Happening quarterly, Gallery Night & Day is one of the premier art events in Milwaukee. It’s the “Ultimate Art Weekend,” with over 50 venues throughout the Historic Third Ward and Downtown that serve as showcases for viewing art from paintings to sculptures to other creative outlets. Bars and restaurants stay open later than usual Friday night, while Saturday is a prime time to continue the gallery gallivanting while also enjoying the area’s unique and eclectic selection of shops.
Along with art galleries, Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward is filled with boutique shops like Lela, Bangles & Bags, Shoo, Untuck’d, Stephanie Horne Boutique, MILWORKS, Lizzibeth, Drybar, Too Much Metal, MODA3, and more. You’ll also find Anthropologie, Designs Within Reach, Restoration Hardware, Francesca’s, Mod Gen, Retique, Warby Parker, Lululemon Athletica, and more. You can also stop in Wizard Works Brewing orBroken Bat Brewery for craft beer, or Vino 100 or Thief Wine in the Milwaukee Public Market for a fantastic selection of wines. Numerous restaurants in the Third Ward offer everything from bar food to Asian fusion, American and Korean barbecue, and Italian – plus Shake Shack. The Milwaukee Public Marketdraws visitors from all over and offers takeaway and ready-to-eat food, drinks, and sundries in one dynamic setting.
This quarter, Gallery Night runs Friday and Saturday, April 19th and 20th. Activities begin late afternoon Friday and run through Saturday afternoon. I-43/94, I-794, U.S. 18, and Highway 32 are all amidst where it takes place; Highways 38, 59, and 145 get you close! The city has signs directing you to the Third Ward from the Marquette Interchange. You can also ride The Hop, the local streetcar
Full details and venue listings are available on their website. You’ll find the latest listings of shops, galleries, bars, restaurants, and more – things develop and change quickly in the Third Ward!
Gallery Night & Day Address:
Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward
300 N. Broadway (and all over the area)
Milwaukee, WI 53202 Website
Mmmm… Grilled Cheese. Can it get any better?? Dodgeville is “Grilled Cheese Central” on Saturday, April 20, 2024 as the Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship takes place at the Leo Pavilion in Harris Park. Amateurs and professionals compete in 4 “heats” to determine the best grilled cheese sandwiches in Wisconsin and compete for fabulous prizes. Listen to live music, drink some beer and wine, sample outstanding grilled cheese sandwiches. Fun for all ages. Free admission! Get all the details at their website, grilledcheesewisconsin.com.
You can get to Dodgeville via U.S. 18 & 151 and Highway 23. Any trip is worth it for grilled cheese!
Our previous favorites have included the Gouda Girls (below); Tina and Katherine make grilled cheese sandwich combos that win all across the nation. They’re based in Milwaukee and do incredible things with taste buds. Our head State Trunk Tour guy Eric Paulsen got to experience their creations firsthand in this Discover Wisconsinepisode. We don’t have any vote, though, so we’ll see how this goes.
Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship Address:
Harris Park
600 Bennett Road
Dodgeville, WI 53533
(608) 935-9200 Website
The annual Between the Bluffs Beer Wine & Cheese Festival is celebrating its return April 27, 2024! Join them for a tasting of over 200 quality beers poured by over 35 breweries. Experience over 45 types of wine, sample and purchase gourmet cheeses, all while enjoying live music. Don’t forget to sign-up for the Coulee Region Cornhole Tournament and play some Hammer-Schlagen.
It all begins Friday evening, April 26th, with Friday Night: Taster’s Eve. You can buy a wristband and ride the shuttles to various participating establishments for specials and tap take-overs by guest breweries attending the fest.
The main festival takes place at La Crosse’s Southside Oktoberfest Grounds on Saturday afternoon, April 23rd, with general admission ($50) from 2-6pm. VIP tickets ($90) allow for a noon entry. Details on what you get with each are below!
But that’s not all…
Sunday, April 28th is the Bacon Bloody Brunch! Jump back on the horse or come out for a “Sunday Funday” at the Oktoberfest Grounds! Enjoy specialty breakfast drinks, yard games, live music, and of course BACON. Specialty drinks include beer bloodies, mimosas and breakfast beer served up by Del’s Bar, Pearl Street Brewery, and Surly Brewing Company. For eats, enjoy giant pancakes served up by Mindoro Lions Club, bacon provided by Bubba’s Meats and Premier Catering, cheesy potatoes, and eggs. Coffee will also be available.
For Sunday’s Bacon Bloody Brunch, tickets are available for $15, which are available online or at the gates. You must be 21 years or older and show ID at the gate.
I-90, U.S. 14/61, U.S. 53, and Highways 16, 33, and 35 all bring you to La Crosse, and they’re all beautiful drives as you head “Between the Bluffs”!
