Enjoy the bounties of the harvest & the warm glow of the autumn colors starting Thursday, September 24, with the 6th Annual Taste of Siren, followed by Saturday’s Hand-made Artisan & Crafter Show, Carriage Rides, Farmers Market, Pumpkin Bowling, Petting Zoo, Walk for the Animals, Motorcycle Show, Contests & MORE!
Siren is right where Highways 35 and 70 meet, in a beautiful area of northwest Wisconsin. Check VisitSiren.com for all the details!
Start:
September 24, 2015
End:
September 26, 2015
Venue:
Village of Siren
Phone:
715-349-8399
Address:
Highways 35 and 70, Siren, WI, 54872, United States
Beaver Dam has a lot of events tailored to specific foods. They have a cream cheese festival in March; in September, things get spicier!
The Beaver Dam Pepper Festival celebrates the Hungarian immigrants who brought peppers to the area in 1912 – we’re guessing foods were a little blander prior to that – and offers music, fun, and spicy dishes. Get all the details on their website!
Beaver Dam is in the heart of Dodge County along U.S. 151 and Highway 33.
Start:
September 12, 2015 10:00 am
End:
September 12, 2015 6:00 pm
Venue:
Park Village
Phone:
920-382-6453
Address:
810 Park Avenue, Beaver Dam, WI, 53916, United States
How fitting is it that Fond du Lac has Fondue Fest?? With an annual attendance of more than 20,000 people, Fondue Fest comes in as the largest event in downtown FDL. Three stages feature a variety of music genres, there’s a huge Kids Zone, art and craft vendors, farmer’s market vendors, and of course, plenty of cheese and chocolate fondue. Dip, twirl, and eat!
Fondue Fest takes place Saturday September 12th along Main Street in Fond du Lac. It’s just off I-41 & U.S. 151 (which bypass the city), with Highway 23 and U.S. 45 providing direct access. Highway 175 comes in from the south as Main Street, although it technically ends before you reach downtown. Keep going north and you’ll reach it!
Check their website for full schedules and details.
Start:
September 12, 2015 9:00 am
End:
September 12, 2015 5:00 pm
Venue:
Downtown Fond du Lac
Phone:
920-322-2006
Address:
Main Street, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States
We love Prescott, which hugs the western shore of Wisconsin where the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers meet. U.S. 10 comes in from Minnesota, Highway 29 begins on the northeast side of town, and Highway 35 ends its majestic Great River Road run here, which originates back near Dubuque, Iowa. Prescott is a Wisconsin town through-and-through, but is technically part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro – almost a suburb.
Prescott celebrates its heritage and its tendency to party in many ways, but particularly with Prescott Daze.
Taking place the weekend after Labor Day, and this year September 11-13, this year’s theme is “Totally 80’s”. Everything from street car shows, parades, arts and crafts vendor booths, a fishing contest, a fun run/walk, and plenty of events for kids from a petting zoo and carnival games to giant jumping slides will be featured. And with an 80’s theme, feel free to bring as much Aqua Net spray as necessary.
Start:
September 11, 2015
End:
September 13, 2015
Venue:
Prescott Daze
Phone:
715-262-3284
Address:
279 Broad Street, Prescott, WI, 54021, United States
Downtown Kenosha is the place to come show off your car and see what the area has to offer. This is the 12th annual show, and it’s open to all makes and models of vehicles and motorcycles. It starts at 8am and runs well into the night!
This is presented by the Midwest Street Machine Association and will focus on the area of 56th Street and 7th Avenue, in close proximity a ton of great bars, restaurants, museums, local microbreweries, and more! It’s just east of Highway 32/Sheridan Avenue, north of the east end of Highway 50 and south of the east end of Highway 158/52nd Street.
