Beloit’s ArtWalk has been hosted by the Downtown Beloit Association for the past 15 years. It’s a unique evening shopping experience in historic Downtown Beloit that transforms businesses into art galleries! This event draws hundreds of residents and visitors alike to support small businesses and shop for one-of-kind pieces of art.
Now in its 16th year, ArtWalk continues to grow, with more than 25 businesses and 30 artists participating. In addition to the vast array of exceptional items for sale, shoppers can enjoy live music, hors d’oeuvres, and free trolley rides.
The event will be held on Friday, May 11 from 5 to 9 pm in the heart of Downtown Beloit. Brochures will be available listing the participating businesses and the names of the artists or craftspeople selling their wares in each location.
“ArtWalk is an extremely popular event,” exclaims Shauna El-Amin, Executive Director of the Downtown Beloit Association. “Many of the venues offer special giveaways, food items, and entertainment in addition to showcasing the art of local artists. It gets bigger and better every year!”
And, be sure to stop into the Vision Beloit Center, 500 Public Avenue for a special free treats and one-of-a-kind pieces for sale.
Beloit is home to Beloit College – one of reasons for the vibrant downtown – as well as the Angel Museum, the “World’s Largest Can of Chili”, it’s where the modern speedometer was invented, and its resurgence is truly something to behold, especially downtown and along the Rock River. Check out the Ironworks if you can!
I-39/90 and I-43 meet on the northeast side of Beloit; Highway 81 brings you in from the east and west. U.S. 51, of course, is the main north-south drive through the heart of the city, and Highway 213 (long ago once part of Highway 13) brings you in from the northwest.
Beloit ArtWalk Address:
Downtown Beloit
State & Grand Avenues
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 365-0150 Website
Start:
May 11, 2018 5:00 pm
End:
May 11, 2018 9:00 pm
Venue:
Downtown Beloit
Phone:
608-365-0150
Address:
328 State Street, Beloit, WI, 53511, United States
Columbus is known as the “Red Bud City” for its red bud trees all over this city of 5,000. The annual Red Bud Festival takes place May 11-13, 2018 this year to celebrate the blooms and beauty of these trees. The city uses this time to celebrate spring with special events throughout the city, focused on its historic downtown.
You can also enjoy a Brat Fry, a city-wide garage sale, sidewalk sales, the Columbus Prince & Princess Contest, and more. While in Columbus checking out the Red Bud Festival, you can also shop the Columbus Antique Mall (Wisconsin’s largest), explore the Farmers & Merchants Union Bank (a “jewel box” designed by Louis Sullivan and a National Historic Landmark), a wide variety of beautiful old homes, and the vibrant downtown with its terrific architecture.
Columbus is right along U.S. 151; the freeway ducks around the east side of town and Business U.S. 151 – the original route – cuts right through the heart of downtown. Highways 16, 60, 73, and 89 all bring you to Columbus too. Enjoy the beautiful blooms of the trees and more at the festival, and we think you’ll enjoy checking out this charming city!
Columbus Red Bud Festival Address:
Historic Downtown Columbus
105 N. Dickason Blvd.
Columbus, WI 53925
(920) 623-3699 Website
Start:
May 11, 2018
End:
May 13, 2018
Venue:
Historic Downtown Columbus
Phone:
920-623-3699
Address:
105 N. Dickason Blvd., Columbus, WI, 53925, United States
The Apple Capital of Wisconsin celebrates the Gays Mills Spring Festival May 11-13, 2018. Check out orchards in bloom, food stands, a variety of local events, and the annual Festival of Folk Music and Dance, all along Highways 131 and 171 in the heart of the beautiful Driftless Area.
The Gays Mills Spring Festival coincides with Mothers Day Weekend this year, and along with the Festival the Folk Festival of Music & Dance, you can enjoy the Ocooch Mountain Rescue Pancake Breakfast, Little Britches Rodeo, and the Antique Tractor Show and Pull. These events are held throughout the village and at the Crawford County Fairgrounds.
Open House Racine County offers a free, fascinating look at sights from Racine to Burlington
Open House Racine County is a terrific way to explore this diverse slice of southeast Wisconsin. The bustling city of Racine with its beautiful marina to the rolling hills, alpaca farms, and friendly towns like Burlington and Union Grove. Check out our State Trunk Tour Podcast discussion with Real Racine’s Paul Holley about it here!
Nearly 60 OHRC 2018 sites (as evidenced by the pins in the map below) are scattered throughout the county. You can stroll the beautiful Wind Point Lighthouse grounds, visit Oak Clearing Farm (recently featured on cable TV’s “American Pickers”), meet an alpaca at Earthcare Suri Alpacas or tour Burlington’s Chocolate Experience Museum.
If architecture interests you, the internationally famous Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings at the SC Johnson campus in Racine and the Wingspread home in Wind Point will be open by appointment. You’ll also have opportunities to see several historic and architecturally significant area churches and civic buildings.
To learn more and create your own Open House itinerary, visit www.openhouseracinecounty.com. You’ll find photos, descriptions and map locations of each site under “Locations.” Look for the Open House Racine County banners as you drive throughout the county. I-41/94, U.S. 45, and Highways 11, 20, 31, 32, 36, 38, 75, 83, and 142 all run through Racine County – and many of the side roads have some of the best attractions and views!
Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at most locations — check the location details on the OHRC website.
The “home base” of Open House Racine County is the Real Racine Visitor Center, right along Highway 20 just west of I-94/41. Resources, connections, whatever you need – they’ll have it for you.
Open House Racine County is organized by Real Racine with support from Travel Wisconsin, House of Harley-Davidson, Wisconsin Public Radio and Magnum Media, parent company of Racine radio stations WRJN and WVTY.
Date:
May 5, 2018
Venue:
Real Racine Visitors Center
Phone:
262-884-6400
Address:
14015 Washington Avenue, Sturtevant, WI, 53177, United States
Villa Louis Behind the Scenes lets you check out the historic the Villa Louis National Historic Landmark, right on St. Feriole Island along the Mississippi River in Wisconsin’s second oldest city of Prairie du Chien, from top to bottom. “Behind the Scenes” at Villa Louis offer extended tours of the mansion, giving visitors a glimpse into the life of a historic house museum. Highlighting the care and upkeep of a unique object from the Dousman collection, tours include visits to the nooks and crannies of this historic and beautiful restored mansion.
The Villa Louis mansion itself is a Victorian Italianate style home, constructed of Cream City brick. It boasted modern indoor plumbing and central heating, quite a luxury for the early 1870s (Wi-fi wouldn’t come along for many years.) It was remodeled and restored in 1885 and again in the 1930s when family members used the mansion as a boarding house school.
Tours are April 27-28, 2018, as well as a Villa Louis Behind the Scenes event focusing on art October 19-20. You can also check out their War of 1812 re-enactment July 21-22, which recreates the Battle of Prairie du Chien – the only active battle in Wisconsin during that war. The Carriage Classic takes place September 7-9, bringing you back to the days of the Dousman family’s trotting horse operation, the Artesian Stock Farm. It’s always a fascinating look at history here.
Prairie du Chien lies just north of where the Wisconsin River flows into the Mississippi in one of the most beautiful areas of Wisconsin. Wyalusing State Park is just to the south, and you’re right along the Great River Road. U.S. 18 and Highways 27, 35, and 60 all bring you there. Watch for some construction and detour work along Highway 35 heading into town, though!
For full Villa Louis information, check out their website!
Villa Louis Behind the Scenes Address:
521 N. Villa Louis Road
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
(608) 326-2721 Website
Start:
April 27, 2018 10:30 am
End:
April 28, 2018 5:00 pm
Venue:
Villa Louis
Phone:
608-326-2721
Address:
521 N. Villa Louis Road, Prairie du Chien, WI, 53821, United States
The Wisconsin Film Festival is presented by the University of Wisconsin Arts Institute. bringing a vast array of unique films to the Madison area. An eight-day exploration of new American independent dramatic and documentary films, animation, experimental restorations and revivals.
Films are shown in a variety of venues across Madison, including:
Include the movie venues listed above. Festival offices are located at 1050 University Avenue, Madison, 53703. Their office phone is (608) 262-9009. Website
Start:
April 5, 2018
End:
April 12, 2018
Venue:
Various locations around Madison
Phone:
608-262-9009
Address:
1050 University Avenue608-, Madison, WI, 53713, United States
Hornucopia is a band of talented musicians and singers from the Twin Cities and upper Midwest area. Distinct from tribute bands that pay homage to a single group or style of music, Hornucopia pays tribute to many musical groups that feature substantial horn sections. It boasts a tight 4-piece horn section and a 4-piece rhythm section, plus 3 top rated vocalists whose melodies and harmonies are inspiring and far-reaching.
