It’s Milwaukee’s annual French festival, one of the largest French celebrations in the United States, and it’s tres magnifique! This FREE four-day bash attracts over 250,000 visitors each year. In 2026, Bastille Days runs Thursday, July 9th through Sunday, July 12th. Set around Cathedral Square on the east side of downtown, Bastille Days begins with a 5K “Storm the Bastille” run on Thursday night and then plenty of live music, an international marketplace, chef and wine demos, French and Cajun cuisine, roaming busker entertainment and a signature 43-foot Eiffel Tower replica offering hourly light shows.
The event is known for the impromptu street performers, roaming minstrels, and a variety of interactive and musical entertainment. Bastille Days also boasts a wide variety of some of the best restaurant vendors in Milwaukee!
Check out Bastille Days wine tastings where you can let your taste buds explore and compare delicious wines from around the world! A wine specialist will guide you through the taste test with selected wines from 5 countries. A separate ticket is needed for each tasting, and seating is limited to 76 per tasting. You’ll find all these tastings at the NE corner of Cathedral Square Park along Jackson Street – look for the tent!
The festival covers the blocks around Cathedral Square, including along Wells, Kilbourn, Jefferson, and Jackson Streets. U.S. 18 and Highway 32 actually detour around the festival, which is one of the largest French festivals in the nation. I-43/94, I-794, and Highways 38, 59, and 145 all bring you close. Grab your beret and check it out!
Thousands line up for the “Storm the Bastille” 5K Run & Walk at Bastille Days in Milwaukee
Bastille Days Hours:
Thursday July 9- 11am-11:30pm
Friday July 10- 11am-11:30pm
Saturday July 11- 10am-11:30pm
(Kid’s Day Activities 10am – 3pm)
Sunday July 12- 11am-8pm
Bastille Days Entertainment Lineup:
Thursday, July 9th
Educator’s Credit Union Main Stage
11:45 a.m. — Soul Patrol
3:15 p.m. — Wisconsin Space Program
6:00 p.m. — North Coast Orchestra
9:05 p.m. — Cold Sweat & The Brew City Horns
Gruber Law Offices “One Call… That’s All” Stage
12:15 p.m. — Madame Gigi’s Outrageous French CanCans
1:15 p.m. — The Last Bees
4:10 p.m. — Madame Gigi’s Outrageous French CanCans
5:10 p.m. — The Panoptics
8:20 p.m. — Madame Gigi’s Outrageous French CanCans
9:20 p.m. — Radio Radio
MSOE STAGE
11:30 a.m. — Kevin Soucie
2:30 p.m. — Ced
5:30 p.m. — Octavio Arcanjo
8:30 p.m. — French DJ Chill With John Stuart
KILBOURN/BEAUX ARTS STAGE
12:00 p.m. — Tamarind Tribal Belly Dance
12:45 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. — Learn To Speak French
1:45 p.m. — Patchouli
5:35 p.m. — Sweet Sheiks
8:50 p.m. — Christopher’s Quartet
MORE TO ENJOY
3:00 p.m. — Ginger Whimsy (Human Statue)
4:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. — Professor Pinkerton Presents
9:00 p.m. — Storm The Bastille 5K Run
9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. — Professor Pinkerton Fire Performance
Friday, July 10th
Educator’s Credit Union Main Stage
11:45 a.m. — Paradise Jazz Band
3:00 p.m. — Maple Road
4:00 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. — Milwaukee Hittaz
6:00 p.m. — VFunk
9:30 p.m. — Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound
Gruber Law Offices “One Call… That’s All” Stage
12:00 p.m. — Madame Gigi’s Outrageous French CanCans
1:00 p.m. — Otherwise Normal
4:00 p.m. — Madame Gigi’s Outrageous French CanCans
5:00 p.m. — One Louder
8:00 p.m. — Madame Gigi’s Outrageous French CanCans
9:00 p.m. — Breaking Cadence
MSOE STAGE
11:30 a.m. — Tenley Sheldon
2:30 p.m. — Tobias Cainion
5:30 p.m. — Tommy Odetto
8:30 p.m. — French DJ Chill With Jayx
KILBOURN/BEAUX ARTS STAGE
12:00 p.m. — Tamarind Tribal Belly Dance
12:45 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. — Learn To Speak French
1:45 p.m. — Texas Dave Trio
6:00 p.m. — Jerry Grillo With The Golden Gals MKE
9:00 p.m. — Listening Party
MORE TO ENJOY
3:00 p.m. — Ginger Whimsy (Human Statue)
4:00 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. — Milwaukee Hittaz
4:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. — Professor Pinkerton Presents
5:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. — Beth Stavros (Aerialist)
8:45 p.m. — Samba 2nd Line
9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. — Professor Pinkerton Fire Performance
Saturday, July 11th
Educator’s Credit Union Main Stage
10:30 a.m. — Kids/Family Day promotion
11:00 a.m. — Milwaukee Ballet
12:10 p.m. — Milwaukee French Immersion School
1:00 p.m. — Tamarind Tribal Belly Dance
2:45 p.m. — Fashionably Late
6:30 p.m. — The Us Project
9:20 p.m. — Extra Crispy Brass Band
Gruber Law Offices “One Call… That’s All” Stage
11:15 a.m. — North Coast for The Arts Rock Band
12:20 p.m. — WI Academy Music Rock Band
2:00 p.m. — Madame Gigi’s Outrageous French CanCans
3:00 p.m. — Sound Therapy
6:00 p.m. — Madame Gigi’s Outrageous French CanCans
7:00 p.m. — 5 Card Studs
9:45 p.m. — Madame Gigi’s Outrageous French CanCans
10:05 p.m. — Viva La Drag Queen Show
MSOE STAGE
11:30 a.m. — Hildegarde
2:30 p.m. — Miss Ingrid
5:30 p.m. — Emmitt James Duo
8:30 p.m. — French DJ Chill With Johnny Love
KILBOURN/BEAUX ARTS STAGE
11:45 a.m. — Hanna Simone & Early Bird
1:15 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. — Learn To Speak French
2:00 p.m. — Robin Pluer
5:15 p.m. — Troubadours Of Rhythm
9:00 p.m. — Professor Pinkerton’s Irrelevant Orchestra
MORE TO ENJOY
1:45 p.m. — Navy Band 2nd Line
4:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. — Professor Pinkerton Presents
5:00 p.m. — Ginger Whimsy (Human Statue)
5:00 p.m. — French Mass at St. John Cathedral
5:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. — Beth Stavros (Aerialist)
8:30 p.m. — Samba 2nd Line
9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. — Professor Pinkerton Fire Performance
Sunday, July 12th
Educator’s Credit Union Main Stage
12:15 p.m. — Big Al & Blues Howlers
3:55 p.m. — The Hungry Williams
Gruber Law Offices “One Call… That’s All” Stage – Viva La Revolution II
12:10 p.m. — Spill
1:20 p.m. — Winefred RT
2:30 p.m. — Video Sex Priest
3:40 p.m. — Louie & The Flashbombs
4:50 p.m. — Carbellion
6:00 p.m. — Conniption
MSOE STAGE
12:15 p.m. — The Style
3:30 p.m. — French DJ Chill With Lukewarm
KILBOURN/BEAUX ARTS STAGE
12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. — Learn To Speak French
12:10 p.m. — Hildegarde
2:15 p.m. — Robin Pluer
4:30 p.m. — Valley Fox
MORE TO ENJOY
11:00 a.m. — Milwaukee Frenchies
1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. — Professor Pinkerton Presents
3:00 p.m. — Ginger Whimsy (Human Statue)
Bastille Days Address:
825 N. Jefferson Street/Cathedral Square
Milwaukee, WI 53202 Website
The Northern Wisconsin State Fair is always a fun-filled, family event that brings folks back year after year to Chippewa Falls, right along Historic U.S. 53 and today’s Highway 124. In 2026, it runs Wednesday July 8th through Sunday, July 12th!
The five days of the fair feature midway carnival excitement, numerous exhibits, animal judging, contests for milk drinking, pie eating, karaoke, animal shows including a draft horse show, a pedal tractor pull, and much more that you would expect from a fair like this. Furthermore, you can check out or participate in the Lego Pre-Build Contest, talent competitions, and of course, the food is always a highlight. A Schedule of Events is below!
The fairgrounds are indicated by this formation of stones right along Highway 124.
Adult 5 Day Admission: $25 (covers all five days)
One Day Admission: $10
Children 5 and Under: FREE
Parking: $5 per vehicle
Active/Retired Military and Veterans: Free with Active/Retired Military ID Card, DD214
The Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds are right along Highway 124 in Chippewa Falls, just a hop, skip, and a jump north of the Leinenkugel Brewery and across from beautiful Irvine Park and the Irvine Park Zoo. Highways 29 and U.S. 53 bring you close by.
Northern Wisconsin State Fair Schedule of Events coming soon!
Northern Wisconsin State Fair Address:
Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds
225 Edward Street (just off Highway 124)
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
(715) 723-2861 Website
Craving an art-filled weekend brimming with the most luscious summer fruit? Check out the 42nd annual Cedarburg Strawberry Festival, sponsored by BMO Harris Bank, June 27-28, 2026. 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 27th. 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 Live Music Schedule:
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
Hayward hosts Musky Fest Friday, June 26th through Sunday, June 28th with a huge celebration that offers over 120 handmade art and crafts booths, sidewalk sales, live music on Friday and Saturday nights, kids’ games and entertainment including a carnival, a 5k and 10k run/walk, parade, Musky Queen Scholarship program and the Hayward Lions Club fishing contest. The theme in 2026 is “The Reel Up North!”
As you may know (and if you don’t, now you will), Hayward is home to the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and includes the World’s Largest Musky that you can explore and even climb up into. Musky Fest is fun for the whole family as it celebrates the musky, fishing, the North Woods, and so much more. U.S. 63 and Highways 27 and 77 bring you to this beautiful town!
11am – 3pm
Face Painting and Balloon Animals on Second Street sponsored by Frandsen Bank
10am – 5pm
Caricatures by Rachel near the Sevenwinds Casino Main Stage in Downtown Hayward
10am – 5pm
Speed Ball Throw on Third Street presented by the Knights of Columbus
10am – 5pm Fishing Contest Booth Open for Registrations near the Food Court on Main Street – Presented by Muskies Inc. – Hayward Lakes Chapter & Hayward Bass Club
10am – 10pm
Hayward Lions Club and Hayward Rotary Club’s Beer and Brat Tents Open
11am – 3pm
Meet & Greet with Hall of Fame Fisherman Babe Winkelman
11am – 10pm
Carnival Open at the Fuller Building Lot Courtesy of St. Joe’s Catholic Church
12pm – 4pm
Carnival Wrist Band Hours, all ages $25 each
12pm – 4pm
Learn to Fish Event at Shue’s Pond – Courtesy of the Wisconsin DNR
Noon
Mini, Little Miss, & Junior Musky Queen Presentation Presented by the Hayward Dairy Queen on the Sevenwinds Casino Main Stage in Downtown Hayward
4pm Fishing Contest Raffle & Prize Ceremony at the Fishing Contest Booth on Main Street Presented by Muskies Inc. – Hayward Lakes Chapter & Hayward Bass Club
Cows on the Concourse is a celebrated tradition that kicks off June Dairy Month in Dane County. At this free and family-friendly event, kids and adults can meet and greet cows and baby calves from local dairy farms.
Check out Cows on the Concourse as you peruse the Dane County Farmers’ Market on Saturday, June 6th, 2026 and enjoy live music, tasty food, fun games, and real, live cows!
Cows on the Concourse celebrates Wisconsin’s dairy industry, which contributes more than $43.4 billion to our state’s economy – Wisconsin is truly “America’s Dairyland.”
Activities
Cow Zone
Get up close and personal with two different herds of cows and baby calves from several dairy breeds. You can even pet them! Joining the cows are local Wisconsin farmers and other “Moo Experts” to answer all your questions.
Get MOOving & Fit Zone
Kids, check out our athletic stations and learn how dairy products are a part of healthy lifestyle and keep your bodies strong. Don’t forget to fuel up with ice-cold milk after you exercise!
Ed’Moo’cation Zone
Dairy is a rich tradition in Wisconsin, but how did it get to be that way? In this youth-friendly station, learn how dairy has become the cornerstone of Wisconsin’s economy as well as how all the great dairy products have become signature treats for folks in the Badger State.
