One of three “State Fairs” in Wisconsin, the Central Wisconsin State Fair takes place in Marshfield August 23-28, 2022 on the grounds that also feature the “World’s Largest Round Barn.” The Central Wisconsin State Fair has also been refreshing its equipment with new rides and games to enhance the experience!
Headliners include:
Hotel California, a Tribute to the Eagles Wednesday night, August 24th
This Fair also features Mad Dog & Merrill and Pumpkin Bowling as a new thing this year. Tons of arts & crafts vendors will be there, and you can enjoy the Saturday & Sunday Pancake Breakfast with local maple syrup from 7am – noon. As usual, Central Wisconsin State Fair hosts the 4-H and open class exhibits, free grandstand entertainment with gate admission, the Round Barn Express train, Junior Fair Market Animal Sale, the Dress-A-Cow Contest, midway carnival rides, commercial exhibits and special programs, food and beer gardens, and more. This six-day extravaganza is definitely worth checking out if you want to hit the lovely city of Marshfield in the central part of the state (hence, the event’s name).
Central Wisconsin State Fair’s Round Barn Express Train
U.S. 10 and Highways 13, 80, and 97 all hit Marshfield, Wisconsin (“Hub City”) and the Central Wisconsin State Fair grounds are on the south side of town, a few blocks east of Central Avenue (Bus. Hwy 13) and the Wildwood Zoo. Also check out Central Avenue and the downtown district, the Blue Heron Brewpub, and a plenty of other things and to see and do around Hub City. Get more ideas from Visit Marshfield here!
Check their website for the complete entertainment lineup, ticket specials, and more!
Central Wisconsin State Fair Address:
Wood County Fairgrounds
513 E. 17th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 387-1261 Website
Chippewa Falls celebrates its clean, bountiful water and the community in general with the 46th Annual Pure Water Days Parade and Riverfest celebration Saturday, August 13th!
With Pure Water Days, enjoy the big parade early Saturday afternoon with over 70 parade entries and a vintage car parade. Then, head down the street to Allen Park for RiverFest, which begins at 2pm.
Bring the kids and take advantage of the giant inflatables, games for both kids and adults, tons of prizes, a balloon artist, live music by Irie Sol, a Veterans tribute, food trucks, a beer tent, arts and crafts vendors, and fireworks. Throughout the day, city-wide events also include YMCA races and other sporting events, plus much more. It’s always an awesome family-friendly time!
During Pure Water Days, you can also enjoy the classic Cruise-In Car Show. This is the fourth of four car shows held downtown every summer. Vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles with great music!
The Pure Water Days Parade theme for 2019 is “History of Chippewa Falls,” perfect for the city’s ongoing 150th (sesquicentennial) celebrations! So expect a lot of historic-looking floats and formations. The Chippewa River and Duncan Creek flow through town and provide pure water and plenty of scenic beauty.
While in Chippewa Falls, be sure to explore the famous Leinenkugel Brewery, take a tour and discover their new “pilot brewery”; enjoy the amenities of nearby Irvine Park and Zoo, Brewster Brothers Brewing & the Chippewa River Distillery on the west edge of downtown along Business 29 & 53, the lovely Riverbend Vineyard & Winery west of town along Business 29, the historic Cook-Rutledge Mansion, the downtown shopping, nearby Lake Wissota State Park, and much more. And be sure to mark your calendar for the upcoming Oktoberfest celebration at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds! It’s definitely one of the best in the Midwest.
Chippewa Falls is easy to get to! Today’s U.S. 53 freeway, Highway 29 freeway, Highway 124, and Highway 178 all bring you to Chippewa Falls, too. It’s only about 15 minutes north of Eau Claire off I-94, too.
It’s one of the oldest county fairs in Wisconsin, and the oldest FREE county fair in the state! Since 1859, the Ozaukee County Fair has been delighting visitors with everything from featuring prize animals, musical performances, rides, competitions, and more.
This year’s Ozaukee County Fair runs August 3-7, 2022 at the Fairgrounds in Cedarburg.
There’s always plenty of fun and action at the 2022 Ozaukee County Fair, with two nights of Truck & Tractor Pulls (Wednesday and Thursday at 7pm), two nights of Demolition Derbies (Friday and Saturday at 6pm), and the All Star Monster Truck Tour on Sunday, August 7 at 11am.
Great musical acts will play, with five stages of music in all. The Grandstand schedule runs as follows:
WEDNESDAY
3:30 PM Pat McCurdy
7:30 PM Johnny Wad
THURSDAY
1:00 PM Grooveline
3:30 PM The Whiskeybelles
7:30 PM Vic Ferrari Band
FRIDAY
1:00 PM Mike & Katy
3:30 PM Midlife Oasis
8:00 PM Madison County
SATURDAY
1:30 PM The Stangs
4:30 PM Star Six Nine
8:00 PM Bella Cain
SUNDAY
1:00 PM Larry Lynne – Decades Band
Animals, of course, will be shown and featured at the Ozaukee County Fair. Sheep, horses, cows, goats, pigs, rabbits, and chickens to see, ride a pony, pet a llama, get to know them!
There’s also the Barnyard 5K Run & Walk, a “Fairest of the Fair” competition, and more!
Hours:
Wednesday, August 3, Noon – Midnight
Thursday, August 4, 8am – Midnight
Friday, August 5, 8am – Midnight
Saturday, August 6, 8am – Midnight
Sunday, August 7, 8am – 8pm
Admission to the fair is FREE! Parking passes are available for Gate 4 – the north end of the Fairgrounds – for $10 (single day), $25/$40 for full season passes, and $100 camper or trailer parking for the whole Fair. Trucks and trailers can park for $20/day on the Saturday and Sunday of the Fair. Passes for Gate 1 – the south end of the Fairgrounds – can be purchased for $10/day for cars.
Ozaukee County Fair Address:
W67N866 Washington Avenue
Cedarburg, WI 53012
(262) 375-6185 Website
Polka is the Official State Dance of Wisconsin, and Pulaski Polka Days celebrates this music like no other place in the state! Pulaski Polka Days lasts four days (July 20-24 this year) and brings in thousands of visitors from around the world. It’s one of the largest Polish and polka fests in the Midwest and features an arts/crafts show, Polka Mass service, a parade, accordions, & more!
Pulaski Polka Days is one of the largest polka festivals in the country, bringing in thousands of visitors each year from all over the world. Check out the largest showing of concertina players playing at one time, imbibe in Polish food and live music all weekend long. Take dance lessons. Explore the Arts and Crafts festival in downtown Pulaski Saturday and Sunday. Sunday features the Pancake and Porkie Breakfast and a huge parade at 11am.
You’ll find all the fun in Pulaski, along Highway 32 just off Highway 29, about 15 miles west-northwest of Green Bay.
Pulaski Polka Days Address:
Pulaski Polka Grounds
429 E. Pulaski Street
Pulaski, WI 54162
(920) 822-3869 Website
Are you aware of the great music history of Blues, Jazz, R&B, gospel, country, classical and more in… Ozaukee County? The Paramount Music Festival is! Yes, Grafton and Port Washington were music hotspots back in the day, hosting musicians and their studio sessions at Paramount Records. Thousands of recordings were made and millions of records were pressed in Grafton, laying groundwork for the most popular music genres to ever come out of this country from 1917 until 1932.
For a decade and a half, 78 rpm records were pressed and distributed to the nation, allowing artists such as Lawrence Welk, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Tom Dorsey and Louis Armstrong to inspire future music generations and lay the seeds for the R&B and Rock ‘N Roll Eras. Between 1929 and 1932 alone, over 1,600 songs were recorded in Grafton at a make-shift studio in the Wisconsin Chair Factory; the output accounted for about 1/4 of the so-called “race records” of the era. The musicians often came up from Milwaukee or Chicago by train, recorded in Grafton, and stayed overnights in Port Washington where Paramount and the Wisconsin Chair Company had their offices. So many major and influential musicians cut records here that it’s an official stop on the Mississippi Blues Trail!
On July 22-23, 2022, the Paramount Music Festival celebrates Paramount Records and all the music it produced. Two days of incredible live music, food and family fun with local, regional and national musicians take the stage to celebrate the history of Paramount Records. A full schedule is below.
The festivities take place in Grafton this year at historic Lime Kiln Park, very close to where the Paramount Records facility once stood.
Check theirwebsite for the full lineup of performers and activities!
Paramount Music Festival Schedule of Performers
Friday, July 22nd
gates open at 4:30
5:15 Will Pfrang & the Goodland Gang
6:30 Trapper Schoepp
8:00 Stephen Cooper & the Nobody Famous
Saturday, July 23rd
Gates open at 11
11:00 Luke Cerny
Noon Lady A
1:30 Katz Sass
3:00 Cathy Grier & the Troublemakers
4:30 Chicken Wire Empire
6:30 Altered Five Blues Band
8:30 Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues
(All times are approximate)
Find out more on the history behind the Paramount Music Festival in our State Trunk Tour Podcast!
Highway 60 and Historic Highway 57 brings you to Grafton, just off I-43 and Highway 32.
Summerfest 2023 brings the “World’s Largest Music Festival” back to Milwaukee’s lakefront in the middle of summer! We’re talking 9 days across three long weekends packed with concerts and fun with over half a million of your closest friends. Choose from over 600 acts across 12 stages on the 75-acre Maier Festival Park grounds. The dates are June 22-24, June 29-July 1, and July 6-8, 2023.
Summerfest dates back to 1968 and has since become a key venue for the music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites to create unforgettable live music experiences in a world-class festival setting. Running along Milwaukee’s lakefront nestled within downtown, the Historic Third Ward, Discovery World, I-794, and Lake Michigan, Summerfest offers not only music but over 45 food and beverage vendors, four marketplaces offering crafts and wares from all over the world, interactive exhibits, and just cool general fun. The new Northwestern Mutual Community Park includes a Children’s Stage and play area that offers a fun experience for the kids. Regular shows involving magic, singalongs, and other activities are complemented with plenty of equipment kids can run, swing, climb, and play on. During the day, Summerfest is designed to be very family-friendly. Many of the food and beverage vendors are classic and popular restaurants and bars from around the Milwaukee area, and selections range widely from ethnic food options to a wide variety of craft and classic beers. Several stands also have a full bar with wine and spirits. Check out the latest music and stage lineups below!
For lineups and schedule for 2023, check here!
Announced Summerfest lineups by Stage, Date & Time, moving from south to north:
Thursday, June 23rd: Matthew Magic Morgan & Liliana, 12pm & 1:30pm; Wayne & Wingnut – Red Hot Chilli Puppets, 12:45pm & 2:15pm; MYSO (Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra) Jazz Combos, 3:15pm, 4pm, 4:45pm; Mark Hayward: Cool Yo-Yo Guy, 5:30pm & 7:30pm; David Seebach’s Wonders of Magic, 6:30pm & 8:30pm
Friday, June 24th:Wayne & Wingnut – Red Hot Chilli Puppets, 12pm; Matthew Magic Morgan & Liliana, 12:45pm & 4pm; TMJ4 Science Weather Show, 1:30p & 3:15pm; MYSO Calypso Steek Drum Band, 2:15pm, 4:45pm, & 6:30pm; Mark Hayward: Cool Yo-Yo Guy, 5:30pm & 7:30pm
Saturday, June 25th:Kohl’s Wild Theater, 12pm & 2:15pm; Mad Science, 12:45pm; Julie Sobanski: Princess of Magic, 1:30pm; First Stage, 3:15 & 4:45pm; Mark Hayward: Cool Yo-Yo Guy, 4pm & 6:30pm; Wayne & Wingnut – Red Hot Chilli Puppets, 5:30pm; David Seebach’s Wonders of Magic, 7:30pm
Thursday, June 30th: Kohl’s Wild Theater, 12pm & 4pm; Julie Sobanski: Princess of Magic, 12:45pm & 5:30pm; Spoon Man – Musical Interactive Comedy, 1:30pm & 6:30pm; Jerry Frasier: Comic Magic Energy, 2:15pm & 7:30pm; Danceworks, 3:15pm & 4:45pm
Friday, July 1st:Shandini, 12pm; Wayne & Wingnut – Red Hot Chilli Puppets, 12:45pm; Jerry Frasier: Comic Magic Energy, 1:30pm; Spoon Man – Musical Interactive Comedy, 2:15pm; Wes Tank, 3:15pm & 4:45pm; Marc the Zani, 4pm; Shandini, 5:30pm; Spoon Man – Musical Interactive Comedy, 6:30pm; Jerry Frasier: Comic Magic Energy, 7:30pm
Saturday, July 2nd:Wayne & Wingnut – Red Hot Chilli Puppets, 12pm; Mad Science, 12:45pm; Jerry Frasier: Comic Magic Energy, 1:30pm; Spoon Man – Musical Interactive Comedy, 2:15pm; Marc the Zani, 4pm; Wes Tank, 4:45pm; Spoon Man – Musical Interactive Comedy, 5:30pm; Jerry Frasier: Comic Magic Energy, 6:30pm; Wayne & Wingnut – Red Hot Chilli Puppets, 7:30pm; Wes Tank, 8:30pm
Saturday, July 9th:Mad Science, 12:45pm; Wayne & Wingnut – Red Hot Chilli Puppets, 6:30pm;
Watch for new announcements, see Summerfest.com/lineup for more lineups the timeliest way possible!