Hornucopia Event Address:
Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts
205 Main Street East
Menomonie, WI 54751
(715) 235-0001 Website
Start:
March 31, 2018 7:00 pm
End:
March 31, 2018 11:00 pm
Venue:
Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts
Phone:
715-235-0001
Address:
205 Main Street East, Menomonie, WI, 54751, United States
Farming has become a high-tech business, and the WPS Farm Show is the ideal place to get a taste of what’s happening in modern agriculture. For three days, farmers from around the Midwest will flock to the EAA Grounds in Oshkosh to check out the latest in farm machinery, tools and services. Each year, the event attracts around 20,000 people. This year’s show will feature more than 400 exhibitors, including everything from Accelerated Genetics to Ziegler Ag Equipment. In the farming world, this show is, as Ron Burgandy would say, “kind of a big deal.” A sign of the changing face of agriculture can be seen in the fact that this year’s WPS show will be powered by energy from wind and biomass. If you’re interested in farming or if you’re just curious about what a farm show looks like, don’t miss the WPS Farm Show. You can reach the EAA Grounds directly via I-41, Highways 26, 44, and 91; U.S. 45 and Highways 21 and 76 get you close!
Start:
March 27, 2018 9:00 am
End:
March 29, 2018 4:00 pm
Venue:
EAA Aviation Center
Phone:
866-920-3276
Address:
3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, WI, 54902, United States
The Apple Holler Big Bunny Celebration and Easter Egg Hunt is a fun family event that has been a tradition for the last 20+ years. Big Bunny Celebration starts with The Country Bunny Easter Wish Puppet Show. After the puppet show, guests do the bunny hop through the Big Bunny tunnel. The Big Bunny Celebration also includes: an orchard tour on the Big Bunny Express kid’s train into the Enchanted Forest, an Easter Egg Hunt, a hand-led pony ride, a special Easter surprise for each child, homemade cookie, apple cider, children’s games where every child wins, roasting marshmallows around a warming campfire and photo opportunities with Big Bunny himself.
Get all the details on the Apple Holler Big Bunny Celebreation at their website. You’ll find the Apple Holler along I-41/94 at Exit 337, which is County KR at the Racine-Kenosha County line. Highway 11 is just two miles north, and Highway 142 is just three miles south.
Apple Holler Big Bunny Celebration Address:
5006 S. Sylvania Avenue
Sturtevant, WI 53177
(262) 884-7100 Website
Start:
March 24, 2018
End:
March 25, 2018
Venue:
Apple Holler Restaurant & Playhouse
Phone:
262-886-8500
Address:
5006 S. Sylvania Avenue, Sturtevant, WI, 53177, United States
Madison hosts the World Championship Cheese Contest again this year at the Monona Terrace and it will be a cheese lover’s paradise! Cheesemakers from all over the world descend on Wisconsin’s capital city for three days to judge over 3,000 cheeses, butters, and yogurts.
Preliminary judging rounds for the World Championship Cheese Contest are open to the public for FREE Tuesday, March 6 and Wednesday, March 7. Try some tasty samples as the judges do their thing and narrow it down to finalists and winners.
Then, Thursday night the 8th you can attend the Cheese Champion event. This ticketed event ($25, in advance) lets you sample more than 50 of the best cheese from around the world. International cheese experts will be on hand to show you the intracicies of of cheese evaluation, and of course you can pair cheeses with other foods and craft beers that will be available. The event climaxes with the crowning of the World Champion Cheesemaker!
Monona Terrace is a crown jewel of a conference center, with the original design going back to Frank Lloyd Wright. Perched overlooking Lake Monona on one side with a beautiful view of the Wisconsin State Capitol just a few blocks away, it’s a fantastic place for an event – especially one filled with specialty cheeses! Monona Terrace actually covers U.S. 151/John Nolen Drive for several blocks; it’s mere moments from the Beltline (U.S. 12/18), Park Avenue (U.S. 14/151), East Washington Avenue (U.S. 151), Highway 113, or Highway 30 from I-39/90/94.
World Championship Cheese Contest/Monona Terrace Address:
1 John Nolen Drive (U.S. 151)
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 286-1001 Website
The World Champion Cheesemaker Award was bestowed on a U.S. cheesemaker for the first time since 1988 during the awards in 2016, to Emmi Roth of Monroe, Wisconsin.
Start:
March 6, 2018 10:00 am
End:
March 8, 2018 9:00 pm
Venue:
Monona Terrace
Phone:
608-286-1001
Address:
1 John Nolen Drive, Madison, WI, 53703, United States
Winterfest 2018 is a family-friendly event in Marshfield (aka “Hub City”) highlighting the perks of Wisconsin winters. Marshfield Winterfest offers activities like a 400-Meter Kids Race, Cross Country Skiing, Snow Shoe 5k or 10k, and the Fat Tire Bike 5k or 10k. The 400-Meter (1/4 mile) course is perfect for the kids, while the 5k and 10k courses are made to challenge the winter sport enthusiast. All ages and abilities are welcome!
This year, there will also be Badger State Games events in Snowshoeing and Cornhole tournaments. See their Facebook page for more details!
Fat biking at Marshfield Winterfest, photo courtesy of Paula Jero/Hub City Times
Marshfield Winterfest Schedule (subject to change):
Time: 12:00pm Event Registration & Free Youth 400-Meter Race
12:30pm Cross Country Skiing
1:00pm Fat Tire Bike (5k and 10k)
1:30pm Snow Shoe (5k and 10k)
The Post-Race Celebration will feature food, beverages, and awards ceremony.
If you plan on participating, here are some Registration details!
Individuals (ages 19+): $30
Individuals (ages 11-18): $20
Children 10 years and under are free.
Awards will be given to the top 3 Marshfield Winterfest finishers in each race.
Stay and enjoy LIVE music during the afternoon and into the evening!
3:00 – G-Man
5:00 – Elated Sun
8:00 – The Big Deeks
Worth visiting for more than just Marshfield Winterfest, Marshfield is a fun city regardless of the season. Hit U.S. 10 or Highways 13, 80, or 97 to access what they call “Hub City,” named for both its historic hub for railroads and its location very close to the geographic center of Wisconsin.
Home to Marshfield Clinic, this city of 20,000 also hosts the Central Wisconsin State Fair (which includes the World’s Largest Round Barn) and features the Wildwood Zoo, the Blue Heron Brewpub, and a hopping main street in the form of Central Avenue. Marshfield is also along the Yellowstone Trail, part of the “Plymouth Rock to Puget Sound” highway that was among the first designated cross-country highways in the United States.
Marshfield Winterfest Address:
RiverEdge Golf Course
10191 Mill Creek Road
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 384-9992 Website
Start:
February 24, 2018 11:30 am
End:
February 24, 2018 6:00 pm
Venue:
RiverEdge Golf Course
Phone:
715-384-9992
Address:
10191 Cty Hwy B, Marshfield, WI, 54449, United States
The Paramount Music Association brings the Blues and more great music to the fun, yet intimate Anodyne Coffee Roasters Stage in Milwaukee with Blues Bash 2018 on Sunday, February 18th! Enjoy great music, food and beverages, and camaraderie. Your $20 ticket at the door helps support the work of the Paramount Music Association, which salutes the rich and trail-breaking history of music in Wisconsin – and particularly the days of Paramount Records 100 years ago in Port Washington and Grafton. They have an annual three-day festival in Port Washington Labor Day weekend, but on February 18th they bring some great artists to Milwaukee for an intimate performance in the city’s Walkers Point neighborhood.
Performers include Tallan Noble Latz, Katz Sass, The Blues Disciples, and Reverend Raven & the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys. Doors open at 2:30, music starts at 3pm.
You can reach the Anodyne Coffee Roastery (3rd & Bruce in Walkers Point) via nearby connections on Highway 59, Highway 38, Highway 145, U.S. 18, and I-43/94.
It’s a Fat Tuesday celebration at the Milwaukee Public Market! Loosen your belts and head over for the 2nd Annual Milwaukee Public Market Chili & Beer Tasting on Tuesday, February 13th.