Cows on the Concourse Big Cheese Zone
Sink your teeth into a melt-in-your-mouth grilled cheese sandwich for only $2. Don’t forget to grab a bottle of ice-cold milk to wash it down!
My Dairyland Scavenger Hunt
Join in the My Dairyland Scavenger Hunt and visit each zone at Cows on the Concourse. Learn fun dairy facts and record your answers for a chance to win a free souvenir t-shirt while supplies last.
Saturday Science
Can’t get enough dairy? Hop on a school bus for an excursion to the Town Center at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery on the UW-Madison campus. You will learn about the science of dairy foods and even do some sampling too!
A free shuttle will travel between the two locations, departing every 20 minutes between 10 a.m. and noon.
Saturday Science will include a bonus stop for the My Dairyland Scavenger Hunt.When you complete the My Dairyland Scavenger Hunt at Cows on the Concourse, take your question card to Saturday Science and earn a token for a scoop of Culver’s custard while supplies last!
Cows on the Concourse Address:
Capitol Square, 2 E. Main Street
Madison, WI 53703 Website
Their website has even more details. Check it out Saturday, June 6th from 8am-1pm on the Capitol Square in Madison. U.S. 12, 14, 18 and Highways 30 and 113 all bring you to the city, and U.S. 151 takes you right to the Square!
Twice a year, the Door County Lighthouse Festival gives you a closer look at the beautiful lighthouses that mark the shores of the Door Peninsula. The spring edition this year is the weekend of May 22nd-24th and June 5th – 7th; the fall will be October 2nd-4th.
These fundraising Festival weekends include air, land-based, boat, and adventure tours that provide access to all of the treasured lighthouses of Door County and 3 neighbors to the south in Kewaunee and Brown Counties. Many of the tour excursions are unique to the Lighthouse Festival weekends and provide visitors exclusive access to lighthouses not typically open to the public – Chambers Island, Plum Island and Sherwood Point Lighthouses. There are tours for all levels of activity and accessibility. Some tours involve hiking. Boat tours depart from a variety of locations around the Peninsula, including Sister Bay, Gills Rock and Baileys Harbor. A portion of each Lighthouse Festival tour ticket helps fund the Door County Maritime Museum & Lighthouse Preservation Society, Inc.
These are the Participating Locations, with their open hours during Spring and Fall Lighthouse Festivals. *Please note: If you are planning a self-guided experience, there may be an admission fee or requested donation.
*Door County Maritime Museum, Sturgeon Bay: 9am-5pm, all weekend (S/F)
*Death’s Door Maritime Museum, Gills Rock: 10am-5pm, all weekend (S/F)
*Cana Island Lighthouse, Baileys Harbor: 10am-5pm, all weekend (S/F)
Sherwood Point Lighthouse, Sturgeon Bay: 10am-4pm, Saturday/Sunday (S/F)
Enjoy some Friday night fun during First Fridays Racine, taking place along Main Street in Downtown Racine from May – December from 4-9pm! It happens throughout the downtown area, centered on Monument Square where Highways 20 and 38 cap the ends of a main thoroughfare that is Highway 32.
Friday, May 1st is next for First Fridays Racine
The first First Fridays in 2026 will take place Friday (of course), May 1st from 4 pm to 9 pm. The theme is Creative Crawl!
The Creative Crawl will be a citywide celebration of art, creativity, and community. Enjoy hands-on activities, artist demos, local author readings, pop-up exhibits, and more throughout Downtown Racine. More details to come!
As always, Downtown Racine’s merchants, restaurants, and bars are rolling out the red carpet with shopping and dining deals that are too good to pass up. Live music will fill the air at hotspots like Brickhouse, The Ivanhoe, Marci’s on Main, Reefpoint Brew House, Dimples, Chartroom, and Uncorkt, keeping the party going all night long.
Parking is conveniently available at the Lake Avenue Ramp (300 Lake Avenue), Civic Centre Ramp (501 Lake Avenue), and the McMynn Ramp (120 7th Street) or Shoop (Main & State) for an all-day rate of only $4.00.
In addition to First Fridays, check out the rest of downtown Racine. Right along the shores of Lake Michigan you can explore Reefpoint Marina, North Beach, the Racine Zoo, the new boutique Hotel Verdant, Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and SC Johnson sites.
Take the drive to where Highways 11, 20, 32, and 38 come together in downtown Racine. Enjoy happy people taking in the best of what downtown Racine has to offer! Check out the First Fridays Racine website for more details.
First Fridays Racine Address:
Monument Square
100 Main Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 634-4287 Website
Battle on Bago is the Midwest’s largest ice fishing tournament and the family and fishing event of the year! The 19th annual Battle on Bago (winter version, there’s a summer one in June) takes place on Lake Winnebago February 20th-21st, 2026. There’s a Friday Fish Fry on the ice – weather permitting – with live music. Saturday’s Ice Fishing Tournament features over $275,000 in cash and prizes!
The Tournament starts Friday, February 20th at 6:00 am; scales will be open from 4pm to 8pm. On Saturday February 21st, scales will open at 9am; the tournament ends at 2:00pm. Tournament ticket sales END at 6am Friday. You must be in line by 2:00 pm at Menominee Park in Oshkosh.
Contestants will be allowed to fish Lake Winnebago and the Upper River Lakes: Lake Poygan, Lake Winneconne, and Lake Butte des Morts. Ice Fishing Permitted ONLY. You can weigh 1 fish per fishing ticket of any of the following species: Walleye (minimum length 14”), panfish (perch, bluegills, crappies), or whitebass. Any other fish not listed here will not be eligible for registration. Fish may be taken with tip-ups or by rod and reel. There is no age requirement on tournament participation.
Along with fishing, check out the heated tent and enjoy a great fish fry and other food from 5-10pm, plus live music from 7:30pm-11pm Friday night. The Raffle will be held on Saturday at 5pm. FREE Admission to all non-fishing events!
You can get tickets here. Fishing tickets are $40. You can also buy tickets are various locales in the Oshkosh area, as well as Fleet Farm stores statewide. You also need a valid fishing license from the Wisconsin DNR (888-936-7463).
More info on tickets, tournaments, entertainment, and more can be found on their website, BattleonBago.org.
You can get to Menominee Park in Oshkosh by hitting I-41 and heading into town or accessing downtown Oshkosh using Highways 21, 26, 44, 76, 91, or U.S. 45. A lot of roads lead to Oshkosh… by gosh.
Battle on Bago Address:
Menominee Park/Millers Bay
Irving Avenue & Hazel Street
Oshkosh, WI 54901
(920) 303-9200 Website
Start:
February 20, 2026
End:
February 21, 2026
Venue:
Menominee Park
Phone:
920-303-9200
Address:
East Irving Avenue at Hazel Street, Oshkosh, WI, 54903, United States
The “Birkie” returns to Hayward, providing year-round, healthy, active lifestyle events for thousands of adventurous spirits of all ages and abilities. Their slogan is SKI . RUN . BIKE . LIVE! It all began in 1973, when 35 determined skiers gathered on the starting line for the American Birkebeiner. Little did they know…they were about to change everything. Today, the Birkie provides year-round, healthy, active lifestyle events for thousands of adventurous spirits of all ages and abilities. In 2026, it’s back for Birkie Week February 18th through the 22nd!
The official name of this main event is the Slumberland American Birkebeiner Cross-Country Ski Event. It’s North America’s largest and most prestigious X-C ski marathon; 12,000 skiers of all ages, genders and nationalities participate in the 51K Birkebeiner, the 24K Kortelopet, Prince Haakon 13K, the children’s Barnebirkie, Junior Birkie, Elite Sprints, and Family Fun Ski.
The Barkebirkie in Hayward, where people line the streets, big-time.
Other fun events include the Barkie Birkie Skijor and Thursday’s Giant Ski Competition (six people on one pair of skis. What-what?? Find out more here.) The Birkie is a year-round lifestyle choice for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts of all levels. From its signature ski race, the legendary American Birkebeiner–Title Sponsor, Slumberland Furniture–the Birkie has grown into an exciting array of fitness and recreational opportunities. The 107-kilometer Birkie Trail system attracts skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from casual day-trippers to elite superstars.
The Slumberland American Birkebeiner®:
Spans 50 kilometers from Cable to Hayward for Skaters, and 55K for Classic Skiers
North America’s largest cross-country ski marathon
Attracts over 10,000 Birkie/Korte skiers
Part of the Worldloppet circuit of 20 international ski marathons and part of the American Ski Marathon series of 13 races.
American Birkebeiner (the Birkie) Event Address:
10527 Main Street
Hayward, WI 54843
(715) 634-5025 Website
U.S. 63 and Highways 27 and 77 bring you to Hayward! From U.S. 53 at Trego, follow U.S. 63 north about 25 minutes.
Lake Superior Ice Festival is a community-driven festival celebrating the coolest aspects of Superior, Douglas County, and the whole northwestern Wisconsin region. Events include fireworks, ice sculptures, bonfires, family activities, snow slide, snow shoe and fat tire bike demos, Kubb (which you can learn to play), 9-hole Disc Golf, ice racing, and more.
For 2026, the Lake Superior Ice Festival will feature 24 ice sculptures around Superior at various businesses and city landmarks, each resting on a blue base with an accompanying trivia question. Starting Friday, January 30th at 5:00 pm you can go on their website to answer the trivia questions and be entered for a chance to win one of two $250 in Superior Business Improvement District BID Bucks.
Events you can enjoy include:
Friday & Saturday, all day: Orb 365: A Community Collaborative. Ice orbs that will be arranged in the shape of Lake Superior are the heart of this community art project that also encourages good stewardship of the area’s water resources.
Snow Creations at theRichard I. Bong Veterans Historical CenterandFairlawn Mansion. Kids (and adults, too) can craft their own snow creations on the grounds of the Bong Veterans Historical Center (305 Harborview Parkway) or the Fairlawn Mansion (906 E. 2nd Street/U.S. 2/53) and even get spray bottles filled with approved color dye to make their snowy creations brilliant! This is available at the Bong Center from 9am – 5pm Friday or Saturday and at the Fairlawn Mansion on Friday or Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Both venues will also offer half-price tours during this time.
Learn to Play Kubb. The sport of Kubb (pronounced “kooob”) is an old lawn game somewhat like bowling and horseshoes. The object is to knock over wooden blocks (the “kubbs”) with wooden batons you throw at them. Legend has it the Vikings (the ancient explorers, not the Minnesota football team) used to play the game using the skulls and bones of fallen enemies. Today, that’s frowned upon. You can learn how to play and/or watch the tournament!
Disc Golf. On Saturday from 10am to 4pm, the free 9-hole disc golf course will be open for you to play disc golf, see demonstrations, and even get instructions from local pros. It’s presented by the Lake Superior Disc Golf Community.
Midwest Ice Racing Association Races will feature Motorcycles and Quads racing on the ice next to the S.S. Meteor. The action happens Saturday, with gates opening at 7am, practices at 8:30, and racing from 10am – 3:30pm.
Fat Tire Bike Demos will take place Saturday from 10am to 2pm at Barkers Island. You can try out a bike, learn about programs from the College of St. Scholastica’s Outdoor PURSUIT! and Zeitgeist, and help them kick off their Winter Bike Week festivities, which runs through February 4th.
Bonfire Pits at Festival Park from 10am – 5pm Saturday.
The Passport Scavenger Hunt takes place Saturday from 10am to 4pm, where you can win prizes by picking up a passport, participating in activities, and checking them off in the passport.
The Superior Snow Slide offers a place to sled down on a large constructed hill designed specifically for sledding. It’s available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, but only staffed with sled rentals available on Saturday from 10am to 7pm.
Hay Bale Shuttle on the Island is a free service that will pick you up and drop you off at any of the four stops around the Island: parking area/sledding hill, Festival Park, beach area access and Barker’s Island Inn. Shuttles will be available from 10 am – 6 pm on Saturday.
The Lake Superior Ice Festival Canine King & Queen Contest happens Saturday, presented by the Humane Society of Douglas County. All entries will have been done by the weekend, but you can watch the competition and crowning ceremony, which happens at noon!
