Wisconsin State Fair
2026-08-06 - 2026-08-17 | Wisconsin State Fair Park, 640 S. 84th Street, West Allis, WI, 53214, United States
One of the nation’s great fairs, the Wisconsin State Fair runs August 6-16, 2026 on the Wisconsin State Fair Park grounds in West Allis. Everything from the animals to rides, concerts, exhibits, and tasty food and beverages are yours for the taking!

Updates to the Central Mall area include with a new look and ample seating. The rides and games at SpinCity are in full swing, and they include a super assortment of over 40 rides and 25 games with chances to win plenty of prizes!
The Fairgrounds will have plenty of street performers and entertainers, but of course the excellent live music is a huge draw. There are two primary performance stages at Wisconsin State Fair: the Main Stage, which uses the Milwaukee Mile track and bleachers for seating, and the Bank Five Nine Amphitheater, which is near the Central Mall.

Bank Five Nine Main Stage headliners at Wisconsin State Fair include:
Thursday, August 6th: Hairball
Friday, August 7th: Nelly
Saturday, August 8th: Bailey Zimmerman with Chandler Walters
Sunday, August 9th: Wynonna Judd & Melissa Etheridge
Monday, August 10th: For King + Country with Rachel Lampa
Tuesday, August 11th: The Isley Brothers & The Commodores
Wednesday, August 12th: John Mulaney
Thursday, August 13th: The All-American Rejects with Joyce Manor
Friday, August 14th: Lindsey Stirling with PVRIS
Saturday, August 15th: AJR with Em Beihold
Bank Five Nine Amphitheater headliners include:
Thursday, Aug. 6: Sixteen Candles, 8:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 7: Here Come the Mummies, 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 8: Here Come the Mummies, 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 9: So Good: The Neil Diamond Experience with Claire Sardina, 8 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 10: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 11: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 12: Hairbangers Ball, 8 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 13: Too Hype Crew, 8:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 14: The Gufs, 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 15: Let’s Sing Taylor — An Unofficial Live Tribute Show, 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 16: Pat McCurdy, 5:30 p.m.
As always, the State Fair will feature a huge variety of animals from farms all across the state, letting you learn more about and even interact with some – from cows to chickens and rabbits to llamas, ostrich, goats, and more! Check out prize-winning exhibits, including art competitions, farming competitions, even one for the best alcohol-infused pie. Other exhibits include those for barn quilts, horticulture, textile, craft, and culinary exhibits, and even the Young People’s Art Exhibit.

ALL. THE. FOOD.
You will not go hungry: favorite foods at the Fair include the roasted corn, corn dogs, flavored milks, all kinds of creative deep-fried foods, sausages, as much as you can imagine on a stick, and the legendary Wisconsin cream puffs that become a “must have” for attendees needing their true dairy (and carb) fix! They get more eclectic with things like deep-fried bull testicles (listed as “Rocky Mountain Oysters” on the menu at Big Sky Country Bar & Grill), ants on a stick (literally), and earthworm and cricket jerky. But hey, it’s up to you. Last year’s “Sporkies” winner was the Deep Fried Lemonade Bites from Saz’s BBQ.
SPORKIES AND DRINKIES FINALISTS THIS YEAR
The Sporkies and Drinkies competition finalists are among the best – or most unique – offerings (according to a crack team of judges) each year. In 2025, Sporkies finalists included A Hunk A Hunk Fat Elvis Donut Ice Cream Sandwich, Blueberry Breakfast Bratwurst, Brat Rangoon, the Gochujang Smashburger with Kimchi Bacon Jam, Mexican Street Corn Pizza, Pretzaroni Pizza Brat, S’mores Churro Fries, and the Ube Butter Banana French Toast Lumpia. Drinkies finalists include the Carnival Cooler, Dirty Pancakes, Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie, and a Purple Rain Refresher.
OTHER FOODS at State Fair include an Apple Crunch Cheesecake Quesadilla from the Mexican Grill, BBQ Mac Tater Tots from Jayme’s Chipstix, the Caramel Turtle Pretzel at Gertrude’s Fresh Pretzels, Loaded Baked Potato with Bacon Pizza from Pistol Pete’s, Prime Rib Sliders at Leadfoots Race Bar & Grill, the Unicorn Beer Float at Slim McGinn’s Irish Pub, and about 60 other choices!
The Milwaukee Mile race track, which hosts races, auto testing, and more throughout the year is just one of the places you can park – which is cool, since you can walk on and check out this legendary oval, the oldest continuously operating raceway in the world.
Get more details here. This is definitely one of the best State Fairs in the nation!
Check out this map of Wisconsin State Fair… you can enlarge it by clicking on it or get a printable .pdf HERE.

