Canoecopia
2026-03-13 16:00 - 2026-03-15 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
Canoecopia is the largest paddlesports consumer event in the world. More than 250,000 square feet of kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, outdoor equipment and clothing, all at the best prices of the season, make Canoecopia a “must go” place for gear! Over 100 seminars and clinics make Canoecopia an educational event where you can learn about the perfect gear for your style of paddling, develop skills to get you where you want to go, and discover some of the many places to paddle, both near and far.
If you’re interested in experiencing life on the water, Canoecopia is the best place to spend the weekend! Learn about gear for your style of paddling, develop skills to get you where you want to go, and discover many wonderful places to paddle, both near and far. The hard part may be deciding which to see.
“Meet the folks who make the boats!” Kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, outdoor equipment and clothing, all at the best prices of the season. See what’s new in paddlesports and outdoor equipment, chat with experts about destinations in the Midwest and beyond, discover what’s newest, best and coolest! Admission is $17 for one day, $35 for a three-day pass. Children 17 and under are free. No credit cards; cash or check only at admission. Parking is $8/day, you can save on multiple days here.
You can reach the Alliant Energy Center easily from the Beltline (U.S. 12/18) via John Nolen Drive from the south, from John Nolen Drive from downtown (U.S. 151) or Park Street & Olin Avenues. Of course, U.S. 14, U.S. 151, and Highways 30 and 113 also bring you to Madison, where there’s plenty else to check out!
Canoecopia Hours:
Friday: 4pm – 9pm
Saturday: 9am – 6pm
Sunday: 10am – 5pm
Canoecopia Address:
Alliant Energy Center
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
Madison, WI 53713
(608) 267-3976
Website

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The Balloon Adventure
2026-03-19 - 2026-03-29 | Pier 290, 1 Liechty Drive, Williams Bay, WI, 53191, United States
The 3rd annual Balloon Adventure is BACK at Pier 290 in Williams Bay, Thursday, March 19th through Sunday, March 29th, 2026!
This amazing display and show features over 100,000 balloons from 14 balloon artists who craft dazzling displays that are literally “full of hot air.” This years theme is “Bug Out!”
The Boat Showroom at PIER 290 in Williams Bay transforms into a magical marine adventure for the 2026 Balloon Adventure. The “Bug Out!” theme lets you get ready to shrink down and bug out in a balloon-filled world where butterflies, beetles, and bumblebees take over. From dazzling balloon artistry to interactive experiences, photo ops, themed nights, and family fun—this whimsical event is for all ages! It’s all in support of the 531 Fund’s charitable mission.
In addition, a variety of special events take place on select days. They include the Glow Waves Adventure, Rave Under the Wave, the Deep Sea Shuffle, Tales of the Sea (a family movie night), and more. Get the full list here.
Tickets for Balloon Adventure
General Admission tickets are available online here as well as at the door during the event. In advance tickets are $20, $25 at the door. Kids 2 and under are free. Special events have separate pricing.
The Balloon Adventure is a unique and fun stop while in the Lake Geneva area. Check it out at Pier 290 when you’re road tripping on Highway 67! You’ll find Williams Bay just south of Highway 50 and northeast of U.S. 14, just minutes off I-43.
Afterwards – or before if you prefer – check out the nearby Yerkes Observatory. It’s the birthplace of astrophysics, after all. They offer tours on occasion, too! Meanwhile, more adventures and fun await in Lake Geneva, just a few minutes once you head east on Highway 50.

The Balloon Adventure Address:
The Boat Showroom at PIER 290
1 Liechty Drive
Williams Bay, WI 53191
Website

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Beloit International Film Festival
2026-03-25 - 2026-03-29 | Downtown Beloit, Various locations, Beloit, WI, 53511, United States
The 21st annual Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) runs from March 25th – 29th, 2026! Run in conjunction with Beloit College, the BIFF draws thousands upon thousands of film lovers, and writers and directors from around the world for viewing, workshops, and more. The “International” in the title isn’t just for show, after all.
The Beloit International Film Festival celebrates the power of independent film from around the globe. Local residents and visitors from across the nation fill venues ranging in size from 40 to 400 seats to view more than 150 films and meet scores of filmmakers who come from throughout the U.S. and around the world. This unique festival continues to grow and has caught national attention with the New York Times calling BIFF, “a festival with a unique goal of returning the spirit of film festivals’ golden era, when guests talked film all night with directors and writers who were on hand and available for questions.” The New York Times also listed the festival as a unique alternative to other big international film festivals such as Sundance and Tribeca.
BIFF celebrates filmmakers in all genres—features, documentaries, shorts— who enjoy the Beloit setting as much as the attendees do. BIFF promises crowds of interested viewers filling venues, questioning them at the films, and stopping them on the street to talk about their shared passions and projects in independent filmmaking.
Get the Beloit International Film Festival Film Lineup here
Getting to Beloit is easy! Just follow I-43 from Milwaukee, I-90 from Madison or Janesville, or Highway 81 from Monroe and points west. Highway 213 also brings you in from points northwest. Then just follow the roads to the Rock River and the downtown area. Guide signs will help you find the way downtown. And be sure to check out all the amazing new developments in downtown Beloit and throughout the area!
Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) Address:
Various locations in Beloit, mostly downtown
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 312-4256
Website

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International PEEPS Art Exhibition at the Racine Art Museum
2026-04-01 - 2026-04-18 | Racine Art Museum, 441 Main Street, Racine, WI, 53403, United States
Within the pristine white walls of a contemporary art museum that overlooks Lake Michigan, the Racine Art Museum presents a rather non-traditional exhibition showcasing fluffy, sugar-coated marshmallow PEEPS®. Over the years, many entrants have been become experts in marshmallow candy as a material, using methods like carving, painting, hole punching, gluing, and melting to manipulate PEEPS into incredible shapes. For this show, Richard W. Marklin, Jr. melted a flock of PEEPS to make Raul the Rooster, a realistic barnyard bird; while April Harris and Autumn Kyle assembled the holiday treats into a bust of Black Panther Peeper.
This year, the RAM 17th Annual International PEEPS Art Exhibition takes place now through April 18th; awards will be handed out after. Previous shows have drawn over 4,000 visitors to the museum during its three-week run, setting daily spring attendance records along the way. Previous pieces included Peep Swift: The Marshmallow Era (yes, channeling Taylor); the It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere parrot-looking PEEP with the Jimmy Buffett vibe; Funky Peepcock fashioned in sparkling glass beads and feathers; Pop Art Peeps crafted in glazed stoneware; and Sweet Meets Wild, an inlaid box made of different hardwoods. Inspired by inventive puns, pop culture, sports, and famous artists, many of the PEEPS art entries are by local artists, families, and organizations but quite a few artists from out-of-state also participate.
Vote for Your Favorite PEEPS
Stop by the museum to vote for your favorite PEEPS creation. You will decide who wins the coveted PEEPles Choice Award, announced at the end of the show.
You’ll find the Racine Art Museum along Main Street/Highway 32 in downtown Racine, just blocks from Lake Michigan. Highways 20 and 38 also bring you downtown, and Highway 11 is just to the south. It’s a little over a 10-minute drive east of I-41/94, depending on traffic and how you lit the lights. There is plenty else to see and do there, from picking up a fresh kringle at one of Racine’s famous Danish bakeries to exploring the city’s heritage at the Racine Historical Museum, enjoying the beautiful harbor and waterfront, shopping the stores of 6th Street and Main Street, or even exploring Hotel Verdant, the new boutique hotel downtown. These are all within walking distance of the Racine Art Museum!
International PEEPS Art Exhibition Address:
Racine Art Museum
441 Main Street (Highway 32)
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 638-8300
Website

