Talk about pumpkin spice… the Racine County Fairgrounds gets crazy Saturday, October 20th & Sunday, October 21st with the Great Pumpkin Chuckin Fest! Don’t miss out on this smashing fun time. Returning this year is The Best of the Midwest BBQ Cook Off, where over 50 teams will compete for $7,000 in prize money and the title of “The Best of the Midwest”. There will be Costume contests for Kids and Adults. Prizes will be awarded! This 2-day event will feature Pumpkin Chuckin Competitions, where teams will catapult pumpkins as far as the eye can see! Raymond Middle School holds the record for the Junior Division with 229 ft., Waterford High School holds the record for the Intermediate Division with 317 ft., and Trinity Lutheran holds the record for the Advanced Division with 476 ft. Can you beat it? Give it a shot! Pumpkin chuckin’ is actually quite a rush.
Also look for multiple Stage Performances by the Racine Zoo, Food, Vendors, Seasonal Beers, Free Kids Games and Activities, Carnival and Hay Rides, Pumpkin Baking Contests, and so much more! Fun for all ages!
Admission is free for all. The Great Pumpkin Chuckin Fest runs 10am Saturday, October 20th through 5pm Sunday, October 21st. The Best of the Midwest BBQ Cook-Off kicks off Friday night and runs through Saturday – meaning not only is this a fun time, it’s a delicious time on the Racine County Fairgrounds!
Great Pumpkin Chuckin Fest & Best of the Midwest BBQ Cook-Off Address:
Racine County Fairgrounds
19805 Durand Avenue (Highway 11)
Union Grove, WI 53182
(262) 878-4606 Website
See the full schedule below!
The Racine County Fairgrounds is in Union Grove along Highway 11 by U.S. 45. Great Lakes Dragaway is close by, and of course the beauty of fall makes for a fantastic drive as you head to the Great Pumpkin Chuckin Fest and the Best of the Midwest BBQ Cook-Off! Other great places like the Bong Recreation Area, the Mars Cheese Castle, Appletrow Winery & Distillery, and more are all in close proximity.
Great Pumpkin Chuckin Fest & Best of the Midwest BBQ Schedule of Events:
Saturday October 20th 10 am – 8 pm
Best of the Midwest Cook-Off (10 – 5)
12 pm – BBQ Turn In & Judging Begins
5 pm – KCBS BEST OF THE MIDWEST Awards (Main Stage)
2 – 4 pm – People’s Choice Competition
You be the judge! Purchase a Peoples Choice Judges card for $10 and sample the Best BBQ in the Midwest! Cards and contest in Beer Garden.
Pumpkin Chuckin Field (10 – 6)
IT’S YOUR TURN! Launch your own pumpkin between competitions – $4 per launch.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm – Little Chuckers
12:30 pm – Little Chuckers Team Awards
2:00 pm – 4:30 pm – Soaring Squash
4:30 pm – Soaring Squash Team Awards
Kids Games & Activities (10-7)
Little Sprouts Kids Zone – Sponsored by North Shore Bank
Free Hayrides (10-5)
Garden Tractor Club Barrel Rides – $1
Free Kids Games – Kids Play Area
Pumpkin Sling Shots (3 for $1)
11 am – ALL DAY Carnival Rides
10 am – ALL DAY Broncos Youth Shooting Club Potato Gun Challenge (3 shots for $5 or 7 shots for $10)
12 – 4 pm – Treasure Hunt with Captain Jack and Friends
Special thanks to Maurice Farms for donating pumpkins used at the Fest!
Petting Zoo (10-6)
Join the Union Grove FFA and let your kids meet theirs! The Union Grove High School FFA will be hosting a farm animal petting zoo both days.
Little Sprouts Stage
Sponsored by Union Grove Piggly Wiggly
10 am – Pumpkin Yoga with Jessie Vyvyan from Chi Trees & Oil – FREE Family Friendly
11 am – Animals of the World – Racine Zoo
12 pm – Magic Rob
2 pm – Magic Rob
3 pm – Sword Play by Highwaymen Entertainment
3:30 pm – Pumpkin Seed Spitting Contest
4 pm – Creatures of the Night – Racine Zoo
Helicopter Rides (11 am)
Take a 5-6 minute ride around Union Grove at 120 mph! The cost of a ride is $40/seat and we can take three passengers per flight. There are no age restrictions. Children under age 2 may sit on parent’s lap (no charge for child) as long as everyone is within weight limits. Children, age 2 and older, must have their own seat and seatbelt. Helicopter rides are sponsored and hosted by Lakeshore Helicopter.
