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
Craft beer and bacon lovers, this is for you! Racine Downtown hosts its second annual Downtown Racine Beer & Bacon Walk on Saturday, November 4th, 2023. As you walk the streets of downtown, enjoy beer samples from local breweries, paired with delicious bacon and bacon-infused bites across 20 different locations.
Calling all craft beer and bacon lovers. The Downtown Racine Corporation is hosting their 4th annual Beer & Bacon Walk on Saturday, November 4th from 1pm-6pm. Stroll the sidewalks downtown and sample delicious brews paired with bacon-infused bites at twenty downtown locations. Mark your calendars and set your alarms because tickets are expected to sell out fast!
Tickets are $45 and include:
– Admission to event
– 20 3 oz. samples of beer
– 20 bacon-infused bites
– 16oz pint glass
– One 16 oz full-pour of your choice
Who wouldn’t want to pair mouthwatering bacon-infused bites with craft beer?
Some of the bacon-infused bites to be sampled include: Beer and Bacon Cheese Dip
Whiskey Bacon Brownies
Root beer moonshine-soaked bacon corn dog
Mini Chicken Fried Bacon Bites
Mac ‘n cheese with bacon
Bacon Popcorn
Beer & Bacon Cheese Soup
Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies
Bacon cupcakes – varied
Some of the beers to be sampled:
Sam Adams Cherry Wheat
Lein Creamy Dark
Bells Eclipse Oberon
Bells Double Cream Stout
Great Lake Christmas Ale
Papa Jacks
New Belg Fruit Force
Whole Hog Oatmeal Pie
Heineken Silver
Alaskan Amber
Hacker-Pschorr Oktobfest 4
Hofbrau Octfest
Lake Louie Badger Club
Alaskan Grizz Coffee
Point Limited Cookies
Hungry yet? Thirsty yet? It all happens Saturday afternoon, November 4th. You can buy them online or get your tickets by calling 262-634-6002.
It’s easy to get to downtown Racine, along the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. Just head east from I-41/94 via Highway 20 (Exit #333), County K (Exit #329), or Highway 11 (Exit #335) approximately 8 miles; or Highway 38 can bring you in from Milwaukee, and Highway 32 brings you to downtown Racine north from Kenosha and Illinois or south from Oak Creek and Milwaukee’s south suburbs. Lots of options, and lots to do and see once you get there!
Downtown Racine Beer & Bacon Walk Address:
425 Main Street (Highway 20, between Highways 32 & 38)
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 634-6002 Website
The Bayfield Apple Festival is hailed as one of the 10 Best Fall Harvest Festivals in the nation by USA Today! Bayfield celebrates its Apple Festival every October and in 2023 it will take place October 6th through the 8th.
The three day event features a farm market featuring local producers, over 60 orchard and food booths selling Bayfield’s apples, apple delicacies, and festival food favorites! There is plenty to buy and see at the 140 art, craft and vendor booths. Kids carnival rides and games, an apple peeling contest, fish fry & dance round out the offerings.
You can also catch Big Top Chautauqua’s Blue Canvas Orchestra perform throughout the weekend on the Grandstand stage. The festival culminates with the Grand Parade on Sunday, which features a 400 member “Mass Band” finale.
Bayfield is located along Highway 13 on the shores of Lake Superior, about 15 minutes north of U.S. 2. U.S. 63 brings you towards Bayfield from the Hayward, Spooner, and Twin Cities areas; U.S. 51 north through the North Woods sends you toward U.S. 2 for the connection to Bayfield, too. Enjoy the fall colors on your ride!
Bayfield Apple Festival Address:
Downtown Bayfield & Memorial Park
42 South Broad Street
Bayfield, WI 54814
(715) 779-3335 Website
Read about additional “things to know” below!
More Bayfield Apple Festival features and things to know:
Over 60 orchard and food booths selling Bayfield’s apples and apple desserts and delicacies; Caramel apples, apple pies, apple tortes, dumplings or tarts, apple sundaes, apple cider, bags and bushels of apples – even apple bratwurst, mustard, and butter.
A kids’ carnival with games, rides and favorite foods.
Plenty to buy and see including nearly 140 arts and crafts booths.
Pipes and Drums of Thunder Bay wake up concert at Port Superior Marina, Saturday at 10am
Fine art exhibitors on South Second Street, featuring pottery, paintings, glassworks, photography, wood crafts and fiber arts.
A Grand Parade on Sunday featuring a 400+ member “Mass Band” finale
Big Top Chautauqua’s Blue Canvas Orchestra will perform throughout the weekend on the Essentia Health Grand Stand stage. Hear the original Apple Festival song!
The annual Apple Dumpling Gang for the little ones. Click here for Registration Form.
Bus shuttles for easy parking at Hauser’s Superior View Farm and Legendary Waters Casino.
Bayfield Fire Department offers a traditional fish fry dinner on Saturday afternoon at Lakeside Pavilion followed by a Saturday evening dance.
Boat cruises of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Musical entertainment at many local pubs and Legendary Waters Resort & Casino
Drive 5 minutes outside of town and tour the 15 local orchards and farms, many with pick-your-own apples and pumpkins.
“Feast with the Beasts” at the Milwaukee County Zoo! Milwaukee Journal Sentinel a la Carte, presented by Meijer, runs Thursday, August 17th through Sunday August 20th. Check out 27 area restaurants with palate-pleasing offers and national and local bands performing throughout Zoo grounds, including Vertical Horizon Thursday night,
Plenty of family-friendly activities are also available throughout the grounds, and of course the Milwaukee County Zoo’s remarkable collection of 2,100+ animals you can see and learn about. It’s one of the best family activities of the year.
Crafty kids can show their artistic side with Kohl’s Color Wheels, a mobile art experience. You can also enjoy a glass of wine, while listening to local bands at the Giraffe Village Wine Tent, sponsored by Champion Windows & Sunrooms. On top of that, you can visit the Brick Dinos exhibit, sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets, which includes interactive LEGO® play-scapes and more. Admission is $3 per person.
Zoo A La Carte Music Schedule:
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Miller Lite Caribou Stage
11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Jake Williams (90s, R&B, modern, & classics)
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Jon Rouse (Classic rock)
7 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Vertical Horizon (Alternative rock)
Flamingo Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Driving Buddies (Pop, rock, & country)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Jordan and Ernie (Bluegrass)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Andrea and The Mods (70s, 80s, & more)
Zoofari Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Geoff Landon Duo (Country hits)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Xeno and Joe (Classic hits)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Brady Lee (Pop country)
Lakeview Stage
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Phil Norby (Acoustic classics)
2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Sam and Cookie (Folk, classic rock, & bluegrass)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Grimm Brothers Trio (Classic hits)
Mad City Windows & Baths Woody Stage
11:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Steve Cohen and Jim Ohlschmidt (Twisted acoustic blues)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. JC Munguía (Latin music)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Eric Diamond (Neil Diamond & more)
BioLife Plasma Services Giraffe Wine Tent
11:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Carmen and Kostia (Pop vocals with piano)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Anthony Deutsch (Pianist, vocalist, & composer)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Downtown Harrison (Modern song and dance man)
Friday, August 18, 2023
Miller Lite Caribou Stage
12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Kris and Dani Crow (Harmonies & great banter)
3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Trapper Schoepp Band (Singer-songwriter)
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Eli Young Band (Country)
Flamingo Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Ebert and Grass (Classics)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Jessie Haines (Singer-songwriter)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Eric Barbieri and the Rockin’ Krakens (Classic rock hits)
Zoofari Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Scott E. Berendt Trio (Acoustic rock & pop)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Bad Medicine (80s party rock)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. The Playlist (Top 40 hits)
Mad City Windows & Baths Woody Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Rudy and Vee (Acoustic duo)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Michael Sean (Wisconsin musical mainstay)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Frogwater (Celtic bluegrass fusion)
BioLife Plasma Services Giraffe Wine Tent
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Keshena Armon (Singer-songwriter)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Katy Ambrose (Dynamic piano stylings)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Downtown Harrison (Modern song and dance man)
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Miller Lite Caribou Stage
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bath (Classic to modern pop and rock)
3 p.m. – 6 p.m. The Morrison Sessions (Roots rock & roll)
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Record Company (Rock)
Zoofari Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Busted Mullet (Rock)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Bruce Humphries and the Rockabilly Rebels (Rockabilly)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Our House (50s, 60s, 70s, & more)
Lakeview Stage
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Chris Haise Duo (Indie folk rock)
2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. The Belle Weather (Orchestral indie folk rock)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Ronnie Nyles (Singer-songwriter)
Mad City Windows & Baths Woody Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Patrick Van Bibber (Guitarist, singer-songwriter)
2:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Jake Warne Duo (Singer-songwriters)
6:15 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Eric Barbieri (Classic hits)
Sunday, August 20, 2023 Miller Lite Caribou Stage
12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Joe 2.0 (The world’s original rockestra)
5 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Hypnotized (Milwaukee’s Fleetwood Mac Tribute)
Flamingo Stage
11:15 a.m. – 3 p.m. Another One (Grateful Dead tribute)
4 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Crossfire (Country rock)
Mad City Windows & Baths Woody Stage
11:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Ronnie Nyles (Singer-songwriter)
4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Brooklynn Marti (Singer-songwriter)
BioLife Plasma Services Giraffe Wine Tent
11:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Barbara Stephan and Peter Mac Duo (Singer-songwriters)
4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Downtown Harrison (Modern song and dance man)
Admission rates (includes all bands and activities):
Adults: $17
Juniors (ages 3 to 12): $14
Children (ages 2 and under): FREE
Parking: $14
We talked with Jenny Diliberti from the Zoo a while back about this event and the Zoo’s history, animals, new designs, and more in this State Trunk Tour Podcast:
Milwaukee area restaurants at Zoo A La Carte include:
A la Crepes
Bear Garden
Brew City Snowballs
Bubble Waffle Shoppes
Café el Sol (gluten-free, vegetarian)
Caribou Beverage Bar
Catalano Corn (vegetarian)
Cedar Crest Ice Cream Parlor
Chillwaukee Pops (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free)
C-Viche
Funnel Cake Factory
Giraffe Beverage Bar
Giraffe Wine Bar
Golden Grill
Hot Potato
La Masa (vegetarian)
Leinie Lodge
Mama Bev’s Bakery
MIL-WOK-EE (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free)
Nothing Bundt Cakes (gluten-free)
Nourish 414 (vegetarian, gluten-free)
OOZ
Penguin Beverage Bar
Pig Tailz (vegetarian)
Roll MKE (vegetarian)
Salentini’s Pizza
Saz’s (gluten-free)
Scrima’s Woodfired Pizza (gluten-free)
Shawarma House (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free)
The Coop
The Snack Barn
Thunder Bay Grille (vegetarian, gluten-free)
Tots on the Street (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free)
Ultimate Confections Desserts featuring Suzy’s Cream Cheesecakes
Watering Hole Root Beer Floats
West End Snacks
Wild Burger
Woody’s Custard
Wong’s Wok
Zoo A La Carte at the Milwaukee County Zoo Address:
10001 W. Bluemound Road (U.S. 18)
Milwaukee, WI 53226
(414) 256-5466 Website
The Zoo is surrounded by U.S. 18/Bluemound Road on the north, I-41/US. 45 on the east, I-94 on the south, and Highway 100 on the west. Despite the Zoo Interchange construction, it’s still easy to get to!
The 70th annual Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival is BACK at Angell Park this year, taking place Wednesday, August 16th through Sunday, August 20th, 2023!
Enjoy a carnival-midway complete with a wide variety of games and rides, food booths, live bands, a “kiddie korner” with large inflatables, family entertainment, a beer shelter, and much more! Of course fresh, locally-grown sweet corn is available to enjoy. Check out parades and live music, including:
12:00pm Melodyia Piano Academy
2:00pm Marc LaMere Music
3:00pm Kicks Unlimited
4:00pm Clarisse Tobia Music
5:00pm Culture Celebration: Bringing Our Community Together
Sunday, August 20th on the Family Stage:
12:00pm Fusion Dance Academy
1:00pm Limanya Drum & Dance
2:00pm Sun Prairie Cheer
3:00pm Prairie Strummers
Angell Park is a beautiful historic park adjacent to Sun Prairie’s downtown. It’s also home to the Angell Park Speedway, a 1/3 dirt oval that dates back to 1903! You can reach Angell Park via Highway 19 through the city. From the U.S. 151 bypass, follow Main Street or the Highway 19 exit. You can also easily reach Angell Park via County N north from I-94 at the Cottage Grove exit.
Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival Address:
Angell Park & Angell Park Speedway
300 Park Street
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
(608) 837-4547 Website
Marshfield features its 42nd annual Dairyfest Friday, June 2nd through Sunday, June 4th at venues all across the city. This is Hub City’s annual honor of the agricultural industry and Wisconsin’s hardworking dairy farmers! This community tradition has been providing fun for the whole family, during these “dairy-licious” days.
The Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MACCI) puts on the event, which includes a wide variety of fun activities across the three-day weekend.
Dairyfest Info & Schedule of Events:
What is Dairyfest?
Held annually the weekend after Memorial Day, Dairyfest is a fun community celebration that honors the agriculture industry and local dairy farmers. Dairyfest features a lot of fun events, including the annual Dairyfest Breakfast, a parade, kids’ activities, a Picnic in the Park, and much more. The theme of this year’s celebration is “To the Moo-n Back”!
Thursday, June 1
3:00-5:00pm /Kick-Off to Summer & Giveaways: Held at the Wenzel Family Plaza come for the ceremonial start of the water fountain and the Vandehey Waters giveaway and the Wisconsin Dells giveaway!
Friday, June 2
5:30-9:30am / Dairyfest Breakfast: Held at the Expo Building at the Central Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, 513 E. 17th St., this traditional event welcomes nearly 2,000 people every year. This year’s menu includes a scrambled egg special, hot coffee, white or chocolate milk, and more. The first 1,000 attendees will receive a commemorative ceramic coffee mug. Carry-out orders are accepted but must be placed ahead of time.