Wisconsin State Fair Park is in West Allis, less than ten minutes from downtown Milwaukee. Bordered on the south by Highway 59/Greenfield Ave., on the west by Highway 181/84th Street, on the north by I-94, and on the east by 76th Street. U.S. 18/Bluemound Road comes close to the north, I-41/U.S. 45 and then Highway 100 skim by 2 miles to the west, and Highway 175 is about 2 miles east as it passes Miller Park. There are a lot of great ways to get to the Park!
Wisconsin State Fair Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park
640 S. 84th Street (Highway 181 at Highway 59)
West Allis, WI 53214
(414) 266-7000
Website

Back to StateTrunkTour.com

ArtFest, Green Bay
2026-08-22 - 2026-08-23 | WI
Experience art in the heart of the city at ArtFest Green Bay! The streets of Downtown Green Bay will come alive with an art fair, musical performances, food, demonstrations, and interactive activities.
Discover works from a wide variety of local, regional, and national artists at the Art Fair, in partnership with NWTC Artisan and Business Center. Artists will showcase their diverse range of mediums and shoppers are sure to find something that captures their imagination. From paintings to sculptures, photography to mixed media, artists will inspire attendees with their creativity and talent.
You can step into the Experience Zone at ArtFest, a vibrant space where creativity comes to life. Engage in interactive art activities, watch live demonstrations, enjoy performances, and connect with arts non-profits. It’s a perfect space for kids and families. Whether you’re an artist or just curious, this is your chance to engage, explore, and create, so feel free to dive in and get your hands dirty in a beautiful way.
Live music Saturday by FBI & The Untouchable Horns, Sunday by Copper Box!
ArtFest activities take place August 22nd & 23rd, 2026 along Cherry and Jefferson Streets in downtown Green Bay, wedged in by Walnut Street (Highway 29) and Pine Street. Parking in the area is FREE!
Find out on the ArtFest website here!

Back to StateTrunkTour.com

Central Wisconsin State Fair
2026-08-25 - 2026-08-30 | Wood County Fairgrounds, 513 E. 17th Street, Marshfield, WI, 54449, United States
One of three “State Fairs” in Wisconsin, the Central Wisconsin State Fair takes place in Marshfield August 25-30, 2026 on the grounds that also feature the “World’s Largest Round Barn.” The Central Wisconsin State Fair has also been refreshing its equipment with new rides and games to enhance the experience!

Headliners include:

Hairball Wednesday night, August 26th
Home Free Thursday night, August 27th
Chris Young Friday night, August 28th
Blackberry Smoke Saturday night, August 29th
Rice Rodeo, Sunday, August 30th at 3pm

This Fair also features 4-H and open class exhibits, free grandstand entertainment with gate admission, the Round Barn Express train, Junior Fair Market Animal Sale, 13th annual Kiss a Critter Contest, the Dress-A-Cow Contest, midway carnival rides, commercial exhibits and special programs, food and beer gardens, and more. This six-day extravaganza is definitely worth checking out if you want to hit the lovely city of Marshfield in the central part of the state (hence, the event’s name).
Central Wisconsin State Fair’s Round Barn Express Train
U.S. 10 and Highways 13, 80, and 97 all hit Marshfield, Wisconsin (“Hub City”) and the Central Wisconsin State Fair grounds are on the south side of town, a few blocks east of Central Avenue (Bus. Hwy 13) and the Wildwood Zoo. Also check out Central Avenue and the downtown district, the Blue Heron Brewpub, and a plenty of other things and to see and do around Hub City. Get more ideas from Visit Marshfield here!
Check their website for the complete entertainment lineup, ticket specials, and more!
Central Wisconsin State Fair Address:
Wood County Fairgrounds
513 E. 17th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 387-1261
Website

Find out more about Marshfield in this episode of our State Trunk Tour Podcast!

Back to StateTrunkTour.com

Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival
2026-09-04 - 2026-09-05 | Marion Park, 145 1st Street, Prairie du Sac, WI, 53578, United States
It’s an annual Labor Day weekend tradition in Prairie du Sac to toss cow “chips” at this annual Cow Chip Throw & Festival, which happens Friday & Saturday, September 4th & 5th this year. Dried out and surprisingly unoffensive to the nose, these nuggets of nastiness get hurled into the air by kids and adults alike with the goal of the most distance as possible – with a crowd of onlookers often in the sights where they land. The current record is 248 feet, but records were made to be broken!
Of course, that’s the main event; there’s also music with plenty of bands, a “Tournament of Chips” parade Saturday morning, kids’ activities including a pedal pull, a Fine Arts & Crafts Fair, a run/walk, and much more. So whether you want to throw cow chips, dodge them, or just watch from a safe distance, there’s plenty of bovine-related fun to be had at the annual Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival!
Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival Schedule of Events:
Friday • September 4th
• West on 12: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Corporate Throw: 5:30 PM
Saturday • September 5th
• Food Court: Open all day – See vendor list here
• 5K Run/Walk & 10K Run: 8:00 AM (registration at 6:30)
See race page for details and to sign up.
• Children’s Game Tent: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Children’s Chip Chucking: 9:00 AM – Noon ($2.00)
• Cow Chip Breakfast: 8:00am
• Volleyball Tournament: 8:30am Registration, 9:00am Start. Download 2022 registration form here.
• Arts & Crafts Fair: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (over 125 exhibits)
• Tony Rocker 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• Mixed Nuts: 10:00 & 11:00 AM (Kids Area)
• Angela Puerta: 9:30 – 11:30 AM
• Tournament of Chips Parade: 12:00 PM
• Adult & Team Cow Chip Throw: 1:00 PM
• Aran Arms of James Jaxin Productions (DJ) 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
• German Wheel, Tight Rope, Trapeze: 1:30 – 3:30 PM (Kids Stage)
• Truly Remarkable Loon Comedy Juggler: 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 PM (Kids Stage)
• Best Practice: 1:30 – 4:30 PM
• Kid’s Pedal Pull: 2:30 PM
• High Mileage 5:00 – 9:00 PM

