It’s Oktoberfest in Dallas! Wisconsin. Yes, this hamlet of 400 tucked into the beautiful hills of Barron County hosts Valkyrie Brewing Company, and Valkyrie is hosting the 25th annual Dallas Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 2nd!
While hosted by Valkyrie, the Oktoberfest celebration will be taking place across parks and streets throughout Dallas. Enjoy everything from a pancake breakfast to a Kubb tournament. There is a car show, an arts and crafts fair, an 1860s era baseball game, a dog costume contest, wiener dog race, raffles, plenty of food, and of course tons of beer from Valkyrie Brewing. Taps will be open from 10am to 8pm at the brewery, with other stands pouring throughout the day as well.
Live music plays from noon to 5pm, with performers like KJ Country, Mark Thompson, Steve Midboe, and Weez & Hans. The Squires Band will also be cranking out polka music, which is a required for any Oktoberfest celebration.
Check out the Dallas Oktoberfest schedule right here, and make plans to hit Dallas on Saturday!
There is road construction around Dallas. You can use these directions as your guide:
– From the South, including Eau Claire & Chippewa Falls: Follow U.S. 53 to the Highway 64 exit north of Bloomer. Head west on 64 to Highway 25. Go north on Highway 25 and take a right on County Highway A to Dallas (there are detour signs, but Highway A IS complete and open to Dallas.)
– From the West: Once again, ignore the detour signs on Highway 25. Hwy A is open to Dallas from Hwy 25.
– From the North: Take U.S. 53 to the U.S. 8 exit and head west to Barron. Go south on Highway 25 to County U. Take U east and south into Dallas.
Dallas Oktoberfest Address:
234 Dallas Street (County A)
Dallas, WI 54733 Website
Delafield celebrates October’s arrival with its 2nd annual Wine Walk & Brew Fest that covers the downtown streets! Socialize and imbibe as you shop, dine and wine (or brew) your way through Downtown Delafield with walking maps for both wine and beer tickets. If you’re more of a wine connai… conisse… lover, you can enjoy one ounce of red and one ounce of white wine at each designated wine stop, provided by LoDuca Wines. If you’re more of a beer lover, a Microbrew ticket lets you stop at numerous places throughout downtown and enjoy samples of up to 3 different beers from each microbrewery.
General Admission:
Ticket ($30) includes samples at each stop on map, commemorative wine glass or beer stein*
A VIP Ticket ($40) provides:
-Early entrance to the event (starting at 3:00 PM,), samples at each stop, commemorative wine glass or pub glass*, gift bag with exclusive commemorative items
*Commemorative wine glasses and beer glasses ARE SOLD OUT. Orders #712 and below will have wine glasses and commemorative beer glasses
Delafield is a beautiful little city of about 7,000 residents in the heart of Waukesha County’s Lake Country. It’s easy to get to, just off I-94 at Exit #285 (County C) or via Highways 16 or 83.
Delafield Wine Walk & Brew Fest Address:
653 Genesee Street (County C)
Delafield, WI Website
The 63rd annual Art Fair on the Square surrounds the Wisconsin State Capitol the weekend of September 25-26, 2021. This is one of the Midwest’s most popular and highly regarded outdoor celebrations of the arts. With its mix of music, entertainment, and outdoor dining, as well as nearly 500 artists exhibiting paintings, prints, photographs, sculpture, jewelry, handmade clothing and accessories, and fine craft, the fair draws nearly 200,000 visitors to Madison’s Capitol Square.
2021 Madison Art Fair on the Square Hours:
Saturday, September 25th (9 am–6 pm)
Sunday, September 26th (10 am–5 pm)
2021 Madison Art Fair on the Square Address:
Capitol Square
2 E. Main Street
Madison, WI 53703
Info: (608) 257-0158 Website
Summerfest 2021 rolls on into its final weekend! It’s the “World’s Largest Music Festival” on Milwaukee’s lakefront, and after the pandemic-related cancellation epidemic in 2020, it’s been back! (Thought there are COVID-19 related protocols.) Typically consisting of 11 days of concerts and fun across a 12-day span, you and nearly 900,000 of your closest friends can enjoy over 1,000 performances from nearly 800 acts on the 75-acre Maier Festival Park grounds.
In 2021, Summerfest implemented a new type of schedule: shows and events across three summer weekends, all Thursday – Saturday with a “Wednesday Weekend Kickoff Concert” at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater the evening prior each week. The dates will be in September this year to maximize the possibility of the COVID vaccine making it safer for a bigger gathering. The dates are September 2-4, 9-11, and 16-18, 2021.
Summerfest dates back to 1968 and has since become the backdrop 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, 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.
Due to the increasing spread of COVID-19 including the Delta variant and in part of the requirements from many bands and their staff, Summerfest is requiring the following for entry: a) proof of having had the COVID-19 vaccine, or b) proof of a negative COVID-19 test within the previous 72 hours of your entry. Those who have purchased tickets to show previously are eligible for a refund if they now choose not to attend a show, within certain timeframes. Full information and details are here.
Summerfest lineups by Stage, Date & Time, moving from south to north:
Watch for new announcements, see Summerfest.com for more lineups the timeliest way possible!
Summerfest Tickets
Single Day Ticketsrun $23 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.
A US Cellular Power Pass, which runs $100 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 $75
A US Cellular 3-Day Pass, which for $57 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 2021 Address:
Henry Maier Festival Park
200 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 273-2680 Website
Chippewa Falls is plenty of fun any time of the year, but as summer turns to fall Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest hits the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds and the party really starts! This year, Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest runs Friday, September 16th and Saturday, September 17th, 2022.
This year will bring more kids’ activities and Glockenspiel acts, as well as some of our favorite competitions, such as stein holding, sauerkraut eating, and keg rolling. The weekend kicks off in earnest with the Festmeister and Festmeisterin being announced at the Leinenkugel grounds at 12:00 noon on Friday, followed by the Golden Keg procession to the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds and the tapping of the Golden Keg. Festival goers can enjoy four stages, over 30 entertainers, vendors, authentic foods, and plenty of dancing. And of course, plenty of Gemütlichkeit!
Dick Leinenkugel and State Trunk Tour founder Eric Paulsen at Oktoberfest in Chippewa Falls.
Raise a stein, don a dirndl or some lederhosen, and enjoy live music ranging from polka to folk. Plenty of German food, kids’ activities, dancing, and more can be enjoyed at Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest. It’s located adjacent to the Leinenkugel Brewery and lovely Irvine Park, so there’s a great source of beer and another source of recreation just a stone’s throw away!
Admission to Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest is $10 at the gate; kids 12 and under get in free. You can buy wristbands, parking, multi-day deals, merch, and more here.
Chippewa Falls is easy to get to! The Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds are right along Highway 124 (U.S. 53 back in the day), just north of Business Highway 29. Today’s U.S. 53 freeway, Highway 29 freeway, and Highway 178 all bring you to Chippewa Falls, too. It’s only about 15 minutes north of Eau Claire off I-94, too.
A Schedule of Events is below!
Here’s this year’s Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest Schedule of Events (.pdf):
FRIDAY
11:00 am – 11:00 pm Grounds Open
11:00 am- 8:45 pm Souvenir Haus Open
Noon Announcement of 2022 Festmeister and Festmeisterin Golden Keg Procession from the Leinenkugel Brewery
1:30 pm – 8:00 pm Boxx Sanitation’s Kid’s Kingdom and Games Open
Glockenspiel Stage
3:00 pm Glockenspiel Show sponsored by Great Northern Corporation
6:00 pm Stein Holding Competition
Famileintreff (Family Fun) Building
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm The Spoon Man
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Face Painting
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm Kevin Hall, Magician
5:15 pm – 5:45 pm Cale the Juggler
6:00 pm – 6:30 pm The Spoon Man
6:45 pm – 7:15 pm Kevin Hall, Magician
7:30 pm – 8:00 pm Cale the Juggler
8:00 pm Sauerkraut Eating Competition
SATURDAY
11:00 am- 11:00 pm Grounds Open
11:00 am Boxx Sanitation’s Kid’s Kingdom & Games, Art Area Open
11:00 am – 8:45 pm Souvenir Haus Open
1:00 pm Sheepshead & Euchre Card Tournament
2:00 pm Hoeft Brothers Keg Rolling Competition
3:00 pm On Grounds Parade
Glockenspiel Stage
4:00 pm Glockenspiel Show sponsored by Great Northern Corporation
6:00 pm Stein Holding Competition
9:00 pm Glockenspiel Show sponsored by Great Northern Corporation
Familientreff (Family Fun) Stage
11:00am – 2:00 pm Bird Haus Making – Optimist Club
12:00pm – 4:00pm Balloon Artist David Olson
12:00pm – 7:00 pm Face Painting
11:45am – 12:15am Magician, Kristopher Olson
12:30pm – 1:00 pm The Spoon Man
1:00pm German Star Making Demonstration
1:15pm – 1:45pm Cale the Juggler
2:00pm Scherenschnitte Demonstration
2:00pm – 2:30pm Magician, Kristopher Olson
2:30pm – 3:00pm Kinder Kostume Fashion Show (Kid’s Ethnic Attire)
3:30pm Dumpling Making Demonstration
3:30pm – 4:00pm Cale the Juggler
4:15pm – 5:00pm Magician, Kristopher Olson
4:30pm Sauerkraut Making Demonstration
5:15pm – 5:45pm The Spoon Man
6:00pm – 6:30pm Cale the Juggler
7:00pm Kid’s Sauerkraut Eating Contest
7:30pm Meet the Oktoberfest Royalty
7:45pm Sauerkraut Eating Contest
Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest Address:
Northern Wisconsin State Fair
331 Jefferson Avenue
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
(866) 723-0340 Website
Taking place at the Historic Rogers Street Fishing Village, Rogers Street Days celebrates Two Rivers’ 175+ years of commercial fishing. Great food (especially fresh-caught fish), free live music, games, refreshments, and more complement this weekend-long event. The Susie Q Smelt Fry is one of the more popular draws to Rogers Street Days!