11:00-8:00pm / Food Truck Friday and Picnic in the Park: Food trucks will be at Columbia Park, 201 W. Arnold St., until 5:00pm and a variety of food booths will be available throughout the evening. Join the fun in the Park including inflatables, petting zoo, coin & candy hunt, educational games by Richfield 4-H, Reis Martial Arts, Main Street Conservatory of Dance, and the Marshfield Civic Band. And don’t miss out on Movie in the Park at sundown!
7:00-9:00pm / Hub City Concert Series Kick-Off: Join the fun at the Wenzel Family Plaza and enjoy food trucks and outdoor games. Live music starts at 7:00pm with NEWSKIES.
Saturday, June 3
Additional activities scheduled for Saturday include:
9:00am-3:00pm / Fishing For Kids Hosted by the Lions Club at Wildwood Park & Zoo Upper Pond. Kids 12 and under; $1 fee
10:00am-3:00pm / Pie Social at Upham Mansion, 212 W. 3rd St.
10:00am-4:00pm / Center City Fun Day at Wenzel Family Plaza
11:00am / Dairyfest Parade
Food trucks / Friday & Saturday
Softball /Friday & Saturday at The Marshfield Fairgrounds
Disc golf tournaments / Registration starts from 7:00-8:30am at Braem Park
3:00pm-11pm / Nutz Deep Dairyfest Beer Garden at 809 S. Central Ave.
Marshfield Dairyfest Address:
Various locations around town, including the Central Wisconsin State Fairgrounds
513 E. 17th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449 Website
Muscoda celebrates the Morel Mushroom Festival every May, which is only fitting because that’s prime growing season in this “Morel Mushroom Capital of Wisconsin.” These unique mushrooms are considered quite a delicacy by top chefs everywhere; there are message boards and recipes and all kinds of resources for morel lovers. The soil in the Muscoda area is particularly suited for the growth of morels and they fully embrace this fungi. In 2023, the festival takes place Saturday, May 20th.
This year’s event starts Friday, May 19th, with the Second Annual Cruise to the Festival – all modes of transportation encouraged to attend – Join us at the paved parking lot next to the Riverdale bus garage in the 500 block of North Wisconsin. Jose’s Mexican Food Truck will be there serving their specialties and Udder Brothers Creamery will have their delicious ice cream. Two blocks south, at Mushroom Headquarters along Highway 80, the grills will be going with American Legion burgers.
On Saturday, May 20th starting at 9:00am, the whole Village bursts with events. The bounce house and pedal tractor pulls are back and NEW this year is a strolling magician, Tiny Acres Farms Petting Zoo, Stilt Walker during the parade and hoop dancers after the parade. The awesome arts and crafts vendors, (many new ones!) and chainsaw carving are at Railroad Park as well as Food Vendors there and along the streets. There are also village-wide rummage and garage sales on Friday and Saturday.
At Mushroom Headquarters, the grills will be going for mushroom brats and Legion burgers (and fried morels if they’re are available). The Food and Beverage tasting area will include Jody’s Sugar Shack (chocolates), Meister Cheese, Moore Eggs, Studnicka Cattle Company, and Wild Hills Winery. And for your listening pleasure and maybe dancing, live music by the 2 Carls Band.
Another new feature includes Driftless Area and Local Wisconsin Beer Samples in the patio area of Sportsmen’s Lounge at 111 North Wisconsin Avenue. You can also catch tours of Effigy mounds, which start at 1pm, and baseball with the Muscoda Mudcats at 6pm.
A big feature is the parade down main street (AKA Wisconsin Avenue), which starts at 3:00. And after the parade, NEW this year, Native American Hoop dancers will share their ancient and sacred rituals at Mushroom Headquarters.
When you want a sit-down meal, there is pancake breakfast until noon, a chili cookoff with judging at 1:00 and the famous Firemen’s Steak Feed at the firehouse beginning at 4:00 until the steaks are gone! Enjoy the river views as the evening concludes with fireworks at dusk.
You’ll find Muscoda along Highway 80 between the Wisconsin River and Highway 133. Highway 60 is just across the river. And this town comes to party for its Morel Mushroom Festival! Check their website for updates and full schedules.
Morel Mushroom Festival Address:
Muscoda Village Hall
206 N. Wisconsin Avenue (Highway 80)
Muscoda, WI 53573
(608) 739-3182 Website
The Gays Mills Apple Festival – the 63rd annual – runs September 23-25, 2022! Gays Mills is pretty much the apple capital of Wisconsin, and it celebrates the apple harvest with parades, carnivals, arts and crafts, flea markets, music, dancing, a 2K and 5K fun run/walk, food and festivities.
Get the rest of the details from their website or see the schedule below!
You’ll find Gays Mills in the heart of Wisconsin’s beautiful Driftless Area, where Highways 131 and 171 meet by the Kickapoo River. It’s worth going for the drive alone!
2022 Gays Mills Apple Festival Schedule of Events
FRIDAY EVENTS
Carnival: Wristband Night 5pm-9pm Fairgrounds
Lions Club Flea Market: 8am-5pm Fairgrounds
Main Street Vending: 10am-5pm Downtown
BMZ Church Food Stand:10am-5pm Fairgrounds
4-H Food Stand: Friday-Sunday Fairgrounds
American Legion Food Stand: 10am-5pm Fairgrounds
Societies Sons M/C: Music
Dante’s:Music Last Ride
Halver’s Town Tap: Music
SATURDAY EVENTS To See & Do:
Run and Walk:Registration 8am Main St Bridge, 2 & 5 Mi. Run; 2 Mi. Walk; ¼ Mi. Kids Fun Run: 9am
Lions Club Flea Market: 8am-5pm Fairgrounds
Main Street Vending: 9:30am-5pm Downtown
Cornhole Tournament
American Legion Volleyball Tournament: 9am 4-person Co-Ed Teams, 312 Main
Library Book Sale: 9am-5pm, 212 Main
Lions Club Arts and Crafts: 9am-5pm Fairgrounds
Carnival: 10am-5pm Fairgrounds
Open Horseshoe Tournament: Saturday Partner draw,Sunday 10 am registration and 11am start, Log CabinVillage Park
Societies Sons M/C: Music from American Standard
Fire Department: Raffle (Drawing in Nov.)
Dante’s: Music from Pilot of the Airwaves 3pm-7pm, Last Ride
Halver’s Town Tap: Music from Dylan Harris 2-6pm, DJ Robert 9pm – 1am
Inflatables:Downtown
SUNDAY EVENTS To See & Do:
Ride the FREE Trolley stops at Flea Market & Main! APPLE FESTIVAL PARADE 1:30 pm, Main Street to Riverside Park Lions Club Arts and Crafts & Flea Market: 8am-5pm Fairgrounds Main Street Vending: 9:30am-4pm Downtown Library Book Sale: 9am-3:30 pm 212 Main Carnival: 10am-5pm Fairgrounds Open Horseshoe Tournament: Saturday draw for partners, Sunday 10am registration, 11am start, Log Cabin Village Park Fire Department: Raffle (Drawing in Nov.) Inflatables: Downtown
The Pardeeville Watermelon Festival celebrates the fact that watermelon is delicious. But what do you do with the seeds? In Pardeeville, they reward you for spitting them out as far as you can! The longtime home of the U.S. Watermelon Speed-Eating and Seed-Spitting Championships, come and enjoy this fun festival in Pardeeville’s Chandler Park Saturday, September 10th! This festival has been taking place since 1968 and they make the most of it. Free watermelon is included (the seeds are free too) and there are contests for all ages. Watermelon carvings become pretty interesting, too. The Pardeeville Watermelon Festival officially opens at 10am in Chandler Park. There will be an Open Air Market, concessions, and rides at the Midway all day. The Open Air Market showcases art and craft vendors from all over the area, plus a flea market and commercial vendors such Avon, Scentsy, and Tupperware. The market runs from 10am until about 3pm. Typically there are about 30-40 vendors.
The Watermelon carving contest makes for some interesting creations in Pardeeville.
Wayne the Wizard will be there to provide children’s entertainment, there’s a free Hay Dive at noon, and the championship events for the U.S. Watermelon Speed-Eating and Seed-Spitting Championships begin at 1:30pm. Find out more about the actual speed-eating and seed-spitting events, including records like the 61 feet, inches one entrant spat a seed in 1988, here. It’s a fun and unique thing to watch!
Yes, they seriously spit seeds from watermelons as far as they can. There are contests for multiple age categories.
You’ll find Pardeeville along Highway 22, where it meets Highway 44 in Columbia County.
Pardeeville Watermelon Festival Address:
Chandler Park 208 Chandler Park Drive Pardeeville, WI 53954 (608) 535-9139 Website
Craving an art-filled weekend brimming with the most luscious summer fruit? After being shut down for 2020 and 2021, one of Cedarburg’s biggest fests returns! Check out the 37th annual Cedarburg Strawberry Festival, sponsored by BMO Harris Bank, June 25-26, 2022. This free, family-oriented festival is a favorite of many, drawing up to 100,000 people annually to toast the bold and delicious fruit in all its forms, and enjoy some of the most decadent homegrown strawberries in the area.
The Cedarburg Strawberry Festival’s many food vendors are sure to please any palate, boasting about an extensive Food Court near the Community Center, offering everything from summer favorites like hamburgers, chicken, BBQ and roasted corn, to sweet treats and specialty foods. Festival Food Court’s exclusive favorites include the “Original” Strawberry Brat, Strawberry Chicken Wrap, and strawberry shortcake. Wander through the Festival for other locally made delicacies such as strawberry pie, strawberry crepes, strawberry slushies and chocolate-covered strawberries. Schmit’s Berry Farm, a local grower, provides the festival with the most ripe and juicy strawberries, available for purchase by the quart.
For attendees with a taste for wine, Cedar Creek Winery’s Strawberry Blush Wine is a must – this and the winery’s other award-winning wines can be purchased by the glass throughout the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival.
Wander down Washington Avenue and you’ll see why “Art is a Tradition” in Cedarburg. Fondly referred to as “Arts on the Avenue,” Strawberry Festival highlights more than 250 of the best local and Midwest artists who bring their combined perspectives, skills, and thousands of works of arts to the streets of Cedarburg, including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber art, fine glass, woodwork, mixed media, and photography. Art on the Avenue is a combined effort of four local organizations, the Cedarburg Cultural Center, Cedar Creek Settlement Merchant’s Association, the Ozaukee Art Center and the Cedarburg Art Museum, and offers one-of-a-kind works of art from functional to surreal, from witty to the elegantly decorative, as well as the opportunity to meet most of the artists in person.
Cedar Creek Settlement events at the north end of town include live bands, food, and features a new Cedar Creek Marketplace as well as a merchant’s marketplace and indoor shopping. The Sunday Morning Strawberry Pancake Breakfast will be worth checking out. The popular breakfast takes place on the north end of the Festival grounds from 8:00-11:00 a.m. and is served by the Cedar Creek Settlement merchants. More than 1,000 customers get their fill of mouthwatering strawberry pancakes while listening to live music outside along Cedar Creek.
Live music all over the Festival’s Historic District satisfies every audiophile all day Saturday and Sunday. The best place to enjoy the live music is at the Gruber Law Office Main Stage – Festival Food Court which will feature rockin’ fun cover bands like Our House and Life in a Tree. Enjoy live music into the evening with extended hours until 8:30 p.m on Saturday, June 25th. The Beer Garden offers shaded seating and is in close proximity to the main Festival Food Court.
For the littlest strawberry-lovers, Henry’s Kids Korner at Cedar Creek Park offers Jo-Don Farms pony rides and petting zoo, inflatable bounce houses, food and tons of other activities and vendors. One of the most popular events is the CedarQuacker 500 sponsored by Port Washington State Bank, where hundreds of rubber ducks are launched into the creek in a race to the finish Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 3 p.m.
You can check out a little more of Historic Cedarburg with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Ozaukee County’s “Berry Big” 5K Run/Walk, which kicks off in Cedar Creek Park on Saturday at 8:15 a.m. for the timed runners and 8:25 a.m. for fun runners/walkers. The route circles through the neighborhoods that surround the downtown area.
If you tire of walking, take a ride on the Country Aire Rides Tractor Hayride Shuttle that travels around the festival route. Off the festival footprint, the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts will feature exhibits and fun family activities.
Cedarburg Strawberry Festival Schedule of Events
Saturday, June 25
10am-8:30pm FESTIVAL FOOD COURT – Washington Ave. – Community Center Parking Lot Serving up the original strawberry shortcake, roasted corn, cheese curds, BBQ, chicken, hamburgers, brats, hot dogs, gyros, tacos, gator on a stick, Jambalaya, beer, wine, lemonade, soda, desserts CHS Robotics Food Booth – Serving up the ORIGINAL STRAWBERRY BRAT and STRAWBERRY CHICKEN WRAP, STRAWBERRY BRAT CORNDOG
GRUBER LAW OFFICES MAIN STAGE – Washington Ave. – Festival Food Court at the Community Center Live music, Fermentorium beer including ther new Strawberry Shandy, Molson Coors Beer and Cedar Creek Wine Garden, shaded seating and tables, restrooms
10:30 am – 11:30 am Dollar Dog
12:00 pm – 2:30 pm The Last Bees
3:00 pm – 5:30 pm In the Know
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Throwback Stereo
EASY CHEESY GRILLED CHEESE – Washington Ave. at the Festival Food Court Serving up delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. Benefits the Guardians of the Children and Strawberry Festival
WASHINGTON AVE. BEER/WINE BOOTH – Washington Ave. at the Community Center Fermentorium Speciality Beer, Molson Coors Beers, Cedar Creek Wines. All proceeds benefit Strawberry Festival. Wine served in your own Halovino Cup – while supplies last
SHOPS AT CEDAR CREEK SETTLEMENT and the CEDAR CREEK WINERY – Bridge Rd. at Washington Ave. Brats, BBQ, burgers, nachos, strawberry desserts, crepes, slushies, beer, wine by the glass, 25 indoor shops, marketplace, and live music
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm The Hit Men
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Kevin Kennedy
CEDARBURG LION’S CLUB – Two locations: North Location: Washington Ave. at Bridge Rd. Grilled foods, turkey legs, beer, wine, soda, live music
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Jerry Unger with The Fog
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm. The Hurricane
Midtown: Washington Ave. at Turner St.: Wraps, cheese curds, beer, wine, soda, live music
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm Hot Corner
TURNER STREET MARKETPLACE – Washington Ave. at Turner St. Serving up the original strawberry shortcake. Shop the Marketplace I: cheese, sausage, sauces, dips, Bundt cakes, cleaning supplies, soap, lotions, jewelry, Aussie hats, pet collars, CBD, micro greens, pain relief, jerky, crispie treats, leggings, accessories and more!