Between the Bluffs Beer Wine and Cheese Festival Address:
Southside Oktoberfest Grounds
2nd & La Crosse Streets
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 782-2250 or (800) 658-9424 Website
Between the Bluffs Ticket ($55) Details:
General Admission Tickets include:
Souvenir sampling glass
Sampling of Beer, Wine, and Cheese
Live Music
Tasters Eve events on Friday, April 26th
Free shuttle for Tasters Eve events and on day of Fest from and to Host Hotels
Voucher for La Crosse County Tavern League “Safe Ride Home” upon request
VIP Tickets ($95) Include:
ALL GENERAL ADMISSION PERKS PLUS:
VIP and Brewers Reception Friday, April 26th
Private access from 12:00 – 2:00 PM before the general admission entry at 2:00pm
On-site VIP parking
VIP special gift
2 Free Pearl Street Brewery Drinks and 1 Free Food Coupon Redeemable at Monkey Business Food Truck on Taster’s Eve (April 26th) @ Pearl Street Brewery from 5-10 PM
Enjoy some Friday night fun during First Fridays Racine, taking place along Main Street in Downtown Racine from May – December from 4-9pm! It happens throughout the downtown area, centered on Monument Square where Highways 20 and 38 cap the ends of a main thoroughfare that is Highway 32.
Friday, May 3rd, 2024 is “Foodie” First Fridays!
Prepare your palate for an extraordinary culinary adventure as Downtown Racine transforms into a foodie’s paradise for the “First” First Friday of 2024, taking place on Friday, May 3, from 4 pm to 9 pm! As we bid adieu to winter, Downtown Racine’s international array of 44 outstanding restaurants is ready to welcome you back with flavors that span the globe. From Asian to Greek, Spanish to Mexican, Italian, Thai, and everything in between, this First Friday offers you an unparalleled chance to explore, taste, and indulge in the world’s cuisines right here in the heart of the city.
Imagine savoring live music as you meander through the streets, with performances echoing from favorite venues like Brickhouse, The Ivanhoe, Tavern, Marci’s on Main, Reefpoint Brew House, and Uncorkt. This isn’t just any event; it’s a feast for the senses, celebrating community, culture, and the indomitable spirit of Downtown Racine.
For an even richer experience, don’t miss their “Feast on the Streets” – a ticketed journeyallowing you to sample culinary delights from 10 different restaurants for just $40. Whether you choose to dine at your leisure or opt for the ticketed sampling extravaganza, May’s First Friday in Racine is your open invitation to dine, discover, and delight in the tastes of the world.
Remember, parking is conveniently available at the Lake Avenue Ramp (300 Lake Avenue), Civic Centre Ramp (501 Lake Avenue), and the McMynn Ramp (120 7th Street) for an all-day rate of only $3.50. Join us for an unforgettable evening of food, fun, and community spirit.
In addition to First Fridays, check out the rest of downtown Racine. Right along the shores of Lake Michigan you can explore their marina, near the beach, zoo, Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and SC Johnson sites.
Take the drive to where Highways 11, 20, 32, and 38 come together in downtown Racine. Enjoy happy people taking in the best of what downtown Racine has to offer! Check out the First Fridays website for more details.
First Fridays Racine Address:
Monument Square
100 Main Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 634-4287 Website
Sheboygan is the “Bratwurst Capital of the World” so it’s only fitting that Brat Days is one of their biggest celebrations! Taking place the first weekend of August, Brat Days dates back to 1953. It’s BACK for 2024, admission is still free, and the activities are plentiful!
Check out a wide variety of tasty brats served up in buns, on sticks, in tacos, on pizza, egg rolls, jambalaya, even as a corn dog. Dance or rock out with plenty of live music. The Brat Days Parade kicks off at 9am Saturday and runs through downtown Sheboygan. The famous Brat-Eating Contest, featured on channels like ESPN, takes place Saturday at 1pm. Games are available for adults and kids alike; kids’ activities include a petting zoo and carnival.
Johnsonville Main Stage:
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Bare Bones Blind
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm Pat McCurdy
9:30 pm – 11:00 pm 2 Hype Crew
Saturday, August 3rd
Johnsonville Main Stage:
11:00am – 1:00 pm The Dirty Martinis
2:00 pm – 4:30 pm Bootjack Road
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Off Kilter
8:30 pm – 11:00 pm Two For the Show
Entertainment stages are free!
Brat Days is held in Kiwanis Park on the west bank of the Sheboygan River. The park is accessible just west of Highway 28 via New Jersey Avenue. You can also reach Kiwanis Park by heading south from the ends of Highways 23 and 42 via 17th Street. It’s all about three miles east of I-43.
For more details on bands, events, activities and more, check out the Brat Days website. Brat Days is sponsored by Johnsonville, which of course has its headquarters just west of town.