Enjoy FREE live music from Beer Club Friday night, Nettle Hill Saturday afternoon, and the Dave Steffen Band Saturday night. There will be plenty of family fun during the day Saturday, including boat building for kids, kids’ games, bingo for everyone, bucket raffles, and fantastic food and refreshments.
And while you’re there, tour the museums, walk the boardwalk, check out the original engines, shipwreck remnants and artifacts, climb the original 1886 lighthouse, and explore the 1936 tugboat Buddy O. You can have fun and learn – and then eat, drink, and have more fun!
You’ll find the Historic Rogers Street Fishing Village near Highway 42 in Two Rivers, near the endpoints of Highways 147 and 310.
Rogers Street Days Address:
2102 Jackson Street (just off Highway 42)
Two Rivers, WI 54241
(920) 793-5905 Website
Downtown Waukesha, along with being a crazy maze of streets, offers up a lot of fun places. That includes art galleries. For the Waukesha Art Crawl, over 175 artisans at 20 galleries and showplaces, live music, gift shops and more are featured at this seasonal event. Walk the downtown streets to discover your next artistic treasure, shop the boutiques, listen to live music or indulge in food and drink.
The “Mother of All Crawls” is the theme for the next one on Saturday, August 7th, 2021.
The Waukesha Art Crawl for 2021 takes place on the following Saturdays:
May 1st
August 7th
October 2nd
December 4th
How do you get into Waukesha? I-94 and Highway 16 bring you to the north side; Highways 59 and 164 round the south and east sides. U.S. 18 cuts right through, or take East or St. Paul Avenues.
Waukesha Art Crawl Address:
Downtown Waukesha
337 W. Main Street
Waukesha, WI 53186
(262) 542-1522 Website
The Hartford Hot Air Balloon Rally is BACK after being gone for a decade, dotting the sky with colors and the city with all kinds of fun activities on Saturday, August 7, 2021! Enjoy the massive balloon launch, the Night Glow, vintage airplanes, plus plenty of food, music, and more at Hartford’s Municipal Airport. Fireworks will take place at dusk, too.
Admission is free! Carry-ins are allowed, although they request no glass items. Shuttle service begins at 4pm from the Jack Russell Memorial Library parking lot and Schauer Arts Center parking lot, right next to the Wisconsin Automotive Museum.
Note that the balloon launch is weather dependent; balloons will be arriving on the tarmac around 4:30pm and launch 1.5-2 hours before sunset. Arrive early, you don’t want to miss the launch! Following the launch, there will be a ping pong drop and night glow. Fireworks to follow the night glow.
Hartford Hot Air Balloon Rally Schedule of Events
12:00 – 7:00 – Kid’s Activities
1:00- 5:00- Washington County Sheriff Car display
2:00 – 4:00 – EMS display
2:00 – 4:30 – Safety Trailer display
3:00 – 7:00 – Dolce Duo’ & Company
5:00 – 5:30 – Hartford Energizers Dance
**4:00 – After Fireworks – Shuttle Service from Jack Russel Library Parking Lot & Schauer Center Parking Lot**
Flight Simulator – All Day (kids 12 & over)
Helicopter Rides – All Day ($50)
Hot Air Balloon Launch – 1 ½ Hours Before Sunset
Ping Pong Ball Drop – After Hot Air Balloon Launch
Hot Air Balloon Glow – 8:30 or when Balloons Return
Fireworks – After Balloon Glow
Food Trucks, Popcorn, Cotton Candy, Kids Vendors & Beverages – All Day
You’ll see the balloons in the air from miles around, but to get to Hartford’s Municipal Airport, head to County U northwest of downtown via Highway 60 or Highway 83. There is also FREE shuttle service from the Schauer Arts Center, right next to the Wisconsin Automotive Museum, from 4pm until after the fireworks are done.
Hear more about the Hot Air Balloon Rally in our State Trunk Tour Podcast interview with Doreen Buntrock from the Hartford Chamber! It begins about 19 minutes in…
Hartford Hot Air Balloon Rally Address:
Hartford Municipal Airport
4200 County Highway U
Hartford, WI 53027
(262) 673-7002 Website
Country Jam USA brings top country talent from across the nation to Eau Claire, July 15-17, 2021! Country Jam offers ample space for the stages, vendors, food trucks and more. The nearby Whispering Pine grounds offers easy camping with 11 different areas for all kinds of campers. Campers also get exclusive live music on Wednesday night!
The Subway Party Pit is already sold out for the 2021 shows, but VIP tickets are still available. VIP tickets include assigned seating within the first 26 rows, complimentary beer, soda, and cocktails until 9:30pm daily, food court-style dining all day and evening, and “cruise ship style” dinner buffets every evening. There is also complimentary VIP parking and a private, exclusive tented area.
Chris Kroeze | 2:00 PM
Phil Vassar | 3:30 PM
Craig Morgan | 5:15 PM
HARDY | 7:15 PM
Morgan Wallen | 9:30 PM
Friday, July 16th 1PM-Midnight
Dawn Marie | 2:00 PM
John Michael Montgomery | 3:30 PM
Rodney Atkins | 5:15 PM
Chris Janson | 7:15 PM
Chris Young | 9:30 PM
Saturday, July 17th 1PM-Midnight
Shenandoah featuring Marty Raybon | 1:45 PM
BlackHawk | 3:30 PM
Tracy Lawrence | 5:15 PM
Cody Johnson | 7:15 PM
Jon Pardi | 9:30 PM
Tickets range from one-day general admission ($109) to the 3-day Superfan admission ($299, or $675 for VIP) with plenty of options in the middle.
Major roads bring you very close to the Country Jam grounds, including I-94, U.S. 12, U.S. 53, and Highways 37, 85, and 93. It’s a great part of a long road trip to the Eau Claire area!
Country Jam USA Address:
3443 Crescent Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54703
(715) 839-7500 Website
Cadott hosts some major music festivals, including Rock Fest – the Largest Rock & Camping Festival in the US!
Rock Fest is THE top venue for people of all ages to come together for one common purpose: to congregate with other rock fans from across the world, in a place where rock music still matters. Featuring the very best of active and classic rock and legendary names in Rock Music, entertainment and experience are first priority. Aerosmith, Iron Maiden, Avenged Sevenfold, Kiss, Motley Crue, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, Kid Rock, Shinedown, Five Finger Death Punch, Rob Zombie, Korn & many, many more rock legends have graced this permanent Main Stage spanning a quarter century.
This year’s acts include: Thursday, July 15th
Rob Zombie + Staind, Theory of a Deadman, Steel Panther, Saint Asonia, Memphis May Fire, Fozzy, Blacktop Mojo, Carnifex, Fire From the Gods, Falling Through April, Scattered Hamlet, Anything But Human, Digital Homicide, Any Given Sin, GFM, Jett Threatt, Nivrana, Drama Queen, Contingency, and Ignescent.
Friday, July 16th
Limp Bizkit + Snoop Dogg, Anthrax, Badflower, Of Mice & Men, Bad Wolves, All That Remains, Like A Storm, Crobot, Bones UK, Silvertung, Wildstreet, Distal Descent, City of the Weak, Throw the Fight, SIIN, Hammer Down Hard, Fool Fighters, Dressed To Kill, Strange Daze, Caster Volor
Saturday, July 17th
Korn + Danzig, Chevelle, Motionless In White, Avatar, We Came As Romans, Gemini Syndrome, Through Fire, Hyro the Hero, Rachel Lorin, Stormbreaker, Nuisance, Stellar Circuits, Your Screaming Silence, Evandale, Strate Jak It, Mad Alice, Cowboys From Hell, Probable Cause, and FMDown
Rock Fest is set on 320 acres of picturesque land in Cornell near the junction of Highway 27 and 29. There are nearly 7,000 campsites within easy walking distance; hotels are available (especially in nearby Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls), plus daily shuttle service. Yes, this is kind of a big deal.
Festival Grounds Features
World-class entertainment ~ 50 + Bands
Opportunity to win prizes and meet n’ greets in the concert grounds
Interactive Games
RFID Exciting Activations
Bean Bag Toss
Huge variety of pizza, food, beverages and merchandise
Bud Light, Budweiser, Jack Daniels, Captain Morgan & Coca-Cola brands
Fest breakfast buffet is served in the “Load & Local” stage daily from 9am to Noon.
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’s in concert grounds and convenience stores.
RFID Cashless
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 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
Get all the details, lineup, ticket options, and more at the Rock Fest website!
Rock Fest Address:
24447 County Highway S
Cadott, WI 54727
(800) 326-3378 Website
Well, well, this is something new: a seltzer-focused festival. Seltzerland is a traveling festival making stops at select golf courses in select cities across the United States, with quite a selection of seltzer brands and flavors to sample and enjoy.
Seltzerland includes Wisconsin on its tour in 2021, with a stop at the Oak Hills Golf Club in Oak Creek on Saturday, June 5th. Over 30 seltzer flavors will be available to try, with 2-oz. samples and numerous other options. General Admission tickets include 30+ seltzer samples, a White Claw® drawstring bag, your commemorative tasting cup, and food truck bites available for purchase. VIP tickets add a full can of hard seltzer, a ghost tequila specialty cocktail, complimentary lunch, and premier time slots.