Summerfest Tickets
Single Day General Admission Ticketsrun $25 per day, you can print them at home or put them on your mobile. These tickets are good for the entire grounds and any show with the exception of the American Family Insurance Amphitheater shows. Seniors 62 nd over and Children 3-10 can get discount tickets at the gate. Children 2 and under are admitted free. Multi-Day Ticket options include:
A US Cellular Power Pass, which runs $125 and gets you in ALL 9 DAYS of the festival, with the exception of the American Family Insurance Amphitheater shows.
A 6-Day Pass, which gets you in for 6 of 9 days of Summerfest – you choose your 6 days. It runs $105.
A US Cellular 3-Day Pass, which for $60 gets you in to 3 of 9 days of Summerfest, you choose which three.
Parking lots are available just to the west of the grounds and throughout downtown Milwaukee and the Historic Third Ward. The Milwaukee County Transit System also offers “freeway flyer” express buses to and from the grounds from numerous Park & Ride lots in the metro area. The Summerfest Grounds can be accessed directly via I-794, U.S. 18, and Highway 32. I-43/94 and Highways 38, 59, and 145 also bring you within a mile of it – which is how far away some people park! Either way, it’s one of the greatest music festivals on the planet and a definite State Trunk Tour recommendation.
Summerfest 2022 Address:
Henry Maier Festival Park 200 N. Harbor Drive Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414) 273-2680 Website
Riverfest La Crosse is ON for the 4th of July Holiday Weekend!
The largest city on Wisconsin’s Great River celebrates Riverfest La Crosse June 30 – July 4th this year! Riverfest was established in 1983 to create and hold a family festival with “something for everyone”. It’s held annually in Riverside Park, with fireworks, entertainment, food and drink from over 16 area restaurants and other vendors, and much more.
Among the family-friendly activities and performers:
Kenny Ahern’s Family Comedy Show
River Vault Pole Vaulting
River City Championship Wrestling
River City Water Skiers
Storytellers
Fly Board Extreme
Magic of Isaiah shows
Dialed Action BMX Stunt Team
The Venetian Parade of Lights, and much more
Musical acts for Riverfest La Crosse this year include headliners Cory Wise on Friday, July 1st, Boogie & the Yo Yoz on Saturday July 2nd, Sawyer Brown on Sunday, July 3rd with the Pat Watters Band opening, and The Remainders on Monday, July 4th before the fireworks. Acts like Greg Hall, Fly Casual, County Line Drive, The Exectives, Tom Conrad, Jacked Up, The Freezers, Blue Collar 40, and more will play as well.
Make sure you check out the largest fireworks in the area, too… July 4th evening features the Kwik Trip Fireworks Extravaganza! Check here for a full Schedule of Events.
I-90, U.S. 14/16, U.S. 53, and Highways 16, 33, and bring you to La Crosse to enjoy Riverfest and more!
Riverfest La Crosse Address:
La Crosse Riverside Park
100 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 789-7533 Website
Calling all wine lovers for a viticulture and entertainment extravaganza! The 5th annual Door County Wine Fest is ready to take place Saturday, June 25th, 2022 in a new location: the Maxwelton Braes Lodge, a 1930s era lodge and restaurant amidst a beautiful golf course. At the Wine Fest, enjoy unlimited wine tastings from eight local wineries. There will be plenty of sumptuous food, great live music from the Fabulous Rugburns, and delicious wines produced from across the Door Peninsula.
The Door County Wine Festival showcases the eight wineries on the Door County Wine Trail. The Door County Wine Trail is nestled between Lake Michigan and the Bay of Green Bay and greatly depicts the beauty of Door County and the charm of its small towns. The wineries in this region are well-known for producing fruit wines, especially cherry and apple, however new estate-grown grape wines are becoming popular as well. The Door County Wine Trail is dedicated to making your trip a memorable experience. so sip, swirl and savor the taste of the region.
Wineries include:
Door 44
Door Peninsula Winery
Simon Creek Vineyard & Winery
Harbor Ridge Winery
Stone’s Throw Winery
Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery
Red Oak Vineyard
Von Stiehl Winery
Taste more than 80 different wines from these local wineries along with food from a variety of Door County restaurants and vendors. Indulge in some of life’s little luxuries, and celebrate the wine-making expertise of the members of the Door County Wine Trail. You can buy regular and VIPtickets here.
The new location is easily accessible via Highway 57, just follow it past Sturgeon Bay, Whitefish Dunes State Park, and through Jacksonport You’ll get to Maxwelton Braes before Baileys Harbor – although everything Baileys Harbor has to offer is just a few miles away!
Founded in Cadott on 1987, Country Fest is the largest 3-Day Country Music & Camping Event in the US.
Legendary names in Country Music that have graced the Main Stage include George Strait, Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, The Highwaymen including – Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson & Waylon Jennings – George Jones, Reba McEntire, Jason Aldean (back this year), Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Brad Paisley, and many more.
Celebrating the best of all things Country, Country Fest’ers enjoy three days of music and entertainment, RFID wristbands, cashless transactions in the concert grounds, delicious food, interactive exhibits, exciting activities and the largest campground in Wisconsin with more than 7,000 campsites, all within easy walking distance of the Concert Grounds. For non-campers, nearby hotels also offer the option of convenient daily shuttle service.
The natural Amphitheater Concert Grounds feature: 30+ Bands, one Massive Permanent Main Stage, and four Permanent Side Stages and more than 23 miles of permanent roads. VIP, Reserved or General Admission ticket packages are available along with Camping & Morrie’s Fan Pit Passes for all four days, or for each show at a reasonable cost to get you close to your favorite Artists. Plus a Photo Line for General Admission fans. See why this experience is unlike any other!
Tickets and complete information are available at www.countryfest.com. It runs June 23-25, 2022 as they celebrate their 36th anniversary!
Country Fest Lineup
The lineup for Country Fest 2022:
Kickoff Concert, Wednesday, June 22nd:
Phil Vassar headlining, with Alexandra Kay, Jake Stringer & Better Than Nothin’, and Tim Hurley
Thursday, June 23rd: Lee Brice headlining, with LoCash, Dylan Scott, Jameson Rodgers, Little Texas, Calista Clark, Nate Barnes, Lauren Weintraub, Derek Jones, Six One Five Collective, JB Crockett, Clayton Mann, Lassos & Lace, and 8 Seconds
Friday, June 24th Florida Georgia Line headlining, with Chase Rice, Mitchell Tenpenny, Sara Evans, Parmalee, Priscilla Black, Ray Fulcher, Drake Milligan, Kat Beal, Eric Burgett, Jessie Campbell Band, Shane Martin, Raquel & the Wildflowers, and Lassos & Lace
Saturday, June 25th
Jason Aldean headlining, with Gabby Barrett, Michael Ray, Rodney Atkins, Lainey Wilson, Tenille Arts, Frank Ray, Dillon Carmichael, Jesslee, Derek Crider, Savannah Rae, Jason McNabb, Lassos & Lace, and Branded
Features include:
World-class entertainment
Opportunity to win prizes and meet n’ greets in the concert grounds
Interactive Games
Bean Bag Toss
Huge variety of pizza, food, beverages and merchandise
Bud Light, Budweiser, Jack Daniels, Captain Morgan & Coca-Cola brands
Fest buffet breakfast
RFID Exciting Activations
RFID Cashless
5 stages of all-day entertainment
Picture taking line access to front of Main Stage
Free Hot Showers
2 Convenience Stores open 24 hours
ATM in concert grounds
Ticket booths accept cash or credit cards
Ice available for sale on site
Fresh water stations (limited hours)
Free RV dump station
Porta Potties located throughout grounds
24 hour Security
Night lighting
Easy accessible garbage dumpsters for garbage and recyclables
Festival Souvenir Store
Photo Booths
Misting Stations
Free Mobile Phone App
Wireless Internet in Concert Grounds
Phone Charging Stations in Concert Grounds
Country Fest takes place June 23-25, 2022 near the junction of Highways 27 and 29, north of Cadott proper and not too far east of Chippewa Falls.
Country Fest Address:
24447 County Highway S
Cadott, WI 54727
(800) 326-3378 Website
The annual Spring Fling Tour of Shops across Oconto and Marinette Counties is on Thursday, April 21st through Sunday, April 24th, 2022. Along with us at State Trunk Tour, the friendly folks at Oconto County Tourism can guide you through Oconto & Marinette Counties as you explore a variety of shops. Drive around these two beautiful northeastern Wisconsin counties as the buds begin to bloom and nature continues to refresh ahead of the warmer weather to come.
Over the four days of the Spring Fling Tour, you can check out:
Boutiques
Home Decor
Gift Shops
Antiques & Vintage
Coffee & Tea Shops
Floral Shops
Resale Shops
… and more
Shops include RAV Designs Decor & More, Klassy Kids Resale, Olive + Birch Boutique, Yvonne’s Classy Closet, The Junky Artisan, 1896 Homestead Shoppe, Style & Hart Boutique, Simply Charming, Goose & Gander Finery, Woodsong Trading Post, Nuthatch Gift Shoppe, and many more.
This Spring Fling map can guide you to over 27 shops and 14 restaurants:
Many of these destinations are along the State Trunk Tour roads in Oconto and Marinette Counties, including U.S. 41, U.S. 141, Highway 22, Highway 32, Highway 64, and Highway 180. The Spring Fling Tour of Shops is a great way to combine a nice road trip with some serious local shopping!
Arti Gras presents an eclectic display of the arts in Green Bay. This fine arts festival offers patrons a chance to view and purchase the works of 100 eclectic artists and craftpersons from across the Midwest. Original works representing a variety of media will be for sale. Artist demonstrations take place throughout the event, providing a rare view of artists and their work during the creative process.
Outstanding performances are a highlight at the event including exciting classical music, powerful jazz, and dance. Children can get hands-on art experience through participation in a variety of creative art and music activities. The event also boasts an array of special gourmet items to choose from. The “Cultural Corner” features information booths and special exhibits by area organizations giving visitors valuable information about the many community cultural opportunities in and around the Green Bay region.
Arti Gras runs Saturday and Sunday, March 5-6 this year. Saturday hours are 10am – 5pm and Sunday hours are 10am – 5pm. Arti Gras is at the Resch Expo, across from Lambeau Field. Admission is $6 for adults in advance, $7 at the door. Kids 12 and under get in for $4. Get all the details on artists, booths, music, offerings, and more on the Arti Gras website.
Arti Gras Address:
Resch Expo
840 Armed Forces Drive
Green Bay, WI 54304
(920) 435-5220 Website
I-41, U.S. 141, and Highways 29, 32, 54, 57, and 172 all get you close to the Resch Expo, which you’ll find at Oneida Street & Lombardi Avenue in the Titletown District, right across from Lambeau Field. Nearby, you can enjoy the Oneida Nation Walk of Legends, the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame (inside Lambeau), Badger State Brewing Company, Hinterland Brewing, Ariens Hill, the National Railroad Museum, Heritage Hill State Park, and more with downtown Green Bay not far away via Highways 32 or 57. Enjoy!
The Bayfield Winter Festival is an annual wild weekend of winter fun, taking place March 4-6, 2022! To celebrate the end of winter (almost), the town and nearby places like Mt. Ashwabay put on a variety of fun and crazy activities. Whether you plunge into the frozen lake, chow down fish livers, tear up the obstacle course, go fat tire biking, do the Poker Run, or just come for the party, we’re sure you’ll enjoy the celebration of the end of the joyous winter season.
On behalf of the residents of Bayfield and surrounding communities, the Bayfield Winter Festival team invites you to join the shenanigans! A schedule is below.
Check out the Polar Plunge on Saturday, which is always fun to watch. Hey, watch it from a previous year here:
Bayfield is a beautiful town in any season, not just during the Bayfield Winter Festival. Highway 13 brings you there, just a few miles north of Washburn and from U.S. 2 near Ashland.