Explore 8 different chili creations from 8 different public market vendors, and follow them up with 8 regional craft beers. Enjoy a wide range of chili creations that are sure to please everyone from meat-free fans to meat-PLEASE fans. From mild to wild, from fair to fire – the “heat meter” will be covered on both ends with each homemade chili recipe.
Wash down these chili samples with samplings from some of the area’s top breweries, from within Milwaukee and just beyond. Net proceeds from the event will benefit COA Youth & Family Centers. It’s a win-win-win!
Featuring Chili from:
The Soup & Stock Market
West Allis Cheese & Sausage
Margarita Paradise
On The Bus (vegan)
Thainamite
Foltz Family Market
The Spice House
St. Paul Fish Company
and featuring corn bread from C. Adams’ Bakery
With Beer from:
Sprecher
City Lights
Titletown Brewery
Lakefront Brewery
Good City Brewing
Raised Grain Brewing
Third Space Brewery, and
Company Brewing
The Milwaukee Public Market features a fantastic variety of food and beverage vendors, market items for recipes and take-home, wearables at Brew City Beer Gear, and during warmer weather an outdoor farmers market that stretches along Broadway and St. Paul. St. Paul Fish Company also offers a seasonal outdoor bar with a tiki-Florida feel in the summer and, conditions permitting, an ice bar in the winter. With the way the weather’s been looking, the ice bar will be open during the Milwaukee Public Market Chili & Beer Tasting, too!
You can get to the Milwaukee Public Market via Water Street or Broadway (Highway 32), two blocks south of U.S. 18 and about one mile north of Highway 59/National Avenue. Highways 38 and 145 bring you close, and I-794 literally hovers above it!
Milwaukee Public Market Chili & Beer Tasting Address:
400 N. Water Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 336-1111 Website
Start:
February 13, 2018 6:00 pm
End:
February 13, 2018 9:00 pm
Venue:
Milwaukee Public Market
Phone:
414-336-1111
Address:
400 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Chocolate: smooth, velvety, soft, dark, sensuous… kinda makes your heart go pitter-patter, doesn’t it? Well, there’s a treat for you at the 15th Annual, Death by Chocolate Valentine’s Day event in Appleton. It happens Saturday, Feb 10, 2018 from 1-4pm. Sample scrumptious chocolate desserts whipped up by some of the best chefs in the area!
Tickets are on sale now. Call 920-954-9112 or stop at the ADI office at 116 N. Appleton St. Mon-Fri 8:45am-3:30pm. You can also buy tickets online.
Enjoy the Love Is In The Air Celebration including a Community Wedding Vow Renewal in Houdini Plaza at noon, plus ice sculptures to view before & after your chocolate lovers paradise.
Choose from one of two “Death By Chocolate” routes each with 21 stops for just $20. (The 21 stops include 12 bars and restaurants and 8 retail stops who wanted to join in the fun on both routes. Plus one more bonus top that isn’t even on the tickets at Riverview Gardens Retail Store, 513 W. College Avenue where The Community Clothes Closet will be hosting a pop up Vintage clothing sale and giving away chocolate mini-cupcakes!)
See below for a list of the many participating locations.
Getting to Appleton is easy via I-41, U.S. 10, or Highways 47, 96, or 125 (of course, by the time you reach Highways 125, you’re pretty much IN Appleton already._)
Downtown Appleton Death By Chocolate Address:
10 W. College Avenue (Highway 125)
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 954-9112 Website
Death By Chocolate Participating Locations:
EAST END
Wooden Nickel Sports Bar & Grill Chocolate Porter*
The Fire Spicy Hot Chocolate with Spray Whip
Beatnik Betty’s Resale Butik Chocolate Surprise
Antojitos Mexicanos Chocolate Tres Leche Cake
hey, daisy! Cookies & Dream Edible Ice Cream
The Vintage Garden Chocolate Salted Caramel Delight
Lillians of Appleton Chocolate Surprise
Brewed Awakenings Caramel Mocha Cake
Bagelicious Chocolate Surprise
Inspire Spa Hot Chocolate Bar
Olde Town Tavern Chocolate Martini*
Bazil’s Pub Chocolate Beer*
Tamara’s Cake Guru Chocolate Mini Cupcakes, Brownie Bites & Valentine Treats
Crazy Sweet Chocolate covered oreo truffles
Cleo’s Brown Beam Tavern Chopin Double Chocolate Liqueur*
Appleton Street Sports Bar & Grill Chocolate Cheesecake Bites
Rookie’s Bar & Grill Chocolate Beer*
Copper Rock Coffee Dark Chocolate Truffle Gelato with Winter Chocolate Drizzle
Spa BenMarNico Hot Chocolate
Float Light Assorted Chocolates
WEST END & RIVERFRONT
Wooden Nickel Sports Bar & Grill Chocolate Porter*
The Fire Spicy Hot Chocolate with Spray Whip
Beatnik Betty’s Resale Butik Chocolate Surprise
hey, daisy! Cookies & Dream Edible Ice Cream
The Vintage Garden Chocolate Salted Caramel Delight
Lillians of Appleton Chocolate Surprise
Inspire Spa Hot Chocolate Bar
Spa BenMarNico Hot Chocolate
Jo ala Mode inside the Radisson Chocolate Fantasy Cake
CU Saloon Hasta LaBasta (Chocolate, Honey & Molasses Stout)*
McGuinness Irish Pub Nutty Irishman*
ACOCA Coffee Bourbon Pecan Truffles
Muncheez Pizzeria Cinni-Muncheez with Chocolate Fudge dipping sauce
Appleton Beer Factory Chocolate Beer*
Float Light Assorted Chocolates
Sangria’s Mexican Grill Chicken Chile Relleno with White Chocolate Godiva Ganache
Spats Food & Spirits Chocolate POTS DE CREME
Stone Arch BrewPub Bacon Brewer Bars (paired with an Imperial Chocolate Stout*)
Fratello’s Waterfront Restaurant mini chocolate cupcakes filled with milk chocolate ganache
Atlas Waterfront Café & Gathering Room Atlas Expresso Fudge & Other Delights
*indicates you must be 21 or older
The Downtown Trolley will be running a continuous loop every 20 minutes to help you get to all the venues thanks to the generosity of sponsors Tundraland and Warning Lites.
Start:
February 10, 2018 1:00 pm
End:
February 10, 2018 4:00 pm
Venue:
Downtown Appleton
Phone:
920-954-9112
Address:
10 W. College Avenue, Appleton, WI, 54911, United States
The 2018 Milwaukee Muskie Expo is the Midwest’s best Muskie Fishing show for the entire family. You’ll get to see new products, demonstrations, workshops and techniques. You can also check out the latest from all the best musky vendors, manufacturers, retailers, clubs, guides and outfitters, lodges and resort.
There’s a huge variety of seminars and workshops all three days. Click on the poster to the right to see details!
Hours:
Friday, 2 pm – 9 pm
Saturday, 9 am – 6 pm
Sunday, 9 am – 3 pm
Admission:
Adults $10
VIP $20
Kids 12 & under FREE
Buy tickets here
The Muskie Expo takes place just off U.S. 45 at Pleasant Valley Road at Washington County Fair Park, just south of the city of West Bend. Highway 60 is just to the south, Highways 33 and 144 are just to the north.
Milwaukee Muskie Expo Address:
Washington County Fair Park Expo
3000 Pleasant Valley Road
West Bend, WI 53095
(262) 677-5060 Website
Start:
February 9, 2018
End:
February 11, 2018
Venue:
Washington County Fair Park
Phone:
262-677-5060
Address:
3000 Pleasant Valley Road, West Bend, WI, 53095, United States
Celebrating their 14th year as an annual charitable event that supports Wisconsin’s homeless companion animals, the 2018 Great Lakes Pet Expo is 143,000 square feet of pet loving fun!
The expo is produced by the Alliance of Wisconsin Animal Rehoming Efforts, a non-profit consortium of rescues and shelters working together to save lives. Over 14,000 attended the Great Lakes Pet Expo in 2017 and enjoyed the animals, exhibits, shows, vendors, and more.
Die hard pet loving shoppers need to attend the VIP Shopping Hour from 9am to 10am prior to general expo admission. Public hours are 10am to 5pm. WI State Fair Park parking fee is $6 per vehicle.
