Wheel & Sprocket hosts its 35th annual Wheel & Sprocket Bike Expo – the nation’s largest bike sale – at the Wisconsin State Fair Exposition Center. This year, it takes place April 4-7, 2019! Over 2,000 bikes and thousands of accessories are on sale at the best prices of the year. Seminars and exhibitors are all around, too – let it get you in the mood for spring!
If you are looking for a new bike for you or a friend, this is the best time to buy at the lowest prices of the season, trade-in a used bike, or get all the necessary bike accessories you need to ensure you can “enjoy Your Ride!”
Bicycles are available for every type of riding from the best brands in cycling. Road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, cruisers, and more. Get amazing discounts on bikes for women and children, plus cycling apparel for all riders on clearance.
Check out the FREE Electric Bike Test Ride Course (sponsored by Bosch) to finally try out an electric bike, state of the art digital fit stations to ensure you get the right size bike, along with an Expo Women’s Night on Thursday April 4th (learn more).
Ready to upgrade your bike? Check out the Trade-In, Trade-Up used bike trade program that lets you Bring in your quality used bike and get a gift card for the trade-in value of the bike as appraised by Bicycle Blue Book. It’s a great way to recoup value from your old bike and make space in your garage for a brand new one!
Meet the experts and take advantage of the FREE Seminar Program with topics focusing for every kind of rider click to learn more.
Learn more about people to pedal with, places to explore, and reasons to rides that will make 2019 your year for cycling!
Admission is FREE. Hours are:
Thursday, April 4: 5pm – 9pm
Friday, April 5: 12pm – 9pm
Saturday, April 6: 10am – 8pm
Sunday, April 7: 11am – 5pm
You’ll find the Wisconsin State Fair Exposition Center at the corner of Highway 59/Greenfield Avenue and Highway 181/84th Street just south of I-94 in West Allis. U.S. 18/Bluemound Road is just to the north, I-41/894/U.S. 45 is a mile and a half to the west and Highway 175/Miller Park Way is a few miles to the east.
Wheel & Sprocket Bike Expo Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park Expo Center
640 S. 84th Street (Highway 181 @ 59)
West Allis, WI 53214
(414) 336-1270 Website
Start:
April 4, 2019 5:00 pm
End:
April 7, 2019 5:00 pm
Venue:
Wisconsin State Fair Exposition Center
Phone:
414-336-1270
Address:
640 S. 84th Street, West Allis, WI, 53214, United States
The lovely and fun city of Chippewa Falls turns 150 this year, and its Chippewa Falls Sesquicentennial Celebration Kickoff was Monday, March 25th. The celebration continues, especially into this weekend!
Okay, sesquicentennial (pronounced “sĕsˌkwĭ-sĕn-tĕnˈē-əl”) is a tricky word. But the events around it for the year will be fun! This first Chippewa Falls Sesquicentennial event to celebrate the city’s incorporation in 1869 is a musical.
You can experience it at the Heyde Center for the Arts and take a step back in time as the Wayward Players, dressed in period costume, sing songs from CHIPPEWA FALLS 1869: THE MUSICAL on the same date that the proclamation that founded the city was signed: March 25th. Browse through historic photographs, enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages, and talk with city officials and historians about the past, present and future of Chippewa Falls. The Chippewa County Historical Society will have books about Chippewa Falls on sale, a table and display of artifacts from the early 1800s, fur trade re-enactors from the Past Passed Here, and more. The Chippewa County Genealogy Society will be on hand with insights on many of the city’s founding families.
At 7:00 p.m. a formal program will be held in the Heyde Center auditorium starting with two songs by the Wayward Players. This will be followed by a brief speech by the Mayor of Chippewa Falls and finally the delivery of the proclamation to Doug Richter, the great-grandson of William Irvine (of Irvine Park fame). Richter will be the Grand Marshal of the August 10, 2019 Pure Water Days Parade in downtown Chippewa Falls. No cost for admission.
The musical continues at the Heyde Center later Thursday, March 28th – Sunday, March 31st. More Sesquicentennial events will follow, and we’ll keep you up to date on them!
Heyde Center for the Arts
3 S. High Street
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
(715) 726-9000 Website
You’ll find the Heyde Center just east (and up the hill) from downtown Chippewa Falls. U.S. 53 and Highway 29 bring you there via freeway and local Business routes. Highways 124 and 178 bring you right in towards downtown!
Start:
March 28, 2019 5:30 pm
End:
March 31, 2019 9:00 pm
Venue:
Heyde Center for the Arts
Phone:
715-726-9000
Address:
3 S. High Street, Chippewa Falls, WI, 54729, United States
The 49th annual Rock Gem & Mineral Show hits the Rock County Fairgrounds Saturday, March 23rd and Sunday, March 24th. The Badger Lapidary and Geological Society presents this show, with dealers, excellent speakers, many beautiful club displays, lapidary demonstrations, club sales table, door prizes, educational films and activities for kids. A full menu is available.
Eleven dealers will be at this show dealing in minerals, fossils, gems, and jewelry. Children’s activities include a fish pond, scavenger hunt, rock crafts, and the Roaming Rock Wizard.
Rock Gem & Mineral Show Hours:
Saturday, March 23rd: 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday, March 24th: 9 am – 4 pm
You’ll find the Rock County Fairgrounds on the east side of Janesville, the “City of Parks.” I-39/90, U.S. 14, U.S. 51, and Highways 11 and 26 all bring you there!
Rock Gem & Mineral Show Address:
Craig Center, Rock County Fairgrounds
1301 Craig Avenue
Janesville, WI 53545 Website
The Madison Art Bead & Glass Show hits the Alliant Energy Center Saturday, March 23rd and Sunday, March 24th with classes throughout the weekend and the sales floor open Saturday and Sunday. A huge variety of the crafts will be available for browsing and on sale for purchase. There are Make & Take activities, where six different hands-on projects can be created from six different instructors in a four-hour period. You don’t even need to bring supplies!
Check out the Bead Challenge, or just find pieces of art, beads, or glass creations you’d like to purchase.
It’s all happening at the Madison Art Bead & Glass Show, a perfect stop for artists and creatives of all stripes! It’s right off the Beltline (U.S. 12/18) along Rimrock Road near John Nolen Drive. U.S. 14 & 151 bring you close by, too!
Admission is $7 for one day, $11 for both days. You can buy tickets here.
Hours:
Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Madison Art Bead & Glass Show Address:
Alliant Energy Center
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
Madison, WI 53713
(608) 838-8011 Website
Start:
March 23, 2019
End:
March 24, 2019
Venue:
Alliant Energy Center
Phone:
608-838-8011
Address:
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
The 95th annual REALTORS Home & Garden Show is the nation’s longest running Home & Garden Show. It returns to the Wisconsin State Fair Park Expo Center from Friday, March 22nd through Sunday, March 31st, with the exception of Monday-Tuesday, March 25th-26th.
Sweep aside your outdated and overgrown home and garden spaces and get inspired at this year’s REALTORS® Home & Garden Show presented by Unilock®. There’s no better place to learn about all the hottest home improvement tips and trends.
If you’re looking for inspiration, stop by the show to visit with any of 350+ exhibitors. Learn about the latest available products and chat with industry professionals regarding landscaping, windows, decks, kitchen and bath design, plumbing or HVAC needs, foundation repair, tree services, and much more.
And don’t forget to take advantage of one of the show’s many culinary demos or daily seminars provided at the Solutions Stage at Breckenridge Landscape Park.
Finally, a visit to the REALTORS Home & Garden Show would not be complete without a tour of the stunning Garden Promenade, presented by the Wisconsin Landscape Contractors Association. Always a clear reminder that spring is just around the corner, the showcase features 12 elaborately designed landscape displays. Designed by the area’s top landscapers, each garden combines plantings, water features and hardscapes with creature comforts like outdoor kitchens, sound systems and fire pits to create a haven for relaxing or entertaining.
With so much to see and do at this year’s show, there certainly is no space like home.
Admission is $8.00; Children 12 & under are FREE, as are all Active Military personnel with valid ID.
You’ll find the Wisconsin State Fair Exposition Center at the corner of Highway 59/Greenfield Avenue and Highway 181/84th Street, just south of I-94 and U.S. 18, two miles east of I-41/U.S. 45, three miles east of Highway 100, two miles west of Highway 175/Miller Park Way, and three miles west of Highway 57.
Start:
March 22, 2019 10:00 am
End:
March 31, 2019 8:00 pm
Venue:
Wisconsin State Fair Exposition Center
Phone:
414-778-4929
Address:
640 S. 84th Street, West Allis, WI, 53214, United States
New London becomes New Dublin. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia user “Leprichauns.”
