even coffee.
Hey, the mustard is healthy… there’s turmeric in it.
Check out live music from the Mike Schneider Band, the Klaberheads, the Jeff Winard Band, Austrian Express, Polka Floyd, the Jay Fox Band, and Blaskapelle. Also check out the Wiener Dog Show, a Bags Tournament, the Miss Oktoberfest Competition, a Brat-Eating Contest, the Stein Hoisting Competition, and more.
The Milwaukee Brat House will host the Official After Party each night of the 9th annual Milwaukee Oktoberfest!
Das Boot Bar Tour festivities on Saturday extend Oktoberfest up along Old World Third Street.
Don’t forget the “Das Boot Bar Tour” on Saturday, hosted on Old World Third Street from noon-6pm. Each bar will decorate with a German theme and participants will have the chance to try a different Oktoberfest Beer, essentially making it a bar tour and beer festival combined. Along with the Bar Tour, there will of course be liter size Das Boots for each person on the tour. These will allow you to receive drink specials during the tour and only during the tour. Attendees are more than welcome to bring their boots back to refill at the Main Event!
It’s all based in downtown Milwaukee, at the plaza in front of the new Fiserv Forum, near State Street (U.S. 18), 6th Street/McKinley Avenue (Highway 145) Old World 3rd Street and the Milwaukee River. I-43/94, I-794, and Highway 32 also bring you close. Prosit!
Milwaukee Oktoberfest Address:
The Plaza in front of the Fiserv Forum, as well as on adjacent blocks (Old World Third Street, State Street, Highland Avenue)
901 N. 4th Street (Vel Phillips Avenue)
Milwaukee, WI 53202 Website
Start:
October 5, 2018 5:00 pm
End:
October 7, 2018 6:00 pm
Venue:
Plaza outside of the Fiserv Forum
Phone:
262-949-6903
Address:
901 N. Vel Phillips Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
The history of the Indian Crossing Casino will come alive this fall at the Chain O’ Lakes Blues Festival October 5th and 6th on the shores of the beautiful Waupaca Chain O’ Lakes in central Wisconsin.
Tickets are available in advance online or by calling (888) 417-4040. Their website has all the details.
Meanwhile, here’s the full music schedule:
Friday, October 5th
7:00 pm – Jay Edward Band
9:00 pm – The Jimmys
Saturday, October 6th
2:30 – 9:00 pm – Michael Murphy (performing between bands)
3:00 – 4:30 pm – Madtown Mannish Boys
5:00 – 6:30 pm – Alex Wilson Band
7:00 – 8:30 pm – Reverend Raven & The Chain Smoking Altar Boys
9:00 – 10:30 pm – John Primer and the Real Deal Blues Band
You can access Waupaca’s Chain O’Lakes region via U.S. 10 or Highways 22, 49, and 54.
Waupaca’s Chain O’ Lakes Blues Festival Address:
Indian Crossing Casino
E1171 County Road Q
Waupaca, WI 54981
(888) 417-4040 Website
Start:
October 5, 2018 5:00 pm
End:
October 6, 2018 11:00 pm
Venue:
Indian Crossing Casino
Phone:
888-417-4040
Address:
E1171 County Road Q, Waupaca, WI, 54981, United States
Sheboygan is a pretty German city – and Al & Al’s Steinhaus is a pretty German restaurant. Together, the two put on a Sheboygan Oktoberfest celebration in the City of Brats & Beer that embodies the full spirit of Gemütlichkeit!
This year’s Oktoberfest takes place in Heritage Square downtown, Friday & Saturday October 5-6. A Bavarian style fish fry, plenty of beer and live music, a ceremonial tapping of a keg of Spaten, and weiner dog races (enter yours here) are all part of this celebration.
Some of the weiner dog entrants are quite gussied up!
Sheboygan has plenty to offer, from its beautiful harbor area to this Oktoberfest celebration. Hit I-43 or Highways 23, 28, or 42 and get here!
Sheboygan Oktoberfest at Al & Al’s Address:
Al & Al’s Steinhaus
1502 S. 12th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 452-5530 Website
Start:
October 5, 2018
End:
October 6, 2018
Venue:
Al & Al's Steinhaus
Phone:
920-452-5530
Address:
1502 S. 12th Street, Sheboygan, WI, 53081, United States
Talk about a live cultural experience! Fermentation Fest is a “Live Culture Convergence,” an annual celebration of live culture in all its forms from dance to yogurt and poetry to sauerkraut. Presented by the Reedsburg-based Wormfarm Institute, Fermentation Fest brings together farmers, chefs, artists, poets and performers in the beautiful working lands of Sauk County for tastings, demonstrations, cooking classes, art events, performances, food carts and more.
Classes, Tastings, and more…
From saurkraut to hot sauces, from chocolate to coffee, beer and wine, from yogurt to sourdough bread, over one-third of what we consume is fermented. Fermentation Fest features authors, chefs, bakers, scientists, chocolatiers, brew masters and cheese makers over two consecutive weekends, offering 40 classes and lectures that celebrate the abundance and transformation of fermentation. Learn skills you can use at home, enjoy samples, and experience hands-on ways to bring fermentation into your daily experience.
Farm/Art DTour
The biennial feature of Fermentation Fest, Farm/Art DTour is a 50+ mile drive through scenic working farmland of rural Sauk County where artists explore the timeless connection between land and people. For thousands of years, farmers in cultures around the world interwove dance, music, and art through rituals of planting and the harvest in celebration of the land and those who care for it. Through a contemporary approach and within this timeless context, they continue the tradition.
Check out two Food Chain stops #15 and #28 along the DTour – pick up a map at the Chamber of Commerce (240 Railroad Street, 608-524-2850).
Hit Highway 23 or 33 to find Reedsburg, cross the 90th Meridian, and enjoy Fermentation Fest!
Reedsburg Fermentation Fest Address:
28 E. Main Street (Highways 23/33)
Reedsburg, WI 53959
(608) 524-8672 Website
Start:
October 5, 2018
End:
October 14, 2018
Venue:
Wormfarm Institute
Phone:
608-524-8672
Address:
28 E. Main Street, Reedsburg, WI, 53959, United States
The Great River Road Fall Festival celebrates the Great River Road with music, an antique tractor pull, wagon rides, sorghum making, broom making, hands on activities, and much much more at the beautiful Stonefield, just north of Cassville near the Mississippi River!
Beer, root beer, sandwiches and ice cream will be for sale by Friends of Stonefield/Nelson Dewey State Park.
In 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Great River Road along the Mississippi, following the river for nearly 3,000 miles through 10 states. Stonefield Historic Site, a Great River Road Interpretive Center, celebrates the history of the Great River Road. Come see for yourself why the Great River Road in Wisconsin was voted the “Prettiest Drive” in America by the readers of the Huffington Post!
Stonefield comprises a re-created 1900-vintage rural farming village and the State Agricultural Museum, which traces the history of Wisconsin agriculture from its inception to the 20th century. Stonefield, named after the estate farmed by Wisconsin’s first governor Nelson Dewey, also includes Dewey’s home site.
Admission for Adults is $10; children (5-17) $6 and (0-5) are FREE; students and senior citizens (65 and over) $9.
You can reach Stonefield via Highways 81 or 133 to Cassville.
Great River Road Fall Festival Address:
Stonefield State Historic Site
12195 County Highway VV
Cassville, WI 53806
(608) 725-5210 Website
Start:
September 22, 2018 10:00 am
End:
September 22, 2018 4:00 pm
Venue:
Stonefield
Phone:
608-725-5210
Address:
12195 County Highway VV, Cassville, WI, 53806, United States
Colorama Weekend lets you enjoy the fall colors of Northern Wisconsin, right along the border with the U.P. in picturesque Land O’ Lakes. The Colorama Celebration includes family friendly games, music, food, art show, radar run and hay ride throughout town. Just slow down and enjoy what a beautiful day of Fall colors in the Northwoods can offer. Can’t get enough fall fun?? Enjoy the Colorama Dinner on Sunday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m with chicken and ham.
Bobbing for apples during Colorama Weekend in Land O’Lakes.
Land O’Lakes is at the top of Wisconsin, right along the land border with the U.P. of Michigan. U.S. 45 and Highway 32 bring you there; just turn west on County B right at the state line (stop in the BP station there too, it literally straddles the border!)
Colorama Weekend Address in Land O’Lakes:
County B west of U.S. 45/Highway 32
Land O’Lakes, WI 54540
(715) 547-3432 Website
Colorama Weekend in Land O’Lakes activities include:
Fall Family Fun Downtown Land O’ Lakes (usually 10am – 3pm)
Kids Bowling
Leaf Walk to area businesses
Go to participating shops, find the leaf & get your card signed to become eligible for a Chamber of Commerce $25 Gift certificate
Art Harvest 10am to 3pm at the Community Garden & VFW Grounds
Art & Quilt exhibit & demonstrations
Tour the Community Garden & enjoy the bonfire
Northern Waters Museum, open 10am to 3pm
Experience finding Donaldson,the School,the Town,the Mill
Radar Run 9am to 3pm at Land O’ Lakes Airport
Cars, trucks, motorcycles $10 registration – helmets mandatory
Food and refreshments
Fall Family Fun at Land O’ Lakes Pavilion, 10am to 3pm
Pie Baking Contest—Calling all bakers, make a pie and be a winner
Auction winning pies, Pie by the slice, coffee & apple cider
Corn Roast & Brat Fry – LandOLakes/Conover PTA fundraiser
Corn Hole Toss Tournament
Pumpkin cookie decorating
Bobbing for apples
Games—Volley Ball & more
Refreshments– seasonal & regular beers
Fall Hayride Shuttle
Pick up at the Bel Air Motel through town to the VFW, to the Community Garden, to the Pavilion, to the Museum, to the Airport back to the Bel-Air- Stop off at any event and get picked up later. About a ½ hour ride to enjoy all the events, the decorations and the Friendly Fall atmosphere of Land O’ Lakes.