Bayfield Winter Festival Address:
140 Broad Street
Bayfield, WI 54814
(715) 779-5408 Website
Fat Tire biking during the Bayfield Winter Festival.
Schedule for Bayfield Winter Festival
Friday, March 4th
1-3 p.m. Winter Botany Hike at Big Ravine Trailhead, Preregistration Required (FULL!)
2:30-5 p.m. Bonfire at Bayfield Winery and Blue Ox Cider
3:30-6:30 p.m. Open Swim, Bayfield Recreation and Fitness Resources
4-9 p.m. Friday Youth “Glow” Night at Mount Ashwabay
4-6 p.m. Happy Hour at the Creamery with $1 off any drink
5-8 p.m. Fish Fry Special at the Bayfield Inn Lakeside Dining Room
6-9 p.m. Candlelight Ski/Hike/Snowshoe at Howl Adventure Center
6 p.m. – Close: Bonfire and Beer at Adventure Club Brewery
Saturday, March 5th
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Bayfield City Wide Winter Fest Sales at local businesses
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Children’s Sensory Activities at Sweet Sailing, hosted by Kiddiwink Kids
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Pet Adoption Event at Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion, Chequamegon Humane Association
Noon – 7 p.m. Open Swim, Bayfield Recreation and Fitness Resources
Noon- 1 p.m. Polar Plunge Sign In, Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!
NOON – 1 p.m. Penguin Egg Hunt – Eggs will be hidden in the snow by the pavilion and polar plunge area.
Noon – 3 p.m. “Shiver your Liver” serving whitefish livers, hot food and beverages at Pier Plaza Ice Cream Window
Noon- 2 p.m. Family Activities – Tug of war, snowball races and more by the pavilion
1 p.m. Jim’s Racey’s Rescue Dog Sled Team Demo on Ice Road (weather permitting)
1:30 -2 p.m. United States Coast Guard Ice Rescue Demo, Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion
2-3 p.m. Polar Plunge, Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion
3-4:30 p.m. Hug a Husky Meet and Greet with Jim’s Racey’s Rescue Dog Sled Team
4 p.m. Sherps Demo with Beyond the Catch at Copper Crow
4:30-6 p.m. Flick and Float (Cool Runnings), Bayfield Recreation and Fitness Resources
5 p.m. Legendary Waters Resort and Casino, Prime Rib Dinner Special
5 – 8 p.m. Prime Rib Special at the Bayfield Inn Lakeside Dining room
6 p.m. – Midnight. Legendary Waters Resort & Casino, Ten times Dice & and Golden Ticket Drawings.
8 p.m. 11 p.m. – Live Music at Legendary Waters Resort & Casino Shantily Clad and Low Hanging Fruit
Sunday, March 6th
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Bloody Mary Sunday at Copper Crow Distillery
Noon – 4:30 pm. Bayfield School Band Bingo Fundraiser at Legendary Waters
4-6 p.m. Bonfire Fundraiser for Bayfield Playgrounds, Seagull Bay Motel: Food, hot/cold beverages, snow sculpture contest, prizes and more!
Forget the “Big Apple” – go “Big Cherry”! The 5th annual Door County Cherry Drop takes place this New Year’s Eve in Sister Bay to ring in 2022. This takes place after the 8th annual “In With a Bang!” New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show, the only major fireworks show on the Door Peninsula. And really, what better way to say goodbye to 2021 and hello to 2022 in Door County than by dropping a giant cherry up to the stroke of midnight?
Begin with the fireworks, scheduled for 8:00 pm on Friday, December 31, at the Sister Bay Marina along Highway 42. They’re promising the biggest finale ever for the fireworks this year – even though they say that every year. Before and after the fireworks show, check out the village restaurants and bars for their celebration menus and specials. The fireworks are sponsored by the Village of Sister Bay.
It’s kinda-sorta like Times Square! The big party in Door County is in Sister Bay for New Year’s Eve, where the Cherry Drop is fast becoming a popular annual tradition.
Top off your evening with the 5th Annual Door County Cherry Drop, presented by one of our favorite Wisconsin radio stations, FM 106.9 The Lodge. Enjoy live music and libations at both Husby’s & Sister Bay Bowl, and then The Lodge will warm up the event with the biggest party tunes of all time starting at 10:30pm, broadcasting live from both Husby’s and The Sister Bay Bowl. Shortly before midnight, the giant sparkling cherry will drop in Sister Bay and welcome in 2022. You should too! The party continues for a while because, as you know, you have to keep it going for a while once a new year begins.
Find out more about the event in my State Trunk Tour podcast discussion with Jaime Forest from the Door County Radio Group! Listen on your free iHeartRadio app here or right on this page via Spreaker below:
You’ll find the festivities for the 8th annual In With A Bang! Fireworks show and the 5th annual Door County Cherry Drop along Highway 42 in Sister Bay, where Highway 57 ends. You’ll probably want to stay overnight, so find lodging and other resources at ComeToSisterBay.com.
Door County Cherry Drop & In With a Bang! Fireworks Show Address:
10733 Bay Shore Drive (Highway 42)
Sister Bay, WI 54234
(920) 854-2812 Website
Start:
December 31, 2021 8:00 pm
End:
January 1, 2022 1:00 am
Venue:
Downtown Sister Bay
Address:
10733 Bay Shore Drive, Sister Bay, WI, 54234, United States
The Wonderland of Lights creates holiday magic at Racine Zoo, now through January 2, 2022. Enjoy dazzling illuminations from the safety and comfort of your own vehicle! This is a drive-thru this year, filled with enchanting light displays of delightfully decorated trees, characters, a 96-foot “drive-thru” tunnel with an incredible show of dynamic designs, and more. It’s perfect for any age, but children ages 15 and younger also get a FREE piece of Yowie Candy during their visit, while supplies last!
Admission is $5/person, kids 2 years old and younger are admitted free. Cash or credit cards are accepted at the gate. The Wonderland of Lights is open from 6pm to 9pm Wednesdays – Sundays, and will be open on ALL holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
The drive-thru works by having drivers enter at the 200 Goold Street gate entrance on the corner of Goold and Michigan Boulevard, just a few blocks east of Highway 32. People MUST queue on Michigan Boulevard along the lakefront; no left turns from Goold Street are allowed. Cars, minivans, and pickup trucks are welcome, please note that the height limit is 9 feet, 4 inches. Oversize vehicles, RVs, motorcycles, and recreational devices such as bicycles, scooters, skateboards, etc. are not permitted. No honking is allowed (this is a zoo, please be respectful of the nearby animals) and the maximum speed allowed is 3mph.
Since it is a drive-thru only experience, masks are not required, but they do ask that you remain in your vehicle at all times.
The Racine Zoo is just north of downtown Racine along Lake Michigan, about 8 miles east of I-41/94. Highways 11, 20, 32, and 38 bring you into town; Highway 32 comes closest to the zoo. Map and queue directions can be found here. And ENJOY!
Wonderland of Lights Address:
Racine Zoo
200 Goold Street
Racine, WI 53402
(262) 636-9189 Website
Boerner Botanical Gardens Winter Wonders Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show ushers in holiday cheer with brilliant light displays, inflatable Santas, and massive, color-changing trees as part of an international-themed drive-thru experience with OVER ONE MILLION LIGHTS! From Friday, November 19th all the way through Sunday, January 2nd in 2022 (including all holidays), you and your family and friends can enjoy holiday displays from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the United States on a 1.4-mile route winding through Whitnall Park and the grounds of the Gardens themselves. Theatrical and concert lighting effects change the colors of giant trees and bushes on the route in spectacular fashion. From 20-foot tall inflatable Santas to neon palm trees, there are unique holiday displays around every corner. There’s even a mini drive-in theater!
Admission is $25 per carload, defined as any car, van, mini-van, pick-up truck, or SUV. You need to purchase your tickets online in advance. “Skip the Line” tickets gain early access between 4:30pm and 5:00pm for $35. Planning on showing up in a limo? They have a price for that, too: $51.50 (yes, just like the Van Halen album.) $51.50 also nets you a Season Pass for a car, good for up to four visits from November 19th up through January 2nd.
You can get to Boerner Botanical Gardens just off U.S. 45/Highway 100 and Highway 24 via Whitnall Park in Hales Corners. I-41/894 & I-43 are also close by! The entrance for this route is just off S. 92nd Street between College and Rawson Avenues; the address is 6751 S. 92nd Street, Franklin, WI 53132 for your GPS. It’s the same entrance as Whitnall Park Golf Course.
Boerner Botanical Gardens Winter Wonders Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show Address:
Milwaukee’s first Noel Festival Light Park & Christmas Market, running from November 27th, 2021 through January 2nd, 2002! It happens at the Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center. Experience the awe and wonder of over one million glimmering Christmas lights, complemented by a unique artisan market, festive food & drink, daily live entertainment, locally-made gifts and stocking stuffers, and much more… Noel is truly a fairytale world come to life.
The family-friendly event will transform 90,000 square feet of the Expo Centre into a magical winter wonderland. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, too!
One Million Twinkling Lights you can walk through indoors in comfort while enjoying the beauty
A Local Artisan Market. This curated Christmas market has a wide array of festive gifts and stocking stuffers from local boutique businesses and craft artisans.
Festive Food & Drink from a variety of vendors
Noel Princesses who will be there for greetings and photos
Santa’s Village, where you’ll find elves working on toys for Christmas and Santa himself to greet you and hear your wishes
Live Entertainment happening daily with a variety of artists and performers
Picture Perfect Opportunities with all of the lights and decorations, you can light up for Instagram account
Kids’ Activities including face painting, interactive light displays and a holiday play park
Date Night Opportunities. All of this adds up to a great date night!
Memories You Can Make from all of this, whether it’s a date night, family night, or if you just want to get into the spirit
Tickets are best purchased in advance and you can book your date and time to ensure easy entry and a fun time with some elbow room. Right now, take advantage of a 20% discount when you purchase tickets to attend Noel between Nov. 27 – Dec. 5th. Use promo code AGIFTFORYOU20.
You’ll find the Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center along Highway 59/Greenfield Avenue in West Allis, two blocks east of Highway 181/84th Street and less than a mile south of I-94 at Exit #306. U.S. 18, I-41/894, and U.S. 45 all bring you close, too!
Noel Festival Light Park & Christmas Market Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center
8200 W. Greenfield Avenue (Highway 59 & Highway 181)
West Allis, WI 53214 Website
Kick-off the holiday season with Christmas By the Bay, the weekend of November 19th – 21st! It begins with Sturgeon Bay’s “Unwrapping Sturgeon Bay” community car parade on Friday, November 19 beginning at 6pm at Sawyer Park. Parade lineup begins at 5pm, come early and decorate your vehicle or pack the kids in with hot cocoa. Cars will parade through Sturgeon Bay as stores “unwrap” their festive holiday windows for the very first time! After the conclusion of the car parade, join us at the Old Bell Tower at 3rd and Kentucky for the tree lighting, caroling, in-store specials, and music by Josh Gregory, Hervy Hodges, and Mike Raye beginning at 7pm. Tree lighting will happen at approximately 8pm.
Christmas By The Bay fun continues Saturday, with the Holiday Parade at 10am featuring floats, music, and a special appearance from none other than SANTA! After the parade, meet with Santa in his sleigh at the Door County Historical Museum until 1:00 so that he’s sure to get your list!
Free trolley rides will be available throughout Downtown Sturgeon Bay Saturday, November 20 from 11:00am – 3:00pm with stops located at Community Foundation Square, the Door County Historical Museum, Door County Maritime Museum, and Lawless Coffee.
The Santa Mailbox will be right outside of Destination Sturgeon Bay’s door (36 S. 3rd Ave.) so that you can drop off your letters whenever you have them ready to head to the North Pole. The mailbox will be out until December 24th!
Finish off the fun-filled weekend of Christmas By the Bay during brunch with Santa at Stone Harbor Resort on Sunday 9:30-11am. Call 920-746-0700 for reservations.
Sturgeon Bay is an easy ride along Highways 42 or 57 from the rest of Wisconsin. Check out all sights in town and as much of the rest of the Door Peninsula as possible when you go!
Christmas By the Bay Address in Sturgeon Bay:
107 N. First Avenue
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
(920) 743-6246 Website
The 36th annual Great Hartford Craft Exposition brings over 100 exhibitors to Hartford Union High School to give visitors a chance to find great holiday gifts and creative items for your home. It takes place Saturday, November 13th, 2021 from 9am to 3pm, as part of a full day of local celebrations in Hartford. The day includes the annual Hartford Lions Pancake Dinner as well as the local holiday parade, which kicks off at 3pm.