Brands include: White Claw, Vizzy, Mamitas, Basic, Coors Hard Seltzer, Playa Mar, Volley, Purity, Press, 99, Bravazzi, Tierra Buena, Rockit, Carbliss, and more. Old Smoky Moonshine, Fun Wine, Fireball Whiskey, Ghost Tequila, and more will be there, too!
Tickets are $45 for general admission and $65 for VIP. They’re selling out fast (they had to open more slots, actually), so HURRY if you want to check this out! Get tickets here.
You’ll find the Seltzerland activities at Oak Hills Golf Club, which is right along Highway 38 (Howell Avenue) in Oak Creek, one mile south of Highway 100 and less than two miles east of I-41/94. It’s easy to get to! Oh, and don’t expect to golf on the course that day – it’s all seltzer on June 5th.
Seltzerland Address:
Oak Hills Golf Club
10360 S. Howell Avenue (Highway 38)
Oak Creek, WI 53154 Website
An artful way to spend part of Memorial Day weekend is to head to beautiful Port Washington and explore the Port Washington Art Walk downtown. From 11 am to 4pm on Sunday, May 30th, at least 15 business in Port Washington’s downtown will host a variety of fine artists, mixed media artists, photographers, musicians, ceramists, and more. Some artists will demonstrate their craft in real-time; all will have their art and craft work on display and for sale. Weather permitting, the artists will be outdoors; otherwise they will be inside their hosting business. Gallery 224 will host the current artist on exhibit, Kelly Alexander, from their ARTservancy program. A variety of Port’s local bars and restaurants will also run art-themed specials that day. Look for the children’s art area for kids to make their own art, along with some great music! It’s free to attend.
You can access downtown Port Washington via Highways 32 or 33 from I-43 or Highway 57. While you’re there, check out Coal Dock Park, the walkways in the marina, the Port Exploreum (a great maritime museum), Inventors Brewpub (located in a VFW hall with a lake view), and the shops, restaurants, and more up and down the streets!
Port Washington Art Walk Address:
Downtown Port Washington
100 N. Franklin Street (Highway 32)
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 268-1132 Website
The 4th annual West Bend Spring Fling Art & Craft Fair happens Saturday, May 22nd and Sunday, May 23rd at the Washington County Fair Park’s Ziegler Building! The Brew City Crafters host this two-day event with over 100 local exhibitors. It’s their first event in 18 months, so everybody is more than ready. It’s all indoors and approximately 85% of the booths will feature handmade arts & crafts focused on a wide variety of categories, including:
Bath, Body & Scent
Ceramics & Pottery
Fashion & Clothing
Food & Snack
Glasswork
Health & Beauty
Home Goods & Decor
Jewelry & Gemstone
Metalwork
Painting & Illustration
Pet Products
Prints & Photography
Textile Crafts
Woodwork
It runs from 10 am – 4pm both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $3 for any individual over 12 years of age. Advance ticket sales are strongly recommended, as they are required to cap visitor volume per hour for this event. Your purchase of an ticket in advance directly supports the Wisconsin Humane Society!
You’ll find the Washington County Fair Park & Conference Center on the south side of West Bend, right off the U.S. 45 freeway. Highway 60 is about a mile south, and Highways 33 and 144 are to the north (they go right into town.) While you’re around West Bend, check out the downtown area including the Wisconsin Museum of Art, the shops on Main Street, the Toucan for some great custard, Riverside Brewery, and a lot more! It’s less than 10 minutes north of the I-41/U.S. 45 split, too.
West Bend Spring Fling Art & Craft Fair Address:
Washington County Fair Park & Conference Center
3000 County PV/Pleasant Valley Road
West Bend, WI 53095 Website
West Bend, named for a bend in the Milwaukee River, is the seat of Washington County and is known for great shops and its beautiful downtown. Saturday, January 23rd and Sunday, January 24th, you can enjoy the city in full at the annual West Bend Winter Warm Up!
Check out the ice sculptures in the downtown area, including a live Ice Sculpture Demo in Old Settlers Park on Saturday between 1pm and 2:30pm. Downtown shops will have specials, treats, and chances for you to win gift baskets.
The High Jass Fat Tire Bike Race will take place in Regner Park, just across Highways 33/144 from downtown, both Saturday and Sunday. Check out the bikes churning their wide tires up and down hills and across trails in this two-day fun competition!
The Winter Luminary Walk is a free, lighted walking experience at and through the Lac Lawrann Conservancy. It happens from 5pm to 7pm Saturday evening.
Check out great stops downtown too, including Now and Then Antiques, West Bend Pilot Boutique & Unique Finds, Savoring Thyme, The Oaken Hogg Whiskey Bar, Riverside Brewery, Urban Bend Trends, Perfect Timing Gift Shop, Xpressions Yarn, Bead & Gift Boutique, All In Books, Over the Moon Gift Shop, and more! The Wisconsin Museum of Art is downtown across the river from Main Street, too.
You can easily access West Bend via Highways 33 and 144, just east of the U.S. 45 freeway in the heart of Washington County. Nearby, check out Sunburst Ski Hill in Kewaskum or Little Switzerland in Slinger for winter fun involving skiing, snowboarding, or tubing!
West Bend Winter Warm Up Address:
Downtown West Bend (120 N. Main Street)
West Bend, WI 53095 Website
Beloit embraces the cold and snowy season with its annual Beloit Winterfest, which this year offers a mix of virtual and in-person activities throughout locations in the city. It takes place Thursday, January 21st through Sunday, January 24th, 2021.
The City of Beloit Parks and Recreation Division runs these events, with in-person activities incorporating safety and social distance to increase opportunities for families and visitors to get out and enjoy winter in Beloit.
Beloit Winterfest Events include:
Virtual events such as: The “No Snow” Man Building Contest, where you can gather basic household items and build your snowman indoors. The winner will receive a prize bag filled with goodies; the deadline for sending in your photo is 3pm on Sunday the 24th.
The “Ralphie Challenge”, where you put on as many shirts and sweaters as you can, send in a picture, and potentially win another prize bag filled with goodies. This deadline is also 3pm on Sunday the 24th.
In-Person events, including: Snow Golf, which has a twist: you use a tennis ball as a ball and the snow as your tee. This takes place at Krueger-Haskell Golf Course (1611 Hackett Street) on Saturday, January 23rd. Golfers of all ages and all abilities are encouraged to participate. Reservations are required, and are for 9 holes walking. The rate applies for all ages. Updated COVID-19 guidelines will be in place and social distancing will be required. You must register by Thursday the 21st!
The “Welty Winder” Scavenger Hunt, where you can test your knowledge (and bloodhound-type skills) to find everything in this hunt throughout the city. The Welty Environmental Center takes you on this journey with 20 total clues. Share your journey on social media using the hashtags #BeloitWinterfest, #WeltyWinder and #BeloitWI… and #stt or #StateTrunkTour!
Find out more details with their online flyer, and check out other cool stuff in Beloit like G5 Brewing, the Ironworks Hotel and complex, the shops and restaurants downtown along Grand Avenue and adjacent streets, and more.
It’s easy to get to Beloit! Follow I-39/90 south, I-43 southwest from Milwaukee, or U.S. 51 south from Janesville. Highway 81 goes through town and provides access from Monroe and other points west; Highway 213 comes into Beloit from the northwest. Downtown is nestled in Beloit right next to the Beloit College campus, just blocks north of the Wisconsin-Illinois state line. It’s remarkable to see what Beloit has done with the city’s resurgence; see it this weekend with Beloit Winterfest!
Downtown Waukesha, along with being a crazy maze of streets, offers up a lot of fun places. That includes art galleries. For the Waukesha Art Crawl (this one being #113), over 175 artisans represented, live music, galleries, studios, food/drinks, gifts, gifts, antiques, live music & more! There will also be a special Teacher’s Art Showcase at Otto’s Fine Art Academy. Look for a special Pop Up gallery at Art Links 333. As part of Waukesha Silver Bells, there will also be Reindeer at People’s Park from 1pm – 4pm. Many of the galleries and business open at 10am, so you can make a day of it. With COVID, of course CDC Guidelines are in place so you can enjoy the Waukesha Art Crawl safely. Please check with the participating to find out specifics for their businesses. Walk the downtown streets to discover your next artistic treasure, shop the boutiques, listen to live music or indulge in food and drink!
How do you get into Waukesha? I-94 and Highway 16 bring you to the north side; Highways 59 and 164 round the south and east sides. U.S. 18 cuts right through, take that or East or St. Paul Avenues.
West Bend’s Regner Park hosts Washington County’s premier holiday lights event from November 27th through Christmas Eve (December 24th, obviously), 2020 with Enchantment in the Park.
Flush with holiday lights throughout the park, you can do the drive-thru or walk-thru; the drive-thru entrance is off Silverbook Drive while walk-thru visitors are asked to enter via Main Street. The walk-thru is shorter than the drive-thru. Another option is a Horse and Carriage Ride, which costs $5 per person; rides are available for anyone age 16 or over from 5pm – 9pm; they are spacing out riders to follow COVID-19 precautions.
There’s no cost to enter Enchantment in the Park, but donations are welcome – a suggested cash donation is $10; non-perishable food donations are also welcome.
Enchantment in the Park is open daily, 5pm to 9pm. You’ll find Regner Park along Highway 144/Main Street just north ofHighway 33 and downtown West Bend. It’s less than five minutes east of the U.S. 45 freeway.