MILL STREET MARKETPLACE – Washington Ave. at Mill St. Serving up the original strawberry shortcake, and Molson Coors beers, Cedar Creek Wines, Fermentorium Strawberry Shandy and Speciality Beers and lemonade. Shop the Marketplace II: Dips, sauces, pasta, women’s clothing, plants and garden, elderberry syrup, macramé, dog treats, Tastefully Simple, pro sports gear, nail care, skincare products, wallets, candles, and much more!!
CLEVELAND STREET MARKETPLACE – Washington Ave. at Cleveland Ave. FREE Motorcycle parking compliments of Cedar Creek Motorsports. Shop the Marketplace III: St. Nicholas baked goods, and seasoning and mixes
PORT WASHINGTON STATE BANK PARKING LOT – Washington Ave. at Mill St. Mel’s Charities of Ozaukee County – serving up the famous pork sandwiches
UNION HOUSE CEDARBURG BACK PARKING LOT – Washington Ave. south of Center St. Backyard BBQ – Beer, Wine and Cocktails (must be enjoyed on property). Delicious shrimp or steak kabobs, hamburger sliders and more, beverages, seating, shade, fun and games. Enjoy a game of Cornhole. FESTIVAL CONTESTS – Win Prizes! Sign up begins at 10:00 am, spaces are limited – 15 years of age to adults (new temporary location)
12:30 pm Ice Cream Licking Contest
1:30 pm Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest
2:30 pm Strawberry Bubble Gum Eating Contest
3:30 pm Ice Cream Licking Contest
4:30 pm Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest
BELLA LEI BEAUTY STAGE – Washington Ave. just south of Center St. Featuring Live Music & Performances
10:00am : Water Street Dance
12:00am : Ryan McIntyre
03:00pm : Breaking Cadence
CEDARBURG CULTURAL CENTER – Washington Ave. north of Mill St. Grilled foods, beer, wine, Sangria, “Art Off the Avenue” in the back parking lot
Free admission – Plein Air Cash & Carry sale – June 15 – July 9
Youth Plein Air Art – June 24 – July 10
KUHEFUSS HOUSE – Washington Ave north of Turner St. Adult Beverages, “Tropical Oasis Bar”
CEDARBURG ART MUSEUM – Washington Ave. north of Cleveland Ave. Beer Garden serving beer, wine, and soda from the Lakefront Brewery Carriage Tap House; Outdoor Sculpture Garden; live music and food truck: Blue Cow Creperie 11:30 am – 8:00 pm
10:00 am – 4:00 pm Museum Open
11:30 am – 3:00 pm Some Assembly Required
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm January Autumn
Sunday, June 26th
FESTIVAL FOOD COURT – Washington Ave. – Community Center Parking Lot Serving up the original strawberry shortcake, roasted corn, cheese curds, BBQ, chicken, hamburgers, brats, hot dogs, gyros, tacos, gator on a stick, Jambalaya, beer, wine, lemonade, soda, desserts CHS Robotics Food Booth – Serving up the ORIGINAL STRAWBERRY BRAT and STRAWBERRY CHICKEN WRAP, STRAWBERRY BRAT CORNDOG
GRUBER LAW OFFICES MAIN STAGE – Washington Ave. – Festival Food Court at the Community Center Live music, Fermentorium beer including their new Strawberry Shandy, Molson Coors Beer and Cedar Creek Wine Garden, shaded seating and tables, restrooms
12:00 pm – 2:30 am Our House
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm The Sensations
EASY CHEESY GRILLED CHEESE – Washington Ave. at the Festival Food Court Serving up delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. Benefits the Guardians of the Children and Strawberry Festival
WASHINGTON AVE. BEER/WINE BOOTH – Washington Ave. at the Community Center Fermentorium Speciality Beer, Molson Coors Beers, Cedar Creek Wines. All proceeds benefit Strawberry Festival. Wine served in your own Halovino Cup – while supplies last
SHOPS AT CEDAR CREEK SETTLEMENT and the CEDAR CREEK WINERY – Bridge Rd. at Washington Ave. Brats, BBQ, burgers, nachos, strawberry desserts, crepes, slushies, beer, wine by the glass, 25 indoor shops, marketplace, and live music
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm Livin’ the Dream
CEDARBURG LION’S CLUB – Two locations: North Location: Washington Ave. at Bridge Rd. Grilled foods, turkey legs, beer, wine, soda, live music
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm TBD
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm. TBD
Midtown: Washington Ave. at Turner St.:
Wraps, cheese curds, beer, wine, soda, live music
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm Chaz Duo
TURNER STREET MARKETPLACE – Washington Ave. at Turner St. Serving up the original strawberry shortcake. Shop the Marketplace I: cheese, sausage, sauces, dips, Bundt cakes, cleaning supplies, soap, lotions, jewelry, Aussie hats, pet collars, CBD, micro greens, pain relief, jerky, crispie treats, leggings, accessories and more!
MILL STREET MARKETPLACE – Washington Ave. at Mill St. Serving up the original strawberry shortcake, and Molson Coors beers, Cedar Creek Wines, Fermentorium Strawberry Shandy and Speciality Beers and lemonade. Shop the Marketplace II: Dips, sauces, pasta, women’s clothing, plants and garden, elderberry syrup, macramé, dog treats, Tastefully Simple, pro sports gear, nail care, skincare products, wallets, candles, and much more!!
CLEVELAND STREET MARKETPLACE – Washington Ave. at Cleveland Ave. FREE Motorcycle parking compliments of Cedar Creek Motorsports. Shop the Marketplace III: St. Nicholas baked goods, and seasoning and mixes
PORT WASHINGTON STATE BANK PARKING LOT – Washington Ave. at Mill St. Mel’s Charities of Ozaukee County – serving up the famous pork sandwiches
UNION HOUSE CEDARBURG BACK PARKING LOT – Washington Ave. south of Center St. Backyard BBQ – Beer, Wine and Cocktails (must be enjoyed on property). Delicious shrimp or steak kabobs, hamburger sliders and more, beverages, seating, shade, fun and games. Enjoy a game of Cornhole. CONTESTS – Win Prizes! Sign up begins at 10:00 am, spaces are limited – 15 years of age to adults (new temporary location)
12:30 pm Ice Cream Licking Contest
1:30 pm Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest
2:30 pm Strawberry Bubble Gum Eating Contest
3:30 pm Ice Cream Licking Contest
4:30 pm Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest
BELLA LEI BEAUTY STAGE – Washington Ave. just south of Center St. Featuring Live Music & Performances
10:00am : Water Street Dance
11:30am : Comfort Shag
02:00pm : Boomer Nation
CEDARBURG CULTURAL CENTER – Washington Ave. north of Mill St. Grilled foods, beer, wine, Sangria, “Art Off the Avenue” in the back parking lot
Free admission – Plein Air Cash & Carry sale – June 15 – July 9
Youth Plein Air Art – June 24 – July 10
KUHEFUSS HOUSE – Washington Ave north of Turner St. Adult Beverages, “Tropical Oasis Bar”
CEDARBURG ART MUSEUM – Washington Ave. north of Cleveland Ave. Beer Garden serving beer, wine, and soda from the Lakefront Brewery Carriage Tap House; Outdoor Sculpture Garden; live music and food truck: Pork in the Road 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
12:00 am – 4:00 pm Museum Open
12:00 pm – 2:30 pm Wire and Nail (aka Solid Cedar)
3:30 pm – 6:00 pm Lovin’ Kind
You’ll find the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival in Cedarburg’s historic downtown along Washington Avenue (historic Highway 57), a few miles north of Highway 167, just east of Highway 181, and south of Highway 60.
Cedarburg Strawberry Festival Address:
Downtown Cedarburg
Washington Avenue
Cedarburg, WI 53012
(262) 377-5856 Website
Down The Rabbit Hole is a top-notch musical, visual, and performing artist festival sweeping you away into the woods on the beautiful, lazy Apple River for a non-stop, magical, fantastical experience you will never forget.
Happening Friday, October 15th through Monday, October 18th along the Apple River in Somerset, Down The Rabbit Hole features:
Rarely seen musical acts that are local, national and International on multiple Stages + Silent Disco
Non-stop multi-genre art and music
A Mad Tea Party
Costume Contest
Trippy Trail
Freak Show
Art, Craft & Music Workshops
Yoga
Healing Arts
Hare’s Hayride
Live Act + DJ Contest
Apple Race
Petting Zoo
Aerial, Rope, Flow, Fire & Pole Performances
Riverside Camping with glamping options, cabins + day & re-entry passes for the semi-home bodies
Ice Baths and Saunas
Eat Me, Drink Me: Delicious food and beverage options for everyone including vegetarian and vegan choices, coffee, tea, kombucha, beer, wine, booze, CBD, fantastic foodie feasts and more
Live painting, art class and crafting
A PLURR Squad + Kandi Making
Medics and Top-Notch Security you know and love
SafeWord Drinks
Cart Escort Service
Sensory Overload/Chill Zones
Charging Areas, Lockers, Family/Quiet Camping and MORE
Performer lineup includes:
Cabins and campground sites are available, part of a variety of ticket packages that range from $10-$150. Admission for kids 6 & under is FREE.
Down The Rabbit Hole takes place at Apple River Hideaway in Somerset. It’s an incredibly popular area for tubing and recreation all summer, and you’ll find it just of Highways 35 and 64.
Down The Rabbit Hole Festival Address:
Apple River Hideaway Campground
712 170th Avenue
Somerset, WI 54025 Website
With Beef-A-Rama, the smell of beef fills the air and more than 12,000 people fill the streets of downtown Minocqua. For over 50 years, Beef-a-Rama™ has been a premiere event drawing visitors back year after year to join in on the one-of-a kind fun you can only find in the Northwoods.
Roasters begin cooking their signature beefs before dawn. Herds of creative festival goers dressed in cow-themed costumes start packing downtown early for the 10K and 5K Rump Roast Run and Walk along Lake Minocqua, live music, & Prime Choice Craft Show featuring more than 70 vendors.
Mooo-ve on down to Torpy Park to grab a roast beef sandwich and watch the Beef Eating Contest, Cow Pie Plop, and of course the famous Roaster Parade down main street!
Listen for the top roasters at the Awards Ceremony at 3pm following the Parade. Check for the latest itinerary online.
Minocqua is along “Wisconsin’s Backbone,” U.S. 51, just south of Highways 47 and 70.
Beef-A-Rama Address:
Torpy Park
806 U.S. Highway 51
Minocqua, WI 54548
(715) 356-5266 Website
Check out the Schedule of Events below!
Beef-A-Rama Schedule of Events:
Friday, September 24th
10am-Noon Live Radio Broadcast with WRJO at the Minocqua Area Chamber of Commerce
6:00-9:00pm Lakeland Rotary Rump Roast Run registration at American Legion Hall
6:30-9:30pm Live Music The Lincoln Boys Band and Beer Garden sponsored by The Minocqua Island Business Association at Torpy Park
Saturday, September 25th
7am Rump Roast Run Registration at the American Legion Hall
7:30am Street Closure Begins
7am-8pm Shuttles Run ($3 fee per car) from Lakeland Union High School, Hribar Corporation/Truck Country, Lakeland Hawks Ice Arena & Builders First Source
8:15am Lakeland Rotary’s Calf Mile Run for Kids
9am Lakeland Rotary’s Rump Roast Run
9am-3pm Live Radio Broadcast by WRJO at Torpy Park
9am-11:00am Live Music Red Ben and the Missing Miles at Torpy Park
9am-5pm Bouncy Houses for Kids on the lower level of Torpy Park
9am-5pm Prime Choice Craft Show on the lower level of Torpy Park
9am-5pm Official Beef-A-Rama™ apparel sales at Torpy Park
10am-5:00pm Henna, Face painting, Glitter Painting at Veterans Park
10am-9:00pm Lakeland Rotary Beer Garden on Chicago Street
10am-9:00pm Minocqua Lions Club Beer Garden at Torpy Park
10am-5pm Official Beef-A-Rama™ Sandwich Sales at Torpy Park
10am-12pm Live Music by Corey Carlson at the Rotary Beer Garden on Chicago Street
10am-3pm Kids’ Games, Bouncy Houses, and Face Painting in lower level of Torpy Park
10am-4pm Kraft’s Kuddly Kritters Petting Zoo at Veterans Park
10am-5pm Twisted Widdlin’ Fool chainsaw carving exhibition
10am Food Sales Begin Torpy Park & Chicago Street
11am-1pm Kids’ Activities at Redman Realty on Oneida Street
11am-1:45pm Judging of the Beef along Oneida Street
11am-3pm Cow Pie Plop & Mechanical Bull sponsored by Lakeland Hawks Ice Arena at Island City Ice Cream
11:00am Beef Eating Contest at Torpy Park sponsored by Associated Bank
Noon-4:00pm Live Music by The Lincoln Boys at Torpy Park
Noon-3:00 pm Live Music by Useful Jenkins at the Rotary Beer Garden on Chicago Street
3:00 pm Parade of Beef down Oneida Street from Redman Realty to Torpy Park
3:15 pm Awards Ceremony and Beef Raffle Drawing at Torpy Park
3:00-5:00 pm Live Music by Corey Carlson at the Rotary Beer Garden on Chicago Street
5pm Street Open to Traffic
4:00-8:30 pm Live Music Reality Bites sponsored by the Minocqua Lions Club at Torpy Park
5-9:00pm Live Music Whitehouse Players at the Rotary Beer Garden on Chicago Street
It happens over Labor Day weekend every year, and it’s a lot of tasty fun! Taste of Madison features over 80 local restaurants, 20 beverage stands and three entertainment stages. The participating restaurants sell a vast variety of both unique and traditional dishes to the estimated 225,000 attendees over the two-day period – you should be one of them. Most food items are in the $1 to $4 range! Best of all, admission – which includes hours and hours of live entertainment – is free and open to the public.