You’ll find Hartford Union High School on Cedar Street, west of Highway 83 and south of Highway 60 in Hartford. Nearby attractions include the Wisconsin Automotive Museum, Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, Holy Hill, and more! It’s about 10 minutes west of I-41 at the Highway 60 exit, too.
Great Hartford Craft Expo Address:
Hartford Union High School
805 Cedar Street
Hartford, WI 53027
(262) 719-5871 Website
The Driftless Film Festival celebrates this unique region that escaped the glaciers of the ice age and its inspiration for many talented artists and filmmakers. Happening November 4 – 7, 2021 this year, the Driftless Film Festival brings together the best of new independent cinema with the landscape, artistic energy, and local atmosphere of Southwest Wisconsin. Now in its eighth year, Driftless continues to provide a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience for audiences and filmmakers alike.
Founded in 2009 by filmmakers Darren Burrows and Nicholas Langholff, Driftless was born of a love for independent films, an appreciation of the unusual region, and the joy of spending a weekend immersed in the charm Mineral Point’s galleries, shops, restaurants, and bars. It is this delightful marriage of place and cinematic story that is the core of the Driftless vision today.
The Driftless Film Festival screens each of its films in the Mineral Point Opera House. Beautifully restored in 2009, it retains the atmosphere of its origins as a 1915 vaudeville house. Brought to life by film screenings and live performances year round, the Opera House is both an elegant testament to Mineral Point’s passion for preservation and a showcase space for some of the best entertainment in the region.
Each year the festival hosts filmmakers from across the country. Special guests have included Mark Metcalf (Animal House, Seinfeld, Little Red), Anthony Arendt (Muscle Shoals, Avatar), and Matt Adams (We Cause Scenes) among many others. Not only do visiting filmmakers present revealing Q&A discussions during the festival, but the weekend provides an opportunity for filmmakers and attendees to mingle outside the screenings.
From popular festival hits to locally-produced art, the Driftless Film Festival seeks to showcase the most thought-provoking, innovative, and creative independent cinema of our time. These films will hit home in a place that feels like home, and of course Pendarvis, “Shake Rag Alley,” and other places to enjoy in town also makes the trip worthwhile.
2021 Features will be announced soon.
The Driftless Film Festival runs Thursday, November 4th through Sunday, November 7th, so you have several days’ worth of options for when to attend! Check their website for a full slate of films and other activities. Tickets for individual screenings vary; you can also purchase a $50 pass that gets you in to everything. BUY TICKETS ONLINE HERE.
Mineral Point Opera House
139 High Street
Mineral Point, WI 53565
(608) 260-8725 Website
Enjoy a drive with exceptional scenery, as the Driftless Area of Wisconsin is ridiculously beautiful. Hit Highways 23, 39, or U.S. 151 to reach Mineral Point, south of Dodgeville and northeast of Platteville and take it all in!
Norskedalen hosts Ghoulees in the Coulees events Thursday, October 28th through Saturday, October 30th, 2021 providing a fun, yet scary and haunting, experience for the whole family in this beautiful natural and cultural area near Coon Valley in southeastern La Crosse County.
At Ghoulees in the Coulees, you can take a half-mile walk through chilling and thrilling spook stations along one of their wooded trails lined by hundreds of carved, lit pumpkins. Once you navigate this, you’ll regain your wits and end up with a treat and hot apple cider at Bekkum Homestead, a historic homestead over 100 years old, illuminated only by the light of the moon and jack-‘o-lanterns.
Some of what awaits in the dark in Norskedalen during Ghoulees in the Coulees. Is this out of focus? Or are they ghosts??
Along with the hike, you can enjoy storytelling, fortune-telling, grabbing a snack around the roaring fireplace, and walking through the haunted barns and other buildings. While it can be fun for kids of all ages, you may want to plan earlier hikes while it’s still light out for the very young and “faint of heart.” Earlier hikes around 5-7pm, hikes are less scary (the spooks do not try to scare you, but may offer a high-five, handshake, or wave). Conversely, 7-10:30pm, hikes are SUPER SCARY. They mean it! Chilling ghost stories designed to give you goosebumps will also be told at the end of your hike, making regaining your wits tricky for some. Fortune tellers will also be there to peer into your future.
Family-friendly trick-or-treating takes place Thursday, October 28th. Norskedalen’s Ghoulees in the Coulees Haunted Hikes take place Friday and Saturday October 29th & 30th. Friday slot times range from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (note: most Friday slots are sold out already!); Saturday slot times run from 4:30 p.m. to just after 8:00 p.m.
Tickets for the hikes are $35 per person. Advance reservations are required.
Norsekdalen Ghoulees in the Coulees prepares for State Trunk Tour’s Eric Paulsen.
You’ll find Norskedalen (which means “Norwegian Valley”) along County PI between Highway 162 and U.S. 14/61 just north of Coon Valley in southern La Crosse County. It’s a beautiful drive through the Driftess Area, right as the trees drop the rest of their colorful leaves.
Address for Ghoulees in the Coulees:
Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center
N455 O Ophus Road
Coon Valley, WI 54623
(608) 452-3424 Website
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events › Festival
August 28, 2022
Central Wisconsin State Fair 2022
One of three “State Fairs” in Wisconsin, the Central Wisconsin State Fair takes place in Marshfield August 23-28, 2022 on the grounds that also feature the “World’s Largest Round Barn.” The Central Wisconsin State Fair has also been refreshing its equipment with new rides and games to enhance the experience!
Headliners include:
This Fair also features Mad Dog & Merrill and Pumpkin Bowling as a new thing this year. Tons of arts & crafts vendors will be there, and you can enjoy the Saturday & Sunday Pancake Breakfast with local maple syrup from 7am – noon. As usual, Central Wisconsin State Fair hosts the 4-H and open class exhibits, free grandstand entertainment with gate admission, the Round Barn Express train, Junior Fair Market Animal Sale, the Dress-A-Cow Contest, midway carnival rides, commercial exhibits and special programs, food and beer gardens, and more. This six-day extravaganza is definitely worth checking out if you want to hit the lovely city of Marshfield in the central part of the state (hence, the event’s name).
U.S. 10 and Highways 13, 80, and 97 all hit Marshfield, Wisconsin (“Hub City”) and the Central Wisconsin State Fair grounds are on the south side of town, a few blocks east of Central Avenue (Bus. Hwy 13) and the Wildwood Zoo. Also check out Central Avenue and the downtown district, the Blue Heron Brewpub, and a plenty of other things and to see and do around Hub City. Get more ideas from Visit Marshfield here!
Check their website for the complete entertainment lineup, ticket specials, and more!
Central Wisconsin State Fair Address:
Wood County Fairgrounds
513 E. 17th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 387-1261
Website
Find out more about Marshfield in this episode of our State Trunk Tour Podcast!
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August 13, 2022
Pure Water Days Riverfest
Chippewa Falls celebrates its clean, bountiful water and the community in general with the 46th Annual Pure Water Days Parade and Riverfest celebration Saturday, August 13th!
With Pure Water Days, enjoy the big parade early Saturday afternoon with over 70 parade entries and a vintage car parade. Then, head down the street to Allen Park for RiverFest, which begins at 2pm.
During Pure Water Days, you can also enjoy the classic Cruise-In Car Show. This is the fourth of four car shows held downtown every summer. Vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles with great music!
The Pure Water Days Parade theme for 2019 is “History of Chippewa Falls,” perfect for the city’s ongoing 150th (sesquicentennial) celebrations! So expect a lot of historic-looking floats and formations. The Chippewa River and Duncan Creek flow through town and provide pure water and plenty of scenic beauty.
While in Chippewa Falls, be sure to explore the famous Leinenkugel Brewery, take a tour and discover their new “pilot brewery”; enjoy the amenities of nearby Irvine Park and Zoo, Brewster Brothers Brewing & the Chippewa River Distillery on the west edge of downtown along Business 29 & 53, the lovely Riverbend Vineyard & Winery west of town along Business 29, the historic Cook-Rutledge Mansion, the downtown shopping, nearby Lake Wissota State Park, and much more. And be sure to mark your calendar for the upcoming Oktoberfest celebration at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds! It’s definitely one of the best in the Midwest.
Chippewa Falls is easy to get to! Today’s U.S. 53 freeway, Highway 29 freeway, Highway 124, and Highway 178 all bring you to Chippewa Falls, too. It’s only about 15 minutes north of Eau Claire off I-94, too.
For more on #GOChippewa Falls, check out our State Trunk Tour Chippewa Falls Podcast:
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August 6, 2022 – August 7, 2022
Ozaukee County Fair
It’s one of the oldest county fairs in Wisconsin, and the oldest FREE county fair in the state! Since 1859, the Ozaukee County Fair has been delighting visitors with everything from featuring prize animals, musical performances, rides, competitions, and more.
This year’s Ozaukee County Fair runs August 3-7, 2022 at the Fairgrounds in Cedarburg.
There’s always plenty of fun and action at the 2022 Ozaukee County Fair, with two nights of Truck & Tractor Pulls (Wednesday and Thursday at 7pm), two nights of Demolition Derbies (Friday and Saturday at 6pm), and the All Star Monster Truck Tour on Sunday, August 7 at 11am.
Great musical acts will play, with five stages of music in all. The Grandstand schedule runs as follows:
WEDNESDAY
3:30 PM Pat McCurdy
7:30 PM Johnny Wad
THURSDAY
1:00 PM Grooveline
3:30 PM The Whiskeybelles
7:30 PM Vic Ferrari Band
FRIDAY
1:00 PM Mike & Katy
3:30 PM Midlife Oasis
8:00 PM Madison County
SATURDAY
1:30 PM The Stangs
4:30 PM Star Six Nine
8:00 PM Bella Cain
SUNDAY
1:00 PM Larry Lynne – Decades Band
Animals, of course, will be shown and featured at the Ozaukee County Fair. Sheep, horses, cows, goats, pigs, rabbits, and chickens to see, ride a pony, pet a llama, get to know them!
There’s also the Barnyard 5K Run & Walk, a “Fairest of the Fair” competition, and more!
Wednesday, August 3, Noon – Midnight
Thursday, August 4, 8am – Midnight
Friday, August 5, 8am – Midnight
Saturday, August 6, 8am – Midnight
Sunday, August 7, 8am – 8pm
Admission to the fair is FREE! Parking passes are available for Gate 4 – the north end of the Fairgrounds – for $10 (single day), $25/$40 for full season passes, and $100 camper or trailer parking for the whole Fair. Trucks and trailers can park for $20/day on the Saturday and Sunday of the Fair. Passes for Gate 1 – the south end of the Fairgrounds – can be purchased for $10/day for cars.
Ozaukee County Fair Address:
W67N866 Washington Avenue
Cedarburg, WI 53012
(262) 375-6185
Website
Check the Ozaukee County Fair website for updates, a full schedule, and more. You’ll get to Cedarburg via Historic Highway 57 (Washington Avenue), Highway 60, or Highway 181.
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July 22, 2022 – July 24, 2022
Pulaski Polka Days
Polka is the Official State Dance of Wisconsin, and Pulaski Polka Days celebrates this music like no other place in the state! Pulaski Polka Days lasts four days (July 20-24 this year) and brings in thousands of visitors from around the world. It’s one of the largest Polish and polka fests in the Midwest and features an arts/crafts show, Polka Mass service, a parade, accordions, & more!
Pulaski Polka Days is one of the largest polka festivals in the country, bringing in thousands of visitors each year from all over the world. Check out the largest showing of concertina players playing at one time, imbibe in Polish food and live music all weekend long. Take dance lessons. Explore the Arts and Crafts festival in downtown Pulaski Saturday and Sunday. Sunday features the Pancake and Porkie Breakfast and a huge parade at 11am.
You’ll find all the fun in Pulaski, along Highway 32 just off Highway 29, about 15 miles west-northwest of Green Bay.
Pulaski Polka Days Address:
Pulaski Polka Grounds
429 E. Pulaski Street
Pulaski, WI 54162
(920) 822-3869
Website
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July 22, 2022 – July 23, 2022
Paramount Music Festival
For a decade and a half, 78 rpm records were pressed and distributed to the nation, allowing artists such as Lawrence Welk, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Tom Dorsey and Louis Armstrong to inspire future music generations and lay the seeds for the R&B and Rock ‘N Roll Eras. Between 1929 and 1932 alone, over 1,600 songs were recorded in Grafton at a make-shift studio in the Wisconsin Chair Factory; the output accounted for about 1/4 of the so-called “race records” of the era. The musicians often came up from Milwaukee or Chicago by train, recorded in Grafton, and stayed overnights in Port Washington where Paramount and the Wisconsin Chair Company had their offices. So many major and influential musicians cut records here that it’s an official stop on the Mississippi Blues Trail!