Ice Carving in Action happens several times on Saturday, with the creations of these artists from Krystal Kleer Ice Sculptures from Appleton crafting amazing sculptures before your eyes! They’ll stay up around town for as long as Mother Nature will let them.
Saturday, January 31st, Noon to 4pm: Lake Superior Ice Racing Association Stock Car Races. Full-size stock cars will race on Allouez Bay, with rear-wheel and front-wheel cars and small pickup trucks in a series of races starting at noon on Saturday.
Lake Geneva celebrates winter like no other place. Winterfest is a brouhaha of shopping, dining, music, magic, refreshments, and activities including thrilling helicopter rides over the town and lake running January 28 – February 1, 2026. It’s capped off, of course, by the amazing designs and creativity of the newly-christened America’s Snow Sculpting Invitational, formerly the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition. Fifteen teams of the most talented snow sculptors and artists from around the country gather to compete for a national title. The entire competition is open to the public, so Winterfest attendees can actually watch the artists at work!
Be here to witness these teams at work during an epic 72-hour competition where their artistry is put to the test in creating remarkable, larger-than-life snow sculptures.
2026 TEAMS
• Block #1: Illinois – Team Cave People From Space
• Block #2: Michigan 2 – Team Soggy Mitten Boys
• Block #3: Wisconsin 2 – Team Snow Cronies
• Block #4: Mexico – Team Mexico
• Block #5: Wisconsin 1 – Team Sculptora Borealis
• Block #6: Minnesota 1 – Team Doing Our Best
• Block #7: Wisconsin 3 – Team Snow Blind
• Block #8: Turkey – Team Turkey
• Block #9: Pennsylvania – Team Jack of All Lanterns
• Block #10: Minnesota 2 – Team Snow Van Gogh
• Block #11: Alaska – Team AK Department of Snow
• Block #12: Iowa + Vermont – Team A NorEaster in Dubuque
• Block #13: Michigan 1 – Team Smith Family
• Block #14: Wisconsin 4 – Team Up To Snow Good
• Block #15: Colorado – Team Enchanted Forest
In addition to the snow sculpting competition, you’ll find more wintery fun during Winterfest week, including the 6th annual Downtown Ice Sculpture Walk, Bonfires on the Beach, a Cocoa Crawl and many more events, activities and specials around Lake Geneva and the surrounding area. The walk is just steps away from the snow sculpting competition, with dozens of artfully crafted ice sculptures adorning the front faces of shops, restaurants, and other businesses throughout the Downtown district. Ice sculptures will be installed Friday morning, January 30th and remain on display as long as the cold weather permits!
2026 ICE SCULPTURE LOCATIONS
Barrique Bistro & Wine Bar | 835 Wrigley Drive
Bloomingbyrds | 755 W. Main Street
Brick & Mortar Home | 832 Geneva Street
Brick & Mortar Home and Outdoor | 222 Center Street
Clearwater Outdoor Sports | 744 W. Main Street
Cornerstone Shop & Gallery | 214 Broad Street
Egg Harbor Café | 827 W Main Street
Evr drygds | 719 W. Main Street
Fancy Fair Mall | 830 W Main Street
Geneva Gifts | 150 Broad Street
Haberdapper | 253 Broad Street
Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva | 300 Wrigley Drive
Interstate Insurance Group | 811 Wrigley Drive (Popeye’s)
Kilwins | 772 Main Street
Lake Geneva Lifestyle/Donna Brongiel | 703 Main Street
Lake Geneva Motel | 201 Wrigley Drive (Visitor Info Center)
Lake Geneva Spice Company | 255 Broad Street
Marigold | 725 W Main Street
Overland Sheepskin Co. | 752 W. Main Street
Queen Bee Artisan Market | 830 W. Main Street
Sopra Bistro | 724 Main Street
The Bottle Shop | 617 W. Main Street
The Candle Mercantile | 870 W. Main Street
The Olive Oil Shops | 221 Broad Street
Thumbs Up | 260 Broad Street
Winterfest activities focus on downtown Lake Geneva, which lies right along Highway 50. U.S. 12 and Highway 120 are close to the east and Highway 67 is a few miles to the west near Delavan. It’s easy to get to – and a total blast!
A horse-drawn carriage ride through Lake Geneva is perfect on a winter day.
Lake Geneva Winterfest & America’s Snow Sculpting Invitational Address:
Downtown Lake Geneva/Riviera Park
201 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(262) 248-4416 Website
OVER THREE MILLION LIGHTS. That’s crazy! And beautiful. And festive. And there’s a lot more to see at the La Crosse Rotary Lights, that holiday special event that runs November 28th through December 31st at Riverside Park. The parade kicks everything off at 6pm on the 28th, with the opening ceremony immediately following. Santa will be on hand to throw the switch turning on all these lights (and probably momentarily dimming some others across town – that’s gotta be a huge power draw!), too. Helicopter rides are back this year, too!
Among the splendor is a 140- foot Christmas tree and plenty of animated light displays. Live nativity presentation on weekends until Christmas, although the number of participants will be limited this year. Santa, after opening the festivities, will continue to be there for you and the kids until December 23rd.
Here’s how it works if you choose to drive through it: The line forms down State Street and continues to the North on 2nd Street. On busy nights, the line will back up onto 3rd Street/Copeland Ave/U.S. 53. Roads will be blocked so that you cannot enter from State Street, northbound on Second Street, or from Vine Street. You can tune your car stereo to their local Christmas channel for good musical accompaniment while joining the caravan of onlookers from the comfort – and heat – of your car.
If you prefer to walk or take a carriage ride through the display, you do not need to wait in line. There is usually street parking available near the park or there are several parking ramps within walking distance. Get Parking Ramp Information HERE. Horse-drawn carriages are available most weekends and run $20/couple or $30/family. No Tuesday night hayrides this year, but you can still get free s’mores at the fire pit, where supplies will be individually packaged.. You’ll also still be able to experience the helicopter rides for an amazing view! New additions from last year that they’ve kept include a brand new sleigh for photos, heated restrooms available on both the north and south ends of the park, and the hologram display.
Remember, Santa shows up nightly from 5 – 8 pm until December 23rd (of course, he has to hurry back to the North Pole right after that and get his sleigh ready for that worldwide trip) and there’s no sitting on his lap.
Weather permitting, the Chad Erickson Ice Rink is available for skating, Monday through Friday 5pm-8pm, Saturday Noon to 8pm, and Sunday Noon to 6pm. The warming hut and skate rental are back, and of course you can bring your own skates! A heated igloo will be available if you need to warm up and/or change. You can call (608) 784-9993 to check on Skating Rink Status and information; voicemail messages are updated daily.
New this year is All Abilities Night on Monday, December 1st. They will be adjusting the lights and music to accommodate individuals that may not have been able to experience the show in the past due to flashing lights and loud music.
The hours for La Crosse Rotary Lights are 5-10pm daily. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the hours are 5-9pm; New Year’s Eve, it will stay open until 1 am; meaning technically La Crosse Rotary Lights lasts into January 1, 2026.
The whole La Crosse Rotary Lights admission and experience is free of charge, but Rotary Lights does welcome donations; monetary or non-perishable food item donations are strongly encouraged. Get the full Entertainment Schedule of Events here!
La Crosse Rotary Lights Address:
Riverside Park (just off U.S. 53)
410 Veterans Memorial Drive
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 784-9993 Website
Marshfield Rotary Winter Wonderland celebrates its 20th year in 2025! Since 2006, Rotary Winter Wonderland has grown to reach over 2,000,000 lights along with dozens of additional displays. It takes place in Marshfield’s beautiful Wildwood Park & Zoo, were you can enjoy the drive-thru route and/or the walking route. Doing both is recommended to fully enjoy all of the lights and displays.
There is no admission charge; however free will donations of food and cash are accepted to help the local food pantries and keep it running. Since it began in 2006, Marshfield Rotary Winter Wonderland has provided over 670,000 food items to food pantries in Marshfield and the surrounding area.
Can you bring your pets? Sure, but only if you have them ride with you in the car on the drive-thru portion of the lights. Since it takes place at Wildwood Zoo, pets are not allowed outside for the sake of the zoo animals’ safety. (You can, however, bring kids!)
Winter Wonderland will be open 7 days a week starting right after Thanksgiving and continuing through New Years Eve. The grounds will be open from 5pm to 9pm. They typically stay open even during inclement weather but you can verify on specific night on their Facebook page.
Wildwood Park & Zoo is easy to access on a road trip; it’s along Central Avenue, the Historic Route of Highway 13, on the south side of Marshfield not too far north of U.S. 10 and Highway 80. Highway 13’s “through-pass” route and the southern terminus of Highway 97 also come near, and a southerly ride on Central past downtown brings you right there. There are walk-in entrances at both the north and south sides of the Zoo, along with parking at each, and a drive through entrance off of W. 17th Street. Parking lot spaces are limited; additional parking can be found along Balboa, Adams and Locust, all which run north to south.
Marshfield Rotary Winter Wonderland Address:
Wildwood Park & Zoo
1800 S. Roddis Avenue (for GPS)
Marshfield, WI 54449 Website Facebook Page
The Janesville Holiday Light Show at Rotary Botanical Gardens is an annual holiday highlight in Janesville, the “City of Parks.” Follow the illuminated garden pathways on an evening stroll through the 20-acre botanical gardens, where the wintry garden paths are brought to life with more than 2 MILLION lights, themed light displays and animations, beautifully decorated trees, dangling icicle lights hung from the tallest trees in the Garden and more. Santa makes periodic stops (get the dates HERE), and they have other events like Silly Scarf Night, Holiday Sweater Night, and more.
Back by popular demand are the Selfie Stops & Photo Opps, with fun props and amazing backdrops that offer holiday photo opportunities both indoors and out. Step inside to enjoy a warm beverage as you watch the 200′ electric model train display, hand-sewn quilts, festive local musicians and holiday shopping.
NEW in 2025, you are invited to linger and celebrate in their indoor Christmas Market from December 13-23, featuring Artisan vendors with one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, a limited-edition 2025 holiday ornament, and holiday food & drink!
The Holiday Light Show is open from 4:30pm – 9:00pm from November 28th, 2025 through January 3rd, 2026.
Admission is $15 for people age 13 and up online, $18 at the gate. Children 3-12 are $5, kids 2 and under are free. Get Tickets Here!
On-site parking will be available, but you can also take advantage of their FREE shuttle service, beginning at 4:15pm each day of the show. The shuttle picks up visitors at Dawson Field and drops them off at Rotary Botanical Gardens. The shuttle will run throughout the duration of the Holiday Light Show. Dawson Field is located minutes from Rotary Botanical Gardens, at 920 Beloit Ave, Janesville, Wisconsin, 53546.
The Janesville Rotary Gardens are (obviously) in Janesville, where Highways 11, 14, 26, and U.S. 51 all come together, as well as I-39/90.
Janesville Holiday Light Show at Rotary Botanical Gardens Address:
1455 Palmer Drive
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 752-3885 Website
A Country Christmas – it’s Wisconsin’s largest outdoor drive-thru lights display, now in its 30th year! It’s back as big as ever, letting families enjoy everything from the safety and comfort of their cars ! Country Christmas’ popular drive-thru holiday lights display covers the grounds of The Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, right along I-94 between County Highways T and G just north of Waukesha. Enjoy unique displays and exhibits like “Bearville,” an area of the trail where you will find giant teddy bears in a church scene, general store, butcher shop, and sausage factory. You can also enjoy Prairieville (Waukesha’s original name) and Old Time Waukesha miniature cities. plus a captivating 200-foot tunnel of 30,000 computerized, pulsating lights!
Road geeks (like us on the State Trunk Tour) love the old Mobilgas pumps along the Country Christmas Tour!
Admission to Country Christmas includes access to the following:
• The Country Christmas Trail features over a million holiday lights festively displayed on over a mile-long trail. As guests drive through the countryside, they will experience enchanting animated figures and holiday scenes from the comfort of their car.
• The Streets of Bethlehem is in a building at the end of the drive-through trail. You can get out of your car and walk through the collection of nearly life-sized Fontanini nativity figurines – a replica of the Pope’s personal collection.
• Christmas Village is another building at the end of the trail that you can get out of your car and visit. At Christmas Village, you can enjoy a hot cup of cocoa or an evening treat while surrounded by a cuddly cast of animated holiday characters. The newly rebuilt working model train display is cool, too!