You’ll find the festival just off U.S. 12 and Highways 60 and 78 in Marion Park at 1st & Grand in Prairie du Sac.
Here’s a video short from when we first visited the Wisconsin State Cow Chip Toss in Prairie du Sac back in 2009:

And here’s how it went in 2016, produced by the Festival itself with better equipment:
﻿﻿

Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival Address:
Marion Park
145 1st Street
Prairie du Sac, WI 53578
(608) 643-4317
Website

Back to StateTrunkTour.com

Green County Cheese Days
2026-09-18 - 2026-09-20 | Monroe Town Square, 1016 16th Avenue, Monroe, WI, 53566, United States
Monroe is an epicenter of cheesemaking in the heart of Green County – even their high school team name is the “Cheesemakers.” The city and county celebrates every other year Green County Cheese Days, a three-day hullabaloo filled with food, music, dancing, contests, crafts, cheesemaking, cow milking, yodeling, and even Wisconsin’s only parade led by Brown Swiss Cows. Green County Cheese Days is ready for 2026, happening September 18th through the 20th.

Monroe’s beautiful town square centers around the gorgeous Green County Courthouse and fills up with all the fun. From a beer and Limburger sandwich at Baumgartner’s to the 5K & 10K Cheese Days Chase, from arts & crafts to actual cow milking, Cheese Days is a blast.
You can check out the Children’s Parade on Friday and the main Swiss Colony Cheese Days Parade on Sunday.
Get the schedule and details on all of their events at the Cheese Days website, or below reprinted from their site. Scroll down for more details, including the schedule for the Main Stage lineup!

Highways 11, 59, 69, and 81 all bring you to Monroe. The three days of festivities are also right next to the Minhas Craft Brewery, Winery & Distillery, which is worth a tour, and the lovely trappings of Green County, including New Glarus just up Highway 69. Make a weekend of it!
Green County Cheese Days Address:
1016 16th Avenue
Monroe, WI 53566
(608) 325-7771
Website