Check their website for the full lineup of performers and activities!
Paramount Music Festival Schedule of Performers
Friday, July 22nd
gates open at 4:30
5:15 Will Pfrang & the Goodland Gang
6:30 Trapper Schoepp
8:00 Stephen Cooper & the Nobody Famous
Saturday, July 23rd
Gates open at 11
11:00 Luke Cerny
Noon Lady A
1:30 Katz Sass
3:00 Cathy Grier & the Troublemakers
4:30 Chicken Wire Empire
6:30 Altered Five Blues Band
8:30 Billy Branch and the Sons of Blues
(All times are approximate)
Find out more on the history behind the Paramount Music Festival in our State Trunk Tour Podcast!
Highway 60 and Historic Highway 57 brings you to Grafton, just off I-43 and Highway 32.
You can purchase tickets HERE. VIP tickets can be purchased here.
Paramount Music Festival Address:
Lime Kiln Park
2020 Green Bay Road
Grafton, WI 53024
(262) 208-6288
Website
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July 2, 2022 – July 9, 2022
Summerfest 2023
Summerfest 2023 brings the “World’s Largest Music Festival” back to Milwaukee’s lakefront in the middle of summer! We’re talking 9 days across three long weekends packed with concerts and fun with over half a million of your closest friends. Choose from over 600 acts across 12 stages on the 75-acre Maier Festival Park grounds. The dates are June 22-24, June 29-July 1, and July 6-8, 2023.
For lineups and schedule for 2023, check here!
Announced Summerfest lineups by Stage, Date & Time, moving from south to north:
American Family Insurance Amphitheater (all times 7:30pm unless noted otherwise):
Thursday, June 23rd: Jason Aldean with Gabby Barrett and John Morgan Friday, June 24th: (canceled) Saturday, June 25th: Lil’ Wayne, Wiz Khalifa, and Wu-Tang Clan Thursday, June 30th: Disturbed & Lamb of God featuring Chevelle with guests New Medicine Friday, July 1st: Machine Gun Kelly & Avril Lavigne with special guest Iann Dior Saturday, July 2nd: Halsey with special guests The Marías and Abby Roberts Thursday, July 7th: Rod Stewart with special guest Cheap Trick Friday, July 8th: Backstreet Boys Saturday, July 9th: Thomas Rhett
BMO Harris Pavilion:
Thursday, June 23rd: Velveeatones, 1:30pm; Ken Saydak Band, 3:30pm; Leonid & Friends, 5:30pm; The Wild Feathers, 7:30pm; Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, 10pm
Friday, June 24th: Boomer Nation, 1:30pm; Crazy Babies – Ozzy Rebourne, 3:30pm; Johnny Wad, 5:30pm; Jimmie Vaughan, 7:30pm; Steve Miller Band, 9:30pm
Saturday, June 25th: JB3’s, 1:45pm; Senri Oe, 3:30pm; Cory Henry, 5:30pm; Katie Mack and the Moon, 7:30pm; Anne Wilson of Heart, 9:30pm
Thursday, June 30th: KIC Band, 1:30pm; Sir Mix-A-Lot, 3:30pm; The Terry Sims Band, 5:30pm; TC Carson, 7:30pm; Anthony Hamilton, 9:30pm
Friday, July 1st: Boney Fingers, 1:30pm; Craig Omick’s Third Coast Grooves, 3:30pm; Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown, 7:30pm; Stone Temple Pilots, 9:30pm
Saturday, July 2nd: Bobby Way & the Fabulous Wayouts, 1:30pm; VO5, 3:30pm; 5 Card Studs, 5:30pm; Village People, 7:30pm; K.C. and the Sunshine Band, 9:30pm
Thursday, July 7th: Doo-Wop Daddies, 12pm; Golden Idols, 1pm; Doo-Wop Daddies Gold, 1:30pm; Foghat, 3:30pm; The Whiskeybelles, 5:30pm; Bad Boy, 7:30pm; John Fogerty, 9:30pm
Friday, July 8th: Generation Z, 1:30pm; Ethan Keller Group, 3:30pm; Jojo, 5:30pm; KidCutUp, 7:30pm; Charli XCX, 9:30pm
Saturday, July 9th: School of Rock WI-IL, 12pm; De La Buena, 3:30pm
Jojo’s Martini Bar Stage:
Thursday, June 23rd: Ben Stueve, 1pm; Stetsin & Lace, 4pm; Star Six Nine, 8pm Friday, June 24th: The Stangs, 1pm; The Playlist, 4pm; Totally Neon, 8pm Saturday, June 25th: Jake Warne, 1pm; The Cheap Shots, 4pm; Cold Sweat and the Brew City Horns, 8pm Thursday, June 30th: Eric Diamond, 1pm; Ask Your Mother, 4pm; The Love Monkeys, 8pm Friday, July 1st: John Van Thiel, the Voice of Elvis, 1pm; Crossfire, 4pm; The Unxpected, 8pm Saturday, July 2nd: SuperDave, 12:30pm; Marcell of the Rhythm Kings, 4pm; Rhythm Kings, 8pm Thursday, July 7th: Golden Idols, 12:30pm; Downtown Harrison, 1pm; Dirty Boogie, 4pm; Eddie Butts Band, 8pm Friday, July 8th: Alyssia Dominguez, 1pm; Almost Normal, 4pm; Detour, 8pm Saturday, July 9th: Mission Accomplished, 1pm; Beach Bums, 4pm; Modern Giants, 8pm
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Stage:
Thursday, June 23rd: Lloyd Stephens Band, 12pm; Oumar Sagna and Sindoolaa, 2pm; Femi Kuti & the Positive Force, 4pm; Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound, 6pm; Twan Mack, 8pm; Big Boi, 10pm
Friday, June 24th: Eric Look Band, 12pm; Hell on Heels, 2pm; The Wrecks, 4pm; Dayglow, 6:00pm; Sadie Jean, 8pm; Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, 10pm
Saturday, June 25th: Joe D’Urso & Stone Caravan, 2pm; The Smithereens, 4pm; Cerfus Project, 6pm; Max Weinberg’s Jukebox, 8pm; Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes, 10pm
Thursday, June 30th: Brett and the Dandys, 12pm; The Incorruptibles, 2pm; Son Volt, 4pm; Craig Finn & the Uptown Controllers, 6pm; MRS. FUN, 8pm; Indigo Girls, 10pm
Friday, July 1st: Jim Hudson, 12pm; Lovin’ Kind, 2pm; Pat McCurdy, 4pm; The Steepwater Band, 6pm; Ber, 8pm; Alessia Cara, 10pm
Saturday, July 2nd: The MilBillies, 12pm; Boy Named Banjo, 2pm; Buffalo Nichols, 4pm; Houndmouth, 6:00pm; Madison Cunningham, 8pm; Mt. Joy, 10pm
Thursday, July 7th: Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience, 12pm; Golden Idols, 1pm; Buddy Rich Big Band Machine, 3pm; The Expendables, 5:30pm; The Altons, 7pm; Michael Franti & Spearhead, 10pm
Friday, July 8th: Ecuador Manta, 4pm; Salsabrositas, 5:45pm; Clive y Afinque, 6pm; Salsabrositas, 7:45pm; Making Movies, 8pm; Gilberto Santa Rosa, 10pm
Saturday, July 9th: School of Rock WI-IL, 12pm; Sister Hazel, 4pm; The Cuz, 6pm; Dante Bowe, 8pm; For King & Country, 10pm
Generac Power Stage:
Thursday, June 23rd: Conniption, 12pm; Grin Cynic, 1:45pm; SOil, 3:30pm; Pop Evil, 5:30pm; Municipal Waste, 7:30pm; Anthrax, 9:30pm
Friday, June 24th: Black Star Drum Line, 12pm; Meat Puppets, 3:30pm; The Ike Reilly Assassination, 5:30pm; The Breeders, 7:30pm; Violent Femmes, 9:30pm
Saturday, June 25th: Ahvantsoul w/Kay Webb, Rai Hudson, and Sandra Soul Music, 1:45pm; Sa-Roc, 3:30pm; The Far Side (Formerly of the Pharcyde), 5:30pm; Noga Erez, 7:30pm; Atmosphere, 9:30pm
Thursday, June 30th: Blues Disciples, 12:00pm; Leroy Airmaster with Junior Brantley, 1:45pm; GAYLE, 5:30pm; Nessa Barrett, 9:30pm
Friday, July 1st: Chronic Edge, 12pm; Guitars For Vets, 12pm; Military Appreciation Day Ceremony, 3pm; Ultravox’s Midge Ure, 5:30pm; Modern English, 7:30pm; Howard Jones, 9:30pm
Saturday, July 2nd: Night Spice, 1:45pm; Here Come the Mummies, 3:30pm; Barns Courtney, 5:30pm; WHOKILLEDXIX, 7:30pm; Taking Back Sunday, 9:30pm
Thursday, July 7th: Jonny T-Bird & the MPs, 12pm; Los 3 Amigos, 1:45pm; Los Straitjackets, 3:30pm; Lilith Czar, 5:30pm; Ayron Jones, 7:30pm; Halestorm, 9:30pm
Friday, July 8th: Dirty Deuce, 12pm; Cathy Grier and the Troublemakers, 1:45pm; Trapper Schoepp, 3:30pm; Jameson Rodgers, 5:30pm; Greg Koch Trio, 7:30pm; The Black Crowes, 9:30pm
Saturday, July 9th: The Belle Weather, 12pm; Illuminati Hotties, 1:45pm; Bob Mould, 3:30pm; Dry Cleaning, 5:30pm; Parquet Courts, 7:30pm; Death Cab for Cutie, 9:30pm
Miller Lite Oasis:
Thursday, June 23rd: Doozey, 12:45pm; Synymata, 4pm; Très Mortimer, 4:40pm; Callie Reiff, 5:25pm; 24HRS, 6:10pm; Bok Nero, 6:40pm; Nostalgix, 7:10pm, Riot Ten B2B Crankdat, 8:10pm; The Dojo (All Star B2B2B2B), 9:10pm; Steve Aoki, 10:15pm
Friday, June 24th: Superfly, 12:45pm; The Now, 2pm; DJ Kenny Perez, 4:15pm; Valentino Kahn, 6:15pm; Flosstradamus, 8:15pm; Dillon Francis, 10:15pm
Saturday, June 25th: Water Street Jacks, 2:30pm; Left on Sunset, 4:15pm; Bobby Friss, 6:15pm; Zach Bryan, 10:15pm
Thursday, June 30th: Bootjack Road, 12:45pm; Bandits on the Run, 2:30pm; 10,000 Maniacs, 4:15pm; Davina & the Vagabonds, 6:15pm; Motherfolk, 8:15pm; The Revivalists, 10:15pm
Friday, July 1st: Platinum, 12:45pm; Brewtown Beat, 2:30pm; Scarypoolparty, 4:15pm; Dean Lewis, 6:15pm; Vaultboy, 8:15pm; Timeflies, 10:15pm
Saturday, July 2nd: The Potentials, 12:45pm; Failure To Launch, 2:30pm; Brooke Alexx, 4:15pm; Ambar Lucid, 6:15pm; Vincent Van Great, 8:45pm; Lupe Fiasco, 10:15pm
Thursday, July 7th: Random Maxx, 12:45pm; The Astronomers, 2:30pm; Josh Fudge, 4:15pm; Milky Chance, 6:15pm; Geese, 8:15pm; Portugal, The Man, 10:15pm
Friday, July 8th: Barbara Stephan Band, 12:45pm; Grooveline, 2:30pm; Bonelang, 4:15pm; Djay Mando, 5:30pm; Chiiild, 6:15pm; Ric Wilson, 8:15pm; Cordae, 10:15pm
Saturday, July 9th: 7th Heaven, 12:45pm; No Quarter (Led Zeppelin Tribute), 2:30pm; Scott E. Berendt & the US Project, 4:15pm; The Warning, 6:15pm; Piqued Jacks, 8:15pm; The Pretty Reckless, 10:15pm
Johnson Controls World Sound Stage:
Thursday, June 23rd: Pino Farina Band, 12:30pm; A Friend Called Fire, 1:45pm; Funky Chemist, 3pm; The Hungry Williams, 4:15pm; Shamarr Allen, 6:45pm; Dirty Dozen Brass Band, 8pm; DJ Gemini Gilly, 9:30pm