New London becomes “New Dublin” Monday, March 16th – Saturday, March 21st as the city hosts Wisconsin’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade and its annual Irish Fest celebration. The Saturday parade begins at 1pm and features bagpipe bands, marching bands, festive clowns, specialty units, clans, an Irish wake parody, and business floats–up to 125 or more.
New Dublin Irish Fest runs from 11am to 6pm Saturday in a heated tent featuring two Celtic bands, Irish food, beverages, and market booths. Entrance fee for the Irish Fest portion is just $5.
This St. Patrick’s Day in New Dublin celebration is a week-long set of festivities that include an exciting schedule of weeknight activities. Just some examples: Irish caroling, Irish entertainment on stage, and an Irish Céili. Corned beef and cabbage is widely served during the week in area restaurants and pubs with some places usually having entertainment.
Get all the parade and Irish Fest details at NewDublin.com.
U.S. 45 and Highway 54 will bring you to New Dublin… er, New London. Enjoy!!
New London Irishfest & St. Patrick’s Day Parade Address:
Downtown New London
Water Street, Highway 54
New London, WI 54961
(920) 982-3891 Website
New London has a very storied Irish history, hence the strong celebrations. The city is also the Birthplace of the Water Spaniel and has a lot of other small town charm and uniqueness to explore.
EAA Hops & Props is an annual food and beverage-tasting event held at the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh along I-41. It’s back for its 15th year in a row and happening Saturday, March 9th!
They say beer tastes better in Oshkosh. Find out for yourself by spending an evening sampling beverages from over 75 breweries from around the world. Microbreweries are present to provide their personal brewing process and history, while entertainment from live bands provides a backdrop for this fun and exciting tasting event.
Go from being a Beer Lover to a Master of Brews by upgrading to VIP status, which includes early admission to a gourmet, five-course meal featuring delectable food and beer pairings including the VIP brewery. Dinner begins at 4:30 p.m.; tickets are close to being sold out!
Please note that you must be 21 years of age or older to attend this event. Admission price also includes museum entrance and commemorative beer glass. I mean, hey, drink for a cause! All funds will support museum activities offered by EAA – programs that engage families in educational opportunities and experiences that motivate and inspire participants of all ages.
Please note that no large bags will be allowed into the museum; all bags are subject to search.
Full details on everything are available on EAA’s Hops & Props website. You can reach the EAA AirVenture Museum via I-41 and Highways 26, 44, or 91; U.S. 45 and Highways 21 and 76 also bring you to Oshkosh. Enjoy – safely!
Feel free to check out the rest of Oshkosh while you’re there. Prime outlet shopping is just across I-41 and there are plenty of fun things to see and do in this college town, including the Paine Art Museum.
Don’t forget EAA’s AirVenture, happening July 22-28 this year, featuring the Blue Angels! Wittman Field will become one of the world’s busiest airports for a week and you’ll get to see and experience everything from historic to cutting-edge experimental aviation machines. There will be military fighters, classic airplanes, commercial jets, and creative inventions everywhere.
EAA Hops & Props Address:
EAA AirVenture Museum
3000 Poberezny Road
Oshkosh, WI 54902
(920) 426-6541 Website
Start:
March 9, 2019 4:30 pm
End:
March 9, 2019 10:00 pm
Venue:
EAA AirVenture Museum
Phone:
920-426-6541
Address:
3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, WI, 54902, United States
Belle City Brewfest convenes in downtown Racine Saturday, March 9th! Over 90 varieties of craft brews from 40 breweries will descend on Festival Hall at the Civic Centre showcasing their brands for unlimited tastings of beer and cider, including newer local breweries like Racine Brewing Company just down the street, R’Noggin Brewing of Kenosha, and more! There will also be live entertainment and beer seminars; judge the Homebrew Competition, enjoy live music from Mean Jake, and all in all just have a great Saturday!
Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 at the gate. Tickets include a souvenir cup and live entertainment along with a complete festival guide. Designated drivers can get in for $8 and get free soda or water plus full access to all beer seminars and the live entertainment. You can go to the Belle City Brewfest website or buy them directly from Ticketmaster here. A portion of the proceeds benefit Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin.
Belle City Brewfest will take place inside Festival Hall at Racine Civic Centre, which is right downtown and close to other favorite venues like the Racine Art Museum, Reefpoint Marina, even the Kewpee for burgers. Stay updated with their Facebook page.
You can get to downtown Racine from I-41/94 or Highway 31 via Highways 11, 20, 32, and 38.
Belle City Brewfest Address:
Festival Hall, Racine Civic Centre
5 5th Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-9229 Website
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade Milwaukee winds through downtown from noon until about 1:30pm on Saturday, March 9th! It’s the 53rd Annual Shamrock Club of Wisconsin St. Patrick’s Day Parade with live Irish music, dance, food, beverages and more all afternoon. We’re pretty sure you can find corned beef, for example…
*** STT Tidbit: Milwaukee’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade dates back to 1843; it’s the 6th oldest such parade in the nation. **
Check out one of the best St Patrick’s Day Parades in the country and the grandest parade in Wisconsin. The Parade will feature 140+ units and includes local politicians and celebrities, floats, bagpipe and marching bands and Irish and Celtic organizations. It’s the perfect event for the whole family, because on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish!
Before the parade, there’s an 8:30am mass at St. Patrick’s Church at 723 W. Washington Street just south of downtown. After the parade, the Shamrock Club Post-Parade Party will take place at the Irish Cultural & Heritage Center at 2133 W. Wisconsin Avenue, just west of downtown and the Marquette University campus. It’s Milwaukee’s Largest Family Parade Day Party and features four stages of entertainment. There’s a $2 admission fee ($10 family maximum) and children 10 and younger are free. There will be plenty of food and beverages too!
The parade itself starts at noon on 3rd and Wisconsin and finishes at Water and Highland. It will actually go over portions of U.S. 18 and Highway 32 in the city. I-43/94 and Highways 38, 57, 59, and 145 also bring you within blocks of the parade route.
The Milwaukee St. Patrick’s Day Parade website has full details on all the events. It’s definitely a fun way to spend a Saturday and prepare for St. Patrick’s Day (and week, based on the timing of the parade!)
The Shamrock
Milwaukee’s Largest Family Parade Day Party
Four stages of entertainment
$2 admission | children 10 & younger free
Family maximum cost is $10
Food & beverages
Start:
March 9, 2019 11:00 am
End:
March 9, 2019 5:00 pm
Venue:
Downtown Milwaukee
Phone:
414-276-6696
Address:
300 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53203, United States
Cedar Creek Winery features its annual Open House Saturday, March 9th and Sunday, March 10th, 2019. Enjoy two festive and celebratory days, with Spring right around corner (we can only hope, after the February we’ve had!)
They say everything’s coming up roses, so enjoy a rose when you go… and some Rosé! Enjoy barrel tastings of vintages, live jazz, cooking-with-wine demonstrations and samplings, wine tastings, a live benefit auction, special events, food samplings, spring showcases and more in the shops at Cedar Creek Settlement. Other highlights include daily cooking demos and samplings with local chefs, along with grapevine pruning demonstrations and wine tastings. Barrel taste their Wisconsin-grown Marquette wine and their new dry white wine with winemaker Philippe, which takes place on Saturday.
Shops in Cedar Creek and nearby stores up and down Washington, as well as adjacent places like the new Rebellion Brewing USA, make for plenty of options to visit when you’re in Cedarburg, too!
Cellar Hours: Saturday 10am – 4pm | Sunday 11am – 4pm Store Hours: Saturday and Sunday 10am – 5pm
Cedar Creek Winery Open House Address:
Cedar Creek Winery
N70W6340 Bridge Road
Cedarburg, WI 53012
(262) 377-8020 Website
Check out some spring fun in historic Cedarburg, along Historic Highway 57 (Washington Avenue) just north of Highway 167 and south of Highway 60. Highway 181 is just to the west. It’s only about 10-12 minutes off I-43/Highway 32, and it’s a great little town!
See the Schedule of Events below!
Cedar Creek Winery Open House Schedule of Events
Saturday, March 9th
10am-4pm: Self-Guided Tours (Cellar)
10am-4pm: WI Cheese Sampling (Cellar)
11:00am: Barrel Tasting (Cellar)
1pm: Grapevine Pruning Demonstration
2pm: Barrel Tasting (Cellar)
3pm: Cooking with Wine Demonstration (Cellar)
Sunday, March 10th
10am-4pm: Self-Guided Tours (Cellar)
10am-4pm: WI Cheese Sampling (Cellar)
11:30am: Barrel Tasting (Cellar)
1pm: Cooking with Wine Demonstration (Cellar)
2pm: Barrel Tasting (Cellar)
3pm: Cooking with Wine Demonstration (Cellar)
Madison’s Alliant Energy Center hosts Bike-O-Rama, the Midwest Bicycle Show & Sale Friday, March 8th through Sunday, March 10th.