Date:
September 5, 2015
Venue:
Downtown Kenosha
Phone:
262-818-6410
Address:
700 56th Street, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
Thousands of motorcycles are converge on Milwaukee Labor Day for a weekend full of custom culture. The Harley-Davidson Museum Custom Bike Show will showcase the best in professional and amateur bike builders as part of the annual Milwaukee Rally. The Harley-Davidson Museum Custom Bike Show showcases 160 bikes in 12 categories. This is an annual show that has grown to be one of the biggest bike shows in the U.S., of course!
You’ll find the Harley Davidson Museum along 6th Street within sight of downtown Milwaukee, just north of where Highway 38 ends and just south of where Highway 145 ends… and they both end along 6th Street. Nearby, U.S. 18, I-43/94, and Highways 32 and 59 come very close!
Start:
September 3, 2015
End:
September 6, 2015
Venue:
Harley Davidson Museum
Phone:
877-436-8738
Address:
400 Canal Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53201, United States
The NASCAR XFINITY Series Road America 180 (fired up by Johnsonville), SCCA Pro Trans-Am Series and Mazda MX-5 Cup roll into Road America bringing intense door-to-door racing action to the nation’s most intimidating road course this weekend! Being the final of three road courses on the NASCAR XFINITY Series schedule means this could prove to be a pivotal race for drivers looking to improve their standing in the championship points.
Definitely check this out at one of the nation’s great road race courses, Road America! It’s right off Highway 67, and Highways 23 and 57 get you close.
Start:
August 27, 2015
End:
August 29, 2015
Venue:
Road America
Phone:
920-892-4576
Address:
N7390 State Highway 67, Elkhart Lake, WI, 53020, United States
Think “she sells sea shells by the seashore” is tricky? Wait’ll you hear and see these contestants with some truly tantalizing tongue twister tries! Hey, you can enter too… how many tongue twisters can you get off in 10 seconds? Adults and kids each have their own divisions with appropriate prizes, which might include “a peck of pickled peppers,” or something similar.
Contest tongue twisters are not given out ahead for maximum challenges. Door prizes will be available for all audience members, plus more prizes for all contestants. Don’t be late, this is a fast contest! Just come to watch & listen if you want! Gift shop open after. Parking is free. Admission charge to contest.
This happens in downtown Burlington at the Logic Puzzle Museum, just down the street from Fred’s (the burger place we love!) City Highways 11, 36, and 83 intersect right around here, Highway 142 also brings you in from Kenosha. Get your tongue ready and go check it out!
On Peshtigo Lake, which is actually in Crandon, check out the National Barefooting Championships the weekend of August 22-23! This is a national figure-8 barefoot water ski tournament, featuring head-to-head competition. As they say, the crazy is what makes it insanely entertaining. “Average joes” actually take on barefoot waterskiing champions in the ultimate endurance challenge. Maybe you’re not crazy enough to participate? That’s cool, you can attend and watch!
U.S. 8 and Highways 32 and 55 bring you to Crandon. And no matter how you get there, it’s a beautiful drive!
Check out their website for full activity details.
De Pere buzzes with the Brown County Fair, August 19 to 23, 2015. Check out the roar of engines with demolition derby Wednesday and a Tractor Pull Thursday; bulls, broncos and cowboys at the PRCA Rodeo Friday and Saturday, presented by Broadway Automotive.
Music from bands like The Cougars Thursday, the Mantz Brothers Friday, plus Petty Cash, Nash Vegas, Separate Ways and much more for the whole family.
There’s the All American Lumberjack Show daily, and military appreciation day is Saturday.
Tickets are $9 in advance and $12 at the gate – $5 on Sunday. ight at the gate– all access including rides—all day—just 12 bucks, and just 5 bucks for Sunday. Go online for complete schedule at browncountyfair.com.
You’ll find the Brown County Fairgrounds in De Pere just off I-41, and Highway 32 (Ashland Avenue), across the river from Highway 57 and just south of the 172 Freeway. It’s right on the shores of the Fox River!