Friday, June 24th: Rockonsin, 12:30pm; Garcia Peoples, 3pm; DJ Kenny Perez, 4:15pm; Katerine Duska, 5:30pm; Leon of Athens, 6:45pm; Vertical Horizon, 8pm; DJ Kenny Perez, 9:30pm
Saturday, June 25th: Rocksonsin, 12:30pm; Billy Howerdel of A Perfect Circle, 4:15pm; Tommy Odetto, 5:30pm; Katy Guillen and The Drive, 6:45pm; The Record Company, 8pm; DJ DRiPSweat, 9:30pm
Thursday, June 30th: Olivia Ports, 12:30pm; Brady Lee, 1:45pm; Cousin Curtiss, 3pm; Ben Mulwana Band, 4:15pm; Nathan Graham, 5:30pm; Adi Armour, 6:45pm; The Wailers, 8pm; DJ Devast8, 9:30pm
Friday, July 1st: Hotel Fiction, 12:30pm; Mac Saturn, 1:45pm; The Criticals, 3pm; Jagwar Twin, 4:15pm; The Beaches, 5:30pm; Jocelyn & Chris, 6:45pm; The New Pornographers, 8pm; TreatYoSelf, 9:30pm
Saturday, July 2nd: Less Common, 12:30pm; Chelsea Effect, 1:45pm; Carly Jo Jackson, 3pm; Arlie, 4:15pm; Jillian Francis, 5:30pm; Jackopierce, 6:45pm; BoDeans, 8pm; Djay Mando, 9:30pm
Thursday, July 7th: Maudlin, 12:30pm; Isabella Show, 1:45pm; Honey Hounds, 3pm; American Teeth, 4:15pm; Sarah Barrios, 5:30pm; Deep Sea Diver, 6:45pm; The Happy Fits, 8pm
Friday, July 8th: Kitty Soft Paw, 12:30pm; Mills, 3pm; Kelsy Karter, 4:15pm; Transviolet, 5:30pm; CARR, 6:45pm; Remi Wolf, 8pm; DJ Shawna, 9:30pm
Saturday, July 9th: School of Rock WI-IL, 12pm; The Appalachians, 4:15pm; Ben Harold & the Rising, 5:30pm; Mike Mains & the Branches, 6:45pm; Guster, 8pm; DJ Bizzon, 9:30pm
UScellular® Connection Stage:
Thursday, June 23rd: Audiochonk, 12:45pm; The Listening Party, 2:30pm; U2 Zoo, 4:15pm; Toad the Wet Sprocket, 6:15pm; Brett Newski & The No Tomorrow, 8:15pm; Barenaked Ladies, 10pm
Friday, June 24th: WAMI Youth Showcase, 12pm; Fire On High, 2:30pm; Southbound, 4:15pm; Alexandra Kay, 6:15pm; Dustin Lynch, 10pm
Saturday, June 25th: Hellion, 1pm; The Metal Men, 2:30pm; Stryper, 4:15pm; Stephen Percy the Voice of Ratt, 6:15pm; Great White, 8:15pm; Slaughter, 10:15pm
Thursday, June 30th: Greatest Hits Band, 12:45pm; Spiders From Milwaukee – Music of David Bowie, 2:30pm; Tommy DeCarlo, singer of Boston, 4:15pm; Michael Ray, 10pm
Friday, July 1st: V – Funk, 12:45pm; Joe Jordan and the Soul Trio, 2:30pm; Funkee JBeez, 4pm; Cincere, 6pm; 2 Chainz, 10pm
Saturday, July 2nd: Part Time Models, 12:45pm; Parader, 2:30pm; Lit, 4:15pm; Avenues, 6:15pm; Hockey Dad, 8:15pm; Third Eye Blind, 10pm
Thursday, July 7th: Haley Grace and the Rebels, 12:45pm; Rebecca and the Grey Notes, 2:30pm; Priscilla Block, 4:15pm; Niko Moon, 6:15pm; Erin Kinsey, 8:15pm; Russell Dickerson, 10pm
Friday, July 8th: The First Wave, 2:30pm; SACRED, 4:15pm; A Flock of Seagulls, 6:15pm; Xposed 4Heads, 8:15pm; ABC, 10pm
Saturday, July 9th: School of Rock WI-IL, 12pm; Louie & the Flashbombs, 4:15pm; Zola Jesus, 6:15pm; Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, 8:15pm; The Cult, 10pm
Klement’s Sausage & Beer Garden Stage:
Thursday, June 23rd: Spike and April, 12pm; The Group, 1:45pm & 3:30pm; Robin Pluer and the R&B Croquettes, 5:30pm Friday, June 24th: Jon Rouse, Noon; Barb Stephan & Peter Max, 1:45pm & 3:30p; Brian Dale Band, 5:30pm Saturday, June 25th: Emma G, 12pm; Ida Jo, 1:45 & 3:30pm; Dianna Jones, 5:30pm Thursday, June 30th: Long Mama, 12pm; Frogwater, 1:45pm & 3:30pm; Eric Barbieri and The Rockin’ Krakens, 5:30pm Friday, July 1st: Gene Gruber, 12pm; Sigmund Snopek, 1:45pm & 3:30pm; Peter Neumer, 5:30pm & 7:30pm Saturday, July 2nd: Milwaukee Jazz Institute Ensemble, 12pm; Danny Miller Band, 1:45pm & 3:30pm; Vivo, 5:30pm & 7:30pm Thursday, July 7th: Jim Ohlschmidt & Steve Cohen, 12pm; Mighty Ms. Erica and the Sound Production, 1:45pm; Doug Demming & The Jewel Tones, 5:30pm & 7:30pm Friday, July 8th: Neil Davis Quartet, 12pm; Cache Milwaukee, 1:45pm & 3:30pm; Harmonious Wail, 5:30pm & 7:30pm Saturday, July 9th: Andii, 12pm; Ryann Lyn Band, 1:45pm & 3:30pm; Wade Fernandez, 5:30pm & 7:30pm
Uline Warehouse Stage:
Thursday, June 23rd: Miles Nielsen and the Rusted Hearts, 3:30pm; Freddy Jones Band, 5:30pm; Modest Mouse, 9:30pm
Friday, June 24th: Addiction, 12pm; The Winter, 1:30pm; Quiet Riot, 3:30pm; Lita Ford, 5:30pm; Warrant, 7:30pm; Skid Row, 9:30pm
Saturday, June 25th: KB & The Dungarees, 2:30pm; Cornerstones of Rock, 4:30pm; Phil Vassar, 7:30pm; The Band Camino, 9:30pm
Thursday, June 30th: Post Sex Nachos, 1:45pm; Telethon, 3:30pm; The FIXX, 5:30pm; Mindi Abair and the Wild Hearts, 7:30pm; Todd Rundgren, 9pm
Friday, July 1st: Signalfire, 1:45pm; Blue Öyster Cult, 3:30pm; Claudia Hoyser, 5:30pm; Nora Collins, 7:30pm; Jesse James Decker, 9:30pm
Saturday, July 2nd: WAR, 3:30pm; Jackie Venson, Substitute: Tales from The Who, 7:30pm; The Commodores, 9:30pm
Thursday, July 7th: Tiny Bit of Giant’s Blood, 1:45pm; The Tubes, 3:30pm; Christopher’s Project, 5:30pm; Corinne Bailey Rae, 7:30pm; Boyz II Men, 9:30pm
Friday, July 8th: The Joyce Boys, 1:45pm; The High Kings, 3:30pm; Gaelic Storm, 5:30pm; Skillet, 9:30pm
Saturday, July 9th: School of Rock WI-IL, 12pm; The Noize, 3:30pm; The Marshall Tucker Band, 5:30pm; The Sedonas, 7:30pm; Rick Springfield, 9:30pm
Gruber Law Offices Sportzone:
Thursday, June 23rd: Milwaukee Admirals Hockey, 4:30pm; Steve Jennings Frisbee Demonstration, 6pm; Division BMX Stunt Team, 9pm Friday, June 24th: USTA/Wisconsin Tennis Association, 12pm; Milwaukee Admirals Hockey, 4:30pm; Steve Jennings’ Frisbee Demonstration, 6pm; Division BMX Stunt Team, 9pm Saturday, June 25th: USTA/Wisconsin Tennis Association, 12pm; Milwaukee Admirals Hockey, 4:30pm; Bella Beauties Dance Company, 6pm; Roll Train, 7:30pm; Division BMX Stunt Team, 9pm Thursday, June 30th: Milwaukee Admirals Hockey, 4pm; Division BMX Stunt Team, 9pm Friday, July 1st: Info coming soon! Saturday, July 2nd: Info coming soon! Thursday, July 7th: Info coming soon! Friday, July 8th: Info coming soon! Saturday, July 9th: Info coming soon!
Northwestern Mutual Community Park:
Thursday, June 23rd: Matthew Magic Morgan & Liliana, 12pm & 1:30pm; Wayne & Wingnut – Red Hot Chilli Puppets, 12:45pm & 2:15pm; MYSO (Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra) Jazz Combos, 3:15pm, 4pm, 4:45pm; Mark Hayward: Cool Yo-Yo Guy, 5:30pm & 7:30pm; David Seebach’s Wonders of Magic, 6:30pm & 8:30pm
Friday, June 24th: Wayne & Wingnut – Red Hot Chilli Puppets, 12pm; Matthew Magic Morgan & Liliana, 12:45pm & 4pm; TMJ4 Science Weather Show, 1:30p & 3:15pm; MYSO Calypso Steek Drum Band, 2:15pm, 4:45pm, & 6:30pm; Mark Hayward: Cool Yo-Yo Guy, 5:30pm & 7:30pm
Saturday, June 25th: Kohl’s Wild Theater, 12pm & 2:15pm; Mad Science, 12:45pm; Julie Sobanski: Princess of Magic, 1:30pm; First Stage, 3:15 & 4:45pm; Mark Hayward: Cool Yo-Yo Guy, 4pm & 6:30pm; Wayne & Wingnut – Red Hot Chilli Puppets, 5:30pm; David Seebach’s Wonders of Magic, 7:30pm
Thursday, June 30th: Kohl’s Wild Theater, 12pm & 4pm; Julie Sobanski: Princess of Magic, 12:45pm & 5:30pm; Spoon Man – Musical Interactive Comedy, 1:30pm & 6:30pm; Jerry Frasier: Comic Magic Energy, 2:15pm & 7:30pm; Danceworks, 3:15pm & 4:45pm
Friday, July 1st: Shandini, 12pm; Wayne & Wingnut – Red Hot Chilli Puppets, 12:45pm; Jerry Frasier: Comic Magic Energy, 1:30pm; Spoon Man – Musical Interactive Comedy, 2:15pm; Wes Tank, 3:15pm & 4:45pm; Marc the Zani, 4pm; Shandini, 5:30pm; Spoon Man – Musical Interactive Comedy, 6:30pm; Jerry Frasier: Comic Magic Energy, 7:30pm
Saturday, July 2nd: Wayne & Wingnut – Red Hot Chilli Puppets, 12pm; Mad Science, 12:45pm; Jerry Frasier: Comic Magic Energy, 1:30pm; Spoon Man – Musical Interactive Comedy, 2:15pm; Marc the Zani, 4pm; Wes Tank, 4:45pm; Spoon Man – Musical Interactive Comedy, 5:30pm; Jerry Frasier: Comic Magic Energy, 6:30pm; Wayne & Wingnut – Red Hot Chilli Puppets, 7:30pm; Wes Tank, 8:30pm
Thursday, July 7th: Info coming soon!
Friday, July 8th: Marc the Zani, 12:45pm;
Saturday, July 9th: Mad Science, 12:45pm; Wayne & Wingnut – Red Hot Chilli Puppets, 6:30pm;
Watch for new announcements, see Summerfest.com/lineup for more lineups the timeliest way possible!
Summerfest Tickets
Single Day General Admission Tickets run $25 per day, you can print them at home or put them on your mobile. These tickets are good for the entire grounds and any show with the exception of the American Family Insurance Amphitheater shows. Seniors 62 nd over and Children 3-10 can get discount tickets at the gate. Children 2 and under are admitted free. Multi-Day Ticket options include:
Parking lots are available just to the west of the grounds and throughout downtown Milwaukee and the Historic Third Ward. The Milwaukee County Transit System also offers “freeway flyer” express buses to and from the grounds from numerous Park & Ride lots in the metro area. The Summerfest Grounds can be accessed directly via I-794, U.S. 18, and Highway 32. I-43/94 and Highways 38, 59, and 145 also bring you within a mile of it – which is how far away some people park! Either way, it’s one of the greatest music festivals on the planet and a definite State Trunk Tour recommendation.