PEEPS Exhibit called “Mt. PEEPmore” by Elizabeth Peterson. Yes, it’s a mountain of PEEPs. Photo credit: Christina Lieffring, Racine Journal-Times.
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East Troy Bunny Train
2026-04-04 09:30 - 2026-04-05 16:00 | East Troy Electric Railroad Museum, 2002 Church Street, East Troy, WI, 53120, United States
The East Troy Bunny Train provides Easter weekend family fun on Saturday and Sunday, April 4th and 5th. The ride is a ten-mile round trip starting at the East Troy Depot. Board the heated train where kids can participate in Easter themed activities during the ride to the Elegant Farmer. Enjoy bunny displays by local 4-H Students and treats at the Elegant Farmer. Every Child with a ticket will receive an Easter gift! Boarding is only done at the East Troy Depot and advance reservations are required. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, all ticket sales are final. Tickets can be purchased online or by phone & leave a message. A volunteer will return your call, and they appreciate your interest and support!
More details and advance ticket purchases can be made on their website.
You can get to the East Troy Depot via Highway 20 or Highway 120, just north I-43. It’s also known as Church Street just north of the town square.
East Troy Bunny Train Address:
East Troy Railroad Depot
2002 Church Street
East Troy, WI 53120
Website

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Gallery Night & Day, Milwaukee
2026-04-17 - 2026-04-18 | Downtown & Historic Third Ward, 400 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Happening quarterly, Gallery Night & Day is one of the premier art events in Milwaukee. It’s the “Ultimate Art Weekend,” with over 50 venues throughout the Historic Third Ward and Downtown that serve as showcases for viewing art from paintings to sculptures to other creative outlets. Bars and restaurants stay open later than usual Friday night, while Saturday is a prime time to continue the gallery gallivanting while also enjoying the area’s unique and eclectic selection of shops.
Along with art galleries, Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward is filled with locally-owned boutique shops along with national stores like Anthropologie, Designs Within Reach, Francesca’s, Mod Gen, Retique, Warby Parker, Lululemon Athletica, and more. You can also stop in Wizard Works Brewing or Broken Bat Brewery for craft beer, or Vino 100 or Thief Wine in the Milwaukee Public Market for a fantastic selection of wines. Numerous restaurants in the Third Ward offer everything from bar food to Asian fusion, Indian cuisine, American and Korean barbecue, and Italian – plus Shake Shack. The Milwaukee Public Market draws visitors from all over and offers takeaway and ready-to-eat food, drinks, and sundries in one dynamic setting.
This quarter, Gallery Night runs Friday and Saturday, April 17th and 18th. Activities begin late afternoon Friday and run through Saturday afternoon. I-43/94, I-794, U.S. 18, and Highway 32 are all amidst where it takes place; Highways 38, 59, and 145 get you close! The city has signs directing you to the Third Ward from the Marquette Interchange. You can also ride The Hop, the local streetcar
Full details and venue listings are available on their website. You’ll find the latest listings of shops, galleries, bars, restaurants, and more – things develop and change quickly in the Third Ward!
Gallery Night & Day Address:
Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward
300 N. Broadway (and all over the area)
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Website

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World's Largest Trivia Contest
2026-04-17 - 2026-04-19 | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Communications Building, 2100 Main Street, Stevens Point, WI, 54481, United States
For well over 50 years now, Stevens Point has held what has become the World’s Largest Trivia Contest. Some 12,000 trivia buffs come to Stevens Point each year to compete with question-and-answer marathon; they must answer eight questions every hour for 54 hours! This year, the contest runs Friday, April 17th through Sunday, April 19th and the theme is “Trivia 56: The Love Contest.”
Trivia kicks off with a parade held Friday night at 4:00 pm, taking participants around the UW-Stevens Point campus to get pumped for a full weekend ahead. Then, the contest hits the airwaves at 6pm. Over the next 54 hours, more than 400 questions are read, in which players typically have two song lengths to answer. Apart from regular questions, which are read on the air, there are two running questions, three music questions (with eight songs each), and the Trivia Stone. The Trivia Stone, which is a part scavenger hunt and part riddle, takes teams throughout the town with a series of clues.
Want to listen along or participate in the World’s Largest Trivia Contest?
You can listen along on WWSP-FM 89.9 as you drive in the area, or stream them online via TuneIn. The event itself is held at the UW-Stevens Point Communications Building; Highway 66 and Business U.S. 51 intersect nearby. The mainlines of I-39/U.S. 51 and U.S. 10 bring you close in Stevens Point, too.
Want details on how you can attend, observe, or just play along? Check their website! The Stevens Point Area CVB has details, and a blog that gives you the inside scoop!
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Lake Geneva Restaurant Week
2026-04-18 - 2026-04-26 | WI
Lake Geneva Restaurant Week gives you an opportunity to sample unique dishes and often nice deals at over 45 venues across the area from April 18th to April 26th, 2026!
It’s a culinary adventure, showcasing the best dining experiences in the area. Participating Lake Geneva restaurants will serve up special menus, exclusive deals, and creative dishes that highlight local flavors. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore new restaurants or revisit old favorites while enjoying the beauty of the area.
Restaurants will create exclusive menus at special pricing available only during the nine days of Restaurant Week. Featured restaurants range from casual cafes and bistros to elegant fine dining and fabulous lake views – a vibe for every palate! These restaurants are one-of-a-kind, locally owned establishments where owners and chefs part of the dining experience in Lake Geneva,
bringing not only their culinary talents but also their personality and experiences which resonate with guests.
Find Participating Restaurants here
Download a PDF of the Full Menu Guide here
Sips & Snacks: Go “Beyond the Plate” as local sweet shops, cheese shops, breweries, and wineries will also get in the foodie game by featuring special Sips & Snacks offers during Restaurant Week. Think beer and cheese or desserts and wine pairings, sweet treats, and late-night snacks.
Dining for a Cause – Lake Geneva Restaurant Week isn’t just about great food, it’s also about great causes. The Charity Check Ballot is a tradition created to raise awareness for the many non-profit organizations doing important work in the community. During Restaurant Week, diners receive a Charity Check Ballot each time they dine at a participating Restaurant Week location. They use the ballot to vote for one of the Charity Check nominees. (The more you dine, the more you can vote!) The top four charities with
the most votes will each receive a $2,500 donation courtesy of the 2025 Charity Check Sponsor, none other than Tito’s Handmade Vodka!
Beyond wonderful places to eat and drink, the Lake Geneva area offers one-of-a-kind attractions, activities, and adventures, both indoors and out. Plus great shopping, world-class entertainment, and a bevy of options for lodging from cozy B&Bs to sprawling resorts offering every activity imaginable. VisitLakeGeneva.com has your guide to it all!
Lake Geneva Restaurant Week Website

The Lake Geneva area is easily accessible via the U.S. 12 freeway, Highway 36, Highway 50, Highway 67, and Highway 120.

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Dells On Tap: Signature Springtime Sips
2026-04-18 09:00 - 18:00 | Wisconsin Dells Festival Site, 200 La Crosse Street, Wisconsin Dells, WI, 53965, United States
Wisconsin Dells’ own Dells On Tap: Signature Springtime Sips embraces spring in a NEW location!
This year, Dells On Tap: Signature Springtime Sips takes place on Saturday, April 18th, and it moves to Newport Park, right on the Lower Dells overlooking the Wisconsin River. They offer samples from many of Wisconsin’s craft beer producers, including Al Ringling, Hillsboro, Moosejaw, Pals, Lombardi, New Glarus, Titletown, Untitled Art and Vintage. You can also enjoy live entertainment, cornhole games, and food for sale.
General admission tickets are $50 and include a tasting mug. They can be purchased online HERE. Parking for the event will be at nearby Kaminski Park and shuttle services are available to the event site.
This is on top of all the things there are to throughout the Wisconsin Dells and Lake Delton areas, from water parks to fun shops, museums, and even the World’s Largest Wooden Trojan Horse along Wisconsin Dells Parkway! Hit I-90/94, U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23.