6 pm – 8 pm – Battle of the Bars featuring Dead Mann’s Saloon (Kansasville, WI), Hiawatha Bar & Grill (Sturtevant, WI), JB’s Pub (Union Grove, WI), and 1175 Sports Park & Eatery (Kansasville, WI)
Sunday, October 21 10 am – 5 pm
Pumpkin Chuckin Field (10 – 5)
IT’S YOUR TURN! Launch your own pumpkin between competitions – $4 per launch.
11 am – 2 pm – Advanced Chuckin Competition Begins
2:30 pm – Advanced Chuckin Awards
Kids Games & Activities (10-5)
Little Sprouts Kids Zone – Sponsored by North Shore Bank
Free Hayrides (10-5)
Garden Tractor Club Barrel Rides – $1
Free Kids Games – Kids Play Area
Pumpkin Sling Shots (3 for $1)
10 am – ALL DAY Carnival Rides
10 am – ALL DAY Broncos Youth Shooting Club -Potato Gun Challenge (3 shots for $5 or 7 shots for $10)
12 pm – Desperados & Deputies (presented by Highwaymen Entertainment)
Throughout the day watch out as bandits hijack our hayride!
Don’t worry Deputy Do-Good will be on guard to bring the
bandits to justice, but he may need your help!
Special thanks to Maurice Farms for donating pumpkins used at the Fest!
Petting Zoo (10-2)
Join the Union Grove FFA and let your kids meet theirs! The Union Grove High School FFA will be hosting a farm animal petting zoo both days.
Little Sprouts Stage
Sponsored by Union Grove Piggly Wiggly
11 am – Animals of the World – Racine Zoo
12 pm – Magic Rob
1:30 pm – Princess Story Time – Enchanted Parties & Events
2:30 pm – Creatures of the Night – Racine Zoo
3 pm – Magic Rob
4 pm – Princess Story Time with Enchanted Parties & Events
Helicopter Rides (12 pm)
Take a 5-6 minute ride around Union Grove at 120 mph! The cost of a ride is $40/seat and we can take three passengers per flight. There are no age restrictions. Children under age 2 may sit on parent’s lap (no charge for child) as long as everyone is within weight limits. Children, age 2 and older, must have their own seat and seatbelt. Helicopter rides are sponsored and hosted by Lakeshore Helicopter.
Great Pumpkin Bake-Off (10 – 1)
10 am – 12:45 pm- Entry Turn In at the Information Barn
1:00 pm Entry Judging & Awards (Main Stage)
Rib Cooking Demo (12 pm)
Join Moose’s BBQ at the Main Stage and learn the tricks behind the KCBS competition RIBS – including FREE samples!
Pie Eating Contest (2 pm)
Register at the information booth by 1:30 pm.
Start:
October 20, 2018 10:00 am
End:
October 21, 2018 5:00 pm
Venue:
Racine County Fairgrounds
Phone:
262-878-4606
Address:
19805 Durand Avenue, Union Grove, WI, 53182, United States
TIMMMMBERRRRR! Power Pac Equipment busts out the axes this weekend with Marshfield’s Lumberjack Fall Fest, happening Saturday, October 20th.
Lumberjack Fall Fest is definitely a festival for the whole family! To kick off fall, Power Pac is hosting the Timberworks Lumberjacks, a high-energy lumberjack show. Feel the rush of adrenaline as competitors race up poles at lightning speed or saw through twelve inches of aspen with the speed of a modern-day chain saw. Then move to the edge of your seat as they show off their fancy footwork while running on logs or throw axes with the precision of a dart board champion. The show includes numerous entertaining demonstrations including:
• Log rolling
• Pole climbing races
• Ax throwing
• Fast paced log chopping and sawing
• Chainsaw carving
Timberworks will perform 3 shows at 11:00, 1:00 and 3:00 Saturday. You won’t want to miss it!
FALL FAMILY FUN
In between shows, kids can have inflatable fun in our bouncy house and free face painting while you grab lunch from Hewitt’s Meat Processing, browse our fall sales or enter to win a New 2018 Suzuki King Quad 400 4×4.
You can also WIN a 2018 SUZUKI KING QUAD 400 4X4
PowerPac Equipment is even giving away a brand new ATV to (1) lucky winner! Winner must be 18+ and present to win. The drawing will be held between last 2 shows. No purchase necessary to win! Find out how to enter here, or stop down at Power Pac.
Let it roll!!
You’ll find PowerPac Equipment on the south side of Marshfield, right along the main drag: Central Avenue. It’s “Business” Highway 13, just north of U.S. 10 and the northern end of Highway 80. Highway 97 approaches downtown Marshfield from the northeast (just keep going south of Central) and of course, Highway 13 comes close via the “Through-pass” in the city. While there, check out the Blue Heron BrewPub, the beautiful Wildwood Zoo, the World’s Largest Round Barn at the Central Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, and more!
