The Lake Superior Chainsaw Sculpture Championship will be held on Barker’s Island this year in Superior the weekend of August 9-12, 2018!
Watch chainsaw artists from around the world turn simple logs into stunning works of wildlife themed art! Master and guest carvers compete daily in challenging “quick carve” events. The four-day event ends with an official judging of the chainsaw sculptures created by master carvers over the course of the Lake Superior Chainsaw Sculpture Championship. Stay for the daily, live-auctions and take home a master’s work of art! Bring the whole family, children 12 and under are free with paid adult!
Those works also will be available to the highest bidder at Sunday’s auction following the award presentations.
Event starts at 10:00 am daily.
Children 12 and under attend free with ticketed adult.
Tickets are not required on Thursday, August 9.
For the latest event information, follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
Superior is, of course, in the far northwestern corner of Wisconsin, nestled between the St. Louis River and Lake Superior, with Duluth, Minnesota across the way. To get to Superior and Barkers Island, just follow U.S. 2, U.S. 53, or Highways 13 or 35.
Lake Superior Chainsaw Sculpture Championship Address:
Barkers Island, 229 Marina Drive
Superior, WI 54880
(218) 590-5732 Website
Start:
August 9, 2018 10:00 am
End:
August 12, 2018 6:00 pm
Venue:
Barkers Island
Phone:
218-590-5732
Address:
229 Marina Drive, Superior, WI, 54880, United States
Eaux Claires is a huge two-day music and arts festival featuring terrific live performances, music, and crafts along the banks of the Chippewa River on 60 acres of farmland just outside the city of Eau Claire.
In year four of Eaux Claires, they’re reconfiguring the grounds, re-imagining the staging and devoting more attention to the one-of-a-kind experiences that make this festival unique. They’re enhancing the interplay between the artists to allow more performances per artist, many more collaborations throughout the duration of the festival and, well, more once in a lifetime moments. Expect to see unpredictable performances, hidden venues and surprise collaborations across a full two days of music and togetherness.
The festival, curated by Justin Vernon and Aaron Dessner, runs July 6-7, 2018. Tickets are on sale now, many are sold out already but you can check out the different tiers here.
For campers, Eaux Claires offers campground areas only minutes away via a free shuttle. Campgrounds will feature shower facilities, general stores, and spacious sites able to accommodate multiple tents. Camping passes are sold separately from all Admission Tickets and sell for $165, $300 for oversized vehicles.
If you prefer a hotel or other lodging, Eaux Claires is once again working with University of Wisconsin Eau Claire to make hundreds of its dorm rooms available for reservations at reasonable rates (about $84), also with free shuttle transportation.
Sauk City (with neighbor Prairie du Sac, together known as “Sauk Prairie”) hosts its annual Fire on the River celebration with the largest fireworks display along the Wisconsin River.
Fire on the River features two full days of family-friendly fun highlighting the best the Sauk Prairie Area has to offer. Activities include Battle of the Bands, Battle of the Restaurants, Eagle Chase, All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast, games, beer, wine, kids’ art, and of course, the fireworks.
U.S. 12 and Highways 60 and 78 bring you to Sauk City; Highway 188 bypasses to the east across the river, also offering access to not only views of the fireworks but also to the beautiful Wollersheim Winery & Distillery!
Fire on the River Address:
Sauk City Riverwalk
726 Water Street
Sauk City, WI 53583
(608) 643-4168 Website
Fire on the River Schedule of Events:
Friday, July 6
Battle of the Restaurants!
4pm – Event Opens
Battle of the Restaurants Public Voting begins
Main Stage – Food Court – Beer Garden Open
5:30pm – Dan McDonnell Band
8pm Battle of Restaurants voting closes & winners announced
8:00pm – Midnight
Main Stage Headliner – The Retro Specz – North Side Food Court Open
$1-$5 Shop OPEN – 1 of a kind” craft tent with 85 different types of items all handcrafted by local Sr. Citizens, sell $1-$5 to enrich the family experience.
2pm – North Code [Feat. Sam Ness]
5pm – Water Street Jacks
8pm
Youth & Family Games Closed
Bridge Side Food Court Closed
Dusk ~ 9:30pm FIREWORKS!!
10pm – Midnight
Celebrate our Nation’s Freedom Late Night Party!!
Main Stage Headliner – West on U.S. 12 – Beer Garden – North Side Food Court
Start:
July 6, 2018
End:
July 7, 2018
Venue:
Sauk City Riverwalk
Phone:
608-643-4168
Address:
726 Water Street, Sauk City, WI, 53583, United States
Rockerbox is the premier Wisconsin motorcycle show featuring an eclectic mix of Euro, Japanese and American vintage café racers, choppers, sport bikes, racing machines, super motos, scooters, and sidecars. All makes and models of bikes are welcome; you’ll find a mash of bikes competing for space alongside dealers and vendors of all things motorcycling.
The weekend-long festival centers around a ride-in bike show and competition; entering riders from all over the country in over several competitive award classes to showcase the greatest in classic style, fresh customization and all that which is unusual and incredible. Meanwhile, the Road America paddock will be packed with local and national vendors, live music, food, and beer.
Start:
June 8, 2018
End:
June 10, 2018
Venue:
Road America
Phone:
920-892-4576
Address:
N7390 State Highway 67, Plymouth, WI, 53073, United States
GO FLY A KITE!! The 17th annual Outta Sight Kite Flight Kite Festival takes place in Kenosha’s Kennedy Park, June 2 & 3, 2018.
See 500+ kites launch simultaneously to the tune of Mary Poppins’ “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” at noon during the Grand Launch.
The Chicago Fire Precision Kite Team, a precision dual line kite flying team, will perform three times each day.
Fire & Ice and Jean Lemire will also be performing. Milwaukee’s own professional kite flyer, Paul Koepke, will be performing with Fire & Ice.
The giant Kites of Alex Dagenais from Montreal Canada, will be making another appearance with their Super Giant Octopus kite, along with a mega 150 foot Octopus kite.
New this year, there will be a giant 100 foot kite shaped like a full size whale.
Coming back again this year, Connor Doran from America’s Got Talent will be flying indoors at 2 schools on Friday, June 1st, and on both days of the event at Kennedy Park.
Jean Lemire will attempt to fly 3 stunt kites at the same time.
Tom and Kathi Deck will be on hand for the sixth time with their giant Bubble machine. This is one of the largest and longest running bubble machines in the country.
The Kenosha News will be on hand to make free kites for the kids, always a fun favorite.
This family event is free to all, with free parking. Free kites will be given away to the first 100 kids who participate in the City of Kenosha’s “Kids’ Mad Dash,” where 100 kids launch their kites all at the same time. The first kid reaching the highest altitude in 60 seconds wins. LOOK OUT and LOOK UP!
Kites and food will be available for sale at the park.
Outta Sight Kite Flight Festival Address:
Kennedy Park
4051 5th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53143
(414) 305-3145 Website
Kenosha is tucked into the southeast corner of Wisconsin, and I-41/94 along with Highways 32, 50, 142, and 158 bring you there!
Start:
June 2, 2018 10:00 am
End:
June 3, 2018 5:00 pm
Venue:
Kennedy Park
Phone:
262-653-4177
Address:
4015 5th Avenue, Kenosha, WI, 53143, United States
The 40th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Polka Festival takes place May 18-20, 2018 in a new location – the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel at Mitchell International Airport!
If you’re a polka music aficinado, or even if you’re not, this is a fun time. The Wisconsin State Polka Festival is open to the public, with a three-day pass available for $45, daily admission options, and children under 14 are admitted free. You might as well partake, since polka is Wisconsin’s state music and the beats can’t be beat!
The music begins Friday, May 18th at 5pm in two different ballrooms. The lineup includes Squeezebox with Molly and Ted, the Zweifel Brothers, Bob Korek Band, and the Top Notchmen. These bands will alternate performances until 10:30pm.
Dance lessons commence Saturday morning (May 19th) at 10am. Squeezebox and the Mark Jirikovec Band will alternate in one ballroom from 12:30pm to 6:30pm. Steve Meisner will play from 6:30pm to 10:30pm in the same ballroom Saturday. In the second ballroom, Kenny Brandt and the Hauser Hotshots will begin at 1pm and play off and on until 7pm. Virgil Baker from Michigan starts at 7 and plays until 10:30pm.
Sunday features a religious service with the Goodtime Dutchmen at 11am. The music begins at 12:30pm with Barefoot Becky alternating with Goodtime Dutchmen until 5:30pm.