Address:
1500 Ft. Howard Avenue
De Pere, WI 54115
(920) 336-7292 Website
Start:
August 19, 2015
End:
August 23, 2015
Venue:
Brown County Fairgrounds
Phone:
920-336-7292
Address:
1500 Fort Howard Avenue, De Pere, WI, 54115, United States
Sister Bay rocks with groups like Whiskey of the Damned, Unity…the Band, Honey & the 45’s, Recalcitrant, Big Wig Mechanic, and more August 7-8! There’s a Beachfront Stage and a Campfire Stage, and groups play Friday night and Saturday afternoon.
The festival runs rain or shine (or, really, sun or splash) and camping is available nearby. Tickets are $30, kids 12 and under are free. Get the lineup, ticket details, and more on their website!
You can get to Sister Bay via Highway 42 or Highway 57, since they meet up right there by Al Johnson’s Swedish Butik & Restaurant – that’s the one with goats on the roof. So yeah, you’ll have a fun time no matter what!
Start:
August 7, 2015 4:00 pm
End:
August 8, 2015 11:55 pm
Venue:
Sister Bay
Address:
10693 N. Bay Shore Drive, Sister Bay, WI, 54234, United States
Brady Street is a neighborhood as well as a street on Milwaukee’s lower East Side and it’s a blast. The annual Brady Street Festival happens Saturday, July 25th, 2015 from 11am to midnight and will feature 4 stages packed with live entertainment, including many popular local Milwaukee area bands.
Along with the music, the Division BMX Stunt Team, the Casablanca Rumble V Pro Wrestling Ring, The Milwaukee Flyers tumbling team, and the CFSC Speleo Cave will perform. There’ll be a variety of vendors, over 40 local cheeses to sample at the Glorioso cheese tent, jewelry and pottery crafters, a vast array of food, and of course, ice cold beer.
Brady Street is just off Highway 32 (Farwell/Prospect Avenues) just east of Highway 145, I-43, and north of U.S. 18. Highway 190/Capitol Drive is just a few miles north.
Address:
1224 E. Brady Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 272-3978 Website
Start:
July 25, 2015 11:00 am
End:
July 25, 2015 11:55 pm
Venue:
Brady Street Festival
Phone:
414-272-3978
Address:
1224 E. Brady Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
The 36th annual Isthmus Paddle & Portage features hundreds of stand up paddleboarders in a unique celebration of SUP (Stand Up Paddle) in Madison. The crazy fun-filled weekend kicks off at Olin Park along Lake Monona Friday evening, which offers a fantastic view of the Capitol and downtown Madison. Paddlers and the general public are invited for before the race bib pick-up, Gear Demos with some of the best paddle gear on the planet and clinics. The schedule includes Pro clinics for Elite paddlers sponsored by Paddleboard Specialists, Learn to SUP for beginners and SUP Yoga sponsored by Brittingham Boats.
The actual race on Saturday starts at James Madison Park in Lake Mendota with a 1.5-mile paddle followed by a 1-mile portage around the Capitol and past the Dane County Farmers’ Market before heading to Monona Terrace and dropping into Lake Monona for a final 1.5-mile paddle to the finish line at Olin Park. Check out SUP lessons, SUP YOGA, Gear Demos and to attend the post-race party at Olin Park for live music, food, craft brews and the 2015 Paddle & Portage awards ceremony. It’s a blast for paddlers and spectators alike – but less work if you’re a spectator.
And a shout-out to their main sponsors Paddleboard Specialists, Clean Lakes Alliance, Essen Haus and Don Miller Subaru!
This is the first go-’round for this fascinating new event in the Chippewa Valley. Eaux Claires is a two-day, multi-stage experience featuring live music, performance art, visual art, food and more.
The lineup is incredibly extensive and crosses multiple genres. We can note Spoon, The Lone Bellow, The National, PHOX, Field Report, Blind Boys of Alabama, Charles Bradley, Grandma Sparrow, Indigo Girls, Sufjan Stevens, Sylvan Esso, and of course Bon Iver, which hails from Eau Claire. Bon Iver’s founder Justin Vernon has led the way for creating Eaux Claires. The full lineup is here.