Lumberjack Fall Fest Address:
PowerPac Equipment
3802 S. Central Avenue (Business Highway 13)
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 387-1106 Website
Start:
October 20, 2018 10:00 am
End:
October 20, 2018 4:00 pm
Venue:
PowerPac Equipment
Phone:
715-387-1106
Address:
3802 S. Central Avenue, Marshfield, WI, 54449, United States
Hunting Moon Pow Wow is three days of excitement, bringing together a host of Native American cultures for a celebration of singing, drumming and dancing in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Long a part of Native culture, the pow wow is an important social gathering; it’s a chance for Native people to connect with one another, connect with their vibrant history and traditions, and to connect with non-Native people through the power, beauty and pageantry of the event.
For over a decade, Hunting Moon Pow Wow has called Milwaukee home. Each year, dancers, drummers and singers gather from across the country to not only socialize, but compete for huge cash prizes—this year totaling over $100,000!
Experience the splendor for yourself—Hunting Moon Pow Wow is a celebration not to be missed. Admission is free and open to everyone!
Check out some of what happened at previous Hunting Moon Pow Wow events:
Get the full details on everything happening at the Hunting Moon Pow-Wow website. You’ll find the UW Milwaukee Panther Arena on Kilbourn Avenue in downtown Milwaukee, bounded to the north and south by U.S. 18 and to the west by Highway 145 right before it ends. It’s within blocks of I-43, I-94, I-794, Highway 32, and within a mile of Highways 38 and 59.
Hunting Moon Pow-Wow Address:
UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena
400 W. Kilbourn Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 847-7320 Website
Start:
October 19, 2018 3:00 pm
End:
October 21, 2018 5:00 pm
Venue:
UW Milwaukee Panther Arena
Phone:
414-847-7320
Address:
400 W. Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, United States
Calling all Warriors and Wizardry fans: prepare your wands, cloaks, and brooms and get ready for a magical weekend you’ll never forget! The newly-renamed Warriors and Wizards Festival (formerly named something that rhymes with Barry Votter) brings the magic to Jefferson again in 2018 with all of your favorite activities and vendors– plus a whole range of new experiences for fans of all ages! Enjoy werewolves, wands, magic, broom flying, potion making, and more. Wristbands allow access to specialty events and venues such as live Wizards Chess, Dragon’s Alley, Serpent’s Alley, Festival Village, Quidditch Matches, the Greenhouse, and more! You’ll also be granted access to free shuttles from parking to the events.
Over 200 vendors are expected for the Warriors and Wizards Festival in Jefferson, check out a list of them here! Vendors will be located according to the type of goods and or services they offer, making it easier for you to locate the products you are seeking (i.e. Cauldron Loving, Super Hero etc).
This year, several stages will feature magicians, traditional bands, singing sea faring mates, laser light stage show, Quidditch Tournament, which are all included with this year’s wristband. This year they are hosting four very special vehicles from some of your favorite Movies, TMNT Van, Landspeeder X-34, from Star Wars, 1966 Batmobile and the Ecto -1 from Ghostbusters.
The Warriors and Wizards Festival will also be hosting actors, actresses and behind the scene talent from various story lines. Super Hero, Castle and Throne, and Outer Space Travel Collectibles will be available for purchase. There will also be Panel Q & A discussions as well as an opportunity to purchase autographs.
Due to limited capacity, experiences like Horse Drawn Wagons will require a minimal fee and not included with the wristband. Experiences that are included with the wristband are listed under Attractions and experiences that require an additional fee are listed under Special Events.
Tickets and Wristbands are available in Jefferson at Malicki’s Piggly Wiggly (921 W. Racine Street/US 18), Jefferson’s City Municipal Office (317 S. Main/Business 26), Rivers Edge Farm Market (512 Business 26), and at Watertown City Hall up in Watertown (106 Jones Street.) They may also be purchased at a price of $27 for Adults and $17 for Children, plus tax, shipping, and handling. Children two years of age and under are free!
General Parking is available Saturday and Sunday; for Friday night activities, attendees are asked to park in downtown Jefferson, around where U.S. 18 meets Business Highway 26. U.S. 18, Highway 26, and Highway 89 all bring you to Jefferson. It’s just 6 miles south of I-94.
Warriors & Wizards Festival Address:
Jefferson County Fair Park
503 N. Jackson Avenue
Jefferson, WI 53549 Website Link to Tickets
Start:
October 19, 2018 8:00 am
End:
October 21, 2018 5:00 pm
Venue:
Jefferson County Fair Park
Address:
503 N. Jackson Avenue, Jefferson, WI, 53549, United States
Running through November 1, the annual Milwaukee Film Festival offers more than 300 films, dozens of special guests, seven world premieres, parties for days—this one’s got it all.