You can comparison shop, test ride, accessorize, and buy from all 2018 bicycle brands in one place. The New Holland Pavilion comes alive with thousands of new bicycles, and bicycle company sales reps will be showing their 2018 lines at the lowest prices of the year. Don’t forget to checkout the closeout corral for amazing deals on older model, used, and demo bikes.
Admission is FREE to all – though the Alliant Energy Center does charge for parking – usually $7.
Every new bicycle purchase includes a LIFETIME WARRANTY and 2 Free Tune-ups*! *Electric bikes carry only the manufacturer’s warranty
Hours:
Friday, March 8th Noon – 9pm
Saturday, March 9th 8am – 9pm
Sunday, March 10th 10am – 6pm
Midwest Bicycle Show & Sale Address:
Alliant Energy Center
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
Madison, WI 53713
(608) 251-8413 Website
Start:
March 8, 2019 12:00 pm
End:
March 10, 2019 6:00 pm
Venue:
Alliant Energy Center
Phone:
608-251-8413
Address:
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
The United States Championship Cheese Contest® is the nation’s premier technical cheese, butter, and yogurt competition. 2019 marks the 20th biennial edition, hosted by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association. Lambeau Field in Green Bay hosts the United States Championship Cheese Contest March 5-7, 2019 and the term “cheeseheads” will never be the same!
March 5-6: Watch the Preliminary Rounds FREE!
The U.S. Championship Cheese Contest is free and open to the public during the preliminary rounds of judging which take place on Tuesday, March 5th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and Wednesday, March 6th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The judging takes place in the Atrium at the Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The announcement of the 2019 United States Champion will happen in the evening on March 7, at Cheese Champion.
March 7: Meet the Experts and Taste the Winners!
The Championship round takes place Thursday, March 7 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the KI Convention Center in downtown Green Bay (333 Main Street.) This is a ticketed event, with all tickets sold in advance. You can buy yours for $30 starting in January.
Thousands of cheeses will compete for the elusive U.S. Championship Cheese crown, but of course only one can win. Entries are evaluated by a team of skilled technical judges from across the nation. Starting from a maximum possible 100 points, deductions are made for various defects found by each judge. Defects are noted in the areas of flavor, body and texture, salt, color, finish, packaging, and other appropriate attributes. A Gold medal, Silver medal and Bronze medal are awarded to the three highest scoring entries in each class. You can be there to watch it happen and you taste 40 of the best cheeses in the country! Mix and match your favorite beer and cheese pairings, and meet and mingle with 45 of the top cheese judges in the United States.
Worth noting is that the 2019 U.S. Championship Cheese Contest is open to only 400 attendees, with all tickets sold in advance. You’ll enjoy complimentary beer and cheese pairings, samples of at least 40 cheeses, and cash bar. So hurry!
United States Championship Cheese Contest Address:
Lambeau Field
1265 N. Lombardi Avenue
Green Bay, WI 54304
(920) Website
Start:
March 5, 2019 9:00 am
End:
March 8, 2019 9:00 pm
Venue:
Lambeau Field
Phone:
608-286-1001
Address:
1265 Lombardi Avenue, Green Bay, WI, 54304, United States
That’s an attention getter, right? Watch winter come to a climactic end as the greatest event on ice wraps up the season. Thousands of Weenie enthusiasts come annually to watch the fastest sleds compete for top speed of the day while eating up those great Klement’s Hot Dogs and drinking down an ice cold Pepsi or Budweiser beer. Watch as dozens of people get the first swim of the year in Lake Namakagon at the Frozen Weenie Polar Bear Plunge, win prizes at the many games and enjoy great music while taking it all in. This event is the highlight of winter and rooms fill up quickly. Don’t miss out on this fantastic family event.
Held to raise funds for the Great Divide Ambulance Service, the Namakagon Volunteer Fire Department and other area charities and not-for-profits, this event holds the record for the longest line of hot dog cookers over one fire in the world. With events like snowmobile speed runs, ice drags, crooked weenie obstacle course, and snow drags all on Lake Namakagon, there is more than enough fun for everyone.
All the action for the World’s Largest Weenie Roast takes place Saturday, March 2nd in Cable, along County M near U.S. 63 at the Lakewoods Resort & Forest Ridge Golf Course. Get all the event details here!
World’s Longest Weenie Roast Address:
Lakewoods Resort & Forest Ridge Golf Course
21540 County Road M
Cable, WI 54821
(715) 794-2561 Website
Date:
March 2, 2019
Venue:
Lakewoods Resort & Forest Ridge Golf Course
Phone:
715-794-2561
Address:
21540 County Road M, Cable, WI, 54821, United States
Ever explored some ice caves? You can enjoy this Ice Caves Exploration event on Sunday, February 24, 2019 in the gorgeous Kickapoo Valley Reserve. Hosted by the UW-La Crosse Outdoor Connection, this all-day trip lets you examine some ice formations of the Driftless Region via footpaths that were once only traveled by Native Americans. This trip is dependent on winter weather conditions.
Ice Caves Exploration registration includes:
Transportation from UWL’s campus
Snowshoe or Hiking Crampons (if needed)
Lunch
Trail passes
Staffing
Questions? Call UW-La Crosse Outdoor Connection 608.785.8860 or email them at outdoorcnt@uwlax.edu.
This is not a Kickapoo Valley Reserve-sponsored event, so please contact the UW-L Outdoor Connection with any questions at (608) 785-8860.
You’ll find the Kickapoo Valley Reserve along Highway 131, a beautiful drive any time of year. This event, however, originates from La Crosse and you’ll need to take I-90, U.S. 14/61, U.S. 53, or Highways 16, 33, or 35 to get there.
Ice Caves Exploration Address:
Kickapoo Valley Reserve
3661 State Highway 131
La Farge, WI 54639
(608) 785-8860 Facebook Event Page
Start:
February 24, 2019 9:00 am
End:
February 24, 2019 4:00 pm
Venue:
Kickapoo Valley Reserve
Phone:
608-785-8860
Address:
3661 State Highway 131, La Farge, WI, 54639, United States
Why use a 12-pound bowling ball when you can use a 12-pound turkey? Mountain’s Riverview Fire Department hosts its 9th annual Turkey Bowling event Saturday, February 23rd. The action happens right along Highway 32 at the Town of Riverview’s Ice Rink & Pavilion.
Turkey Bowling will consist of four-person teams, any age is cool. You can register your group for turkey bowling the day of for just $30. Of course, you can just watch, too. There will also be food, beverages, raffles and more, and of course the heated pavilion to warm up in!
For more information or to Pre-Register, call or text Barry @ 715-850-0364.
Register for $30 at the Half-Way Bar or at the event itself the day of. Enjoy chili, sandwiches, beverages, raffles and more throughout the day! Ice grippers are encouraged.
You’ll find the turkey bowling action along Highway 32, just north of Highway 64 in Mountain in Oconto County. Should be a fun time, and then check out the beautiful snowmobile trails, hiking trails, fishing lakes and flowages, forest lands, even Larry the Logroller in nearby Wabeno! Or head east to Crivitz, south to Gillett (the “ATV Capital”), or Oconto itself for history in Copper Culture State Park and some great dining options!
Turkey Bowling Address in Mountain:
Town of Riverview Ice Rink & Pavilion
15471 State Highway 32
Mountain, WI 54149
(715) 850-0019 Website
Start:
February 23, 2019 12:00 pm
End:
February 23, 2019 4:00 pm
Venue:
Riverview Ice Rink
Phone:
715-850-0364
Address:
15471 State Highway 32, Mountain, WI, 54149, United States
The 35th Annual Racine Home Expo show features home improvement company products and services in Racine and surrounding counties around southeastern Wisconsin. For home style inside and outside the home, professional can upgrade lifestyles as easy as 1-2-3.
Featuring home interiors, energy saving features, landscaping, home improvement seminars, prizes and more. Start your spring off right and don’t miss the Racine Home Expo Show, Saturday, February 23rd and Sunday, Feb. 24th, 2019 at the Racine Festival Hall. If your house needs a “facelift” or a little TLC, this is definitely a place to check out.
Explore hundreds of exhibits of the best in home remodeling products and services, for indoors and out! Meet the experts, shop and compare, see the latest in products, styles and colors. Find out how to create that “brand new home” feeling again.
Leafless gutters in action, saunas, running hot tubs
Brick patios, plants, decks, pools, home design
Landscaping, sun rooms
Live demonstrations
Do-it-yourself educational and interactive exhibits
Admission is $3 for adults, kids 17 and under get in free all weekend! Parking is FREE in the Festival Hall lot.