You’ll find the festivities in Wisconsin Dells (of course), an easy ride off I-90/94 (Exits 85-92), U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23.
Wisconsin Dells On Tap Address:
70 County Road A
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
(800) 223-3557
Event Website

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Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival
2026-04-18 13:00 - 17:00 | Brat Stop, 12304 75th Street, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
The 18th Annual Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival returns to the legendary Brat Stop in Kenosha on Saturday, April 18th! This fun-filled event features a variety of Wisconsin cheeses, some of the most sought after beers from Wisconsin and beyond and awesome live music!. This is a “don’t miss event” for anybody who likes beer, cheese and music!
The festival typically draws over 900 attendees and features over 100 different styles of beer, a home brew competition, and local breweries with unlimited beer and cheese samples. Additionally, live music plays all afternoon with the Empty Bottle Boys and One Shot Jane performing. They play in the Parkway Chateau, adjacent to the Brat Stop.
Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival Tickets
The Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival has a rather extensive VIP ticket package. For $80 in advance or $85 at the door, VIP fest goers receive a lunch buffet courtesy of Festival Foods, specialty cheese and beers, a VIP beer stein and an extra hour of festing! The food buffet is available for the duration of the fest from noon until 5 p.m.
General admission tickets are $55 in advance and $60 at the door. All tickets include a commemorative glass, live music and four hours of unlimited beer and cheese samples. Designated driver tickets are $15. This is a 21+ only event.
Last time we checked over 50 different brewers will be there. They include large brewers like Miller and Coors to small craft brewers including Lakefront, Bell’s, Toppling Goliath, Bare Bones, Alaskan, and more. Local home brew societies also represent at the festival. All will be pouring samples and providing info about their beers and brewing processes. Also, great food – including brats – will be part of the sustenance as the bands serenade your eating, drinking, talking, and enjoying.
Proceeds benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Kenosha. Check the Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival Website for tickets, continued updates, and other details!
You’ll find the Brat Stop right along Highway 50, just west of the I-41/94 interchange. It’s a Wisconsin staple, after all.
Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival Address:
The Brat Stop
12304 75th Street (Highway 50)
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 653-7304
Website
Buy Tickets Here

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Downtown Beloit Spring Wine Walk
2026-04-18 14:00 - 18:00 | WI
Enjoy the resurging downtown area of Beloit while you taste a variety of wines at a multitude of venues! General registration includes a commemorative etched wine glass and 2 ounce sips at 10 venues of your choice. You must be 21 years of age or older to participate. It all begins when you check in at the Downtown Beloit Association, 557 E. Grand Avenue. The Spring Wine Walk takes place across several blocks of the downtown area.
VIP registration includes VIP treatment at Grand Slam with appetizers, wine tasting, swag bag, stainless steel wine tumbler, raffle chance to win a $50 Downtown Beloit Gift Card and more! Limited to 50 tickets. Must be 21 years of age or older. Registration will start at 1 pm at Grand Slam with drawings at 1:50 pm.
The Trolley will be available to take you to all of our destinations so watch for it and be ready to hop on board!
Early registration will be available Thursday, April 16th through Friday, April 17th from 9 am to 5 pm at the Downtown Beloit Association office, 557 E. Grand Avenue. U.S. 51, Highway 81, and Highway 213 all bring you to the downtown area, which is minutes away from I-39/90 and I-43.
Downtown Beloit Spring Wine Walk Address:
557 E. Grand Avenue
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 365-0150
Website

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Midwest Gaming Classic
2026-04-24 08:00 - 2026-04-26 17:00 | Baird Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, 53233, United States
The Midwest Gaming Classic is a 350,000+ square foot trade show featuring over 10,000 games on free play, along with over 200 vendors and over 100 industry guests! It’s the largest and longest-running all-encompassing gaming event, and it takes place at Milwaukee’s Baird Center April 24-26, 2026 – and it’s the 25th anniversary!
Celebrate gaming, try new things, learn about the gaming hobby, meet others who share the love of gaming, and have fun doing it! We feature retro and modern home video game consoles, pinball machines, arcade video games, tabletop RPGs, computers, tabletop board games, crane games, collectible card games, air hockey, and much more.
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No matter if you have one game or thousands of games in every room of your house, you’ll find something to love!
Midwest Gaming Classic Hours:
Friday preview runs 6pm – Midnight
Saturday 10am-8pm
Sunday 10am-5pm
Buy Tickets & Get More Info HERE!
Midwest Gaming Classic Address:
Baird Center
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53233
Website

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Spring Jefferson Swap Meet & Car Show
2026-04-24 10:00 - 2026-04-25 16:00 | Jefferson County Fair Park, 503 N. Jackson Avenue, Jefferson, WI, 53549, United States
The Spring Jefferson Swap Meet & Car Show is the largest swap meet in the Midwest!
Come and browse over 99 acres of Jefferson County Fair Park for classics, collectibles and parts to find that special piece for your collection. The 46th Annual Spring Jefferson Swap Meet & Car Show runs April 24-25, 2026 and features more than 3,100 vendor spaces and hundreds of cars for sale. The Swap Meet and Car Corral is all three days and the car show is Saturday and Sunday only. For the auto enthusiasts this swap meet boasts thousands of car parts and car accessory vendors making it a great place to buy or sell those hard to find car parts. For those looking to buy or sell cars, the Cars for Sale Corral is full of hundreds of cars of all makes and models for sale.
The feature cars are Drag Cars, but all makes and models are welcome at the car show.
Admission is $15 per adult; kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by paying adult. Parking is included in the admission price; no pets are allowed. The Jefferson County Fairgrounds are near U.S. 18 and the junction with the Highway 26 bypass, very close to Highway 89. It’s all about 7 miles south of I-94’s Johnson Creek exit via Highway 26. Hours are 8am – 4pm Friday and 6am – 4pm Saturday.
While in Jefferson, head downtown and try a burger at Wedl’s, the smallest burger stand in the country. It’s a State Trunk Tour favorite! Also see what’s developing along the Rock River and along Business Highway 26… Jefferson has a lot developing right now!

Jefferson, the seat of Jefferson County along the Rock River, is easily accessible via U.S. 18 or Highway 26; Highway 89 approaches from the west, I-94 passes to the north by about 6 miles. Jefferson is best accessed from I-94 via Exit 267.
Spring Jefferson Swap Meet & Car Show Address:
Jefferson County Fair Park
503 N. Jackson Avenue
Jefferson, WI 53549
(608) 244-8416
Website