Ticket packages vary, but children ten and under are free. It takes place on Foster Farms, a place used to music festivals (Country Jam is the following weekend!) There is no on-site parking, but shuttles will be available from area campsites or hotels, including the BEST WESTERN PLUS Trail Lodge Hotel & Suites, which is only minutes away – even on foot!) The Eaux Claires grounds are on Crescent Avenue just off U.S. 12 and Highway 37 near the Chippewa River on the west side of Eau Claire, just off I-94 and west of U.S. 53 and Highway 93.
Address:
3443 Crescent Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54703 Website
Start:
July 17, 2015 11:00 am
End:
July 18, 2015 11:55 pm
Venue:
Foster Farms
Phone:
617-371-3955
Address:
3443 Crescent Avenue, Eau Claire, WI, 54703, United States
A mid-summer classic, The HAWK with Brian Redman has quickly grown to become one of the largest vintage racing events in the country. An historic CAN-AM race with an impressive field of cars is also expected to gather in celebration of CAN AM’s 49th Anniversary with a combined tribute celebrating Chevrolet’s 60th Anniversary of its revered V8 engine. The Nationwide Insurance Concours d’ Elegance in downtown Elkhart Lake on Friday and Saturday night is a can’t miss event for any enthusiast. Be a part of this spectacular evening with music and dancing under the stars.
It takes place at Road America in Elkhart Lake, just off Highway 67 north of Highway 23 and west of Highway 57. Race over and enjoy!
Address:
Road America, Inc.
N7390 State Highway 67
Elkhart Lake, WI 53020
800-365-7223 Website
Start:
July 16, 2015
End:
July 19, 2015
Venue:
Road America
Phone:
800-365-7723
Address:
N7390 State Highway 67, Elkhart Lake, WI, 53020, United States
The Verizon IndyCar Series will return to the world-famous Milwaukee Mile July 11-12 for two days of high speed action at the world’s oldest operating motor speedway! This year, the Verizon IndyCar Series will pair with vintage racers from the Harry Miller Club, giving fans a view of IndyCar past and present on the historic one-mile oval. Infield activities for all ages will be available both days, with live entertainment in the Coors Light Music & Beer Garden, and driver autograph sessions and Q&A’s in the IndyCar Fan Village.
The Harry Miller Club will be on track Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11. Founded in 1995 by ardent vintage Indy car collectors David Uihlein Sr., Chuck Davis and Bob Sutherland, the Miller Club gathering at the Milwaukee Mile has become arguably the finest collection of vintage Indy cars running on an oval track in the world
Start:
July 11, 2015
End:
July 12, 2015
Venue:
Milwaukee Mile at Wisconsin State Fair Park
Phone:
414-266-7000
Address:
Washington Street, West Allis, WI, 53214, United States
Celebrating its 27th year, the Isthmus Jazz Festival is a two-day celebration of America’s homegrown art form (that would be jazz). The free festival kicks off the summer season in one of Madison’s most beautiful outdoor settings, the Memorial Union Terrace, with Lake Mendota as a glittering backdrop.
A diverse crowd of students, jazz aficionados and casual fans fill the tables to hear a lineup that reflects a century’s worth of jazz styles. Dixieland, big-band swing, bebop, Latin jazz and free jazz are all part of the mix, along with contemporary derivations like funk and hip-hop. The festival is committed to honoring jazz’s glorious tradition while keeping one eye fixed on the future.
The festival runs Friday and Saturday, June 19th and 20th and is free, except for the headliner performance, Freddy Cole (4:30pm on Saturday.)
U.S. 151/Washington Street brings you closest in, while U.S. 12, 14, 18 and Highways 30 and 113 all bring you into Madison!
The county seat of Calumet County, Chilton holds its annual Summer Festival from Thursday, June 18th through Sunday, June 21st. Everything from citywide rummage sales to music, food, entertainment, and a Father’s Day Parade will all take place throughout town. Highways 32, 57, and U.S. 151 all meet in Chilton; it’s an easy drive from anywhere in eastern Wisconsin.