Wausau is the Ginseng Capital of Wisconsin, and the second International Ginseng Festival celebrates central Wisconsin’s production of this traditional herb commonly used in tea and as an herbal supplement. It’s especially prized by buyers in China, and you’ll find it as an enhancement in energy drinks and health foods.
The cultivation of ginseng in Marathon County goes back to the Fromm brothers, who in the early 1900s started farming ginseng to help pay for the silver foxes they were raising. The brothers went on to establish an internationally known fur business, and as their business grew, so did the cultivation of ginseng in Marathon County. The soil and the climate make central Wisconsin one of the world’s best places to produce the root, which must grow for four years before harvest.
The International Ginseng Festival takes place over three days, September 14-16, 2018, at downtown Wausau’s 400 Block city square park, ginseng fields throughout the county and the historic site of the Fromm farm in Hamburg, where ginseng was first cultivated in Wisconsin. Festival attendees will receive maps and programs outlining the schedule of activities.
Discover Wisconsin (with co-host and State Trunk Tour main traveler and writer Eric Paulsen) visited the first International Ginseng Festival in Marathon County in 2017, here’s the full episode on that!
The International Ginseng Festival covers a wide variety of ginseng-related topics, including agricultural, culinary, educational, historical, arts and entertainment aspects all showcased. The International Ginseng Festival will also feature multicultural aspects, as the Hmong and Native American communities have significant influences on ginseng production. Here are some of activities that will take place during the festival:
Downtown Wausau’s 400 Block City Square Park Events:
400 Block vendors selling a variety of ginseng food and beverages.
Traditional Hmong and Native American foods.
Wisconsin favorites including cheese curds and brats.
Entertainment on the main stage including music and
other performances.
Wausau Children’s Museum-Interactive Ginseng Field Exhibit with Partners for Progressive Agriculture Marathon County
Juried vendors with art and items for purchase.
Hands on activities for children relating to ginseng.
Downtown shops and restaurants will participate with special offers and ginseng related food and beverages.
Additional International Ginseng Festival Activities Off-Site from the 400 Block:
Dig It, Keep It! Dig Your Own Root:
Hsu’s Ginseng Farm (4707 McIntosh St, Wausau, WI 54403)
Sept. 16, 1:00-3:00 pm
Heil Ginseng Field (2670 Hwy H, Edgar, WI 54426)
Sept. 14, 3:00-5:00 pm
Sept. 15, 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Sept. 16, 12:00-2:00 pm
Commemorative coins and an opportunity to sign the vintage log book of visitors at the 45×90 Geographic Marker. It is the location of the 45th parallel; the exact point half-way between the Equator and the North Pole and half-way between the Greenwich Meridian and the International Dateline. Geographically, it is a location of significance to ginseng cultivation, as the climate and area geology are key components.
Historical Exhibits, Tours & More:
Exhibit showcasing the evolution of ginseng in Marathon County at the Marathon County Historical Museum.
Historical reenactment at Fromm Farm (436 Co Rd F, Hamburg, WI 54411), where ginseng farming in Wisconsin began; Sept. 16, Noon-4:00 pm
Event at Janke Book Store featuring the book Bright With Silver, which chronicles the rise of the United States ginseng industry through the story of the Fromm brothers.
Arts & Entertainment:
Festival poster art contest by the Center for the Visual Arts will take place in advance of the festival. Stop in before 2:00 pm on Sept. 15 and cast your vote for The People’s Choice!
View the Ginseng: The Treasured Root exhibit at Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, which features drawings and watercolors focused on ginseng from Midwest botanical artists.
Visit the World Renowned Birds in Art Exhibit at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum.
Seminars & Demonstrations:
Cooking with ginseng demonstrations at Robert W. Monk Gardens in the outdoor catering kitchen and tours featuring the wild ginseng that is grown in the gardens; Sept. 15 & 16
Recreational Activities:
5K Ginseng Root Run at Veterans Park, Marathon City (204 E 4th St, Marathon City, WI 54448); Sept. 15, 10:00 am. Sign up here.
Kayaking at downtown Wausau’s championship White Water Park through the Wausau Kayak & Canoe Corp. recreational release program.
View the fall colors on the Comet Chairlift Rides at Granite Peak Ski Area, free for festival-goers; Sept. 15, 10:00 am-2:00 pm.
Other International Ginseng Festival Places to Note:
After you’ve sampled festival foods and beverages, stay downtown and check out the wonderful establishments around the 400 Block. Watch the store and restaurant windows for Festival Goer specials.
Also, see the Wausau World Market, a west-side marketplace with diverse entrepreneurs selling produce, goods, and cultural items all under one roof at 828 S. Third Ave, Wausau, Daily 8:00 am–7:00 pm
Hmong Museum in the Wausau Center Mall – Stop in and enjoy their “From Laos to America” exhibit honoring the refugee experience.
1st Annual Antique Tractor, Steam, Equipment and Parts Swap Meet – Hosted by North Central WI Antique Steam & Gas Engine Club, Inc.
Club Showgrounds (W4255 Hilldale Drive, Edgar, WI 54426)
Sept 14, 8:00 am–12:00 pm
Sept 15, 12:00–5:00 pm
Marathon City Heritage Center – Marathon City is the center of where ginseng growing began! Displays at the Marathon City Heritage Center will feature equipment, artifacts and photos from area ginseng growers, past and present! Come visit and share your story with us!
301 Main St, Marathon City, WI 54448
Open special hours on Saturday, Sept 16 / 10:00 am–12:00 pm
History of Ginseng in Marathon County
Ginseng cultivation began in the late 1800s at the turn of the 20th century in Marathon County by the Fromm Brothers, but has been used in eastern cultures for its healing properties for over 5,000 years. Today, the capital of the United States ginseng industry is in Marathon County, Wisconsin. There are over 185 ginseng producers in the county and 95% of the ginseng root exported from the United States comes from Central Wisconsin. The rolling hills, virgin soil and cool summers grow unique roots very high in ginsenosides (the active compound in ginseng). These properties make Wisconsin ginseng known as the premier cultivation in the world. As you drive around Marathon County in the warm weather seasons, you’ll see tarp-covered fields protecting ginseng plants from direct sunlight. The berries turn red in August and are harvested in September. The roots are harvested in October and are used in a variety of products including health and beauty products, teas, beverages, candies and much more. The recent resurgence in the interest of ginseng has created great demand in this ever-evolving market of the crop.
You can get to Wausau and the Ginseng Festival via I-39 or U.S. 51, Highway 29, or zig-zag in via Highway 52.
Milwaukee’s lakefront festival season welcomes September with its annual Indian Summer Festival, “Indian Nation’s” largest cultural celebration with (hopefully) warm late summer-like weather. Traditional Pow Wow, fireworks, Indian dance troupes, Native Music Awards Program (ISMA), Tribal Villages, cultural demonstrations, storytellers, Lacrosse demos & a tournament, Juried Fine Art, American Indian traditional and contemporary entertainers, authentic foods, and an extensive Native marketplace featuring authentic jewelry, arts & crafts, clothing and so much more!
Music on the new Gathering Place Stage
The new Gathering Place Stage on the North end of the grounds will offer performances from several of this year’s nominees for the Indian Summer Music Awards (ISMA.) They include the Cody Blackbird Band, Native American flutist Jan Michael Looking Wolf, Rellik, Painted Raven, Crazy Flute, and Sandra Sutter will all be playing their nominated music all three days.
Their performances are free with your paid admission to Indian Summer.
Indian Summer Chefs & Cooking Demonstrations
Saturday the 8th and Sunday the 9th on the Eagles Nest Stage, join chefs as they demonstrate traditional dishes as well as contemporary recipes using classic Native ingredients.
Saturday
1:30 Wild Rice Crusted Pork Chops with Joe Parajecki, Kettle Range Meat Co.
2:30 Wojapi Native American Pudding with Ron Greiger of White Feather Restaurant
3:30 Duck Confit & toasted farro salad w/honey grain vinaigrette with Lucas Lonzo, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
Sunday
1:30 Buffalo Stew with Bruce Evans of Slow Food WiSE
2:30 Duck Tacos and Wild Rice Fried Rice with Tai Tok, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
Cooking demonstrations and all the entertainment stages at the festival are included with your paid admission. Discounted tickets may still be available.
You’ll find the Indian Summer Festival celebration at Henry Maier Festival Park, also known as the Summerfest Grounds, right on Milwaukee’s lakefront. I-794, U.S. 18, and Highway 32 all bring you there. I-43/94 and Highways 38, 57, 59, and 145 all bring you close!