Also, back by popular demand for the 3rd year, wagon rides will be available on the dates of November 30th-December 2nd & December 4th, December 7th – 11th, and December 14th – 18th. Rides start at 5:15pm, 6pm, 6:45pm, 7:30pm, and 8:15pm and are $20 per person. Wagon rides include hot chocolate and a Christmas cookie; they can be purchased online. Carload admission is not required for wagon rides.
Country Christmas 2025 runs November 14, 2025 through January 3, 2026. Hours for the event are 5pm to 9pm Sunday through Thursday and 5pm to 10pm on Friday, Saturday and Holidays. Admission is $30 per carload Sunday-Thursday, $35 Friday, Saturday, and other peak times. Pricing for large passenger vans and limos is $50 and minibus admission is $60. Senior home minibus admission is available for a discounted rate of $40.
Country Christmas at the Ingleside Address:
Ingleside Hotel
2810 Golf Road (County DR, along I-94)
Pewaukee, WI 53072
(262) 547-0201 Website
Craft beer and bacon lovers, this is for you! Racine Downtown hosts its 5th annual Downtown Racine Beer & Bacon Walk on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024 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 $40 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:
Bacon Mac N Cheese
Bacon-Wrapped Cocktail Weenies in ‘Secrect Stadium Sauce’
Bruschetta With Bacon
Smashers Pork Patties
Bacon Chicken Bombs
Bourbon Bacon Jam Crostini
Bacon Crack
Porchetta Bacon
Bacon Cheese Bites
Bacon Potato Skins
Cheesy Bacon Flatbread
Bacon Cheddar Corn bread
Bacon BBQ Meatballs
Candied Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Bacon & Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms
—just a sneak peek of the scrumptious lineup.
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 2nd. 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
Sister Bay has a beautiful marina along the waters of Green Bay. Hit the end of Highway 57 along Highway 42 for Marina Fest, which features live entertainment, plenty of food and drink, a water ski show by the Waterboard Warriors, a fireworks show, easy access to Al Johnson’s show you can watch goats on the roof, and more!
Sister Bay Marina Fest Schedule of Events
SATURDAY, AUG 30th
7:30 – 10 AM: Pancake Breakfast Presented by the Sister Bay & Liberty Grove Fire Department
8 AM – 4 PM: Used Book Sale
9 AM – 4 PM: Vintage Boat Show
9 AM – 5 PM: Arts & Crafts Fair with Stained Glass Mosaic Workshop
10 AM – 6 PM: Kid’s Bouncy Houses
11 AM – 4 PM: Kid’s Boat Building with the Lions Club
11 AM – 8 PM: Food Court
12 – 1:30 PM: Kid’s Ages 4-12 Pedal Tractor Pull – Presented by Peach Barn (Registration begins at 11 AM )
1 – 4 PM: Performance by Mistrial
4 – 7 PM: Performance by Modern Day Drifters
3:30 – 5 PM: Kid’s Ages 4-12 Pedal Tractor Pull Presented by Peach Barn (Registration begins at 2:30 PM)
7 – 10 PM: Performance by Big Mouth and the Power Tool Horns
Dusk: Fireworks Presented by Wild Tomato
SUNDAY, AUG 31st
9 AM – 5 PM: Arts & Crafts Fair
10 AM – 2 PM: Used Book Sale
10 AM – 6 PM: Kid’s Bouncy Houses
11 AM – 8 PM: Food Court
12 – 3 PM: Performance by Conscious Pilot
4 – 7 PM: Performance by Second Hand Stereo
Sister Bay Marina Fest Address:
Marina Park
10733 Wisconsin Highway 42 / Bay Shore Drive
Sister Bay, WI 54234
(920) 854-2812 Website
The World’s Largest celebration of Celtic music and culture, the 43rd Milwaukee Irish Fest happens Thursday, August 14th through Sunday, August 17th on Milwaukee’s lakefront! An amazing array of musical artists in Irish and Celtic music fill several stages.
Other Irish Fest activities include a Baking Contest, Photo and Poetry Contests, and “Red Hair & Freckles” Contest, a “Celtic Canines” exhibit, the Jameson Lounge (for whiskey tastings), a Marketplace filled with Irish crafts and other items from over 90 vendors, a Cultural Village, and much more.
Saturday the 16th features a 5K Run/Walk to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Later that day you can enjoy the Lesaffre/Red Star Yeast Baking Contest. Dog lovers can check out Milwaukee Irish Fest’s Celtic Canine Area; this unique area gives you the chance to see and pet some of Ireland’s most popular dog breeds, meet and talk with some of the Midwest’s top breeders, and learn about grooming, general care and training. The Irish dog breeds include Irish Wolfhounds, Irish Terriers, Irish Red Setters, Irish Red and White Setters, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers, Irish Water Spaniels, Kerry Blue Terriers and Kerry Beagles. The Celtic Canines will be on display Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Saturday from noon to 7 p.m., and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For a full lineup of activities and deals for everything else, check out the Irish Fest website!
You can reach Irish Fest at Henry Maier Festival Park (aka the Summerfest grounds) along Milwaukee’s lakefront via I-794 and U.S. 18 most directly. Highways 32, 38, 59, and 145 all bring you within a mile of the grounds.
Milwaukee Irish Fest Address:
Henry Maier Festival Park (aka Summerfest Grounds)
200 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 476-3378 Website
Lake Geneva knows how to throw a great party, and the 63rd annual Lake Geneva Venetian Fest – sponsored by the Lake Geneva Jaycees and running from Wednesday, August 13th through Sunday, August 17th – is a prime example! Five days of fun in town and along the shores of Geneva Lake awaits with a carnival, an arts and crafts fair, a Saturday water ski show, and the Sunday lighted boat parade complete with fireworks to cap it all off.
The Arts & Crafts Fair is returning to Venetian Fest and features over 110 exhibitors. It runs Saturday from 10am – 5pm and Sunday from 10am – 4pm in Library Park, right along Highway 50/Main Street along the lake on the west edge of downtown, just down from The Riviera. Details…
The Lake Geneva Venetian Festival Carnival offers family fun via “Mr. Ed’s Magical Midways” and is open every day of the festival: Wednesday-Thursday 5pm to 10:30pm, Friday 5pm – 11:30pm, Saturday Noon to 11:30pm, and Sunday Noon to 10:30pm.
Saturday you can experience the Baggo Tournament, which takes place at the Entertainment Pavilion in Flatiron Park. It’s a double elimination straight to 21. It starts at 11:30am Saturday and runs until about 3pm.
Check out the Lumberjack Show!
New last year the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack show is back and should be yet another great bit of entertainment for families of all sizes and ages. From log rolling, axe throwing, and wood-cutting, to chainsaw vs cross-cut racing, and quick chainsaw carving, there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you want great old-fashioned fun and family entertainment, the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show is where you’ll want to be.
New this year: Car Show! The inaugural Car Show run at Venetian Fest Sunday from 11am-3pm at Seminary Park, a great thing to check out ahead of all the bands, water ski shows, the lighted boat parade, and the fireworks that evening!
Sunday is the topper, with all the Carnival and Arts & Crafts Fair activities, THREE performers covering live music, and the Lake Geneva Jaycees Water Ski Show featuring the Wonder Lake Ski Team. They’ll perform on Geneva Lake right by the Riviera starting at 6pm. At dusk, the Lighted Boat Parade begins with the theme this year being “Rat Pack” for Lake Geneva Venetian Fest’s 61st anniversary. It concludes with fireworks following the parade.
All of this fun is in downtown Lake Geneva, which is easily accessed via U.S. 12 or Highways 50 and 120. Highway 67 brings you close, as it runs along the west side of Geneva Lake. Make it a road trip destination the weekend of August 14th-18th!
Lake Geneva Venetian Fest Address:
Downtown Lake Geneva, centered at Riviera Ballroom
821 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147 Website
The Milwaukee Air & Water Show, sponsored by Waterstone Bank, offers one of the top air shows in the Midwest along the city’s gorgeous lakefront. They roar along Milwaukee’s lakefront Saturday, July 19th and Sunday, July 20th.
An “M” for Milwaukee at the Milwaukee Air & Water Show we snapped from Back Bay Park on Milwaukee’s East Side.
Exciting acts having performed in Milwaukee’s skies this July include the U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon Patrol Aircraft, U.S. Navy Leapfrogs Parachute Team, the USAF T-38 “Talons”in 2-3 ship formation, the return of the U.S. Air Force A-10 Warthogs, the U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super-Hornet Tactical Demonstration Squadron, the Wisconsin Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker straight from Milwaukee’s own 128th Air Refueling Wing base, and the Firebirds X-treme Team. Solo aerobatics and stunts have been performed by Bill Stein, Mike Wiscus, Jack Knutson, Matt Chapman, and Lt. Colonel Josh “Tater” Boudreaux of the “Wild Blue Rodeo.”
On the waters of Lake Michigan, you’ve been able to enjoy the USCGC Bristol Bay (WLB), a 225-foot multi-mission buoy tender out of Detroit; a Water Show act from Milwaukee’s own Dennis Pinter, who demonstrated the “Air Chair” on the water! Daredevil and Pro Flyboard competitor Casey “Swizzle” McElwee who performed with his Hydroflyte and Flyboard act. We also hope to see the return of the Milwaukee Fire Department’s “Trident Fireboat,” which demonstrates its capabilities on the water, and witness an HH-60 Jayhawk Rescue Helicopter Air-Sea Rescue Demostration courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station out of Traverse City, Michigan.
You can watch from Bradford Beach and many other areas along Milwaukee’s lakefront for free. Ticketed areas offer the closest proximity, the best views, hosted narration, the best access to concessions, and great seating. This is definitely a benchmark summer event in Milwaukee! U.S. 18, Highways 32, 36, 38, 57, 59, 145, 190 and more all bring to within eye (and definitely ear!) shot of the show.
Milwaukee Air & Water Show Schedule of Events (both days):
10 AM: Water Show
12 PM: National Anthem / Army Golden Knights
3 PM: US Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron
Milwaukee Air & Water Show Address:
2272 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 482-2069 Website
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events › Outdoor
July 9, 2026 – July 12, 2026
Bastille Days
It’s Milwaukee’s annual French festival, one of the largest French celebrations in the United States, and it’s tres magnifique! This FREE four-day bash attracts over 250,000 visitors each year. In 2026, Bastille Days runs Thursday, July 9th through Sunday, July 12th. Set around Cathedral Square on the east side of downtown, Bastille Days begins with a 5K “Storm the Bastille” run on Thursday night and then plenty of live music, an international marketplace, chef and wine demos, French and Cajun cuisine, roaming busker entertainment and a signature 43-foot Eiffel Tower replica offering hourly light shows.
The event is known for the impromptu street performers, roaming minstrels, and a variety of interactive and musical entertainment. Bastille Days also boasts a wide variety of some of the best restaurant vendors in Milwaukee!
Check out Bastille Days wine tastings where you can let your taste buds explore and compare delicious wines from around the world! A wine specialist will guide you through the taste test with selected wines from 5 countries. A separate ticket is needed for each tasting, and seating is limited to 76 per tasting. You’ll find all these tastings at the NE corner of Cathedral Square Park along Jackson Street – look for the tent!
The festival covers the blocks around Cathedral Square, including along Wells, Kilbourn, Jefferson, and Jackson Streets. U.S. 18 and Highway 32 actually detour around the festival, which is one of the largest French festivals in the nation. I-43/94, I-794, and Highways 38, 59, and 145 all bring you close. Grab your beret and check it out!