Enchantment in the Park Address:
Regner Park
800 N. Main Street
West Bend, WI 53090 Website
West Bend’s Museum of Wisconsin Art offers Bloomin’ Holidays the first full weekend of November. In this crazy year, a “Floral Sanctuary” is the theme, showcasing (as they note) the “ephemeral beauty of flowers.” The event technically begins Friday, November 6th, but earlier in the week the museum will kick things off with a rather impressive large-scale exterior art installation using animated video projection right onto the building. The event itself includes three full days of floral arrangements throughout the museum, including pre-recorded video experts who discuss the flowers in 15-minutes talks throughout the weekend, on display in the atrium. The expanded MOWA Shop will offer a variety of gift giving items including unique hats, soaps, candles, ceramic dishware, and even delicious chocolates and maple syrup.
Featured Designers and Programs include:
Michael Alt, who will install a spectacular floral installation the museum’s atrium. Alt, who owns a shop in Milwaukee’s Walkers Point with his name on it, was awarded Best of Show at both 2017 and 2018 Bloomin’ Holidays for his creative floral masterpieces.
At Home with Ikebana featuring Elaine Jo, author and the Executive Master of the Ichiyo School of Ikebana. What is Ikebana, you ask? It’s the ancient Japanese art of flower arranging, used for centuries to bring harmony to living spaces. She will demonstrate how to arrange and position different flowers to create specific moods, effects, and feelings.
Enhancing Your Living Space featuring Zannah Crowe, a horticulturalist at Johnson’s Gardens, will help you discover ways to bring a beautiful, natural exterior to your indoor spaces. She’ll share tips for the proper care and placement of house plants, so you can benefit from that extra boost in mood and oxygen!
Grapevine Wreaths featuring Dane County botanist Kevin Kawula will help you learn which wood and vine elements can be best used for floral arrangements; he’ll also demonstrate the construction of a natural, DIY grapevine wreath for your home.
Fall Forage featuring John Holzwart from Plant Based Services LLC will showcase our native Wisconsin plant life, complete with tips and information on local foraging, medicinal plant life, and seasonal flower collecting.
Bloomin’ Holidays is free with membership or $15 for the weekend, which includes a complimentary annual membership – so it’s a good deal!
Timed Entry due to COVID for safety and enjoyment
MOWA provides a safe socially distanced experience, limiting gallery capacity to 25% or less. To ensure you can visit at your preferred time during Bloomin’ Holidays, you can make a timed reservation for Friday, November 6th, Saturday, November 7th, or Sunday, November 8th. You can also call (262) 334-9638. If you don’t make a reservation beforehand, you will be welcomed in at the first available entry time. Please note, the 9:30-11:30 timed entry reservations will be reserved for seniors and at-risk members.
The Museum of Wisconsin Art is in the heart of West Bend, just east across the Milwaukee River from the downtown shops. It’s accessible right off Highways 33; Highway 144 meets up just across the river. U.S. 45’s freeway bypass is just a few miles to the west and provides quick access to West Bend, and following the historic U.S. 45 route (Main Street) from the south brings you right there.
Bloomin’ Holidays Address:
Wisconsin Museum of Art
205 Veterans Avenue
West Bend, WI 53095
(262) 334-9638 Website
Oak Creek Fall Festival is the city’s annual harvest tradition, taking place throughout the Drexel Town Square complex! It’s an outdoor event that celebrates everything autumn on Saturday, October 24th from 9am to 6pm. Family-friendly events will feature pumpkin decorating, vendor booths, and more!
Check out live music, including the Five Card Studs from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. and SuperFly from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Activities around Drexel Town Square include:
Oak Creek Farmers Market (last day of the year!)
Art vendors
Beer/food vendors
Pumpkin decorating
Scarecrow building
Rock painting
Mad science show
More to come!
Donate a nonperishable food item at the event and receive a free pumpkin! (while supplies last.)
They ask that you please wear a mask when in line or walking around Oak Creek Fall Festival; masks can be removed when sitting at your table. They will monitor for social distancing, and will frequently clean common touchpoints (tables, bathrooms, etc.). Hand sanitizer will be provided at the event!
Great shops, bars, and restaurants are located in and right around Drexel Town Square; feel free to imbibe and enjoy in as many as possible. You’ll find Drexel Town Square along Drexel Avenue, just west of Highway 38/Howell Avenue, 1 1/2 miles east of I-41/94 (where you’ll also find IKEA) and two miles north of Highway 100/Ryan Road.
Oak Creek Fall Festival Address:
Drexel Town Square
361 W. Town Square Way
Oak Creek, WI 53154 Website
Old World Wisconsin, the 1870s-era crossroads village and ethnic farmsteads on 576 acres of wooded hills in the Southern Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest, has gone drive-thru with the Old World Wisconsin Fall Family Fun Drive. This amazing Wisconsin State Historic Site is offering the opportunity for people and families to tour the grounds from the comfort and safety of their vehicles.
Enjoy the fall colors, historic sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Old World Wisconsin on this scenic, 45-minute drive tour of the grounds. This is designed to let you experience OWW differently than ever before; you can even cover routes that aren’t normally accessible during the regular season. The set route offers vignettes that capture the beauty of the landscapes and architecture on the grounds – especially in autumn.
Adding to the fun, an interactive Old World Wisconsin Bingo game will help guide the journey. You’re supposed to remain in your vehicle for most of the tour, but “Instagrammable” opportunities allow you to hop out for photos at select locations. You can also munch on “Fall Flavor Samplers,” filled with tastes of fall like apple cider donuts, landjaeger sausages, and pumpkin cookies, which are available for pre-order that you can then pick up at The Creamery to enjoy during the drive.
The cost for this drive-thru is $20 per vehicle; the optional Fall Flavor Samplers are also $20 and should feed two easily.
You can enjoy the Old World Wisconsin Fall Family Fun Drive-Thru (yes, that’s a long title) on Saturdays and Sundays, October 10th, 11th, 17th, and 18th, from 9am – 3pm. Advanced registration and payment is required; tickets are timed entry, giving guests a 15-minute window to enter the site. You can call 262-594-6311 to register, Shout-out to WaterStone Bank and the Old World Foundation for supporting this!
As part of the COVID-19 precautions, face masks are required for all guests upon entry.
Old World Wisconsin Fall Family Fun Drive Address:
Old World Wisconsin
W372 S9727 Highway 67
Eagle, WI 53119-9503
(262) 594-6311 Website
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events › Festival
October 2, 2021
Dallas Oktoberfest
It’s Oktoberfest in Dallas! Wisconsin. Yes, this hamlet of 400 tucked into the beautiful hills of Barron County hosts Valkyrie Brewing Company, and Valkyrie is hosting the 25th annual Dallas Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 2nd!
While hosted by Valkyrie, the Oktoberfest celebration will be taking place across parks and streets throughout Dallas. Enjoy everything from a pancake breakfast to a Kubb tournament. There is a car show, an arts and crafts fair, an 1860s era baseball game, a dog costume contest, wiener dog race, raffles, plenty of food, and of course tons of beer from Valkyrie Brewing. Taps will be open from 10am to 8pm at the brewery, with other stands pouring throughout the day as well.
Live music plays from noon to 5pm, with performers like KJ Country, Mark Thompson, Steve Midboe, and Weez & Hans. The Squires Band will also be cranking out polka music, which is a required for any Oktoberfest celebration.
Check out the Dallas Oktoberfest schedule right here, and make plans to hit Dallas on Saturday!
There is road construction around Dallas. You can use these directions as your guide:
– From the South, including Eau Claire & Chippewa Falls: Follow U.S. 53 to the Highway 64 exit north of Bloomer. Head west on 64 to Highway 25. Go north on Highway 25 and take a right on County Highway A to Dallas (there are detour signs, but Highway A IS complete and open to Dallas.)
– From the West: Once again, ignore the detour signs on Highway 25. Hwy A is open to Dallas from Hwy 25.
– From the North: Take U.S. 53 to the U.S. 8 exit and head west to Barron. Go south on Highway 25 to County U. Take U east and south into Dallas.
Dallas Oktoberfest Address:
234 Dallas Street (County A)
Dallas, WI 54733
Website
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Delafield Wine Walk & Brew Fest
Delafield celebrates October’s arrival with its 2nd annual Wine Walk & Brew Fest that covers the downtown streets! Socialize and imbibe as you shop, dine and wine (or brew) your way through Downtown Delafield with walking maps for both wine and beer tickets. If you’re more of a wine connai… conisse… lover, you can enjoy one ounce of red and one ounce of white wine at each designated wine stop, provided by LoDuca Wines. If you’re more of a beer lover, a Microbrew ticket lets you stop at numerous places throughout downtown and enjoy samples of up to 3 different beers from each microbrewery.
General Admission:
Ticket ($30) includes samples at each stop on map, commemorative wine glass or beer stein*
A VIP Ticket ($40) provides:
-Early entrance to the event (starting at 3:00 PM,), samples at each stop, commemorative wine glass or pub glass*, gift bag with exclusive commemorative items
*Commemorative wine glasses and beer glasses ARE SOLD OUT. Orders #712 and below will have wine glasses and commemorative beer glasses
Delafield is a beautiful little city of about 7,000 residents in the heart of Waukesha County’s Lake Country. It’s easy to get to, just off I-94 at Exit #285 (County C) or via Highways 16 or 83.
Delafield Wine Walk & Brew Fest Address:
653 Genesee Street (County C)
Delafield, WI
Website
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September 25, 2021 – September 26, 2021
Art Fair on the Square, Madison
2021 Madison Art Fair on the Square Hours:
Saturday, September 25th (9 am–6 pm)
Sunday, September 26th (10 am–5 pm)
2021 Madison Art Fair on the Square Address:
Capitol Square
2 E. Main Street
Madison, WI 53703
Info: (608) 257-0158
Website
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September 18, 2021
Summerfest
In 2021, Summerfest implemented a new type of schedule: shows and events across three summer weekends, all Thursday – Saturday with a “Wednesday Weekend Kickoff Concert” at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater the evening prior each week. The dates will be in September this year to maximize the possibility of the COVID vaccine making it safer for a bigger gathering. The dates are September 2-4, 9-11, and 16-18, 2021.