Milwaukee Film Festival Venues:
Oriental Theatre (2230 N. Farwell Avenue/Highway 32) on Milwaukee’s East Side serves as the base.
The Oriental Theatre is Milwaukee’s historic movie palace. Its opulent, lavish, East Indian-inspired décor has attracted teeming hoards since its opening in 1927 and makes this theater a must-see-to-believe destination. It has long been the anchor theater of the Milwaukee Film Festival. Amenities include 2K and 4K digital projection, 35mm and 70mm film projection, 6- and 8-channel Dolby Digital Sound, full-service concession stand, and a full bar with beer, wine, and spirits.
The Avalon in Milwaukee’s Bay View district.
Avalon Theater, 2473 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue (also Highway 32)
The Avalon Theater is located in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood. Notable for its combination of classic movie palace and al fresco Mediterranean décor, the theater’s pièce de résistance is its ever-glowing ceiling of stars and planetary features, found in the main auditorium. Amenities include a full-service concession stand, full bar, leather recliners, an adjoining restaurant (Mistral), and the famous atmospheric ceiling—keep an eye out for shooting stars during your movie.
Times Cinema, 5907 W. Vliet Street
The Times Cinema is a single-screen theater on the western edge of Milwaukee that opened in 1935. The cozy neighborhood theater screens everything from summer blockbusters to indie fare to cult classics. Amenities include a full concession stand, full dinner menu, bar service, and couch-like seating.
Fox-Bay Cinema Grille, 334 E. Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay
Fox-Bay Cinema Grill is the Milwaukee area’s premiere “dinner and a movie” theater destination. The theater is part throwback to the classic Art Deco moviehouses of the 1920s and 1930s, part dinner-theater experience, complete with intimate tables, padded swivel chairs, and dinner/bar service. Visit the Fox-Bay Cinema Grill’s website for more details. Amenities include state-of-the-art digital projection and sound, REALD 3D for certain films, and full bar with classic cocktails, beer, and wine.
Jann Serr Studio Cinema, 1925 E. Kenilworth Place (between Farwell & Prospect, both Highway 32)
Around the corner from the Oriental Theatre, the Jan Serr Studio Cinema is located on the top floor of the Kenilworth Square East building and is home to the Milwaukee Film Festival’s first pop-up cinema. Box office and line queues will be located in the building’s breezeway, located off of E. Kenilworth Place, between Farwell Ave. and Prospect Ave. Once a Ford Model-T factory, watching films in this newly remodeled space will provide a great Milwaukee Film Festival experience in a brand new location! Amenities include that the venue is outfitted with professionally installed and calibrated sound and pictures, ensuring audiences are provided with the optimum viewing experience, including stadium seating built out for up to 200 people. Light concessions will be available on site during the festival.
Of course, getting to Milwaukee on a road trip is easy. Main roads include I-41, I-43, I-94, U.S. 18, U.S. 45, and Highways 32, 36, 38, 57, 59, 145, 175 and 190 all bring you into the city and close to at least one of the venues!
Start:
October 18, 2018
End:
November 1, 2018
Venue:
Oriental Theater
Phone:
414-755-1965
Address:
2230 N. Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Green Bay hosts the Northeast Wisconsin Craft Beer Festival in Shopko Hall Saturday, October 6th. So raise your stein, it’s drinking time! With more than 200 beers, 50 breweries and unlimited sampling, you’re bound to have fun. Beer lovers will receive a commemorative sampling glass and have access to unlimited two-ounce samples of beer and food.
Be ready for the Sam Adams Stein Hoisting Competition, live music from Noah John & Ringing Iron, a Beard Competition with Level-Up Beard Company where categories include mustache, partial beard and full beard, and all kinds of festive fun.
The Stein Hoisting Competition, presented by Samuel Adams, includes qualifying rounds for both men and women at 6:30, 7:15 and 8:00 with the final at 8:30. Prizes include $100-value Packer memorabilia, official Sam Adams ceramic mugs and gift cards to Festival Foods!
General admission opens at 6pm at Green Bay’s Shopko Hall. First Call ticket holders (think VIP here) get admission at 5pm, the opportunity to sample special edition selections before they run out, and a commemorative glass beer boot.
Northeast Wisconsin Craft Beer Festival Address:
Shopko Hall
1901 S. Oneida Street
Green Bay, WI 54304
(800) 895-0071 Website
You’ll find Shopko Hall in Green Bay’s Titletown District, a stone’s throw from Lambeau Field. I-41, I-43, U.S. 141, and Highways 29, 32, 54, 57, and 172 all bring you to Green Bay. Look for Lambeau towering in the air… Shopko is just across the way!