Bastille Days Hours:
Thursday July 9- 11am-11:30pm
Friday July 10- 11am-11:30pm
Saturday July 11- 10am-11:30pm
(Kid’s Day Activities 10am – 3pm)
Sunday July 12- 11am-8pm
Bastille Days Entertainment Lineup:
Thursday, July 9th
Educator’s Credit Union Main Stage
11:45 a.m. — Soul Patrol
3:15 p.m. — Wisconsin Space Program
6:00 p.m. — North Coast Orchestra
9:05 p.m. — Cold Sweat & The Brew City Horns
Gruber Law Offices “One Call… That’s All” Stage
12:15 p.m. — Madame Gigi’s Outrageous French CanCans
1:15 p.m. — The Last Bees
4:10 p.m. — Madame Gigi’s Outrageous French CanCans
5:10 p.m. — The Panoptics
8:20 p.m. — Madame Gigi’s Outrageous French CanCans
9:20 p.m. — Radio Radio
MSOE STAGE
11:30 a.m. — Kevin Soucie
2:30 p.m. — Ced
5:30 p.m. — Octavio Arcanjo
8:30 p.m. — French DJ Chill With John Stuart
KILBOURN/BEAUX ARTS STAGE
12:00 p.m. — Tamarind Tribal Belly Dance
12:45 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. — Learn To Speak French
1:45 p.m. — Patchouli
5:35 p.m. — Sweet Sheiks
8:50 p.m. — Christopher’s Quartet
MORE TO ENJOY
3:00 p.m. — Ginger Whimsy (Human Statue)
4:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. — Professor Pinkerton Presents
9:00 p.m. — Storm The Bastille 5K Run
9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. — Professor Pinkerton Fire Performance
Friday, July 10th
Educator’s Credit Union Main Stage
11:45 a.m. — Paradise Jazz Band
3:00 p.m. — Maple Road
4:00 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. — Milwaukee Hittaz
6:00 p.m. — VFunk
9:30 p.m. — Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound
Gruber Law Offices “One Call… That’s All” Stage
12:00 p.m. — Madame Gigi’s Outrageous French CanCans
1:00 p.m. — Otherwise Normal
4:00 p.m. — Madame Gigi’s Outrageous French CanCans
5:00 p.m. — One Louder
8:00 p.m. — Madame Gigi’s Outrageous French CanCans
9:00 p.m. — Breaking Cadence
MSOE STAGE
11:30 a.m. — Tenley Sheldon
2:30 p.m. — Tobias Cainion
5:30 p.m. — Tommy Odetto
8:30 p.m. — French DJ Chill With Jayx
KILBOURN/BEAUX ARTS STAGE
12:00 p.m. — Tamarind Tribal Belly Dance
12:45 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. — Learn To Speak French
1:45 p.m. — Texas Dave Trio
6:00 p.m. — Jerry Grillo With The Golden Gals MKE
9:00 p.m. — Listening Party
MORE TO ENJOY
3:00 p.m. — Ginger Whimsy (Human Statue)
4:00 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. — Milwaukee Hittaz
4:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. — Professor Pinkerton Presents
5:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. — Beth Stavros (Aerialist)
8:45 p.m. — Samba 2nd Line
9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. — Professor Pinkerton Fire Performance
Saturday, July 11th
Educator’s Credit Union Main Stage
10:30 a.m. — Kids/Family Day promotion
11:00 a.m. — Milwaukee Ballet
12:10 p.m. — Milwaukee French Immersion School
1:00 p.m. — Tamarind Tribal Belly Dance
2:45 p.m. — Fashionably Late
6:30 p.m. — The Us Project
9:20 p.m. — Extra Crispy Brass Band
Gruber Law Offices “One Call… That’s All” Stage
11:15 a.m. — North Coast for The Arts Rock Band
12:20 p.m. — WI Academy Music Rock Band
2:00 p.m. — Madame Gigi’s Outrageous French CanCans
3:00 p.m. — Sound Therapy
6:00 p.m. — Madame Gigi’s Outrageous French CanCans
7:00 p.m. — 5 Card Studs
9:45 p.m. — Madame Gigi’s Outrageous French CanCans
10:05 p.m. — Viva La Drag Queen Show
MSOE STAGE
11:30 a.m. — Hildegarde
2:30 p.m. — Miss Ingrid
5:30 p.m. — Emmitt James Duo
8:30 p.m. — French DJ Chill With Johnny Love
KILBOURN/BEAUX ARTS STAGE
11:45 a.m. — Hanna Simone & Early Bird
1:15 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. — Learn To Speak French
2:00 p.m. — Robin Pluer
5:15 p.m. — Troubadours Of Rhythm
9:00 p.m. — Professor Pinkerton’s Irrelevant Orchestra
MORE TO ENJOY
1:45 p.m. — Navy Band 2nd Line
4:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. — Professor Pinkerton Presents
5:00 p.m. — Ginger Whimsy (Human Statue)
5:00 p.m. — French Mass at St. John Cathedral
5:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. — Beth Stavros (Aerialist)
8:30 p.m. — Samba 2nd Line
9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. — Professor Pinkerton Fire Performance
Sunday, July 12th
Educator’s Credit Union Main Stage
12:15 p.m. — Big Al & Blues Howlers
3:55 p.m. — The Hungry Williams
Gruber Law Offices “One Call… That’s All” Stage – Viva La Revolution II
12:10 p.m. — Spill
1:20 p.m. — Winefred RT
2:30 p.m. — Video Sex Priest
3:40 p.m. — Louie & The Flashbombs
4:50 p.m. — Carbellion
6:00 p.m. — Conniption
MSOE STAGE
12:15 p.m. — The Style
3:30 p.m. — French DJ Chill With Lukewarm
KILBOURN/BEAUX ARTS STAGE
12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. — Learn To Speak French
12:10 p.m. — Hildegarde
2:15 p.m. — Robin Pluer
4:30 p.m. — Valley Fox
MORE TO ENJOY
11:00 a.m. — Milwaukee Frenchies
1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. — Professor Pinkerton Presents
3:00 p.m. — Ginger Whimsy (Human Statue)
Bastille Days Address:
825 N. Jefferson Street/Cathedral Square
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Website
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July 8, 2026 – July 12, 2026
Northern Wisconsin State Fair
The Northern Wisconsin State Fair is always a fun-filled, family event that brings folks back year after year to Chippewa Falls, right along Historic U.S. 53 and today’s Highway 124. In 2026, it runs Wednesday July 8th through Sunday, July 12th!
The five days of the fair feature midway carnival excitement, numerous exhibits, animal judging, contests for milk drinking, pie eating, karaoke, animal shows including a draft horse show, a pedal tractor pull, and much more that you would expect from a fair like this. Furthermore, you can check out or participate in the Lego Pre-Build Contest, talent competitions, and of course, the food is always a highlight. A Schedule of Events is below!
Music Headliners on the Leinenkugel Main Stage include:
Wednesday, July 8th: Sawyer Brown
Thursday July 9th: Hairball with guests Rival 5
Friday, July 10th: Sugar Ray with special guest Uncle Kracker, 8pm (gates open at 7)
Saturday, July 11th: .38 Special, 7pm (gates open at 6)
Tickets from VIP to Grandstand levels can be purchased here!
Northern Wisconsin State Fair Admission:
Adult 5 Day Admission: $25 (covers all five days)
One Day Admission: $10
Children 5 and Under: FREE
Parking: $5 per vehicle
Active/Retired Military and Veterans: Free with Active/Retired Military ID Card, DD214
The Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds are right along Highway 124 in Chippewa Falls, just a hop, skip, and a jump north of the Leinenkugel Brewery and across from beautiful Irvine Park and the Irvine Park Zoo. Highways 29 and U.S. 53 bring you close by.
Northern Wisconsin State Fair Schedule of Events coming soon!
Northern Wisconsin State Fair Address:
Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds
225 Edward Street (just off Highway 124)
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
(715) 723-2861
Website
A full Schedule of Events list is coming! For more on Chippewa Falls in general, check out our State Trunk Tour Chippewa Falls Podcast:
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June 27, 2026 – June 28, 2026
Cedarburg Strawberry Festival
Craving an art-filled weekend brimming with the most luscious summer fruit? Check out the 42nd annual Cedarburg Strawberry Festival, sponsored by BMO Harris Bank, June 27-28, 2026. 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.
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 27th. 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 Live Music Schedule:
COMMUNITY MAIN STAGE PRESENTED BY THE ELBOW ROOM CEDARBURG LOCATION
SATURDAY 6/27
10:30-11:30 AM Acoustic Blu
12:00-1:30 PM Black Moon Lilith
2:00-4:00 PM The Pink Violin Band
4:30-6:30 PM The First Wave
7:00-9:00 PM 132D Army Corps Band
SUNDAY 6/28
10:30-11:30 AM Liz Dykema Acoustic
12:00-2:30 PM Mixtape MKE
3:00-5:00 PM The Tavern Pedalers
CEDAR CREEK SETTLEMENT STAGE
LOCATION
Saturday 6/27
12:00-4:00 PM The Hit-Men
4:00-6:00 PM Special K
Sunday 6/28
8:00-11:00 AM Dave Hall Solo
12:00-4:00 PM Bobby Way & the Fabulous Wayouts
LION’S CLUB STAGE
LOCATION
SATURDAY 6/27
12:00-4:00 PM Jerry Unger with The FOG
SUNDAY 6/28
12:00-4:00 PM Chaz Band
rousing and fun covers
BELLA LEI BEAUTY STAGE
LOCATION
SATURDAY 6/27
10:00 AM- 2:00 PM CCC: Best of Blueburg Cafe 2026
3:00-6:00 PM Comfort Shag
SUNDAY 6/28
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Acoustic Steve Trio
2:00-5:00 PM Joe Richter Band
MEL’S CHARITIES STAGE
LOCATION
SATURDAY 6/27
11:30 AM – 3:30 PM The Mission River Band with Special Guests from Music6s
SUNDAY 6/28
11:30 AM – 3:30 PM The Mission River Band with Special Guests from Music6s
Cedarburg Strawberry Festival Schedule of Events (.pdf)
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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June 26, 2026 – June 28, 2026
Hayward Musky Fest
Hayward hosts Musky Fest Friday, June 26th through Sunday, June 28th with a huge celebration that offers over 120 handmade art and crafts booths, sidewalk sales, live music on Friday and Saturday nights, kids’ games and entertainment including a carnival, a 5k and 10k run/walk, parade, Musky Queen Scholarship program and the Hayward Lions Club fishing contest. The theme in 2026 is “The Reel Up North!”
As you may know (and if you don’t, now you will), Hayward is home to the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and includes the World’s Largest Musky that you can explore and even climb up into. Musky Fest is fun for the whole family as it celebrates the musky, fishing, the North Woods, and so much more. U.S. 63 and Highways 27 and 77 bring you to this beautiful town!