Taste of Madison happens on the Capitol Square, one of the most dynamic and beautiful places in Wisconsin with the shops, restaurants, bars, museums, and more surrounding our gorgeous State Capitol. U.S. 151/Washington Avenue brings you closest, although U.S. 12, U.S. 14, U.S. 18, U.S. 51, and Highways 30 and 113 all bring you to Madison.
Taste of Madison Hours:
Saturday, September 4th: 2pm – 8:30pm
Sunday, September 5th: 11am – 7pm
Get the full list of participating restaurants (with address and phone where available) below or from the Taste of Madison website!
All Star Catering
2685 Maple Dr., McFarland
608-338-8899
Auntie Jill’s LLC
608-770-5050
Babcock Ice Cream by UW Food Science Club
1605 Linden Dr., Madison
608-358-0296
Bandung Indonesian Restaurant
600 Williamson St., Madison
608-205-6910
Banzo
2105 Sherman Ave., Madison
608-441-2002
Ben’s Soft Pretzels
134 West Towne Mall, Madison
608-833-3119
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano
601 Junction Rd., Madison
608-664-9288
Bob’s BBQ Emporium
8164 US Hwy 14, Arena
608-807-8287
After having to endure cancellations due to COVID in 2020, Elkhorn hosts the return of Ribfest on the Walworth County Fairgrounds July 15-18, 2021!
Check out FOUR days of unbelievably delicious, mouth-watering barbecue and entertainment on the beautiful Walworth County Fairgrounds. This event features world-renowned professional BBQ champions, great entertainment, backyard grillers, an artisan village, and a ton of great live entertainment. Not only will you experience some of the best grillers and BBQers in the country, but plenty of other fun including beer and live music with plenty of family fun, including carnival rides and other kids’ activities!
FREE Admission and parking! Even free Wi-Fi, courtesy of Edge Broadband.
Music headliners include:
Thursday, July 15th:
Hairbanger’s Ball
Too Hype Crew
Lunchmoney Bullies
Friday, July 16th:
7th Heaven
Rockstar Rodeo featuring Nashville Recording Artist Kelly Daniels
D’Lite Duo
Mr. Big Stuff
Karen Shook & the Shakers
Jonny Lyons & the Pride (Johnny Cash Tribute/Elvis/Rockabilly)
Saturday, July 17th:
Bella Cain
Karma Committee
The Cheap Shots
House of Music
Dueling Pianos
Sunday, July 18th:
Cherry Pie
Hillbilly Rockstarz
Alterred Five
Walworth County Idol
Ribfest Hours are 3 pm – 11pm Thursday, 11 am – 11 pm Friday and Saturday, and 11am – 9pm Sunday.
You’ll find the Walworth County Fairgrounds just east of downtown Elkhorn, the seat of Walworth County. The grounds can be accessed off Court Street (Highway 11) just west of the U.S. 12 freeway and just northwest of the U.S. 12/I-43 interchange. Highway 67 is just to the west.
Elkhorn Ribfest Address:
411 East Court Street (Highway 11)
Elkhorn, WI 53121
(262) 723-3228 Website
Yes, yes, we had you at bacon. Lake Geneva Bacon Fest fills the city with the wondrous smells and tastes of unique bacon creations – from dishes to drinks – while enjoying live music from local performing artists across the downtown area. This is their first time putting on Bacon Fest and it happens Saturday, May 8th, 2021.
The fun is centered on Flatiron Park in downtown Lake Geneva, which offers a beautiful view of Geneva Lake and is across from The Riviera, the historic Baker House, Sprecher’s Restaurant & Pub, and more. Tons of great shops and restaurants are within blocks, including Topsy Turvy Brewery. Of course, at the park itself beverages beyond bacon will be available, and part of the proceeds benefit the Walworth County Food Pantry and Diaper Bank.
Presented by Lake Geneva Regional News and sponsored by the City of Lake Geneva, tickets are only $5 in advance! You can also buy right at the gate for $10. This event will take COVID precautions including limiting the number of attendees allowed in Flatiron Park at given times and recommending face masks when proper distancing is difficult at the park. Please follow the COVID precautions when visiting local shops and restaurants, too. Tickets are grouped by available entry times, but once in you can stay as long as you like. Get more details and online tickets in advance here.
It’s easy to get to downtown Lake Geneva and Flatiron Park, just follow Highway 50 (which cuts right through the heart of downtown). Highway 120 comes in from the direct south and north, and the U.S. 12 freeway cuts right past town to the east and intersects with both 50 and 120 near the Grand Geneva. Easy access from the west is also available via Highway 50 from I-43 or Highway 67!
Lake Geneva Bacon Fest Address:
Flatiron Park
201 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(262) 248-4444 Website
The Beloit restaurant scene has really boomed over the last several years, and Bites of Beloit offer a terrific opportunity to sample their fares and wares. You can enjoy prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus at a variety of Beloit’s eateries, many of which are downtown, for one week only (September 8-13), with prices ranging from $12-$35 per meal.
Bites Of Beloit Participating Restaurants:
Beloit Club, 2327 S. Riverside Drive, Beloit, 608-364-9000
Bessie’s Diner, 1716 W. Airport Road, Beloit, 608-743-9830
Beloit runs right along Wisconsin’s southern border. I-39/90 and I-43 come together there in an interchange that’s in the middle of massive reconstruction right now, but you’ll still be able to spot the “World’s Largest Can of Chili” at the Hormel plant southwest of the interchange. Highway 81 brings you into town from the east or west; U.S. 51 runs north-south through the city, and Highway 213 brings you in at an angle from the northwest.
Bacon & Brews Fest combines running, walking, bacon, and beer along the shores of Lake Michigan in Oak Creek’s Lake Vista Park on Saturday, September 5th, 2020. It begins with a 5K run and walk, which you can participate in in person along a twisty, turny course in the park, or participate in virtually from wherever you are. Why the 5th of September? Because that’s International Bacon Day!
After the 5K, at the Lake Vista location they’ll have an after party featuring the aforementioned bacon, brews in the form of great craft beers, plus soda, water, food of all kinds, and more. All participants will receive a finishers medal, Special Swag, a T-shirt, and a bacon/beer filled lunch. The party will include social distancing measures, and masks will be provided if participants don’t have one. But be sure to party after the run… you can bring a chair, enjoy delicious food and beverages, and take in the beautiful views of Lake Vista Park!
This is all happening in Oak Creek, right at the end of Highway 100 just past where it meets with Highway 32, which runs along the shores of Lake Michigan from Milwaukee to Racine, Kenosha, and all points south. When you’re done – or even before you go – check out Drexel Town Square, which offers a ton of shops, bars and restaurants, hotels, and more! They also have their Farmers Market in the Square on Saturdays from 9am – 1pm. You’ll find the whole complex just north of Drexel Avenue just west of Highway 38/Howell Avenue. IKEA also has its only Wisconsin location along Drexel just west of I-41/I-94 (Exit #320). This is all just minutes south of downtown Milwaukee.
Bacon & Brews Fest Address:
Lake Vista Park
4001 E. Lakeside Avenue
Oak Creek, WI 53154 Website Facebook Page
Taste of the North is a wonderful culinary experience covering two floors of the beautiful Heyde Center for the Arts in Chippewa Falls, right near the city’s downtown, Duncan Creek, the Chippewa River, and great places to visit like Irvine Park, the Leinenkugel Brewery, the Cook-Rutledge Mansion, and more! It takes place Thursday evening, November 14th.
Enjoy incredible food, drink and the company of friends – or meet new ones! Many of the Chippewa Valley’s best culinary artisans come out to share their skills and talents all the while raising money for the Heyde Center at Taste of the North. The funds raised will contribute to the Heyde Center’s mission to bring high quality, affordable arts to the Chippewa Valley.
So, you can help the Heyde Center while you sample these exceptional products, learn from the experts, browse the art galleries, and listen to live music while socializing. Admission is a minimum donation of $30 per person.
You can easily reach Chippewa Falls, just a few minutes north of Eau Claire and I-94, via the U.S. 53 or Highway 29 expressways, or via Highways 124 or 178.
Taste of the North Address:
Heyde Center for the Arts
3 S. High Street
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
(715) 726-9000 office; (715) 720-4961 for tickets Website
See below for a list of participants!
Committed artisans so far for Taste of the North include:
Bloomer Brewing
Bushel and a Peck
Inn on Lake Wissota
Karl’s BBQ Express
Leinenkugel’s
Let’s Get Pickled
Little Wissota Bakehouse
Live Great Food
Nolechek’s Meats
O’Neil Creek Winery
Premium Waters
Sweet Clarisse Catering
Still more artisans to be confirmed!
Check their website for additional updates as the event draws closer!
Stockholm Women’s Weekend offers a slew of fun events along Highway 35 in this lovely town along the Mississippi River November 1-3, 2019. It’s a great time to take a moment to slow down and recharge, treat yourself, connect with friends, shop locally handcrafted items, and meet the artists.
Check out Friday’s Happy Hour & Welcome at Gelly’s Too, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Saturday is “Wine & Wander” throughout the village, focusing on the hours from noon until 5 pm. Enjoy progressive wine tastings with complimentary pairings at each stop.
Sunday, enjoy “Sunday Samplings,” including a Mimosa bar with pastries. Check out the mimosas at Stockholm Village Bistro from 9:00 am – 11:00 am. During Sunday afternoons, check out Pie Flights with wine, beer, and cider pairings at Stockholm Pie & General Store from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm (that’s a special ticketed event, by the way.)
Check out some of the specialty stores, too, for Stockholm Women’s Weekend:
SANDY’S CLOTHING AND ART
Check out not only complementary wine pairings at the unique boutique known as Sandy’s Clothing and Art, but explore the inside porch, which will be filled with Holiday Dressings all at 50% off!
HUGGA BUGGA
“Take a Break Station” Rest and relax from your busy day of shopping with coffee and a homemade treat.
HUMBLE MOON FOLKSTEAD (aka Antique Furniture)… AN EXPERIENCE
Owners Dan & Sarah created Humble Moon Folkstead with the idea in mind that they could live out their dreams in having a creative outlet and also to create an experience and inspiration for visitors. They have been customizing the property to suit their family needs so that the business can nurture and become part of their family lifestyle, not dominate their life. It is designed to have something of interest to men, women and children. It is a cozy casual environment where all are welcome to be themselves.
THE PURPLE TURTLE ARTISAN COLLECTIVE
Trunk show with local jeweler, CS King, who produces Earth-inspired, dark-roasted jewelry. Also, Beth Yelesky will be showcasing her skin and self care products.
THE PALATE
The Palate will feature appetizers along with wine pairings, along with recipes and more to complement what they have to offer in their charming store. They also offer cooking classes.
ABODE GALLERY
Trunk show with Robbin Firth from Heart Felt Silks. Extraordinary handcrafted fashion, and home decor in Eco dyed felted wool and silk. Scarves, runners, clothing and more.
STOCKHOLM PIE & GENERAL STORE
Check out, among their other excellent options, the FYRA: four flaky wedges of our world famous crust baked with cinnamon and sugar, topped with cardamon whipped cream, lingonberry sauce and local honey. Definitely tasty!
AND MUCH MORE!
Reach Stockholm via Highway 35, one of the most beautiful drives in the nation.
You’ll find beautiful Stockholm right along the Great River Road, Highway 35, in Pepin County where the Mississippi River widens into Lake Pepin. Definitely enjoy the drive, one of the most beautiful in America.
The 19th annual Kohler Food & Wine Experience offers a four-day extravaganza of food, wine and fun. This interactive culinary event features celebrity chefs, libations specialists, wine experts and epicurean enthusiasts from around the world for dynamic culinary seminars, tastings and signature festivities. Unique to Kohler, each Main Stage session provides ticketed guests with samples of the chef-presented recipes prepared on stage. The presenting chef and audience members alike appreciate this interactive platform that encourages conversation, feedback, commentary and questions. Additionally, guests have the opportunity for casual interactions with celebrity and regional presenters during book signings, wine dinners, celebrity chef luncheons and special evening events. Throughout the weekend, guests can enjoy complimentary demonstrations and tastings at various locations throughout the resort such as The American Club, The Shops at Woodlake, Kohler Design Center and Woodlake Market.
Main stage chefsinclude Maneet Chauhan (“Chopped,” “Wedding Cake Championship”), Joe Flamm (Executive Chef of Spiaggia in Chicago), Jet Tila from The Food Network, Geoffrey Zakarain (“The Kitchen”), Jack Bishop, Chief Creative Officer of America’s Test Kitchen, Bridget Lancaster and Julia Collin Davidson, both Executive Editorial Directors of America’s Test Kitchen.
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events › Food
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
November 4, 2023
Downtown Racine Beer & Bacon Walk
Craft beer and bacon lovers, this is for you! Racine Downtown hosts its second annual Downtown Racine Beer & Bacon Walk on Saturday, November 4th, 2023. As you walk the streets of downtown, enjoy beer samples from local breweries, paired with delicious bacon and bacon-infused bites across 20 different locations.