Start:
June 18, 2015
End:
June 21, 2015
Venue:
Chilton Summer Festival
Address:
25 N. Madison Street, Chilton, WI, 53014, United States
This free family festival in Fondy features fish – with an emphasis on walleye (and that was all the alliteration we could work in one line.)
Plenty of live music, games, attractions including FamilyLand, a Strongman competition and tournaments in basketball, volleyball, and fishing … all capped with the Mercury Marine 38th Annual National Walleye Tournament.
It’s a fun outdoor festival along the southern shore of Lake Winnebago. U.S. 41, 45, 151 and Highways 23 and 175 all bring you to Fond Du Lac!
Start:
June 12, 2015
End:
June 14, 2015
Venue:
Walleye Weekend
Phone:
920-923-6555
Address:
650 N. Main Street, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935, United States
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events
September 24, 2015 – September 26, 2015
Harvestfest and Taste of Siren
Enjoy the bounties of the harvest & the warm glow of the autumn colors starting Thursday, September 24, with the 6th Annual Taste of Siren, followed by Saturday’s Hand-made Artisan & Crafter Show, Carriage Rides, Farmers Market, Pumpkin Bowling, Petting Zoo, Walk for the Animals, Motorcycle Show, Contests & MORE!
Siren is right where Highways 35 and 70 meet, in a beautiful area of northwest Wisconsin. Check VisitSiren.com for all the details!
September 12, 2015
Beaver Dam Pepper Festival
Beaver Dam has a lot of events tailored to specific foods. They have a cream cheese festival in March; in September, things get spicier!
The Beaver Dam Pepper Festival celebrates the Hungarian immigrants who brought peppers to the area in 1912 – we’re guessing foods were a little blander prior to that – and offers music, fun, and spicy dishes. Get all the details on their website!
Beaver Dam is in the heart of Dodge County along U.S. 151 and Highway 33.
Fondue Fest
How fitting is it that Fond du Lac has Fondue Fest?? With an annual attendance of more than 20,000 people, Fondue Fest comes in as the largest event in downtown FDL. Three stages feature a variety of music genres, there’s a huge Kids Zone, art and craft vendors, farmer’s market vendors, and of course, plenty of cheese and chocolate fondue. Dip, twirl, and eat!
Fondue Fest takes place Saturday September 12th along Main Street in Fond du Lac. It’s just off I-41 & U.S. 151 (which bypass the city), with Highway 23 and U.S. 45 providing direct access. Highway 175 comes in from the south as Main Street, although it technically ends before you reach downtown. Keep going north and you’ll reach it!
Check their website for full schedules and details.
September 11, 2015 – September 13, 2015
Prescott Daze
We love Prescott, which hugs the western shore of Wisconsin where the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers meet. U.S. 10 comes in from Minnesota, Highway 29 begins on the northeast side of town, and Highway 35 ends its majestic Great River Road run here, which originates back near Dubuque, Iowa. Prescott is a Wisconsin town through-and-through, but is technically part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro – almost a suburb.
Prescott celebrates its heritage and its tendency to party in many ways, but particularly with Prescott Daze.
Taking place the weekend after Labor Day, and this year September 11-13, this year’s theme is “Totally 80’s”. Everything from street car shows, parades, arts and crafts vendor booths, a fishing contest, a fun run/walk, and plenty of events for kids from a petting zoo and carnival games to giant jumping slides will be featured. And with an 80’s theme, feel free to bring as much Aqua Net spray as necessary.
September 5, 2015
Kenosha Classic Cruise-In
Downtown Kenosha is the place to come show off your car and see what the area has to offer. This is the 12th annual show, and it’s open to all makes and models of vehicles and motorcycles. It starts at 8am and runs well into the night!
This is presented by the Midwest Street Machine Association and will focus on the area of 56th Street and 7th Avenue, in close proximity a ton of great bars, restaurants, museums, local microbreweries, and more! It’s just east of Highway 32/Sheridan Avenue, north of the east end of Highway 50 and south of the east end of Highway 158/52nd Street.