Green County Cheese Days Schedule of Events
FRIDAY, SEPT 18
PARK & RIDE SHUTTLE BUS – $1 each trip. Park off site at Orchid (350 – 21st St.) & ride bus downtown. 5–10 pm
INFO TRAILER – SW Corner (near Baumgartner’s) – maps, schedules, ask questions, lost and found. 9 am – 7:30 pm
FOOD STANDS – Eat your way around the Courthouse Square! Menu/maps at INFO BOOTH. (10 am–9 pm)
CHEESE DAYS STORE – SOUVENIR TENT (Adenke Zält) – t-shirts & sweatshirts, collector buttons, International Harvester toy tractor, logo pint glasses, “udderly good time” drawstring backpacks, Wedgie bobbleheads, canvas tote bags, Swiss cheese earrings. SW corner cross from Baumgartner’s Cheese Store. (9 am–8:30 pm)
BEER and WINE STAND – SW Corner – near INFO TRAILER. (10 am–midnight) ****Proceeds from sales at the Cheese Days Beer & Wine Stand go toward the costs of tents, porta potties, electricity, stage entertainment and more – thank you for your support.****
HOSPITALITY TENT (Zält zum Höckle) Sponsored by Colony Brands. NORTH SIDE. Dining area with tables & chairs. Musical entertainment throughout the weekend. Open all weekend.
BIG RADIO DINING TENT – NORTHWEST CORNER. Dining area with tables and chairs. Open all weekend.
CARNIVAL in Spring Square Parking Lot (behind JoAnne’s Dress Shop) – all weekend.
NATIONAL HISTORIC CHEESEMAKING CENTER – Guided tours showcasing the history of cheesemaking. The past comes alive at the century-old Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory. 2018 6th Ave, at intersection of Hwy 69 south and 21st St. (9 am–4 pm)
CHEESE TENT (Chäs Zält) – Cheese for sale. EAST SIDE of the Square. Presented by Foreign Type Cheesemakers Assn. Vendors: Emmi Roth USA, Edelweiss Creamery, Landmark Creamery, Klondike Cheese Company, Valley View Cheese, Chula Vista (V&V Supremo), Brunkow Cheese and Decatur Dairy. (9 am–8 pm)
MINHAS CRAFT BREWERY – guided tours and tasting – “Oldest in the Midwest” with brewing excellence since 1845. Visitor Center and gift shop. Beer & root beer samples. Herb & Helen Haydock’s Collection of Brewery Memorabilia. $12 admission includes guided tour and gift pack ($15 retail value). Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS MICRO DISTILLERY GUIDED TASTING– Hand–crafted, small–batch distilled spirits using old world methods & traditions. Guided Distillery and Liqueur Tasting $12 admission includes 2 cocktails, branded whisky tasting glass & gift bottle to take home. Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS WINERY WINE TASTING & FOOD PAIRING: Guided by Executive Chef Trisha Coughlin and her team, wines paired with different types of artisanal cheeses and other small bites. $12 admission includes guided tasting and food pairing and take home a branded wine glass. ($5 retail value). (10 am–6 pm)
COLONY BRANDS TENT – Celebrating more than 90 years in Monroe. Buy cheesecake-on-a-stick – made exclusively for Cheese Days! Stop in to learn more about the Colony Brands team, our 10 retail brands, door prizes and more! NE CORNER (10 am – 9 pm)
BARN QUILT and DAIRY FARM TOUR – Board a bus for a guided tour to one of Green County’s most beautiful family-operated dairy farms. You’ll meet members of the family and their Holstein herd, along with calves, a donkey, rabbit, chickens, guineas, peacocks, ducks, pigs, goats, dogs, and cats. On the way to the farm and back, you’ll see some of Green County’s barn quilts. We guarantee you’ll be entertained along the way by stories from tour guides Lynn Lokken & Kris Winkler – the volunteers who developed the Barn Quilt project. Admission of $5 charged for those 6 and older; ages 5 and under are free. (This is a 2-hour tour. You’ll be back downtown at the festival grounds at 1 pm, so you may want to eat lunch prior to departing.) TODAY – PURCHASE TICKETS AT INFO TRAILER NEAR THE BEER STAND – limited seating 50 tickets will be sold. (Saturday – tickets for sale at Family Farm Adventure Tent) (11 am)
MAIN STAGE (Grossi Bühni) – Yodeling, alphorns, polka bands, & Swiss heritage music during the day. Tonight’s street dance – BOOGIE AND THE YO-YO’Z. (Live music today on the main stage from noon til midnight)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen – Master Yodeler (Noon)
GREEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM – Housed in a Civil War era church. Donations suggested. One block north of Square. (Noon–5 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – John Waelti and Bobbie Edler Accordion Duo (1 pm)
GREENWOODS CEMETERY WALK – sponsored by Green County Genealogical Society and Green County Historical Society – led by local historians. Info: 608.328.7436 or 608.426.1796. (Registration 1 pm; walk at 1:30 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Keith Zweifel Band (1:30 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorn Entertainment (3 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Green County Harmony Chorus (2 pm)
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT – Sponsored by Green Co. Farm Bureau, in partnership with 4–H, FFA & other ag groups. Check out a number of educational activities about agriculture; including milking a “cow”, AG Trivia Wheel, coloring station, crop boxes and “Cow Races” back by popular demand! On NORTHEAST corner of Square by First National Bank. (2–8 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Alphorns led by Heinz and George (2:45 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorns led by Heinz and George (3 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (3:15 pm)
“STREETS OF SWITZERLAND” European Sidewalk Café & Biergarten – Swiss specialties at Turner Hall (3–7:30 pm)
CARNIVAL (Rummel Platz) – “Spring Square” parking lot – south of the Courthouse Square (4 – 11 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Children’s Swiss Music Concert (4:15 pm)
CHILDREN’S COSTUME PARADE (Chinder Trachte Umzug) – Prince & Princess lead the parade (5 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (5 pm)
OPENING CEREMONY – MAIN STAGE – MC – Scott Thompson of BIG RADIO. Presentation of Colors with Green County Sheriff Dept., ceremonial blowing of Alphorns, presentation of royalty, “Procession of Cheesemakers” (6 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Mascot Theory (Americana, Alt-Folk Rock) (7 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Monroe Swiss Singers (7:15 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorns led by Heinz and George (8:15 pm)
STREET DANCE (uf der Strass Tanze) – MAIN STAGE – Boogie and the Yo-Yo’z (8:30 pm–midnight)
SATURDAY, SEPT 19
PARK & RIDE SHUTTLE BUS – $1 each trip. Park offsite at Orchid (350 – 21st St.) and ride the bus downtown. Other stops today include **Historic Cheese Center** and Green County Fairgrounds. (**Historic Cheese Center closes at 4 pm). (Shuttle runs 10 am–10 pm)
INFO TRAILER – SW Corner (near Baumgartner’s) – maps, schedules, ask questions, lost and found. 8:30 am – 7:30 pm