Address for the Great Lakes Pet Expo:
Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center
600 S/ 84th Street (Highway 181) at Greenfield (Highway 59)
West Allis, WI 53214
(414) 915-4156 Website
Start:
February 3, 2018 10:00 am
End:
February 3, 2018 5:00 pm
Venue:
Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park
Phone:
414-915-4156
Address:
640 S. 84th Street, West Allis, WI, 53214, United States
Madison’s Elver Park becomes a wonderland of winter activities at the 14th annual Madison Winter Festival, attracting over 20,000 spectators, winter enthusiasts, and athletes! For the competition, they are bringing back the Ice Age Challenge ski race, once held in Spring Green. There will also be a 5K running race, high school ski races and a fat tire bike race. You can even take a run with your dog!
The Snowshoe Scurry at Madison Winter Festival. Shorts (as opposed to long pants) are totally optional.
Local sporting-goods stores will be on site to help if you’ve never cross country skied or snowshoed before. The famed National Snow Sculpting Champs will be carving magic out of 4′ x 4′ 6′ blocks of snow for you to admire. Other fan favorites scheduled throughout the weekend include the Fat Bike Race, the Frosty 1.5 Mile Dog Jog, Kids’ Fun Run and other fun and festive outdoor activities.
Admission is FREE and the fun is practically unlimited! Activities open at 9:30am on Saturday, February 3rd and conclude at 4:00pm on Sunday, February 4th.
Elver Park is on the southwestern edge of Madison, accessed just off U.S. 12/14 (the Beltline) via Gammon Road and west/north off U.S. 18/151. U.S. 51 and Highways 30 and 113 also bring you to Madison, then just head southwest!
Madison Winter Festival Address:
Elver Park
1250 McKenna Boulevard
Madison, WI 53719
(608) 213-1870 Website
Skijoring, a race that can go to the dogs.
Start:
February 3, 2018
End:
February 4, 2018
Venue:
Elver Park
Phone:
608-213-1870
Address:
1250 McKenna Blvd, Madison, WI, 53719, United States
Westby features a ski jump complex with five jumps in Timber Coulee, the largest of which is a 118-meter Olympic-sized hill used for national and international competitions. The Westby Snowflake Ski Jump Tournament happens the weekend of February 2-3 and it’s a blast!
The Large Hill Meet is held early each year in February and attracts not only U.S. ski jumpers but competitors from around the world. The four smaller hills at the site include a 65-meter hill and smaller 40, 20, and 10 meter hills for training junior jumpers. Numerous Olympic and world-class ski jumpers have competed at the Snowflake Ski Jumping Complex.
Even though the Winter Olympics are just a couple of weeks away, the Snowflake Ski Jump is expected to feature approximately 20 national and international athletes from countries including Norway, Finland, Slovenia and the United States.
On Thursday, Feb. 1, Snowflake will host hospitality night from 6-9 p.m.at the Westby Rod and Gun building in Timber Coulee where the 2017 Snowflake royalty, Queen Faith Gardner and her attendants, Alexis Mahan and Rebecca Buckles, will meet and greet visitors.
On Friday, Feb. 2, there will be a kick-off breakfast at Borgen’s Café from 7-10 a.m. Opening ceremonies for the ever-popular “Friday Night Under the Lights” night jump will be held at 7 p.m., with competition slated at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a long standing jump after the regular competition. Live music by “High Mileage” will complete the evening at the Westby Rod & Gun in Timber Coulee from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
On Saturday Feb. 3, open training is scheduled from 9-11 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies at noon. Competition for the second day of the event kicks off at 12:30 p.m. followed by the long standing jump and awards ceremony. Weather permitting on Saturday there will be helicopter rides and horse-drawn wagon rides on the grounds. The ski club also funds a money pile for kids to collect coins. After the jump spectators are invited to attend a second live music event with “Blue Collar 40” at the Westby Rod & Gun from 3-7 p.m.
The 2017 ski button can be purchased in advance until Thursday, Feb. 1 for $15. After that time, buttons can be purchased at the gate the weekend of the event for $20. The button is good for both days of the tournament and are available at local businesses or can be purchased online. Children under 12 will be admitted free.
Snowflake is also once again teaming up with Logistics Health Inc. of La Crosse to sponsor free admission for veterans to the Snowflake Ski Jump. All current and former military service members, their spouses and their children (under the age of 18) will receive a special event button and be admitted to the two-day event free of charge.
Veterans or service members will need to show a current military ID card or other proof of service such as VFW, Legion, DAV current membership card, or a DD Form 214 (record of discharge) and photo ID. Military buttons are available only at the gate. For more information about the free veteran admission contact Tom Sharratt at 608-634-2118.
You can access the area via U.S. 14/61 and Highway 27; follow the signs and County Road P to Timber Coulee.
Westby Snowflake Ski Jump Address:
E7940 County Road P
Westby, WI 54667
(608) 634-3211 Website
Start:
February 2, 2018
End:
February 3, 2018
Venue:
Westby Snowflake Skip Jump
Phone:
608-634-3211
Address:
E7940 County Road P, Westby, WI, 54667, United States
Fish Creek Winter Festival will celebrate its 31st year in 2018! Fish Creek’s longest-standing tradition and Door County’s most notorious winter event features live music, quirky games, delicious food, wine tasting, the notorious “Fruit Loop Fun Run,” an entertaining Stumpf Fiddle Contest, a spectacular fireworks display and a “Smokin Hot” Chili Cook-Off…all under a heated tent overlooking the frozen waters of Green Bay.
Highway 42 will bring you to Fish Creek, just north of Egg Harbor and south of both Ephraim and Peninsula State Park. It’s one of the jewels of Door County, and there’s plenty of fun to be had at the Fish Creek Winter Festival all weekend!
2018 Fish Creek Winter Fest Schedule of Events:
Friday, February 2, 2018
-Adult Art Night (21+) at Hands On Art Studio, 6:30-10:00pm
-Gibraltar Music Boosters Present “Cat’s Pajamas Vocal Band,” at the Door Community Auditorium, 7:00pm
Saturday, February 3, 2018
-Festivities in & around the heated tent in Clark Park, 10:00am-3:00pm
*Wild Winter Games Outside
*Fun Festive Games Inside
*Live DJ
*Tasty Food & Drinks from the Villager’s Snowmobile Club
*Limited Edition Winter Fest Merchandise
-GHA presents “All Things Chocolate” at the Old Town Hall, 10:00am-4:00pm
Ready for some outdoor winter fun in the North Woods? Discover Wisconsin and Boondock Nation will host St. Germain’s Annual Snowmobile Radar Run February 2nd and 3rd. St. Germain is a center of winter playground fun in Vilas County and the North Woods.
Bring it to the lake on Friday night and experience the practice runs on both snow tracks and shaved ice tracks. “Friday Night Under the Lights” includes drag races, fun runs and the Snow Outlaw Top 10 Shootout. Saturday enjoy fun runs, speed runs, bikini runs, vendor row, Snow Outlaw Racing Finale, trophy presentation and prizes. Race your snowmobile against the gun – 1000’ distance! 660’ and 1000’ practice tracks.
Along with the Radar Run, St. Germain holds the Snowmobile Hall of Fame, which is along Highway 70. Just up Highway 155 closer to Sayner, the Vilas County Museum holds the first true snowmobile, which was patented by Carl Eliason in 1924. This area definitely knows their winter sports and how to get around in the snow!
St. Germain Radar Run Address:
Little St. Germain Lake, West Bay
7992 Paton Road
St. Germain, WI 54558
(715) 477-2205 Website
FRIDAY’S SCHEDULE:
• ALL DAY! Music sponsored by Badger Glass & Don-Rick Ins. of Baraboo Vendor’s Row by Parsons of Eagle River
• 12pm: Hiller’s Pine Haven registration booth opens
• 12-8pm: General Beer & Sprecher’s Heated Beer & Food Tent
• 1-4 pm: Knitt’s Hardware Hank Speed Runs – Test your sled on 1000′ of shaved ice or 660′ of groomed snow.
• 5-8pm: The Timbers Bar & Grill Friday Night Under the Lights Arrowhead Groomers Heads-Up Drag Racing for spectators • 5pm Snow Outlaw Drag Racing • 6pm Open Fun Runs on Snow Under the Lights – Fun runs on 660′ of groomed snow under the lights. Open to everyone-Only $5/run.