September 3, 2015 – September 6, 2015
Harley-Davidson Museum Custom Bike Show Weekend
Thousands of motorcycles are converge on Milwaukee Labor Day for a weekend full of custom culture. The Harley-Davidson Museum Custom Bike Show will showcase the best in professional and amateur bike builders as part of the annual Milwaukee Rally. The Harley-Davidson Museum Custom Bike Show showcases 160 bikes in 12 categories. This is an annual show that has grown to be one of the biggest bike shows in the U.S., of course!
You’ll find the Harley Davidson Museum along 6th Street within sight of downtown Milwaukee, just north of where Highway 38 ends and just south of where Highway 145 ends… and they both end along 6th Street. Nearby, U.S. 18, I-43/94, and Highways 32 and 59 come very close!
August 27, 2015 – August 29, 2015
NASCAR XFINITY Series, SCCA Pro Trans-Am Series and Mazda MX-5 Cup
The NASCAR XFINITY Series Road America 180 (fired up by Johnsonville), SCCA Pro Trans-Am Series and Mazda MX-5 Cup roll into Road America bringing intense door-to-door racing action to the nation’s most intimidating road course this weekend! Being the final of three road courses on the NASCAR XFINITY Series schedule means this could prove to be a pivotal race for drivers looking to improve their standing in the championship points.
Definitely check this out at one of the nation’s great road race courses, Road America! It’s right off Highway 67, and Highways 23 and 57 get you close.
August 22, 2015
International Tongue Twister Contest
Think “she sells sea shells by the seashore” is tricky? Wait’ll you hear and see these contestants with some truly tantalizing tongue twister tries! Hey, you can enter too… how many tongue twisters can you get off in 10 seconds? Adults and kids each have their own divisions with appropriate prizes, which might include “a peck of pickled peppers,” or something similar.
Contest tongue twisters are not given out ahead for maximum challenges. Door prizes will be available for all audience members, plus more prizes for all contestants. Don’t be late, this is a fast contest! Just come to watch & listen if you want! Gift shop open after. Parking is free. Admission charge to contest.
This happens in downtown Burlington at the Logic Puzzle Museum, just down the street from Fred’s (the burger place we love!) City Highways 11, 36, and 83 intersect right around here, Highway 142 also brings you in from Kenosha. Get your tongue ready and go check it out!
Check their website for all the details.
August 21, 2015 – August 23, 2015
Footstock Waterski Competition
On Peshtigo Lake, which is actually in Crandon, check out the National Barefooting Championships the weekend of August 22-23! This is a national figure-8 barefoot water ski tournament, featuring head-to-head competition. As they say, the crazy is what makes it insanely entertaining. “Average joes” actually take on barefoot waterskiing champions in the ultimate endurance challenge. Maybe you’re not crazy enough to participate? That’s cool, you can attend and watch!
U.S. 8 and Highways 32 and 55 bring you to Crandon. And no matter how you get there, it’s a beautiful drive!
Check out their website for full activity details.
August 19, 2015 – August 23, 2015
Brown County Fair
De Pere buzzes with the Brown County Fair, August 19 to 23, 2015. Check out the roar of engines with demolition derby Wednesday and a Tractor Pull Thursday; bulls, broncos and cowboys at the PRCA Rodeo Friday and Saturday, presented by Broadway Automotive.
Music from bands like The Cougars Thursday, the Mantz Brothers Friday, plus Petty Cash, Nash Vegas, Separate Ways and much more for the whole family.
There’s the All American Lumberjack Show daily, and military appreciation day is Saturday.
Tickets are $9 in advance and $12 at the gate – $5 on Sunday. ight at the gate– all access including rides—all day—just 12 bucks, and just 5 bucks for Sunday. Go online for complete schedule at browncountyfair.com.
You’ll find the Brown County Fairgrounds in De Pere just off I-41, and Highway 32 (Ashland Avenue), across the river from Highway 57 and just south of the 172 Freeway. It’s right on the shores of the Fox River!