Festival Hall is right in the downtown area of Racine, off Main Street near the Harbor. Highways 20 & 32 run within a block, Highway 38 arrives just a few blocks north, and Highway 11 brings you to Racine from points west. Downtown Racine is about 10 minutes east of I-41/94. You can also check out Monument Square, the Racine Art Museum within a few blocks, great shopping and restaurants (we love the Kewpee burgers!), the Racine Brewing Company tap room, and much more!
Racine Home Expo Address:
Festival Hall
5 5th Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 631-1746 Website
Prairie du Chien hosts Bald Eagle Appreciation Days at Hoffman Hall in the city and at locales around town Friday and Saturday, February 22-23. You can view eagles along the beautiful Great River Road (Highway 35) and up and down the Mississippi River flyway around Prairie du Chien, check out live Bald Eagle and raptor programs, educational exhibits and displays, birding experts on hand, outdoor viewing of Bald Eagles through spotting scopes, life-size Bald Eagle nest, craft activities for children and more.
All programs and activities at Hoffman Hall in Prairie Du Chien on Saturday are free. Educational Birding programs will also be held Friday evening – at local hotels and are open to the public at no charge. The event is co-sponsored by Effigy Mounds National Monument and the Prairie du Chien Tourism Council. Effigy Mounds Winter Film Festival will also be going on that weekend and the Villa Louis will be open for tours. Stop and get some tasty fish and other morsels at Valley Fish & Cheese right where Highway 27 starts in the downtown area, too!
U.S. 18 and Highways 27, 35, and 60 all bring you to Prairie du Chien.
Bald Eagle Appreciation Days Address:
Along with being all over town, activities focus on Hoffman Hall
1600 S. Waucota Avenue
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
(608) 326-8555 Website
Viewing Area Tips for Eagle Watching In and Around Prairie du Chien (courtesy of their website)
A good spot for eagle viewing is between the Blackhawk Avenue and Washington Street bridges in Prairie du Chien. A large artesian well provides open water. Eagles will perch in trees along the slough. Check the trees along the Mississippi River shore near and across from Lawler Park on St. Feriole Island is another location of eagle activity. The park is west and north of the Blackhawk Avenue bridge. A mounted bird scope for viewing is available (located in back of building) at the Wisconsin Welcome Center/Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce building, 211 S. Main. Enroute to Prairie du Chien watch for eagles soaring or perching in trees in open field areas looking for food.
You can spend the day or several days viewing eagles. You will need appropriate clothing and binoculars. A spotting scope is nice too. Eagle watching begins in the morning about an hour after sunrise. The birds are most active from then until about 3:00PM, feeding in open water areas. Birds can be seen soaring, perching in riverside trees, and sitting on the ice. By late afternoon the birds will be heading for the roost and will not be active unless you are on a flight path to the roost.
The best places to see eagles in the area include the Gordon’s Bay boat landing and Lock and Dam #9, 10 miles north of Prairie du Chien. The boat landing is cleared of snow so eagle watchers can simply park near the ramp facing slightly upstream. Watch for eagles in the big cottonwoods along the Wisconsin shoreline, across the river in trees along the Iowa shoreline, and soaring overhead or over the open water caused by flowing water from the dam. Staying in your vehicle will provide you the best viewing as soaring eagles have been known to come very close to the boat landing with their feeding activity. Eagles will be seen flying and perched in trees along the river as you travel to and from this area from Prairie du Chien.
Other Eagle Viewing Sites
Effigy Mounds National Monument
Three miles north of Marquette, IA, via U.S. 18 across the river and Iowa Highway 76 northbound
563-873-3491
Pikes Peak State Park
2.5 miles south of McGregor, IA on Hwy 340, via U.S. 18 across the river
563-873-2341
Wyalusing State Park
10 miles south of Prairie du Chien, via U.S. 18/Highway 35 and County C (the Great River Road)
608-996-2261
Start:
February 22, 2019 5:00 pm
End:
February 23, 2019 3:00 pm
Venue:
Hoffman Hall
Phone:
608-326-8555
Address:
1600 S. Waucota Avenue, Prairie du Chien, WI, 53821, United States
The Northwoods Blizzard Blast is a “flurry of winter fun for everyone” in Conover, between Eagle River and Land O’Lakes along Highway 32 & U.S. 45 in the heart of the North Woods! Activities in Conover Community Park include ice bowling, the Dogsled Dash, recliner racing, sledding, face painting, fireworks, horse drawn sleigh rides, snow carving, snowshoe baseball, and an Artisan Bazaar in the adjacent Conover Community Center. Check out related events in Phelps and Land O’Lakes, too!
The Blizzard Blast Bazaar hosts numerous artisans and exhibitors with hand-crafted items, talents on display, food and beverages, and more. Admission is free for the Bazaar all day.
Recliner races. Not as relaxing as most recliner activities.
All of this activity is in Vilas County north of Eagle River. Follow U.S. 45 & Highway 32 north from Eagle River, past where Highway 17 veers off for its ride to Phelps. Conover is about 15 minutes north of Eagle River, and Land O’Lakes (plus the source of the Wisconsin River in Lac Vieax Desert) is just north of Conover.
Northwoods Blizzard Blast Addresses:
Conover Community Park
4697 Park Circle, just off U.S. 45/Hwy 32
Conover, WI 54519
(715) 891-6254 Website
Blizzard Blast Schedule of Events in Conover (subject to updates and changes):
Wed-Sat SNOW SCULPTING COMPETITION -$100 prize! $25 (team)
9am-4pm ARTISAN BAZAAR Free
9am-4pm FACE PAINTING Varies
10am-4pm HORSE DRAWN SCENIC RIDES $2-$5
10:15am X-COUNTRY FUN SKI & TRAIL TOUR $10
10am-4pm SLAP SHOT HOCKEY-Shot on goal, win a prize! $1
10am-4pm ICE BOWLING-Bowl at strike, win a prize! $1
10am-4pm WINTER CARNIVAL GAMES FOR KIDS $1 each
10am-4pm PONY RIDES $2
10am-4pm YOUTH ARCHERY DEMO Free
10am-4pm SNOW ART FUN FOR KIDS Free
10am-4pm SNOWBOARD DEMO & INSTRUCTION Free
10am-2pm SNOWSHOE BASEBALL GAMES Free
10pm-4pm SNOWSHOE DEMO BY HIKER BOX Free
12pm-3pm KID’S DOGSLED DASH-win a Musher’s Medal $2
10am-2:30 RECLINER RACE QUALIFYING LAPS $1
3pm RECLINER RACE FINALS-$100 prize! (register by 2:30pm) $20 (team of 3)
4 pm TROPHY PRESENTATION Free
Sandwiches, S’mores, snacks, soda & beer are available all day.
Toasty bonfires and heated restrooms are located throughout the park.
Start:
February 16, 2019 10:00 am
End:
February 16, 2019 6:00 pm
Venue:
Conover Community Park
Phone:
715-547-8120
Address:
4697 Park Circle, Conover, WI, 54519, United States
Milwaukee Comic Con 2019 is an amazing comic convention. Saturday, February 16th, it takes over the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds in West Allis. The Milwaukee Comic Con will feature over 300 artist tables, vendor booths, and special guests. That’s 300 tables of geeky goodness! But they’re also bringing cash prize cosplay contests, video and table top gaming tournaments, and a whole weekend of fun! Comic con is Milwaukee’s largest comic book and pop culture event!
Admission is $5 for adults; admission for kids is still FREE and everyone gets a FREE comic at the door. Get tickets HERE!
Milwaukee Comic Con Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park Expo Center
640 S. 84th Street (Highway 181 at 59)
West Allis, WI 53214 Website
Minocqua will again beat as the heart and soul of the Wisconsin craft beer industry once again at the 21st Annual Ice Cold Beer Fest will be held in downtown Minocqua, Saturday, February 9, 2019. Beer, food and live music all available under a heated big top tent on the Island of Minocqua. Last year, fest goers were able to sample more than 250 different craft beers that included breweries from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and Illinois. All proceeds from the Ice Cold Beer Fest benefit their local Dr. Kate Hospice.
PREMIER TASTING — Only 200 Premier Tasting Tickets will be sold. This event delegates those ticket holders to a prime sampling from noon to 1 p.m., to include beers not-to-be released to the general admission crowd. Private bathrooms are also available to these ticket holders ONLY. Included in the price is an individually number commemorative tasting glass along with prime tasting of food to include shrimp, steak and desserts. Cost for premier tasting is $80 and includes the full five-hour festival.
GENERAL ADMISSION — A total of 600 General Admission tickets will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Tickets are available for $50. There will be NO ADDITIONAL TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE GATE.
INFORMATION — All persons must have a valid ID, and be 21-and-over to enter festival. This goes for designated drivers as well. No one under 21-years of age will be permitted on the grounds. The Ice Cold Beer Festival reserves the right to refuse entrance to anyone. No re-entry into tent without wristband.