Summerfest 2022 Address:
Henry Maier Festival Park
200 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 273-2680
Website
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July 2, 2022 – July 4, 2022
Riverfest La Crosse
The largest city on Wisconsin’s Great River celebrates Riverfest La Crosse June 30 – July 4th this year! Riverfest was established in 1983 to create and hold a family festival with “something for everyone”. It’s held annually in Riverside Park, with fireworks, entertainment, food and drink from over 16 area restaurants and other vendors, and much more.
Among the family-friendly activities and performers:
Musical acts for Riverfest La Crosse this year include headliners Cory Wise on Friday, July 1st, Boogie & the Yo Yoz on Saturday July 2nd, Sawyer Brown on Sunday, July 3rd with the Pat Watters Band opening, and The Remainders on Monday, July 4th before the fireworks. Acts like Greg Hall, Fly Casual, County Line Drive, The Exectives, Tom Conrad, Jacked Up, The Freezers, Blue Collar 40, and more will play as well.
Make sure you check out the largest fireworks in the area, too… July 4th evening features the Kwik Trip Fireworks Extravaganza! Check here for a full Schedule of Events.
I-90, U.S. 14/16, U.S. 53, and Highways 16, 33, and bring you to La Crosse to enjoy Riverfest and more!
Riverfest La Crosse Address:
La Crosse Riverside Park
100 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 789-7533
Website
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June 25, 2022
Door County Wine Fest
The Door County Wine Festival showcases the eight wineries on the Door County Wine Trail. The Door County Wine Trail is nestled between Lake Michigan and the Bay of Green Bay and greatly depicts the beauty of Door County and the charm of its small towns. The wineries in this region are well-known for producing fruit wines, especially cherry and apple, however new estate-grown grape wines are becoming popular as well. The Door County Wine Trail is dedicated to making your trip a memorable experience. so sip, swirl and savor the taste of the region.
Wineries include:
Taste more than 80 different wines from these local wineries along with food from a variety of Door County restaurants and vendors. Indulge in some of life’s little luxuries, and celebrate the wine-making expertise of the members of the Door County Wine Trail. You can buy regular and VIP tickets here.
The new location is easily accessible via Highway 57, just follow it past Sturgeon Bay, Whitefish Dunes State Park, and through Jacksonport You’ll get to Maxwelton Braes before Baileys Harbor – although everything Baileys Harbor has to offer is just a few miles away!
Door County Wine Fest Address:
Maxwelton Braes Lodge
7680 Highway 57
Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
(920) 868-3717
Contact: taste@doorcountywinefest.com
Website
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June 24, 2022 – June 25, 2022
Country Fest, Cadott
Legendary names in Country Music that have graced the Main Stage include George Strait, Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, The Highwaymen including – Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson & Waylon Jennings – George Jones, Reba McEntire, Jason Aldean (back this year), Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Brad Paisley, and many more.
Celebrating the best of all things Country, Country Fest’ers enjoy three days of music and entertainment, RFID wristbands, cashless transactions in the concert grounds, delicious food, interactive exhibits, exciting activities and the largest campground in Wisconsin with more than 7,000 campsites, all within easy walking distance of the Concert Grounds. For non-campers, nearby hotels also offer the option of convenient daily shuttle service.
The natural Amphitheater Concert Grounds feature: 30+ Bands, one Massive Permanent Main Stage, and four Permanent Side Stages and more than 23 miles of permanent roads. VIP, Reserved or General Admission ticket packages are available along with Camping & Morrie’s Fan Pit Passes for all four days, or for each show at a reasonable cost to get you close to your favorite Artists. Plus a Photo Line for General Admission fans. See why this experience is unlike any other!
Tickets and complete information are available at www.countryfest.com. It runs June 23-25, 2022 as they celebrate their 36th anniversary!
Country Fest Lineup
The lineup for Country Fest 2022:
Kickoff Concert, Wednesday, June 22nd:
Phil Vassar headlining, with Alexandra Kay, Jake Stringer & Better Than Nothin’, and Tim Hurley
Thursday, June 23rd:
Lee Brice headlining, with LoCash, Dylan Scott, Jameson Rodgers, Little Texas, Calista Clark, Nate Barnes, Lauren Weintraub, Derek Jones, Six One Five Collective, JB Crockett, Clayton Mann, Lassos & Lace, and 8 Seconds
Friday, June 24th
Florida Georgia Line headlining, with Chase Rice, Mitchell Tenpenny, Sara Evans, Parmalee, Priscilla Black, Ray Fulcher, Drake Milligan, Kat Beal, Eric Burgett, Jessie Campbell Band, Shane Martin, Raquel & the Wildflowers, and Lassos & Lace
Saturday, June 25th
Jason Aldean headlining, with Gabby Barrett, Michael Ray, Rodney Atkins, Lainey Wilson, Tenille Arts, Frank Ray, Dillon Carmichael, Jesslee, Derek Crider, Savannah Rae, Jason McNabb, Lassos & Lace, and Branded
Features include:
Country Fest takes place June 23-25, 2022 near the junction of Highways 27 and 29, north of Cadott proper and not too far east of Chippewa Falls.
Country Fest Address:
24447 County Highway S
Cadott, WI 54727
(800) 326-3378
Website
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April 21, 2022 – April 24, 2022
Spring Fling Tour of Shops – Oconto & Marinette Counties
The annual Spring Fling Tour of Shops across Oconto and Marinette Counties is on Thursday, April 21st through Sunday, April 24th, 2022. Along with us at State Trunk Tour, the friendly folks at Oconto County Tourism can guide you through Oconto & Marinette Counties as you explore a variety of shops. Drive around these two beautiful northeastern Wisconsin counties as the buds begin to bloom and nature continues to refresh ahead of the warmer weather to come.
… and more
Shops include RAV Designs Decor & More, Klassy Kids Resale, Olive + Birch Boutique, Yvonne’s Classy Closet, The Junky Artisan, 1896 Homestead Shoppe, Style & Hart Boutique, Simply Charming, Goose & Gander Finery, Woodsong Trading Post, Nuthatch Gift Shoppe, and many more.
This Spring Fling map can guide you to over 27 shops and 14 restaurants:
Many of these destinations are along the State Trunk Tour roads in Oconto and Marinette Counties, including U.S. 41, U.S. 141, Highway 22, Highway 32, Highway 64, and Highway 180. The Spring Fling Tour of Shops is a great way to combine a nice road trip with some serious local shopping!
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March 5, 2022 – March 6, 2022
Arti Gras
Outstanding performances are a highlight at the event including exciting classical music, powerful jazz, and dance. Children can get hands-on art experience through participation in a variety of creative art and music activities. The event also boasts an array of special gourmet items to choose from. The “Cultural Corner” features information booths and special exhibits by area organizations giving visitors valuable information about the many community cultural opportunities in and around the Green Bay region.
Arti Gras runs Saturday and Sunday, March 5-6 this year. Saturday hours are 10am – 5pm and Sunday hours are 10am – 5pm. Arti Gras is at the Resch Expo, across from Lambeau Field. Admission is $6 for adults in advance, $7 at the door. Kids 12 and under get in for $4. Get all the details on artists, booths, music, offerings, and more on the Arti Gras website.
Arti Gras Address:
Resch Expo
840 Armed Forces Drive
Green Bay, WI 54304
(920) 435-5220
Website
I-41, U.S. 141, and Highways 29, 32, 54, 57, and 172 all get you close to the Resch Expo, which you’ll find at Oneida Street & Lombardi Avenue in the Titletown District, right across from Lambeau Field. Nearby, you can enjoy the Oneida Nation Walk of Legends, the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame (inside Lambeau), Badger State Brewing Company, Hinterland Brewing, Ariens Hill, the National Railroad Museum, Heritage Hill State Park, and more with downtown Green Bay not far away via Highways 32 or 57. Enjoy!
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March 4, 2022 – March 6, 2022
Bayfield Winter Festival
The Bayfield Winter Festival is an annual wild weekend of winter fun, taking place March 4-6, 2022! To celebrate the end of winter (almost), the town and nearby places like Mt. Ashwabay put on a variety of fun and crazy activities. Whether you plunge into the frozen lake, chow down fish livers, tear up the obstacle course, go fat tire biking, do the Poker Run, or just come for the party, we’re sure you’ll enjoy the celebration of the end of the joyous winter season.
On behalf of the residents of Bayfield and surrounding communities, the Bayfield Winter Festival team invites you to join the shenanigans! A schedule is below.
Check out the Polar Plunge on Saturday, which is always fun to watch. Hey, watch it from a previous year here:
Bayfield is a beautiful town in any season, not just during the Bayfield Winter Festival. Highway 13 brings you there, just a few miles north of Washburn and from U.S. 2 near Ashland.
Bayfield Winter Festival Address:
140 Broad Street
Bayfield, WI 54814
(715) 779-5408
Website
Fat Tire biking during the Bayfield Winter Festival.
Schedule for Bayfield Winter Festival
Friday, March 4th
1-3 p.m. Winter Botany Hike at Big Ravine Trailhead, Preregistration Required (FULL!)
2:30-5 p.m. Bonfire at Bayfield Winery and Blue Ox Cider
3:30-6:30 p.m. Open Swim, Bayfield Recreation and Fitness Resources
4-9 p.m. Friday Youth “Glow” Night at Mount Ashwabay
4-6 p.m. Happy Hour at the Creamery with $1 off any drink
5-8 p.m. Fish Fry Special at the Bayfield Inn Lakeside Dining Room
6-9 p.m. Candlelight Ski/Hike/Snowshoe at Howl Adventure Center
6 p.m. – Close: Bonfire and Beer at Adventure Club Brewery
Saturday, March 5th
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Bayfield City Wide Winter Fest Sales at local businesses
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Children’s Sensory Activities at Sweet Sailing, hosted by Kiddiwink Kids
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Pet Adoption Event at Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion, Chequamegon Humane Association
Noon – 7 p.m. Open Swim, Bayfield Recreation and Fitness Resources
Noon- 1 p.m. Polar Plunge Sign In, Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!
NOON – 1 p.m. Penguin Egg Hunt – Eggs will be hidden in the snow by the pavilion and polar plunge area.
Noon – 3 p.m. “Shiver your Liver” serving whitefish livers, hot food and beverages at Pier Plaza Ice Cream Window
Noon- 2 p.m. Family Activities – Tug of war, snowball races and more by the pavilion
1 p.m. Jim’s Racey’s Rescue Dog Sled Team Demo on Ice Road (weather permitting)
1:30 -2 p.m. United States Coast Guard Ice Rescue Demo, Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion
2-3 p.m. Polar Plunge, Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion
3-4:30 p.m. Hug a Husky Meet and Greet with Jim’s Racey’s Rescue Dog Sled Team
4 p.m. Sherps Demo with Beyond the Catch at Copper Crow
4:30-6 p.m. Flick and Float (Cool Runnings), Bayfield Recreation and Fitness Resources
5 p.m. Legendary Waters Resort and Casino, Prime Rib Dinner Special
5 – 8 p.m. Prime Rib Special at the Bayfield Inn Lakeside Dining room
6 p.m. – Midnight. Legendary Waters Resort & Casino, Ten times Dice & and Golden Ticket Drawings.
8 p.m. 11 p.m. – Live Music at Legendary Waters Resort & Casino Shantily Clad and Low Hanging Fruit
Sunday, March 6th
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Bloody Mary Sunday at Copper Crow Distillery
Noon – 4:30 pm. Bayfield School Band Bingo Fundraiser at Legendary Waters
4-6 p.m. Bonfire Fundraiser for Bayfield Playgrounds, Seagull Bay Motel: Food, hot/cold beverages, snow sculpture contest, prizes and more!
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December 31, 2021 – January 1, 2022
Door County Cherry Drop & In With A Bang! New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Forget the “Big Apple” – go “Big Cherry”! The 5th annual Door County Cherry Drop takes place this New Year’s Eve in Sister Bay to ring in 2022. This takes place after the 8th annual “In With a Bang!” New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show, the only major fireworks show on the Door Peninsula. And really, what better way to say goodbye to 2021 and hello to 2022 in Door County than by dropping a giant cherry up to the stroke of midnight?
Begin with the fireworks, scheduled for 8:00 pm on Friday, December 31, at the Sister Bay Marina along Highway 42. They’re promising the biggest finale ever for the fireworks this year – even though they say that every year. Before and after the fireworks show, check out the village restaurants and bars for their celebration menus and specials. The fireworks are sponsored by the Village of Sister Bay.
Top off your evening with the 5th Annual Door County Cherry Drop, presented by one of our favorite Wisconsin radio stations, FM 106.9 The Lodge. Enjoy live music and libations at both Husby’s & Sister Bay Bowl, and then The Lodge will warm up the event with the biggest party tunes of all time starting at 10:30pm, broadcasting live from both Husby’s and The Sister Bay Bowl. Shortly before midnight, the giant sparkling cherry will drop in Sister Bay and welcome in 2022. You should too! The party continues for a while because, as you know, you have to keep it going for a while once a new year begins.