FOOD STANDS – Eat your way around the Courthouse Square! Menu/maps at INFO BOOTH. (9 am–9 pm)
CHEESE DAYS STORE – SOUVENIR TENT (Adenke Zält) – t-shirts & sweatshirts, collector buttons, International Harvester toy tractor, logo pint glasses, “udderly good time” drawstring backpacks, Wedgie bobbleheads, canvas tote bags, Swiss cheese earrings. SW corner cross from Baumgartner’s Cheese Store. (9 am–8:30 pm)
BEER and WINE STAND – SW Corner – near INFO TRAILER. (10 am–midnight) ****Proceeds from sales at the Cheese Days Beer & Wine Stand go toward the costs of tents, porta potties, electricity, stage entertainment and more – thank you for your support.****
HOSPITALITY TENT (Zält zum Höckle) Sponsored by Colony Brands. NORTH SIDE. Dining area with tables & chairs. Musical entertainment throughout the weekend. Open all weekend.
BIG RADIO DINING TENT – NORTHWEST CORNER. Dining area with tables and chairs. Open all weekend.
CARNIVAL in Spring Square Parking Lot (behind JoAnne’s Dress Shop) – all weekend.
FARMER’S MARKET – South of Middle School (8 am–4 pm)
“STREETS OF SWITZERLAND” European Sidewalk Café & Biergarten – Swiss specialties at Turner Hall. (8:30 am–7:30 pm)
CHEESE DAYS CHASE – 5 & 10 k run, & 2-mile fun walk. Presented by Monroe Youth Hockey with sponsor Klondike Cheese Factory. Check in 7:30 am. Race starts PROMPTLY at 9 am. (Kid’s Race at 8:30 am) Click for more info.
NATIONAL HISTORIC CHEESEMAKING CENTER – Guided tours showcasing the history of cheesemaking. The past comes alive at the century-old Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory. 2018 6th Ave, at intersection of Hwy 69 south and 21st St. (9 am–4 pm) PARK AND RIDE SHUTTLE STOP TIL 4 PM
VINTAGE TRACTOR DISPLAY – Courtesy of Monroe area antique tractor owners. Take a step back in time and learn how farmers and their tractors played an important role in shaping the agricultural and cheese industry in Green County. You’ll see various “colors” (brands) – meet the owners & talk about their favorite toys! On 17th Avenue between banks and also in First National Bank parking lot. (9 am–5 pm)
MAKER’S MARKET – Just west of the Square; right behind Baumgartner’s Cheese Store and Tavern. Shop the booths of creators, fiber artists, hobbyists, wood crafters, photographers, painters, etc, who personally design and make what they sell. (9 am–8 pm)
VENDOR MARKETPLACE – Booths in Library Parking Lot – Commercial vendors, merchandise for sale, businesses & groups promoting products & services. (9 am–8 pm)
CHEESE TENT (Chäs Zält) – Cheese for sale. EAST SIDE of the Square. Presented by Foreign Type Cheesemakers Assn. Vendors: Emmi Roth USA, Edelweiss Creamery, Landmark Creamery, Klondike Cheese Company, Valley View Cheese, Chula Vista (V&V Supremo), Brunkow Cheese and Decatur Dairy. (9 am–8 pm)
COLONY BRANDS TENT – Celebrating more than 90 years in Monroe. Buy cheesecake-on-a-stick – made exclusively for Cheese Days! Stop in to learn more about the Colony Brands team, our 10 retail brands, door prizes and more! NE CORNER (9 am–9 pm)
HEART OF CHEESE DAYS – Exhibit & Sales – Meet artisans who create traditional Swiss folk art and view exhibits of Swiss artifacts and memorabilia brought to Green County by some of the area’s Swiss immigrants. Presented by Monroe Swiss Singers at Turner Hall. Free admission with 2020 CHEESE DAYS BUTTON (or $2 at the door). (10 am–4 pm)
GREEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM – Housed in a Civil War era church. Donations suggested. One block north of Square. (10 am–5 pm)
MINHAS CRAFT BREWERY – guided tours and tasting – “Oldest in the Midwest” with brewing excellence since 1845. Visitor Center and gift shop. Beer & root beer samples. Herb & Helen Haydock’s Collection of Brewery Memorabilia. $12 admission includes guided tour and gift pack ($15 retail value). Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS MICRO DISTILLERY GUIDED TASTING– Hand–crafted, small–batch distilled spirits using old world methods & traditions. Guided Distillery and Liqueur Tasting $12 admission includes 2 cocktails, branded whisky tasting glass & gift bottle to take home. Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS WINERY WINE TASTING & FOOD PAIRING – Guided by Executive Chef Trisha Coughlin and her team, wines paired with different types of artisanal cheeses and other small bites. $12 admission includes guided tasting and food pairing and take home a branded wine glass. ($5 retail value). (10 am–6 pm)
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT – Sponsored by Green Co. Farm Bureau, in partnership with 4–H, FFA & other ag groups. Check out a number of educational activities about agriculture; including milking a “cow”, AG Trivia Wheel, coloring station, crop boxes and “Cow Races” back by popular demand! On NORTHEAST corner of Square by First National Bank. (10 am–8 pm)
CARNIVAL (Rummel Platz) – “Spring Square” south of the Courthouse Square (10 am–11 pm)
KIDS’ STREET (Chinder Schpil Strass) SPONSORED BY TDS – On 16th Avenue by Library. Demonstrations, activities and fun for kids – all free! (Kid’s Street Schedule)
MAIN STAGE (Grossi Bühni) – Yodeling, alphorns, polka bands, & Swiss heritage music during the day. Tonight’s Street Dance – Bella Cain! (Live music today from 10:30 am–midnight)
DAIRY FARM TOURS – Board a bus for a guided tour into Green County countryside to visit a family run dairy farm, and to see cows and calves and gain a better understanding of where cheese gets started. $5 admission charged for those 10 and older; under 10 are free. Tickets available in FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT. Length of tour ranges from 1 to 1 1/2 hours. (10:30 am til last bus departs at 3 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (10:30 am)
BARN QUILT and DAIRY FARM TOUR – Board a bus for a guided tour to one of Green County’s most beautiful family-operated dairy farms. You’ll meet members of the family and their Holstein herd, along with calves, a donkey, rabbit, chickens, guineas, peacocks, ducks, pigs, goats, dogs, and cats. On the way to the farm and back, you’ll see some of Green County’s barn quilts. We guarantee you’ll be entertained along the way by stories from tour guides Lynn Lokken & Kris Winkler – the volunteers who developed the Barn Quilt project. Special guest Alice in Dairyland will also be along for the tour! Admission of $5 charged for those 6 and older; ages 5 and under are free. (This is a 2-hour tour. You’ll be back downtown at the festival grounds at 1 pm, so you may want to eat lunch prior to departing.) PURCHASE TICKETS AT FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT ON NE CORNER – limited seating 49 tickets will be sold. (11 am)
MAIN STAGE – Meet the Cheese Days Royalty (11:20 am)
MAIN STAGE – Monroe City Band (Noon)