Address:
1500 Ft. Howard Avenue
De Pere, WI 54115
(920) 336-7292
Website
August 10, 2015 – August 16, 2015
2015 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits
The PGA Championship returns for the third time to beautiful Whistling Straits August 10-16. What more needs to be said?
Check out all the details on their website. Caddyshack references will abound.
August 7, 2015 – August 8, 2015
Midwest Sunsplash Festival
Sister Bay rocks with groups like Whiskey of the Damned, Unity…the Band, Honey & the 45’s, Recalcitrant, Big Wig Mechanic, and more August 7-8! There’s a Beachfront Stage and a Campfire Stage, and groups play Friday night and Saturday afternoon.
The festival runs rain or shine (or, really, sun or splash) and camping is available nearby. Tickets are $30, kids 12 and under are free. Get the lineup, ticket details, and more on their website!
You can get to Sister Bay via Highway 42 or Highway 57, since they meet up right there by Al Johnson’s Swedish Butik & Restaurant – that’s the one with goats on the roof. So yeah, you’ll have a fun time no matter what!
July 25, 2015
Brady Street Festival
Brady Street is a neighborhood as well as a street on Milwaukee’s lower East Side and it’s a blast. The annual Brady Street Festival happens Saturday, July 25th, 2015 from 11am to midnight and will feature 4 stages packed with live entertainment, including many popular local Milwaukee area bands.
Along with the music, the Division BMX Stunt Team, the Casablanca Rumble V Pro Wrestling Ring, The Milwaukee Flyers tumbling team, and the CFSC Speleo Cave will perform. There’ll be a variety of vendors, over 40 local cheeses to sample at the Glorioso cheese tent, jewelry and pottery crafters, a vast array of food, and of course, ice cold beer.
Brady Street is just off Highway 32 (Farwell/Prospect Avenues) just east of Highway 145, I-43, and north of U.S. 18. Highway 190/Capitol Drive is just a few miles north.
Address:
1224 E. Brady Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 272-3978
Website
July 17, 2015 – July 18, 2015
Midwest Paddle Festival and Paddle & Portage Race
The 36th annual Isthmus Paddle & Portage features hundreds of stand up paddleboarders in a unique celebration of SUP (Stand Up Paddle) in Madison. The crazy fun-filled weekend kicks off at Olin Park along Lake Monona Friday evening, which offers a fantastic view of the Capitol and downtown Madison. Paddlers and the general public are invited for before the race bib pick-up, Gear Demos with some of the best paddle gear on the planet and clinics. The schedule includes Pro clinics for Elite paddlers sponsored by Paddleboard Specialists, Learn to SUP for beginners and SUP Yoga sponsored by Brittingham Boats.
The actual race on Saturday starts at James Madison Park in Lake Mendota with a 1.5-mile paddle followed by a 1-mile portage around the Capitol and past the Dane County Farmers’ Market before heading to Monona Terrace and dropping into Lake Monona for a final 1.5-mile paddle to the finish line at Olin Park. Check out SUP lessons, SUP YOGA, Gear Demos and to attend the post-race party at Olin Park for live music, food, craft brews and the 2015 Paddle & Portage awards ceremony. It’s a blast for paddlers and spectators alike – but less work if you’re a spectator.
And a shout-out to their main sponsors Paddleboard Specialists, Clean Lakes Alliance, Essen Haus and Don Miller Subaru!
Website
July 17, 2015 – July 18, 2015
Eaux Claires Music Festival
This is the first go-’round for this fascinating new event in the Chippewa Valley. Eaux Claires is a two-day, multi-stage experience featuring live music, performance art, visual art, food and more.
The lineup is incredibly extensive and crosses multiple genres. We can note Spoon, The Lone Bellow, The National, PHOX, Field Report, Blind Boys of Alabama, Charles Bradley, Grandma Sparrow, Indigo Girls, Sufjan Stevens, Sylvan Esso, and of course Bon Iver, which hails from Eau Claire. Bon Iver’s founder Justin Vernon has led the way for creating Eaux Claires. The full lineup is here.