• Sno*Boss Groomers Radar Runs on the Twilight 660’ (groomed snow track)
• Knitt’s Hardware Practice Speed Runs on the Thunderbird 1000’ (shaved ice track)
SATURDAY’S SCHEDULE:
• ALL DAY! Music sponsored by Badger Glass & Don-Rick Ins. of Baraboo Vendor’s Row by Parsons of Eagle River
• 9am: Hiller’s Pine Haven Registration Booth opens at 9am
• 10am-4pm: General Beer & Sprecher’s Heated Beer & Food Tent
• 10am-4pm: Fun Runs sponsored by Sno*Boss Groomers & Speed Runs sponsored by Knitt’s Hardware
• 12pm: Rustic Manor Motor Lodge Recliner Races
• 1pm: Knockers Pizza Co. Bikini Run featuring Divas SnowGear • Proceeds from the Bikini Run rac-es will be donated to: Pink Ribbon Riders, St Germain Fire Dept. & Plum Lake Ambulance.
• 2pm: Snow Outlaw Winter Nationals Finale
• 5pm: Trophy Presentation & Prizes for the top Three Speeds in each class will be at Knocker’s
• Speed Runs on Shaved Ice • 32 Classes of Speed Runs for Prizes!
• Top 10 Snow Outlaw Racing Finale
• Top 3 speeds by women on snow and ice wins Divas SnowGear!
• Spectator’s Shuttle sponsored by Spang’s Italian Restaurant down to the lake
• Porta Tree Timing systems sponsored by Serenity Bay Resort / Shoeder’s RV & Marine
• Trophy Racing on the Thunderbird Pass 1000’ (shaved ice track)
• Fun runs on the Twilight Bar 660’ (groomed snow track)
Start:
February 2, 2018
End:
February 3, 2018
Venue:
Little St. Germain Lake
Phone:
715-477-2205
Address:
7992 Paton Road, St. Germain, WI, 54558, United States
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events
May 11, 2018
Beloit ArtWalk
Beloit’s ArtWalk has been hosted by the Downtown Beloit Association for the past 15 years. It’s a unique evening shopping experience in historic Downtown Beloit that transforms businesses into art galleries! This event draws hundreds of residents and visitors alike to support small businesses and shop for one-of-kind pieces of art.
Now in its 16th year, ArtWalk continues to grow, with more than 25 businesses and 30 artists participating. In addition to the vast array of exceptional items for sale, shoppers can enjoy live music, hors d’oeuvres, and free trolley rides.
The event will be held on Friday, May 11 from 5 to 9 pm in the heart of Downtown Beloit. Brochures will be available listing the participating businesses and the names of the artists or craftspeople selling their wares in each location.
“ArtWalk is an extremely popular event,” exclaims Shauna El-Amin, Executive Director of the Downtown Beloit Association. “Many of the venues offer special giveaways, food items, and entertainment in addition to showcasing the art of local artists. It gets bigger and better every year!”
And, be sure to stop into the Vision Beloit Center, 500 Public Avenue for a special free treats and one-of-a-kind pieces for sale.
Beloit is home to Beloit College – one of reasons for the vibrant downtown – as well as the Angel Museum, the “World’s Largest Can of Chili”, it’s where the modern speedometer was invented, and its resurgence is truly something to behold, especially downtown and along the Rock River. Check out the Ironworks if you can!
I-39/90 and I-43 meet on the northeast side of Beloit; Highway 81 brings you in from the east and west. U.S. 51, of course, is the main north-south drive through the heart of the city, and Highway 213 (long ago once part of Highway 13) brings you in from the northwest.
Beloit ArtWalk Address:
Downtown Beloit
State & Grand Avenues
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 365-0150
Website
May 11, 2018 – May 13, 2018
Columbus Red Bud Festival
Columbus is known as the “Red Bud City” for its red bud trees all over this city of 5,000. The annual Red Bud Festival takes place May 11-13, 2018 this year to celebrate the blooms and beauty of these trees. The city uses this time to celebrate spring with special events throughout the city, focused on its historic downtown.
You can also enjoy a Brat Fry, a city-wide garage sale, sidewalk sales, the Columbus Prince & Princess Contest, and more. While in Columbus checking out the Red Bud Festival, you can also shop the Columbus Antique Mall (Wisconsin’s largest), explore the Farmers & Merchants Union Bank (a “jewel box” designed by Louis Sullivan and a National Historic Landmark), a wide variety of beautiful old homes, and the vibrant downtown with its terrific architecture.
Columbus is right along U.S. 151; the freeway ducks around the east side of town and Business U.S. 151 – the original route – cuts right through the heart of downtown. Highways 16, 60, 73, and 89 all bring you to Columbus too. Enjoy the beautiful blooms of the trees and more at the festival, and we think you’ll enjoy checking out this charming city!
Columbus Red Bud Festival Address:
Historic Downtown Columbus
105 N. Dickason Blvd.
Columbus, WI 53925
(920) 623-3699
Website
May 11, 2018 – May 13, 2018
Gays Mills Spring Festival
The Gays Mills Spring Festival coincides with Mothers Day Weekend this year, and along with the Festival the Folk Festival of Music & Dance, you can enjoy the Ocooch Mountain Rescue Pancake Breakfast, Little Britches Rodeo, and the Antique Tractor Show and Pull. These events are held throughout the village and at the Crawford County Fairgrounds.
Download the event flyer via .PDF here!
Gays Mills Spring Festival Address:
212 Main Street
Gays Mills, WI 54631
(608) 735-4341
Website
May 5, 2018
Open House Racine County
Open House Racine County offers a free, fascinating look at sights from Racine to Burlington
Open House Racine County is a terrific way to explore this diverse slice of southeast Wisconsin. The bustling city of Racine with its beautiful marina to the rolling hills, alpaca farms, and friendly towns like Burlington and Union Grove. Check out our State Trunk Tour Podcast discussion with Real Racine’s Paul Holley about it here!
Nearly 60 OHRC 2018 sites (as evidenced by the pins in the map below) are scattered throughout the county. You can stroll the beautiful Wind Point Lighthouse grounds, visit Oak Clearing Farm (recently featured on cable TV’s “American Pickers”), meet an alpaca at Earthcare Suri Alpacas or tour Burlington’s Chocolate Experience Museum.
If architecture interests you, the internationally famous Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings at the SC Johnson campus in Racine and the Wingspread home in Wind Point will be open by appointment. You’ll also have opportunities to see several historic and architecturally significant area churches and civic buildings.
To learn more and create your own Open House itinerary, visit www.openhouseracinecounty.com. You’ll find photos, descriptions and map locations of each site under “Locations.” Look for the Open House Racine County banners as you drive throughout the county. I-41/94, U.S. 45, and Highways 11, 20, 31, 32, 36, 38, 75, 83, and 142 all run through Racine County – and many of the side roads have some of the best attractions and views!
Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at most locations — check the location details on the OHRC website.
The “home base” of Open House Racine County is the Real Racine Visitor Center, right along Highway 20 just west of I-94/41. Resources, connections, whatever you need – they’ll have it for you.
Open House Racine County is organized by Real Racine with support from Travel Wisconsin, House of Harley-Davidson, Wisconsin Public Radio and Magnum Media, parent company of Racine radio stations WRJN and WVTY.
April 27, 2018 – April 28, 2018
Villa Louis Behind the Scenes
Villa Louis Behind the Scenes lets you check out the historic the Villa Louis National Historic Landmark, right on St. Feriole Island along the Mississippi River in Wisconsin’s second oldest city of Prairie du Chien, from top to bottom. “Behind the Scenes” at Villa Louis offer extended tours of the mansion, giving visitors a glimpse into the life of a historic house museum. Highlighting the care and upkeep of a unique object from the Dousman collection, tours include visits to the nooks and crannies of this historic and beautiful restored mansion.
The Villa Louis mansion itself is a Victorian Italianate style home, constructed of Cream City brick. It boasted modern indoor plumbing and central heating, quite a luxury for the early 1870s (Wi-fi wouldn’t come along for many years.) It was remodeled and restored in 1885 and again in the 1930s when family members used the mansion as a boarding house school.
Tours are April 27-28, 2018, as well as a Villa Louis Behind the Scenes event focusing on art October 19-20. You can also check out their War of 1812 re-enactment July 21-22, which recreates the Battle of Prairie du Chien – the only active battle in Wisconsin during that war. The Carriage Classic takes place September 7-9, bringing you back to the days of the Dousman family’s trotting horse operation, the Artesian Stock Farm. It’s always a fascinating look at history here.
Prairie du Chien lies just north of where the Wisconsin River flows into the Mississippi in one of the most beautiful areas of Wisconsin. Wyalusing State Park is just to the south, and you’re right along the Great River Road. U.S. 18 and Highways 27, 35, and 60 all bring you there. Watch for some construction and detour work along Highway 35 heading into town, though!
For full Villa Louis information, check out their website!