Start:
October 6, 2018 6:00 pm
End:
October 6, 2018 9:00 pm
Venue:
Shopko Hall
Phone:
800-895-0071
Address:
1901 S. Oneida Street, Green Bay, WI, 54304, United States
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
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events › Festival
October 20, 2018 – October 21, 2018
Great Pumpkin Chuckin Fest & Best of the Midwest BBQ Cook-Off
Talk about pumpkin spice… the Racine County Fairgrounds gets crazy Saturday, October 20th & Sunday, October 21st with the Great Pumpkin Chuckin Fest! Don’t miss out on this smashing fun time. Returning this year is The Best of the Midwest BBQ Cook Off, where over 50 teams will compete for $7,000 in prize money and the title of “The Best of the Midwest”. There will be Costume contests for Kids and Adults. Prizes will be awarded! This 2-day event will feature Pumpkin Chuckin Competitions, where teams will catapult pumpkins as far as the eye can see! Raymond Middle School holds the record for the Junior Division with 229 ft., Waterford High School holds the record for the Intermediate Division with 317 ft., and Trinity Lutheran holds the record for the Advanced Division with 476 ft. Can you beat it? Give it a shot! Pumpkin chuckin’ is actually quite a rush.
Also look for multiple Stage Performances by the Racine Zoo, Food, Vendors, Seasonal Beers, Free Kids Games and Activities, Carnival and Hay Rides, Pumpkin Baking Contests, and so much more! Fun for all ages!
Admission is free for all. The Great Pumpkin Chuckin Fest runs 10am Saturday, October 20th through 5pm Sunday, October 21st. The Best of the Midwest BBQ Cook-Off kicks off Friday night and runs through Saturday – meaning not only is this a fun time, it’s a delicious time on the Racine County Fairgrounds!
Great Pumpkin Chuckin Fest & Best of the Midwest BBQ Cook-Off Address:
Racine County Fairgrounds
19805 Durand Avenue (Highway 11)
Union Grove, WI 53182
(262) 878-4606
Website
See the full schedule below!
The Racine County Fairgrounds is in Union Grove along Highway 11 by U.S. 45. Great Lakes Dragaway is close by, and of course the beauty of fall makes for a fantastic drive as you head to the Great Pumpkin Chuckin Fest and the Best of the Midwest BBQ Cook-Off! Other great places like the Bong Recreation Area, the Mars Cheese Castle, Appletrow Winery & Distillery, and more are all in close proximity.
Great Pumpkin Chuckin Fest & Best of the Midwest BBQ Schedule of Events:
Saturday October 20th
10 am – 8 pm
Best of the Midwest Cook-Off (10 – 5)
12 pm – BBQ Turn In & Judging Begins
5 pm – KCBS BEST OF THE MIDWEST Awards (Main Stage)
2 – 4 pm – People’s Choice Competition
You be the judge! Purchase a Peoples Choice Judges card for $10 and sample the Best BBQ in the Midwest! Cards and contest in Beer Garden.
Pumpkin Chuckin Field (10 – 6)
IT’S YOUR TURN! Launch your own pumpkin between competitions – $4 per launch.
10:30 am – 12:30 pm – Little Chuckers
12:30 pm – Little Chuckers Team Awards
2:00 pm – 4:30 pm – Soaring Squash
4:30 pm – Soaring Squash Team Awards
Kids Games & Activities (10-7)
Little Sprouts Kids Zone – Sponsored by North Shore Bank
Free Hayrides (10-5)
Garden Tractor Club Barrel Rides – $1
Free Kids Games – Kids Play Area
Pumpkin Sling Shots (3 for $1)
11 am – ALL DAY Carnival Rides
10 am – ALL DAY Broncos Youth Shooting Club Potato Gun Challenge (3 shots for $5 or 7 shots for $10)
12 – 4 pm – Treasure Hunt with Captain Jack and Friends
Special thanks to Maurice Farms for donating pumpkins used at the Fest!
Petting Zoo (10-6)
Join the Union Grove FFA and let your kids meet theirs! The Union Grove High School FFA will be hosting a farm animal petting zoo both days.
Little Sprouts Stage
Sponsored by Union Grove Piggly Wiggly
10 am – Pumpkin Yoga with Jessie Vyvyan from Chi Trees & Oil – FREE Family Friendly
11 am – Animals of the World – Racine Zoo
12 pm – Magic Rob
2 pm – Magic Rob
3 pm – Sword Play by Highwaymen Entertainment
3:30 pm – Pumpkin Seed Spitting Contest
4 pm – Creatures of the Night – Racine Zoo
Helicopter Rides (11 am)
Take a 5-6 minute ride around Union Grove at 120 mph! The cost of a ride is $40/seat and we can take three passengers per flight. There are no age restrictions. Children under age 2 may sit on parent’s lap (no charge for child) as long as everyone is within weight limits. Children, age 2 and older, must have their own seat and seatbelt. Helicopter rides are sponsored and hosted by Lakeshore Helicopter.