You can get to Minocqua via U.S. 51 or Highways 47 or 70. Check out the beautiful downtown, the World’s Largest Penny in nearby Woodruff, and the North Woods surroundings on your way to or fro!
Check their website for the full list and all the details.
Ice Cold Beer Fest Address:
Minocqua Brewing Company
238 Lakeshore Drive (just off U.S. 51)
Minocqua, WI 54548
(715) 356-2600 Website
Start:
February 9, 2019 12:00 pm
End:
February 9, 2019 5:00 pm
Venue:
Minocqua Brewing Company
Phone:
715-356-2600
Address:
238 Lakeshore Drive, Minocqua, WI, 54548, United States
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events
April 4, 2019 – April 7, 2019
Wheel & Sprocket Bike Expo at WI State Fair
Wheel & Sprocket hosts its 35th annual Wheel & Sprocket Bike Expo – the nation’s largest bike sale – at the Wisconsin State Fair Exposition Center. This year, it takes place April 4-7, 2019! Over 2,000 bikes and thousands of accessories are on sale at the best prices of the year. Seminars and exhibitors are all around, too – let it get you in the mood for spring!
If you are looking for a new bike for you or a friend, this is the best time to buy at the lowest prices of the season, trade-in a used bike, or get all the necessary bike accessories you need to ensure you can “enjoy Your Ride!”
Bicycles are available for every type of riding from the best brands in cycling. Road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, cruisers, and more. Get amazing discounts on bikes for women and children, plus cycling apparel for all riders on clearance.
Check out the FREE Electric Bike Test Ride Course (sponsored by Bosch) to finally try out an electric bike, state of the art digital fit stations to ensure you get the right size bike, along with an Expo Women’s Night on Thursday April 4th (learn more).
Ready to upgrade your bike? Check out the Trade-In, Trade-Up used bike trade program that lets you Bring in your quality used bike and get a gift card for the trade-in value of the bike as appraised by Bicycle Blue Book. It’s a great way to recoup value from your old bike and make space in your garage for a brand new one!
Meet the experts and take advantage of the FREE Seminar Program with topics focusing for every kind of rider click to learn more.
Learn more about people to pedal with, places to explore, and reasons to rides that will make 2019 your year for cycling!
Admission is FREE. Hours are:
Thursday, April 4: 5pm – 9pm
Friday, April 5: 12pm – 9pm
Saturday, April 6: 10am – 8pm
Sunday, April 7: 11am – 5pm
You’ll find the Wisconsin State Fair Exposition Center at the corner of Highway 59/Greenfield Avenue and Highway 181/84th Street just south of I-94 in West Allis. U.S. 18/Bluemound Road is just to the north, I-41/894/U.S. 45 is a mile and a half to the west and Highway 175/Miller Park Way is a few miles to the east.
Wheel & Sprocket Bike Expo Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park Expo Center
640 S. 84th Street (Highway 181 @ 59)
West Allis, WI 53214
(414) 336-1270
Website
March 28, 2019 – March 31, 2019
Chippewa Falls Sesquicentennial Celebration Kickoff
The lovely and fun city of Chippewa Falls turns 150 this year, and its Chippewa Falls Sesquicentennial Celebration Kickoff was Monday, March 25th. The celebration continues, especially into this weekend!
Okay, sesquicentennial (pronounced “sĕsˌkwĭ-sĕn-tĕnˈē-əl”) is a tricky word. But the events around it for the year will be fun! This first Chippewa Falls Sesquicentennial event to celebrate the city’s incorporation in 1869 is a musical.
You can experience it at the Heyde Center for the Arts and take a step back in time as the Wayward Players, dressed in period costume, sing songs from CHIPPEWA FALLS 1869: THE MUSICAL on the same date that the proclamation that founded the city was signed: March 25th. Browse through historic photographs, enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages, and talk with city officials and historians about the past, present and future of Chippewa Falls. The Chippewa County Historical Society will have books about Chippewa Falls on sale, a table and display of artifacts from the early 1800s, fur trade re-enactors from the Past Passed Here, and more. The Chippewa County Genealogy Society will be on hand with insights on many of the city’s founding families.
At 7:00 p.m. a formal program will be held in the Heyde Center auditorium starting with two songs by the Wayward Players. This will be followed by a brief speech by the Mayor of Chippewa Falls and finally the delivery of the proclamation to Doug Richter, the great-grandson of William Irvine (of Irvine Park fame). Richter will be the Grand Marshal of the August 10, 2019 Pure Water Days Parade in downtown Chippewa Falls. No cost for admission.
The musical continues at the Heyde Center later Thursday, March 28th – Sunday, March 31st. More Sesquicentennial events will follow, and we’ll keep you up to date on them!
Chippewa Falls Sesquicentennial Celebration Kickoff Address:
Heyde Center for the Arts
3 S. High Street
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
(715) 726-9000
Website
You’ll find the Heyde Center just east (and up the hill) from downtown Chippewa Falls. U.S. 53 and Highway 29 bring you there via freeway and local Business routes. Highways 124 and 178 bring you right in towards downtown!
March 23, 2019 – March 24, 2019
Rock Gem & Mineral Show, Janesville
The 49th annual Rock Gem & Mineral Show hits the Rock County Fairgrounds Saturday, March 23rd and Sunday, March 24th. The Badger Lapidary and Geological Society presents this show, with dealers, excellent speakers, many beautiful club displays, lapidary demonstrations, club sales table, door prizes, educational films and activities for kids. A full menu is available.
Eleven dealers will be at this show dealing in minerals, fossils, gems, and jewelry. Children’s activities include a fish pond, scavenger hunt, rock crafts, and the Roaming Rock Wizard.
Rock Gem & Mineral Show Hours:
Saturday, March 23rd: 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday, March 24th: 9 am – 4 pm
You’ll find the Rock County Fairgrounds on the east side of Janesville, the “City of Parks.” I-39/90, U.S. 14, U.S. 51, and Highways 11 and 26 all bring you there!
Rock Gem & Mineral Show Address:
Craig Center, Rock County Fairgrounds
1301 Craig Avenue
Janesville, WI 53545
Website
nbsp;
March 23, 2019 – March 24, 2019
Madison Art, Bead & Glass Show
Check out the Bead Challenge, or just find pieces of art, beads, or glass creations you’d like to purchase.
It’s all happening at the Madison Art Bead & Glass Show, a perfect stop for artists and creatives of all stripes! It’s right off the Beltline (U.S. 12/18) along Rimrock Road near John Nolen Drive. U.S. 14 & 151 bring you close by, too!
Admission is $7 for one day, $11 for both days. You can buy tickets here.
Hours:
Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Madison Art Bead & Glass Show Address:
Alliant Energy Center
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
Madison, WI 53713
(608) 838-8011
Website
March 22, 2019 – March 31, 2019
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
Sweep aside your outdated and overgrown home and garden spaces and get inspired at this year’s REALTORS® Home & Garden Show presented by Unilock®. There’s no better place to learn about all the hottest home improvement tips and trends.
If you’re looking for inspiration, stop by the show to visit with any of 350+ exhibitors. Learn about the latest available products and chat with industry professionals regarding landscaping, windows, decks, kitchen and bath design, plumbing or HVAC needs, foundation repair, tree services, and much more.
And don’t forget to take advantage of one of the show’s many culinary demos or daily seminars provided at the Solutions Stage at Breckenridge Landscape Park.
Finally, a visit to the REALTORS Home & Garden Show would not be complete without a tour of the stunning Garden Promenade, presented by the Wisconsin Landscape Contractors Association. Always a clear reminder that spring is just around the corner, the showcase features 12 elaborately designed landscape displays. Designed by the area’s top landscapers, each garden combines plantings, water features and hardscapes with creature comforts like outdoor kitchens, sound systems and fire pits to create a haven for relaxing or entertaining.
With so much to see and do at this year’s show, there certainly is no space like home.
Admission is $8.00; Children 12 & under are FREE, as are all Active Military personnel with valid ID.
Check the Realtors Home & Garden Show website for full details on vendors, events, and more.
You’ll find the Wisconsin State Fair Exposition Center at the corner of Highway 59/Greenfield Avenue and Highway 181/84th Street, just south of I-94 and U.S. 18, two miles east of I-41/U.S. 45, three miles east of Highway 100, two miles west of Highway 175/Miller Park Way, and three miles west of Highway 57.
March 18, 2019 – March 23, 2019
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Irish Fest, New London
New London becomes “New Dublin” Monday, March 16th – Saturday, March 21st as the city hosts Wisconsin’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade and its annual Irish Fest celebration. The Saturday parade begins at 1pm and features bagpipe bands, marching bands, festive clowns, specialty units, clans, an Irish wake parody, and business floats–up to 125 or more.
New Dublin Irish Fest runs from 11am to 6pm Saturday in a heated tent featuring two Celtic bands, Irish food, beverages, and market booths. Entrance fee for the Irish Fest portion is just $5.