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Between the Bluffs Beer Wine and Cheese Festival
2026-04-25 | Southside Oktoberfest Grounds, 1 Oktoverfest Strasse, La Crosse, WI, 54601, United States
The annual Between the Bluffs Beverages & Bites Festival returns Saturday, April 25th, 2026! Between the Bluffs brings together craft beverages, THC, and non-alcoholic/mocktail drinks, specialty meats, and artisan cheeses from the La Crosse Region, across Wisconsin, and throughout the Midwest. Don’t forget to sign-up for the Coulee Region Cornhole Tournament and play some Hammer-Schlagen.
It all begins Friday evening, April 24th, with Friday Night: Taster’s Eve. You can buy a wristband and ride the shuttles to various participating establishments for specials and tap take-overs by guest breweries attending the fest.
The main festival takes place at La Crosse’s Southside Oktoberfest Grounds on Saturday afternoon, April 25rd, with general admission ($50) from 2-6pm. VIP tickets ($90) allow for a noon entry. Details on what you get with each are below!
Here’s how it has looked in previous years!
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Sunday, April 26th is the Bacon Bloody Brunch! Jump back on the horse or come out for a “Sunday Funday” at the Oktoberfest Grounds! Enjoy specialty breakfast drinks, yard games, live music, and of course BACON. Specialty drinks include beer bloodies, mimosas and breakfast beer served up by Del’s Bar, Pearl Street Brewery, and Surly Brewing Company. For eats, enjoy giant pancakes served up by Mindoro Lions Club, bacon provided by Bubba’s Meats and Premier Catering, cheesy potatoes, and eggs. Coffee will also be available.
For Sunday’s Bacon Bloody Brunch, tickets are available for $15, which are available online or at the gates. You must be 21 years or older and show ID at the gate.
I-90, U.S. 14/61, U.S. 53, and Highways 16, 33, and 35 all bring you to La Crosse, and they’re all beautiful drives as you head “Between the Bluffs”!
Between the Bluffs Beverages & Bites Festival Address:
Southside Oktoberfest Grounds
2nd & La Crosse Streets
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 782-2250 or (800) 658-9424
Website

Between the Bluffs Ticket ($65-70) Details:
General Admission Tickets include:

2:00 PM Entrance
General Admission Wristband
Souvenir Tasting Glass
Unlimited Sampling of beer, wine, and cheese
Free Water
Artisan/Makers Market
Live music
Bingo, Yard Games, Selfie Stations
Food Trucks for a fee

VIP Tickets ($110) Include:

12:00PM Entrance
VIP Wristband
Souvenir Tasting Glass
Unlimited sampling
VIP Gift
VIP Tent with Exclusives
Enjoy free water, soda, and catered VIP meal
Artisan/Makers Market
Live music
Raffles, Bingo, Yard Games, Selfie Stations
Food Trucks for a fee
VIP Parking

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Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship
2026-04-25 11:00 - 16:00 | Harris Park, 600 Bennett Road, Dodgeville, WI, 53533, United States
Mmmm… Grilled Cheese. Can it get any better?? Dodgeville is “Grilled Cheese Central” on Saturday, April 25, 2026 as the Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship takes place at the Leo Pavilion in Harris Park. Amateurs and professionals compete in 4 “heats” to determine the best grilled cheese sandwiches in Wisconsin and compete for fabulous prizes. Listen to live music, drink some beer and wine, sample outstanding grilled cheese sandwiches. Fun for all ages. Free admission! Get all the details at their website, grilledcheesewisconsin.com.
You can get to Dodgeville via U.S. 18 & 151 and Highway 23. Any trip is worth it for grilled cheese!

Our previous favorites have included the Gouda Girls (below); Tina and Katherine make grilled cheese sandwich combos that win all across the nation. They’re based in Milwaukee and do incredible things with taste buds. Our head State Trunk Tour guy Eric Paulsen got to experience their creations firsthand in this Discover Wisconsin episode. We don’t have any vote, though, so we’ll see how this goes.

Wisconsin Grilled Cheese Championship Address:
Harris Park
600 Bennett Road
Dodgeville, WI 53533
(608) 935-9200
Website

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First Fridays Racine
2026-05-01 16:00 - 21:00 | Downtown Racine, 100 Monument Square, Racine, WI, 53403, United States
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

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100 Mile Garage Sale along the Great River Road
2026-05-07 - 2026-05-10 | Along Highway 35 and the Great River Road, Highway 35, Pepin, WI, 54759, United States
The annual 100 Mile Garage Sale is coming up! Spreading across miles and miles of roads on both sides of the Mississippi River, this fun event is perfect for driving and shopping from Thursday, May 7th through Sunday, May 10th.
Every year, Lake Pepin historic river towns in both Wisconsin and Minnesota clean out their attics, garages and basements to create the most spectacular garage sale around. Bargain hunters can start anywhere along the river road – Minnesota or Wisconsin – rain or shine. The 100 Mile Garage Sale extends from Winona north to Red Wing on the Minnesota side of the River and Fountain City north to Prescott on the Wisconsin side of the River. Thousands of individuals and businesses participate with their own garage sales, often whole neighborhoods. While there are no maps indicating the exact location of the individual sales they are very easy to find and are identified by signage and pink balloons or ribbons. Many of the people who visit the Region for the garage sale weekend start on Thursday and stay until Sunday morning. They often comment that they attended half of the sales that they saw. You won’t have any problem what-so-ever finding as many garage sales as you feel like attending! Follow the trail marked with colored balloons or ribbons of participating sales and you’ll find deals, steals and fun.
Sales on the Minnesota side run from Hastings along U.S. 61 south to Winona; on the Wisconsin side the sales go from Fountain City on the south to Prescott on the north, all centered around Pepin – and you have to check out the gorgeous views of Lake Pepin! Don’t miss it!
100 Mile Garage Sale Address:
Various locations, centered around Pepin along Highway 35 in Wisconsin and U.S. 14/61 in Minnesota
Information: (651) 307-8364
Website

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Titletown Train Show
2026-05-09 09:00 - 2026-05-10 16:00 | KI Convention Center, 333 Main Street, Green Bay, WI, 54301, United States
It’s back again! Green Bay welcomes the annual Titletown Train Show to the KI Convention Center – May 9-10, 2026. One of the largest train shows in Wisconsin, it features over 42,000 square feet of trains and accessories, including:

15+ operating display layouts, in all scales
Dozens of friendly vendors, selling everything trains
Register to win a complete train set given away at the end of the show!
Other hourly door prizes
Kids train ride
Modeling contest
Demonstrations
National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) information
Local model “ambassadors” to answer your questions
Children’s activities

Many call model railroading the “World’s Greatest Hobby” and the Titletown Train Show offers a terrific look at this hobby. Just to the west across the Fox River from where it takes place, you can visit Green Bay’s original train station in what is now part of the original Titletown Brewing Company. Furthermore, the National Railroad Museum is on the city’s south side just off Highway 32, and makes a great complement to your visit!
You’ll find the KI Convention Center in downtown Green Bay, right along U.S. 141/Main Street. Highway 29 (Walnut Street) is one block to the south and Highways 54 and 57 (Monroe and University Avenues) are two blocks to the east. They provide easy access via any of these roads from I-41 and I-43, too.
Titletown Train Show Tickets:
Tickets are sold at the door the day of the event.
Ages 13-64 – $7
Seniors 65+ – $6
Ages 6-12 – $w
Ages 0-5 – FREE
Parking is FREE, too!
Titletown Train Show Address:
KI Convention Center
333 Main Street (U.S. 141)
Green Bay, WI 54301
(920) 217-5318
Website

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Downtown Baraboo Fair on the Square
2026-05-09 09:00 - 16:00 | Sauk County Courthouse Square, 515 Oak Street, Baraboo, WI, 53913, United States
Downtown Baraboo Fair on the Square happens semi-annually, in May and October. The May event takes place Saturday, May 9th from 9 am to 4 pm on the Sauk County Courthouse Square. Over 150 artists and crafters from all over the Midwest will be there, along with plenty of food, a farmer’s market, live music, family entertainment, and more.
The farmer’s market will begin at 7:30 am and run through 1 pm. Children’s activities include face painting, bounce houses, and more lasting for the duration of the Baraboo Fair on the Square.