Find out more about the event in my State Trunk Tour podcast discussion with Jaime Forest from the Door County Radio Group! Listen on your free iHeartRadio app here or right on this page via Spreaker below:
You’ll find the festivities for the 8th annual In With A Bang! Fireworks show and the 5th annual Door County Cherry Drop along Highway 42 in Sister Bay, where Highway 57 ends. You’ll probably want to stay overnight, so find lodging and other resources at ComeToSisterBay.com.
Door County Cherry Drop & In With a Bang! Fireworks Show Address:
10733 Bay Shore Drive (Highway 42)
Sister Bay, WI 54234
(920) 854-2812
Website
December 22, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Wonderland of Lights, Racine Zoo
The Wonderland of Lights creates holiday magic at Racine Zoo, now through January 2, 2022. Enjoy dazzling illuminations from the safety and comfort of your own vehicle! This is a drive-thru this year, filled with enchanting light displays of delightfully decorated trees, characters, a 96-foot “drive-thru” tunnel with an incredible show of dynamic designs, and more. It’s perfect for any age, but children ages 15 and younger also get a FREE piece of Yowie Candy during their visit, while supplies last!
Admission is $5/person, kids 2 years old and younger are admitted free. Cash or credit cards are accepted at the gate. The Wonderland of Lights is open from 6pm to 9pm Wednesdays – Sundays, and will be open on ALL holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
The drive-thru works by having drivers enter at the 200 Goold Street gate entrance on the corner of Goold and Michigan Boulevard, just a few blocks east of Highway 32. People MUST queue on Michigan Boulevard along the lakefront; no left turns from Goold Street are allowed. Cars, minivans, and pickup trucks are welcome, please note that the height limit is 9 feet, 4 inches. Oversize vehicles, RVs, motorcycles, and recreational devices such as bicycles, scooters, skateboards, etc. are not permitted. No honking is allowed (this is a zoo, please be respectful of the nearby animals) and the maximum speed allowed is 3mph.
Since it is a drive-thru only experience, masks are not required, but they do ask that you remain in your vehicle at all times.
The Racine Zoo is just north of downtown Racine along Lake Michigan, about 8 miles east of I-41/94. Highways 11, 20, 32, and 38 bring you into town; Highway 32 comes closest to the zoo. Map and queue directions can be found here. And ENJOY!
Wonderland of Lights Address:
Racine Zoo
200 Goold Street
Racine, WI 53402
(262) 636-9189
Website
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December 2, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Boerner Botanical Gardens Winter Wonders Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show
Boerner Botanical Gardens Winter Wonders Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show ushers in holiday cheer with brilliant light displays, inflatable Santas, and massive, color-changing trees as part of an international-themed drive-thru experience with OVER ONE MILLION LIGHTS! From Friday, November 19th all the way through Sunday, January 2nd in 2022 (including all holidays), you and your family and friends can enjoy holiday displays from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the United States on a 1.4-mile route winding through Whitnall Park and the grounds of the Gardens themselves. Theatrical and concert lighting effects change the colors of giant trees and bushes on the route in spectacular fashion. From 20-foot tall inflatable Santas to neon palm trees, there are unique holiday displays around every corner. There’s even a mini drive-in theater!
Admission is $25 per carload, defined as any car, van, mini-van, pick-up truck, or SUV. You need to purchase your tickets online in advance. “Skip the Line” tickets gain early access between 4:30pm and 5:00pm for $35. Planning on showing up in a limo? They have a price for that, too: $51.50 (yes, just like the Van Halen album.) $51.50 also nets you a Season Pass for a car, good for up to four visits from November 19th up through January 2nd.
You can get to Boerner Botanical Gardens just off U.S. 45/Highway 100 and Highway 24 via Whitnall Park in Hales Corners. I-41/894 & I-43 are also close by! The entrance for this route is just off S. 92nd Street between College and Rawson Avenues; the address is 6751 S. 92nd Street, Franklin, WI 53132 for your GPS. It’s the same entrance as Whitnall Park Golf Course.
Boerner Botanical Gardens Winter Wonders Drive-Thru Holiday Light Show Address:
Boerner Botanical Gardens
9400 Boerner Drive
Hales Corners, WI 53130
(414) 525-5600
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November 27, 2021 – January 2, 2022
Noel Festival Light Park & Christmas Market, Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s first Noel Festival Light Park & Christmas Market, running from November 27th, 2021 through January 2nd, 2002! It happens at the Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center. Experience the awe and wonder of over one million glimmering Christmas lights, complemented by a unique artisan market, festive food & drink, daily live entertainment, locally-made gifts and stocking stuffers, and much more… Noel is truly a fairytale world come to life.
Here are 10 reasons to attend Noel:
Tickets are best purchased in advance and you can book your date and time to ensure easy entry and a fun time with some elbow room. Right now, take advantage of a 20% discount when you purchase tickets to attend Noel between Nov. 27 – Dec. 5th. Use promo code AGIFTFORYOU20.
Noel Festival Light Park & Christmas Market Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center
8200 W. Greenfield Avenue (Highway 59 & Highway 181)
West Allis, WI 53214
Website
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November 19, 2021 – November 21, 2021
Christmas by the Bay, Sturgeon Bay
Kick-off the holiday season with Christmas By the Bay, the weekend of November 19th – 21st! It begins with Sturgeon Bay’s “Unwrapping Sturgeon Bay” community car parade on Friday, November 19 beginning at 6pm at Sawyer Park. Parade lineup begins at 5pm, come early and decorate your vehicle or pack the kids in with hot cocoa. Cars will parade through Sturgeon Bay as stores “unwrap” their festive holiday windows for the very first time! After the conclusion of the car parade, join us at the Old Bell Tower at 3rd and Kentucky for the tree lighting, caroling, in-store specials, and music by Josh Gregory, Hervy Hodges, and Mike Raye beginning at 7pm. Tree lighting will happen at approximately 8pm.
Christmas By The Bay fun continues Saturday, with the Holiday Parade at 10am featuring floats, music, and a special appearance from none other than SANTA! After the parade, meet with Santa in his sleigh at the Door County Historical Museum until 1:00 so that he’s sure to get your list!
Free trolley rides will be available throughout Downtown Sturgeon Bay Saturday, November 20 from 11:00am – 3:00pm with stops located at Community Foundation Square, the Door County Historical Museum, Door County Maritime Museum, and Lawless Coffee.
The Santa Mailbox will be right outside of Destination Sturgeon Bay’s door (36 S. 3rd Ave.) so that you can drop off your letters whenever you have them ready to head to the North Pole. The mailbox will be out until December 24th!
Finish off the fun-filled weekend of Christmas By the Bay during brunch with Santa at Stone Harbor Resort on Sunday 9:30-11am. Call 920-746-0700 for reservations.
Sturgeon Bay is an easy ride along Highways 42 or 57 from the rest of Wisconsin. Check out all sights in town and as much of the rest of the Door Peninsula as possible when you go!
Christmas By the Bay Address in Sturgeon Bay:
107 N. First Avenue
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
(920) 743-6246
Website
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November 13, 2021
Great Hartford Craft Exposition
The 36th annual Great Hartford Craft Exposition brings over 100 exhibitors to Hartford Union High School to give visitors a chance to find great holiday gifts and creative items for your home. It takes place Saturday, November 13th, 2021 from 9am to 3pm, as part of a full day of local celebrations in Hartford. The day includes the annual Hartford Lions Pancake Dinner as well as the local holiday parade, which kicks off at 3pm.
You’ll find Hartford Union High School on Cedar Street, west of Highway 83 and south of Highway 60 in Hartford. Nearby attractions include the Wisconsin Automotive Museum, Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, Holy Hill, and more! It’s about 10 minutes west of I-41 at the Highway 60 exit, too.
Great Hartford Craft Expo Address:
805 Cedar Street
Hartford, WI 53027
(262) 719-5871
Website
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November 4, 2021 – November 7, 2021
Driftless Film Festival
The Driftless Film Festival celebrates this unique region that escaped the glaciers of the ice age and its inspiration for many talented artists and filmmakers. Happening November 4 – 7, 2021 this year, the Driftless Film Festival brings together the best of new independent cinema with the landscape, artistic energy, and local atmosphere of Southwest Wisconsin. Now in its eighth year, Driftless continues to provide a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience for audiences and filmmakers alike.
Founded in 2009 by filmmakers Darren Burrows and Nicholas Langholff, Driftless was born of a love for independent films, an appreciation of the unusual region, and the joy of spending a weekend immersed in the charm Mineral Point’s galleries, shops, restaurants, and bars. It is this delightful marriage of place and cinematic story that is the core of the Driftless vision today.
The Driftless Film Festival screens each of its films in the Mineral Point Opera House. Beautifully restored in 2009, it retains the atmosphere of its origins as a 1915 vaudeville house. Brought to life by film screenings and live performances year round, the Opera House is both an elegant testament to Mineral Point’s passion for preservation and a showcase space for some of the best entertainment in the region.
Each year the festival hosts filmmakers from across the country. Special guests have included Mark Metcalf (Animal House, Seinfeld, Little Red), Anthony Arendt (Muscle Shoals, Avatar), and Matt Adams (We Cause Scenes) among many others. Not only do visiting filmmakers present revealing Q&A discussions during the festival, but the weekend provides an opportunity for filmmakers and attendees to mingle outside the screenings.
From popular festival hits to locally-produced art, the Driftless Film Festival seeks to showcase the most thought-provoking, innovative, and creative independent cinema of our time. These films will hit home in a place that feels like home, and of course Pendarvis, “Shake Rag Alley,” and other places to enjoy in town also makes the trip worthwhile.
2021 Features will be announced soon.
The Driftless Film Festival runs Thursday, November 4th through Sunday, November 7th, so you have several days’ worth of options for when to attend! Check their website for a full slate of films and other activities. Tickets for individual screenings vary; you can also purchase a $50 pass that gets you in to everything. BUY TICKETS ONLINE HERE.
Get the full slate of films HERE
Driftless Film Festival Main Address:
Mineral Point Opera House
139 High Street
Mineral Point, WI 53565
(608) 260-8725
Website
Enjoy a drive with exceptional scenery, as the Driftless Area of Wisconsin is ridiculously beautiful. Hit Highways 23, 39, or U.S. 151 to reach Mineral Point, south of Dodgeville and northeast of Platteville and take it all in!
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October 30, 2021
Ghoulees in the Coulees
Norskedalen hosts Ghoulees in the Coulees events Thursday, October 28th through Saturday, October 30th, 2021 providing a fun, yet scary and haunting, experience for the whole family in this beautiful natural and cultural area near Coon Valley in southeastern La Crosse County.
At Ghoulees in the Coulees, you can take a half-mile walk through chilling and thrilling spook stations along one of their wooded trails lined by hundreds of carved, lit pumpkins. Once you navigate this, you’ll regain your wits and end up with a treat and hot apple cider at Bekkum Homestead, a historic homestead over 100 years old, illuminated only by the light of the moon and jack-‘o-lanterns.
Along with the hike, you can enjoy storytelling, fortune-telling, grabbing a snack around the roaring fireplace, and walking through the haunted barns and other buildings. While it can be fun for kids of all ages, you may want to plan earlier hikes while it’s still light out for the very young and “faint of heart.” Earlier hikes around 5-7pm, hikes are less scary (the spooks do not try to scare you, but may offer a high-five, handshake, or wave). Conversely, 7-10:30pm, hikes are SUPER SCARY. They mean it! Chilling ghost stories designed to give you goosebumps will also be told at the end of your hike, making regaining your wits tricky for some. Fortune tellers will also be there to peer into your future.
Family-friendly trick-or-treating takes place Thursday, October 28th. Norskedalen’s Ghoulees in the Coulees Haunted Hikes take place Friday and Saturday October 29th & 30th. Friday slot times range from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (note: most Friday slots are sold out already!); Saturday slot times run from 4:30 p.m. to just after 8:00 p.m.
Tickets for the hikes are $35 per person. Advance reservations are required.
You’ll find Norskedalen (which means “Norwegian Valley”) along County PI between Highway 162 and U.S. 14/61 just north of Coon Valley in southern La Crosse County. It’s a beautiful drive through the Driftess Area, right as the trees drop the rest of their colorful leaves.
Address for Ghoulees in the Coulees:
Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center
N455 O Ophus Road
Coon Valley, WI 54623
(608) 452-3424
Website
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