You’ll find the Wisconsin State Polka Festival right by Mitchell International Airport – in fact, right across the street from it – in Milwaukee along Howell Avenue (Highway 38) and the Airport Spur (Highway 119) and Grange Avenue.
Wisconsin State Polka Festival Event Address:
Four Points by Sheraton, Milwaukee Airport
5311 S. Howell Avenue (Highway 3838 at Highway 119)
Milwaukee, WI 53207
(414) 481-2400 Website
Start:
May 18, 2018
End:
May 20, 2018
Venue:
Four Points Sheraton Hotel
Phone:
414-481-2400
Address:
5311 S. Howell Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53207, United States
Art on the Avenue – previously known as the Marshfield Mother’s Day Art Fair – has paired up with the Downtown Wine Walk and will take place Saturday, May 12th at the Holiday Inn on Central Avenue, Historic Highway 13, in the heart of “Hub City.”
So, with a new location in 2018, Art on the Avenue is offering a wide variety of fine arts and crafts by local, regional, and national artists. A visit to the nearby New Visions Art Gallery or Partners Art Gallery provide more art to browse, and the Stierle Bird Exhibit at Marshfield’s Public Library (211 E. Second Street) offers a unique display of 400 birds representing 140 species, plus a collection of approximately 2,000 bird eggs.
Marshfield has a lot more to see, including the beautiful Wildwood Zoo, the World’s Largest Round Barn on the grounds of the Central Wisconsin State Fair, the handsome Upham Mansion, Marshfield Clinic, the Blue Heron Brewery & Pub, a nice selection of downtown shops and art galleries, and original portions of the Yellowstone Trail.
U.S. 10 brings you to Marshfield – including via freeway from Stevens Point – as well as Highways 13, 80, and 97. Find out more at VisitMarshfield.com!
Art on the Avenue Address:
Holiday Inn & Conference Center
750 S. Central Avenue
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 384-3454 Website
Start:
May 12, 2018 10:00 am
End:
May 12, 2018 4:00 pm
Venue:
Holiday Inn & Conference Center
Phone:
715-384-3454
Address:
750 S. Central Avenue, Marshfield, WI, 54449, United States
Beloit’s ArtWalk has been hosted by the Downtown Beloit Association for the past 15 years. It’s a unique evening shopping experience in historic Downtown Beloit that transforms businesses into art galleries! This event draws hundreds of residents and visitors alike to support small businesses and shop for one-of-kind pieces of art.
Now in its 16th year, ArtWalk continues to grow, with more than 25 businesses and 30 artists participating. In addition to the vast array of exceptional items for sale, shoppers can enjoy live music, hors d’oeuvres, and free trolley rides.
The event will be held on Friday, May 11 from 5 to 9 pm in the heart of Downtown Beloit. Brochures will be available listing the participating businesses and the names of the artists or craftspeople selling their wares in each location.
“ArtWalk is an extremely popular event,” exclaims Shauna El-Amin, Executive Director of the Downtown Beloit Association. “Many of the venues offer special giveaways, food items, and entertainment in addition to showcasing the art of local artists. It gets bigger and better every year!”
And, be sure to stop into the Vision Beloit Center, 500 Public Avenue for a special free treats and one-of-a-kind pieces for sale.
Beloit is home to Beloit College – one of reasons for the vibrant downtown – as well as the Angel Museum, the “World’s Largest Can of Chili”, it’s where the modern speedometer was invented, and its resurgence is truly something to behold, especially downtown and along the Rock River. Check out the Ironworks if you can!
I-39/90 and I-43 meet on the northeast side of Beloit; Highway 81 brings you in from the east and west. U.S. 51, of course, is the main north-south drive through the heart of the city, and Highway 213 (long ago once part of Highway 13) brings you in from the northwest.
Beloit ArtWalk Address:
Downtown Beloit
State & Grand Avenues
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 365-0150 Website
Start:
May 11, 2018 5:00 pm
End:
May 11, 2018 9:00 pm
Venue:
Downtown Beloit
Phone:
608-365-0150
Address:
328 State Street, Beloit, WI, 53511, United States
Columbus is known as the “Red Bud City” for its red bud trees all over this city of 5,000. The annual Red Bud Festival takes place May 11-13, 2018 this year to celebrate the blooms and beauty of these trees. The city uses this time to celebrate spring with special events throughout the city, focused on its historic downtown.
You can also enjoy a Brat Fry, a city-wide garage sale, sidewalk sales, the Columbus Prince & Princess Contest, and more. While in Columbus checking out the Red Bud Festival, you can also shop the Columbus Antique Mall (Wisconsin’s largest), explore the Farmers & Merchants Union Bank (a “jewel box” designed by Louis Sullivan and a National Historic Landmark), a wide variety of beautiful old homes, and the vibrant downtown with its terrific architecture.
Columbus is right along U.S. 151; the freeway ducks around the east side of town and Business U.S. 151 – the original route – cuts right through the heart of downtown. Highways 16, 60, 73, and 89 all bring you to Columbus too. Enjoy the beautiful blooms of the trees and more at the festival, and we think you’ll enjoy checking out this charming city!
Columbus Red Bud Festival Address:
Historic Downtown Columbus
105 N. Dickason Blvd.
Columbus, WI 53925
(920) 623-3699 Website
Start:
May 11, 2018
End:
May 13, 2018
Venue:
Historic Downtown Columbus
Phone:
920-623-3699
Address:
105 N. Dickason Blvd., Columbus, WI, 53925, United States
The Wisconsin Film Festival is presented by the University of Wisconsin Arts Institute. bringing a vast array of unique films to the Madison area. An eight-day exploration of new American independent dramatic and documentary films, animation, experimental restorations and revivals.
Films are shown in a variety of venues across Madison, including:
Include the movie venues listed above. Festival offices are located at 1050 University Avenue, Madison, 53703. Their office phone is (608) 262-9009. Website
Start:
April 5, 2018
End:
April 12, 2018
Venue:
Various locations around Madison
Phone:
608-262-9009
Address:
1050 University Avenue608-, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
Madison hosts the World Championship Cheese Contest again this year at the Monona Terrace and it will be a cheese lover’s paradise! Cheesemakers from all over the world descend on Wisconsin’s capital city for three days to judge over 3,000 cheeses, butters, and yogurts.
Preliminary judging rounds for the World Championship Cheese Contest are open to the public for FREE Tuesday, March 6 and Wednesday, March 7. Try some tasty samples as the judges do their thing and narrow it down to finalists and winners.
Then, Thursday night the 8th you can attend the Cheese Champion event. This ticketed event ($25, in advance) lets you sample more than 50 of the best cheese from around the world. International cheese experts will be on hand to show you the intracicies of of cheese evaluation, and of course you can pair cheeses with other foods and craft beers that will be available. The event climaxes with the crowning of the World Champion Cheesemaker!
Monona Terrace is a crown jewel of a conference center, with the original design going back to Frank Lloyd Wright. Perched overlooking Lake Monona on one side with a beautiful view of the Wisconsin State Capitol just a few blocks away, it’s a fantastic place for an event – especially one filled with specialty cheeses! Monona Terrace actually covers U.S. 151/John Nolen Drive for several blocks; it’s mere moments from the Beltline (U.S. 12/18), Park Avenue (U.S. 14/151), East Washington Avenue (U.S. 151), Highway 113, or Highway 30 from I-39/90/94.
World Championship Cheese Contest/Monona Terrace Address:
1 John Nolen Drive (U.S. 151)
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 286-1001 Website
The World Champion Cheesemaker Award was bestowed on a U.S. cheesemaker for the first time since 1988 during the awards in 2016, to Emmi Roth of Monroe, Wisconsin.
Start:
March 6, 2018 10:00 am
End:
March 8, 2018 9:00 pm
Venue:
Monona Terrace
Phone:
608-286-1001
Address:
1 John Nolen Drive, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Winterfest 2018 is a family-friendly event in Marshfield (aka “Hub City”) highlighting the perks of Wisconsin winters. Marshfield Winterfest offers activities like a 400-Meter Kids Race, Cross Country Skiing, Snow Shoe 5k or 10k, and the Fat Tire Bike 5k or 10k. The 400-Meter (1/4 mile) course is perfect for the kids, while the 5k and 10k courses are made to challenge the winter sport enthusiast. All ages and abilities are welcome!
This year, there will also be Badger State Games events in Snowshoeing and Cornhole tournaments. See their Facebook page for more details!