Surrounding the square, you’ll find plenty of shops, the Al. Ringling Theater, and more. U.S. 12 skirts the west side of Baraboo, Highways 33 and 113 bring you right downtown.
Downtown Baraboo Fair on the Square Address:
Courthouse Square, Sauk County Courthouse
515 Oak Street
Baraboo, WI 53913
(608) 448-3490
Website

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Milwaukee Auto Show
2026-05-14 15:00 - 2026-05-17 18:00 | Wisconsin State Fair Exposition Center, 8200 W. Greenfield Avenue, West Allis, WI, 53214, United States
Check out the newest models of car, trucks, and while admiring the finest classics at the Milwaukee Auto Show! It’s back to Wisconsin State Fair Park Expo Center in West Allis May 14th-17th, 2026 showcasing the latest models, vintage antiques, muscle cars, and more. Over 350 vehicles will be on display; you can take some for test drives!

Cars, trucks, SUVs. Crossovers, Alternate Fuel Vehicles and more will be available to see, touch, sit in, and even test drive. Enjoy the Luxury Lineup, the Exotic Vehicles display, the Bennett Coachworks Showcase, and have some family fun with the Tricky Trails Golf Links right inside the show!
Details on everything available can be found on their website. It’s presented by ADAMM, the Automobile Dealers Association of Mega Milwaukee.

Tickets are $15 for adults 13 and over if they are pre-ordered online ($15 at the gate), Children ages 7-12 are $7.50, Senior Citizens (62+ are $13 . Children under 7 are admitted free. All ticket details are available here.
Parking is accessible on area streets and garages, including the Clark Garage at 623 W. Wisconsin Avenue, one block from the Baird Center. Parking is $12 but you can save 40% when you pay in advance. All the details here.
Hours:
Thursday Noon – 9pm
Friday & Saturday 10am – 9pm
Sunday 10am – 6pm
It’s a great auto show and easily accessible via I-94 and Highways 59 and 181. U.S. 18, I-41/U.S. 45/I-894, and Highway 100 all bring you close!

Milwaukee Auto Show Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Expo Center
8200 W. Greenfield Avenue/Highway 59
West Allis, WI 53214
(414) 908-6000
Website

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Morel Mushroom Festival
2026-05-15 - 2026-05-16 | Village of Muscoda, 206 N. Wisconsin Avenue, Muscoda, WI, 53573, United States
Muscoda celebrates the Morel Mushroom Festival every May, which is only fitting because that’s prime growing season in this “Morel Mushroom Capital of Wisconsin.” These unique mushrooms are considered quite a delicacy by top chefs everywhere; there are message boards and recipes and all kinds of resources for morel lovers. The soil in the Muscoda area is particularly suited for the growth of morels and they fully embrace this fungi. In 2026, the festival takes place Friday, May 15th and Saturday, May 16th.
This year’s event starts Friday evening with the 5th Annual Car Cruise Drive-In – all modes of transportation encouraged to attend. Join them at the paved parking lot next to the Riverdale bus garage in the 500 block of North Wisconsin. Jose’s Mexican Food Truck and Jovita’s Kitchen will be there serving their specialties and Udder Brothers Creamery will have their delicious ice cream. Two blocks south, at Mushroom Headquarters along Highway 80, the grills will be going with American Legion burgers. There’s also the 1st annual Antique Farm & Tractor Pull, a Little League Baseball Tournament, and Thunder Showers Bounce Houses will be there for kids’ fun.

On Saturday, May 16th starting at 9:00am, the whole Village bursts with events. The bounce house and pedal tractor pulls are back, you can check out the Tiny Acres Farms Petting Zoo, beer samples from 11am-3pm, and a parade. The awesome arts and crafts vendors, (many new ones!) and chainsaw carving are at Railroad Park as well as Food Vendors there and along the streets.
At Mushroom Headquarters, there are tastings, grilling with mushroom brats and Legion burgers (and fried morels if they’re are available). The Food and Beverage tasting area will include Meister Cheese, Moore Eggs, Studnicka Cattle Company, Wild Hills Winery, Dirftless Gold Organic Maple Syrup, Gillingham Meads, and Spurgeon Winery. And for your listening pleasure and maybe dancing, live music by Donnie Reyzek.
You can also catch tours of Effigy mounds, which start at 1pm, and baseball with the Muscoda Mudcats also at 1pm.
A big feature is the “Spring Mystery” Parade down main street (AKA Wisconsin Avenue), which starts at 3:00. Members of the UW Band will also perform starting around 3:45.
When you want a sit-down meal, there is pancake breakfast until noon, a chili cookoff with judging and tasting at 1:00 and the famous Firemen’s Steak Feed at the firehouse beginning at 4:00 until the steaks are gone! Enjoy the river views as the evening concludes with fireworks at dusk.
The Morel Mushroom Festival Schedule is coming soon!
You’ll find Muscoda along Highway 80 between the Wisconsin River and Highway 133. Highway 60 is just across the river. And this town comes to party for its Morel Mushroom Festival! Check their website for updates and full schedules.
Morel Mushroom Festival Address:
Muscoda Village Hall
206 N. Wisconsin Avenue (Highway 80)
Muscoda, WI 53573
(608) 739-3182
Website

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SVRA Spring Vintage Weekend at Road America
2026-05-15 - 2026-05-17 | Road America, N7390 State Highway 67, Plymouth, WI, 53073, United States
The SVRA Spring Vintage Festival Weekend at Road America, May 15-17, celebrates automotive racing’s glorious past. This vintage racing event brings the past back to life with the sights, sounds and smells from motorsport’s pioneering age both on and off the track.
The SVRA (SportsCar Vintage Racing Association) weekend at Road America includes a packed vintage race car schedule featuring classic race cars covering several decades. Many of the entries have previously competed at classic events like Le Mans and the Indy 500. SVRA is one of the oldest organizations in vintage racing, and the only one with a national presence, committed to presenting the best possible experience for competitors and fans. From 200 MPH INDY and Formula 1 cars to classic Jaguars and Porsches, SVRA races provide a rolling history of motorsport where the cars are the stars at legendary tracks across the country.
The SVRA Spring Vintage Festival Weekend lineup includes race groups for all twelve SVRA classes including Formula 5000, Formula Ford, sports racing, and production sports cars. The classes feature the best classic sportscars from prestigious marques such as Lotus, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Porsche and Corvette with models from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. The Formula 4 United States Championship (F4 U.S.), Formula Regional Americas Championship (FR Americas) series, Mazda Miata Heritage Cup Series, OPTIMA’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car championship and the Hagerty Cars & Caffeine vintage car rally will bolster the SVRA schedule for the weekend.
New this season is the opportunity to upgrade admission tickets to include access to the Finish Line Tower suites. The Finish Line Tower is located right at the Start/Finish line on the front straight across from the Main Paddock. Suites are furnished, climate-controlled, staffed with an attendant, and have restrooms conveniently located on the same floor. Two high-definition screens feature timing and scoring and a live feed of the races.
Check their website for ticket and event details.
You’ll find Road America along Highway 67, just north of Plymouth and Highway 23 and a few miles west of Highway 57 in Sheboygan County, right by the beautiful resort town of Elkhart Lake.
Road America Address for Spring Vintage Weekend:
N7390 Highway 67
Plymouth, WI 53073
(800) 365-7223
Website