While in Sheboygan, check out the downtown area along 8th Street, theJohn Michael Kohler Arts Center, 3 Sheeps Brewing, City Green, South Pier with all of its activities, the World’s Tallest American Flagpole (along I-43 at Acuity Insurance headquarters), nearby Kohler, the marina and lovely lakefront, nearby Kohler-Andrae State Park, and more.
Brat Days Address:
Kiwanis Park
726 N. 17th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 893-8980 Website
Calendar of Events
Upcoming Events › Festival
April 19, 2024 – April 20, 2024
Gallery Night & Day, Milwaukee
Happening quarterly, Gallery Night & Day is one of the premier art events in Milwaukee. It’s the “Ultimate Art Weekend,” with over 50 venues throughout the Historic Third Ward and Downtown that serve as showcases for viewing art from paintings to sculptures to other creative outlets. Bars and restaurants stay open later than usual Friday night, while Saturday is a prime time to continue the gallery gallivanting while also enjoying the area’s unique and eclectic selection of shops.
Along with art galleries, Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward is filled with boutique shops like Lela, Bangles & Bags, Shoo, Untuck’d, Stephanie Horne Boutique, MILWORKS, Lizzibeth, Drybar, Too Much Metal, MODA3, and more. You’ll also find Anthropologie, Designs Within Reach, Restoration Hardware, Francesca’s, Mod Gen, Retique, Warby Parker, Lululemon Athletica, and more. You can also stop in Wizard Works Brewing or Broken Bat Brewery for craft beer, or Vino 100 or Thief Wine in the Milwaukee Public Market for a fantastic selection of wines. Numerous restaurants in the Third Ward offer everything from bar food to Asian fusion, American and Korean barbecue, and Italian – plus Shake Shack. The Milwaukee Public Market draws visitors from all over and offers takeaway and ready-to-eat food, drinks, and sundries in one dynamic setting.
This quarter, Gallery Night runs Friday and Saturday, April 19th and 20th. Activities begin late afternoon Friday and run through Saturday afternoon. I-43/94, I-794, U.S. 18, and Highway 32 are all amidst where it takes place; Highways 38, 59, and 145 get you close! The city has signs directing you to the Third Ward from the Marquette Interchange. You can also ride The Hop, the local streetcar
Full details and venue listings are available on their website. You’ll find the latest listings of shops, galleries, bars, restaurants, and more – things develop and change quickly in the Third Ward!
Gallery Night & Day Address:
Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward
300 N. Broadway (and all over the area)
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Website
Back to StateTrunkTour.com
April 20, 2024
Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship
You can get to Dodgeville via U.S. 18 & 151 and Highway 23. Any trip is worth it for grilled cheese!
Our previous favorites have included the Gouda Girls (below); Tina and Katherine make grilled cheese sandwich combos that win all across the nation. They’re based in Milwaukee and do incredible things with taste buds. Our head State Trunk Tour guy Eric Paulsen got to experience their creations firsthand in this Discover Wisconsin episode. We don’t have any vote, though, so we’ll see how this goes.
Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship Address:
Harris Park
600 Bennett Road
Dodgeville, WI 53533
(608) 935-9200
Website
Back to StateTrunkTour.com
April 27, 2024
Between the Bluffs Beer Wine and Cheese Festival
It all begins Friday evening, April 26th, with Friday Night: Taster’s Eve. You can buy a wristband and ride the shuttles to various participating establishments for specials and tap take-overs by guest breweries attending the fest.
The main festival takes place at La Crosse’s Southside Oktoberfest Grounds on Saturday afternoon, April 23rd, with general admission ($50) from 2-6pm. VIP tickets ($90) allow for a noon entry. Details on what you get with each are below!
But that’s not all…
Sunday, April 28th is the Bacon Bloody Brunch! Jump back on the horse or come out for a “Sunday Funday” at the Oktoberfest Grounds! Enjoy specialty breakfast drinks, yard games, live music, and of course BACON. Specialty drinks include beer bloodies, mimosas and breakfast beer served up by Del’s Bar, Pearl Street Brewery, and Surly Brewing Company. For eats, enjoy giant pancakes served up by Mindoro Lions Club, bacon provided by Bubba’s Meats and Premier Catering, cheesy potatoes, and eggs. Coffee will also be available.
For Sunday’s Bacon Bloody Brunch, tickets are available for $15, which are available online or at the gates. You must be 21 years or older and show ID at the gate.
I-90, U.S. 14/61, U.S. 53, and Highways 16, 33, and 35 all bring you to La Crosse, and they’re all beautiful drives as you head “Between the Bluffs”!