Fat biking at Marshfield Winterfest, photo courtesy of Paula Jero/Hub City Times
Marshfield Winterfest Schedule (subject to change):
Time: 12:00pm Event Registration & Free Youth 400-Meter Race
12:30pm Cross Country Skiing
1:00pm Fat Tire Bike (5k and 10k)
1:30pm Snow Shoe (5k and 10k)
The Post-Race Celebration will feature food, beverages, and awards ceremony.
If you plan on participating, here are some Registration details!
Individuals (ages 19+): $30
Individuals (ages 11-18): $20
Children 10 years and under are free.
Awards will be given to the top 3 Marshfield Winterfest finishers in each race.
Stay and enjoy LIVE music during the afternoon and into the evening!
3:00 – G-Man
5:00 – Elated Sun
8:00 – The Big Deeks
Worth visiting for more than just Marshfield Winterfest, Marshfield is a fun city regardless of the season. Hit U.S. 10 or Highways 13, 80, or 97 to access what they call “Hub City,” named for both its historic hub for railroads and its location very close to the geographic center of Wisconsin.
Home to Marshfield Clinic, this city of 20,000 also hosts the Central Wisconsin State Fair (which includes the World’s Largest Round Barn) and features the Wildwood Zoo, the Blue Heron Brewpub, and a hopping main street in the form of Central Avenue. Marshfield is also along the Yellowstone Trail, part of the “Plymouth Rock to Puget Sound” highway that was among the first designated cross-country highways in the United States.
Marshfield Winterfest Address:
RiverEdge Golf Course
10191 Mill Creek Road
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 384-9992 Website
Start:
February 24, 2018 11:30 am
End:
February 24, 2018 6:00 pm
Venue:
RiverEdge Golf Course
Phone:
715-384-9992
Address:
10191 Cty Hwy B, Marshfield, WI, 54449, United States
The Paramount Music Association brings the Blues and more great music to the fun, yet intimate Anodyne Coffee Roasters Stage in Milwaukee with Blues Bash 2018 on Sunday, February 18th! Enjoy great music, food and beverages, and camaraderie. Your $20 ticket at the door helps support the work of the Paramount Music Association, which salutes the rich and trail-breaking history of music in Wisconsin – and particularly the days of Paramount Records 100 years ago in Port Washington and Grafton. They have an annual three-day festival in Port Washington Labor Day weekend, but on February 18th they bring some great artists to Milwaukee for an intimate performance in the city’s Walkers Point neighborhood.
Performers include Tallan Noble Latz, Katz Sass, The Blues Disciples, and Reverend Raven & the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys. Doors open at 2:30, music starts at 3pm.
You can reach the Anodyne Coffee Roastery (3rd & Bruce in Walkers Point) via nearby connections on Highway 59, Highway 38, Highway 145, U.S. 18, and I-43/94.
It’s a Fat Tuesday celebration at the Milwaukee Public Market! Loosen your belts and head over for the 2nd Annual Milwaukee Public Market Chili & Beer Tasting on Tuesday, February 13th.
Explore 8 different chili creations from 8 different public market vendors, and follow them up with 8 regional craft beers. Enjoy a wide range of chili creations that are sure to please everyone from meat-free fans to meat-PLEASE fans. From mild to wild, from fair to fire – the “heat meter” will be covered on both ends with each homemade chili recipe.
Wash down these chili samples with samplings from some of the area’s top breweries, from within Milwaukee and just beyond. Net proceeds from the event will benefit COA Youth & Family Centers. It’s a win-win-win!
Featuring Chili from:
The Soup & Stock Market
West Allis Cheese & Sausage
Margarita Paradise
On The Bus (vegan)
Thainamite
Foltz Family Market
The Spice House
St. Paul Fish Company
and featuring corn bread from C. Adams’ Bakery
With Beer from:
Sprecher
City Lights
Titletown Brewery
Lakefront Brewery
Good City Brewing
Raised Grain Brewing
Third Space Brewery, and
Company Brewing
The Milwaukee Public Market features a fantastic variety of food and beverage vendors, market items for recipes and take-home, wearables at Brew City Beer Gear, and during warmer weather an outdoor farmers market that stretches along Broadway and St. Paul. St. Paul Fish Company also offers a seasonal outdoor bar with a tiki-Florida feel in the summer and, conditions permitting, an ice bar in the winter. With the way the weather’s been looking, the ice bar will be open during the Milwaukee Public Market Chili & Beer Tasting, too!
You can get to the Milwaukee Public Market via Water Street or Broadway (Highway 32), two blocks south of U.S. 18 and about one mile north of Highway 59/National Avenue. Highways 38 and 145 bring you close, and I-794 literally hovers above it!
Milwaukee Public Market Chili & Beer Tasting Address:
400 N. Water Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 336-1111 Website
Start:
February 13, 2018 6:00 pm
End:
February 13, 2018 9:00 pm
Venue:
Milwaukee Public Market
Phone:
414-336-1111
Address:
400 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Chocolate: smooth, velvety, soft, dark, sensuous… kinda makes your heart go pitter-patter, doesn’t it? Well, there’s a treat for you at the 15th Annual, Death by Chocolate Valentine’s Day event in Appleton. It happens Saturday, Feb 10, 2018 from 1-4pm. Sample scrumptious chocolate desserts whipped up by some of the best chefs in the area!
Tickets are on sale now. Call 920-954-9112 or stop at the ADI office at 116 N. Appleton St. Mon-Fri 8:45am-3:30pm. You can also buy tickets online.
Enjoy the Love Is In The Air Celebration including a Community Wedding Vow Renewal in Houdini Plaza at noon, plus ice sculptures to view before & after your chocolate lovers paradise.
Choose from one of two “Death By Chocolate” routes each with 21 stops for just $20. (The 21 stops include 12 bars and restaurants and 8 retail stops who wanted to join in the fun on both routes. Plus one more bonus top that isn’t even on the tickets at Riverview Gardens Retail Store, 513 W. College Avenue where The Community Clothes Closet will be hosting a pop up Vintage clothing sale and giving away chocolate mini-cupcakes!)
See below for a list of the many participating locations.
Getting to Appleton is easy via I-41, U.S. 10, or Highways 47, 96, or 125 (of course, by the time you reach Highways 125, you’re pretty much IN Appleton already._)
Downtown Appleton Death By Chocolate Address:
10 W. College Avenue (Highway 125)
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 954-9112 Website
Death By Chocolate Participating Locations:
EAST END
Wooden Nickel Sports Bar & Grill Chocolate Porter*
The Fire Spicy Hot Chocolate with Spray Whip
Beatnik Betty’s Resale Butik Chocolate Surprise
Antojitos Mexicanos Chocolate Tres Leche Cake
hey, daisy! Cookies & Dream Edible Ice Cream
The Vintage Garden Chocolate Salted Caramel Delight
Lillians of Appleton Chocolate Surprise
Brewed Awakenings Caramel Mocha Cake
Bagelicious Chocolate Surprise
Inspire Spa Hot Chocolate Bar
Olde Town Tavern Chocolate Martini*
Bazil’s Pub Chocolate Beer*
Tamara’s Cake Guru Chocolate Mini Cupcakes, Brownie Bites & Valentine Treats
Crazy Sweet Chocolate covered oreo truffles
Cleo’s Brown Beam Tavern Chopin Double Chocolate Liqueur*
Appleton Street Sports Bar & Grill Chocolate Cheesecake Bites
Rookie’s Bar & Grill Chocolate Beer*
Copper Rock Coffee Dark Chocolate Truffle Gelato with Winter Chocolate Drizzle
Spa BenMarNico Hot Chocolate
Float Light Assorted Chocolates
WEST END & RIVERFRONT
Wooden Nickel Sports Bar & Grill Chocolate Porter*
The Fire Spicy Hot Chocolate with Spray Whip
Beatnik Betty’s Resale Butik Chocolate Surprise
hey, daisy! Cookies & Dream Edible Ice Cream
The Vintage Garden Chocolate Salted Caramel Delight
Lillians of Appleton Chocolate Surprise
Inspire Spa Hot Chocolate Bar
Spa BenMarNico Hot Chocolate
Jo ala Mode inside the Radisson Chocolate Fantasy Cake
CU Saloon Hasta LaBasta (Chocolate, Honey & Molasses Stout)*
McGuinness Irish Pub Nutty Irishman*
ACOCA Coffee Bourbon Pecan Truffles
Muncheez Pizzeria Cinni-Muncheez with Chocolate Fudge dipping sauce
Appleton Beer Factory Chocolate Beer*
Float Light Assorted Chocolates
Sangria’s Mexican Grill Chicken Chile Relleno with White Chocolate Godiva Ganache
Spats Food & Spirits Chocolate POTS DE CREME
Stone Arch BrewPub Bacon Brewer Bars (paired with an Imperial Chocolate Stout*)
Fratello’s Waterfront Restaurant mini chocolate cupcakes filled with milk chocolate ganache
Atlas Waterfront Café & Gathering Room Atlas Expresso Fudge & Other Delights
*indicates you must be 21 or older
The Downtown Trolley will be running a continuous loop every 20 minutes to help you get to all the venues thanks to the generosity of sponsors Tundraland and Warning Lites.