This St. Patrick’s Day in New Dublin celebration is a week-long set of festivities that include an exciting schedule of weeknight activities. Just some examples: Irish caroling, Irish entertainment on stage, and an Irish Céili. Corned beef and cabbage is widely served during the week in area restaurants and pubs with some places usually having entertainment.
Get all the parade and Irish Fest details at NewDublin.com.
U.S. 45 and Highway 54 will bring you to New Dublin… er, New London. Enjoy!!
New London Irishfest & St. Patrick’s Day Parade Address:
Downtown New London
Water Street, Highway 54
New London, WI 54961
(920) 982-3891
Website
New London has a very storied Irish history, hence the strong celebrations. The city is also the Birthplace of the Water Spaniel and has a lot of other small town charm and uniqueness to explore.
Back to StateTrunkTour.com
March 9, 2019
EAA Hops & Props
They say beer tastes better in Oshkosh. Find out for yourself by spending an evening sampling beverages from over 75 breweries from around the world. Microbreweries are present to provide their personal brewing process and history, while entertainment from live bands provides a backdrop for this fun and exciting tasting event.
Go from being a Beer Lover to a Master of Brews by upgrading to VIP status, which includes early admission to a gourmet, five-course meal featuring delectable food and beer pairings including the VIP brewery. Dinner begins at 4:30 p.m.; tickets are close to being sold out!
Please note that you must be 21 years of age or older to attend this event. Admission price also includes museum entrance and commemorative beer glass. I mean, hey, drink for a cause! All funds will support museum activities offered by EAA – programs that engage families in educational opportunities and experiences that motivate and inspire participants of all ages.
Please note that no large bags will be allowed into the museum; all bags are subject to search.
Full details on everything are available on EAA’s Hops & Props website. You can reach the EAA AirVenture Museum via I-41 and Highways 26, 44, or 91; U.S. 45 and Highways 21 and 76 also bring you to Oshkosh. Enjoy – safely!
Feel free to check out the rest of Oshkosh while you’re there. Prime outlet shopping is just across I-41 and there are plenty of fun things to see and do in this college town, including the Paine Art Museum.
Don’t forget EAA’s AirVenture, happening July 22-28 this year, featuring the Blue Angels! Wittman Field will become one of the world’s busiest airports for a week and you’ll get to see and experience everything from historic to cutting-edge experimental aviation machines. There will be military fighters, classic airplanes, commercial jets, and creative inventions everywhere.
EAA Hops & Props Address:
EAA AirVenture Museum
3000 Poberezny Road
Oshkosh, WI 54902
(920) 426-6541
Website
Belle City Brewfest
Belle City Brewfest convenes in downtown Racine Saturday, March 9th! Over 90 varieties of craft brews from 40 breweries will descend on Festival Hall at the Civic Centre showcasing their brands for unlimited tastings of beer and cider, including newer local breweries like Racine Brewing Company just down the street, R’Noggin Brewing of Kenosha, and more! There will also be live entertainment and beer seminars; judge the Homebrew Competition, enjoy live music from Mean Jake, and all in all just have a great Saturday!
Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 at the gate. Tickets include a souvenir cup and live entertainment along with a complete festival guide. Designated drivers can get in for $8 and get free soda or water plus full access to all beer seminars and the live entertainment. You can go to the Belle City Brewfest website or buy them directly from Ticketmaster here. A portion of the proceeds benefit Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin.
Belle City Brewfest will take place inside Festival Hall at Racine Civic Centre, which is right downtown and close to other favorite venues like the Racine Art Museum, Reefpoint Marina, even the Kewpee for burgers. Stay updated with their Facebook page.
You can get to downtown Racine from I-41/94 or Highway 31 via Highways 11, 20, 32, and 38.
Belle City Brewfest Address:
Festival Hall, Racine Civic Centre
5 5th Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 636-9229
Website
Participating brewers include:
…and more!
More from Real Racine
Back to StateTrunkTour.com
St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Milwaukee
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade Milwaukee winds through downtown from noon until about 1:30pm on Saturday, March 9th! It’s the 53rd Annual Shamrock Club of Wisconsin St. Patrick’s Day Parade with live Irish music, dance, food, beverages and more all afternoon. We’re pretty sure you can find corned beef, for example…
*** STT Tidbit: Milwaukee’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade dates back to 1843; it’s the 6th oldest such parade in the nation. **
Check out one of the best St Patrick’s Day Parades in the country and the grandest parade in Wisconsin. The Parade will feature 140+ units and includes local politicians and celebrities, floats, bagpipe and marching bands and Irish and Celtic organizations. It’s the perfect event for the whole family, because on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish!
Before the parade, there’s an 8:30am mass at St. Patrick’s Church at 723 W. Washington Street just south of downtown. After the parade, the Shamrock Club Post-Parade Party will take place at the Irish Cultural & Heritage Center at 2133 W. Wisconsin Avenue, just west of downtown and the Marquette University campus. It’s Milwaukee’s Largest Family Parade Day Party and features four stages of entertainment. There’s a $2 admission fee ($10 family maximum) and children 10 and younger are free. There will be plenty of food and beverages too!
The parade itself starts at noon on 3rd and Wisconsin and finishes at Water and Highland. It will actually go over portions of U.S. 18 and Highway 32 in the city. I-43/94 and Highways 38, 57, 59, and 145 also bring you within blocks of the parade route.
The Milwaukee St. Patrick’s Day Parade website has full details on all the events. It’s definitely a fun way to spend a Saturday and prepare for St. Patrick’s Day (and week, based on the timing of the parade!)
The Shamrock
Milwaukee’s Largest Family Parade Day Party
Four stages of entertainment
$2 admission | children 10 & younger free
Family maximum cost is $10
Food & beverages
March 9, 2019 – March 10, 2019
Cedar Creek Winery Open House
Cedar Creek Winery features its annual Open House Saturday, March 9th and Sunday, March 10th, 2019. Enjoy two festive and celebratory days, with Spring right around corner (we can only hope, after the February we’ve had!)
They say everything’s coming up roses, so enjoy a rose when you go… and some Rosé! Enjoy barrel tastings of vintages, live jazz, cooking-with-wine demonstrations and samplings, wine tastings, a live benefit auction, special events, food samplings, spring showcases and more in the shops at Cedar Creek Settlement. Other highlights include daily cooking demos and samplings with local chefs, along with grapevine pruning demonstrations and wine tastings. Barrel taste their Wisconsin-grown Marquette wine and their new dry white wine with winemaker Philippe, which takes place on Saturday.
Shops in Cedar Creek and nearby stores up and down Washington, as well as adjacent places like the new Rebellion Brewing USA, make for plenty of options to visit when you’re in Cedarburg, too!
Cellar Hours: Saturday 10am – 4pm | Sunday 11am – 4pm
Store Hours: Saturday and Sunday 10am – 5pm
Cedar Creek Winery Open House Address:
Cedar Creek Winery
N70W6340 Bridge Road
Cedarburg, WI 53012
(262) 377-8020
Website
Check out some spring fun in historic Cedarburg, along Historic Highway 57 (Washington Avenue) just north of Highway 167 and south of Highway 60. Highway 181 is just to the west. It’s only about 10-12 minutes off I-43/Highway 32, and it’s a great little town!
See the Schedule of Events below!
Cedar Creek Winery Open House Schedule of Events
Saturday, March 9th
10am-4pm: Self-Guided Tours (Cellar)
10am-4pm: WI Cheese Sampling (Cellar)
11:00am: Barrel Tasting (Cellar)
1pm: Grapevine Pruning Demonstration
2pm: Barrel Tasting (Cellar)
3pm: Cooking with Wine Demonstration (Cellar)
Sunday, March 10th
10am-4pm: Self-Guided Tours (Cellar)
10am-4pm: WI Cheese Sampling (Cellar)
11:30am: Barrel Tasting (Cellar)
1pm: Cooking with Wine Demonstration (Cellar)
2pm: Barrel Tasting (Cellar)
3pm: Cooking with Wine Demonstration (Cellar)
Back to StateTrunkTour.com
March 8, 2019 – March 10, 2019
Bike-O-Rama Midwest Bicycle Show & Sale
You can comparison shop, test ride, accessorize, and buy from all 2018 bicycle brands in one place. The New Holland Pavilion comes alive with thousands of new bicycles, and bicycle company sales reps will be showing their 2018 lines at the lowest prices of the year. Don’t forget to checkout the closeout corral for amazing deals on older model, used, and demo bikes.
Admission is FREE to all – though the Alliant Energy Center does charge for parking – usually $7.