Musky Fest Schedule of Events:
Friday, June 26th
Sidewalk Sales @ Downtown Hayward & Area Retail Stores
Handmade Art & Craft Show, Food, Refreshments & Live Entertainment
Hayward Area High School Bass Team Casting Game & Fundraiser on Third Street
Professional Chalk Art on Second Street presented by Deerfoot Lodge & Resort
Hayward Sports Center Hockey Activity Station on Fourth Street
Family Friendly Activity Zone at the Frandsen Bank Green Lot presented by Hayward Wesleyan Church
Woodland Dance Troupe Native American Dancers on the Sevenwinds Casino Main Stage in Downtown Hayward
Family Chalk Art Area on Second Street sponsored by Tamarack Health Hayward Medical Center
Face Painting and Balloon Animals on Second Street sponsored by Frandsen Bank
Caricatures by Rachel near the Sevenwinds Casino Main Stage in Downtown Hayward
Speed Ball Throw on Third Street presented by the Knights of Columbus
Fishing Contest Booth Open for Registrations near the Food Court on Main Street – Presented by Muskies Inc. – Hayward Lakes Chapter & Hayward Bass Club
Hayward Lions Club and Hayward Rotary Club’s Beer and Brat Tents Open
Meet & Greet with Hall of Fame Fisherman Babe Winkelman
Carnival Open at the Fuller Building Lot Courtesy of St. Joe’s Catholic Church
Carnival Wrist Band Hours, all ages $25 each
Learn to Fish Event at Shue’s Pond – Courtesy of the Wisconsin DNR
Mini, Little Miss, & Junior Musky Queen Presentation Presented by the Hayward Dairy Queen on the Sevenwinds Casino Main Stage in Downtown Hayward
Watermelon Eating Contest presented by Marketplace Foods
Live Music by Sean & Ian Okamoto on the Sevenwinds Casino Main Stage in Downtown Hayward – Sponsored by Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University
Annual Musky Fest Car Show presented and hosted by Don Johnson’s Hayward Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (3pm Check-In)
Carnival Wrist Band Hours, all ages $25 each
Musky Queen Crowning Ceremony Presented by the Hayward Dairy Queen on the Sevenwinds Casino Main Stage in Downtown Hayward
Hayward Hawks vs. Blue Hills Beasts – Larry Somerville Field
FREE Live Music by Steve Beguhn on the Sevenwinds Casino Main Stage in Downtown Hayward – Sponsored by Eddy’s on Third
Saturday, June 27th
Sawyer County Dairy Breakfast @ Sawyer County Fairgrounds
Sidewalk Sales @ Downtown Hayward & Area Retail Stores
Handmade Art & Craft Show, Food, Refreshments & Live Entertainment
Professional Chalk Art on Second Street presented by Deerfoot Lodge & Resort
Hayward Sports Center Hockey Activity Station on Fourth Street
Family Chalk Art Area on Second Street sponsored by Tamarack Health Hayward Medical Center
Face Painting and Balloon Animals on Second Street sponsored by Frandsen Bank
Sawyer County Wood Chop in the Firehall Municipal Lot on Dakota Avenue
Caricatures by Rachel near the Sevenwinds Casino Main Stage in Downtown Hayward
Speed Ball Throw on Third Street presented by the Knights of Columbus
Hayward Lions Club and Hayward Rotary Club’s Beer and Brat Tents Open
Rod Lundberg Games – presented by Northwest Connection Family Resource Center at the Frandsen Bank Green Lot
Carnival Open at the Fuller Building Lot Courtesy of St. Joe’s Catholic Church
Dairy Queen Dilly Bar Eating Contest
Family Friendly Activity Zone at the Frandsen Bank Green Lot presented by Hayward Wesleyan Church
Carnival Wrist Band Hours, all ages $25 each
Shue’s Pond is Open for Fishing – Courtesy of the Wisconsin DNR
Hula Hoop Contest
Live Music by The Sixes on the Sevenwinds Casino Main Stage in Downtown Hayward – Sponsored by Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University
Fishing Contest Raffle & Prize Ceremony at the Fishing Contest Booth on Main Street Presented by Muskies Inc. – Hayward Lakes Chapter & Hayward Bass Club
4th Annual Musky Fest Cornhole Tournament Presented by Ignite Dispensary
Carnival Wrist Band Hours, all ages $25 each
Hayward Hawks vs. Haugen Knights – Larry Somerville Field
Get Hooked: Blood Hook Screening Extravaganza at The Park Center
FREE Live Music by Six to Midnight on the Sevenwinds Casino Main Stage in Downtown Hayward – Sponsored by Angler’s Bar & Grill
Sunday, June 28th
Musky Fest 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run– Presented by the Tamarack Health Hayward Medical Center
Minnow Run for kids 12 and under in front of Frandsen Bank and Trust
Sidewalk Sales @ Downtown Hayward & Area Retail Stores
Hayward Lions Club and Hayward Rotary Club’s Beer and Brat Tents Open
Food Concessions on Main Street Open
Carnival Open at the Fuller Building Lot
74th Annual Musky Festival Grand Parade
Presented by: Nelson Lumber & Floor to Ceiling
Parade Route: Main Street to Second Street to Dakota Ave
Hayward Musky Fest Address:
Downtown Hayward
Hayward, WI 54843
(715) 634-8662
Website
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June 6, 2026
Cows on the Concourse
Check out Cows on the Concourse as you peruse the Dane County Farmers’ Market on Saturday, June 6th, 2026 and enjoy live music, tasty food, fun games, and real, live cows!
Cows on the Concourse celebrates Wisconsin’s dairy industry, which contributes more than $43.4 billion to our state’s economy – Wisconsin is truly “America’s Dairyland.”
Activities
Cow Zone
Get up close and personal with two different herds of cows and baby calves from several dairy breeds. You can even pet them! Joining the cows are local Wisconsin farmers and other “Moo Experts” to answer all your questions.
Get MOOving & Fit Zone
Kids, check out our athletic stations and learn how dairy products are a part of healthy lifestyle and keep your bodies strong. Don’t forget to fuel up with ice-cold milk after you exercise!
Ed’Moo’cation Zone
Dairy is a rich tradition in Wisconsin, but how did it get to be that way? In this youth-friendly station, learn how dairy has become the cornerstone of Wisconsin’s economy as well as how all the great dairy products have become signature treats for folks in the Badger State.
Cows on the Concourse Big Cheese Zone
Sink your teeth into a melt-in-your-mouth grilled cheese sandwich for only $2. Don’t forget to grab a bottle of ice-cold milk to wash it down!
My Dairyland Scavenger Hunt
Join in the My Dairyland Scavenger Hunt and visit each zone at Cows on the Concourse. Learn fun dairy facts and record your answers for a chance to win a free souvenir t-shirt while supplies last.
Saturday Science
Can’t get enough dairy? Hop on a school bus for an excursion to the Town Center at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery on the UW-Madison campus. You will learn about the science of dairy foods and even do some sampling too!
A free shuttle will travel between the two locations, departing every 20 minutes between 10 a.m. and noon.
Saturday Science will include a bonus stop for the My Dairyland Scavenger Hunt.When you complete the My Dairyland Scavenger Hunt at Cows on the Concourse, take your question card to Saturday Science and earn a token for a scoop of Culver’s custard while supplies last!
Cows on the Concourse Address:
Capitol Square, 2 E. Main Street
Madison, WI 53703
Website
Their website has even more details. Check it out Saturday, June 6th from 8am-1pm on the Capitol Square in Madison. U.S. 12, 14, 18 and Highways 30 and 113 all bring you to the city, and U.S. 151 takes you right to the Square!
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May 22, 2026 – May 24, 2026
Door County Lighthouse Festival
Twice a year, the Door County Lighthouse Festival gives you a closer look at the beautiful lighthouses that mark the shores of the Door Peninsula. The spring edition this year is the weekend of May 22nd-24th and June 5th – 7th; the fall will be October 2nd-4th.
These fundraising Festival weekends include air, land-based, boat, and adventure tours that provide access to all of the treasured lighthouses of Door County and 3 neighbors to the south in Kewaunee and Brown Counties. Many of the tour excursions are unique to the Lighthouse Festival weekends and provide visitors exclusive access to lighthouses not typically open to the public – Chambers Island, Plum Island and Sherwood Point Lighthouses. There are tours for all levels of activity and accessibility. Some tours involve hiking. Boat tours depart from a variety of locations around the Peninsula, including Sister Bay, Gills Rock and Baileys Harbor. A portion of each Lighthouse Festival tour ticket helps fund the Door County Maritime Museum & Lighthouse Preservation Society, Inc.
These are the Participating Locations, with their open hours during Spring and Fall Lighthouse Festivals. *Please note: If you are planning a self-guided experience, there may be an admission fee or requested donation.
Learn details and prices of the tours, and purchase tour tickets at: DoorCountyTickets.com
Door County Lighthouse Festival Website
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May 1, 2026
First Fridays Racine
Enjoy some Friday night fun during First Fridays Racine, taking place along Main Street in Downtown Racine from May – December from 4-9pm! It happens throughout the downtown area, centered on Monument Square where Highways 20 and 38 cap the ends of a main thoroughfare that is Highway 32.
Friday, May 1st is next for First Fridays Racine
The first First Fridays in 2026 will take place Friday (of course), May 1st from 4 pm to 9 pm. The theme is Creative Crawl!
The Creative Crawl will be a citywide celebration of art, creativity, and community. Enjoy hands-on activities, artist demos, local author readings, pop-up exhibits, and more throughout Downtown Racine. More details to come!
As always, Downtown Racine’s merchants, restaurants, and bars are rolling out the red carpet with shopping and dining deals that are too good to pass up. Live music will fill the air at hotspots like Brickhouse, The Ivanhoe, Marci’s on Main, Reefpoint Brew House, Dimples, Chartroom, and Uncorkt, keeping the party going all night long.
Parking is conveniently available at the Lake Avenue Ramp (300 Lake Avenue), Civic Centre Ramp (501 Lake Avenue), and the McMynn Ramp (120 7th Street) or Shoop (Main & State) for an all-day rate of only $4.00.
In addition to First Fridays, check out the rest of downtown Racine. Right along the shores of Lake Michigan you can explore Reefpoint Marina, North Beach, the Racine Zoo, the new boutique Hotel Verdant, Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and SC Johnson sites.
Take the drive to where Highways 11, 20, 32, and 38 come together in downtown Racine. Enjoy happy people taking in the best of what downtown Racine has to offer! Check out the First Fridays Racine website for more details.
Monument Square
100 Main Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 634-4287
Website
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February 20, 2026 – February 21, 2026
Battle on Bago
The Tournament starts Friday, February 20th at 6:00 am; scales will be open from 4pm to 8pm. On Saturday February 21st, scales will open at 9am; the tournament ends at 2:00pm. Tournament ticket sales END at 6am Friday. You must be in line by 2:00 pm at Menominee Park in Oshkosh.
Contestants will be allowed to fish Lake Winnebago and the Upper River Lakes: Lake Poygan, Lake Winneconne, and Lake Butte des Morts. Ice Fishing Permitted ONLY. You can weigh 1 fish per fishing ticket of any of the following species: Walleye (minimum length 14”), panfish (perch, bluegills, crappies), or whitebass. Any other fish not listed here will not be eligible for registration. Fish may be taken with tip-ups or by rod and reel. There is no age requirement on tournament participation.
Along with fishing, check out the heated tent and enjoy a great fish fry and other food from 5-10pm, plus live music from 7:30pm-11pm Friday night. The Raffle will be held on Saturday at 5pm. FREE Admission to all non-fishing events!
You can get tickets here. Fishing tickets are $40. You can also buy tickets are various locales in the Oshkosh area, as well as Fleet Farm stores statewide. You also need a valid fishing license from the Wisconsin DNR (888-936-7463).
More info on tickets, tournaments, entertainment, and more can be found on their website, BattleonBago.org.
You can get to Menominee Park in Oshkosh by hitting I-41 and heading into town or accessing downtown Oshkosh using Highways 21, 26, 44, 76, 91, or U.S. 45. A lot of roads lead to Oshkosh… by gosh.
Battle on Bago Address:
Menominee Park/Millers Bay
Irving Avenue & Hazel Street
Oshkosh, WI 54901
(920) 303-9200
Website
February 18, 2026 – February 22, 2026
Slumberland American Birkebeiner
The “Birkie” returns to Hayward, providing year-round, healthy, active lifestyle events for thousands of adventurous spirits of all ages and abilities. Their slogan is SKI . RUN . BIKE . LIVE! It all began in 1973, when 35 determined skiers gathered on the starting line for the American Birkebeiner. Little did they know…they were about to change everything. Today, the Birkie provides year-round, healthy, active lifestyle events for thousands of adventurous spirits of all ages and abilities. In 2026, it’s back for Birkie Week February 18th through the 22nd!
The official name of this main event is the Slumberland American Birkebeiner Cross-Country Ski Event. It’s North America’s largest and most prestigious X-C ski marathon; 12,000 skiers of all ages, genders and nationalities participate in the 51K Birkebeiner, the 24K Kortelopet, Prince Haakon 13K, the children’s Barnebirkie, Junior Birkie, Elite Sprints, and Family Fun Ski.
Other fun events include the Barkie Birkie Skijor and Thursday’s Giant Ski Competition (six people on one pair of skis. What-what?? Find out more here.) The Birkie is a year-round lifestyle choice for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts of all levels. From its signature ski race, the legendary American Birkebeiner–Title Sponsor, Slumberland Furniture–the Birkie has grown into an exciting array of fitness and recreational opportunities. The 107-kilometer Birkie Trail system attracts skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from casual day-trippers to elite superstars.
The Slumberland American Birkebeiner®:
American Birkebeiner (the Birkie) Event Address:
10527 Main Street
Hayward, WI 54843
(715) 634-5025
Website
U.S. 63 and Highways 27 and 77 bring you to Hayward! From U.S. 53 at Trego, follow U.S. 63 north about 25 minutes.
Check out a recent recap here!
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January 30, 2026 – January 31, 2026
Lake Superior Ice Festival
For 2026, the Lake Superior Ice Festival will feature 24 ice sculptures around Superior at various businesses and city landmarks, each resting on a blue base with an accompanying trivia question. Starting Friday, January 30th at 5:00 pm you can go on their website to answer the trivia questions and be entered for a chance to win one of two $250 in Superior Business Improvement District BID Bucks.