Start:
February 10, 2018 1:00 pm
End:
February 10, 2018 4:00 pm
Venue:
Downtown Appleton
Phone:
920-954-9112
Address:
10 W. College Avenue, Appleton, WI, 54911, United States
Madison’s Elver Park becomes a wonderland of winter activities at the 14th annual Madison Winter Festival, attracting over 20,000 spectators, winter enthusiasts, and athletes! For the competition, they are bringing back the Ice Age Challenge ski race, once held in Spring Green. There will also be a 5K running race, high school ski races and a fat tire bike race. You can even take a run with your dog!
The Snowshoe Scurry at Madison Winter Festival. Shorts (as opposed to long pants) are totally optional.
Local sporting-goods stores will be on site to help if you’ve never cross country skied or snowshoed before. The famed National Snow Sculpting Champs will be carving magic out of 4′ x 4′ 6′ blocks of snow for you to admire. Other fan favorites scheduled throughout the weekend include the Fat Bike Race, the Frosty 1.5 Mile Dog Jog, Kids’ Fun Run and other fun and festive outdoor activities.
Admission is FREE and the fun is practically unlimited! Activities open at 9:30am on Saturday, February 3rd and conclude at 4:00pm on Sunday, February 4th.
Elver Park is on the southwestern edge of Madison, accessed just off U.S. 12/14 (the Beltline) via Gammon Road and west/north off U.S. 18/151. U.S. 51 and Highways 30 and 113 also bring you to Madison, then just head southwest!
Madison Winter Festival Address:
Elver Park
1250 McKenna Boulevard
Madison, WI 53719
(608) 213-1870 Website
Skijoring, a race that can go to the dogs.
Start:
February 3, 2018
End:
February 4, 2018
Venue:
Elver Park
Phone:
608-213-1870
Address:
1250 McKenna Blvd, Madison, WI, 53719, United States
Westby features a ski jump complex with five jumps in Timber Coulee, the largest of which is a 118-meter Olympic-sized hill used for national and international competitions. The Westby Snowflake Ski Jump Tournament happens the weekend of February 2-3 and it’s a blast!
The Large Hill Meet is held early each year in February and attracts not only U.S. ski jumpers but competitors from around the world. The four smaller hills at the site include a 65-meter hill and smaller 40, 20, and 10 meter hills for training junior jumpers. Numerous Olympic and world-class ski jumpers have competed at the Snowflake Ski Jumping Complex.
Even though the Winter Olympics are just a couple of weeks away, the Snowflake Ski Jump is expected to feature approximately 20 national and international athletes from countries including Norway, Finland, Slovenia and the United States.
On Thursday, Feb. 1, Snowflake will host hospitality night from 6-9 p.m.at the Westby Rod and Gun building in Timber Coulee where the 2017 Snowflake royalty, Queen Faith Gardner and her attendants, Alexis Mahan and Rebecca Buckles, will meet and greet visitors.
On Friday, Feb. 2, there will be a kick-off breakfast at Borgen’s Café from 7-10 a.m. Opening ceremonies for the ever-popular “Friday Night Under the Lights” night jump will be held at 7 p.m., with competition slated at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a long standing jump after the regular competition. Live music by “High Mileage” will complete the evening at the Westby Rod & Gun in Timber Coulee from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
On Saturday Feb. 3, open training is scheduled from 9-11 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies at noon. Competition for the second day of the event kicks off at 12:30 p.m. followed by the long standing jump and awards ceremony. Weather permitting on Saturday there will be helicopter rides and horse-drawn wagon rides on the grounds. The ski club also funds a money pile for kids to collect coins. After the jump spectators are invited to attend a second live music event with “Blue Collar 40” at the Westby Rod & Gun from 3-7 p.m.
The 2017 ski button can be purchased in advance until Thursday, Feb. 1 for $15. After that time, buttons can be purchased at the gate the weekend of the event for $20. The button is good for both days of the tournament and are available at local businesses or can be purchased online. Children under 12 will be admitted free.
Snowflake is also once again teaming up with Logistics Health Inc. of La Crosse to sponsor free admission for veterans to the Snowflake Ski Jump. All current and former military service members, their spouses and their children (under the age of 18) will receive a special event button and be admitted to the two-day event free of charge.
Veterans or service members will need to show a current military ID card or other proof of service such as VFW, Legion, DAV current membership card, or a DD Form 214 (record of discharge) and photo ID. Military buttons are available only at the gate. For more information about the free veteran admission contact Tom Sharratt at 608-634-2118.
You can access the area via U.S. 14/61 and Highway 27; follow the signs and County Road P to Timber Coulee.
Westby Snowflake Ski Jump Address:
E7940 County Road P
Westby, WI 54667
(608) 634-3211 Website
Start:
February 2, 2018
End:
February 3, 2018
Venue:
Westby Snowflake Skip Jump
Phone:
608-634-3211
Address:
E7940 County Road P, Westby, WI, 54667, United States
Fish Creek Winter Festival will celebrate its 31st year in 2018! Fish Creek’s longest-standing tradition and Door County’s most notorious winter event features live music, quirky games, delicious food, wine tasting, the notorious “Fruit Loop Fun Run,” an entertaining Stumpf Fiddle Contest, a spectacular fireworks display and a “Smokin Hot” Chili Cook-Off…all under a heated tent overlooking the frozen waters of Green Bay.
Highway 42 will bring you to Fish Creek, just north of Egg Harbor and south of both Ephraim and Peninsula State Park. It’s one of the jewels of Door County, and there’s plenty of fun to be had at the Fish Creek Winter Festival all weekend!
2018 Fish Creek Winter Fest Schedule of Events:
Friday, February 2, 2018
-Adult Art Night (21+) at Hands On Art Studio, 6:30-10:00pm
-Gibraltar Music Boosters Present “Cat’s Pajamas Vocal Band,” at the Door Community Auditorium, 7:00pm
Saturday, February 3, 2018
-Festivities in & around the heated tent in Clark Park, 10:00am-3:00pm
*Wild Winter Games Outside
*Fun Festive Games Inside
*Live DJ
*Tasty Food & Drinks from the Villager’s Snowmobile Club
*Limited Edition Winter Fest Merchandise
-GHA presents “All Things Chocolate” at the Old Town Hall, 10:00am-4:00pm
Oconomowoc warms up the chilly January weather with its 9th annual Chili Fest on Saturday, January 27th! Ice sculptures and carvings along the downtown streets, ice and pond hockey on Fowler Lake, open family skating, a beer tent, and of course plenty of chili tastings.
Chili tastings are hosted by downtown businesses and local fundraising organizations with proceeds going to local charity. As you stroll downtown and stop in shops you can check out professional ice carvers who dot the downtown streets chiseling frozen blocks into works of art. A DJ and beer tent – which will also offer burgers and hot cocoa – are set up on the lake near the hockey tournament. A family skating rink is groomed nearby and an ice fishing clinic is also planned for the young anglers. It should be a fairly mild Saturday, so note ice conditions if you plan on skating.
While you stroll Wisconsin Avenue, check out a great burger at Crafty Cow, browse boutique shops, have a beer at Lakerz Sports Bar & Grill, and get a gander at the marker by City Hall commemorating the former location of the Strand Theatre, notable for being the place where the classic film The Wizard of Oz first premiered to audiences. Plenty of fun, food, skating, history, and more in this incredibly charming town at the western end of Waukesha County’s Lake Country.
Oconomowoc is where Highways 16 and 67 meet, just north of I-94’s Exit 282. The downtown is wedged between Lac La Belle and Fowler Lake and stroll along Wisconsin Avenue and Main Street reveals plenty of great shops, beautiful architecture, restaurants, historic markers, a dam, and much more. And of course on Saturday the 27th during Chili Fest, plenty of skating and chili!