Indian Summer Festival Address:
Henry Maier Festival Park
200 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 604-1000 Website
Start:
September 7, 2018 4:00 pm
End:
September 9, 2018 8:00 pm
Venue:
Henry Maier Festival Park
Phone:
414-604-1000
Address:
200 N. Harbor Drive, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
The Harley 115th is coming up! The Milwaukee Rally is an annual celebration over Labor Day Weekend for Harley riders, H.O.G. members (if you don’t know what H.O.G. stands for, you don’t need to anyway), and the general public to ride, check out classic, current, and future Harley-Davidson motorcycles, party to music and an unbelievable slew of shows and performances. This year, they’re celebrating Harley-Davidson’s 115th Anniversary – and every five years, the party is extra massive all across Milwaukee and SE Wisconsin!
The Harley 115th Celebration and Milwaukee Rally centers on the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, which anchors the east end of the Menomonee Valley and Canal Street between downtown and Walkers Point. But events are happening all over the city, suburbs, and at Harley-Davidson dealerships across southeastern Wisconsin.
Harley 115th Events Include:
The 115th Anniversary Kickoff Party & H.O.G. 35th Moto-Carnival at Veterans Park, a free party that kicks off Wednesday 8/29 as thousands of riders convene on the shores of Lake Michigan. All weekend long the Full Throttle Saloon is serving up high wire motorcycle thrill shows, Wall of Death and more. Riders can meet on Wednesday at the Milwaukee-area dealerships to join a group ride, or ride in on their own.
Harley 115th Anniversary Kickoff Party & H.O.G. 35th Moto-Carnival Events:
Moto-Carnival Live: Display open for customers – includes HOG check-in, Rally Pack will call, merchandise sales, Dunlop display, MDA, information booths, customer service, food & beverage, JUMPSTART experiences, 3V experience, P&A display and motorcycle display. Dyno Drags: All Out Dyno Drags invites you to be a part of a rare, exciting, and adrenaline rushing event with a custom – state of the art – dual motorcycle dynamometer. Helicopter Rides: Take a breathtaking ride in a Robinson R44 helicopter. You will get a bird’s eye view of Veteran’s Park and the beautiful Milwaukee shoreline. Fees apply. Bungee Slingshot: Catapult your bad self through the air on this Moto-Carnival ride. Feel the adrenaline as you experience this one of a kind ride. Mechanical HOG: Take this very different HOG for a ride as it spins and twists in all directions – how long can you hang on? Ferris Wheel: Catch the best view of the H-D Moto-Carnival, the Milwaukee skyline and the shores of Lake Michigan atop the 60 foot Ferris wheel. Fees apply. Rhett Rotten Show: Rhett Rotten’s Wall of Death, featuring daredevil Rhett Rotten on a vintage Harley-Davidson, defying gravity as he circles his custom-built Wall of Death performing stunts that you have to see to believe. Una Circus: Circus Una’s Motorcycle Thrill Show, featuring the world’s only all-female, wheelie-popping motorcycle trapeze high-wire thrill show. Globe of Death: The Urias Globe of Death, featuring three motorcycles with throttles wide-open, inside a 16 foot steel sphere, all while one of the Urias Family Daredevils stands.
Happening Friday, August 31st from 10am-4pm and Saturday, September 1st from Noon-7pm, this is a chance to watch bikes tear through the sand on the shoreline of Lake Michigan for the first time in over 100 years! Free and open to the public, there will also be beach activities providing gritty fun for all ages. On Friday, racers will be wrenching and kicking up sand as they practice and get prepared for the competition. Vintage and new bikes will meet up and battle it out on the oval on Saturday, paying tribute to the early days of racing. The beach is open for swimming. Food and beverage will be flowing from the tiki bars and bikes will be on display for all to see. This is a must-see event! More details here.
Held at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena on Kilbourn Avenue (just off U.S. 18 and Highway 145), this Indoor Flat-Track Race event offers tight, bar-to-bar racing action from both traditional and special classes. The Pre-Race Street Party begins Friday at Noon and runs through 8pm, with free motorcycle street parking, the Harley-Davidson truck and Rebel One, bikes, vendors, great food, a 360-bar, a whiskey bar, and a huge variety of live music. Doors for Flat Out Friday open at 6pm and the races start at 7pm.
Live Music includes Taj Raiden at 2pm, Faux Fiction at 3pm, Denny Lanez at 4pm, Telethon at 5pm, and Whips at 6pm.
This Harley 115th event is held Friday 8/31 at Great Lakes Dragaway in Union Grove south of Milwaukee. They’re inviting Harley riders from around the world to twist the throttle and race side-by-side at the iconic “biggest little track in the world“. Keep getting back in line and show ‘em what you got. Twin Stunts All-Harley Show will have three performances throughout the day. Come to race or just watch the action. More details and tickets here.
Just northwest of Milwaukee at Little Switzerland in Slinger, the Hillclimb Powered by Harley-Davidson takes place on Saturday, 9/1. Watch the best of vertical racing action as racers scale the front side of the ski hill, competing for time and distance. It’s not just racing for bragging rights – a $8,500 prize purse is on the line. All ages are welcome. Race spectators: $10 General Admission Ticket (kids 12 and under – Free); $25 VIP Ticket (must be 21+ to enter) includes access to indoor air-conditioned chalet, special viewing area on the deck, and 1 drink ticket (beer, soda, water). Find out more about Hillclimb here.
Of course, the 115th Anniversary Parade tops it all off! Riders from around the world wave their hometown flags proudly right here in the birthplace of Harley-Davidson. Riders and the community will line the route to see the beauty and the brawn of customized motorcycles and unique show bikes. Harley-Davidson invited tens of thousands of riders from around the world to ride in the parade including custom bike builders, stunt teams, charitable groups, HOG Chapters, as well as a few surprise guests. The parade kicks off at 45th Street and Wisconsin Avenue, continues east through downtown Milwaukee and lands at the Harley-Davidson 115th Anniversary and HOG 35th Moto-Carnival at Veterans Park.
Formerly the Grill Games, Kenosha’s newly-christened “Bands, Brews, & BBQ on the Beach” is a free three-day weekend festival featuring outstanding live musical acts throughout the day and plenty of grills and BBQ. This year, it runs Friday, August 24th through Saturday, August 25th. The event gets a new name and a fresh shot of vision as the newly christened Bands, Brews & BBQs on the Kenosha Lakefront at Pennoyer & Kennedy Parks.
Like before when it was the Grill Games, check out the Wisconsin State Championship BBQ contest with teams from the Kansas City Barbeque Society! You can learn their secrets, taste and purchase BBQ, and vote for your favorite teams. There are also plenty of kids’ activities and a beer garden – because beer pairs exceptionally well with tasty BBQ. “Kenosha’s Best BBQ Contest” runs Friday the 24th from 5pm to 8pm and the “People’s Choice BBQ Competition” runs Saturday the 25th from 2pm to 4:30pm.
Admission is $5/day. Proceeds benefit the scholarship foundations of the Kenosha YMCA and the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Kenosha HarborPark area is between downtown and Lake Michigan, just east of Highway 32 between Highways 158 and 50. It’s a beautiful area, definitely check it out!
Kenosha Bands, Brews, & BBQ Address:
Celebration Place at HarborPark
56th Street & 1st Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 654-1234 Website Facebook page
Plymouth celebrates its 15th annual live music extravaganza and fundraiser, called the Plymouth Cheese Capital Jazz & Blues Crawl for the Arts, on Friday, August 10th late afternoon into the evening.
This lively music event features 10 fantastic bands at the Plymouth Arts Center (PAC) in the courtyard and greatroom and at several downtown clubs and restaurants. Purchase the 2018 Wristband for $10, and receive one free raffle ticket (valued at $5) for a chance to win $500 in Cash with additional Big Cash Raffle Tickets available at the PAC – win up to $1000!
Participating venues this year are include the PAC; Antonio’s; City Club; 52 Stafford; The Depot; Wild Shots PUB, The Cheese Counter and Plymouth Tap. Festivities are kicked off at the PAC, 520 East Mill, downtown Plymouth, WI at 4:30pm. PAC’s Bourbon Street Café features a jazzy menu catered by Three Guys & a Grill until 9pm. The opening reception for our new exhibition, The Light of Thy Favor, featuring watercolors by Cedarburg artists, Tom Kubala and Colette Odya Smith opens in Gallery 110 North.
The trolley will take visitors to the venues from 7:00 to 11pm. Maps, flyers and wristbands are available at all venues. Join them for this exciting evening of the blended arts!
Plymouth Cheese Capital Jazz & Blues Crawl for the Arts Address:
Plymouth Arts Center
520 E. Mill Street
Plymouth, WI 53073
(920) 892-8409 Website
Plymouth Cheese Capital Jazz & Blues Crawl Lineup:
Jive Safely @ the PAC Greatroom, 4:30 – 6 pm
The Sentimellows @ the PAC Courtyard, 4:30 – 6 pm
Built For Comfort @ the PAC Greatroom, 6 – 9 pm
River City Six Dixieland Band @ the PAC Tent – Courtyard, 6 – 9 pm
The Sucherman/Underwood Duo @ the Cheese Counter, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Smooth Groove Jazz Quartet @ PJ Campbell’s at The Depot, 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Tracy Hannemann Jazz & Blues Combo @ Antonio’s, 7 – 10:30 pm
Milwaukee Hot Club @ 52 Stafford, 7:30 – 10:30 pm
Kal Bergendahl Project @ Plymouth Tap, 8:30 – 11:30 pm
Chanel Le Meaux & the Dapper Cads @ Wild Shots Pub, 8:30 pm – Midnight
The Blue City Olives @ City Club, 9 pm – 12:30 am
Start:
August 10, 2018 4:30 pm
End:
August 10, 2018 11:55 pm
Venue:
Plymouth Arts Center
Phone:
920-892-8409
Address:
520 E. Mill Street, Plymouth, WI, 53073, United States
Brodhead showcases its town with Covered Bridge Days August 10 – 12, 2018. Right along Highway 11, Brodhead hosts a weekend brimming with exciting and interesting activities for everyone. Events include the Wildflower Art Festival, featuring native plant tours and educational programs as well as a juried, high-quality art festival in downtown Veterans Park; exploring the historic Mill Race by pontoon boat at the new “Embrace the Race” event; and a regional garden tractor expo that brings hundreds of vintage and refurbished garden tractors to town.