Between the Bluffs Beer Wine and Cheese Festival Address:
Southside Oktoberfest Grounds
2nd & La Crosse Streets
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 782-2250 or (800) 658-9424
Website
Between the Bluffs Ticket ($55) Details:
General Admission Tickets include:
VIP Tickets ($95) Include:
VIP and Brewers Reception Friday, April 26th
Back to State Trunk Tour
May 3, 2024
First Fridays in Racine
Enjoy some Friday night fun during First Fridays Racine, taking place along Main Street in Downtown Racine from May – December from 4-9pm! It happens throughout the downtown area, centered on Monument Square where Highways 20 and 38 cap the ends of a main thoroughfare that is Highway 32.
Friday, May 3rd, 2024 is “Foodie” First Fridays!
Prepare your palate for an extraordinary culinary adventure as Downtown Racine transforms into a foodie’s paradise for the “First” First Friday of 2024, taking place on Friday, May 3, from 4 pm to 9 pm! As we bid adieu to winter, Downtown Racine’s international array of 44 outstanding restaurants is ready to welcome you back with flavors that span the globe. From Asian to Greek, Spanish to Mexican, Italian, Thai, and everything in between, this First Friday offers you an unparalleled chance to explore, taste, and indulge in the world’s cuisines right here in the heart of the city.
Imagine savoring live music as you meander through the streets, with performances echoing from favorite venues like Brickhouse, The Ivanhoe, Tavern, Marci’s on Main, Reefpoint Brew House, and Uncorkt. This isn’t just any event; it’s a feast for the senses, celebrating community, culture, and the indomitable spirit of Downtown Racine.
For an even richer experience, don’t miss their “Feast on the Streets” – a ticketed journey allowing you to sample culinary delights from 10 different restaurants for just $40. Whether you choose to dine at your leisure or opt for the ticketed sampling extravaganza, May’s First Friday in Racine is your open invitation to dine, discover, and delight in the tastes of the world.
Remember, parking is conveniently available at the Lake Avenue Ramp (300 Lake Avenue), Civic Centre Ramp (501 Lake Avenue), and the McMynn Ramp (120 7th Street) for an all-day rate of only $3.50. Join us for an unforgettable evening of food, fun, and community spirit.
In addition to First Fridays, check out the rest of downtown Racine. Right along the shores of Lake Michigan you can explore their marina, near the beach, zoo, Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and SC Johnson sites.
Take the drive to where Highways 11, 20, 32, and 38 come together in downtown Racine. Enjoy happy people taking in the best of what downtown Racine has to offer! Check out the First Fridays website for more details.
First Fridays Racine Address:
Monument Square
100 Main Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 634-4287
Website
Back to StateTrunkTour.com
August 2, 2024 – August 3, 2024
Johnsonville Brat Days
Sheboygan is the “Bratwurst Capital of the World” so it’s only fitting that Brat Days is one of their biggest celebrations! Taking place the first weekend of August, Brat Days dates back to 1953. It’s BACK for 2024, admission is still free, and the activities are plentiful!
Check out a wide variety of tasty brats served up in buns, on sticks, in tacos, on pizza, egg rolls, jambalaya, even as a corn dog. Dance or rock out with plenty of live music. The Brat Days Parade kicks off at 9am Saturday and runs through downtown Sheboygan. The famous Brat-Eating Contest, featured on channels like ESPN, takes place Saturday at 1pm. Games are available for adults and kids alike; kids’ activities include a petting zoo and carnival.
Bands this year include:
Friday, August 2nd
Johnsonville Main Stage:
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Bare Bones Blind
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm Pat McCurdy
9:30 pm – 11:00 pm 2 Hype Crew
Saturday, August 3rd
Johnsonville Main Stage:
11:00am – 1:00 pm The Dirty Martinis
2:00 pm – 4:30 pm Bootjack Road
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Off Kilter
8:30 pm – 11:00 pm Two For the Show
Entertainment stages are free!
Brat Days is held in Kiwanis Park on the west bank of the Sheboygan River. The park is accessible just west of Highway 28 via New Jersey Avenue. You can also reach Kiwanis Park by heading south from the ends of Highways 23 and 42 via 17th Street. It’s all about three miles east of I-43.
For more details on bands, events, activities and more, check out the Brat Days website. Brat Days is sponsored by Johnsonville, which of course has its headquarters just west of town.
While in Sheboygan, check out the downtown area along 8th Street, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, 3 Sheeps Brewing, City Green, South Pier with all of its activities, the World’s Tallest American Flagpole (along I-43 at Acuity Insurance headquarters), nearby Kohler, the marina and lovely lakefront, nearby Kohler-Andrae State Park, and more.
Brat Days Address:
Kiwanis Park
726 N. 17th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 893-8980
Website
And check out our State Trunk Tour Podcast about Sheboygan!
Back to StateTrunkTour.com