OLD WORLD CHEESEMAKING DEMONSTRATION (DIE ALT KASEREI “the old cheese factory”) Watch and learn as members of The Foreign Type Cheesemaker’s Association create a 200-pound wheel of Swiss cheese the old fashioned way, in a giant copper kettle. You’ll meet Wisconsin Master Cheesemakers Jeff Wideman and Gary Grossen, who will explain the process and demonstrate the steps. Spectators will have the opportunity to take a turn stirring the kettle with the “Swiss harp” (great photo opp!) After the cheese is “hooped” the cheesemakers will “plug” a block of cheese and demonstrate the grading and judging process using the criteria of the USA and World Championship Cheese Competitions. North of Courthouse. (Noon–4 pm)
COW MILKING CONTEST (Chueh Mälche Wettstriett) – An “udderly” good time thanks to area dairy farmers & their happy herds! Watch as teams compete for prizes – may the most milk win! Located by post office. (1 pm)
MAIN STAGE – David Austin Band (1:15 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – John and Bobbie Accordion Duo (2 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Swiss Miss Dancers (2:30 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Doo Wop Daddies (3 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (3 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Accordion Four – John, Bobbie, Barb and Mary ( 4 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorn entertainment (4:30 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Cheesemaker Dancers (4:45 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Andy Yaun Ensemble (5 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (5:30 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – The Decade (Rock hits from the 70’s thru 90’s) (6:15 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Wheelhouse (7 pm)
STREET DANCE (uf der Strass Tanze) – MAIN STAGE – To Be Announced. (8:30 pm–midnight)
SUNDAY, SEPT 20
PARK & RIDE SHUTTLE BUS – $1 each trip. Park offsite at Orchid (350 – 21st St.) & ride the bus downtown. Shuttle also stops at Historic Cheese Center until 4 pm. (Shuttle runs 10 am–5 pm)
INFO TRAILER – SW Corner (near Baumgartner’s) – maps, schedules, ask questions, lost and found. (9 am – 5 pm)
FOOD STANDS – Eat your way around the Courthouse Square! Menu/maps at INFO BOOTH. (9 am–6 pm)
CHEESE DAYS STORE – SOUVENIR TENT (Adenke Zält) – t-shirts & sweatshirts, collector buttons, International Harvester toy tractor, logo pint glasses, “udderly good time” drawstring backpacks, Wedgie bobbleheads, canvas tote bags, Swiss cheese earrings. SW corner cross from Baumgartner’s Cheese Store. (9 am–6 pm)
BEER and WINE STAND – SW Corner – near INFO TRAILER. (10 am–6 pm) ****Proceeds from sales at the Cheese Days Beer & Wine Stand go toward the costs of tents, porta potties, electricity, stage entertainment and more – thank you for your support.****
HOSPITALITY TENT (Zält zum Höckle) Sponsored by Colony Brands. NORTH SIDE. Dining area with tables & chairs. Open today til 6 pm.
BIG RADIO DINING TENT – NORTHWEST CORNER. Dining area with tables and chairs. Open today til 6 pm.
CARNIVAL in Spring Square Parking Lot (behind JoAnne’s Dress Shop) – all weekend.
NATIONAL HISTORIC CHEESEMAKING CENTER – Guided tours showcasing the history of cheesemaking. The past comes alive at the century-old Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory. 2018 6th Ave, at intersection of Hwy 69 south and 21st St. (9 am–4 pm) PARK AND RIDE BUS SHUTTLE STOP.
VENDOR MARKETPLACE – Booths in Library Parking Lot – Commercial vendors, merchandise for sale, businesses & groups promoting products & services. (9 am–5 pm)
MAKER’S MARKET – Just west of the Square; right behind Baumgartner’s Cheese Store and Tavern. Shop the booths of creators, fiber artists, hobbyists, wood crafters, photographers, painters, etc, who personally design and make what they sell. (9 am-5 pm)
CHEESE TENT (Chäs Zält) – Cheese for sale. EAST side of Square. Presented by Foreign Type Cheesemakers Assn. Vendors: Emmi Roth USA, Edelweiss Creamery, Landmark Creamery, Klondike Cheese Company, Valley View Cheese, Chula Vista (V&V Supremo), Brunkow Cheese and Decatur Dairy. (9 am–5 pm)
COLONY BRANDS TENT – Celebrating more than 90 years in Monroe! Buy cheesecake-on-a-stick; made exclusively for Cheese Days. Stop in to learn more about the Colony Brands team, our 10 retail brands, door prizes and more! NE Corner. (9 am–6 pm)
MAIN STAGE (Grossi Bühni) – Yodeling, alphorns, polka bands, & Swiss heritage music. Daily schedule at INFO BOOTH. (Entertainment today 10 am–6 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Swiss Canton Fashion Show by Wilhelm Tell Usherettes (10 am)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Ecumenical Worship Serivice (10 am)
GREEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM – Housed in a Civil War era church. Donations suggested. One block north of Square. (10 am–1 pm)
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT – Sponsored by Green Co. Farm Bureau, in partnership with 4–H, FFA & other ag groups. Check out a number of educational activities about agriculture; including milking a “cow”, AG Trivia Wheel, coloring station, crop boxes and “Cow Races” back by popular demand! On NORTHEAST corner of Square by First National Bank. (10 am–5 pm; closed during parade)
MINHAS CRAFT BREWERY – guided tours and tasting – “Oldest in the Midwest” with brewing excellence since 1845. Visitor Center and gift shop. Beer & root beer samples. Herb & Helen Haydock’s Collection of Brewery Memorabilia. $12 admission includes guided tour and gift pack ($15 retail value). Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–5 pm)
MINHAS MICRO DISTILLERY GUIDED TASTING– Hand–crafted, small–batch distilled spirits using old world methods & traditions. Guided Distillery and Liqueur Tasting $12 admission includes 2 cocktails, branded whisky tasting glass & gift bottle to take home. Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–5 pm)
MINHAS WINERY WINE TASTING & FOOD PAIRING: Guided by Executive Chef Trisha Coughlin and her team, wines paired with different types of artisanal cheeses and other small bites. $12 admission includes guided tasting and food pairing and take home a branded wine glass. ($5 retail value). (10 am–5 pm)
CARNIVAL (Rummel Platz) – “Spring Square” parking lot – south of the Courthouse Square (10 am–6 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (10:30 am)
MAIN STAGE – Goodtime Dutchmen – 3rd Generation Family Polka Band (11:30 am)
THE SWISS COLONY CHEESE DAYS PARADE (Chäs Tag Umzug) – Steps off from fairgrounds at 12:30 pm, arrives downtown approximately 12:45 pm.
MAIN STAGE – UW Marching Band 5th Quarter! (after parade)
MAIN STAGE – Goodtime Dutchmen – 3rd Generation Family Polka Band (3:15 pm)
MAIN STAGE – New Glarus Mannerchor (Men’s Choir) (4:10 pm)
MAIN STAGE – New Glarus Jodlerklub (Yodel Club) (5 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (5:45 pm-6:15 pm)
Back to StateTrunkTour.com