Among the many long-standing Covered Bridge Days activities are a kids’ fun run, garden displays, tractor show with a thresheree and tractor pull, horse show with pony rides, toy tractor pull, flea market, vendors on the Square, Model A antique car display and classic car show, historical tours, volleyball and softball tournaments, a street dance, a parade, food stands and beer gardens.
The Jimmys, a contemporary blues band from nearby Monticello, will be performing live on Saturday from 7 – 10pm.
While in Brodhead, check out the downtown square, historic museum in the old train station, and historic shops and boutiques. Brodhead is in far eastern Green County and Highway 11 through there is a great drive.
Covered Bridge Days Address:
Downtown Square & South Brodhead (Highway 11)
Brodhead, WI 53520
(608) 897-8411 Website
Start:
August 10, 2018
End:
August 12, 2018
Venue:
Downtown Brodhead
Phone:
608-897-8411
Address:
900 W. Exchange Street, Brodhead, WI, 53520, United States
The Lake Superior Chainsaw Sculpture Championship will be held on Barker’s Island this year in Superior the weekend of August 9-12, 2018!
Watch chainsaw artists from around the world turn simple logs into stunning works of wildlife themed art! Master and guest carvers compete daily in challenging “quick carve” events. The four-day event ends with an official judging of the chainsaw sculptures created by master carvers over the course of the Lake Superior Chainsaw Sculpture Championship. Stay for the daily, live-auctions and take home a master’s work of art! Bring the whole family, children 12 and under are free with paid adult!
Those works also will be available to the highest bidder at Sunday’s auction following the award presentations.
Event starts at 10:00 am daily.
Children 12 and under attend free with ticketed adult.
Tickets are not required on Thursday, August 9.
For the latest event information, follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
Superior is, of course, in the far northwestern corner of Wisconsin, nestled between the St. Louis River and Lake Superior, with Duluth, Minnesota across the way. To get to Superior and Barkers Island, just follow U.S. 2, U.S. 53, or Highways 13 or 35.
Lake Superior Chainsaw Sculpture Championship Address:
Barkers Island, 229 Marina Drive
Superior, WI 54880
(218) 590-5732 Website
Start:
August 9, 2018 10:00 am
End:
August 12, 2018 6:00 pm
Venue:
Barkers Island
Phone:
218-590-5732
Address:
229 Marina Drive, Superior, WI, 54880, United States
Eaux Claires is a huge two-day music and arts festival featuring terrific live performances, music, and crafts along the banks of the Chippewa River on 60 acres of farmland just outside the city of Eau Claire.
In year four of Eaux Claires, they’re reconfiguring the grounds, re-imagining the staging and devoting more attention to the one-of-a-kind experiences that make this festival unique. They’re enhancing the interplay between the artists to allow more performances per artist, many more collaborations throughout the duration of the festival and, well, more once in a lifetime moments. Expect to see unpredictable performances, hidden venues and surprise collaborations across a full two days of music and togetherness.
The festival, curated by Justin Vernon and Aaron Dessner, runs July 6-7, 2018. Tickets are on sale now, many are sold out already but you can check out the different tiers here.
For campers, Eaux Claires offers campground areas only minutes away via a free shuttle. Campgrounds will feature shower facilities, general stores, and spacious sites able to accommodate multiple tents. Camping passes are sold separately from all Admission Tickets and sell for $165, $300 for oversized vehicles.
If you prefer a hotel or other lodging, Eaux Claires is once again working with University of Wisconsin Eau Claire to make hundreds of its dorm rooms available for reservations at reasonable rates (about $84), also with free shuttle transportation.
Sauk City (with neighbor Prairie du Sac, together known as “Sauk Prairie”) hosts its annual Fire on the River celebration with the largest fireworks display along the Wisconsin River.
Fire on the River features two full days of family-friendly fun highlighting the best the Sauk Prairie Area has to offer. Activities include Battle of the Bands, Battle of the Restaurants, Eagle Chase, All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast, games, beer, wine, kids’ art, and of course, the fireworks.
U.S. 12 and Highways 60 and 78 bring you to Sauk City; Highway 188 bypasses to the east across the river, also offering access to not only views of the fireworks but also to the beautiful Wollersheim Winery & Distillery!
Fire on the River Address:
Sauk City Riverwalk
726 Water Street
Sauk City, WI 53583
(608) 643-4168 Website
Fire on the River Schedule of Events:
Friday, July 6
Battle of the Restaurants!
4pm – Event Opens
Battle of the Restaurants Public Voting begins
Main Stage – Food Court – Beer Garden Open
5:30pm – Dan McDonnell Band
8pm Battle of Restaurants voting closes & winners announced
8:00pm – Midnight
Main Stage Headliner – The Retro Specz – North Side Food Court Open
$1-$5 Shop OPEN – 1 of a kind” craft tent with 85 different types of items all handcrafted by local Sr. Citizens, sell $1-$5 to enrich the family experience.
2pm – North Code [Feat. Sam Ness]
5pm – Water Street Jacks
8pm
Youth & Family Games Closed
Bridge Side Food Court Closed
Dusk ~ 9:30pm FIREWORKS!!
10pm – Midnight
Celebrate our Nation’s Freedom Late Night Party!!
Main Stage Headliner – West on U.S. 12 – Beer Garden – North Side Food Court
Start:
July 6, 2018
End:
July 7, 2018
Venue:
Sauk City Riverwalk
Phone:
608-643-4168
Address:
726 Water Street, Sauk City, WI, 53583, United States
Rockerbox is the premier Wisconsin motorcycle show featuring an eclectic mix of Euro, Japanese and American vintage café racers, choppers, sport bikes, racing machines, super motos, scooters, and sidecars. All makes and models of bikes are welcome; you’ll find a mash of bikes competing for space alongside dealers and vendors of all things motorcycling.
The weekend-long festival centers around a ride-in bike show and competition; entering riders from all over the country in over several competitive award classes to showcase the greatest in classic style, fresh customization and all that which is unusual and incredible. Meanwhile, the Road America paddock will be packed with local and national vendors, live music, food, and beer.
Start:
June 8, 2018
End:
June 10, 2018
Venue:
Road America
Phone:
920-892-4576
Address:
N7390 State Highway 67, Plymouth, WI, 53073, United States
GO FLY A KITE!! The 17th annual Outta Sight Kite Flight Kite Festival takes place in Kenosha’s Kennedy Park, June 2 & 3, 2018.
See 500+ kites launch simultaneously to the tune of Mary Poppins’ “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” at noon during the Grand Launch.
The Chicago Fire Precision Kite Team, a precision dual line kite flying team, will perform three times each day.
Fire & Ice and Jean Lemire will also be performing. Milwaukee’s own professional kite flyer, Paul Koepke, will be performing with Fire & Ice.
The giant Kites of Alex Dagenais from Montreal Canada, will be making another appearance with their Super Giant Octopus kite, along with a mega 150 foot Octopus kite.
New this year, there will be a giant 100 foot kite shaped like a full size whale.
Coming back again this year, Connor Doran from America’s Got Talent will be flying indoors at 2 schools on Friday, June 1st, and on both days of the event at Kennedy Park.
Jean Lemire will attempt to fly 3 stunt kites at the same time.
Tom and Kathi Deck will be on hand for the sixth time with their giant Bubble machine. This is one of the largest and longest running bubble machines in the country.
The Kenosha News will be on hand to make free kites for the kids, always a fun favorite.
This family event is free to all, with free parking. Free kites will be given away to the first 100 kids who participate in the City of Kenosha’s “Kids’ Mad Dash,” where 100 kids launch their kites all at the same time. The first kid reaching the highest altitude in 60 seconds wins. LOOK OUT and LOOK UP!
Kites and food will be available for sale at the park.
Outta Sight Kite Flight Festival Address:
Kennedy Park
4051 5th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53143
(414) 305-3145 Website
Kenosha is tucked into the southeast corner of Wisconsin, and I-41/94 along with Highways 32, 50, 142, and 158 bring you there!
Start:
June 2, 2018 10:00 am
End:
June 3, 2018 5:00 pm
Venue:
Kennedy Park
Phone:
262-653-4177
Address:
4015 5th Avenue, Kenosha, WI, 53143, United States
The 40th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Polka Festival takes place May 18-20, 2018 in a new location – the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel at Mitchell International Airport!
If you’re a polka music aficinado, or even if you’re not, this is a fun time. The Wisconsin State Polka Festival is open to the public, with a three-day pass available for $45, daily admission options, and children under 14 are admitted free. You might as well partake, since polka is Wisconsin’s state music and the beats can’t be beat!
The music begins Friday, May 18th at 5pm in two different ballrooms. The lineup includes Squeezebox with Molly and Ted, the Zweifel Brothers, Bob Korek Band, and the Top Notchmen. These bands will alternate performances until 10:30pm.