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Syttende Mai Festival, Stoughton
2026-05-15 - 2026-05-17 | Downtown Stoughton, 532 E. Main Street, Stoughton, WI, 53589, United States
Stoughton’s Syttende Mai festival is a weekend-long celebration of Norwegian heritage featuring fun activities and cultural experiences for the whole family. Check out three days of parades, amazing food and drink, arts and music, athletic competitions, and kids’ activities steeped in centuries of Norwegian culture. From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, Stoughton enjoyed an influx of Norwegians, and at one time, as many as 75 percent of its residents spoke Norwegian. These immigrants celebrated Syttende Mai unofficially, but it became an annual, city-wide tradition in the 1950s.
The city-wide festival takes place every year on the weekend closest to Norway’s May 17th Constitution Day, also known as Syttende Mai. In 2026, the festivities run through the weekend of May 15th through the 17th. The Arts & Crafts Fair attracts arts and crafts enthusiasts and artists who appreciate Norwegian culture and its role in the arts. The Stoughton festival features an annual juried craft fair where artisans and artists show and sell their hand-crafted works. The Norwegian art of rosemaling, or decorative painting, traditional Norwegian embroidery and quilts are all on display. Many artists hold public demonstrations of how they create their works, too. It’s a great opportunity for Stoughton festival-goers to meet the artists and appreciate the art’s deep roots in traditional Norwegian culture. It includes the Arts & Craft Fair, Hardanger Embroidery Exhibit, the Quilt Show, the Rosemaling Exhibit and Sale, and Norwegian Cultural Demonstrations. It runs Saturday from 10am — 6pm and Sunday from 9am — 2pm at River Bluff Middle School Gymnasium, Cafetorium, and Grounds at 235 N. Forrest Street in Stoughton.
Festival activities include:

Stoughton Norwegian Dancers
20-Mile Run, 10-Mile Run, 17-Mile Walk, and Lil’ Community Run
Hardanger Fiddle Performances
Norwegian Heritage Center (Livsreise)
Live Norwegian Art Demonstrations
Edvard Grieg Chorus at the Stoughton Opera House
Norse Costume Style Show
Viking Games Strongman Competition
Craft Beer Tent
Traditional Norwegian Delicacies
Food Trucks
Youth Parade (Saturday)
Norwegian Parade (Sunday)
Canoe Race & Portage on the Yahara River
Stoughton Village Players Theater Original Presentation
Arts & Crafts Fair

Syttende Mai Festival Address:
via Stoughton Chamber of Commerce
532 E. Main Street
Stoughton, WI 53589
(608) 873-7912
Website
More details below!

Stoughton Norwegian Dancers
This dance troupe delights audiences with their intricate footwork, athleticism, and enthusiasm for traditional Norwegian culture. Around since 1952 and clad in traditional Norwegian costumes, or bunad, their dancing to music from the fjords, and their colorful and captivating performances are in demand nationwide. You’ll be able to see the Stoughton Norwegian Dancers and their traditional folk performances every day during the three-day Syttende Mai festival.
Other Live Performances
While enjoying all the Syttende Mai sights and delicious foods, don’t forget to experience the music, dance, and theater performances. Be sure to catch a Norwegian Dancer performance to experience Scandinavian folk dancing. Attend a Stoughton Village Players theatrical performance written and performed by local actors who are expert at presenting the humorous side of life in Stoughton. Be sure to seek out a Hardanger fiddle performance to see and hear these beautiful instruments up close.
Enjoy:

Chorus Public House Live Music
Christ Lutheran Church
Craft Beer Tent Entertainment
Stoughton City Band Concert
Stoughton Opera House
Stoughton Village Players Theater

Crowning the Syttende Mai Royalty
Check out the crowning of Syttende Mai’s event ambassadors in a tradition that spans five decades. Stoughton’s Syttende Mai royalty kick off the three-day event and declare the weekend a statewide celebration.
Those who wear the Syttende Mai crown receive the honor for their commitment to community service and keeping the local Norwegian culture alive. Each year, a couple learns of their nomination in September and must keep it a secret from everyone, even friends and family, for five months. During the Stoughton Norwegian Dancers’ February Norse Afternoon of Fun, the new king and queen receive their crowns and join previous years’ honorees.
Although their reign is symbolic, the annual Syttende Mai King and Queen dress in traditional Norwegian clothing, or bunad, for the entire festival. In addition to opening the festival, the couple attend more than 40 events over the weekend. They are the festival’s icons and serve as cultural ambassadors to visitors. Have questions about the Norwegian cultural demonstrations, colors, music, foods and costumes you see? Ask this year’s king and queen (or one of our many volunteers).
Young people participate in the Syttende Mai royalty tradition, too. Two local third-grade students are selected as the festival’s annual Prince and Princess and are chosen to carry on Norwegian traditions among their peers. They serve as grand marshals of the Saturday Youth Parade, ride in the Sunday Norwegian Parade, and start The Lil’ Run. The pair also attend the opening dinner and make other appearances throughout the Syttende Mai festival.
Again, you’ll find Stoughton along U.S. 51 and Highway 138, southeast of Madison. I-39/90 and U.S. 14 also bring you close!

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Wisconsin Cheese Festival
2026-05-15 16:00 - 2026-05-17 15:00 | Lake Geneva House of Music, N3241 County Trunk H, Lake Geneva, WI, 53547, United States
The 3rd annual Wisconsin Cheese Festival runs May 15-17, 2026 at Lake Geneva House of Music, which is a very cool live music venue located right along County H (the original U.S. 12) in Lake Geneva! Wisconsin Cheese is amazing, and a festival further celebrating it will be a blast, since we know how much you love cheese!
The festival is a gathering of cheese makers and lovers, farmers, artisans and vendors to celebrate what is obviously Wisconsin’s most famous food. You can also enjoy world-class Americana, alt-country, folk and bluegrass music, whiskey, wine and craft beer. Plus fun contests, educational presentations, fantastic music, and then a delicious variety of creative foods including BBQ, locally-made pies, pig bacon candy, curds and more. During the fest, you can even learn about cheese sculpting and participate in a Stein Hoisting Competition Saturday night! It’s a particularly family-friendly weekend at the Lake Geneva House of Music festival grounds. Get the full list of vendors here!
Geneva Cheese Festival has FREE Admission this year! Get Tickets Here
It’s easy to get to Lake Geneva House of Music, just follow County H north from Lake Geneva. If you’d rather, you can certainly head south from U.S. 12 by the I-43 interchange when you reach County NN south of Elkhorn. Similarly, Highway 67 brings you close. Then just follow H until you see all the action! Prior to 1973, this was the original route of U.S. 12 before they built the freeway (some fun trivia for road geeks like us!)
Geneva Cheese Festival Address:
Lake Geneva House of Music
N3241 County Trunk H (formerly U.S. 12)
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(262) 248-0606
Website

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Automotion Classic Car Show
2026-05-16 07:00 - 2026-05-17 15:00 | Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park, 1881 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, Wisconsin Dells, WI, 53965, United States
Automotion: Muscle Car. Pony Car. Trailer Queen. Land Yacht. Antique vs. Vintage vs. Classic. Lead Sled. Drophead.
Familiar with any of those terms?
If yes, you’re probably already a fan of Automotion. If you haven’t experienced Automotion, head to the Dells the weekend of May 16-17, 2026! Some 1,000 classic rides are expected at the 40th Annual Automotion Classic Car Show. There will be music, food, car corral and swap meet too.
Cruise over to 350 Broadway on Saturday, May 16th from 2-9 PM where we’ll be celebrating some of movie and TV’s most iconic cars at “Hollywood at Elm Street Plaza.” Replica cars such as the Blues Brothers’ Bluesmobile, Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, the Batmobile, and the Ghostbusters’ Ecto-1 will be on full display, so set your reminders and get your camera ready!
Check the full schedule of events below!
I-90/94, U.S. 12, and Highways 13, 16, and 23 all bring you to the Dells. And with the weather and conditions in May, the natural beauty of the area can’t be beat! Check out Automotion and then all the sights across Wisconsin Dells, Lake Delton, nearby Mirror Lake State Park, and more.
Automotion Address:
Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park
1881 Wisconsin Dells Parkway
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
(800) 223-3557
Website