Calling all craft beer and bacon lovers. The Downtown Racine Corporation is hosting their 4th annual Beer & Bacon Walk on Saturday, November 4th from 1pm-6pm. Stroll the sidewalks downtown and sample delicious brews paired with bacon-infused bites at twenty downtown locations. Mark your calendars and set your alarms because tickets are expected to sell out fast!
Tickets are $45 and include:
– Admission to event
– 20 3 oz. samples of beer
– 20 bacon-infused bites
– 16oz pint glass
– One 16 oz full-pour of your choice
Who wouldn’t want to pair mouthwatering bacon-infused bites with craft beer?
Some of the bacon-infused bites to be sampled include:
Beer and Bacon Cheese Dip
Whiskey Bacon Brownies
Root beer moonshine-soaked bacon corn dog
Mini Chicken Fried Bacon Bites
Mac ‘n cheese with bacon
Bacon Popcorn
Beer & Bacon Cheese Soup
Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies
Bacon cupcakes – varied
Some of the beers to be sampled:
Sam Adams Cherry Wheat
Lein Creamy Dark
Bells Eclipse Oberon
Bells Double Cream Stout
Great Lake Christmas Ale
Papa Jacks
New Belg Fruit Force
Whole Hog Oatmeal Pie
Heineken Silver
Alaskan Amber
Hacker-Pschorr Oktobfest 4
Hofbrau Octfest
Lake Louie Badger Club
Alaskan Grizz Coffee
Point Limited Cookies
Hungry yet? Thirsty yet? It all happens Saturday afternoon, November 4th. You can buy them online or get your tickets by calling 262-634-6002.
It’s easy to get to downtown Racine, along the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. Just head east from I-41/94 via Highway 20 (Exit #333), County K (Exit #329), or Highway 11 (Exit #335) approximately 8 miles; or Highway 38 can bring you in from Milwaukee, and Highway 32 brings you to downtown Racine north from Kenosha and Illinois or south from Oak Creek and Milwaukee’s south suburbs. Lots of options, and lots to do and see once you get there!
Downtown Racine Beer & Bacon Walk Address:
425 Main Street (Highway 20, between Highways 32 & 38)
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 634-6002
Website
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October 7, 2023 – October 8, 2023
Bayfield Apple Festival
The three day event features a farm market featuring local producers, over 60 orchard and food booths selling Bayfield’s apples, apple delicacies, and festival food favorites! There is plenty to buy and see at the 140 art, craft and vendor booths. Kids carnival rides and games, an apple peeling contest, fish fry & dance round out the offerings.
You can also catch Big Top Chautauqua’s Blue Canvas Orchestra perform throughout the weekend on the Grandstand stage. The festival culminates with the Grand Parade on Sunday, which features a 400 member “Mass Band” finale.
Bayfield is located along Highway 13 on the shores of Lake Superior, about 15 minutes north of U.S. 2. U.S. 63 brings you towards Bayfield from the Hayward, Spooner, and Twin Cities areas; U.S. 51 north through the North Woods sends you toward U.S. 2 for the connection to Bayfield, too. Enjoy the fall colors on your ride!
Bayfield Apple Festival Address:
Downtown Bayfield & Memorial Park
42 South Broad Street
Bayfield, WI 54814
(715) 779-3335
Website
Read about additional “things to know” below!
More Bayfield Apple Festival features and things to know:
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August 20, 2023
Zoo A La Carte at the Milwaukee County Zoo
“Feast with the Beasts” at the Milwaukee County Zoo! Milwaukee Journal Sentinel a la Carte, presented by Meijer, runs Thursday, August 17th through Sunday August 20th. Check out 27 area restaurants with palate-pleasing offers and national and local bands performing throughout Zoo grounds, including Vertical Horizon Thursday night,
Plenty of family-friendly activities are also available throughout the grounds, and of course the Milwaukee County Zoo’s remarkable collection of 2,100+ animals you can see and learn about. It’s one of the best family activities of the year.
Crafty kids can show their artistic side with Kohl’s Color Wheels, a mobile art experience. You can also enjoy a glass of wine, while listening to local bands at the Giraffe Village Wine Tent, sponsored by Champion Windows & Sunrooms. On top of that, you can visit the Brick Dinos exhibit, sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets, which includes interactive LEGO® play-scapes and more. Admission is $3 per person.
Zoo A La Carte Music Schedule:
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Miller Lite Caribou Stage
11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Jake Williams (90s, R&B, modern, & classics)
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Jon Rouse (Classic rock)
7 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Vertical Horizon (Alternative rock)
Flamingo Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Driving Buddies (Pop, rock, & country)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Jordan and Ernie (Bluegrass)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Andrea and The Mods (70s, 80s, & more)
Zoofari Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Geoff Landon Duo (Country hits)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Xeno and Joe (Classic hits)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Brady Lee (Pop country)
Lakeview Stage
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Phil Norby (Acoustic classics)
2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Sam and Cookie (Folk, classic rock, & bluegrass)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Grimm Brothers Trio (Classic hits)
Mad City Windows & Baths Woody Stage
11:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Steve Cohen and Jim Ohlschmidt (Twisted acoustic blues)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. JC Munguía (Latin music)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Eric Diamond (Neil Diamond & more)
BioLife Plasma Services Giraffe Wine Tent
11:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Carmen and Kostia (Pop vocals with piano)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Anthony Deutsch (Pianist, vocalist, & composer)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Downtown Harrison (Modern song and dance man)
Friday, August 18, 2023
Miller Lite Caribou Stage
12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Kris and Dani Crow (Harmonies & great banter)
3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Trapper Schoepp Band (Singer-songwriter)
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Eli Young Band (Country)
Flamingo Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Ebert and Grass (Classics)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Jessie Haines (Singer-songwriter)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Eric Barbieri and the Rockin’ Krakens (Classic rock hits)
Zoofari Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Scott E. Berendt Trio (Acoustic rock & pop)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Bad Medicine (80s party rock)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. The Playlist (Top 40 hits)
Lakeview Stage
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hearthfire (Irish roots & rock)
2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Joey Gleesing (Top 40 hits)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Scott Hlavenka Duo (Acoustic gypsy jazz)
Mad City Windows & Baths Woody Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Rudy and Vee (Acoustic duo)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Michael Sean (Wisconsin musical mainstay)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Frogwater (Celtic bluegrass fusion)
BioLife Plasma Services Giraffe Wine Tent
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Keshena Armon (Singer-songwriter)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Katy Ambrose (Dynamic piano stylings)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Downtown Harrison (Modern song and dance man)
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Miller Lite Caribou Stage
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bath (Classic to modern pop and rock)
3 p.m. – 6 p.m. The Morrison Sessions (Roots rock & roll)
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Record Company (Rock)
Flamingo Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Tangled Lines (Roots, rock, & Americana)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Kitty Soft Paw (Indie rock & soul)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. V-Funk (Funk)
Zoofari Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Busted Mullet (Rock)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Bruce Humphries and the Rockabilly Rebels (Rockabilly)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Our House (50s, 60s, 70s, & more)
Lakeview Stage
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Chris Haise Duo (Indie folk rock)
2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. The Belle Weather (Orchestral indie folk rock)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Ronnie Nyles (Singer-songwriter)
Mad City Windows & Baths Woody Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Patrick Van Bibber (Guitarist, singer-songwriter)
2:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Jake Warne Duo (Singer-songwriters)
6:15 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Eric Barbieri (Classic hits)
BioLife Plasma Services Giraffe Wine Tent
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Christopher’s Project Duo (Jazz, R&B, pop, & swing)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Marcya Daneille (Jazz & soul)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Downtown Harrison (Modern song and dance man)
Sunday, August 20, 2023
Miller Lite Caribou Stage
12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Joe 2.0 (The world’s original rockestra)
5 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Hypnotized (Milwaukee’s Fleetwood Mac Tribute)
Flamingo Stage
11:15 a.m. – 3 p.m. Another One (Grateful Dead tribute)
4 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Crossfire (Country rock)
Zoofari Stage
12 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Shuga Blu (R&B, soul, & pop)
4:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Lovin Kind (Classic rock)
Lakeview Stage
11:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Beautiful Collide (Blues, jazz, & light rock)
4:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. The Lounge Dogs (Acoustic hits, classics, sing-alongs)
Mad City Windows & Baths Woody Stage
11:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Ronnie Nyles (Singer-songwriter)
4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Brooklynn Marti (Singer-songwriter)
BioLife Plasma Services Giraffe Wine Tent
11:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Barbara Stephan and Peter Mac Duo (Singer-songwriters)
4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Downtown Harrison (Modern song and dance man)
Admission rates (includes all bands and activities):
Adults: $17
Juniors (ages 3 to 12): $14
Children (ages 2 and under): FREE
Parking: $14
We talked with Jenny Diliberti from the Zoo a while back about this event and the Zoo’s history, animals, new designs, and more in this State Trunk Tour Podcast:
Milwaukee area restaurants at Zoo A La Carte include:
A la Crepes
Bear Garden
Brew City Snowballs
Bubble Waffle Shoppes
Café el Sol (gluten-free, vegetarian)
Caribou Beverage Bar
Catalano Corn (vegetarian)
Cedar Crest Ice Cream Parlor
Chillwaukee Pops (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free)
C-Viche
Funnel Cake Factory
Giraffe Beverage Bar
Giraffe Wine Bar
Golden Grill
Hot Potato
La Masa (vegetarian)
Leinie Lodge
Mama Bev’s Bakery
MIL-WOK-EE (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free)
Nothing Bundt Cakes (gluten-free)
Nourish 414 (vegetarian, gluten-free)
OOZ
Penguin Beverage Bar
Pig Tailz (vegetarian)
Roll MKE (vegetarian)
Salentini’s Pizza
Saz’s (gluten-free)
Scrima’s Woodfired Pizza (gluten-free)
Shawarma House (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free)
The Coop
The Snack Barn
Thunder Bay Grille (vegetarian, gluten-free)
Tots on the Street (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free)
Ultimate Confections Desserts featuring Suzy’s Cream Cheesecakes
Watering Hole Root Beer Floats
West End Snacks
Wild Burger
Woody’s Custard
Wong’s Wok
Zoo A La Carte at the Milwaukee County Zoo Address:
10001 W. Bluemound Road (U.S. 18)
Milwaukee, WI 53226
(414) 256-5466
Website
The Zoo is surrounded by U.S. 18/Bluemound Road on the north, I-41/US. 45 on the east, I-94 on the south, and Highway 100 on the west. Despite the Zoo Interchange construction, it’s still easy to get to!
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Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival
The 70th annual Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival is BACK at Angell Park this year, taking place Wednesday, August 16th through Sunday, August 20th, 2023!
Enjoy a carnival-midway complete with a wide variety of games and rides, food booths, live bands, a “kiddie korner” with large inflatables, family entertainment, a beer shelter, and much more! Of course fresh, locally-grown sweet corn is available to enjoy. Check out parades and live music, including:
The Dirtybirds
Supertuesday
Kings of Radio
La Movida (the radio station)
Saturday, August 19th on the Family Stage:
12:00pm Melodyia Piano Academy
2:00pm Marc LaMere Music
3:00pm Kicks Unlimited
4:00pm Clarisse Tobia Music
5:00pm Culture Celebration: Bringing Our Community Together
Sunday, August 20th on the Family Stage:
12:00pm Fusion Dance Academy
1:00pm Limanya Drum & Dance
2:00pm Sun Prairie Cheer
3:00pm Prairie Strummers
Angell Park is a beautiful historic park adjacent to Sun Prairie’s downtown. It’s also home to the Angell Park Speedway, a 1/3 dirt oval that dates back to 1903! You can reach Angell Park via Highway 19 through the city. From the U.S. 151 bypass, follow Main Street or the Highway 19 exit. You can also easily reach Angell Park via County N north from I-94 at the Cottage Grove exit.
Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival Address:
Angell Park & Angell Park Speedway
300 Park Street
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
(608) 837-4547
Website
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June 4, 2023
Dairyfest 2023, Marshfield
Marshfield features its 42nd annual Dairyfest Friday, June 2nd through Sunday, June 4th at venues all across the city. This is Hub City’s annual honor of the agricultural industry and Wisconsin’s hardworking dairy farmers! This community tradition has been providing fun for the whole family, during these “dairy-licious” days.
The Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MACCI) puts on the event, which includes a wide variety of fun activities across the three-day weekend.
What is Dairyfest?
Held annually the weekend after Memorial Day, Dairyfest is a fun community celebration that honors the agriculture industry and local dairy farmers. Dairyfest features a lot of fun events, including the annual Dairyfest Breakfast, a parade, kids’ activities, a Picnic in the Park, and much more. The theme of this year’s celebration is “To the Moo-n Back”!
Thursday, June 1
3:00-5:00pm /Kick-Off to Summer & Giveaways: Held at the Wenzel Family Plaza come for the ceremonial start of the water fountain and the Vandehey Waters giveaway and the Wisconsin Dells giveaway!
Friday, June 2
5:30-9:30am / Dairyfest Breakfast: Held at the Expo Building at the Central Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, 513 E. 17th St., this traditional event welcomes nearly 2,000 people every year. This year’s menu includes a scrambled egg special, hot coffee, white or chocolate milk, and more. The first 1,000 attendees will receive a commemorative ceramic coffee mug. Carry-out orders are accepted but must be placed ahead of time.
11:00-8:00pm / Food Truck Friday and Picnic in the Park: Food trucks will be at Columbia Park, 201 W. Arnold St., until 5:00pm and a variety of food booths will be available throughout the evening. Join the fun in the Park including inflatables, petting zoo, coin & candy hunt, educational games by Richfield 4-H, Reis Martial Arts, Main Street Conservatory of Dance, and the Marshfield Civic Band. And don’t miss out on Movie in the Park at sundown!