Every new bicycle purchase includes a LIFETIME WARRANTY and 2 Free Tune-ups*! *Electric bikes carry only the manufacturer’s warranty
Hours:
Friday, March 8th Noon – 9pm
Saturday, March 9th 8am – 9pm
Sunday, March 10th 10am – 6pm
Midwest Bicycle Show & Sale Address:
Alliant Energy Center
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
Madison, WI 53713
(608) 251-8413
Website
March 5, 2019 – March 8, 2019
United States Championship Cheese Contest
The United States Championship Cheese Contest® is the nation’s premier technical cheese, butter, and yogurt competition. 2019 marks the 20th biennial edition, hosted by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association. Lambeau Field in Green Bay hosts the United States Championship Cheese Contest March 5-7, 2019 and the term “cheeseheads” will never be the same!
March 5-6: Watch the Preliminary Rounds FREE!
The U.S. Championship Cheese Contest is free and open to the public during the preliminary rounds of judging which take place on Tuesday, March 5th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and Wednesday, March 6th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The judging takes place in the Atrium at the Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The announcement of the 2019 United States Champion will happen in the evening on March 7, at Cheese Champion.
March 7: Meet the Experts and Taste the Winners!
The Championship round takes place Thursday, March 7 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the KI Convention Center in downtown Green Bay (333 Main Street.) This is a ticketed event, with all tickets sold in advance. You can buy yours for $30 starting in January.
Thousands of cheeses will compete for the elusive U.S. Championship Cheese crown, but of course only one can win. Entries are evaluated by a team of skilled technical judges from across the nation. Starting from a maximum possible 100 points, deductions are made for various defects found by each judge. Defects are noted in the areas of flavor, body and texture, salt, color, finish, packaging, and other appropriate attributes. A Gold medal, Silver medal and Bronze medal are awarded to the three highest scoring entries in each class. You can be there to watch it happen and you taste 40 of the best cheeses in the country! Mix and match your favorite beer and cheese pairings, and meet and mingle with 45 of the top cheese judges in the United States.
Worth noting is that the 2019 U.S. Championship Cheese Contest is open to only 400 attendees, with all tickets sold in advance. You’ll enjoy complimentary beer and cheese pairings, samples of at least 40 cheeses, and cash bar. So hurry!
United States Championship Cheese Contest Address:
Lambeau Field
1265 N. Lombardi Avenue
Green Bay, WI 54304
(920)
Website
March 2, 2019
World’s Longest Weenie Roast
“The World’s Longest Weenie Roast!”
Held to raise funds for the Great Divide Ambulance Service, the Namakagon Volunteer Fire Department and other area charities and not-for-profits, this event holds the record for the longest line of hot dog cookers over one fire in the world. With events like snowmobile speed runs, ice drags, crooked weenie obstacle course, and snow drags all on Lake Namakagon, there is more than enough fun for everyone.
All the action for the World’s Largest Weenie Roast takes place Saturday, March 2nd in Cable, along County M near U.S. 63 at the Lakewoods Resort & Forest Ridge Golf Course. Get all the event details here!
World’s Longest Weenie Roast Address:
Lakewoods Resort & Forest Ridge Golf Course
21540 County Road M
Cable, WI 54821
(715) 794-2561
Website
February 24, 2019
Ice Caves Exploration at Kickapoo Valley Reserve
Ever explored some ice caves? You can enjoy this Ice Caves Exploration event on Sunday, February 24, 2019 in the gorgeous Kickapoo Valley Reserve. Hosted by the UW-La Crosse Outdoor Connection, this all-day trip lets you examine some ice formations of the Driftless Region via footpaths that were once only traveled by Native Americans. This trip is dependent on winter weather conditions.
Ice Caves Exploration registration includes:
Questions? Call UW-La Crosse Outdoor Connection 608.785.8860 or email them at outdoorcnt@uwlax.edu.
This is not a Kickapoo Valley Reserve-sponsored event, so please contact the UW-L Outdoor Connection with any questions at (608) 785-8860.
You’ll find the Kickapoo Valley Reserve along Highway 131, a beautiful drive any time of year. This event, however, originates from La Crosse and you’ll need to take I-90, U.S. 14/61, U.S. 53, or Highways 16, 33, or 35 to get there.
Ice Caves Exploration Address:
Kickapoo Valley Reserve
3661 State Highway 131
La Farge, WI 54639
(608) 785-8860
Facebook Event Page
February 23, 2019
9th Annual Turkey Bowling, Mountain
Why use a 12-pound bowling ball when you can use a 12-pound turkey? Mountain’s Riverview Fire Department hosts its 9th annual Turkey Bowling event Saturday, February 23rd. The action happens right along Highway 32 at the Town of Riverview’s Ice Rink & Pavilion.
Turkey Bowling will consist of four-person teams, any age is cool. You can register your group for turkey bowling the day of for just $30. Of course, you can just watch, too. There will also be food, beverages, raffles and more, and of course the heated pavilion to warm up in!
For more information or to Pre-Register, call or text Barry @ 715-850-0364.
Register for $30 at the Half-Way Bar or at the event itself the day of. Enjoy chili, sandwiches, beverages, raffles and more throughout the day! Ice grippers are encouraged.
You’ll find the turkey bowling action along Highway 32, just north of Highway 64 in Mountain in Oconto County. Should be a fun time, and then check out the beautiful snowmobile trails, hiking trails, fishing lakes and flowages, forest lands, even Larry the Logroller in nearby Wabeno! Or head east to Crivitz, south to Gillett (the “ATV Capital”), or Oconto itself for history in Copper Culture State Park and some great dining options!
Turkey Bowling Address in Mountain:
Town of Riverview Ice Rink & Pavilion
15471 State Highway 32
Mountain, WI 54149
(715) 850-0019
Website
February 23, 2019 – February 24, 2019
Racine Home Expo
Featuring home interiors, energy saving features, landscaping, home improvement seminars, prizes and more. Start your spring off right and don’t miss the Racine Home Expo Show, Saturday, February 23rd and Sunday, Feb. 24th, 2019 at the Racine Festival Hall. If your house needs a “facelift” or a little TLC, this is definitely a place to check out.
Explore hundreds of exhibits of the best in home remodeling products and services, for indoors and out! Meet the experts, shop and compare, see the latest in products, styles and colors. Find out how to create that “brand new home” feeling again.
Admission is $3 for adults, kids 17 and under get in free all weekend! Parking is FREE in the Festival Hall lot.
Festival Hall is right in the downtown area of Racine, off Main Street near the Harbor. Highways 20 & 32 run within a block, Highway 38 arrives just a few blocks north, and Highway 11 brings you to Racine from points west. Downtown Racine is about 10 minutes east of I-41/94. You can also check out Monument Square, the Racine Art Museum within a few blocks, great shopping and restaurants (we love the Kewpee burgers!), the Racine Brewing Company tap room, and much more!
Racine Home Expo Address:
Festival Hall
5 5th Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 631-1746
Website
February 22, 2019 – February 23, 2019
Bald Eagle Appreciation Days
All programs and activities at Hoffman Hall in Prairie Du Chien on Saturday are free. Educational Birding programs will also be held Friday evening – at local hotels and are open to the public at no charge. The event is co-sponsored by Effigy Mounds National Monument and the Prairie du Chien Tourism Council. Effigy Mounds Winter Film Festival will also be going on that weekend and the Villa Louis will be open for tours. Stop and get some tasty fish and other morsels at Valley Fish & Cheese right where Highway 27 starts in the downtown area, too!
Get all the details on their website!
U.S. 18 and Highways 27, 35, and 60 all bring you to Prairie du Chien.
Bald Eagle Appreciation Days Address:
Along with being all over town, activities focus on Hoffman Hall
1600 S. Waucota Avenue
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
(608) 326-8555
Website
Viewing Area Tips for Eagle Watching In and Around Prairie du Chien (courtesy of their website)
A good spot for eagle viewing is between the Blackhawk Avenue and Washington Street bridges in Prairie du Chien. A large artesian well provides open water. Eagles will perch in trees along the slough. Check the trees along the Mississippi River shore near and across from Lawler Park on St. Feriole Island is another location of eagle activity. The park is west and north of the Blackhawk Avenue bridge. A mounted bird scope for viewing is available (located in back of building) at the Wisconsin Welcome Center/Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce building, 211 S. Main. Enroute to Prairie du Chien watch for eagles soaring or perching in trees in open field areas looking for food.
You can spend the day or several days viewing eagles. You will need appropriate clothing and binoculars. A spotting scope is nice too. Eagle watching begins in the morning about an hour after sunrise. The birds are most active from then until about 3:00PM, feeding in open water areas. Birds can be seen soaring, perching in riverside trees, and sitting on the ice. By late afternoon the birds will be heading for the roost and will not be active unless you are on a flight path to the roost.