Beer Tent Main Stage
1 pm – Kids Costume Contest & Parade
2 pm – 4 pm – People’s Choice BBQ Tasting
5 pm – Best of the Midwest BBQ Awards
4 pm – 8 pm – Blues Rock Band
6 pm – 8 pm – Battle of the Bars featuring Dead Mann’s Saloon (Kansasville, WI), Hiawatha Bar & Grill (Sturtevant, WI), JB’s Pub (Union Grove, WI), and 1175 Sports Park & Eatery (Kansasville, WI)
Sunday, October 21
10 am – 5 pm
Pumpkin Chuckin Field (10 – 5)
IT’S YOUR TURN! Launch your own pumpkin between competitions – $4 per launch.
11 am – 2 pm – Advanced Chuckin Competition Begins
2:30 pm – Advanced Chuckin Awards
Kids Games & Activities (10-5)
Little Sprouts Kids Zone – Sponsored by North Shore Bank
Free Hayrides (10-5)
Garden Tractor Club Barrel Rides – $1
Free Kids Games – Kids Play Area
Pumpkin Sling Shots (3 for $1)
10 am – ALL DAY Carnival Rides
10 am – ALL DAY Broncos Youth Shooting Club -Potato Gun Challenge (3 shots for $5 or 7 shots for $10)
12 pm – Desperados & Deputies (presented by Highwaymen Entertainment)
Throughout the day watch out as bandits hijack our hayride!
Don’t worry Deputy Do-Good will be on guard to bring the
bandits to justice, but he may need your help!
Special thanks to Maurice Farms for donating pumpkins used at the Fest!
Petting Zoo (10-2)
Join the Union Grove FFA and let your kids meet theirs! The Union Grove High School FFA will be hosting a farm animal petting zoo both days.
Little Sprouts Stage
Sponsored by Union Grove Piggly Wiggly
11 am – Animals of the World – Racine Zoo
12 pm – Magic Rob
1:30 pm – Princess Story Time – Enchanted Parties & Events
2:30 pm – Creatures of the Night – Racine Zoo
3 pm – Magic Rob
4 pm – Princess Story Time with Enchanted Parties & Events
Helicopter Rides (12 pm)
Take a 5-6 minute ride around Union Grove at 120 mph! The cost of a ride is $40/seat and we can take three passengers per flight. There are no age restrictions. Children under age 2 may sit on parent’s lap (no charge for child) as long as everyone is within weight limits. Children, age 2 and older, must have their own seat and seatbelt. Helicopter rides are sponsored and hosted by Lakeshore Helicopter.
Great Pumpkin Bake-Off (10 – 1)
10 am – 12:45 pm- Entry Turn In at the Information Barn
1:00 pm Entry Judging & Awards (Main Stage)
Rib Cooking Demo (12 pm)
Join Moose’s BBQ at the Main Stage and learn the tricks behind the KCBS competition RIBS – including FREE samples!
Pie Eating Contest (2 pm)
Register at the information booth by 1:30 pm.
Lumberjack Fall Fest, Marshfield
TIMMMMBERRRRR! Power Pac Equipment busts out the axes this weekend with Marshfield’s Lumberjack Fall Fest, happening Saturday, October 20th.
Lumberjack Fall Fest is definitely a festival for the whole family! To kick off fall, Power Pac is hosting the Timberworks Lumberjacks, a high-energy lumberjack show. Feel the rush of adrenaline as competitors race up poles at lightning speed or saw through twelve inches of aspen with the speed of a modern-day chain saw. Then move to the edge of your seat as they show off their fancy footwork while running on logs or throw axes with the precision of a dart board champion. The show includes numerous entertaining demonstrations including:
• Log rolling
• Pole climbing races
• Ax throwing
• Fast paced log chopping and sawing
• Chainsaw carving
Timberworks will perform 3 shows at 11:00, 1:00 and 3:00 Saturday. You won’t want to miss it!
FALL FAMILY FUN
In between shows, kids can have inflatable fun in our bouncy house and free face painting while you grab lunch from Hewitt’s Meat Processing, browse our fall sales or enter to win a New 2018 Suzuki King Quad 400 4×4.
You can also WIN a 2018 SUZUKI KING QUAD 400 4X4
PowerPac Equipment is even giving away a brand new ATV to (1) lucky winner! Winner must be 18+ and present to win. The drawing will be held between last 2 shows. No purchase necessary to win! Find out how to enter here, or stop down at Power Pac.