Marshfield Maple Fall Fest
2026-09-19 - 2026-09-20 | Wildwood Park, 1800 S. Roddis Avenue, Marshfield, WI, 54449, United States
Wisconsin’s “Hub City” of Marshfield embraces autumn with Maple Fall Fest, happening Saturday, September 19th and Sunday, September 20h this year. 2026 marks 34 years of Maple Fall Fest, and there’s plenty to see, do, buy, eat, drink, and enjoy.
Maple Fall Fest has been known by many as “the” place to find some of the best original artwork and handmade craft items in the Midwest. Over 150 vendors showcase their wares with original artwork, handmade arts and crafts, Amish specialties, The Maple Village, great food vendors, and their beer garden. The festival will also bring back favorites Mad Dog and Merrill “Grillin’ Buddies,” and family-focused fun for all ages. The legendary Potato Pancake Breakfast is also served each day!
The Kid’s Zone ensures that the younger ones have plenty to do. There’s a petting zoo, inflatable rides and of course all of the treats from the food court.
You won’t end up hungry, with that special pancake breakfast and a huge assortment of food vendors ready to serve pizza, brats, cheese curds, egg rolls, fried pasta, hot dogs, hamburgers, gyros, cream puffs, ice cream, kettlecorn, mouse ears, tacos, and a whole lot more.
Marshfield’s “Hub City” status relates to its location close to the exact center of Wisconsin, and many railroads always converged here. Today, you can take U.S. 10, Highway 13, Highway 80, or Highway 97 to reach Marshfield – it truly is in the center of everything.
Maple Fall Fest takes place at Marshfield’s beautiful Wildwood Zoo and Park, just off Central Avenue (Business 13). Check out some great places to stay in Marshfield, too!
Featuring over 150 arts & crafts vendors, potato pancake breakfast, children’s area, Amish specialties, beer garden, and food court. Inflatable rides for the kids and fun for the whole family. More details on visitmarshfield.com.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19th
7am-Noon | Breakfast: Regular and potato pancakes with maple sausage & coffee bar by Biggby Coffee Admission $11
9am-4pm | Family Activities including Kids’ Zone with Inflatables, Arts & Crafts by Discovery Education Station & Chestnut Center for the Arts
9am-5pm | 150+ Handmade Arts & Crafts Vendors, Amish Specialties, Maple Syrup Products, Food Court & Beer Garden
10am | Performance by Main Street Conservatory of Dance: Jazz Dance Company and Ballet Company
11:30am | Mad Dog & Merrill Midwest Grill’n
1pm | Performance & dance lessons by the Country Style Dancers
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20th
7am-Noon | Breakfast: Regular and potato pancakes with maple sausage & coffee bar by Biggby Coffee Admission $11
10am-4pm | Family Activities including Kids’ Zone with Inflatables, Arts & Crafts by Discovery Education Station & Chestnut Center for the Arts
10am-4pm | 150+ Handmade Arts & Crafts Vendors, Amish Specialties, Maple Syrup Products, Food Court & Beer Garden
11:30am | Mad Dog & Merrill Midwest Grill’n
2:30pm | Marshfield Monarch Butterfly Release on Main Stage
Marshfield Maple Fall Fest Address:
Wildwood Park & Zoo
1800 S. Roddis Avenue
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 384-4314
Website