The best places to see eagles in the area include the Gordon’s Bay boat landing and Lock and Dam #9, 10 miles north of Prairie du Chien. The boat landing is cleared of snow so eagle watchers can simply park near the ramp facing slightly upstream. Watch for eagles in the big cottonwoods along the Wisconsin shoreline, across the river in trees along the Iowa shoreline, and soaring overhead or over the open water caused by flowing water from the dam. Staying in your vehicle will provide you the best viewing as soaring eagles have been known to come very close to the boat landing with their feeding activity. Eagles will be seen flying and perched in trees along the river as you travel to and from this area from Prairie du Chien.
Other Eagle Viewing Sites
Effigy Mounds National Monument
Three miles north of Marquette, IA, via U.S. 18 across the river and Iowa Highway 76 northbound
563-873-3491
Pikes Peak State Park
2.5 miles south of McGregor, IA on Hwy 340, via U.S. 18 across the river
563-873-2341
Wyalusing State Park
10 miles south of Prairie du Chien, via U.S. 18/Highway 35 and County C (the Great River Road)
608-996-2261
February 16, 2019
Northwoods Blizzard Blast
The Northwoods Blizzard Blast is a “flurry of winter fun for everyone” in Conover, between Eagle River and Land O’Lakes along Highway 32 & U.S. 45 in the heart of the North Woods! Activities in Conover Community Park include ice bowling, the Dogsled Dash, recliner racing, sledding, face painting, fireworks, horse drawn sleigh rides, snow carving, snowshoe baseball, and an Artisan Bazaar in the adjacent Conover Community Center. Check out related events in Phelps and Land O’Lakes, too!
The Blizzard Blast Bazaar hosts numerous artisans and exhibitors with hand-crafted items, talents on display, food and beverages, and more. Admission is free for the Bazaar all day.
All of this activity is in Vilas County north of Eagle River. Follow U.S. 45 & Highway 32 north from Eagle River, past where Highway 17 veers off for its ride to Phelps. Conover is about 15 minutes north of Eagle River, and Land O’Lakes (plus the source of the Wisconsin River in Lac Vieax Desert) is just north of Conover.
Northwoods Blizzard Blast Addresses:
Conover Community Park
4697 Park Circle, just off U.S. 45/Hwy 32
Conover, WI 54519
(715) 891-6254
Website
Blizzard Blast Schedule of Events in Conover (subject to updates and changes):
Wed-Sat SNOW SCULPTING COMPETITION -$100 prize! $25 (team)
9am-4pm ARTISAN BAZAAR Free
9am-4pm FACE PAINTING Varies
10am-4pm HORSE DRAWN SCENIC RIDES $2-$5
10:15am X-COUNTRY FUN SKI & TRAIL TOUR $10
10am-4pm SLAP SHOT HOCKEY-Shot on goal, win a prize! $1
10am-4pm ICE BOWLING-Bowl at strike, win a prize! $1
10am-4pm WINTER CARNIVAL GAMES FOR KIDS $1 each
10am-4pm PONY RIDES $2
10am-4pm YOUTH ARCHERY DEMO Free
10am-4pm SNOW ART FUN FOR KIDS Free
10am-4pm SNOWBOARD DEMO & INSTRUCTION Free
10am-2pm SNOWSHOE BASEBALL GAMES Free
10pm-4pm SNOWSHOE DEMO BY HIKER BOX Free
12pm-3pm KID’S DOGSLED DASH-win a Musher’s Medal $2
10am-2:30 RECLINER RACE QUALIFYING LAPS $1
3pm RECLINER RACE FINALS-$100 prize! (register by 2:30pm) $20 (team of 3)
4 pm TROPHY PRESENTATION Free
Sandwiches, S’mores, snacks, soda & beer are available all day.
Toasty bonfires and heated restrooms are located throughout the park.
Milwaukee Comic Con
Milwaukee Comic Con 2019 is an amazing comic convention. Saturday, February 16th, it takes over the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds in West Allis. The Milwaukee Comic Con will feature over 300 artist tables, vendor booths, and special guests. That’s 300 tables of geeky goodness! But they’re also bringing cash prize cosplay contests, video and table top gaming tournaments, and a whole weekend of fun! Comic con is Milwaukee’s largest comic book and pop culture event!
Admission is $5 for adults; admission for kids is still FREE and everyone gets a FREE comic at the door. Get tickets HERE!
Milwaukee Comic Con Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park Expo Center
640 S. 84th Street (Highway 181 at 59)
West Allis, WI 53214
Website
Guests include:
Deadgar
Trevor Mueller
Frank Fosco
Scott Beaderstadt
Jordan Gunderson
Balke Studios
TerresTrial TaroT
3 Keys Comics
Time Warp Collectibles
J&J Pops, Comics, and Collectibles
Gothcraeft
Art of tony “four” smith
SayWerd
MWM Art Studios
The Pad
d.a.d. Toys
MilRAWkee Alt. & Tarahble Creations
MilRAWkee Alt. x Mad Propz 3d
MilRAWkee Alt.
Stinky Goblin Emporium
Angry Parrot Forge
First Aid Comics
Diamond Danny – Classic Video Games & Toys
Alive Chiropractic
KC Wilson Art
Star Cross Comics
1MoreRound Entertainment
Camron Johnson Illustrations
Vinyl Vaults
AmarathiArts Studios
BROCK ROCKOW
Art of Archangelo
LooLooKazoo
SeWeird Galactic Accessories
Big Boy Studio
Skull Island Games
The Variant
MKE Muse
GeekOutNow
Luis Colindres Art
Tom Molloy
M. Ainihi
Crimson Cowl Comics and Collectibles, LLC
Midwest Game Hunters
NETHERVOID COLLECTIBLES
Terran Toys & Comics
JSJ Comics
Nate Jones Design
Artz
The Turning Page
Suzie’s Stitchables & Stuff
Pirate Stitchery
Holloway Comics
The Pad
Jewell Walton Art
Dragging Inks
Outer Space Comics
dkulikowski
Kelsey Rushing Art
Mystery Unincorporated
Mike and Paul Richlen Creature Creations
Jalapeno Ghost Illustrations
Dave’s Comic Vault
Jaime Coker Creations
Infernoworks art images
Mischief Projections
Mr Vo’s Collectible Comics
Plushzilla
ZombieOnCanvas
It’s ya boi Myuk
Top Mouse Comics
SteamThief
Kimberlee Ann Bastian
Geek Chic Designs By B
D. Lieber
Ramel Hill
Fantasy Articrafts
Gorfex Comics
Non Sport Card Queen
Time Travelers Toys and Collectibles
Zac’s Toys and Collectibles
Michele’s matts and more
Krystal Kowalczyk
MAZ Collectibles
Skull Girl Creations
Custom Processing Unlimited
The Toy Guys
Spencer’s Comics
Disko Pimp Solo-man 5000
Literary Alterations
Bernie Gonzalez
Garlen Dodge
The Game Changers
Matt Rybarczyk’s Comics
Rainarc Rhapsody, LLC
Formula 350
iCon Tournaments
Pulp Culture Comics
Vault 0
Geek Inc. Comics
3rd Time Comics
Back to StateTrunkTour.com
February 9, 2019
Ice Cold Beer Fest
Minocqua will again beat as the heart and soul of the Wisconsin craft beer industry once again at the 21st Annual Ice Cold Beer Fest will be held in downtown Minocqua, Saturday, February 9, 2019. Beer, food and live music all available under a heated big top tent on the Island of Minocqua. Last year, fest goers were able to sample more than 250 different craft beers that included breweries from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and Illinois. All proceeds from the Ice Cold Beer Fest benefit their local Dr. Kate Hospice.
PREMIER TASTING — Only 200 Premier Tasting Tickets will be sold. This event delegates those ticket holders to a prime sampling from noon to 1 p.m., to include beers not-to-be released to the general admission crowd. Private bathrooms are also available to these ticket holders ONLY. Included in the price is an individually number commemorative tasting glass along with prime tasting of food to include shrimp, steak and desserts. Cost for premier tasting is $80 and includes the full five-hour festival.
GENERAL ADMISSION — A total of 600 General Admission tickets will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Tickets are available for $50. There will be NO ADDITIONAL TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE GATE.
INFORMATION — All persons must have a valid ID, and be 21-and-over to enter festival. This goes for designated drivers as well. No one under 21-years of age will be permitted on the grounds. The Ice Cold Beer Festival reserves the right to refuse entrance to anyone. No re-entry into tent without wristband.
You can get to Minocqua via U.S. 51 or Highways 47 or 70. Check out the beautiful downtown, the World’s Largest Penny in nearby Woodruff, and the North Woods surroundings on your way to or fro!
Check their website for the full list and all the details.
Ice Cold Beer Fest Address:
Minocqua Brewing Company
238 Lakeshore Drive (just off U.S. 51)
Minocqua, WI 54548
(715) 356-2600
Website