Chili Fest Address:
Downtown Oconomowoc
133 E. Wisconsin Avenue (Highways 16 & 67, skipping the bypass)
Oconomowoc, WI 53066
(262) 567-5755 Website
Start:
January 27, 2018 9:00 am
End:
January 27, 2018 5:00 pm
Venue:
Downtown Oconomowoc
Phone:
262-567-5755
Address:
133 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Oconomowoc, WI, 53066, United States
The annual Jack Frost Festival let everyone enjoy a great family festival, held on the Yellow River Flowage in Spooner along U.S. 63 (near Tony’s, we’ve been there several times!). Check out hockey tournaments, open skating, a snowshoe jaunt, fat bike demos, turkey bowling, ribs and chili contests, minnow races, toilet paper toss, bonfire and s’mores bar, a regular bar in the form of Tony’s Riverside, other family events, and more. It takes place all day Saturday the 13th on the Yellow River Flowage in Spooner along U.S. 63, right in the heart of Washburn County.
You can also reach Spooner via Highway 70 or the U.S. 53 freeway. While traveling north on 53 you can angle over on Highway 253 (the old U.S. 53 prior to 1988), which brings you right into town and to the event!
Jack Frost Festival Address:
Spooner City Park
Spooner, WI 54801
(715) 635-2168 Website
Start:
January 13, 2018 8:00 am
End:
January 13, 2018 4:00 pm
Venue:
Yellow River Flowage
Phone:
715-635-2168
Address:
524 S. River Street, Spooner, WI, 54801, United States
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events › Festival
August 9, 2018 – August 12, 2018
Lake Superior Chainsaw Sculpture Championship
The Lake Superior Chainsaw Sculpture Championship will be held on Barker’s Island this year in Superior the weekend of August 9-12, 2018!
Watch chainsaw artists from around the world turn simple logs into stunning works of wildlife themed art! Master and guest carvers compete daily in challenging “quick carve” events. The four-day event ends with an official judging of the chainsaw sculptures created by master carvers over the course of the Lake Superior Chainsaw Sculpture Championship. Stay for the daily, live-auctions and take home a master’s work of art! Bring the whole family, children 12 and under are free with paid adult!
Event starts at 10:00 am daily.
Children 12 and under attend free with ticketed adult.
Tickets are not required on Thursday, August 9.
For the latest event information, follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
Superior is, of course, in the far northwestern corner of Wisconsin, nestled between the St. Louis River and Lake Superior, with Duluth, Minnesota across the way. To get to Superior and Barkers Island, just follow U.S. 2, U.S. 53, or Highways 13 or 35.
Lake Superior Chainsaw Sculpture Championship Address:
Barkers Island, 229 Marina Drive
Superior, WI 54880
(218) 590-5732
Website
July 6, 2018 – July 7, 2018
Eaux Claires
In year four of Eaux Claires, they’re reconfiguring the grounds, re-imagining the staging and devoting more attention to the one-of-a-kind experiences that make this festival unique. They’re enhancing the interplay between the artists to allow more performances per artist, many more collaborations throughout the duration of the festival and, well, more once in a lifetime moments. Expect to see unpredictable performances, hidden venues and surprise collaborations across a full two days of music and togetherness.
The festival, curated by Justin Vernon and Aaron Dessner, runs July 6-7, 2018. Tickets are on sale now, many are sold out already but you can check out the different tiers here.
For campers, Eaux Claires offers campground areas only minutes away via a free shuttle. Campgrounds will feature shower facilities, general stores, and spacious sites able to accommodate multiple tents. Camping passes are sold separately from all Admission Tickets and sell for $165, $300 for oversized vehicles.
If you prefer a hotel or other lodging, Eaux Claires is once again working with University of Wisconsin Eau Claire to make hundreds of its dorm rooms available for reservations at reasonable rates (about $84), also with free shuttle transportation.
The full lineup continues to evolve; get the latest here.
You can get to the event via I-94, U.S. 12 & 53, or Highways 37 and 93 (it’s closest to Highway 37 near U.S. 12 and I-94.)
Their Twitter is @EauxClaires.
July 6, 2018 – July 7, 2018
Fire on the River, Sauk Prairie
Sauk City (with neighbor Prairie du Sac, together known as “Sauk Prairie”) hosts its annual Fire on the River celebration with the largest fireworks display along the Wisconsin River.
Fire on the River features two full days of family-friendly fun highlighting the best the Sauk Prairie Area has to offer. Activities include Battle of the Bands, Battle of the Restaurants, Eagle Chase, All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast, games, beer, wine, kids’ art, and of course, the fireworks.
U.S. 12 and Highways 60 and 78 bring you to Sauk City; Highway 188 bypasses to the east across the river, also offering access to not only views of the fireworks but also to the beautiful Wollersheim Winery & Distillery!
Fire on the River Address:
Sauk City Riverwalk
726 Water Street
Sauk City, WI 53583
(608) 643-4168
Website
Fire on the River Schedule of Events:
Friday, July 6
Battle of the Restaurants!
4pm – Event Opens
Battle of the Restaurants Public Voting begins
Main Stage – Food Court – Beer Garden Open
5:30pm – Dan McDonnell Band
8pm Battle of Restaurants voting closes & winners announced
8:00pm – Midnight
Main Stage Headliner – The Retro Specz – North Side Food Court Open
Saturday, July 7 – Celebrate Freedom
7am – Eagle Chase – Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K Run/Walk
7:30am – All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast
9am – Sam Ness
11am – National Guard Boot Camp
11am – Bar Buddies Dunk Tank
11:30am – River Hills Worship Band
12pm
Youth & Family Games
Bridge Side Food Court
Main Stage – Beer Garden
North Side Food Court
$1-$5 Shop OPEN – 1 of a kind” craft tent with 85 different types of items all handcrafted by local Sr. Citizens, sell $1-$5 to enrich the family experience.
2pm – North Code [Feat. Sam Ness]
5pm – Water Street Jacks
8pm
Youth & Family Games Closed
Bridge Side Food Court Closed
Dusk ~ 9:30pm FIREWORKS!!
10pm – Midnight
Celebrate our Nation’s Freedom Late Night Party!!
Main Stage Headliner – West on U.S. 12 – Beer Garden – North Side Food Court
June 8, 2018 – June 10, 2018
Rockerbox MotoFest featuring AHRMA Vintage Racing at Road America
Rockerbox is the premier Wisconsin motorcycle show featuring an eclectic mix of Euro, Japanese and American vintage café racers, choppers, sport bikes, racing machines, super motos, scooters, and sidecars. All makes and models of bikes are welcome; you’ll find a mash of bikes competing for space alongside dealers and vendors of all things motorcycling.
The weekend-long festival centers around a ride-in bike show and competition; entering riders from all over the country in over several competitive award classes to showcase the greatest in classic style, fresh customization and all that which is unusual and incredible. Meanwhile, the Road America paddock will be packed with local and national vendors, live music, food, and beer.
June 2, 2018 – June 3, 2018
Outta Sight Kite Flight Festival
GO FLY A KITE!! The 17th annual Outta Sight Kite Flight Kite Festival takes place in Kenosha’s Kennedy Park, June 2 & 3, 2018.
This family event is free to all, with free parking. Free kites will be given away to the first 100 kids who participate in the City of Kenosha’s “Kids’ Mad Dash,” where 100 kids launch their kites all at the same time. The first kid reaching the highest altitude in 60 seconds wins. LOOK OUT and LOOK UP!
Kites and food will be available for sale at the park.
Outta Sight Kite Flight Festival Address:
Kennedy Park
4051 5th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53143
(414) 305-3145
Website
Kenosha is tucked into the southeast corner of Wisconsin, and I-41/94 along with Highways 32, 50, 142, and 158 bring you there!
May 18, 2018 – May 20, 2018
Wisconsin State Polka Festival
The 40th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Polka Festival takes place May 18-20, 2018 in a new location – the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel at Mitchell International Airport!
If you’re a polka music aficinado, or even if you’re not, this is a fun time. The Wisconsin State Polka Festival is open to the public, with a three-day pass available for $45, daily admission options, and children under 14 are admitted free. You might as well partake, since polka is Wisconsin’s state music and the beats can’t be beat!
The music begins Friday, May 18th at 5pm in two different ballrooms. The lineup includes Squeezebox with Molly and Ted, the Zweifel Brothers, Bob Korek Band, and the Top Notchmen. These bands will alternate performances until 10:30pm.