Villa Louis Behind the Scenes Address:
521 N. Villa Louis Road
Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
(608) 326-2721
Website
April 5, 2018 – April 12, 2018
Wisconsin Film Festival
The Wisconsin Film Festival is presented by the University of Wisconsin Arts Institute. bringing a vast array of unique films to the Madison area. An eight-day exploration of new American independent dramatic and documentary films, animation, experimental restorations and revivals.
Check out the latest film guide here, or download a .PDF.
Wisconsin Film Festival Addresses:
Include the movie venues listed above. Festival offices are located at 1050 University Avenue, Madison, 53703. Their office phone is (608) 262-9009.
Website
March 31, 2018
Hornucopia
Hornucopia is a band of talented musicians and singers from the Twin Cities and upper Midwest area. Distinct from tribute bands that pay homage to a single group or style of music, Hornucopia pays tribute to many musical groups that feature substantial horn sections. It boasts a tight 4-piece horn section and a 4-piece rhythm section, plus 3 top rated vocalists whose melodies and harmonies are inspiring and far-reaching.
Hornucopia Event Address:
Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts
205 Main Street East
Menomonie, WI 54751
(715) 235-0001
Website
March 27, 2018 – March 29, 2018
WPS Farm Show
Farming has become a high-tech business, and the WPS Farm Show is the ideal place to get a taste of what’s happening in modern agriculture. For three days, farmers from around the Midwest will flock to the EAA Grounds in Oshkosh to check out the latest in farm machinery, tools and services. Each year, the event attracts around 20,000 people. This year’s show will feature more than 400 exhibitors, including everything from Accelerated Genetics to Ziegler Ag Equipment. In the farming world, this show is, as Ron Burgandy would say, “kind of a big deal.” A sign of the changing face of agriculture can be seen in the fact that this year’s WPS show will be powered by energy from wind and biomass. If you’re interested in farming or if you’re just curious about what a farm show looks like, don’t miss the WPS Farm Show. You can reach the EAA Grounds directly via I-41, Highways 26, 44, and 91; U.S. 45 and Highways 21 and 76 get you close!
March 24, 2018 – March 25, 2018
Apple Holler Big Bunny Weekends
The Apple Holler Big Bunny Celebration and Easter Egg Hunt is a fun family event that has been a tradition for the last 20+ years. Big Bunny Celebration starts with The Country Bunny Easter Wish Puppet Show. After the puppet show, guests do the bunny hop through the Big Bunny tunnel. The Big Bunny Celebration also includes: an orchard tour on the Big Bunny Express kid’s train into the Enchanted Forest, an Easter Egg Hunt, a hand-led pony ride, a special Easter surprise for each child, homemade cookie, apple cider, children’s games where every child wins, roasting marshmallows around a warming campfire and photo opportunities with Big Bunny himself.
Get all the details on the Apple Holler Big Bunny Celebreation at their website. You’ll find the Apple Holler along I-41/94 at Exit 337, which is County KR at the Racine-Kenosha County line. Highway 11 is just two miles north, and Highway 142 is just three miles south.
Apple Holler Big Bunny Celebration Address:
5006 S. Sylvania Avenue
Sturtevant, WI 53177
(262) 884-7100
Website
March 6, 2018 – March 8, 2018
World Championship Cheese Contest
Preliminary judging rounds for the World Championship Cheese Contest are open to the public for FREE Tuesday, March 6 and Wednesday, March 7. Try some tasty samples as the judges do their thing and narrow it down to finalists and winners.
Then, Thursday night the 8th you can attend the Cheese Champion event. This ticketed event ($25, in advance) lets you sample more than 50 of the best cheese from around the world. International cheese experts will be on hand to show you the intracicies of of cheese evaluation, and of course you can pair cheeses with other foods and craft beers that will be available. The event climaxes with the crowning of the World Champion Cheesemaker!
World Championship Cheese Contest/Monona Terrace Address:
1 John Nolen Drive (U.S. 151)
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 286-1001
Website
February 24, 2018
Marshfield Winterfest
Winterfest 2018 is a family-friendly event in Marshfield (aka “Hub City”) highlighting the perks of Wisconsin winters. Marshfield Winterfest offers activities like a 400-Meter Kids Race, Cross Country Skiing, Snow Shoe 5k or 10k, and the Fat Tire Bike 5k or 10k. The 400-Meter (1/4 mile) course is perfect for the kids, while the 5k and 10k courses are made to challenge the winter sport enthusiast. All ages and abilities are welcome!
This year, there will also be Badger State Games events in Snowshoeing and Cornhole tournaments. See their Facebook page for more details!
Fat biking at Marshfield Winterfest, photo courtesy of Paula Jero/Hub City Times
Marshfield Winterfest Schedule (subject to change):
Time: 12:00pm Event Registration & Free Youth 400-Meter Race
12:30pm Cross Country Skiing
1:00pm Fat Tire Bike (5k and 10k)
1:30pm Snow Shoe (5k and 10k)
The Post-Race Celebration will feature food, beverages, and awards ceremony.
If you plan on participating, here are some Registration details!
Individuals (ages 19+): $30
Individuals (ages 11-18): $20
Children 10 years and under are free.
Awards will be given to the top 3 Marshfield Winterfest finishers in each race.
Stay and enjoy LIVE music during the afternoon and into the evening!
3:00 – G-Man
5:00 – Elated Sun
8:00 – The Big Deeks
Worth visiting for more than just Marshfield Winterfest, Marshfield is a fun city regardless of the season. Hit U.S. 10 or Highways 13, 80, or 97 to access what they call “Hub City,” named for both its historic hub for railroads and its location very close to the geographic center of Wisconsin.
Home to Marshfield Clinic, this city of 20,000 also hosts the Central Wisconsin State Fair (which includes the World’s Largest Round Barn) and features the Wildwood Zoo, the Blue Heron Brewpub, and a hopping main street in the form of Central Avenue. Marshfield is also along the Yellowstone Trail, part of the “Plymouth Rock to Puget Sound” highway that was among the first designated cross-country highways in the United States.
Marshfield Winterfest Address:
RiverEdge Golf Course
10191 Mill Creek Road
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 384-9992
Website
February 18, 2018
Blues Bash 2018
The Paramount Music Association brings the Blues and more great music to the fun, yet intimate Anodyne Coffee Roasters Stage in Milwaukee with Blues Bash 2018 on Sunday, February 18th! Enjoy great music, food and beverages, and camaraderie. Your $20 ticket at the door helps support the work of the Paramount Music Association, which salutes the rich and trail-breaking history of music in Wisconsin – and particularly the days of Paramount Records 100 years ago in Port Washington and Grafton. They have an annual three-day festival in Port Washington Labor Day weekend, but on February 18th they bring some great artists to Milwaukee for an intimate performance in the city’s Walkers Point neighborhood.
Performers include Tallan Noble Latz, Katz Sass, The Blues Disciples, and Reverend Raven & the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys. Doors open at 2:30, music starts at 3pm.
You can reach the Anodyne Coffee Roastery (3rd & Bruce in Walkers Point) via nearby connections on Highway 59, Highway 38, Highway 145, U.S. 18, and I-43/94.
Blues Bash 2018 Address:
Anodyne Coffee Roasting Company
224 W. Bruce Street
Milwaukee, WI 53204
(414) 276-8081
Anodyne (Venue) Website
Paramount Music Association Website
February 13, 2018
Milwaukee Public Market Chili & Beer Tasting
It’s a Fat Tuesday celebration at the Milwaukee Public Market! Loosen your belts and head over for the 2nd Annual Milwaukee Public Market Chili & Beer Tasting on Tuesday, February 13th.
Explore 8 different chili creations from 8 different public market vendors, and follow them up with 8 regional craft beers. Enjoy a wide range of chili creations that are sure to please everyone from meat-free fans to meat-PLEASE fans. From mild to wild, from fair to fire – the “heat meter” will be covered on both ends with each homemade chili recipe.
Wash down these chili samples with samplings from some of the area’s top breweries, from within Milwaukee and just beyond. Net proceeds from the event will benefit COA Youth & Family Centers. It’s a win-win-win!
Featuring Chili from:
With Beer from:
The Milwaukee Public Market features a fantastic variety of food and beverage vendors, market items for recipes and take-home, wearables at Brew City Beer Gear, and during warmer weather an outdoor farmers market that stretches along Broadway and St. Paul. St. Paul Fish Company also offers a seasonal outdoor bar with a tiki-Florida feel in the summer and, conditions permitting, an ice bar in the winter. With the way the weather’s been looking, the ice bar will be open during the Milwaukee Public Market Chili & Beer Tasting, too!