7:00-9:00pm / Hub City Concert Series Kick-Off: Join the fun at the Wenzel Family Plaza and enjoy food trucks and outdoor games. Live music starts at 7:00pm with NEWSKIES.
Saturday, June 3
Additional activities scheduled for Saturday include:
Marshfield Dairyfest Address:
Various locations around town, including the Central Wisconsin State Fairgrounds
513 E. 17th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449
Website
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May 20, 2023
Morel Mushroom Festival
Muscoda celebrates the Morel Mushroom Festival every May, which is only fitting because that’s prime growing season in this “Morel Mushroom Capital of Wisconsin.” These unique mushrooms are considered quite a delicacy by top chefs everywhere; there are message boards and recipes and all kinds of resources for morel lovers. The soil in the Muscoda area is particularly suited for the growth of morels and they fully embrace this fungi. In 2023, the festival takes place Saturday, May 20th.
This year’s event starts Friday, May 19th, with the Second Annual Cruise to the Festival – all modes of transportation encouraged to attend – Join us at the paved parking lot next to the Riverdale bus garage in the 500 block of North Wisconsin. Jose’s Mexican Food Truck will be there serving their specialties and Udder Brothers Creamery will have their delicious ice cream. Two blocks south, at Mushroom Headquarters along Highway 80, the grills will be going with American Legion burgers.
On Saturday, May 20th starting at 9:00am, the whole Village bursts with events. The bounce house and pedal tractor pulls are back and NEW this year is a strolling magician, Tiny Acres Farms Petting Zoo, Stilt Walker during the parade and hoop dancers after the parade. The awesome arts and crafts vendors, (many new ones!) and chainsaw carving are at Railroad Park as well as Food Vendors there and along the streets. There are also village-wide rummage and garage sales on Friday and Saturday.
At Mushroom Headquarters, the grills will be going for mushroom brats and Legion burgers (and fried morels if they’re are available). The Food and Beverage tasting area will include Jody’s Sugar Shack (chocolates), Meister Cheese, Moore Eggs, Studnicka Cattle Company, and Wild Hills Winery. And for your listening pleasure and maybe dancing, live music by the 2 Carls Band.
Another new feature includes Driftless Area and Local Wisconsin Beer Samples in the patio area of Sportsmen’s Lounge at 111 North Wisconsin Avenue. You can also catch tours of Effigy mounds, which start at 1pm, and baseball with the Muscoda Mudcats at 6pm.
A big feature is the parade down main street (AKA Wisconsin Avenue), which starts at 3:00. And after the parade, NEW this year, Native American Hoop dancers will share their ancient and sacred rituals at Mushroom Headquarters.
When you want a sit-down meal, there is pancake breakfast until noon, a chili cookoff with judging at 1:00 and the famous Firemen’s Steak Feed at the firehouse beginning at 4:00 until the steaks are gone! Enjoy the river views as the evening concludes with fireworks at dusk.
You’ll find Muscoda along Highway 80 between the Wisconsin River and Highway 133. Highway 60 is just across the river. And this town comes to party for its Morel Mushroom Festival! Check their website for updates and full schedules.
Morel Mushroom Festival Address:
Muscoda Village Hall
206 N. Wisconsin Avenue (Highway 80)
Muscoda, WI 53573
(608) 739-3182
Website
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September 23, 2022 – September 25, 2022
Gays Mills Apple Festival
The Gays Mills Apple Festival – the 63rd annual – runs September 23-25, 2022! Gays Mills is pretty much the apple capital of Wisconsin, and it celebrates the apple harvest with parades, carnivals, arts and crafts, flea markets, music, dancing, a 2K and 5K fun run/walk, food and festivities.
Get the rest of the details from their website or see the schedule below!
You’ll find Gays Mills in the heart of Wisconsin’s beautiful Driftless Area, where Highways 131 and 171 meet by the Kickapoo River. It’s worth going for the drive alone!
2022 Gays Mills Apple Festival Schedule of Events
FRIDAY EVENTS
Carnival: Wristband Night 5pm-9pm Fairgrounds
Lions Club Flea Market: 8am-5pm Fairgrounds
Main Street Vending: 10am-5pm Downtown
BMZ Church Food Stand:10am-5pm Fairgrounds
4-H Food Stand: Friday-Sunday Fairgrounds
American Legion Food Stand: 10am-5pm Fairgrounds
Societies Sons M/C: Music
Dante’s:Music Last Ride
Halver’s Town Tap: Music
SATURDAY EVENTS To See & Do:
Run and Walk:Registration 8am Main St Bridge, 2 & 5 Mi. Run; 2 Mi. Walk; ¼ Mi. Kids Fun Run: 9am
Lions Club Flea Market: 8am-5pm Fairgrounds
Main Street Vending: 9:30am-5pm Downtown
Cornhole Tournament
American Legion Volleyball Tournament: 9am 4-person Co-Ed Teams, 312 Main
Library Book Sale: 9am-5pm, 212 Main
Lions Club Arts and Crafts: 9am-5pm Fairgrounds
Carnival: 10am-5pm Fairgrounds
Open Horseshoe Tournament: Saturday Partner draw,Sunday 10 am registration and 11am start, Log CabinVillage Park
Societies Sons M/C: Music from American Standard
Fire Department: Raffle (Drawing in Nov.)
Dante’s: Music from Pilot of the Airwaves 3pm-7pm, Last Ride
Halver’s Town Tap: Music from Dylan Harris 2-6pm, DJ Robert 9pm – 1am
Inflatables:Downtown
SUNDAY EVENTS To See & Do:
Ride the FREE Trolley stops at Flea Market & Main!
APPLE FESTIVAL PARADE 1:30 pm, Main Street to Riverside Park
Lions Club Arts and Crafts & Flea Market: 8am-5pm Fairgrounds
Main Street Vending: 9:30am-4pm Downtown
Library Book Sale: 9am-3:30 pm 212 Main
Carnival: 10am-5pm Fairgrounds
Open Horseshoe Tournament: Saturday draw for partners, Sunday 10am registration, 11am start, Log Cabin Village Park
Fire Department: Raffle (Drawing in Nov.)
Inflatables: Downtown
Gays Mills Apple Festival Address:
Highways 131 & 171
Gays Mills, WI 54631
(608) 735-4341
Website
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September 10, 2022
Pardeeville Watermelon Festival & U.S. Watermelon Speed-Eating & Seed-Spitting Championships
You’ll find Pardeeville along Highway 22, where it meets Highway 44 in Columbia County.
Pardeeville Watermelon Festival Address:
Chandler Park 208 Chandler Park Drive Pardeeville, WI 53954 (608) 535-9139 Website
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June 25, 2022 – June 26, 2022
Cedarburg Strawberry Festival
The Annual Cedarburg Strawberry Festival is BACK!
Craving an art-filled weekend brimming with the most luscious summer fruit? After being shut down for 2020 and 2021, one of Cedarburg’s biggest fests returns! Check out the 37th annual Cedarburg Strawberry Festival, sponsored by BMO Harris Bank, June 25-26, 2022. This free, family-oriented festival is a favorite of many, drawing up to 100,000 people annually to toast the bold and delicious fruit in all its forms, and enjoy some of the most decadent homegrown strawberries in the area.
The Cedarburg Strawberry Festival’s many food vendors are sure to please any palate, boasting about an extensive Food Court near the Community Center, offering everything from summer favorites like hamburgers, chicken, BBQ and roasted corn, to sweet treats and specialty foods. Festival Food Court’s exclusive favorites include the “Original” Strawberry Brat, Strawberry Chicken Wrap, and strawberry shortcake. Wander through the Festival for other locally made delicacies such as strawberry pie, strawberry crepes, strawberry slushies and chocolate-covered strawberries. Schmit’s Berry Farm, a local grower, provides the festival with the most ripe and juicy strawberries, available for purchase by the quart.
For attendees with a taste for wine, Cedar Creek Winery’s Strawberry Blush Wine is a must – this and the winery’s other award-winning wines can be purchased by the glass throughout the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival.
Wander down Washington Avenue and you’ll see why “Art is a Tradition” in Cedarburg. Fondly referred to as “Arts on the Avenue,” Strawberry Festival highlights more than 250 of the best local and Midwest artists who bring their combined perspectives, skills, and thousands of works of arts to the streets of Cedarburg, including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber art, fine glass, woodwork, mixed media, and photography. Art on the Avenue is a combined effort of four local organizations, the Cedarburg Cultural Center, Cedar Creek Settlement Merchant’s Association, the Ozaukee Art Center and the Cedarburg Art Museum, and offers one-of-a-kind works of art from functional to surreal, from witty to the elegantly decorative, as well as the opportunity to meet most of the artists in person.
Cedar Creek Settlement events at the north end of town include live bands, food, and features a new Cedar Creek Marketplace as well as a merchant’s marketplace and indoor shopping. The Sunday Morning Strawberry Pancake Breakfast will be worth checking out. The popular breakfast takes place on the north end of the Festival grounds from 8:00-11:00 a.m. and is served by the Cedar Creek Settlement merchants. More than 1,000 customers get their fill of mouthwatering strawberry pancakes while listening to live music outside along Cedar Creek.
Live music all over the Festival’s Historic District satisfies every audiophile all day Saturday and Sunday. The best place to enjoy the live music is at the Gruber Law Office Main Stage – Festival Food Court which will feature rockin’ fun cover bands like Our House and Life in a Tree. Enjoy live music into the evening with extended hours until 8:30 p.m on Saturday, June 25th. The Beer Garden offers shaded seating and is in close proximity to the main Festival Food Court.
For the littlest strawberry-lovers, Henry’s Kids Korner at Cedar Creek Park offers Jo-Don Farms pony rides and petting zoo, inflatable bounce houses, food and tons of other activities and vendors. One of the most popular events is the CedarQuacker 500 sponsored by Port Washington State Bank, where hundreds of rubber ducks are launched into the creek in a race to the finish Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 3 p.m.
You can check out a little more of Historic Cedarburg with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Ozaukee County’s “Berry Big” 5K Run/Walk, which kicks off in Cedar Creek Park on Saturday at 8:15 a.m. for the timed runners and 8:25 a.m. for fun runners/walkers. The route circles through the neighborhoods that surround the downtown area.
If you tire of walking, take a ride on the Country Aire Rides Tractor Hayride Shuttle that travels around the festival route. Off the festival footprint, the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts will feature exhibits and fun family activities.
Cedarburg Strawberry Festival Schedule of Events
Saturday, June 25
10am-8:30pm FESTIVAL FOOD COURT – Washington Ave. – Community Center Parking Lot
Serving up the original strawberry shortcake, roasted corn, cheese curds, BBQ, chicken, hamburgers, brats, hot dogs, gyros, tacos, gator on a stick, Jambalaya, beer, wine, lemonade, soda, desserts
CHS Robotics Food Booth – Serving up the ORIGINAL STRAWBERRY BRAT and STRAWBERRY CHICKEN WRAP, STRAWBERRY BRAT CORNDOG
GRUBER LAW OFFICES MAIN STAGE – Washington Ave. – Festival Food Court at the Community Center Live music, Fermentorium beer including ther new Strawberry Shandy, Molson Coors Beer and Cedar Creek Wine Garden, shaded seating and tables, restrooms
EASY CHEESY GRILLED CHEESE – Washington Ave. at the Festival Food Court
Serving up delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. Benefits the Guardians of the Children and Strawberry Festival
WASHINGTON AVE. BEER/WINE BOOTH – Washington Ave. at the Community Center
Fermentorium Speciality Beer, Molson Coors Beers, Cedar Creek Wines. All proceeds benefit Strawberry Festival. Wine served in your own Halovino Cup – while supplies last
SHOPS AT CEDAR CREEK SETTLEMENT and the CEDAR CREEK WINERY – Bridge Rd. at Washington Ave.
Brats, BBQ, burgers, nachos, strawberry desserts, crepes, slushies, beer, wine by the glass, 25 indoor shops, marketplace, and live music
CEDARBURG LION’S CLUB – Two locations: North Location: Washington Ave. at Bridge Rd.
Grilled foods, turkey legs, beer, wine, soda, live music
TURNER STREET MARKETPLACE – Washington Ave. at Turner St.
Serving up the original strawberry shortcake. Shop the Marketplace I: cheese, sausage, sauces, dips, Bundt cakes, cleaning supplies, soap, lotions, jewelry, Aussie hats, pet collars, CBD, micro greens, pain relief, jerky, crispie treats, leggings, accessories and more!
MILL STREET MARKETPLACE – Washington Ave. at Mill St.
Serving up the original strawberry shortcake, and Molson Coors beers, Cedar Creek Wines, Fermentorium Strawberry Shandy and Speciality Beers and lemonade. Shop the Marketplace II: Dips, sauces, pasta, women’s clothing, plants and garden, elderberry syrup, macramé, dog treats, Tastefully Simple, pro sports gear, nail care, skincare products, wallets, candles, and much more!!
CLEVELAND STREET MARKETPLACE – Washington Ave. at Cleveland Ave.
FREE Motorcycle parking compliments of Cedar Creek Motorsports. Shop the Marketplace III: St. Nicholas baked goods, and seasoning and mixes
PORT WASHINGTON STATE BANK PARKING LOT – Washington Ave. at Mill St.
Mel’s Charities of Ozaukee County – serving up the famous pork sandwiches
UNION HOUSE CEDARBURG BACK PARKING LOT – Washington Ave. south of Center St.
Backyard BBQ – Beer, Wine and Cocktails (must be enjoyed on property). Delicious shrimp or steak kabobs, hamburger sliders and more, beverages, seating, shade, fun and games. Enjoy a game of Cornhole. FESTIVAL CONTESTS – Win Prizes! Sign up begins at 10:00 am, spaces are limited – 15 years of age to adults (new temporary location)
BELLA LEI BEAUTY STAGE – Washington Ave. just south of Center St.