Dance lessons commence Saturday morning (May 19th) at 10am. Squeezebox and the Mark Jirikovec Band will alternate in one ballroom from 12:30pm to 6:30pm. Steve Meisner will play from 6:30pm to 10:30pm in the same ballroom Saturday. In the second ballroom, Kenny Brandt and the Hauser Hotshots will begin at 1pm and play off and on until 7pm. Virgil Baker from Michigan starts at 7 and plays until 10:30pm.
Sunday features a religious service with the Goodtime Dutchmen at 11am. The music begins at 12:30pm with Barefoot Becky alternating with Goodtime Dutchmen until 5:30pm.
You’ll find the Wisconsin State Polka Festival right by Mitchell International Airport – in fact, right across the street from it – in Milwaukee along Howell Avenue (Highway 38) and the Airport Spur (Highway 119) and Grange Avenue.
Wisconsin State Polka Festival Event Address:
Four Points by Sheraton, Milwaukee Airport
5311 S. Howell Avenue (Highway 3838 at Highway 119)
Milwaukee, WI 53207
(414) 481-2400
Website
May 12, 2018
Marshfield Art on the Avenue
Art on the Avenue – previously known as the Marshfield Mother’s Day Art Fair – has paired up with the Downtown Wine Walk and will take place Saturday, May 12th at the Holiday Inn on Central Avenue, Historic Highway 13, in the heart of “Hub City.”
So, with a new location in 2018, Art on the Avenue is offering a wide variety of fine arts and crafts by local, regional, and national artists. A visit to the nearby New Visions Art Gallery or Partners Art Gallery provide more art to browse, and the Stierle Bird Exhibit at Marshfield’s Public Library (211 E. Second Street) offers a unique display of 400 birds representing 140 species, plus a collection of approximately 2,000 bird eggs.
Marshfield has a lot more to see, including the beautiful Wildwood Zoo, the World’s Largest Round Barn on the grounds of the Central Wisconsin State Fair, the handsome Upham Mansion, Marshfield Clinic, the Blue Heron Brewery & Pub, a nice selection of downtown shops and art galleries, and original portions of the Yellowstone Trail.
U.S. 10 brings you to Marshfield – including via freeway from Stevens Point – as well as Highways 13, 80, and 97. Find out more at VisitMarshfield.com!
Art on the Avenue Address:
Holiday Inn & Conference Center
750 S. Central Avenue
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 384-3454
Website
May 11, 2018
Beloit ArtWalk
Beloit’s ArtWalk has been hosted by the Downtown Beloit Association for the past 15 years. It’s a unique evening shopping experience in historic Downtown Beloit that transforms businesses into art galleries! This event draws hundreds of residents and visitors alike to support small businesses and shop for one-of-kind pieces of art.
Now in its 16th year, ArtWalk continues to grow, with more than 25 businesses and 30 artists participating. In addition to the vast array of exceptional items for sale, shoppers can enjoy live music, hors d’oeuvres, and free trolley rides.
The event will be held on Friday, May 11 from 5 to 9 pm in the heart of Downtown Beloit. Brochures will be available listing the participating businesses and the names of the artists or craftspeople selling their wares in each location.
“ArtWalk is an extremely popular event,” exclaims Shauna El-Amin, Executive Director of the Downtown Beloit Association. “Many of the venues offer special giveaways, food items, and entertainment in addition to showcasing the art of local artists. It gets bigger and better every year!”
And, be sure to stop into the Vision Beloit Center, 500 Public Avenue for a special free treats and one-of-a-kind pieces for sale.
Beloit is home to Beloit College – one of reasons for the vibrant downtown – as well as the Angel Museum, the “World’s Largest Can of Chili”, it’s where the modern speedometer was invented, and its resurgence is truly something to behold, especially downtown and along the Rock River. Check out the Ironworks if you can!
I-39/90 and I-43 meet on the northeast side of Beloit; Highway 81 brings you in from the east and west. U.S. 51, of course, is the main north-south drive through the heart of the city, and Highway 213 (long ago once part of Highway 13) brings you in from the northwest.
Beloit ArtWalk Address:
Downtown Beloit
State & Grand Avenues
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 365-0150
Website
May 11, 2018 – May 13, 2018
Columbus Red Bud Festival
Columbus is known as the “Red Bud City” for its red bud trees all over this city of 5,000. The annual Red Bud Festival takes place May 11-13, 2018 this year to celebrate the blooms and beauty of these trees. The city uses this time to celebrate spring with special events throughout the city, focused on its historic downtown.
You can also enjoy a Brat Fry, a city-wide garage sale, sidewalk sales, the Columbus Prince & Princess Contest, and more. While in Columbus checking out the Red Bud Festival, you can also shop the Columbus Antique Mall (Wisconsin’s largest), explore the Farmers & Merchants Union Bank (a “jewel box” designed by Louis Sullivan and a National Historic Landmark), a wide variety of beautiful old homes, and the vibrant downtown with its terrific architecture.
Columbus is right along U.S. 151; the freeway ducks around the east side of town and Business U.S. 151 – the original route – cuts right through the heart of downtown. Highways 16, 60, 73, and 89 all bring you to Columbus too. Enjoy the beautiful blooms of the trees and more at the festival, and we think you’ll enjoy checking out this charming city!
Columbus Red Bud Festival Address:
Historic Downtown Columbus
105 N. Dickason Blvd.
Columbus, WI 53925
(920) 623-3699
Website
April 5, 2018 – April 12, 2018
Wisconsin Film Festival
The Wisconsin Film Festival is presented by the University of Wisconsin Arts Institute. bringing a vast array of unique films to the Madison area. An eight-day exploration of new American independent dramatic and documentary films, animation, experimental restorations and revivals.
Check out the latest film guide here, or download a .PDF.
Wisconsin Film Festival Addresses:
Include the movie venues listed above. Festival offices are located at 1050 University Avenue, Madison, 53703. Their office phone is (608) 262-9009.
Website
March 6, 2018 – March 8, 2018
World Championship Cheese Contest
Preliminary judging rounds for the World Championship Cheese Contest are open to the public for FREE Tuesday, March 6 and Wednesday, March 7. Try some tasty samples as the judges do their thing and narrow it down to finalists and winners.
Then, Thursday night the 8th you can attend the Cheese Champion event. This ticketed event ($25, in advance) lets you sample more than 50 of the best cheese from around the world. International cheese experts will be on hand to show you the intracicies of of cheese evaluation, and of course you can pair cheeses with other foods and craft beers that will be available. The event climaxes with the crowning of the World Champion Cheesemaker!
World Championship Cheese Contest/Monona Terrace Address:
1 John Nolen Drive (U.S. 151)
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 286-1001
Website
February 24, 2018
Marshfield Winterfest
Winterfest 2018 is a family-friendly event in Marshfield (aka “Hub City”) highlighting the perks of Wisconsin winters. Marshfield Winterfest offers activities like a 400-Meter Kids Race, Cross Country Skiing, Snow Shoe 5k or 10k, and the Fat Tire Bike 5k or 10k. The 400-Meter (1/4 mile) course is perfect for the kids, while the 5k and 10k courses are made to challenge the winter sport enthusiast. All ages and abilities are welcome!
This year, there will also be Badger State Games events in Snowshoeing and Cornhole tournaments. See their Facebook page for more details!
Fat biking at Marshfield Winterfest, photo courtesy of Paula Jero/Hub City Times
Marshfield Winterfest Schedule (subject to change):
Time: 12:00pm Event Registration & Free Youth 400-Meter Race
12:30pm Cross Country Skiing
1:00pm Fat Tire Bike (5k and 10k)
1:30pm Snow Shoe (5k and 10k)
The Post-Race Celebration will feature food, beverages, and awards ceremony.
If you plan on participating, here are some Registration details!
Individuals (ages 19+): $30
Individuals (ages 11-18): $20
Children 10 years and under are free.
Awards will be given to the top 3 Marshfield Winterfest finishers in each race.
Stay and enjoy LIVE music during the afternoon and into the evening!
3:00 – G-Man
5:00 – Elated Sun
8:00 – The Big Deeks
Worth visiting for more than just Marshfield Winterfest, Marshfield is a fun city regardless of the season. Hit U.S. 10 or Highways 13, 80, or 97 to access what they call “Hub City,” named for both its historic hub for railroads and its location very close to the geographic center of Wisconsin.