Events you can enjoy include:
Friday & Saturday, all day: Orb 365: A Community Collaborative. Ice orbs that will be arranged in the shape of Lake Superior are the heart of this community art project that also encourages good stewardship of the area’s water resources.
Snow Creations at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center and Fairlawn Mansion. Kids (and adults, too) can craft their own snow creations on the grounds of the Bong Veterans Historical Center (305 Harborview Parkway) or the Fairlawn Mansion (906 E. 2nd Street/U.S. 2/53) and even get spray bottles filled with approved color dye to make their snowy creations brilliant! This is available at the Bong Center from 9am – 5pm Friday or Saturday and at the Fairlawn Mansion on Friday or Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Both venues will also offer half-price tours during this time.
Learn to Play Kubb. The sport of Kubb (pronounced “kooob”) is an old lawn game somewhat like bowling and horseshoes. The object is to knock over wooden blocks (the “kubbs”) with wooden batons you throw at them. Legend has it the Vikings (the ancient explorers, not the Minnesota football team) used to play the game using the skulls and bones of fallen enemies. Today, that’s frowned upon. You can learn how to play and/or watch the tournament!
Disc Golf. On Saturday from 10am to 4pm, the free 9-hole disc golf course will be open for you to play disc golf, see demonstrations, and even get instructions from local pros. It’s presented by the Lake Superior Disc Golf Community.
Midwest Ice Ra
Fat Tire Bike Demos will take place Saturday from 10am to 2pm at Barkers Island. You can try out a bike, learn about programs from the College of St. Scholastica’s Outdoor PURSUIT! and Zeitgeist, and help them kick off their Winter Bike Week festivities, which runs through February 4th.
Bonfire Pits at Festival Park from 10am – 5pm Saturday.
The Passport Scavenger Hunt takes place Saturday from 10am to 4pm, where you can win prizes by picking up a passport, participating in activities, and checking them off in the passport.
The Superior Snow Slide offers a place to sled down on a large constructed hill designed specifically for sledding. It’s available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, but only staffed with sled rentals available on Saturday from 10am to 7pm.
Hay Bale Shuttle on the Island is a free service that will pick you up and drop you off at any of the four stops around the Island: parking area/sledding hill, Festival Park, beach area access and Barker’s Island Inn. Shuttles will be available from 10 am – 6 pm on Saturday.
The Lake Superior Ice Festival Canine King & Queen Contest happens Saturday, presented by the Humane Society of Douglas County. All entries will have been done by the weekend, but you can watch the competition and crowning ceremony, which happens at noon!
Ice Carving in Action happens several times on Saturday, with the creations of these artists from Krystal Kleer Ice Sculptures from Appleton crafting amazing sculptures before your eyes! They’ll stay up around town for as long as Mother Nature will let them.
Saturday, January 31st, Noon to 4pm: Lake Superior Ice Racing Association Stock Car Races. Full-size stock cars will race on Allouez Bay, with rear-wheel and front-wheel cars and small pickup trucks in a series of races starting at noon on Saturday.
Snowshoeing at the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve is available on Saturday from 1pm to 3pm, where the staff has a trail and obstacle course you can try out with your snowshoes. Timed races at 2:30!
Sterling Silver Fire Twirlers will perform Saturday from 3 to 4pm. They’re a local group performing in Superior since 1991. They’ll light the Fire & Ice Sculpture at the end of their performance!
Enjoy Fireworks Saturday at 6:15pm to celebrate the entire festival.
Lake Superior Ice Festival Sculpture Locations:
The grounds for the festival are located on the shores of Lake Superior, right off U.S. 2/53, just north of Highway 13 and east of Highway 35.
Lake Superior Ice Festival Address:
14 Marina Drive
Superior, WI 54880
(715) 395-7270
Website
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January 28, 2026 – February 1, 2026
Lake Geneva Winterfest & America’s Snow Sculpting Invitational
Be here to witness these teams at work during an epic 72-hour competition where their artistry is put to the test in creating remarkable, larger-than-life snow sculptures.
2026 TEAMS
• Block #1: Illinois – Team Cave People From Space
• Block #2: Michigan 2 – Team Soggy Mitten Boys
• Block #3: Wisconsin 2 – Team Snow Cronies
• Block #4: Mexico – Team Mexico
• Block #5: Wisconsin 1 – Team Sculptora Borealis
• Block #6: Minnesota 1 – Team Doing Our Best
• Block #7: Wisconsin 3 – Team Snow Blind
• Block #8: Turkey – Team Turkey
• Block #9: Pennsylvania – Team Jack of All Lanterns
• Block #10: Minnesota 2 – Team Snow Van Gogh
• Block #11: Alaska – Team AK Department of Snow
• Block #12: Iowa + Vermont – Team A NorEaster in Dubuque
• Block #13: Michigan 1 – Team Smith Family
• Block #14: Wisconsin 4 – Team Up To Snow Good
• Block #15: Colorado – Team Enchanted Forest
In addition to the snow sculpting competition, you’ll find more wintery fun during Winterfest week, including the 6th annual Downtown Ice Sculpture Walk, Bonfires on the Beach, a Cocoa Crawl and many more events, activities and specials around Lake Geneva and the surrounding area. The walk is just steps away from the snow sculpting competition, with dozens of artfully crafted ice sculptures adorning the front faces of shops, restaurants, and other businesses throughout the Downtown district. Ice sculptures will be installed Friday morning, January 30th and remain on display as long as the cold weather permits!
Barrique Bistro & Wine Bar | 835 Wrigley Drive
Bloomingbyrds | 755 W. Main Street
Brick & Mortar Home | 832 Geneva Street
Brick & Mortar Home and Outdoor | 222 Center Street
Clearwater Outdoor Sports | 744 W. Main Street
Cornerstone Shop & Gallery | 214 Broad Street
Egg Harbor Café | 827 W Main Street
Evr drygds | 719 W. Main Street
Fancy Fair Mall | 830 W Main Street
Geneva Gifts | 150 Broad Street
Haberdapper | 253 Broad Street
Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva | 300 Wrigley Drive
Interstate Insurance Group | 811 Wrigley Drive (Popeye’s)
Kilwins | 772 Main Street
Lake Geneva Lifestyle/Donna Brongiel | 703 Main Street
Lake Geneva Motel | 201 Wrigley Drive (Visitor Info Center)
Lake Geneva Spice Company | 255 Broad Street
Marigold | 725 W Main Street
Overland Sheepskin Co. | 752 W. Main Street
Queen Bee Artisan Market | 830 W. Main Street
Sopra Bistro | 724 Main Street
The Bottle Shop | 617 W. Main Street
The Candle Mercantile | 870 W. Main Street
The Olive Oil Shops | 221 Broad Street
Thumbs Up | 260 Broad Street
Winterfest activities focus on downtown Lake Geneva, which lies right along Highway 50. U.S. 12 and Highway 120 are close to the east and Highway 67 is a few miles to the west near Delavan. It’s easy to get to – and a total blast!
Lake Geneva Winterfest & America’s Snow Sculpting Invitational Address:
Downtown Lake Geneva/Riviera Park
201 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(262) 248-4416
Website
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November 28, 2025 – January 1, 2026
La Crosse Rotary Lights
OVER THREE MILLION LIGHTS. That’s crazy! And beautiful. And festive. And there’s a lot more to see at the La Crosse Rotary Lights, that holiday special event that runs November 28th through December 31st at Riverside Park. The parade kicks everything off at 6pm on the 28th, with the opening ceremony immediately following. Santa will be on hand to throw the switch turning on all these lights (and probably momentarily dimming some others across town – that’s gotta be a huge power draw!), too. Helicopter rides are back this year, too!
Among the splendor is a 140- foot Christmas tree and plenty of animated light displays. Live nativity presentation on weekends until Christmas, although the number of participants will be limited this year. Santa, after opening the festivities, will continue to be there for you and the kids until December 23rd.
Here’s how it works if you choose to drive through it: The line forms down State Street and continues to the North on 2nd Street. On busy nights, the line will back up onto 3rd Street/Copeland Ave/U.S. 53. Roads will be blocked so that you cannot enter from State Street, northbound on Second Street, or from Vine Street. You can tune your car stereo to their local Christmas channel for good musical accompaniment while joining the caravan of onlookers from the comfort – and heat – of your car.
If you prefer to walk or take a carriage ride through the display, you do not need to wait in line. There is usually street parking available near the park or there are several parking ramps within walking distance. Get Parking Ramp Information HERE. Horse-drawn carriages are available most weekends and run $20/couple or $30/family. No Tuesday night hayrides this year, but you can still get free s’mores at the fire pit, where supplies will be individually packaged.. You’ll also still be able to experience the helicopter rides for an amazing view! New additions from last year that they’ve kept include a brand new sleigh for photos, heated restrooms available on both the north and south ends of the park, and the hologram display.
Remember, Santa shows up nightly from 5 – 8 pm until December 23rd (of course, he has to hurry back to the North Pole right after that and get his sleigh ready for that worldwide trip) and there’s no sitting on his lap.
Weather permitting, the Chad Erickson Ice Rink is available for skating, Monday through Friday 5pm-8pm, Saturday Noon to 8pm, and Sunday Noon to 6pm. The warming hut and skate rental are back, and of course you can bring your own skates! A heated igloo will be available if you need to warm up and/or change. You can call (608) 784-9993 to check on Skating Rink Status and information; voicemail messages are updated daily.
New this year is All Abilities Night on Monday, December 1st. They will be adjusting the lights and music to accommodate individuals that may not have been able to experience the show in the past due to flashing lights and loud music.
The hours for La Crosse Rotary Lights are 5-10pm daily. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the hours are 5-9pm; New Year’s Eve, it will stay open until 1 am; meaning technically La Crosse Rotary Lights lasts into January 1, 2026.
The whole La Crosse Rotary Lights admission and experience is free of charge, but Rotary Lights does welcome donations; monetary or non-perishable food item donations are strongly encouraged. Get the full Entertainment Schedule of Events here!
Riverside Park (just off U.S. 53)
410 Veterans Memorial Drive
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 784-9993
Website
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November 28, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Marshfield Rotary Winter Wonderland
There is no admission charge; however free will donations of food and cash are accepted to help the local food pantries and keep it running. Since it began in 2006, Marshfield Rotary Winter Wonderland has provided over 670,000 food items to food pantries in Marshfield and the surrounding area.
Can you bring your pets? Sure, but only if you have them ride with you in the car on the drive-thru portion of the lights. Since it takes place at Wildwood Zoo, pets are not allowed outside for the sake of the zoo animals’ safety. (You can, however, bring kids!)
Winter Wonderland will be open 7 days a week starting right after Thanksgiving and continuing through New Years Eve. The grounds will be open from 5pm to 9pm. They typically stay open even during inclement weather but you can verify on specific night on their Facebook page.
Wildwood Park & Zoo is easy to access on a road trip; it’s along Central Avenue, the Historic Route of Highway 13, on the south side of Marshfield not too far north of U.S. 10 and Highway 80. Highway 13’s “through-pass” route and the southern terminus of Highway 97 also come near, and a southerly ride on Central past downtown brings you right there. There are walk-in entrances at both the north and south sides of the Zoo, along with parking at each, and a drive through entrance off of W. 17th Street. Parking lot spaces are limited; additional parking can be found along Balboa, Adams and Locust, all which run north to south.
Marshfield Rotary Winter Wonderland Address:
Wildwood Park & Zoo
1800 S. Roddis Avenue (for GPS)
Marshfield, WI 54449
Website
Facebook Page
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November 28, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Janesville Holiday Light Show at Rotary Botanical Gardens
The Janesville Holiday Light Show at Rotary Botanical Gardens is an annual holiday highlight in Janesville, the “City of Parks.” Follow the illuminated garden pathways on an evening stroll through the 20-acre botanical gardens, where the wintry garden paths are brought to life with more than 2 MILLION lights, themed light displays and animations, beautifully decorated trees, dangling icicle lights hung from the tallest trees in the Garden and more. Santa makes periodic stops (get the dates HERE), and they have other events like Silly Scarf Night, Holiday Sweater Night, and more.
Back by popular demand are the Selfie Stops & Photo Opps, with fun props and amazing backdrops that offer holiday photo opportunities both indoors and out. Step inside to enjoy a warm beverage as you watch the 200′ electric model train display, hand-sewn quilts, festive local musicians and holiday shopping.