Due to the increasing spread of COVID-19 including the Delta variant and in part of the requirements from many bands and their staff, Summerfest is requiring the following for entry: a) proof of having had the COVID-19 vaccine, or b) proof of a negative COVID-19 test within the previous 72 hours of your entry. Those who have purchased tickets to show previously are eligible for a refund if they now choose not to attend a show, within certain timeframes. Full information and details are here.
Summerfest lineups by Stage, Date & Time, moving from south to north:
Wednesday, September 1st: Green Day, Fall Out Boy, and Weezer, 5:30pm
Thursday, September 2nd: Luke Bryan with opening guest Dylan Scott
Friday, September 3rd: Chance the Rapper with guests 24KGOLDN, Teezo Touchdown, and DJ Oreo
Saturday, September 4th: Twenty One Pilots
Wednesday, September 8th (Wednesday Weekend Kickoff Concert): Jonas Brothers with guests Kelsea Ballerini and Spencer Sutherland, 7:00pm
Thursday, September 9th: Chris Stapleton with Sheryl Crow
Friday, September 10th: Zac Brown Band with guest Gabby Barrett
Saturday, September 11th: Dave Chapelle
Wednesday, September 15th (Wednesday Weekend Kickoff Concert): Dave Matthews Band
Thursday, September 16th: Megan Thee Stallion with guest Polo G
Friday, September 17th: Miley Cyrus with guest Wiz Khalifa
Saturday, September 18th: Guns ‘N Roses with guest Mammoth WVH featuring Wolfgang Van Halen
BMO Harris Pavilion:
Thursday, September 2nd: Riley’s L.A. Guns, 4pm; Vixen, 6pm; Bad Boy, 8pm; REO Speedwagon, 10pm
Friday, September 3rd: Yola, 4pm; Sky McCreery, 6pm; Leon Bridges, 9:30pm
Saturday, September 4th: John Waite, 4pm; Steely Dane, 8pm; Styx, 9:30pm
Thursday, September 9th: Soul Asylum, 4pm; Ronnie Nyles, 8pm; Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, 9:30pm
Friday, September 10th: Jefferson Starship, 4pm; U2 Zoo, 8pm; Goo Goo Dolls, 9:30pm
Saturday, September 11th: Betty Who, 4pm; Frédéric Yonnet, 6pm; REYNA, 8pm; Ke$ha, 10pm
Thursday, September 16th: Tower of Power, 4pm; Reignwolf, 8pm; Dropkick Murphys, 9:30pm
Friday, September 17th: Ohio Players, 4pm; TommyGunn and Fast Company, 8pm; Charlie Wilson, 9:30pm
Saturday, September 18th: Neal Francis, 8pm; Black Pumas, 9:30pm
Jojo’s Martini Bar Stage:
Thursday, September 2nd: The Cougars, 8pm
Friday, September 3rd: Love Monkeys, 8pm
Saturday, September 4th: The Toys, 8pm
Thursday, September 9th: Eddie Butts Band, 8pm
Friday, September 10th: Totally Neon, 8pm
Saturday, September 11th: Rhythm Kings, 8pm
Thursday, September 16th: 76 Juliet, 8pm
Friday, September 17th: Cold Sweat & the Brew City Horns, 8pm
Saturday, September 18th: The Cheap Shots, 8pm
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Stage:
Thursday, September 2nd: Ozomatli, 4pm; Kix, 8pm; Queensryche, 10pm
Friday, September 3rd: Bow Wow Wow’s Annabella, 4pm; Men Without Hats, 6pm; Berlin featuring Terri Nunn, 8pm; Modern English, 10pm
Saturday, September 4th: Willy Porter, 4pm; Shaggy, 10pm
Thursday, September 9th: Third World, 4pm; J Torres, 8pm; El Gran Combo, 10pm
Friday, September 10th: O.A.R., 10pm
Saturday, September 11th: The Weather Station, 2pm; Toad the Wet Sprocket, 4pm; The Gufs, 6pm; The Weather Station, 8pm; Manchester Orchestra, 10pm
Thursday, September 16th: The Grass Roots, 2pm; GGOOLLDD, 4pm; World’s First Cinema, 8pm; Fitz & the Tantrums, 10pm
Friday, September 17th: Candlebox, 4pm; The Psychedelic Furs, 10pm
Saturday, September 18th: Cam, 4pm; Dillon Carmichael, 8pm; Scotty McCreery, 10pm
Generac Power Stage (formerly the Harley stage):
Thursday, September 2nd: KennyHoopla, 4pm; Almost Monday, 6pm; Cold War Kids, 10pm
Friday, September 3rd: Better Than Ezra, 4pm; Spiritbox, 8pm; Falling In Reverse, 10pm
Saturday, September 4th: TBA, 4pm; Spanish Love Songs, 8pm; Rise Against, 10pm
Thursday, September 9th: DJ Jazzy Jeff, 4pm; Niko Rubio, 5:30pm; Tai Verdes, 6:45pm; Alexander 23, 8pm; Quinn XCII, 10pm
Friday, September 10th: Calenraps, 4pm; Sophia Messa, 6pm; JAHMED, 8pm; G-Eazy, 10pm
Saturday, September 11th: Iration, 4pm; Iya Terra, 6pm; 311, 10pm
Thursday, September 16th: Masked Wolf, 4pm; Diplo, 10pm
Friday, September 17th: Ekoh, 6pm; Run the Jewels, 10pm
Saturday, September 18th: Jeff the Brotherhood, 6pm; Thurston Moore, 8pm; Pixies, 10pm
Miller Lite Oasis:
Thursday, September 2nd: Missio, 4pm; Phantoms DJ Set, 6pm; Jai Wolf DJ Set, 8pm; Big Wild, 10pm
Friday, September 3rd: Grace Weber, 3:30pm; Taylor Bennett, 5pm; DJ Stevie J, 6:30pm; DJ Diesel (Shaquille O’Neal), 10pm
Saturday, September 4th: Left On Sunset, 12pm; Cannons, 4pm; Flo Rida, 10pm
Thursday, September 9th: Everclear, 4pm; Grandson, 6pm; K. Flay, 8pm; Coheed & Cambria, 10pm
Friday, September 10th: Sugarhill Gang, 4pm; Grandmaster Melle Mel & Scorpio Furious 5, 6pm; Trapper Schoepp, 8pm; Wilco, 10pm
Saturday, September 11th: Bobby Friss, 6pm; Jackson Michaelson, 8pm; Brett Eldredge, 10pm
Thursday, September 16th: Big Daddy Kane, 4pm; Daydream Masi, 6pm; Ludacris, 10pm
Friday, September 17th: Joywave, 4pm; Joan, 6pm; Claud, 8pm; Bleachers, 10pm
Saturday, September 18th: TBA
Johnson Controls World Sound Stage:
Thursday, September 2nd: Emily Blue, 5:30pm; Foushee, 8pm
Friday, September 3rd: Victoria Canal, 6:45pm; Indigo Girls, 8pm;
Saturday, September 4th: J.D. McPherson, 6:45pm; Drive-By Truckers, 8pm; TBA
Thursday, September 9th: Peter Mulvey & Sistastrings, 6:45pm; Ani DiFranco, 8pm
Friday, September 10th: Gina Brooklyn, 5:30pm; Torres, 6:45pm; Jade Bird, 8pm
Saturday, September 11th: Tank & the Bangas, 8pm
Thursday, September 16th: Fishbone, 4:15pm; Caley Conway, 6:45pm; Liz Phair, 8pm
Friday, September 17th: Michigander, 5:30pm; Future Islands, 8pm; Jayx, 10pm
Saturday, September 18th: The Moon City Masters, 6:45pm; Sheila E., 8pm
U.S. Cellular Connection Stage:
Thursday, September 2nd: Kurtis Blow, 4pm; Unusual Demont, 6pm; T-Pain, 10pm
Friday, September 3rd: Tenille Arts, 4pm; King Calaway, 6pm; Reyna Roberts, 8pm; Chris Janson, 10pm
Saturday, September 4th: Blanco Brown, 4pm; Chayce Beckham, 6pm; Yung Bleu, 10pm
Thursday, September 9th: Kentucky Headhunters, 4pm; George Thorogood & the Destroyers, 10pm
Friday, September 10th: Maddie & Tae, 4pm; Tyler Farr, 6pm; Nelly, 10pm
Saturday, September 11th: Nikhil Korula Band, 6pm, Koch Marshall Trio, 8pm, ZZ Top, 10pm
Thursday, September 16th: Thompson Square, 6pm; Jimmie Allen, 8pm; Jordan Davis, 10pm
Friday, September 17th: Nora Collins, 6pm; Ray Fulcher, 8pm; Jake Owen, 10pm
Saturday, September 18th: Poi Dog Pondering, 4pm; Turkuaz featuring Jerry Harrison & Adrian Belew, 10pm
Klement’s Sausage & Beer Garden Stage:
Thursday, September 2nd: Robin Pluer and the R&B Croquettes, 7pm
Friday, September 3rd: Brian Dale Band, 7pm
Saturday, September 4th: Senri Oe, 7pm
Thursday, September 9th: Vivo, 7pm
Friday, September 10th: Wait For Morning, 7pm
Saturday, September 11th: Johnny Burgin, 7pm
Thursday, September 16th: The Group, 7pm
Friday, September 17th: Eric Barbieri Acoustic Duo, 7pm
Saturday, September 18th: Steve Meisner Polka Band, 7pm
Uline Warehouse Stage:
Thursday, September 2nd: Robert Randolph and the Family Band, 4:30pm; Steepwater Band, 6:30pm; Jackie Venson, 8pm; Blackberry Smoke, 10pm
Friday, September 3rd: North Coast Orchestra, 4:30pm; Night Ranger, 6:30pm; Phil Vassar, 8pm; TBA, 10pm
Saturday, September 4th: Shinyribs, 6:30pm; Vince Neil of Motley Crue, 10pm
Thursday, September 9th: Armchair Boogie, 3pm; Hotel California: A Salute to The Eagles, 4:30pm; Them Coulee Boys, 6:30pm; Greensky Bluegrass, 10pm
Friday, September 10th: Jesse McCartney, 4pm; COMEDY SHOWS including Marc “Skippy” Price, Mindy Rickles, Camilla Cleese, and Michael Winslow, 6:30pm; Lindsey Sterling, 10pm
Saturday, September 11th: Filter, 4:30pm; Living Colour, 6:30pm; Hinder, 8pm; Buckcherry, 10pm
Thursday, September 16th: Spin Doctors, 4:30pm; Dirty Heads, 10pm
Friday, September 17th: Mother Mother, 4:30pm; Velvet Starlings, 6:30pm; Dead Sara, 8pm; The Struts, 10pm
Saturday, September 18th: Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound, 2pm; Galactic, 4:30pm; TBA, 10pm
Watch for new announcements, see Summerfest.com for more lineups the timeliest way possible!