Home to Marshfield Clinic, this city of 20,000 also hosts the Central Wisconsin State Fair (which includes the World’s Largest Round Barn) and features the Wildwood Zoo, the Blue Heron Brewpub, and a hopping main street in the form of Central Avenue. Marshfield is also along the Yellowstone Trail, part of the “Plymouth Rock to Puget Sound” highway that was among the first designated cross-country highways in the United States.
Marshfield Winterfest Address:
RiverEdge Golf Course
10191 Mill Creek Road
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 384-9992
Website
February 18, 2018
Blues Bash 2018
The Paramount Music Association brings the Blues and more great music to the fun, yet intimate Anodyne Coffee Roasters Stage in Milwaukee with Blues Bash 2018 on Sunday, February 18th! Enjoy great music, food and beverages, and camaraderie. Your $20 ticket at the door helps support the work of the Paramount Music Association, which salutes the rich and trail-breaking history of music in Wisconsin – and particularly the days of Paramount Records 100 years ago in Port Washington and Grafton. They have an annual three-day festival in Port Washington Labor Day weekend, but on February 18th they bring some great artists to Milwaukee for an intimate performance in the city’s Walkers Point neighborhood.
Performers include Tallan Noble Latz, Katz Sass, The Blues Disciples, and Reverend Raven & the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys. Doors open at 2:30, music starts at 3pm.
You can reach the Anodyne Coffee Roastery (3rd & Bruce in Walkers Point) via nearby connections on Highway 59, Highway 38, Highway 145, U.S. 18, and I-43/94.
Blues Bash 2018 Address:
Anodyne Coffee Roasting Company
224 W. Bruce Street
Milwaukee, WI 53204
(414) 276-8081
Anodyne (Venue) Website
Paramount Music Association Website
February 13, 2018
Milwaukee Public Market Chili & Beer Tasting
It’s a Fat Tuesday celebration at the Milwaukee Public Market! Loosen your belts and head over for the 2nd Annual Milwaukee Public Market Chili & Beer Tasting on Tuesday, February 13th.
Explore 8 different chili creations from 8 different public market vendors, and follow them up with 8 regional craft beers. Enjoy a wide range of chili creations that are sure to please everyone from meat-free fans to meat-PLEASE fans. From mild to wild, from fair to fire – the “heat meter” will be covered on both ends with each homemade chili recipe.
Wash down these chili samples with samplings from some of the area’s top breweries, from within Milwaukee and just beyond. Net proceeds from the event will benefit COA Youth & Family Centers. It’s a win-win-win!
Featuring Chili from:
With Beer from:
The Milwaukee Public Market features a fantastic variety of food and beverage vendors, market items for recipes and take-home, wearables at Brew City Beer Gear, and during warmer weather an outdoor farmers market that stretches along Broadway and St. Paul. St. Paul Fish Company also offers a seasonal outdoor bar with a tiki-Florida feel in the summer and, conditions permitting, an ice bar in the winter. With the way the weather’s been looking, the ice bar will be open during the Milwaukee Public Market Chili & Beer Tasting, too!
You can get to the Milwaukee Public Market via Water Street or Broadway (Highway 32), two blocks south of U.S. 18 and about one mile north of Highway 59/National Avenue. Highways 38 and 145 bring you close, and I-794 literally hovers above it!
Milwaukee Public Market Chili & Beer Tasting Address:
400 N. Water Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 336-1111
Website
February 10, 2018
Downtown Appleton Death By Chocolate
Chocolate: smooth, velvety, soft, dark, sensuous… kinda makes your heart go pitter-patter, doesn’t it? Well, there’s a treat for you at the 15th Annual, Death by Chocolate Valentine’s Day event in Appleton. It happens Saturday, Feb 10, 2018 from 1-4pm. Sample scrumptious chocolate desserts whipped up by some of the best chefs in the area!
Tickets are on sale now. Call 920-954-9112 or stop at the ADI office at 116 N. Appleton St. Mon-Fri 8:45am-3:30pm. You can also buy tickets online.
Enjoy the Love Is In The Air Celebration including a Community Wedding Vow Renewal in Houdini Plaza at noon, plus ice sculptures to view before & after your chocolate lovers paradise.
Choose from one of two “Death By Chocolate” routes each with 21 stops for just $20. (The 21 stops include 12 bars and restaurants and 8 retail stops who wanted to join in the fun on both routes. Plus one more bonus top that isn’t even on the tickets at Riverview Gardens Retail Store, 513 W. College Avenue where The Community Clothes Closet will be hosting a pop up Vintage clothing sale and giving away chocolate mini-cupcakes!)
See below for a list of the many participating locations.
Getting to Appleton is easy via I-41, U.S. 10, or Highways 47, 96, or 125 (of course, by the time you reach Highways 125, you’re pretty much IN Appleton already._)
Downtown Appleton Death By Chocolate Address:
10 W. College Avenue (Highway 125)
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 954-9112
Website
Death By Chocolate Participating Locations:
EAST END
Wooden Nickel Sports Bar & Grill Chocolate Porter*
The Fire Spicy Hot Chocolate with Spray Whip
Beatnik Betty’s Resale Butik Chocolate Surprise
Antojitos Mexicanos Chocolate Tres Leche Cake
hey, daisy! Cookies & Dream Edible Ice Cream
The Vintage Garden Chocolate Salted Caramel Delight
Lillians of Appleton Chocolate Surprise
Brewed Awakenings Caramel Mocha Cake
Bagelicious Chocolate Surprise
Inspire Spa Hot Chocolate Bar
Olde Town Tavern Chocolate Martini*
Bazil’s Pub Chocolate Beer*
Tamara’s Cake Guru Chocolate Mini Cupcakes, Brownie Bites & Valentine Treats
Crazy Sweet Chocolate covered oreo truffles
Cleo’s Brown Beam Tavern Chopin Double Chocolate Liqueur*
Appleton Street Sports Bar & Grill Chocolate Cheesecake Bites
Rookie’s Bar & Grill Chocolate Beer*
Copper Rock Coffee Dark Chocolate Truffle Gelato with Winter Chocolate Drizzle
Spa BenMarNico Hot Chocolate
Float Light Assorted Chocolates
WEST END & RIVERFRONT
Wooden Nickel Sports Bar & Grill Chocolate Porter*
The Fire Spicy Hot Chocolate with Spray Whip
Beatnik Betty’s Resale Butik Chocolate Surprise
hey, daisy! Cookies & Dream Edible Ice Cream
The Vintage Garden Chocolate Salted Caramel Delight
Lillians of Appleton Chocolate Surprise
Inspire Spa Hot Chocolate Bar
Spa BenMarNico Hot Chocolate
Jo ala Mode inside the Radisson Chocolate Fantasy Cake
CU Saloon Hasta LaBasta (Chocolate, Honey & Molasses Stout)*
McGuinness Irish Pub Nutty Irishman*
ACOCA Coffee Bourbon Pecan Truffles
Muncheez Pizzeria Cinni-Muncheez with Chocolate Fudge dipping sauce
Appleton Beer Factory Chocolate Beer*
Float Light Assorted Chocolates
Sangria’s Mexican Grill Chicken Chile Relleno with White Chocolate Godiva Ganache
Spats Food & Spirits Chocolate POTS DE CREME
Stone Arch BrewPub Bacon Brewer Bars (paired with an Imperial Chocolate Stout*)
Fratello’s Waterfront Restaurant mini chocolate cupcakes filled with milk chocolate ganache
Atlas Waterfront Café & Gathering Room Atlas Expresso Fudge & Other Delights
*indicates you must be 21 or older
The Downtown Trolley will be running a continuous loop every 20 minutes to help you get to all the venues thanks to the generosity of sponsors Tundraland and Warning Lites.
February 3, 2018 – February 4, 2018
Madison Winter Festival
Check out the Movin’ Shoes Frosty 5K Run or the Ice Age Challenge Saturday afternoon. The Candlelight Ski & Snowshoe Tour takes place Saturday night. Sunday features the Elver Park Skijor Race and the Snowshoe Scurry. Either day, you can enjoy Snow Carving, Sledding, Ice Skating, Ice Hockey, and Cross-Country Skiing (you can learn, too!)
Local sporting-goods stores will be on site to help if you’ve never cross country skied or snowshoed before. The famed National Snow Sculpting Champs will be carving magic out of 4′ x 4′ 6′ blocks of snow for you to admire. Other fan favorites scheduled throughout the weekend include the Fat Bike Race, the Frosty 1.5 Mile Dog Jog, Kids’ Fun Run and other fun and festive outdoor activities.