You can get to the Milwaukee Public Market via Water Street or Broadway (Highway 32), two blocks south of U.S. 18 and about one mile north of Highway 59/National Avenue. Highways 38 and 145 bring you close, and I-794 literally hovers above it!
Milwaukee Public Market Chili & Beer Tasting Address:
400 N. Water Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 336-1111
Website
February 10, 2018
Downtown Appleton Death By Chocolate
Chocolate: smooth, velvety, soft, dark, sensuous… kinda makes your heart go pitter-patter, doesn’t it? Well, there’s a treat for you at the 15th Annual, Death by Chocolate Valentine’s Day event in Appleton. It happens Saturday, Feb 10, 2018 from 1-4pm. Sample scrumptious chocolate desserts whipped up by some of the best chefs in the area!
Tickets are on sale now. Call 920-954-9112 or stop at the ADI office at 116 N. Appleton St. Mon-Fri 8:45am-3:30pm. You can also buy tickets online.
Enjoy the Love Is In The Air Celebration including a Community Wedding Vow Renewal in Houdini Plaza at noon, plus ice sculptures to view before & after your chocolate lovers paradise.
Choose from one of two “Death By Chocolate” routes each with 21 stops for just $20. (The 21 stops include 12 bars and restaurants and 8 retail stops who wanted to join in the fun on both routes. Plus one more bonus top that isn’t even on the tickets at Riverview Gardens Retail Store, 513 W. College Avenue where The Community Clothes Closet will be hosting a pop up Vintage clothing sale and giving away chocolate mini-cupcakes!)
See below for a list of the many participating locations.
Getting to Appleton is easy via I-41, U.S. 10, or Highways 47, 96, or 125 (of course, by the time you reach Highways 125, you’re pretty much IN Appleton already._)
Downtown Appleton Death By Chocolate Address:
10 W. College Avenue (Highway 125)
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 954-9112
Website
Death By Chocolate Participating Locations:
EAST END
Wooden Nickel Sports Bar & Grill Chocolate Porter*
The Fire Spicy Hot Chocolate with Spray Whip
Beatnik Betty’s Resale Butik Chocolate Surprise
Antojitos Mexicanos Chocolate Tres Leche Cake
hey, daisy! Cookies & Dream Edible Ice Cream
The Vintage Garden Chocolate Salted Caramel Delight
Lillians of Appleton Chocolate Surprise
Brewed Awakenings Caramel Mocha Cake
Bagelicious Chocolate Surprise
Inspire Spa Hot Chocolate Bar
Olde Town Tavern Chocolate Martini*
Bazil’s Pub Chocolate Beer*
Tamara’s Cake Guru Chocolate Mini Cupcakes, Brownie Bites & Valentine Treats
Crazy Sweet Chocolate covered oreo truffles
Cleo’s Brown Beam Tavern Chopin Double Chocolate Liqueur*
Appleton Street Sports Bar & Grill Chocolate Cheesecake Bites
Rookie’s Bar & Grill Chocolate Beer*
Copper Rock Coffee Dark Chocolate Truffle Gelato with Winter Chocolate Drizzle
Spa BenMarNico Hot Chocolate
Float Light Assorted Chocolates
WEST END & RIVERFRONT
Wooden Nickel Sports Bar & Grill Chocolate Porter*
The Fire Spicy Hot Chocolate with Spray Whip
Beatnik Betty’s Resale Butik Chocolate Surprise
hey, daisy! Cookies & Dream Edible Ice Cream
The Vintage Garden Chocolate Salted Caramel Delight
Lillians of Appleton Chocolate Surprise
Inspire Spa Hot Chocolate Bar
Spa BenMarNico Hot Chocolate
Jo ala Mode inside the Radisson Chocolate Fantasy Cake
CU Saloon Hasta LaBasta (Chocolate, Honey & Molasses Stout)*
McGuinness Irish Pub Nutty Irishman*
ACOCA Coffee Bourbon Pecan Truffles
Muncheez Pizzeria Cinni-Muncheez with Chocolate Fudge dipping sauce
Appleton Beer Factory Chocolate Beer*
Float Light Assorted Chocolates
Sangria’s Mexican Grill Chicken Chile Relleno with White Chocolate Godiva Ganache
Spats Food & Spirits Chocolate POTS DE CREME
Stone Arch BrewPub Bacon Brewer Bars (paired with an Imperial Chocolate Stout*)
Fratello’s Waterfront Restaurant mini chocolate cupcakes filled with milk chocolate ganache
Atlas Waterfront Café & Gathering Room Atlas Expresso Fudge & Other Delights
*indicates you must be 21 or older
The Downtown Trolley will be running a continuous loop every 20 minutes to help you get to all the venues thanks to the generosity of sponsors Tundraland and Warning Lites.
February 9, 2018 – February 11, 2018
Milwaukee Muskie Expo
Hours:
Friday, 2 pm – 9 pm
Saturday, 9 am – 6 pm
Sunday, 9 am – 3 pm
Admission:
Adults $10
VIP $20
Kids 12 & under FREE
Buy tickets here
The Muskie Expo takes place just off U.S. 45 at Pleasant Valley Road at Washington County Fair Park, just south of the city of West Bend. Highway 60 is just to the south, Highways 33 and 144 are just to the north.
Milwaukee Muskie Expo Address:
Washington County Fair Park Expo
3000 Pleasant Valley Road
West Bend, WI 53095
(262) 677-5060
Website
February 3, 2018
Great Lakes Pet Expo
Celebrating their 14th year as an annual charitable event that supports Wisconsin’s homeless companion animals, the 2018 Great Lakes Pet Expo is 143,000 square feet of pet loving fun!
The expo is produced by the Alliance of Wisconsin Animal Rehoming Efforts, a non-profit consortium of rescues and shelters working together to save lives. Over 14,000 attended the Great Lakes Pet Expo in 2017 and enjoyed the animals, exhibits, shows, vendors, and more.
Die hard pet loving shoppers need to attend the VIP Shopping Hour from 9am to 10am prior to general expo admission. Public hours are 10am to 5pm. WI State Fair Park parking fee is $6 per vehicle.
Address for the Great Lakes Pet Expo:
Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center
600 S/ 84th Street (Highway 181) at Greenfield (Highway 59)
West Allis, WI 53214
(414) 915-4156
Website
February 3, 2018 – February 4, 2018
Madison Winter Festival
Check out the Movin’ Shoes Frosty 5K Run or the Ice Age Challenge Saturday afternoon. The Candlelight Ski & Snowshoe Tour takes place Saturday night. Sunday features the Elver Park Skijor Race and the Snowshoe Scurry. Either day, you can enjoy Snow Carving, Sledding, Ice Skating, Ice Hockey, and Cross-Country Skiing (you can learn, too!)
Local sporting-goods stores will be on site to help if you’ve never cross country skied or snowshoed before. The famed National Snow Sculpting Champs will be carving magic out of 4′ x 4′ 6′ blocks of snow for you to admire. Other fan favorites scheduled throughout the weekend include the Fat Bike Race, the Frosty 1.5 Mile Dog Jog, Kids’ Fun Run and other fun and festive outdoor activities.
Admission is FREE and the fun is practically unlimited! Activities open at 9:30am on Saturday, February 3rd and conclude at 4:00pm on Sunday, February 4th.
Elver Park is on the southwestern edge of Madison, accessed just off U.S. 12/14 (the Beltline) via Gammon Road and west/north off U.S. 18/151. U.S. 51 and Highways 30 and 113 also bring you to Madison, then just head southwest!
Madison Winter Festival Address:
Elver Park
1250 McKenna Boulevard
Madison, WI 53719
(608) 213-1870
Website
February 2, 2018 – February 3, 2018
Westby Snowflake Ski Jump
Westby features a ski jump complex with five jumps in Timber Coulee, the largest of which is a 118-meter Olympic-sized hill used for national and international competitions. The Westby Snowflake Ski Jump Tournament happens the weekend of February 2-3 and it’s a blast!
Even though the Winter Olympics are just a couple of weeks away, the Snowflake Ski Jump is expected to feature approximately 20 national and international athletes from countries including Norway, Finland, Slovenia and the United States.
On Thursday, Feb. 1, Snowflake will host hospitality night from 6-9 p.m.at the Westby Rod and Gun building in Timber Coulee where the 2017 Snowflake royalty, Queen Faith Gardner and her attendants, Alexis Mahan and Rebecca Buckles, will meet and greet visitors.