Summerfest Tickets
Single Day Tickets run $23 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.
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 2021 Address:
Henry Maier Festival Park
200 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 273-2680
Website
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Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest
Chippewa Falls is plenty of fun any time of the year, but as summer turns to fall Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest hits the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds and the party really starts! This year, Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest runs Friday, September 16th and Saturday, September 17th, 2022.
This year will bring more kids’ activities and Glockenspiel acts, as well as some of our favorite competitions, such as stein holding, sauerkraut eating, and keg rolling. The weekend kicks off in earnest with the Festmeister and Festmeisterin being announced at the Leinenkugel grounds at 12:00 noon on Friday, followed by the Golden Keg procession to the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds and the tapping of the Golden Keg. Festival goers can enjoy four stages, over 30 entertainers, vendors, authentic foods, and plenty of dancing. And of course, plenty of Gemütlichkeit!
Admission to Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest is $10 at the gate; kids 12 and under get in free. You can buy wristbands, parking, multi-day deals, merch, and more here.
Chippewa Falls is easy to get to! The Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds are right along Highway 124 (U.S. 53 back in the day), just north of Business Highway 29. Today’s U.S. 53 freeway, Highway 29 freeway, and Highway 178 all bring you to Chippewa Falls, too. It’s only about 15 minutes north of Eau Claire off I-94, too.
A Schedule of Events is below!
Here’s this year’s Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest Schedule of Events (.pdf):
FRIDAY
11:00 am – 11:00 pm Grounds Open
11:00 am- 8:45 pm Souvenir Haus Open
Noon Announcement of 2022 Festmeister and Festmeisterin Golden Keg Procession from the Leinenkugel Brewery
1:30 pm – 8:00 pm Boxx Sanitation’s Kid’s Kingdom and Games Open
Northwestern Bank Hauptfestzelt – Main Entertainment Tent
Upon Entrance: Golden Keg Tap
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm The Bavarian Musikmeisters
3:30 pm – 6:30 pm Brass Barn Polka Band
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm Brian Bruggen & The Mississippi Valley Dutchmen
Festival Foods Oktoberfest Pavilion
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Marshall Star Band
4:30 pm – 7:00 pm Lovin’ Country
7:30 pm – 11:00 pm Bear Creek Band
Leinie Lodge Biergarten
1:00 pm – 3:30 pm Rhythm Playboys
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm The Bockfest Boys
7:30 pm – 11:00 pm Drop Tailgate
Glockenspiel Stage
3:00 pm Glockenspiel Show sponsored by Great Northern Corporation
6:00 pm Stein Holding Competition
Famileintreff (Family Fun) Building
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm The Spoon Man
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Face Painting
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm Kevin Hall, Magician
5:15 pm – 5:45 pm Cale the Juggler
6:00 pm – 6:30 pm The Spoon Man
6:45 pm – 7:15 pm Kevin Hall, Magician
7:30 pm – 8:00 pm Cale the Juggler
8:00 pm Sauerkraut Eating Competition
SATURDAY
11:00 am- 11:00 pm Grounds Open
11:00 am Boxx Sanitation’s Kid’s Kingdom & Games, Art Area Open
11:00 am – 8:45 pm Souvenir Haus Open
1:00 pm Sheepshead & Euchre Card Tournament
2:00 pm Hoeft Brothers Keg Rolling Competition
3:00 pm On Grounds Parade
Northwestern Bank Hauptfestzelt – Main Entertainment Tent
11:00 am – 2:00 pm Jim Busta Band
3:30 pm – 6:30 pm Blaskapelle Milwaukee
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm LIVEWire
Festival Foods Oktoberfest Pavilion
11:00 am – 2:45 pm Troppo Big Band
3:30 pm – 6:30 pm Schnapps und Tanz Oktoberfest Band
7:30 pm – 11:00 pm The Justmann Band
Leinie Lodge Biergarten
12:00 pm- 3:00 pm Sean & Ian Okamoto
3:30 pm – 6:30 pm Gary’s Ridgeland Dutchmen
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm Legacy of the Loud
Glockenspiel Stage
4:00 pm Glockenspiel Show sponsored by Great Northern Corporation
6:00 pm Stein Holding Competition
9:00 pm Glockenspiel Show sponsored by Great Northern Corporation
Familientreff (Family Fun) Stage
11:00am – 2:00 pm Bird Haus Making – Optimist Club
12:00pm – 4:00pm Balloon Artist David Olson
12:00pm – 7:00 pm Face Painting
11:45am – 12:15am Magician, Kristopher Olson
12:30pm – 1:00 pm The Spoon Man
1:00pm German Star Making Demonstration
1:15pm – 1:45pm Cale the Juggler
2:00pm Scherenschnitte Demonstration
2:00pm – 2:30pm Magician, Kristopher Olson
2:30pm – 3:00pm Kinder Kostume Fashion Show (Kid’s Ethnic Attire)
3:30pm Dumpling Making Demonstration
3:30pm – 4:00pm Cale the Juggler
4:15pm – 5:00pm Magician, Kristopher Olson
4:30pm Sauerkraut Making Demonstration
5:15pm – 5:45pm The Spoon Man
6:00pm – 6:30pm Cale the Juggler
7:00pm Kid’s Sauerkraut Eating Contest
7:30pm Meet the Oktoberfest Royalty
7:45pm Sauerkraut Eating Contest
Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest Address:
Northern Wisconsin State Fair
331 Jefferson Avenue
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
(866) 723-0340
Website
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August 13, 2021 – August 14, 2021
Rogers Street Days at Historic Rogers Street Fishing Village
Enjoy FREE live music from Beer Club Friday night, Nettle Hill Saturday afternoon, and the Dave Steffen Band Saturday night. There will be plenty of family fun during the day Saturday, including boat building for kids, kids’ games, bingo for everyone, bucket raffles, and fantastic food and refreshments.
And while you’re there, tour the museums, walk the boardwalk, check out the original engines, shipwreck remnants and artifacts, climb the original 1886 lighthouse, and explore the 1936 tugboat Buddy O. You can have fun and learn – and then eat, drink, and have more fun!
You’ll find the Historic Rogers Street Fishing Village near Highway 42 in Two Rivers, near the endpoints of Highways 147 and 310.
Rogers Street Days Address:
2102 Jackson Street (just off Highway 42)
Two Rivers, WI 54241
(920) 793-5905
Website
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August 7, 2021
Waukesha Art Crawl
Downtown Waukesha, along with being a crazy maze of streets, offers up a lot of fun places. That includes art galleries. For the Waukesha Art Crawl, over 175 artisans at 20 galleries and showplaces, live music, gift shops and more are featured at this seasonal event. Walk the downtown streets to discover your next artistic treasure, shop the boutiques, listen to live music or indulge in food and drink.
The “Mother of All Crawls” is the theme for the next one on Saturday, August 7th, 2021.
Check out WaukeshaArt.com for all the updates and details!
The Waukesha Art Crawl for 2021 takes place on the following Saturdays:
May 1st
August 7th
October 2nd
December 4th
How do you get into Waukesha? I-94 and Highway 16 bring you to the north side; Highways 59 and 164 round the south and east sides. U.S. 18 cuts right through, or take East or St. Paul Avenues.
Waukesha Art Crawl Address:
Downtown Waukesha
337 W. Main Street
Waukesha, WI 53186
(262) 542-1522
Website
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Hartford Hot Air Balloon Rally
Hartford Hot Air Balloon Rally Schedule of Events
You’ll see the balloons in the air from miles around, but to get to Hartford’s Municipal Airport, head to County U northwest of downtown via Highway 60 or Highway 83. There is also FREE shuttle service from the Schauer Arts Center, right next to the Wisconsin Automotive Museum, from 4pm until after the fireworks are done.
Hear more about the Hot Air Balloon Rally in our State Trunk Tour Podcast interview with Doreen Buntrock from the Hartford Chamber! It begins about 19 minutes in…
Hartford Hot Air Balloon Rally Address:
Hartford Municipal Airport
4200 County Highway U
Hartford, WI 53027
(262) 673-7002
Website
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July 15, 2021 – July 17, 2021
Country Jam USA
Country Jam USA brings top country talent from across the nation to Eau Claire, July 15-17, 2021! Country Jam offers ample space for the stages, vendors, food trucks and more. The nearby Whispering Pine grounds offers easy camping with 11 different areas for all kinds of campers. Campers also get exclusive live music on Wednesday night!