Dance lessons commence Saturday morning (May 19th) at 10am. Squeezebox and the Mark Jirikovec Band will alternate in one ballroom from 12:30pm to 6:30pm. Steve Meisner will play from 6:30pm to 10:30pm in the same ballroom Saturday. In the second ballroom, Kenny Brandt and the Hauser Hotshots will begin at 1pm and play off and on until 7pm. Virgil Baker from Michigan starts at 7 and plays until 10:30pm.
Sunday features a religious service with the Goodtime Dutchmen at 11am. The music begins at 12:30pm with Barefoot Becky alternating with Goodtime Dutchmen until 5:30pm.
You’ll find the Wisconsin State Polka Festival right by Mitchell International Airport – in fact, right across the street from it – in Milwaukee along Howell Avenue (Highway 38) and the Airport Spur (Highway 119) and Grange Avenue.
Wisconsin State Polka Festival Event Address:
Four Points by Sheraton, Milwaukee Airport
5311 S. Howell Avenue (Highway 3838 at Highway 119)
Milwaukee, WI 53207
(414) 481-2400 Website
Start:
May 18, 2018
End:
May 20, 2018
Venue:
Four Points Sheraton Hotel
Phone:
414-481-2400
Address:
5311 S. Howell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53207, United States
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events › Festival
October 6, 2018
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.
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.
October 5, 2018 – October 6, 2018
Black River Area Oktoberfest & “Things That Roll” Car Show
Black River Falls and the Jackson County Fairgrounds get into the Gemütlichkeit spirit with Black River Area Oktoberfest! This 12th annual music, beer, food, and fun-filled event takes place Friday, October 5th and Saturday, October 6th.
The Kick-Off Party is Friday evening from 6-9 pm at Sand Creek Brewing in Black River Falls, with live music and plenty of food and locally-brewed craft beer to kick off Black River Falls Oktoberfest.
Saturday features tons of music and entertainment at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, from 10am – 10pm. Artists and bands include Dave Kiral, Gary’s Ridgeland Dutchmen, and evening headliner Copper Box. The “Tapping of the Golden Keg” will happen at 1pm. There will be plenty of food and drink vendors, a caricature artist, children’s inflatables, games and face painting, a photo booth, horse-drawn wagon rides, alpacas from Fevolden Farm, a giant pumpkin you can guess the weight of to win prizes, and of course plenty of German celebrations and bier specialties. Free shuttles will run from Sand Creek Brewing to the Jackson County Fairgrounds throughout the day Saturday from 10am – 5pm.
Black River Falls is along I-94, U.S. 12, and Highways 27 and 54. The Jackson County Fairgrounds are right along Highway 54 on the southwest edge of town.
Black River Area Oktoberfest Address:
Jackson County Fairgrounds
388 Melrose Street
Black River Falls, WI 54615
(715) 284-4658
Website
October 5, 2018 – October 7, 2018
Milwaukee Oktoberfest
The Milwaukee Oktoberfest has moved toward the new Fiserv Forum so you can experience the new plaza area. It’s still sponsored by Spaten. The fun includes traditional German brass bands, sing-alongs and spontaneous dancing for everyone. Delicious and authentic German food is available, from huge pretzels and brats to a variety of specialties from the Levy Restaurant Group. Of course there’s plenty of beer/bier on tap imported and domestic – as well as wine, soft drinks and, yes, even coffee.
Check out live music from the Mike Schneider Band, the Klaberheads, the Jeff Winard Band, Austrian Express, Polka Floyd, the Jay Fox Band, and Blaskapelle. Also check out the Wiener Dog Show, a Bags Tournament, the Miss Oktoberfest Competition, a Brat-Eating Contest, the Stein Hoisting Competition, and more.
The Milwaukee Brat House will host the Official After Party each night of the 9th annual Milwaukee Oktoberfest!
Don’t forget the “Das Boot Bar Tour” on Saturday, hosted on Old World Third Street from noon-6pm. Each bar will decorate with a German theme and participants will have the chance to try a different Oktoberfest Beer, essentially making it a bar tour and beer festival combined. Along with the Bar Tour, there will of course be liter size Das Boots for each person on the tour. These will allow you to receive drink specials during the tour and only during the tour. Attendees are more than welcome to bring their boots back to refill at the Main Event!
It’s all based in downtown Milwaukee, at the plaza in front of the new Fiserv Forum, near State Street (U.S. 18), 6th Street/McKinley Avenue (Highway 145) Old World 3rd Street and the Milwaukee River. I-43/94, I-794, and Highway 32 also bring you close. Prosit!
Milwaukee Oktoberfest Address:
The Plaza in front of the Fiserv Forum, as well as on adjacent blocks (Old World Third Street, State Street, Highland Avenue)
901 N. 4th Street (Vel Phillips Avenue)
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Website
October 5, 2018 – October 6, 2018
Chain O’ Lakes Blues Festival
Tickets are available in advance online or by calling (888) 417-4040. Their website has all the details.
Meanwhile, here’s the full music schedule:
Friday, October 5th
7:00 pm – Jay Edward Band
9:00 pm – The Jimmys
Saturday, October 6th
2:30 – 9:00 pm – Michael Murphy (performing between bands)
3:00 – 4:30 pm – Madtown Mannish Boys
5:00 – 6:30 pm – Alex Wilson Band
7:00 – 8:30 pm – Reverend Raven & The Chain Smoking Altar Boys
9:00 – 10:30 pm – John Primer and the Real Deal Blues Band
You can access Waupaca’s Chain O’Lakes region via U.S. 10 or Highways 22, 49, and 54.
Waupaca’s Chain O’ Lakes Blues Festival Address:
Indian Crossing Casino
E1171 County Road Q
Waupaca, WI 54981
(888) 417-4040
Website
October 5, 2018 – October 6, 2018
Sheboygan Oktoberfest at Al & Al’s
Sheboygan is a pretty German city – and Al & Al’s Steinhaus is a pretty German restaurant. Together, the two put on a Sheboygan Oktoberfest celebration in the City of Brats & Beer that embodies the full spirit of Gemütlichkeit!
This year’s Oktoberfest takes place in Heritage Square downtown, Friday & Saturday October 5-6. A Bavarian style fish fry, plenty of beer and live music, a ceremonial tapping of a keg of Spaten, and weiner dog races (enter yours here) are all part of this celebration.
Sheboygan has plenty to offer, from its beautiful harbor area to this Oktoberfest celebration. Hit I-43 or Highways 23, 28, or 42 and get here!
Sheboygan Oktoberfest at Al & Al’s Address:
Al & Al’s Steinhaus
1502 S. 12th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 452-5530
Website
October 5, 2018 – October 14, 2018
Reedsburg Fermentation Fest
Talk about a live cultural experience! Fermentation Fest is a “Live Culture Convergence,” an annual celebration of live culture in all its forms from dance to yogurt and poetry to sauerkraut. Presented by the Reedsburg-based Wormfarm Institute, Fermentation Fest brings together farmers, chefs, artists, poets and performers in the beautiful working lands of Sauk County for tastings, demonstrations, cooking classes, art events, performances, food carts and more.
From saurkraut to hot sauces, from chocolate to coffee, beer and wine, from yogurt to sourdough bread, over one-third of what we consume is fermented. Fermentation Fest features authors, chefs, bakers, scientists, chocolatiers, brew masters and cheese makers over two consecutive weekends, offering 40 classes and lectures that celebrate the abundance and transformation of fermentation. Learn skills you can use at home, enjoy samples, and experience hands-on ways to bring fermentation into your daily experience.
The biennial feature of Fermentation Fest, Farm/Art DTour is a 50+ mile drive through scenic working farmland of rural Sauk County where artists explore the timeless connection between land and people. For thousands of years, farmers in cultures around the world interwove dance, music, and art through rituals of planting and the harvest in celebration of the land and those who care for it. Through a contemporary approach and within this timeless context, they continue the tradition.
Hit Highway 23 or 33 to find Reedsburg, cross the 90th Meridian, and enjoy Fermentation Fest!
Reedsburg Fermentation Fest Address:
28 E. Main Street (Highways 23/33)
Reedsburg, WI 53959
(608) 524-8672
Website
September 22, 2018
Great River Road Fall Festival
The Great River Road Fall Festival celebrates the Great River Road with music, an antique tractor pull, wagon rides, sorghum making, broom making, hands on activities, and much much more at the beautiful Stonefield, just north of Cassville near the Mississippi River!
Beer, root beer, sandwiches and ice cream will be for sale by Friends of Stonefield/Nelson Dewey State Park.
In 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Great River Road along the Mississippi, following the river for nearly 3,000 miles through 10 states. Stonefield Historic Site, a Great River Road Interpretive Center, celebrates the history of the Great River Road. Come see for yourself why the Great River Road in Wisconsin was voted the “Prettiest Drive” in America by the readers of the Huffington Post!
Stonefield comprises a re-created 1900-vintage rural farming village and the State Agricultural Museum, which traces the history of Wisconsin agriculture from its inception to the 20th century. Stonefield, named after the estate farmed by Wisconsin’s first governor Nelson Dewey, also includes Dewey’s home site.
Admission for Adults is $10; children (5-17) $6 and (0-5) are FREE; students and senior citizens (65 and over) $9.
You can reach Stonefield via Highways 81 or 133 to Cassville.