You’ll find PowerPac Equipment on the south side of Marshfield, right along the main drag: Central Avenue. It’s “Business” Highway 13, just north of U.S. 10 and the northern end of Highway 80. Highway 97 approaches downtown Marshfield from the northeast (just keep going south of Central) and of course, Highway 13 comes close via the “Through-pass” in the city. While there, check out the Blue Heron BrewPub, the beautiful Wildwood Zoo, the World’s Largest Round Barn at the Central Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, and more!
Lumberjack Fall Fest Address:
PowerPac Equipment
3802 S. Central Avenue (Business Highway 13)
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 387-1106
Website
October 19, 2018 – October 21, 2018
Hunting Moon Pow-Wow
Hunting Moon Pow Wow is three days of excitement, bringing together a host of Native American cultures for a celebration of singing, drumming and dancing in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Long a part of Native culture, the pow wow is an important social gathering; it’s a chance for Native people to connect with one another, connect with their vibrant history and traditions, and to connect with non-Native people through the power, beauty and pageantry of the event.
For over a decade, Hunting Moon Pow Wow has called Milwaukee home. Each year, dancers, drummers and singers gather from across the country to not only socialize, but compete for huge cash prizes—this year totaling over $100,000!
Experience the splendor for yourself—Hunting Moon Pow Wow is a celebration not to be missed. Admission is free and open to everyone!
Check out some of what happened at previous Hunting Moon Pow Wow events:
Get the full details on everything happening at the Hunting Moon Pow-Wow website. You’ll find the UW Milwaukee Panther Arena on Kilbourn Avenue in downtown Milwaukee, bounded to the north and south by U.S. 18 and to the west by Highway 145 right before it ends. It’s within blocks of I-43, I-94, I-794, Highway 32, and within a mile of Highways 38 and 59.
Hunting Moon Pow-Wow Address:
UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena
400 W. Kilbourn Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 847-7320
Website
October 19, 2018 – October 21, 2018
Warriors and Wizards Festival
Calling all Warriors and Wizardry fans: prepare your wands, cloaks, and brooms and get ready for a magical weekend you’ll never forget! The newly-renamed Warriors and Wizards Festival (formerly named something that rhymes with Barry Votter) brings the magic to Jefferson again in 2018 with all of your favorite activities and vendors– plus a whole range of new experiences for fans of all ages! Enjoy werewolves, wands, magic, broom flying, potion making, and more. Wristbands allow access to specialty events and venues such as live Wizards Chess, Dragon’s Alley, Serpent’s Alley, Festival Village, Quidditch Matches, the Greenhouse, and more! You’ll also be granted access to free shuttles from parking to the events.
Over 200 vendors are expected for the Warriors and Wizards Festival in Jefferson, check out a list of them here! Vendors will be located according to the type of goods and or services they offer, making it easier for you to locate the products you are seeking (i.e. Cauldron Loving, Super Hero etc).
This year, several stages will feature magicians, traditional bands, singing sea faring mates, laser light stage show, Quidditch Tournament, which are all included with this year’s wristband. This year they are hosting four very special vehicles from some of your favorite Movies, TMNT Van, Landspeeder X-34, from Star Wars, 1966 Batmobile and the Ecto -1 from Ghostbusters.
The Warriors and Wizards Festival will also be hosting actors, actresses and behind the scene talent from various story lines. Super Hero, Castle and Throne, and Outer Space Travel Collectibles will be available for purchase. There will also be Panel Q & A discussions as well as an opportunity to purchase autographs.
Due to limited capacity, experiences like Horse Drawn Wagons will require a minimal fee and not included with the wristband. Experiences that are included with the wristband are listed under Attractions and experiences that require an additional fee are listed under Special Events.
Tickets and Wristbands are available in Jefferson at Malicki’s Piggly Wiggly (921 W. Racine Street/US 18), Jefferson’s City Municipal Office (317 S. Main/Business 26), Rivers Edge Farm Market (512 Business 26), and at Watertown City Hall up in Watertown (106 Jones Street.) They may also be purchased at a price of $27 for Adults and $17 for Children, plus tax, shipping, and handling. Children two years of age and under are free!
General Parking is available Saturday and Sunday; for Friday night activities, attendees are asked to park in downtown Jefferson, around where U.S. 18 meets Business Highway 26. U.S. 18, Highway 26, and Highway 89 all bring you to Jefferson. It’s just 6 miles south of I-94.
Warriors & Wizards Festival Address:
Jefferson County Fair Park
503 N. Jackson Avenue
Jefferson, WI 53549
Website
Link to Tickets
October 18, 2018 – November 1, 2018
Milwaukee Film Festival
Running through November 1, the annual Milwaukee Film Festival offers more than 300 films, dozens of special guests, seven world premieres, parties for days—this one’s got it all.