The Subway Party Pit is already sold out for the 2021 shows, but VIP tickets are still available. VIP tickets include assigned seating within the first 26 rows, complimentary beer, soda, and cocktails until 9:30pm daily, food court-style dining all day and evening, and “cruise ship style” dinner buffets every evening. There is also complimentary VIP parking and a private, exclusive tented area.
Country Jam USA Lineup
Thursday, July 15th 1PM-Midnight
Chris Kroeze | 2:00 PM
Phil Vassar | 3:30 PM
Craig Morgan | 5:15 PM
HARDY | 7:15 PM
Morgan Wallen | 9:30 PM
Friday, July 16th 1PM-Midnight
Dawn Marie | 2:00 PM
John Michael Montgomery | 3:30 PM
Rodney Atkins | 5:15 PM
Chris Janson | 7:15 PM
Chris Young | 9:30 PM
Saturday, July 17th 1PM-Midnight
Shenandoah featuring Marty Raybon | 1:45 PM
BlackHawk | 3:30 PM
Tracy Lawrence | 5:15 PM
Cody Johnson | 7:15 PM
Jon Pardi | 9:30 PM
Tickets range from one-day general admission ($109) to the 3-day Superfan admission ($299, or $675 for VIP) with plenty of options in the middle.
Major roads bring you very close to the Country Jam grounds, including I-94, U.S. 12, U.S. 53, and Highways 37, 85, and 93. It’s a great part of a long road trip to the Eau Claire area!
Country Jam USA Address:
3443 Crescent Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54703
(715) 839-7500
Website
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July 15, 2021 – July 17, 2021
Rock Fest, Cadott
Cadott hosts some major music festivals, including Rock Fest – the Largest Rock & Camping Festival in the US!
Rock Fest is THE top venue for people of all ages to come together for one common purpose: to congregate with other rock fans from across the world, in a place where rock music still matters. Featuring the very best of active and classic rock and legendary names in Rock Music, entertainment and experience are first priority. Aerosmith, Iron Maiden, Avenged Sevenfold, Kiss, Motley Crue, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, Kid Rock, Shinedown, Five Finger Death Punch, Rob Zombie, Korn & many, many more rock legends have graced this permanent Main Stage spanning a quarter century.
This year’s acts include:
Thursday, July 15th
Rob Zombie + Staind, Theory of a Deadman, Steel Panther, Saint Asonia, Memphis May Fire, Fozzy, Blacktop Mojo, Carnifex, Fire From the Gods, Falling Through April, Scattered Hamlet, Anything But Human, Digital Homicide, Any Given Sin, GFM, Jett Threatt, Nivrana, Drama Queen, Contingency, and Ignescent.
Friday, July 16th
Limp Bizkit + Snoop Dogg, Anthrax, Badflower, Of Mice & Men, Bad Wolves, All That Remains, Like A Storm, Crobot, Bones UK, Silvertung, Wildstreet, Distal Descent, City of the Weak, Throw the Fight, SIIN, Hammer Down Hard, Fool Fighters, Dressed To Kill, Strange Daze, Caster Volor
Saturday, July 17th
Korn + Danzig, Chevelle, Motionless In White, Avatar, We Came As Romans, Gemini Syndrome, Through Fire, Hyro the Hero, Rachel Lorin, Stormbreaker, Nuisance, Stellar Circuits, Your Screaming Silence, Evandale, Strate Jak It, Mad Alice, Cowboys From Hell, Probable Cause, and FMDown
Rock Fest is set on 320 acres of picturesque land in Cornell near the junction of Highway 27 and 29. There are nearly 7,000 campsites within easy walking distance; hotels are available (especially in nearby Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls), plus daily shuttle service. Yes, this is kind of a big deal.
Festival Grounds Features
Get all the details, lineup, ticket options, and more at the Rock Fest website!
Rock Fest Address:
24447 County Highway S
Cadott, WI 54727
(800) 326-3378
Website
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June 5, 2021
Seltzerland Hard Seltzer Festival
Seltzerland includes Wisconsin on its tour in 2021, with a stop at the Oak Hills Golf Club in Oak Creek on Saturday, June 5th. Over 30 seltzer flavors will be available to try, with 2-oz. samples and numerous other options. General Admission tickets include 30+ seltzer samples, a White Claw® drawstring bag, your commemorative tasting cup, and food truck bites available for purchase. VIP tickets add a full can of hard seltzer, a ghost tequila specialty cocktail, complimentary lunch, and premier time slots.
Brands include: White Claw, Vizzy, Mamitas, Basic, Coors Hard Seltzer, Playa Mar, Volley, Purity, Press, 99, Bravazzi, Tierra Buena, Rockit, Carbliss, and more. Old Smoky Moonshine, Fun Wine, Fireball Whiskey, Ghost Tequila, and more will be there, too!
Tickets are $45 for general admission and $65 for VIP. They’re selling out fast (they had to open more slots, actually), so HURRY if you want to check this out! Get tickets here.
You’ll find the Seltzerland activities at Oak Hills Golf Club, which is right along Highway 38 (Howell Avenue) in Oak Creek, one mile south of Highway 100 and less than two miles east of I-41/94. It’s easy to get to! Oh, and don’t expect to golf on the course that day – it’s all seltzer on June 5th.
Seltzerland Address:
Oak Hills Golf Club
10360 S. Howell Avenue (Highway 38)
Oak Creek, WI 53154
Website
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May 30, 2021
Port Washington Art Walk
You can access downtown Port Washington via Highways 32 or 33 from I-43 or Highway 57. While you’re there, check out Coal Dock Park, the walkways in the marina, the Port Exploreum (a great maritime museum), Inventors Brewpub (located in a VFW hall with a lake view), and the shops, restaurants, and more up and down the streets!
Port Washington Art Walk Address:
Downtown Port Washington
100 N. Franklin Street (Highway 32)
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 268-1132
Website
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May 22, 2021 – May 23, 2021
West Bend Spring Fling Art & Craft Fair
The 4th annual West Bend Spring Fling Art & Craft Fair happens Saturday, May 22nd and Sunday, May 23rd at the Washington County Fair Park’s Ziegler Building! The Brew City Crafters host this two-day event with over 100 local exhibitors. It’s their first event in 18 months, so everybody is more than ready. It’s all indoors and approximately 85% of the booths will feature handmade arts & crafts focused on a wide variety of categories, including:
It runs from 10 am – 4pm both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $3 for any individual over 12 years of age. Advance ticket sales are strongly recommended, as they are required to cap visitor volume per hour for this event. Your purchase of an ticket in advance directly supports the Wisconsin Humane Society!
You’ll find the Washington County Fair Park & Conference Center on the south side of West Bend, right off the U.S. 45 freeway. Highway 60 is about a mile south, and Highways 33 and 144 are to the north (they go right into town.) While you’re around West Bend, check out the downtown area including the Wisconsin Museum of Art, the shops on Main Street, the Toucan for some great custard, Riverside Brewery, and a lot more! It’s less than 10 minutes north of the I-41/U.S. 45 split, too.
West Bend Spring Fling Art & Craft Fair Address:
Washington County Fair Park & Conference Center
3000 County PV/Pleasant Valley Road
West Bend, WI 53095
Website
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January 23, 2021 – January 24, 2021
West Bend Winter Warm Up
West Bend, named for a bend in the Milwaukee River, is the seat of Washington County and is known for great shops and its beautiful downtown. Saturday, January 23rd and Sunday, January 24th, you can enjoy the city in full at the annual West Bend Winter Warm Up!
Check out the ice sculptures in the downtown area, including a live Ice Sculpture Demo in Old Settlers Park on Saturday between 1pm and 2:30pm. Downtown shops will have specials, treats, and chances for you to win gift baskets.
The High Jass Fat Tire Bike Race will take place in Regner Park, just across Highways 33/144 from downtown, both Saturday and Sunday. Check out the bikes churning their wide tires up and down hills and across trails in this two-day fun competition!
The Winter Luminary Walk is a free, lighted walking experience at and through the Lac Lawrann Conservancy. It happens from 5pm to 7pm Saturday evening.
Check out great stops downtown too, including Now and Then Antiques, West Bend Pilot Boutique & Unique Finds, Savoring Thyme, The Oaken Hogg Whiskey Bar, Riverside Brewery, Urban Bend Trends, Perfect Timing Gift Shop, Xpressions Yarn, Bead & Gift Boutique, All In Books, Over the Moon Gift Shop, and more! The Wisconsin Museum of Art is downtown across the river from Main Street, too.
You can easily access West Bend via Highways 33 and 144, just east of the U.S. 45 freeway in the heart of Washington County. Nearby, check out Sunburst Ski Hill in Kewaskum or Little Switzerland in Slinger for winter fun involving skiing, snowboarding, or tubing!
West Bend Winter Warm Up Address:
Downtown West Bend (120 N. Main Street)
West Bend, WI 53095
Website
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January 21, 2021 – January 24, 2021
Beloit Winterfest
Beloit embraces the cold and snowy season with its annual Beloit Winterfest, which this year offers a mix of virtual and in-person activities throughout locations in the city. It takes place Thursday, January 21st through Sunday, January 24th, 2021.
The City of Beloit Parks and Recreation Division runs these events, with in-person activities incorporating safety and social distance to increase opportunities for families and visitors to get out and enjoy winter in Beloit.