Great River Road Fall Festival Address:
Stonefield State Historic Site
12195 County Highway VV
Cassville, WI 53806
(608) 725-5210
Website
September 22, 2018 – September 23, 2018
Colorama Weekend, Land O’Lakes
Colorama Weekend lets you enjoy the fall colors of Northern Wisconsin, right along the border with the U.P. in picturesque Land O’ Lakes. The Colorama Celebration includes family friendly games, music, food, art show, radar run and hay ride throughout town. Just slow down and enjoy what a beautiful day of Fall colors in the Northwoods can offer. Can’t get enough fall fun?? Enjoy the Colorama Dinner on Sunday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m with chicken and ham.
Land O’Lakes is at the top of Wisconsin, right along the land border with the U.P. of Michigan. U.S. 45 and Highway 32 bring you there; just turn west on County B right at the state line (stop in the BP station there too, it literally straddles the border!)
Colorama Weekend Address in Land O’Lakes:
County B west of U.S. 45/Highway 32
Land O’Lakes, WI 54540
(715) 547-3432
Website
Colorama Weekend in Land O’Lakes activities include:
Kids Bowling
Leaf Walk to area businesses
Go to participating shops, find the leaf & get your card signed to become eligible for a Chamber of Commerce $25 Gift certificate
Art & Quilt exhibit & demonstrations
Tour the Community Garden & enjoy the bonfire
Experience finding Donaldson,the School,the Town,the Mill
Cars, trucks, motorcycles $10 registration – helmets mandatory
Food and refreshments
Pie Baking Contest—Calling all bakers, make a pie and be a winner
Auction winning pies, Pie by the slice, coffee & apple cider
Corn Roast & Brat Fry – LandOLakes/Conover PTA fundraiser
Corn Hole Toss Tournament
Pumpkin cookie decorating
Bobbing for apples
Games—Volley Ball & more
Refreshments– seasonal & regular beers
Fall Hayride Shuttle
Pick up at the Bel Air Motel through town to the VFW, to the Community Garden, to the Pavilion, to the Museum, to the Airport back to the Bel-Air- Stop off at any event and get picked up later. About a ½ hour ride to enjoy all the events, the decorations and the Friendly Fall atmosphere of Land O’ Lakes.
Back to StateTrunkTour.com
September 14, 2018 – September 16, 2018
International Ginseng Festival
Wausau is the Ginseng Capital of Wisconsin, and the second International Ginseng Festival celebrates central Wisconsin’s production of this traditional herb commonly used in tea and as an herbal supplement. It’s especially prized by buyers in China, and you’ll find it as an enhancement in energy drinks and health foods.
The cultivation of ginseng in Marathon County goes back to the Fromm brothers, who in the early 1900s started farming ginseng to help pay for the silver foxes they were raising. The brothers went on to establish an internationally known fur business, and as their business grew, so did the cultivation of ginseng in Marathon County. The soil and the climate make central Wisconsin one of the world’s best places to produce the root, which must grow for four years before harvest.
Local breweries including Bull Falls Brewery and Redeye Brewing will make special ginseng brews.
The International Ginseng Festival takes place over three days, September 14-16, 2018, at downtown Wausau’s 400 Block city square park, ginseng fields throughout the county and the historic site of the Fromm farm in Hamburg, where ginseng was first cultivated in Wisconsin. Festival attendees will receive maps and programs outlining the schedule of activities.
Discover Wisconsin (with co-host and State Trunk Tour main traveler and writer Eric Paulsen) visited the first International Ginseng Festival in Marathon County in 2017, here’s the full episode on that!
The International Ginseng Festival covers a wide variety of ginseng-related topics, including agricultural, culinary, educational, historical, arts and entertainment aspects all showcased. The International Ginseng Festival will also feature multicultural aspects, as the Hmong and Native American communities have significant influences on ginseng production. Here are some of activities that will take place during the festival:
Downtown Wausau’s 400 Block City Square Park Events:
other performances.
Additional International Ginseng Festival Activities Off-Site from the 400 Block:
Dig It, Keep It! Dig Your Own Root:
Hsu’s Ginseng Farm (4707 McIntosh St, Wausau, WI 54403)
Sept. 16, 1:00-3:00 pm
Heil Ginseng Field (2670 Hwy H, Edgar, WI 54426)
Sept. 14, 3:00-5:00 pm
Sept. 15, 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Sept. 16, 12:00-2:00 pm
Commemorative coins and an opportunity to sign the vintage log book of visitors at the 45×90 Geographic Marker. It is the location of the 45th parallel; the exact point half-way between the Equator and the North Pole and half-way between the Greenwich Meridian and the International Dateline. Geographically, it is a location of significance to ginseng cultivation, as the climate and area geology are key components.
Historical Exhibits, Tours & More:
Arts & Entertainment:
Festival poster art contest by the Center for the Visual Arts will take place in advance of the festival. Stop in before 2:00 pm on Sept. 15 and cast your vote for The People’s Choice!
View the Ginseng: The Treasured Root exhibit at Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, which features drawings and watercolors focused on ginseng from Midwest botanical artists.
Visit the World Renowned Birds in Art Exhibit at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum.
Seminars & Demonstrations:
Cooking with ginseng demonstrations at Robert W. Monk Gardens in the outdoor catering kitchen and tours featuring the wild ginseng that is grown in the gardens; Sept. 15 & 16
Recreational Activities:
5K Ginseng Root Run at Veterans Park, Marathon City (204 E 4th St, Marathon City, WI 54448); Sept. 15, 10:00 am. Sign up here.
Kayaking at downtown Wausau’s championship White Water Park through the Wausau Kayak & Canoe Corp. recreational release program.
View the fall colors on the Comet Chairlift Rides at Granite Peak Ski Area, free for festival-goers; Sept. 15, 10:00 am-2:00 pm.
Other International Ginseng Festival Places to Note:
After you’ve sampled festival foods and beverages, stay downtown and check out the wonderful establishments around the 400 Block. Watch the store and restaurant windows for Festival Goer specials.
Also, see the Wausau World Market, a west-side marketplace with diverse entrepreneurs selling produce, goods, and cultural items all under one roof at 828 S. Third Ave, Wausau, Daily 8:00 am–7:00 pm
Hmong Museum in the Wausau Center Mall – Stop in and enjoy their “From Laos to America” exhibit honoring the refugee experience.
1st Annual Antique Tractor, Steam, Equipment and Parts Swap Meet – Hosted by North Central WI Antique Steam & Gas Engine Club, Inc.
Club Showgrounds (W4255 Hilldale Drive, Edgar, WI 54426)
Sept 14, 8:00 am–12:00 pm
Sept 15, 12:00–5:00 pm
Marathon City Heritage Center – Marathon City is the center of where ginseng growing began! Displays at the Marathon City Heritage Center will feature equipment, artifacts and photos from area ginseng growers, past and present! Come visit and share your story with us!
301 Main St, Marathon City, WI 54448
Open special hours on Saturday, Sept 16 / 10:00 am–12:00 pm
History of Ginseng in Marathon County
Ginseng cultivation began in the late 1800s at the turn of the 20th century in Marathon County by the Fromm Brothers, but has been used in eastern cultures for its healing properties for over 5,000 years. Today, the capital of the United States ginseng industry is in Marathon County, Wisconsin. There are over 185 ginseng producers in the county and 95% of the ginseng root exported from the United States comes from Central Wisconsin. The rolling hills, virgin soil and cool summers grow unique roots very high in ginsenosides (the active compound in ginseng). These properties make Wisconsin ginseng known as the premier cultivation in the world. As you drive around Marathon County in the warm weather seasons, you’ll see tarp-covered fields protecting ginseng plants from direct sunlight. The berries turn red in August and are harvested in September. The roots are harvested in October and are used in a variety of products including health and beauty products, teas, beverages, candies and much more. The recent resurgence in the interest of ginseng has created great demand in this ever-evolving market of the crop.
You can get to Wausau and the Ginseng Festival via I-39 or U.S. 51, Highway 29, or zig-zag in via Highway 52.
September 7, 2018 – September 9, 2018
Indian Summer Festival, Milwaukee
Music on the new Gathering Place Stage
The new Gathering Place Stage on the North end of the grounds will offer performances from several of this year’s nominees for the Indian Summer Music Awards (ISMA.) They include the Cody Blackbird Band, Native American flutist Jan Michael Looking Wolf, Rellik, Painted Raven, Crazy Flute, and Sandra Sutter will all be playing their nominated music all three days.
Their performances are free with your paid admission to Indian Summer.
Indian Summer Chefs & Cooking Demonstrations
Saturday the 8th and Sunday the 9th on the Eagles Nest Stage, join chefs as they demonstrate traditional dishes as well as contemporary recipes using classic Native ingredients.
Saturday
1:30 Wild Rice Crusted Pork Chops with Joe Parajecki, Kettle Range Meat Co.
2:30 Wojapi Native American Pudding with Ron Greiger of White Feather Restaurant
3:30 Duck Confit & toasted farro salad w/honey grain vinaigrette with Lucas Lonzo, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
Sunday
1:30 Buffalo Stew with Bruce Evans of Slow Food WiSE
2:30 Duck Tacos and Wild Rice Fried Rice with Tai Tok, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
Cooking demonstrations and all the entertainment stages at the festival are included with your paid admission. Discounted tickets may still be available.