Featuring Live Music & Performances
CEDARBURG CULTURAL CENTER – Washington Ave. north of Mill St.
Grilled foods, beer, wine, Sangria, “Art Off the Avenue” in the back parking lot
KUHEFUSS HOUSE – Washington Ave north of Turner St.
Adult Beverages, “Tropical Oasis Bar”
CEDARBURG ART MUSEUM – Washington Ave. north of Cleveland Ave.
Beer Garden serving beer, wine, and soda from the Lakefront Brewery Carriage Tap House; Outdoor Sculpture Garden; live music and food truck: Blue Cow Creperie 11:30 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday, June 26th
FESTIVAL FOOD COURT – Washington Ave. – Community Center Parking Lot
Serving up the original strawberry shortcake, roasted corn, cheese curds, BBQ, chicken, hamburgers, brats, hot dogs, gyros, tacos, gator on a stick, Jambalaya, beer, wine, lemonade, soda, desserts
CHS Robotics Food Booth – Serving up the ORIGINAL STRAWBERRY BRAT and STRAWBERRY CHICKEN WRAP, STRAWBERRY BRAT CORNDOG
GRUBER LAW OFFICES MAIN STAGE – Washington Ave. – Festival Food Court at the Community Center Live music, Fermentorium beer including their new Strawberry Shandy, Molson Coors Beer and Cedar Creek Wine Garden, shaded seating and tables, restrooms
EASY CHEESY GRILLED CHEESE – Washington Ave. at the Festival Food Court
Serving up delicious grilled cheese sandwiches. Benefits the Guardians of the Children and Strawberry Festival
WASHINGTON AVE. BEER/WINE BOOTH – Washington Ave. at the Community Center
Fermentorium Speciality Beer, Molson Coors Beers, Cedar Creek Wines. All proceeds benefit Strawberry Festival. Wine served in your own Halovino Cup – while supplies last
SHOPS AT CEDAR CREEK SETTLEMENT and the CEDAR CREEK WINERY – Bridge Rd. at Washington Ave.
Brats, BBQ, burgers, nachos, strawberry desserts, crepes, slushies, beer, wine by the glass, 25 indoor shops, marketplace, and live music
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm Livin’ the Dream
CEDARBURG LION’S CLUB – Two locations: North Location: Washington Ave. at Bridge Rd.
Grilled foods, turkey legs, beer, wine, soda, live music
TURNER STREET MARKETPLACE – Washington Ave. at Turner St.
Serving up the original strawberry shortcake. Shop the Marketplace I: cheese, sausage, sauces, dips, Bundt cakes, cleaning supplies, soap, lotions, jewelry, Aussie hats, pet collars, CBD, micro greens, pain relief, jerky, crispie treats, leggings, accessories and more!
MILL STREET MARKETPLACE – Washington Ave. at Mill St.
Serving up the original strawberry shortcake, and Molson Coors beers, Cedar Creek Wines, Fermentorium Strawberry Shandy and Speciality Beers and lemonade. Shop the Marketplace II: Dips, sauces, pasta, women’s clothing, plants and garden, elderberry syrup, macramé, dog treats, Tastefully Simple, pro sports gear, nail care, skincare products, wallets, candles, and much more!!
CLEVELAND STREET MARKETPLACE – Washington Ave. at Cleveland Ave.
FREE Motorcycle parking compliments of Cedar Creek Motorsports. Shop the Marketplace III: St. Nicholas baked goods, and seasoning and mixes
PORT WASHINGTON STATE BANK PARKING LOT – Washington Ave. at Mill St.
Mel’s Charities of Ozaukee County – serving up the famous pork sandwiches
UNION HOUSE CEDARBURG BACK PARKING LOT – Washington Ave. south of Center St.
Backyard BBQ – Beer, Wine and Cocktails (must be enjoyed on property). Delicious shrimp or steak kabobs, hamburger sliders and more, beverages, seating, shade, fun and games. Enjoy a game of Cornhole. CONTESTS – Win Prizes! Sign up begins at 10:00 am, spaces are limited – 15 years of age to adults (new temporary location)
BELLA LEI BEAUTY STAGE – Washington Ave. just south of Center St.
Featuring Live Music & Performances
CEDARBURG CULTURAL CENTER – Washington Ave. north of Mill St.
Grilled foods, beer, wine, Sangria, “Art Off the Avenue” in the back parking lot
KUHEFUSS HOUSE – Washington Ave north of Turner St.
Adult Beverages, “Tropical Oasis Bar”
CEDARBURG ART MUSEUM – Washington Ave. north of Cleveland Ave.
Beer Garden serving beer, wine, and soda from the Lakefront Brewery Carriage Tap House; Outdoor Sculpture Garden; live music and food truck: Pork in the Road 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
You’ll find the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival in Cedarburg’s historic downtown along Washington Avenue (historic Highway 57), a few miles north of Highway 167, just east of Highway 181, and south of Highway 60.
Cedarburg Strawberry Festival Address:
Downtown Cedarburg
Washington Avenue
Cedarburg, WI 53012
(262) 377-5856
Website
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October 15, 2021 – October 18, 2021
Down The Rabbit Hole Festival
Down The Rabbit Hole is a top-notch musical, visual, and performing artist festival sweeping you away into the woods on the beautiful, lazy Apple River for a non-stop, magical, fantastical experience you will never forget.
Happening Friday, October 15th through Monday, October 18th along the Apple River in Somerset, Down The Rabbit Hole features:
Performer lineup includes:
Cabins and campground sites are available, part of a variety of ticket packages that range from $10-$150. Admission for kids 6 & under is FREE.
Down The Rabbit Hole takes place at Apple River Hideaway in Somerset. It’s an incredibly popular area for tubing and recreation all summer, and you’ll find it just of Highways 35 and 64.
Down The Rabbit Hole Festival Address:
Apple River Hideaway Campground
712 170th Avenue
Somerset, WI 54025
Website
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September 24, 2021 – September 25, 2021
Beef-A-Rama
With Beef-A-Rama, the smell of beef fills the air and more than 12,000 people fill the streets of downtown Minocqua. For over 50 years, Beef-a-Rama™ has been a premiere event drawing visitors back year after year to join in on the one-of-a kind fun you can only find in the Northwoods.
Roasters begin cooking their signature beefs before dawn. Herds of creative festival goers dressed in cow-themed costumes start packing downtown early for the 10K and 5K Rump Roast Run and Walk along Lake Minocqua, live music, & Prime Choice Craft Show featuring more than 70 vendors.
Mooo-ve on down to Torpy Park to grab a roast beef sandwich and watch the Beef Eating Contest, Cow Pie Plop, and of course the famous Roaster Parade down main street!
Listen for the top roasters at the Awards Ceremony at 3pm following the Parade. Check for the latest itinerary online.
Minocqua is along “Wisconsin’s Backbone,” U.S. 51, just south of Highways 47 and 70.
Beef-A-Rama Address:
Torpy Park
806 U.S. Highway 51
Minocqua, WI 54548
(715) 356-5266
Website
Check out the Schedule of Events below!
Beef-A-Rama Schedule of Events:
Friday, September 24th
10am-Noon Live Radio Broadcast with WRJO at the Minocqua Area Chamber of Commerce
6:00-9:00pm Lakeland Rotary Rump Roast Run registration at American Legion Hall
6:30-9:30pm Live Music The Lincoln Boys Band and Beer Garden sponsored by The Minocqua Island Business Association at Torpy Park
Saturday, September 25th
7am Rump Roast Run Registration at the American Legion Hall
7:30am Street Closure Begins
7am-8pm Shuttles Run ($3 fee per car) from Lakeland Union High School, Hribar Corporation/Truck Country, Lakeland Hawks Ice Arena & Builders First Source
8:15am Lakeland Rotary’s Calf Mile Run for Kids
9am Lakeland Rotary’s Rump Roast Run
9am-3pm Live Radio Broadcast by WRJO at Torpy Park
9am-11:00am Live Music Red Ben and the Missing Miles at Torpy Park
9am-5pm Bouncy Houses for Kids on the lower level of Torpy Park
9am-5pm Prime Choice Craft Show on the lower level of Torpy Park
9am-5pm Official Beef-A-Rama™ apparel sales at Torpy Park
10am-5:00pm Henna, Face painting, Glitter Painting at Veterans Park
10am-9:00pm Lakeland Rotary Beer Garden on Chicago Street
10am-9:00pm Minocqua Lions Club Beer Garden at Torpy Park
10am-5pm Official Beef-A-Rama™ Sandwich Sales at Torpy Park
10am-12pm Live Music by Corey Carlson at the Rotary Beer Garden on Chicago Street
10am-3pm Kids’ Games, Bouncy Houses, and Face Painting in lower level of Torpy Park
10am-4pm Kraft’s Kuddly Kritters Petting Zoo at Veterans Park
10am-5pm Twisted Widdlin’ Fool chainsaw carving exhibition
10am Food Sales Begin Torpy Park & Chicago Street
11am-1pm Kids’ Activities at Redman Realty on Oneida Street
11am-1:45pm Judging of the Beef along Oneida Street
11am-3pm Cow Pie Plop & Mechanical Bull sponsored by Lakeland Hawks Ice Arena at Island City Ice Cream
11:00am Beef Eating Contest at Torpy Park sponsored by Associated Bank
Noon-4:00pm Live Music by The Lincoln Boys at Torpy Park
Noon-3:00 pm Live Music by Useful Jenkins at the Rotary Beer Garden on Chicago Street
3:00 pm Parade of Beef down Oneida Street from Redman Realty to Torpy Park
3:15 pm Awards Ceremony and Beef Raffle Drawing at Torpy Park
3:00-5:00 pm Live Music by Corey Carlson at the Rotary Beer Garden on Chicago Street
5pm Street Open to Traffic
4:00-8:30 pm Live Music Reality Bites sponsored by the Minocqua Lions Club at Torpy Park
5-9:00pm Live Music Whitehouse Players at the Rotary Beer Garden on Chicago Street
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September 5, 2021
Taste of Madison
Taste of Madison happens on the Capitol Square, one of the most dynamic and beautiful places in Wisconsin with the shops, restaurants, bars, museums, and more surrounding our gorgeous State Capitol. U.S. 151/Washington Avenue brings you closest, although U.S. 12, U.S. 14, U.S. 18, U.S. 51, and Highways 30 and 113 all bring you to Madison.
Taste of Madison Hours:
Saturday, September 4th: 2pm – 8:30pm
Sunday, September 5th: 11am – 7pm
Get the full list of participating restaurants (with address and phone where available) below or from the Taste of Madison website!
All Star Catering
2685 Maple Dr., McFarland
608-338-8899
Auntie Jill’s LLC
608-770-5050
Babcock Ice Cream by UW Food Science Club
1605 Linden Dr., Madison
608-358-0296
Bandung Indonesian Restaurant
600 Williamson St., Madison
608-205-6910
Banzo
2105 Sherman Ave., Madison
608-441-2002
Ben’s Soft Pretzels
134 West Towne Mall, Madison
608-833-3119
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano
601 Junction Rd., Madison
608-664-9288
Bob’s BBQ Emporium
8164 US Hwy 14, Arena
608-807-8287
Bonnie’s Balls
Boulder Brewpub
950 Kimball Lane, Verona
608-845-3323
Buck & Badger Northwoods Lodge
115 State Street, Madison
608-230-7999
Bulgogi Korean Taco
Library Mall Food Court, Madison
Buraka East African Cuisine
1210 Williamson St, Madison
608-286-1448
Cafe Costa Rica – Mango Man Cooks
1133 Williamson St., Madison
608-256-9830
Capriotti’s
902 Regent Street, Madison
608-255-2227
Caracas Arepas/Caracas Empenadas
Food Cart
608-279-0835
Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream Company
468 State St., Madison
608-441-5248
Common Pasta
Food Truck, 1 E. Main, Madison
Curd Girl
Capitol Square, Madison
608-228-6658
Daddy Rocks
902 Eagle Crest Dr., Madison
608-770-6270
David’s Jamaican Cuisine
5734 Monona Dr., Monona
608-222-8109
El Sabor de Puebla
1113 Williamson St., Madison
608-422-5264
Ernie’s Kettle Korn
Capitol Square, Madison
608-957-9239
Flix Brewhouse
85 East Towne Mall, Madison
608-665-2070
Gigi’s Cupcakes
554 N. Midvale Blvd., Madison
608-661-7465
Gooseberry on the Square
1 S. Pinckney St. #104, Madison
608-467-6552
Grace Cheesecakes
N4664 Co Rd. V, Poynette
608-516-9888
Gyros Express
122 West Towne Mall, Madison
608-833-2330
Hibachi Hut
Library Mall, Madison
608-338-5660
HMI Southern Catering
3735 Monona Dr., Monona
608-230-6254
Hong Kong Cafe
2 S. Mills St., Madison
608-259-1668
Jakarta Cafe
700 Block of State St., Madison
920-747-0646
Jamerica Restaurant
1236 Williamson St., Madison
608-251-6234
JDs
608-444-1590
Just Bakery/Madison Area Urban Ministry
608-843-9975
Just Veggiez
Catering/Food Cart, Madison
608-209-5070
Kehr Fatou
Food Cart/Catering
608-217-2138
La Kitchenette
805 Williamson St., Madison
608-283-4266
La Taguara
3502 E. Washington Ave., Madison
608-721-9100
Lao Laan-Xang
12098 Atwood Ave., Madison
608-280-0104
Little Tibet
827 E. Johnson, Madison
608-630-8232
LT’s Aloha Wagon
Food Truck, Madison
608-807-4414
The Looking Glass Bakery
2817 East Washington Ave., Madison
920-297-3539
Macaholics Macarons
Catering, Madison
Melting Pot
6816 Odana Rd., Madison
608-833-5676
Milano Ice
6816 Odana Rd., Madison
608-572-5543
Mirch Masala
449 State St., Madison
608-665-3667
Monona Bakery & Eatery
4544 Monona Drive, Madison
608-720-1133
Native Food Network – Mobile Farmers Market
7 N. Pickney, Suite 235, Madison
608-280-1267
Natural Juice
7 N. Pinckney, Suite 235, Madison
608-628-9280
North & South Seafood & Smokehouse
6604 Mineral Point Rd., Madison
608-829-0093
The Old Fashioned
23 N. Pinckney, Madison
608-310-4545
Pagoda Smoothie Food Cart
People’s Bakery
2810 E. Washington Ave., Madison
608-245-0404
The Post
24 S. Carroll St., Madison
608-327-1101
Poke Poke
600 Williamson St., Madison
608-665-3306
RibMasters WI
Food Truck, Madison
608-669-0955
The Rigby Pub and Grill
119 E Main St, Madison
608-442-1112
The Rodeo Wagon
Food Cart
Roll Play
The Roman Candle
1054 Williamson St., Madison
608-258-2000
Sabor Queretano
4512 E. Washington Ave., Madison
608-209-0643
Savi Cafe & Catering
215 S. Hamilton, Madison
608-283-4903
Schultz’s Sugar River Kettle Corn
N9560 Hwy. 92, Belleville
608-217-9137
Smokin’ Cantina
Madison Food Cart
608-438-9643
Smokin’ Dragons
Soho Gourmet Cuisines
2990 Cahill Main #106, Madison
608-960-4011
Steak Escape
212 East Towne Mall, Madison
608-333-1103
Surco Peruvian
515 Cottage Grove Rd., Madison
608-957-1716
Tavernakaya
27 E. Main St., Madison
608-286-1548
Teriyaki Samurai
Food Cart, Madison
608-338-5660
The Globe
309 N. Henry St., Madison
608-640-4435
TnT’s Coffee & Cafe
729 N High Point Rd, Madison
608-831-2298
Toast
728 State Street, Madison
608-692-4549
Toppers
1368 Regent St., Madison
Ugly Apple
Food Cart
608-352-8459
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July 15, 2021 – July 18, 2021
Elkhorn Ribfest
Check out FOUR days of unbelievably delicious, mouth-watering barbecue and entertainment on the beautiful Walworth County Fairgrounds. This event features world-renowned professional BBQ champions, great entertainment, backyard grillers, an artisan village, and a ton of great live entertainment. Not only will you experience some of the best grillers and BBQers in the country, but plenty of other fun including beer and live music with plenty of family fun, including carnival rides and other kids’ activities!