Admission is FREE and the fun is practically unlimited! Activities open at 9:30am on Saturday, February 3rd and conclude at 4:00pm on Sunday, February 4th.
Elver Park is on the southwestern edge of Madison, accessed just off U.S. 12/14 (the Beltline) via Gammon Road and west/north off U.S. 18/151. U.S. 51 and Highways 30 and 113 also bring you to Madison, then just head southwest!
Madison Winter Festival Address:
Elver Park
1250 McKenna Boulevard
Madison, WI 53719
(608) 213-1870
Website
February 2, 2018 – February 3, 2018
Westby Snowflake Ski Jump
Westby features a ski jump complex with five jumps in Timber Coulee, the largest of which is a 118-meter Olympic-sized hill used for national and international competitions. The Westby Snowflake Ski Jump Tournament happens the weekend of February 2-3 and it’s a blast!
Even though the Winter Olympics are just a couple of weeks away, the Snowflake Ski Jump is expected to feature approximately 20 national and international athletes from countries including Norway, Finland, Slovenia and the United States.
On Thursday, Feb. 1, Snowflake will host hospitality night from 6-9 p.m.at the Westby Rod and Gun building in Timber Coulee where the 2017 Snowflake royalty, Queen Faith Gardner and her attendants, Alexis Mahan and Rebecca Buckles, will meet and greet visitors.
On Friday, Feb. 2, there will be a kick-off breakfast at Borgen’s Café from 7-10 a.m. Opening ceremonies for the ever-popular “Friday Night Under the Lights” night jump will be held at 7 p.m., with competition slated at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a long standing jump after the regular competition. Live music by “High Mileage” will complete the evening at the Westby Rod & Gun in Timber Coulee from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
On Saturday Feb. 3, open training is scheduled from 9-11 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies at noon. Competition for the second day of the event kicks off at 12:30 p.m. followed by the long standing jump and awards ceremony. Weather permitting on Saturday there will be helicopter rides and horse-drawn wagon rides on the grounds. The ski club also funds a money pile for kids to collect coins. After the jump spectators are invited to attend a second live music event with “Blue Collar 40” at the Westby Rod & Gun from 3-7 p.m.
The 2017 ski button can be purchased in advance until Thursday, Feb. 1 for $15. After that time, buttons can be purchased at the gate the weekend of the event for $20. The button is good for both days of the tournament and are available at local businesses or can be purchased online. Children under 12 will be admitted free.
Snowflake is also once again teaming up with Logistics Health Inc. of La Crosse to sponsor free admission for veterans to the Snowflake Ski Jump. All current and former military service members, their spouses and their children (under the age of 18) will receive a special event button and be admitted to the two-day event free of charge.
Veterans or service members will need to show a current military ID card or other proof of service such as VFW, Legion, DAV current membership card, or a DD Form 214 (record of discharge) and photo ID. Military buttons are available only at the gate. For more information about the free veteran admission contact Tom Sharratt at 608-634-2118.
You can access the area via U.S. 14/61 and Highway 27; follow the signs and County Road P to Timber Coulee.
Westby Snowflake Ski Jump Address:
E7940 County Road P
Westby, WI 54667
(608) 634-3211
Website
February 2, 2018 – February 4, 2018
Fish Creek Winter Festival
Fish Creek Winter Festival will celebrate its 31st year in 2018! Fish Creek’s longest-standing tradition and Door County’s most notorious winter event features live music, quirky games, delicious food, wine tasting, the notorious “Fruit Loop Fun Run,” an entertaining Stumpf Fiddle Contest, a spectacular fireworks display and a “Smokin Hot” Chili Cook-Off…all under a heated tent overlooking the frozen waters of Green Bay.
Highway 42 will bring you to Fish Creek, just north of Egg Harbor and south of both Ephraim and Peninsula State Park. It’s one of the jewels of Door County, and there’s plenty of fun to be had at the Fish Creek Winter Festival all weekend!
2018 Fish Creek Winter Fest Schedule of Events:
Friday, February 2, 2018
-Adult Art Night (21+) at Hands On Art Studio, 6:30-10:00pm
-Gibraltar Music Boosters Present “Cat’s Pajamas Vocal Band,” at the Door Community Auditorium, 7:00pm
Saturday, February 3, 2018
-Festivities in & around the heated tent in Clark Park, 10:00am-3:00pm
*Wild Winter Games Outside
*Fun Festive Games Inside
*Live DJ
*Tasty Food & Drinks from the Villager’s Snowmobile Club
*Limited Edition Winter Fest Merchandise
-GHA presents “All Things Chocolate” at the Old Town Hall, 10:00am-4:00pm
-Lautenbach’s Winter Wine & Cherry Fest, 10:00am-4:00pm
*Cherry Pit Spitting Contest at 1:30pm
*For sleigh reservations call John Mayberry at (920) 421-1152
-FREE Trolley Rides throughout Town, 10:00am-5:00pm
-Chili Cook-Off participants bring their crockpots to the tent, 10:45am
-FREE Children’s Story Hour at the Fish Creek Library, 11:00am-12:00pm
-SOUP! Homemade ceramic tiles and a bountiful buffet at the Peninsula School of Art, 11:00am-3:00pm
-“Chili Cook-Off” Judging and Winners Announced- Main Tent, 12:00pm
-Stumpf Fiddle Contest-Main Tent, 2:30pm
-Special Performance by BEER BELLY IDOLS-Main Tent, 3:00pm-5:30pm
-Candlelight Ski/Hike at Peninsula State Park, 5:30pm-8:00pm
-Fireworks Display-Outside of Main Tent, 5:45pm
-Rock & Roll Snow Dance with BIG MOUTH at Alexander’s, 10:00pm-12:00am
Sunday, February 4, 2018
-Fruit Loop Fun Run-Begins & Ends at the Main Tent, 10:30am
Fish Creek Winter Festival Address:
4150 Maple Street
Fish Creek, WI 54212
(920) 868-2316
Website
January 27, 2018
Chili Fest
Oconomowoc warms up the chilly January weather with its 9th annual Chili Fest on Saturday, January 27th! Ice sculptures and carvings along the downtown streets, ice and pond hockey on Fowler Lake, open family skating, a beer tent, and of course plenty of chili tastings.
Chili tastings are hosted by downtown businesses and local fundraising organizations with proceeds going to local charity. As you stroll downtown and stop in shops you can check out professional ice carvers who dot the downtown streets chiseling frozen blocks into works of art. A DJ and beer tent – which will also offer burgers and hot cocoa – are set up on the lake near the hockey tournament. A family skating rink is groomed nearby and an ice fishing clinic is also planned for the young anglers. It should be a fairly mild Saturday, so note ice conditions if you plan on skating.
While you stroll Wisconsin Avenue, check out a great burger at Crafty Cow, browse boutique shops, have a beer at Lakerz Sports Bar & Grill, and get a gander at the marker by City Hall commemorating the former location of the Strand Theatre, notable for being the place where the classic film The Wizard of Oz first premiered to audiences. Plenty of fun, food, skating, history, and more in this incredibly charming town at the western end of Waukesha County’s Lake Country.
Oconomowoc is where Highways 16 and 67 meet, just north of I-94’s Exit 282. The downtown is wedged between Lac La Belle and Fowler Lake and stroll along Wisconsin Avenue and Main Street reveals plenty of great shops, beautiful architecture, restaurants, historic markers, a dam, and much more. And of course on Saturday the 27th during Chili Fest, plenty of skating and chili!
Chili Fest Address:
Downtown Oconomowoc
133 E. Wisconsin Avenue (Highways 16 & 67, skipping the bypass)
Oconomowoc, WI 53066
(262) 567-5755
Website
January 13, 2018
Jack Frost Festival
The annual Jack Frost Festival let everyone enjoy a great family festival, held on the Yellow River Flowage in Spooner along U.S. 63 (near Tony’s, we’ve been there several times!). Check out hockey tournaments, open skating, a snowshoe jaunt, fat bike demos, turkey bowling, ribs and chili contests, minnow races, toilet paper toss, bonfire and s’mores bar, a regular bar in the form of Tony’s Riverside, other family events, and more. It takes place all day Saturday the 13th on the Yellow River Flowage in Spooner along U.S. 63, right in the heart of Washburn County.
You can also reach Spooner via Highway 70 or the U.S. 53 freeway. While traveling north on 53 you can angle over on Highway 253 (the old U.S. 53 prior to 1988), which brings you right into town and to the event!
Jack Frost Festival Address:
Spooner City Park
Spooner, WI 54801
(715) 635-2168
Website