You’ll find the Indian Summer Festival celebration at Henry Maier Festival Park, also known as the Summerfest Grounds, right on Milwaukee’s lakefront. I-794, U.S. 18, and Highway 32 all bring you there. I-43/94 and Highways 38, 57, 59, and 145 all bring you close!
Indian Summer Festival Address:
Henry Maier Festival Park
200 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 604-1000
Website
August 29, 2018 – September 3, 2018
Harley-Davidson 115th Anniversary Celebration & Milwaukee Rally
The Harley 115th is coming up! The Milwaukee Rally is an annual celebration over Labor Day Weekend for Harley riders, H.O.G. members (if you don’t know what H.O.G. stands for, you don’t need to anyway), and the general public to ride, check out classic, current, and future Harley-Davidson motorcycles, party to music and an unbelievable slew of shows and performances. This year, they’re celebrating Harley-Davidson’s 115th Anniversary – and every five years, the party is extra massive all across Milwaukee and SE Wisconsin!
The Harley 115th Celebration and Milwaukee Rally centers on the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, which anchors the east end of the Menomonee Valley and Canal Street between downtown and Walkers Point. But events are happening all over the city, suburbs, and at Harley-Davidson dealerships across southeastern Wisconsin.
Harley 115th Events Include:
The 115th Anniversary Kickoff Party & H.O.G. 35th Moto-Carnival at Veterans Park, a free party that kicks off Wednesday 8/29 as thousands of riders convene on the shores of Lake Michigan. All weekend long the Full Throttle Saloon is serving up high wire motorcycle thrill shows, Wall of Death and more. Riders can meet on Wednesday at the Milwaukee-area dealerships to join a group ride, or ride in on their own.
Harley 115th Anniversary Kickoff Party & H.O.G. 35th Moto-Carnival Events:
Moto-Carnival Live: Display open for customers – includes HOG check-in, Rally Pack will call, merchandise sales, Dunlop display, MDA, information booths, customer service, food & beverage, JUMPSTART experiences, 3V experience, P&A display and motorcycle display.
Dyno Drags: All Out Dyno Drags invites you to be a part of a rare, exciting, and adrenaline rushing event with a custom – state of the art – dual motorcycle dynamometer.
Helicopter Rides: Take a breathtaking ride in a Robinson R44 helicopter. You will get a bird’s eye view of Veteran’s Park and the beautiful Milwaukee shoreline. Fees apply.
Bungee Slingshot: Catapult your bad self through the air on this Moto-Carnival ride. Feel the adrenaline as you experience this one of a kind ride.
Mechanical HOG: Take this very different HOG for a ride as it spins and twists in all directions – how long can you hang on?
Ferris Wheel: Catch the best view of the H-D Moto-Carnival, the Milwaukee skyline and the shores of Lake Michigan atop the 60 foot Ferris wheel. Fees apply.
Rhett Rotten Show: Rhett Rotten’s Wall of Death, featuring daredevil Rhett Rotten on a vintage Harley-Davidson, defying gravity as he circles his custom-built Wall of Death performing stunts that you have to see to believe.
Una Circus: Circus Una’s Motorcycle Thrill Show, featuring the world’s only all-female, wheelie-popping motorcycle trapeze high-wire thrill show.
Globe of Death: The Urias Globe of Death, featuring three motorcycles with throttles wide-open, inside a 16 foot steel sphere, all while one of the Urias Family Daredevils stands.
More details here!
The Harley-Davidson Beach Brawl Presented by Trog*
Happening Friday, August 31st from 10am-4pm and Saturday, September 1st from Noon-7pm, this is a chance to watch bikes tear through the sand on the shoreline of Lake Michigan for the first time in over 100 years! Free and open to the public, there will also be beach activities providing gritty fun for all ages. On Friday, racers will be wrenching and kicking up sand as they practice and get prepared for the competition. Vintage and new bikes will meet up and battle it out on the oval on Saturday, paying tribute to the early days of racing. The beach is open for swimming. Food and beverage will be flowing from the tiki bars and bikes will be on display for all to see. This is a must-see event! More details here.
Flat-Out Friday Powered by Harley-Davidson
Held at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena on Kilbourn Avenue (just off U.S. 18 and Highway 145), this Indoor Flat-Track Race event offers tight, bar-to-bar racing action from both traditional and special classes. The Pre-Race Street Party begins Friday at Noon and runs through 8pm, with free motorcycle street parking, the Harley-Davidson truck and Rebel One, bikes, vendors, great food, a 360-bar, a whiskey bar, and a huge variety of live music. Doors for Flat Out Friday open at 6pm and the races start at 7pm.
Live Music includes Taj Raiden at 2pm, Faux Fiction at 3pm, Denny Lanez at 4pm, Telethon at 5pm, and Whips at 6pm.
Run What You Brung at Great Lakes Dragway
This Harley 115th event is held Friday 8/31 at Great Lakes Dragaway in Union Grove south of Milwaukee. They’re inviting Harley riders from around the world to twist the throttle and race side-by-side at the iconic “biggest little track in the world“. Keep getting back in line and show ‘em what you got. Twin Stunts All-Harley Show will have three performances throughout the day. Come to race or just watch the action. More details and tickets here.
HillClimb at Little Switzerland
Of course, plenty of events will be taking place every day of the 115th at the Harley-Davidson Museum, at seven Harley-Davidson dealerships across the region from Kenosha to Sheboygan and Oconomowoc to Milwaukee, at the Global Harley-Davidson Headquarters on Juneau Avenue in Milwaukee, Factory Tours, and tons of Street Parties and Neighborhood Events.
115th Anniversary Sunday Parade
Of course, the 115th Anniversary Parade tops it all off! Riders from around the world wave their hometown flags proudly right here in the birthplace of Harley-Davidson. Riders and the community will line the route to see the beauty and the brawn of customized motorcycles and unique show bikes. Harley-Davidson invited tens of thousands of riders from around the world to ride in the parade including custom bike builders, stunt teams, charitable groups, HOG Chapters, as well as a few surprise guests. The parade kicks off at 45th Street and Wisconsin Avenue, continues east through downtown Milwaukee and lands at the Harley-Davidson 115th Anniversary and HOG 35th Moto-Carnival at Veterans Park.
See http://www.milwaukeerally.com/ in the meantime.
August 24, 2018 – August 25, 2018
Bands, Brews & BBQ in Kenosha
Like before when it was the Grill Games, check out the Wisconsin State Championship BBQ contest with teams from the Kansas City Barbeque Society! You can learn their secrets, taste and purchase BBQ, and vote for your favorite teams. There are also plenty of kids’ activities and a beer garden – because beer pairs exceptionally well with tasty BBQ. “Kenosha’s Best BBQ Contest” runs Friday the 24th from 5pm to 8pm and the “People’s Choice BBQ Competition” runs Saturday the 25th from 2pm to 4:30pm.
Admission is $5/day. Proceeds benefit the scholarship foundations of the Kenosha YMCA and the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Kenosha HarborPark area is between downtown and Lake Michigan, just east of Highway 32 between Highways 158 and 50. It’s a beautiful area, definitely check it out!
Kenosha Bands, Brews, & BBQ Address:
Celebration Place at HarborPark
56th Street & 1st Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 654-1234
Website
Facebook page
August 10, 2018
Cheese Capital Jazz and Blues Crawl for the Arts
Plymouth celebrates its 15th annual live music extravaganza and fundraiser, called the Plymouth Cheese Capital Jazz & Blues Crawl for the Arts, on Friday, August 10th late afternoon into the evening.
This lively music event features 10 fantastic bands at the Plymouth Arts Center (PAC) in the courtyard and greatroom and at several downtown clubs and restaurants. Purchase the 2018 Wristband for $10, and receive one free raffle ticket (valued at $5) for a chance to win $500 in Cash with additional Big Cash Raffle Tickets available at the PAC – win up to $1000!
Participating venues this year are include the PAC; Antonio’s; City Club; 52 Stafford; The Depot; Wild Shots PUB, The Cheese Counter and Plymouth Tap. Festivities are kicked off at the PAC, 520 East Mill, downtown Plymouth, WI at 4:30pm. PAC’s Bourbon Street Café features a jazzy menu catered by Three Guys & a Grill until 9pm. The opening reception for our new exhibition, The Light of Thy Favor, featuring watercolors by Cedarburg artists, Tom Kubala and Colette Odya Smith opens in Gallery 110 North.
Highways 23, 57, and 67 bring you to Plymouth.
Plymouth Cheese Capital Jazz & Blues Crawl for the Arts Address:
Plymouth Arts Center
520 E. Mill Street
Plymouth, WI 53073
(920) 892-8409
Website
Plymouth Cheese Capital Jazz & Blues Crawl Lineup:
Jive Safely @ the PAC Greatroom, 4:30 – 6 pm
The Sentimellows @ the PAC Courtyard, 4:30 – 6 pm
Built For Comfort @ the PAC Greatroom, 6 – 9 pm
River City Six Dixieland Band @ the PAC Tent – Courtyard, 6 – 9 pm
The Sucherman/Underwood Duo @ the Cheese Counter, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Smooth Groove Jazz Quartet @ PJ Campbell’s at The Depot, 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Tracy Hannemann Jazz & Blues Combo @ Antonio’s, 7 – 10:30 pm
Milwaukee Hot Club @ 52 Stafford, 7:30 – 10:30 pm
Kal Bergendahl Project @ Plymouth Tap, 8:30 – 11:30 pm
Chanel Le Meaux & the Dapper Cads @ Wild Shots Pub, 8:30 pm – Midnight
The Blue City Olives @ City Club, 9 pm – 12:30 am
August 10, 2018 – August 12, 2018
Covered Bridge Days
Brodhead showcases its town with Covered Bridge Days August 10 – 12, 2018. Right along Highway 11, Brodhead hosts a weekend brimming with exciting and interesting activities for everyone. Events include the Wildflower Art Festival, featuring native plant tours and educational programs as well as a juried, high-quality art festival in downtown Veterans Park; exploring the historic Mill Race by pontoon boat at the new “Embrace the Race” event; and a regional garden tractor expo that brings hundreds of vintage and refurbished garden tractors to town.