NEW in 2025, you are invited to linger and celebrate in their indoor Christmas Market from December 13-23, featuring Artisan vendors with one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, a limited-edition 2025 holiday ornament, and holiday food & drink!
The Holiday Light Show is open from 4:30pm – 9:00pm from November 28th, 2025 through January 3rd, 2026.
Admission is $15 for people age 13 and up online, $18 at the gate. Children 3-12 are $5, kids 2 and under are free. Get Tickets Here!
On-site parking will be available, but you can also take advantage of their FREE shuttle service, beginning at 4:15pm each day of the show. The shuttle picks up visitors at Dawson Field and drops them off at Rotary Botanical Gardens. The shuttle will run throughout the duration of the Holiday Light Show. Dawson Field is located minutes from Rotary Botanical Gardens, at 920 Beloit Ave, Janesville, Wisconsin, 53546.
The Janesville Rotary Gardens are (obviously) in Janesville, where Highways 11, 14, 26, and U.S. 51 all come together, as well as I-39/90.
Janesville Holiday Light Show at Rotary Botanical Gardens Address:
1455 Palmer Drive
Janesville, WI 53545
(608) 752-3885
Website
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November 14, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Country Christmas at the Ingleside, Pewaukee
A Country Christmas – it’s Wisconsin’s largest outdoor drive-thru lights display, now in its 30th year! It’s back as big as ever, letting families enjoy everything from the safety and comfort of their cars ! Country Christmas’ popular drive-thru holiday lights display covers the grounds of The Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, right along I-94 between County Highways T and G just north of Waukesha. Enjoy unique displays and exhibits like “Bearville,” an area of the trail where you will find giant teddy bears in a church scene, general store, butcher shop, and sausage factory. You can also enjoy Prairieville (Waukesha’s original name) and Old Time Waukesha miniature cities. plus a captivating 200-foot tunnel of 30,000 computerized, pulsating lights!
Admission to Country Christmas includes access to the following:
• The Country Christmas Trail features over a million holiday lights festively displayed on over a mile-long trail. As guests drive through the countryside, they will experience enchanting animated figures and holiday scenes from the comfort of their car.
• The Streets of Bethlehem is in a building at the end of the drive-through trail. You can get out of your car and walk through the collection of nearly life-sized Fontanini nativity figurines – a replica of the Pope’s personal collection.
• Christmas Village is another building at the end of the trail that you can get out of your car and visit. At Christmas Village, you can enjoy a hot cup of cocoa or an evening treat while surrounded by a cuddly cast of animated holiday characters. The newly rebuilt working model train display is cool, too!
Country Christmas 2025 runs November 14, 2025 through January 3, 2026.
Hours for the event are 5pm to 9pm Sunday through Thursday and 5pm to 10pm on Friday, Saturday and Holidays.
Admission is $30 per carload Sunday-Thursday, $35 Friday, Saturday, and other peak times. Pricing for large passenger vans and limos is $50 and minibus admission is $60. Senior home minibus admission is available for a discounted rate of $40.
Country Christmas at the Ingleside Address:
Ingleside Hotel
2810 Golf Road (County DR, along I-94)
Pewaukee, WI 53072
(262) 547-0201
Website
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November 1, 2025
Downtown Racine Beer & Bacon Walk
Craft beer and bacon lovers, this is for you! Racine Downtown hosts its 5th annual Downtown Racine Beer & Bacon Walk on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024 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 $40 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:
—just a sneak peek of the scrumptious lineup.
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 2nd. 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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August 30, 2025 – August 31, 2025
Marina Fest
Sister Bay has a beautiful marina along the waters of Green Bay. Hit the end of Highway 57 along Highway 42 for Marina Fest, which features live entertainment, plenty of food and drink, a water ski show by the Waterboard Warriors, a fireworks show, easy access to Al Johnson’s show you can watch goats on the roof, and more!
Sister Bay Marina Fest Schedule of Events
7:30 – 10 AM: Pancake Breakfast Presented by the Sister Bay & Liberty Grove Fire Department
8 AM – 4 PM: Used Book Sale
9 AM – 4 PM: Vintage Boat Show
9 AM – 5 PM: Arts & Crafts Fair with Stained Glass Mosaic Workshop
10 AM – 6 PM: Kid’s Bouncy Houses
11 AM – 4 PM: Kid’s Boat Building with the Lions Club
11 AM – 8 PM: Food Court
12 – 1:30 PM: Kid’s Ages 4-12 Pedal Tractor Pull – Presented by Peach Barn (Registration begins at 11 AM )
1 – 4 PM: Performance by Mistrial
4 – 7 PM: Performance by Modern Day Drifters
3:30 – 5 PM: Kid’s Ages 4-12 Pedal Tractor Pull Presented by Peach Barn (Registration begins at 2:30 PM)
7 – 10 PM: Performance by Big Mouth and the Power Tool Horns
Dusk: Fireworks Presented by Wild Tomato
SUNDAY, AUG 31st
9 AM – 5 PM: Arts & Crafts Fair
10 AM – 2 PM: Used Book Sale
10 AM – 6 PM: Kid’s Bouncy Houses
11 AM – 8 PM: Food Court
12 – 3 PM: Performance by Conscious Pilot
4 – 7 PM: Performance by Second Hand Stereo
Sister Bay Marina Fest Address:
Marina Park
10733 Wisconsin Highway 42 / Bay Shore Drive
Sister Bay, WI 54234
(920) 854-2812
Website
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August 14, 2025 – August 17, 2025
Irish Fest Milwaukee
The World’s Largest celebration of Celtic music and culture, the 43rd Milwaukee Irish Fest happens Thursday, August 14th through Sunday, August 17th on Milwaukee’s lakefront! An amazing array of musical artists in Irish and Celtic music fill several stages.
Other Irish Fest activities include a Baking Contest, Photo and Poetry Contests, and “Red Hair & Freckles” Contest, a “Celtic Canines” exhibit, the Jameson Lounge (for whiskey tastings), a Marketplace filled with Irish crafts and other items from over 90 vendors, a Cultural Village, and much more.
Saturday the 16th features a 5K Run/Walk to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Later that day you can enjoy the Lesaffre/Red Star Yeast Baking Contest. Dog lovers can check out Milwaukee Irish Fest’s Celtic Canine Area; this unique area gives you the chance to see and pet some of Ireland’s most popular dog breeds, meet and talk with some of the Midwest’s top breeders, and learn about grooming, general care and training. The Irish dog breeds include Irish Wolfhounds, Irish Terriers, Irish Red Setters, Irish Red and White Setters, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers, Irish Water Spaniels, Kerry Blue Terriers and Kerry Beagles. The Celtic Canines will be on display Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Saturday from noon to 7 p.m., and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For a full lineup of activities and deals for everything else, check out the Irish Fest website!
You can reach Irish Fest at Henry Maier Festival Park (aka the Summerfest grounds) along Milwaukee’s lakefront via I-794 and U.S. 18 most directly. Highways 32, 38, 59, and 145 all bring you within a mile of the grounds.
Milwaukee Irish Fest Address:
Henry Maier Festival Park (aka Summerfest Grounds)
200 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 476-3378
Website
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August 13, 2025 – August 17, 2025
Lake Geneva Venetian Fest
The Entertainment Pavilion includes a beer tent and stage for live music. Here’s the Music Schedule:
Wednesday 8/14: Sons of Sconnie, 8pm-midnight
Thursday 8/15: Rok Brigade, 8pm-midnight
Friday 8/18: Kelly Daniels, 8pm-midnight
Saturday 8/19: Rebecca and the Grey Notes, 3pm-6pm
Saturday 8/19: Too Hype Crew, 8pm-midnight
Sunday 8/20: Rock Central, Noon-3pm
Sunday 8/20: Big Al Wetzel Band, 3pm-6pm
Sunday 8/20: Venetian All-Stars, 8pm-midnight
The Arts & Crafts Fair is returning to Venetian Fest and features over 110 exhibitors. It runs Saturday from 10am – 5pm and Sunday from 10am – 4pm in Library Park, right along Highway 50/Main Street along the lake on the west edge of downtown, just down from The Riviera. Details…
The Lake Geneva Venetian Festival Carnival offers family fun via “Mr. Ed’s Magical Midways” and is open every day of the festival: Wednesday-Thursday 5pm to 10:30pm, Friday 5pm – 11:30pm, Saturday Noon to 11:30pm, and Sunday Noon to 10:30pm.
Saturday you can experience the Baggo Tournament, which takes place at the Entertainment Pavilion in Flatiron Park. It’s a double elimination straight to 21. It starts at 11:30am Saturday and runs until about 3pm.
Check out the Lumberjack Show!
New last year the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack show is back and should be yet another great bit of entertainment for families of all sizes and ages. From log rolling, axe throwing, and wood-cutting, to chainsaw vs cross-cut racing, and quick chainsaw carving, there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you want great old-fashioned fun and family entertainment, the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show is where you’ll want to be.
New this year: Car Show! The inaugural Car Show run at Venetian Fest Sunday from 11am-3pm at Seminary Park, a great thing to check out ahead of all the bands, water ski shows, the lighted boat parade, and the fireworks that evening!
Sunday is the topper, with all the Carnival and Arts & Crafts Fair activities, THREE performers covering live music, and the Lake Geneva Jaycees Water Ski Show featuring the Wonder Lake Ski Team. They’ll perform on Geneva Lake right by the Riviera starting at 6pm. At dusk, the Lighted Boat Parade begins with the theme this year being “Rat Pack” for Lake Geneva Venetian Fest’s 61st anniversary. It concludes with fireworks following the parade.
All of this fun is in downtown Lake Geneva, which is easily accessed via U.S. 12 or Highways 50 and 120. Highway 67 brings you close, as it runs along the west side of Geneva Lake. Make it a road trip destination the weekend of August 14th-18th!
Lake Geneva Venetian Fest Address:
Downtown Lake Geneva, centered at Riviera Ballroom
821 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
Website
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July 19, 2025 – July 20, 2025
Milwaukee WaterStone Bank Air & Water Show
The Milwaukee Air & Water Show, sponsored by Waterstone Bank, offers one of the top air shows in the Midwest along the city’s gorgeous lakefront. They roar along Milwaukee’s lakefront Saturday, July 19th and Sunday, July 20th.
Exciting acts having performed in Milwaukee’s skies this July include the U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon Patrol Aircraft, U.S. Navy Leapfrogs Parachute Team, the USAF T-38 “Talons”in 2-3 ship formation, the return of the U.S. Air Force A-10 Warthogs, the U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super-Hornet Tactical Demonstration Squadron, the Wisconsin Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker straight from Milwaukee’s own 128th Air Refueling Wing base, and the Firebirds X-treme Team. Solo aerobatics and stunts have been performed by Bill Stein, Mike Wiscus, Jack Knutson, Matt Chapman, and Lt. Colonel Josh “Tater” Boudreaux of the “Wild Blue Rodeo.”
On the waters of Lake Michigan, you’ve been able to enjoy the USCGC Bristol Bay (WLB), a 225-foot multi-mission buoy tender out of Detroit; a Water Show act from Milwaukee’s own Dennis Pinter, who demonstrated the “Air Chair” on the water! Daredevil and Pro Flyboard competitor Casey “Swizzle” McElwee who performed with his Hydroflyte and Flyboard act. We also hope to see the return of the Milwaukee Fire Department’s “Trident Fireboat,” which demonstrates its capabilities on the water, and witness an HH-60 Jayhawk Rescue Helicopter Air-Sea Rescue Demostration courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station out of Traverse City, Michigan.
You can watch from Bradford Beach and many other areas along Milwaukee’s lakefront for free. Ticketed areas offer the closest proximity, the best views, hosted narration, the best access to concessions, and great seating. This is definitely a benchmark summer event in Milwaukee! U.S. 18, Highways 32, 36, 38, 57, 59, 145, 190 and more all bring to within eye (and definitely ear!) shot of the show.
Milwaukee Air & Water Show Schedule of Events (both days):
10 AM: Water Show
12 PM: National Anthem / Army Golden Knights
3 PM: US Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron
Milwaukee Air & Water Show Address:
2272 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 482-2069
Website
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