Beloit Winterfest Events include:
Virtual events such as:
The “No Snow” Man Building Contest, where you can gather basic household items and build your snowman indoors. The winner will receive a prize bag filled with goodies; the deadline for sending in your photo is 3pm on Sunday the 24th.
The “Ralphie Challenge”, where you put on as many shirts and sweaters as you can, send in a picture, and potentially win another prize bag filled with goodies. This deadline is also 3pm on Sunday the 24th.
In-Person events, including:
Snow Golf, which has a twist: you use a tennis ball as a ball and the snow as your tee. This takes place at Krueger-Haskell Golf Course (1611 Hackett Street) on Saturday, January 23rd. Golfers of all ages and all abilities are encouraged to participate. Reservations are required, and are for 9 holes walking. The rate applies for all ages. Updated COVID-19 guidelines will be in place and social distancing will be required. You must register by Thursday the 21st!
The “Welty Winder” Scavenger Hunt, where you can test your knowledge (and bloodhound-type skills) to find everything in this hunt throughout the city. The Welty Environmental Center takes you on this journey with 20 total clues. Share your journey on social media using the hashtags #BeloitWinterfest, #WeltyWinder and #BeloitWI… and #stt or #StateTrunkTour!
Find out more details with their online flyer, and check out other cool stuff in Beloit like G5 Brewing, the Ironworks Hotel and complex, the shops and restaurants downtown along Grand Avenue and adjacent streets, and more.
It’s easy to get to Beloit! Follow I-39/90 south, I-43 southwest from Milwaukee, or U.S. 51 south from Janesville. Highway 81 goes through town and provides access from Monroe and other points west; Highway 213 comes into Beloit from the northwest. Downtown is nestled in Beloit right next to the Beloit College campus, just blocks north of the Wisconsin-Illinois state line. It’s remarkable to see what Beloit has done with the city’s resurgence; see it this weekend with Beloit Winterfest!
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December 5, 2020
Waukesha Art Crawl
Downtown Waukesha, along with being a crazy maze of streets, offers up a lot of fun places. That includes art galleries. For the Waukesha Art Crawl (this one being #113), over 175 artisans represented, live music, galleries, studios, food/drinks, gifts, gifts, antiques, live music & more! There will also be a special Teacher’s Art Showcase at Otto’s Fine Art Academy. Look for a special Pop Up gallery at Art Links 333. As part of Waukesha Silver Bells, there will also be Reindeer at People’s Park from 1pm – 4pm. Many of the galleries and business open at 10am, so you can make a day of it. With COVID, of course CDC Guidelines are in place so you can enjoy the Waukesha Art Crawl safely. Please check with the participating to find out specifics for their businesses. Walk the downtown streets to discover your next artistic treasure, shop the boutiques, listen to live music or indulge in food and drink!
Check out WaukeshaArt.com for all the updates and details!
How do you get into Waukesha? I-94 and Highway 16 bring you to the north side; Highways 59 and 164 round the south and east sides. U.S. 18 cuts right through, take that or East or St. Paul Avenues.
Get a map of the events here!
Waukesha Art Crawl Address:
Downtown Waukesha, WI
(262) 542-1522
Website
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November 27, 2020 – December 24, 2020
Enchantment in the Park, West Bend
West Bend’s Regner Park hosts Washington County’s premier holiday lights event from November 27th through Christmas Eve (December 24th, obviously), 2020 with Enchantment in the Park.
There’s no cost to enter Enchantment in the Park, but donations are welcome – a suggested cash donation is $10; non-perishable food donations are also welcome.
Enchantment in the Park is open daily, 5pm to 9pm. You’ll find Regner Park along Highway 144/Main Street just north of Highway 33 and downtown West Bend. It’s less than five minutes east of the U.S. 45 freeway.
Enchantment in the Park Address:
Regner Park
800 N. Main Street
West Bend, WI 53090
Website
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November 6, 2020 – November 8, 2020
Bloomin’ Holidays, Museum of Wisconsin Art
West Bend’s Museum of Wisconsin Art offers Bloomin’ Holidays the first full weekend of November. In this crazy year, a “Floral Sanctuary” is the theme, showcasing (as they note) the “ephemeral beauty of flowers.” The event technically begins Friday, November 6th, but earlier in the week the museum will kick things off with a rather impressive large-scale exterior art installation using animated video projection right onto the building. The event itself includes three full days of floral arrangements throughout the museum, including pre-recorded video experts who discuss the flowers in 15-minutes talks throughout the weekend, on display in the atrium. The expanded MOWA Shop will offer a variety of gift giving items including unique hats, soaps, candles, ceramic dishware, and even delicious chocolates and maple syrup.
Featured Designers and Programs include:
Michael Alt, who will install a spectacular floral installation the museum’s atrium. Alt, who owns a shop in Milwaukee’s Walkers Point with his name on it, was awarded Best of Show at both 2017 and 2018 Bloomin’ Holidays for his creative floral masterpieces.
Enhancing Your Living Space featuring Zannah Crowe, a horticulturalist at Johnson’s Gardens, will help you discover ways to bring a beautiful, natural exterior to your indoor spaces. She’ll share tips for the proper care and placement of house plants, so you can benefit from that extra boost in mood and oxygen!
Grapevine Wreaths featuring Dane County botanist Kevin Kawula will help you learn which wood and vine elements can be best used for floral arrangements; he’ll also demonstrate the construction of a natural, DIY grapevine wreath for your home.
Fall Forage featuring John Holzwart from Plant Based Services LLC will showcase our native Wisconsin plant life, complete with tips and information on local foraging, medicinal plant life, and seasonal flower collecting.
Timed Entry due to COVID for safety and enjoyment
MOWA provides a safe socially distanced experience, limiting gallery capacity to 25% or less. To ensure you can visit at your preferred time during Bloomin’ Holidays, you can make a timed reservation for Friday, November 6th, Saturday, November 7th, or Sunday, November 8th. You can also call (262) 334-9638. If you don’t make a reservation beforehand, you will be welcomed in at the first available entry time. Please note, the 9:30-11:30 timed entry reservations will be reserved for seniors and at-risk members.
The Museum of Wisconsin Art is in the heart of West Bend, just east across the Milwaukee River from the downtown shops. It’s accessible right off Highways 33; Highway 144 meets up just across the river. U.S. 45’s freeway bypass is just a few miles to the west and provides quick access to West Bend, and following the historic U.S. 45 route (Main Street) from the south brings you right there.
Bloomin’ Holidays Address:
Wisconsin Museum of Art
205 Veterans Avenue
West Bend, WI 53095
(262) 334-9638
Website
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October 24, 2020
Oak Creek Fall Festival
Oak Creek Fall Festival is the city’s annual harvest tradition, taking place throughout the Drexel Town Square complex! It’s an outdoor event that celebrates everything autumn on Saturday, October 24th from 9am to 6pm. Family-friendly events will feature pumpkin decorating, vendor booths, and more!
Check out live music, including the Five Card Studs from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. and SuperFly from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Activities around Drexel Town Square include:
They ask that you please wear a mask when in line or walking around Oak Creek Fall Festival; masks can be removed when sitting at your table. They will monitor for social distancing, and will frequently clean common touchpoints (tables, bathrooms, etc.). Hand sanitizer will be provided at the event!
Great shops, bars, and restaurants are located in and right around Drexel Town Square; feel free to imbibe and enjoy in as many as possible. You’ll find Drexel Town Square along Drexel Avenue, just west of Highway 38/Howell Avenue, 1 1/2 miles east of I-41/94 (where you’ll also find IKEA) and two miles north of Highway 100/Ryan Road.
Oak Creek Fall Festival Address:
Drexel Town Square
361 W. Town Square Way
Oak Creek, WI 53154
Website
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October 17, 2020 – October 18, 2020
Old World Wisconsin Fall Family Fun Drive
Old World Wisconsin, the 1870s-era crossroads village and ethnic farmsteads on 576 acres of wooded hills in the Southern Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest, has gone drive-thru with the Old World Wisconsin Fall Family Fun Drive. This amazing Wisconsin State Historic Site is offering the opportunity for people and families to tour the grounds from the comfort and safety of their vehicles.
Enjoy the fall colors, historic sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Old World Wisconsin on this scenic, 45-minute drive tour of the grounds. This is designed to let you experience OWW differently than ever before; you can even cover routes that aren’t normally accessible during the regular season. The set route offers vignettes that capture the beauty of the landscapes and architecture on the grounds – especially in autumn.
Adding to the fun, an interactive Old World Wisconsin Bingo game will help guide the journey. You’re supposed to remain in your vehicle for most of the tour, but “Instagrammable” opportunities allow you to hop out for photos at select locations. You can also munch on “Fall Flavor Samplers,” filled with tastes of fall like apple cider donuts, landjaeger sausages, and pumpkin cookies, which are available for pre-order that you can then pick up at The Creamery to enjoy during the drive.
The cost for this drive-thru is $20 per vehicle; the optional Fall Flavor Samplers are also $20 and should feed two easily.
You can enjoy the Old World Wisconsin Fall Family Fun Drive-Thru (yes, that’s a long title) on Saturdays and Sundays, October 10th, 11th, 17th, and 18th, from 9am – 3pm. Advanced registration and payment is required; tickets are timed entry, giving guests a 15-minute window to enter the site. You can call 262-594-6311 to register, Shout-out to WaterStone Bank and the Old World Foundation for supporting this!
As part of the COVID-19 precautions, face masks are required for all guests upon entry.
Old World Wisconsin Fall Family Fun Drive Address:
Old World Wisconsin
W372 S9727 Highway 67
Eagle, WI 53119-9503
(262) 594-6311
Website
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