AUTOMOTION SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
All spectator parking is at the Tommy Bartlett Show lot, 560 Wisconsin Dells Parkway. Shuttle service sponsored by the Original Wisconsin Ducks® and Dells Boat Tours®. Schedule subject to change.
Saturday, May 16th, 2026
7 am – 5 pm Gates Open at Mt. Olympus Resort
7 am – 5 pm Concessions
7 am – 4 pm Auto Show, Swap Meet & Car Corral
7 am – 4 pm Wisconsin Hot Rod Radio
8 am – 3 pm Registrations for Auto Show & Car Corral
9 am – 3 pm Kids Activities
9 am – 2 pm Fire Truck Display
10 am – 4 pm Family Entertainment & Face Painting
2 pm – 9 pm Hollywood on Broadway (Downtown Wisconsin Dells at 350 Broadway
Sunday, May 17th, 2026
7 am – 3 pm Gates Open at Mt. Olympus Resort
7 am – 3 pm Concessions
7 am – 3 pm Auto Show, Swap Meet & Car Corral
7 am – 3 pm Wisconsin Hot Rod Radio
8 am – 2 pm Registrations for Auto Show & Car Corral
(Please note you must be registered by 10 am
to be considered for awards)
9 am – 2 pm Kids Activities
9 am – 1 pm Fire Truck Display
10 am – 2 pm Family Entertainment & Face Painting
2 pm Awards Presentation (Must be present to win)

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Hartford Classic Car Show
2026-05-16 10:00 - 15:00 | Downtown Hartford, 22 N. Main Street, Hartford, WI, 53027, United States
The annual Hartford Classic Car Show is back for 2026 and it runs Saturday, May 16th this year! Check out some amazing classic cars on display on Main Street (Highway 83) from 10am – 3pm, with an awards ceremony at 2:30. Cars and trucks are categorized by era:

1900-1939
1940-1954
1955-1964
1965-1969
1970-1979
1980-2001

Trucks will be categorized as pre-1960 and post-1960.
Those wanting to display their cars and trucks can enter for $15 on Saturday the 16th.
If you’re visiting the Hartford Classic Car Show, you can enjoy the beautiful vehicles and explore many more at the Wisconsin Automotive Museum a block away. The Museum features some true classics, including Wisconsin-made brands like Nash, American Motors, and the Hartford-made Kissel models. The Southeastern Wisconsin Short Track Hall of Fame is also there, plus other race cars, real trains, and a huge Lionel layout that will “wow” any car or train buff.
Of course, you can also visit The Mineshaft, the famous Wisconsin restaurant that serves as one of the state’s largest, with a huge game room on the second floor. Other great shops can be found up and down Main Street (Highway 83) and some of the nearby blocks as well. Scoop de Ville, for example, is a great old-fashioned sweet treat shop that supports the car show and you’ll find them right on Main Street.
Other sights in Hartford include the beautiful Willowbrook Park, which has classic stone buildings and bridges right along Highway 60/Sumner Street. The Schwartz Ballroom on the city’s south side is a classic dance hall, built in 1928 with a rich history of hosting events, musicians, and more. And of course, Pike Lake State Park is on Hartford’s eastern edge as part of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Weather should be great for all kinds of fun!
Of course, Highways 60 and 83 meet in downtown Hartford and they’re the best ways to get there. Hartford is less than 10 minutes west of I-41, Highway 164, and Highway 175.
Hartford Classic Car Show Address:
Downtown Hartford (Highways 60 & 83)
33 N. Hartford, WI 53027
(262) 673-7002
Website

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World's Largest Brat Fest
2026-05-22 - 2026-05-24 | Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
World’s Largest Brat Fest
Since you’ve been freezing your buns all winter, cele-BRAT-e the official start of summer with the World’s Largest Brat Fest in Madison! Presented by Johnsonville, it takes place Memorial Day weekend at Willow Island, right by the Alliant Energy Center. Putting the sizzle into summer for over 30 years, Brat Fest is one of the Midwest’s largest and best, family-friendly music festivals right in the heart of the capital city. And they’ve also sold over 4 million brats!
Brat Fest Music Lineup
The diverse music lineup features over 70 bands covering folk, country, jazz, blues, R&B/soul, and rock… Get the full lineup below!
It’s not all about the music, however. Enjoy ice cold beverages and tasty food, including BRATS, of course. The Bratteyball Tournament is a “bratty” volleyball tournament with four divisions competing on Saturday. There will be a kids’ zone with plenty of activities to keep the young ones busy – including a “bounce zone” and a petting zoo. There’s Ultrazone Laser Tag, a Sports Zone, even the Budweiser Clydesdales will make an appearance!
Free shuttle buses will be running between the zoo and Brat Fest all weekend, giving families the chance to see the Arctic Passage exhibit.
Admission to the World’s Largest Brat Fest is FREE! And while it’s a little known fact that brats are even tastier when eaten for a good cause, all of the Fest’s proceeds go to numerous local charities. Check it all out on Willow Island at the Alliant Energy Center and kick off the summer right with some of that Brat Fest sizzle.
Harley Davidson of Madison is providing exclusive V.I.P. motorcycle parking for 200 bikes – just use the entrance off Rimrock Road (just off the Beltline) to access that area.
BRAT FEST MUSIC LINEUP
FRIDAY, MAY 22nd
ISLAND STAGE
11:10am – 11:50am Krool Fool
12:10pm – 12:50pm Shawn Schell
1:10pm – 1:50pm Midnight Angel
2:10pm – 2:50pm Sean Kay
3:10pm – 3:50pm The Solution
4:10pm – 4:50pm T.J. Stone
5:10pm – 5:50m American Hitmen
6:15pm – 7:15pm Mighty Electric
Everlight Solar Grand Stage
12:45pm – 1:15pm Lousy Nuncio
1:40pm – 2:20pm Mad City Funk
2:40pm – 3:20pm Saturday Morning Cartel
3:40pm – 4:20pm The Cattlemen
4:40pm – 5:20pm Sunspot
5:40pm – 6:20pm Michael Alexander & Big Whiskey
6:45pm – 7:30pm Royal Bliss
8:00pm – 9:30pm Winger
Baker Tilly Main Stage
11:00am – 11:30am Long Gone Henry
11:50am – 12:30pm Jesse Bauman
12:55pm – 1:35pm Dem Horny Funkers
1:45pm – 2:35pm Michael Brooks
2:55pm – 3:35pm Abby Spencer
3:55pm – 4:35pm Atomic Blonde
4:55pm – 5:35pm Mickey Magnum and the Mayhem
5:55pm – 6:35pm Frank Martin Busch and the Names
7:00pm – 8:00pm Power Take Off
Saturday, May 23rd
Island Stage
11:00am – 11:50am Richard Hildner
12:10pm – 12:50pm No Limit
1:10pm – 1:50pm Wild Planes
2:10pm – 2:50pm Tha Mid City Kid
3:10pm – 3:50pm Trash Pandas
4:10pm – 4:50pm Matt Schmidt
5:10pm – 5:50pm Kings of Radio
6:15pm – 7:15pm Pilot
Everlight Solar Grand Stage
12:45pm – 1:15pm Autumn Reverie
1:40pm – 2:20pm Matt Jordan
2:40pm – 3:20pm Granny Shot
3:40pm – 4:20pm Aeternum
4:40pm – 5:20pm Bree Morgan
5:40pm – 6:20pm Harper Grace
6:45pm – 7:30pm Mackenzie Carpenter
8:00pm – 9:30pm Tyler Farr
Baker Tilly Main Stage
11:00am – 11:30am Rodello The Kidd
11:50am – 12:30pm Zach Pietrini
12:55pm – 1:35pm The Ramble
1:55pm – 2:35pm Mars Hall
2:55pm – 3:35pm La Combi
3:55pm – 4:35pm Angels & Outlaws
4:55pm – 5:35pm The Hounds
5:55pm – 6:35pm Badwolf
7:00pm – 8:00pm Madison County
Sunday, May 24th
Island Stage
11:00am – 11:50am Take Back the Sun
12:10pm – 12:50pm Bobby Bullet
1:10pm – 1:50pm West on 12
2:10pm – 2:50pm Ron Denson
3:10pm – 3:50pm The Mason Meyer Band
4:10pm – 4:50pm The Remedy
5:10pm – 5:50pm BuckNeck-Ed
6:15pm – 7:15pm Ty Smith & The Minor Offenses
Everlight Solar Grand Stage
12:45pm – 1:15pm John Masino Band
1:50pm – 2:20pm Elizabeth Mary
2:40pm – 3:20pm Foo Foo Dolls
3:40pm – 4:20pm The Black Moods
4:40pm – 5:20pm Quad City DJ’s
5:40pm – 6:20pm Skee-Lo
6:45pm – 7:30pm Digital Underground
8:00pm – 9:05pm Steven Adler of Guns ‘N Roses
LIFE 102.5 Main Stage
11:00am – 11:30am Jackson Taylor
11:50am – 12:30pm Project Brave Band
12:55pm – 1:35pm Erin Oakley
1:55pm – 2:35pm Nicky Gracious
2:55pm – 3:35pm Rip
3:55pm – 4:35pm King’s Conquest
5:00pm – 6:00pm Howard Gripp
6:30pm – 8:00pm Danny Gokey