Related to Maple Fall Fest is Blue Heron Oktoberfest, which takes place from Noon – 10pm at Blue Heron Brewpub on 14th Street, just up the road from Wildwood Park. Enjoy Hammerschlagen, Yard Jenga, Corn Hole games, a Stein Hoisting Contest, and live music from Modern Throwback Saturday evening starting at 7pm!

Back to StateTrunkTour.com

Warrens Cranberry Festival
2026-09-25 07:00 - 2026-09-27 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Warrens Cranberry Festival, 402 Pine Street, Warrens, WI, 54666, United States
Warrens is “Wisconsin’s Cranberry Capital,” so it’s only fitting they host the World’s Largest Cranberry Festival! Held annually since 1973 (with, of course, the exception of 2020), the Warrens Cranberry Festival welcomes over 110,000 visitors each year from places all over the world. Seriously, when we went we met people from Australia and other countries throughout Europe and South America!
Taking place the last full weekend of every September, activities a’plenty abound. Enjoy a guided bus tours of cranberry marshes (brilliant red colors mean you should have your camera ready!) and bogs that show you the harvesting of these tasty, nutritious, UTI-fighting berries.

In town – and the festival truly takes over the whole town – enjoy block after block of vendors, food stands, and beverage stops. Over 1,300 booths of arts & crafts, antique & flea markets, and farm market items can be explored and enjoyed. Plenty of fall produce is available with of course plenty of cranberry-based items including Cranberry Cream Puffs, barbecue sauces with cranberry, cranberry-inspired hot sauces, and more. On Sunday, September 27th at noon the largest band parade in Wisconsin will be featured.
Warrens Cranberry Festival includes contests such as “Crazy for Cranfest”, where guests can win special prizes for crazy or creative costumes. They also have prizes for the Biggest Berry Contest, a Button Design Contest, a Cranberry Chiffon Pie-Eating Contest, a Flower Contest, Marsh Medallion Hunt, a Photography Contest, Quilt & Needlework Contest, Scarecrow Contest, and more.
Getting to Warrens Cranberry Festival (aka Cranfest):
Warrens is a small, pleasant town north of Tomah in Monroe County. To access Warrens, follow I-94 to Exit 135 (County EW) by the Three Bears Resort. U.S. 12, which runs basically parallel to I-94 in this area, also comes close to Warrens. Highways 21 and 173 are just a few miles away, closer to Tomah but they still bring you close. Follow County O or EW into town – there will be plenty of signs!
Get the latest updates from their website, CranFest.com!

Back to StateTrunkTour.com

Beef-A-Rama
2026-09-26 06:30 - 2026-09-27 20:00 | Torpy Park, 816 U.S. 51, Minocqua, WI, 54548, United States
With Beef-A-Rama, the smell of beef fills the air and more than 12,000 people fill the streets of downtown Minocqua. For over 60 years now, Beef-a-Rama™ has been a premiere event drawing visitors back year after year to join in on the one-of-a kind fun you can only find in the Northwoods!
Roasters begin cooking their signature beefs before dawn. Herds of creative festival goers dressed in cow-themed costumes start packing downtown early for the 10K and 5K Rump Roast Run and Walk along Lake Minocqua, live music, & Prime Choice Craft Show featuring more than 70 vendors.
Mooo-ve on down to Torpy Park to grab a roast beef sandwich and watch the Beef Eating Contest, Cow Pie Plop, and of course the famous Roaster Parade down main street!

Listen for the top roasters at the Awards Ceremony at 3pm following the Parade. Check for the latest itinerary online.
Minocqua is along “Wisconsin’s Backbone,” U.S. 51, just south of Highways 47 and 70.
Beef-A-Rama Address:
Torpy Park
806 U.S. Highway 51
Minocqua, WI 54548
(715) 356-5266
Website

Check out the Schedule of Events coming soon!

Beef-A-Rama Schedule of Events:

Back to StateTrunkTour.com