Among the many long-standing Covered Bridge Days activities are a kids’ fun run, garden displays, tractor show with a thresheree and tractor pull, horse show with pony rides, toy tractor pull, flea market, vendors on the Square, Model A antique car display and classic car show, historical tours, volleyball and softball tournaments, a street dance, a parade, food stands and beer gardens.
The Jimmys, a contemporary blues band from nearby Monticello, will be performing live on Saturday from 7 – 10pm.
While in Brodhead, check out the downtown square, historic museum in the old train station, and historic shops and boutiques. Brodhead is in far eastern Green County and Highway 11 through there is a great drive.
Covered Bridge Days Address:
Downtown Square & South Brodhead (Highway 11)
Brodhead, WI 53520
(608) 897-8411
Website
August 9, 2018 – August 12, 2018
Lake Superior Chainsaw Sculpture Championship
The Lake Superior Chainsaw Sculpture Championship will be held on Barker’s Island this year in Superior the weekend of August 9-12, 2018!
Watch chainsaw artists from around the world turn simple logs into stunning works of wildlife themed art! Master and guest carvers compete daily in challenging “quick carve” events. The four-day event ends with an official judging of the chainsaw sculptures created by master carvers over the course of the Lake Superior Chainsaw Sculpture Championship. Stay for the daily, live-auctions and take home a master’s work of art! Bring the whole family, children 12 and under are free with paid adult!
Event starts at 10:00 am daily.
Children 12 and under attend free with ticketed adult.
Tickets are not required on Thursday, August 9.
For the latest event information, follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
Superior is, of course, in the far northwestern corner of Wisconsin, nestled between the St. Louis River and Lake Superior, with Duluth, Minnesota across the way. To get to Superior and Barkers Island, just follow U.S. 2, U.S. 53, or Highways 13 or 35.
Lake Superior Chainsaw Sculpture Championship Address:
Barkers Island, 229 Marina Drive
Superior, WI 54880
(218) 590-5732
Website
July 6, 2018 – July 7, 2018
Eaux Claires
In year four of Eaux Claires, they’re reconfiguring the grounds, re-imagining the staging and devoting more attention to the one-of-a-kind experiences that make this festival unique. They’re enhancing the interplay between the artists to allow more performances per artist, many more collaborations throughout the duration of the festival and, well, more once in a lifetime moments. Expect to see unpredictable performances, hidden venues and surprise collaborations across a full two days of music and togetherness.
The festival, curated by Justin Vernon and Aaron Dessner, runs July 6-7, 2018. Tickets are on sale now, many are sold out already but you can check out the different tiers here.
For campers, Eaux Claires offers campground areas only minutes away via a free shuttle. Campgrounds will feature shower facilities, general stores, and spacious sites able to accommodate multiple tents. Camping passes are sold separately from all Admission Tickets and sell for $165, $300 for oversized vehicles.
If you prefer a hotel or other lodging, Eaux Claires is once again working with University of Wisconsin Eau Claire to make hundreds of its dorm rooms available for reservations at reasonable rates (about $84), also with free shuttle transportation.
The full lineup continues to evolve; get the latest here.
You can get to the event via I-94, U.S. 12 & 53, or Highways 37 and 93 (it’s closest to Highway 37 near U.S. 12 and I-94.)
Their Twitter is @EauxClaires.
July 6, 2018 – July 7, 2018
Fire on the River, Sauk Prairie
Sauk City (with neighbor Prairie du Sac, together known as “Sauk Prairie”) hosts its annual Fire on the River celebration with the largest fireworks display along the Wisconsin River.
Fire on the River features two full days of family-friendly fun highlighting the best the Sauk Prairie Area has to offer. Activities include Battle of the Bands, Battle of the Restaurants, Eagle Chase, All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast, games, beer, wine, kids’ art, and of course, the fireworks.
U.S. 12 and Highways 60 and 78 bring you to Sauk City; Highway 188 bypasses to the east across the river, also offering access to not only views of the fireworks but also to the beautiful Wollersheim Winery & Distillery!
Fire on the River Address:
Sauk City Riverwalk
726 Water Street
Sauk City, WI 53583
(608) 643-4168
Website
Fire on the River Schedule of Events:
Friday, July 6
Battle of the Restaurants!
4pm – Event Opens
Battle of the Restaurants Public Voting begins
Main Stage – Food Court – Beer Garden Open
5:30pm – Dan McDonnell Band
8pm Battle of Restaurants voting closes & winners announced
8:00pm – Midnight
Main Stage Headliner – The Retro Specz – North Side Food Court Open
Saturday, July 7 – Celebrate Freedom
7am – Eagle Chase – Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K Run/Walk
7:30am – All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast
9am – Sam Ness
11am – National Guard Boot Camp
11am – Bar Buddies Dunk Tank
11:30am – River Hills Worship Band
12pm
Youth & Family Games
Bridge Side Food Court
Main Stage – Beer Garden
North Side Food Court
$1-$5 Shop OPEN – 1 of a kind” craft tent with 85 different types of items all handcrafted by local Sr. Citizens, sell $1-$5 to enrich the family experience.
2pm – North Code [Feat. Sam Ness]
5pm – Water Street Jacks
8pm
Youth & Family Games Closed
Bridge Side Food Court Closed
Dusk ~ 9:30pm FIREWORKS!!
10pm – Midnight
Celebrate our Nation’s Freedom Late Night Party!!
Main Stage Headliner – West on U.S. 12 – Beer Garden – North Side Food Court
June 8, 2018 – June 10, 2018
Rockerbox MotoFest featuring AHRMA Vintage Racing at Road America
Rockerbox is the premier Wisconsin motorcycle show featuring an eclectic mix of Euro, Japanese and American vintage café racers, choppers, sport bikes, racing machines, super motos, scooters, and sidecars. All makes and models of bikes are welcome; you’ll find a mash of bikes competing for space alongside dealers and vendors of all things motorcycling.
The weekend-long festival centers around a ride-in bike show and competition; entering riders from all over the country in over several competitive award classes to showcase the greatest in classic style, fresh customization and all that which is unusual and incredible. Meanwhile, the Road America paddock will be packed with local and national vendors, live music, food, and beer.
June 2, 2018 – June 3, 2018
Outta Sight Kite Flight Festival
GO FLY A KITE!! The 17th annual Outta Sight Kite Flight Kite Festival takes place in Kenosha’s Kennedy Park, June 2 & 3, 2018.
This family event is free to all, with free parking. Free kites will be given away to the first 100 kids who participate in the City of Kenosha’s “Kids’ Mad Dash,” where 100 kids launch their kites all at the same time. The first kid reaching the highest altitude in 60 seconds wins. LOOK OUT and LOOK UP!
Kites and food will be available for sale at the park.
Outta Sight Kite Flight Festival Address:
Kennedy Park
4051 5th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53143
(414) 305-3145
Website
Kenosha is tucked into the southeast corner of Wisconsin, and I-41/94 along with Highways 32, 50, 142, and 158 bring you there!
May 18, 2018 – May 20, 2018
Wisconsin State Polka Festival
The 40th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Polka Festival takes place May 18-20, 2018 in a new location – the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel at Mitchell International Airport!
If you’re a polka music aficinado, or even if you’re not, this is a fun time. The Wisconsin State Polka Festival is open to the public, with a three-day pass available for $45, daily admission options, and children under 14 are admitted free. You might as well partake, since polka is Wisconsin’s state music and the beats can’t be beat!
The music begins Friday, May 18th at 5pm in two different ballrooms. The lineup includes Squeezebox with Molly and Ted, the Zweifel Brothers, Bob Korek Band, and the Top Notchmen. These bands will alternate performances until 10:30pm.
Dance lessons commence Saturday morning (May 19th) at 10am. Squeezebox and the Mark Jirikovec Band will alternate in one ballroom from 12:30pm to 6:30pm. Steve Meisner will play from 6:30pm to 10:30pm in the same ballroom Saturday. In the second ballroom, Kenny Brandt and the Hauser Hotshots will begin at 1pm and play off and on until 7pm. Virgil Baker from Michigan starts at 7 and plays until 10:30pm.
Sunday features a religious service with the Goodtime Dutchmen at 11am. The music begins at 12:30pm with Barefoot Becky alternating with Goodtime Dutchmen until 5:30pm.
You’ll find the Wisconsin State Polka Festival right by Mitchell International Airport – in fact, right across the street from it – in Milwaukee along Howell Avenue (Highway 38) and the Airport Spur (Highway 119) and Grange Avenue.
Wisconsin State Polka Festival Event Address:
Four Points by Sheraton, Milwaukee Airport
5311 S. Howell Avenue (Highway 3838 at Highway 119)
Milwaukee, WI 53207
(414) 481-2400
Website