FREE Admission and parking! Even free Wi-Fi, courtesy of Edge Broadband.
Music headliners include:
Hairbanger’s Ball
Too Hype Crew
Lunchmoney Bullies
Friday, July 16th:
7th Heaven
Rockstar Rodeo featuring Nashville Recording Artist Kelly Daniels
D’Lite Duo
Mr. Big Stuff
Karen Shook & the Shakers
Jonny Lyons & the Pride (Johnny Cash Tribute/Elvis/Rockabilly)
Saturday, July 17th:
Bella Cain
Karma Committee
The Cheap Shots
House of Music
Dueling Pianos
Sunday, July 18th:
Cherry Pie
Hillbilly Rockstarz
Alterred Five
Walworth County Idol
Ribfest Hours are 3 pm – 11pm Thursday, 11 am – 11 pm Friday and Saturday, and 11am – 9pm Sunday.
You’ll find the Walworth County Fairgrounds just east of downtown Elkhorn, the seat of Walworth County. The grounds can be accessed off Court Street (Highway 11) just west of the U.S. 12 freeway and just northwest of the U.S. 12/I-43 interchange. Highway 67 is just to the west.
411 East Court Street (Highway 11)
Elkhorn, WI 53121
(262) 723-3228
Website
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May 8, 2021
Lake Geneva Bacon Fest
Yes, yes, we had you at bacon. Lake Geneva Bacon Fest fills the city with the wondrous smells and tastes of unique bacon creations – from dishes to drinks – while enjoying live music from local performing artists across the downtown area. This is their first time putting on Bacon Fest and it happens Saturday, May 8th, 2021.
The fun is centered on Flatiron Park in downtown Lake Geneva, which offers a beautiful view of Geneva Lake and is across from The Riviera, the historic Baker House, Sprecher’s Restaurant & Pub, and more. Tons of great shops and restaurants are within blocks, including Topsy Turvy Brewery. Of course, at the park itself beverages beyond bacon will be available, and part of the proceeds benefit the Walworth County Food Pantry and Diaper Bank.
Presented by Lake Geneva Regional News and sponsored by the City of Lake Geneva, tickets are only $5 in advance! You can also buy right at the gate for $10. This event will take COVID precautions including limiting the number of attendees allowed in Flatiron Park at given times and recommending face masks when proper distancing is difficult at the park. Please follow the COVID precautions when visiting local shops and restaurants, too. Tickets are grouped by available entry times, but once in you can stay as long as you like. Get more details and online tickets in advance here.
It’s easy to get to downtown Lake Geneva and Flatiron Park, just follow Highway 50 (which cuts right through the heart of downtown). Highway 120 comes in from the direct south and north, and the U.S. 12 freeway cuts right past town to the east and intersects with both 50 and 120 near the Grand Geneva. Easy access from the west is also available via Highway 50 from I-43 or Highway 67!
Lake Geneva Bacon Fest Address:
Flatiron Park
201 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(262) 248-4444
Website
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September 8, 2020 – September 13, 2020
Bites of Beloit Restaurant Week
The Beloit restaurant scene has really boomed over the last several years, and Bites of Beloit offer a terrific opportunity to sample their fares and wares. You can enjoy prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus at a variety of Beloit’s eateries, many of which are downtown, for one week only (September 8-13), with prices ranging from $12-$35 per meal.
Bites Of Beloit Participating Restaurants:
Get more updates on the Bites of Beloit website!
Beloit runs right along Wisconsin’s southern border. I-39/90 and I-43 come together there in an interchange that’s in the middle of massive reconstruction right now, but you’ll still be able to spot the “World’s Largest Can of Chili” at the Hormel plant southwest of the interchange. Highway 81 brings you into town from the east or west; U.S. 51 runs north-south through the city, and Highway 213 brings you in at an angle from the northwest.
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September 5, 2020
Bacon & Brews Fest, Oak Creek
Bacon & Brews Fest combines running, walking, bacon, and beer along the shores of Lake Michigan in Oak Creek’s Lake Vista Park on Saturday, September 5th, 2020. It begins with a 5K run and walk, which you can participate in in person along a twisty, turny course in the park, or participate in virtually from wherever you are. Why the 5th of September? Because that’s International Bacon Day!
After the 5K, at the Lake Vista location they’ll have an after party featuring the aforementioned bacon, brews in the form of great craft beers, plus soda, water, food of all kinds, and more. All participants will receive a finishers medal, Special Swag, a T-shirt, and a bacon/beer filled lunch. The party will include social distancing measures, and masks will be provided if participants don’t have one. But be sure to party after the run… you can bring a chair, enjoy delicious food and beverages, and take in the beautiful views of Lake Vista Park!
This is all happening in Oak Creek, right at the end of Highway 100 just past where it meets with Highway 32, which runs along the shores of Lake Michigan from Milwaukee to Racine, Kenosha, and all points south. When you’re done – or even before you go – check out Drexel Town Square, which offers a ton of shops, bars and restaurants, hotels, and more! They also have their Farmers Market in the Square on Saturdays from 9am – 1pm. You’ll find the whole complex just north of Drexel Avenue just west of Highway 38/Howell Avenue. IKEA also has its only Wisconsin location along Drexel just west of I-41/I-94 (Exit #320). This is all just minutes south of downtown Milwaukee.
Bacon & Brews Fest Address:
Lake Vista Park
4001 E. Lakeside Avenue
Oak Creek, WI 53154
Website
Facebook Page
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November 14, 2019
Taste of the North – Food As Art
Taste of the North is a wonderful culinary experience covering two floors of the beautiful Heyde Center for the Arts in Chippewa Falls, right near the city’s downtown, Duncan Creek, the Chippewa River, and great places to visit like Irvine Park, the Leinenkugel Brewery, the Cook-Rutledge Mansion, and more! It takes place Thursday evening, November 14th.
Enjoy incredible food, drink and the company of friends – or meet new ones! Many of the Chippewa Valley’s best culinary artisans come out to share their skills and talents all the while raising money for the Heyde Center at Taste of the North. The funds raised will contribute to the Heyde Center’s mission to bring high quality, affordable arts to the Chippewa Valley.
So, you can help the Heyde Center while you sample these exceptional products, learn from the experts, browse the art galleries, and listen to live music while socializing. Admission is a minimum donation of $30 per person.
You can easily reach Chippewa Falls, just a few minutes north of Eau Claire and I-94, via the U.S. 53 or Highway 29 expressways, or via Highways 124 or 178.
Taste of the North Address:
Heyde Center for the Arts
3 S. High Street
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
(715) 726-9000 office; (715) 720-4961 for tickets
Website
See below for a list of participants!
Committed artisans so far for Taste of the North include:
Still more artisans to be confirmed!
Check their website for additional updates as the event draws closer!
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November 1, 2019 – November 3, 2019
Stockholm Women’s Weekend
Stockholm Women’s Weekend offers a slew of fun events along Highway 35 in this lovely town along the Mississippi River November 1-3, 2019. It’s a great time to take a moment to slow down and recharge, treat yourself, connect with friends, shop locally handcrafted items, and meet the artists.
Check out Friday’s Happy Hour & Welcome at Gelly’s Too, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Saturday is “Wine & Wander” throughout the village, focusing on the hours from noon until 5 pm. Enjoy progressive wine tastings with complimentary pairings at each stop.
Sunday, enjoy “Sunday Samplings,” including a Mimosa bar with pastries. Check out the mimosas at Stockholm Village Bistro from 9:00 am – 11:00 am. During Sunday afternoons, check out Pie Flights with wine, beer, and cider pairings at Stockholm Pie & General Store from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm (that’s a special ticketed event, by the way.)
Check out some of the specialty stores, too, for Stockholm Women’s Weekend:
SANDY’S CLOTHING AND ART
Check out not only complementary wine pairings at the unique boutique known as Sandy’s Clothing and Art, but explore the inside porch, which will be filled with Holiday Dressings all at 50% off!
HUGGA BUGGA
“Take a Break Station” Rest and relax from your busy day of shopping with coffee and a homemade treat.
HUMBLE MOON FOLKSTEAD (aka Antique Furniture)… AN EXPERIENCE
Owners Dan & Sarah created Humble Moon Folkstead with the idea in mind that they could live out their dreams in having a creative outlet and also to create an experience and inspiration for visitors. They have been customizing the property to suit their family needs so that the business can nurture and become part of their family lifestyle, not dominate their life. It is designed to have something of interest to men, women and children. It is a cozy casual environment where all are welcome to be themselves.
THE PURPLE TURTLE ARTISAN COLLECTIVE
Trunk show with local jeweler, CS King, who produces Earth-inspired, dark-roasted jewelry. Also, Beth Yelesky will be showcasing her skin and self care products.
THE PALATE
The Palate will feature appetizers along with wine pairings, along with recipes and more to complement what they have to offer in their charming store. They also offer cooking classes.
ABODE GALLERY
Trunk show with Robbin Firth from Heart Felt Silks. Extraordinary handcrafted fashion, and home decor in Eco dyed felted wool and silk. Scarves, runners, clothing and more.
STOCKHOLM PIE & GENERAL STORE
Check out, among their other excellent options, the FYRA: four flaky wedges of our world famous crust baked with cinnamon and sugar, topped with cardamon whipped cream, lingonberry sauce and local honey. Definitely tasty!
AND MUCH MORE!
Reach Stockholm via Highway 35, one of the most beautiful drives in the nation.
Stockholm Women’s Weekend Event Address:
2040 Spring Street
Stockholm, WI 54769
(715) 442-2266
Website
Facebook Page
You’ll find beautiful Stockholm right along the Great River Road, Highway 35, in Pepin County where the Mississippi River widens into Lake Pepin. Definitely enjoy the drive, one of the most beautiful in America.
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October 17, 2019 – October 20, 2019
Kohler Food & Wine Experience
The 19th annual Kohler Food & Wine Experience offers a four-day extravaganza of food, wine and fun. This interactive culinary event features celebrity chefs, libations specialists, wine experts and epicurean enthusiasts from around the world for dynamic culinary seminars, tastings and signature festivities. Unique to Kohler, each Main Stage session provides ticketed guests with samples of the chef-presented recipes prepared on stage. The presenting chef and audience members alike appreciate this interactive platform that encourages conversation, feedback, commentary and questions. Additionally, guests have the opportunity for casual interactions with celebrity and regional presenters during book signings, wine dinners, celebrity chef luncheons and special evening events. Throughout the weekend, guests can enjoy complimentary demonstrations and tastings at various locations throughout the resort such as The American Club, The Shops at Woodlake, Kohler Design Center and Woodlake Market.
Main stage chefs include Maneet Chauhan (“Chopped,” “Wedding Cake Championship”), Joe Flamm (Executive Chef of Spiaggia in Chicago), Jet Tila from The Food Network, Geoffrey Zakarain (“The Kitchen”), Jack Bishop, Chief Creative Officer of America’s Test Kitchen, Bridget Lancaster and Julia Collin Davidson, both Executive Editorial Directors of America’s Test Kitchen.
The extensive list of Wine, Spirits, and Beer representatives from all over the country at the Kohler Food & Wine Experience includes the following:
You’ll find the awesomeness just south of Highway 23 along County Y in Kohler, about a mile west of I-43. Highways 28 and 42 also bring you close!
Kohler Food & Wine Experience Address:
Kohler Design Center and the American Club (plus adjacent venues)
419 Highland Drive
Kohler, WI 53044
(920) 457-8000 x55687
Website
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