Milwaukee Film Festival Venues:
Oriental Theatre (2230 N. Farwell Avenue/Highway 32) on Milwaukee’s East Side serves as the base.
The Oriental Theatre is Milwaukee’s historic movie palace. Its opulent, lavish, East Indian-inspired décor has attracted teeming hoards since its opening in 1927 and makes this theater a must-see-to-believe destination. It has long been the anchor theater of the Milwaukee Film Festival. Amenities include 2K and 4K digital projection, 35mm and 70mm film projection, 6- and 8-channel Dolby Digital Sound, full-service concession stand, and a full bar with beer, wine, and spirits.
Avalon Theater, 2473 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue (also Highway 32)
The Avalon Theater is located in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood. Notable for its combination of classic movie palace and al fresco Mediterranean décor, the theater’s pièce de résistance is its ever-glowing ceiling of stars and planetary features, found in the main auditorium. Amenities include a full-service concession stand, full bar, leather recliners, an adjoining restaurant (Mistral), and the famous atmospheric ceiling—keep an eye out for shooting stars during your movie.
Times Cinema, 5907 W. Vliet Street
The Times Cinema is a single-screen theater on the western edge of Milwaukee that opened in 1935. The cozy neighborhood theater screens everything from summer blockbusters to indie fare to cult classics. Amenities include a full concession stand, full dinner menu, bar service, and couch-like seating.
Fox-Bay Cinema Grille, 334 E. Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay
Fox-Bay Cinema Grill is the Milwaukee area’s premiere “dinner and a movie” theater destination. The theater is part throwback to the classic Art Deco moviehouses of the 1920s and 1930s, part dinner-theater experience, complete with intimate tables, padded swivel chairs, and dinner/bar service. Visit the Fox-Bay Cinema Grill’s website for more details. Amenities include state-of-the-art digital projection and sound, REALD 3D for certain films, and full bar with classic cocktails, beer, and wine.
Jann Serr Studio Cinema, 1925 E. Kenilworth Place (between Farwell & Prospect, both Highway 32)
Around the corner from the Oriental Theatre, the Jan Serr Studio Cinema is located on the top floor of the Kenilworth Square East building and is home to the Milwaukee Film Festival’s first pop-up cinema. Box office and line queues will be located in the building’s breezeway, located off of E. Kenilworth Place, between Farwell Ave. and Prospect Ave. Once a Ford Model-T factory, watching films in this newly remodeled space will provide a great Milwaukee Film Festival experience in a brand new location! Amenities include that the venue is outfitted with professionally installed and calibrated sound and pictures, ensuring audiences are provided with the optimum viewing experience, including stadium seating built out for up to 200 people. Light concessions will be available on site during the festival.
Buy Milwaukee Film Festival tickets here (you have a nice combination of options)
Get the Milwaukee Film Festival list of films – from the master list of 335 – here
Of course, getting to Milwaukee on a road trip is easy. Main roads include I-41, I-43, I-94, U.S. 18, U.S. 45, and Highways 32, 36, 38, 57, 59, 145, 175 and 190 all bring you into the city and close to at least one of the venues!
October 6, 2018
Northeast Wisconsin Craft Beer Festival
Green Bay hosts the Northeast Wisconsin Craft Beer Festival in Shopko Hall Saturday, October 6th. So raise your stein, it’s drinking time! With more than 200 beers, 50 breweries and unlimited sampling, you’re bound to have fun. Beer lovers will receive a commemorative sampling glass and have access to unlimited two-ounce samples of beer and food.
Be ready for the Sam Adams Stein Hoisting Competition, live music from Noah John & Ringing Iron, a Beard Competition with Level-Up Beard Company where categories include mustache, partial beard and full beard, and all kinds of festive fun.
The Stein Hoisting Competition, presented by Samuel Adams, includes qualifying rounds for both men and women at 6:30, 7:15 and 8:00 with the final at 8:30. Prizes include $100-value Packer memorabilia, official Sam Adams ceramic mugs and gift cards to Festival Foods!
General admission opens at 6pm at Green Bay’s Shopko Hall. First Call ticket holders (think VIP here) get admission at 5pm, the opportunity to sample special edition selections before they run out, and a commemorative glass beer boot.
Northeast Wisconsin Craft Beer Festival Address:
Shopko Hall
1901 S. Oneida Street
Green Bay, WI 54304
(800) 895-0071
Website
You’ll find Shopko Hall in Green Bay’s Titletown District, a stone’s throw from Lambeau Field. I-41, I-43, U.S. 141, and Highways 29, 32, 54, 57, and 172 all bring you to Green Bay. Look for Lambeau towering in the air… Shopko is just across the way!
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