On Friday, Feb. 2, there will be a kick-off breakfast at Borgen’s Café from 7-10 a.m. Opening ceremonies for the ever-popular “Friday Night Under the Lights” night jump will be held at 7 p.m., with competition slated at 7:30 p.m. There will also be a long standing jump after the regular competition. Live music by “High Mileage” will complete the evening at the Westby Rod & Gun in Timber Coulee from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
On Saturday Feb. 3, open training is scheduled from 9-11 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies at noon. Competition for the second day of the event kicks off at 12:30 p.m. followed by the long standing jump and awards ceremony. Weather permitting on Saturday there will be helicopter rides and horse-drawn wagon rides on the grounds. The ski club also funds a money pile for kids to collect coins. After the jump spectators are invited to attend a second live music event with “Blue Collar 40” at the Westby Rod & Gun from 3-7 p.m.
The 2017 ski button can be purchased in advance until Thursday, Feb. 1 for $15. After that time, buttons can be purchased at the gate the weekend of the event for $20. The button is good for both days of the tournament and are available at local businesses or can be purchased online. Children under 12 will be admitted free.
Snowflake is also once again teaming up with Logistics Health Inc. of La Crosse to sponsor free admission for veterans to the Snowflake Ski Jump. All current and former military service members, their spouses and their children (under the age of 18) will receive a special event button and be admitted to the two-day event free of charge.
Veterans or service members will need to show a current military ID card or other proof of service such as VFW, Legion, DAV current membership card, or a DD Form 214 (record of discharge) and photo ID. Military buttons are available only at the gate. For more information about the free veteran admission contact Tom Sharratt at 608-634-2118.
You can access the area via U.S. 14/61 and Highway 27; follow the signs and County Road P to Timber Coulee.
Westby Snowflake Ski Jump Address:
E7940 County Road P
Westby, WI 54667
(608) 634-3211
Website
February 2, 2018 – February 4, 2018
Fish Creek Winter Festival
Fish Creek Winter Festival will celebrate its 31st year in 2018! Fish Creek’s longest-standing tradition and Door County’s most notorious winter event features live music, quirky games, delicious food, wine tasting, the notorious “Fruit Loop Fun Run,” an entertaining Stumpf Fiddle Contest, a spectacular fireworks display and a “Smokin Hot” Chili Cook-Off…all under a heated tent overlooking the frozen waters of Green Bay.
Highway 42 will bring you to Fish Creek, just north of Egg Harbor and south of both Ephraim and Peninsula State Park. It’s one of the jewels of Door County, and there’s plenty of fun to be had at the Fish Creek Winter Festival all weekend!
2018 Fish Creek Winter Fest Schedule of Events:
Friday, February 2, 2018
-Adult Art Night (21+) at Hands On Art Studio, 6:30-10:00pm
-Gibraltar Music Boosters Present “Cat’s Pajamas Vocal Band,” at the Door Community Auditorium, 7:00pm
Saturday, February 3, 2018
-Festivities in & around the heated tent in Clark Park, 10:00am-3:00pm
*Wild Winter Games Outside
*Fun Festive Games Inside
*Live DJ
*Tasty Food & Drinks from the Villager’s Snowmobile Club
*Limited Edition Winter Fest Merchandise
-GHA presents “All Things Chocolate” at the Old Town Hall, 10:00am-4:00pm
-Lautenbach’s Winter Wine & Cherry Fest, 10:00am-4:00pm
*Cherry Pit Spitting Contest at 1:30pm
*For sleigh reservations call John Mayberry at (920) 421-1152
-FREE Trolley Rides throughout Town, 10:00am-5:00pm
-Chili Cook-Off participants bring their crockpots to the tent, 10:45am
-FREE Children’s Story Hour at the Fish Creek Library, 11:00am-12:00pm
-SOUP! Homemade ceramic tiles and a bountiful buffet at the Peninsula School of Art, 11:00am-3:00pm
-“Chili Cook-Off” Judging and Winners Announced- Main Tent, 12:00pm
-Stumpf Fiddle Contest-Main Tent, 2:30pm
-Special Performance by BEER BELLY IDOLS-Main Tent, 3:00pm-5:30pm
-Candlelight Ski/Hike at Peninsula State Park, 5:30pm-8:00pm
-Fireworks Display-Outside of Main Tent, 5:45pm
-Rock & Roll Snow Dance with BIG MOUTH at Alexander’s, 10:00pm-12:00am
Sunday, February 4, 2018
-Fruit Loop Fun Run-Begins & Ends at the Main Tent, 10:30am
Fish Creek Winter Festival Address:
4150 Maple Street
Fish Creek, WI 54212
(920) 868-2316
Website
February 2, 2018 – February 3, 2018
St. Germain Radar Run
Ready for some outdoor winter fun in the North Woods? Discover Wisconsin and Boondock Nation will host St. Germain’s Annual Snowmobile Radar Run February 2nd and 3rd. St. Germain is a center of winter playground fun in Vilas County and the North Woods.
Bring it to the lake on Friday night and experience the practice runs on both snow tracks and shaved ice tracks. “Friday Night Under the Lights” includes drag races, fun runs and the Snow Outlaw Top 10 Shootout. Saturday enjoy fun runs, speed runs, bikini runs, vendor row, Snow Outlaw Racing Finale, trophy presentation and prizes. Race your snowmobile against the gun – 1000’ distance! 660’ and 1000’ practice tracks.
Along with the Radar Run, St. Germain holds the Snowmobile Hall of Fame, which is along Highway 70. Just up Highway 155 closer to Sayner, the Vilas County Museum holds the first true snowmobile, which was patented by Carl Eliason in 1924. This area definitely knows their winter sports and how to get around in the snow!
St. Germain Radar Run Address:
Little St. Germain Lake, West Bay
7992 Paton Road
St. Germain, WI 54558
(715) 477-2205
Website
Radar Run Facebook page
FRIDAY’S SCHEDULE:
• ALL DAY! Music sponsored by Badger Glass & Don-Rick Ins. of Baraboo Vendor’s Row by Parsons of Eagle River
• 12pm: Hiller’s Pine Haven registration booth opens
• 12-8pm: General Beer & Sprecher’s Heated Beer & Food Tent
• 1-4 pm: Knitt’s Hardware Hank Speed Runs – Test your sled on 1000′ of shaved ice or 660′ of groomed snow.
• 5-8pm: The Timbers Bar & Grill Friday Night Under the Lights Arrowhead Groomers Heads-Up Drag Racing for spectators • 5pm Snow Outlaw Drag Racing • 6pm Open Fun Runs on Snow Under the Lights – Fun runs on 660′ of groomed snow under the lights. Open to everyone-Only $5/run.
• Sno*Boss Groomers Radar Runs on the Twilight 660’ (groomed snow track)
• Knitt’s Hardware Practice Speed Runs on the Thunderbird 1000’ (shaved ice track)
SATURDAY’S SCHEDULE:
• ALL DAY! Music sponsored by Badger Glass & Don-Rick Ins. of Baraboo Vendor’s Row by Parsons of Eagle River
• 9am: Hiller’s Pine Haven Registration Booth opens at 9am
• 10am-4pm: General Beer & Sprecher’s Heated Beer & Food Tent
• 10am-4pm: Fun Runs sponsored by Sno*Boss Groomers & Speed Runs sponsored by Knitt’s Hardware
• 12pm: Rustic Manor Motor Lodge Recliner Races
• 1pm: Knockers Pizza Co. Bikini Run featuring Divas SnowGear • Proceeds from the Bikini Run rac-es will be donated to: Pink Ribbon Riders, St Germain Fire Dept. & Plum Lake Ambulance.
• 2pm: Snow Outlaw Winter Nationals Finale
• 5pm: Trophy Presentation & Prizes for the top Three Speeds in each class will be at Knocker’s
• Speed Runs on Shaved Ice • 32 Classes of Speed Runs for Prizes!
• Top 10 Snow Outlaw Racing Finale
• Top 3 speeds by women on snow and ice wins Divas SnowGear!
• Spectator’s Shuttle sponsored by Spang’s Italian Restaurant down to the lake
• Porta Tree Timing systems sponsored by Serenity Bay Resort / Shoeder’s RV & Marine
• Trophy Racing on the Thunderbird Pass 1000’ (shaved ice track)
• Fun runs on the Twilight Bar 660’ (groomed snow track)