Get details on all the events, food and drink menus, and more at the Brat Fest website here.

You can get to Madison so many ways: I-39/90, I-94, U.S. 12, 14, 18, or 151, or Highways 30 or 113. Enjoy a beautiful Memorial Day weekend in town with Brat Fest – and check out the State Capitol, the Wisconsin Memorial Union Terrace, Lakes Mendota and Monona, the Henry Vilas Zoo, and everything else our capital city has to offer!
World’s Largest Brat Fest Address:
Alliant Energy Center
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
Madison, WI 53713
Website

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Door County Lighthouse Festival
2026-05-22 - 2026-05-24 | WI
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)
USCG Canal Station, Sturgeon Bay: 10am-4pm, Saturday/Sunday (S/F)
*Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, Peninsula State Park: 11am-3pm, all weekend (S/F)
*Pottawatomie Lighthouse, Rock Island: 10am-4pm, Saturday/Sunday (S/F)
*Baileys Harbor Range Lights, Baileys Harbor: 11am-2pm, all weekend (S/F)
Algoma Pierhead Lighthouse, stop at Algoma Visitor Center: 10am-1pm, Saturday/Sunday (S/F)
*Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse, Kewaunee: Friday: 10am-4pm; Sat/Sun: 10am-4pm (S/F)
*Grassy Island Range Lights, Green Bay: 10am-5pm, all weekend (S/F)

Learn details and prices of the tours, and purchase tour tickets at: DoorCountyTickets.com
Door County Lighthouse Festival Website

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Sturgeon Bay Fine Art Fair
2026-05-23 10:00 - 2026-05-24 16:00 | Martin Park, 207 S. 3rd Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235, United States
Check out the Sturgeon Bay Fine Art Fair on Memorial Day weekend in downtown Sturgeon Bay! 2026 marks the 28th annual Fine Art Fair, a juried multi-media art show featuring fine art from over 80 exhibitors and artists from across the U.S.
Stroll along Martin Park and 3rd Avenue in downtown Sturgeon Bay, watching artists create, buying one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork, and soaking in the gorgeous setting. Visit with artists in 2 and 3 dimensional categories. Art includes sculpture, glass, paintings, jewelry, fiber, photography, wood, watercolor, oil, paper… there is plenty to see and admire. Food, beverages, beer, and wine will be available for purchase, including from a wide variety of local producers. Free balloon art for the kids each day, along with plenty of children’s activities.
Happening in Martin Park right by Business Highways 42 and 57 – it runs Saturday, May 23rd from 10am – 5pm and Sunday, May 24th from 10am – 4pm. You’re within steps of the Steel Bridge Creative District and new art galleries and studios on 3rd Avenue. Free admission!
While you’re there, check out some great shopping along 3rd Avenue along with plenty of restaurants, Door County Confectionary, the Door County Maritime Museum with their new lookout tower, even two breweries: Starboard Brewing on 3rd Avenue, and Bridge Up Brewing across the bay via the Oregon Street Bridge or the classic Steel Bridge. All of this can be accessed by following the “Business” (i.e. historic/city) routes of Highway 42 and Highway 57 through Sturgeon Bay. Check it out if you’re headed to Door County for Memorial Day weekend!
Sturgeon Bay Fine Art Fair Address:
Martin Park
207 S. 3rd Avenue (Business 42/57)
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
(920) 743-6246
Website

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Dairyfest 2026, Marshfield
2026-05-29 - 2026-05-31 | Central Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, 513 E. 17th Street, Marshfield, WI, 54449, United States
Marshfield features its 45th annual Dairyfest Friday, May 29th through Sunday, May 31st at venues all across the city. This is Hub City’s annual honor of the agricultural industry and Wisconsin’s hardworking dairy farmers! This community tradition has been providing fun for the whole family, during these “dairy-licious” days.
The Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MACCI) puts on the event, which includes a wide variety of fun activities across the three-day weekend.
Dairyfest Info & Schedule of Events:

What is Dairyfest?

Held annually the weekend after Memorial Day, Dairyfest is a fun community celebration that honors the agriculture industry and local dairy farmers. Dairyfest features a lot of fun events, including the annual Dairyfest Breakfast, a parade, kids’ activities, a Picnic in the Park, and much more. The theme of this year’s celebration is “A Dairy Great Time”!
Friday, May 29th
5:30am-9:30am / Mayor’s Breakfast: Held at the Expo Building at the Central Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, 513 E. 17th St., this traditional event welcomes nearly 2,000 people every year. $10/ticket, kids 6 and under are FREE!
5:00pm-8:00pm / Picnic in the Park: Food trucks will be at Columbia Park, 201 W. Arnold St., until 5:00pm and a variety of food booths will be available throughout the evening. Join the fun in the Park including a Petting Zoo, Educational displays, Marshfield Fire & Rescue hands-on fun, Face painting, Main Street Conservatory of Dance show, Coin & Candy hunt (ages 2-9), Bingo (ages 10-15), and the Marshfield Civic Band Concert. Bring your lawn chairs for a night of fun!
Saturday, May 30th
Additional activities scheduled for Saturday include:

9:00am-4:00pm / Annual Dairyfest Craft Show, 3rd & Chestnut
10:00 am – 3:00 pm North Wood County Historical Society Annual Pie and Ice Cream Social
Governor W. H. Upham House, 212 West 3rd Street, Marshfield
19th Annual Dairyfest Fling Disc Golf Tournament
11:00am / Dairyfest Downtown Parade, runs from 2nd street and goes South on Central Ave, turns East on 14th Street and ends at the Fairgrounds parking lot.
1:00pm-4:00pm / Family Fun Day at Wenzel Plaza: a UW Madison Marching Band performance, Inflatable fun, plenty of Food Trucks – come hungry! Also enjoy Enoch the Eccentric Magician, DJ Dan Weis of Music Energy, Face painting, and more!
3:00pm-11pm / Annual Outdoor Dairyfest Beer Garden at Nutz Deep II 809 South Central Avenue
*USA Sanctioned Dairyfest Coed and Women’s Softball Tournaments
Central WI State Fairgrounds, 513 East 17th Street
Central WI State Fairgrounds
8:00 am to 10:00 pm

Saturday, May 31st
USA Sanctioned Dairyfest Coed and Women’s Softball Tournament
Central WI State Fairgrounds
9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Marshfield Dairyfest Address:
Various locations around town, including the Central Wisconsin State Fairgrounds
513 E. 17th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449
Website

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