Ticket packages vary, but children ten and under are free. It takes place on Foster Farms, a place used to music festivals (Country Jam is the following weekend!) There is no on-site parking, but shuttles will be available from area campsites or hotels, including the BEST WESTERN PLUS Trail Lodge Hotel & Suites, which is only minutes away – even on foot!) The Eaux Claires grounds are on Crescent Avenue just off U.S. 12 and Highway 37 near the Chippewa River on the west side of Eau Claire, just off I-94 and west of U.S. 53 and Highway 93.
Address:
3443 Crescent Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54703
Website
July 16, 2015 – July 19, 2015
The HAWK Vintage Car Weekend
A mid-summer classic, The HAWK with Brian Redman has quickly grown to become one of the largest vintage racing events in the country. An historic CAN-AM race with an impressive field of cars is also expected to gather in celebration of CAN AM’s 49th Anniversary with a combined tribute celebrating Chevrolet’s 60th Anniversary of its revered V8 engine. The Nationwide Insurance Concours d’ Elegance in downtown Elkhart Lake on Friday and Saturday night is a can’t miss event for any enthusiast. Be a part of this spectacular evening with music and dancing under the stars.
It takes place at Road America in Elkhart Lake, just off Highway 67 north of Highway 23 and west of Highway 57. Race over and enjoy!
Address:
Road America, Inc.
N7390 State Highway 67
Elkhart Lake, WI 53020
800-365-7223
Website
July 11, 2015 – July 12, 2015
IndyFest
The Verizon IndyCar Series will return to the world-famous Milwaukee Mile July 11-12 for two days of high speed action at the world’s oldest operating motor speedway! This year, the Verizon IndyCar Series will pair with vintage racers from the Harry Miller Club, giving fans a view of IndyCar past and present on the historic one-mile oval. Infield activities for all ages will be available both days, with live entertainment in the Coors Light Music & Beer Garden, and driver autograph sessions and Q&A’s in the IndyCar Fan Village.
The Harry Miller Club will be on track Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11. Founded in 1995 by ardent vintage Indy car collectors David Uihlein Sr., Chuck Davis and Bob Sutherland, the Miller Club gathering at the Milwaukee Mile has become arguably the finest collection of vintage Indy cars running on an oval track in the world
June 19, 2015 – June 20, 2015
Isthmus Jazz Festival
Celebrating its 27th year, the Isthmus Jazz Festival is a two-day celebration of America’s homegrown art form (that would be jazz). The free festival kicks off the summer season in one of Madison’s most beautiful outdoor settings, the Memorial Union Terrace, with Lake Mendota as a glittering backdrop.
A diverse crowd of students, jazz aficionados and casual fans fill the tables to hear a lineup that reflects a century’s worth of jazz styles. Dixieland, big-band swing, bebop, Latin jazz and free jazz are all part of the mix, along with contemporary derivations like funk and hip-hop. The festival is committed to honoring jazz’s glorious tradition while keeping one eye fixed on the future.
The festival runs Friday and Saturday, June 19th and 20th and is free, except for the headliner performance, Freddy Cole (4:30pm on Saturday.)
U.S. 151/Washington Street brings you closest in, while U.S. 12, 14, 18 and Highways 30 and 113 all bring you into Madison!
Get more details on the Isthmus Jazz Fest website here.
June 18, 2015 – June 21, 2015
Chilton Summer Festival
The county seat of Calumet County, Chilton holds its annual Summer Festival from Thursday, June 18th through Sunday, June 21st. Everything from citywide rummage sales to music, food, entertainment, and a Father’s Day Parade will all take place throughout town. Highways 32, 57, and U.S. 151 all meet in Chilton; it’s an easy drive from anywhere in eastern Wisconsin.
June 12, 2015 – June 14, 2015
Walleye Weekend, Fond du Lac
This free family festival in Fondy features fish – with an emphasis on walleye (and that was all the alliteration we could work in one line.)
Plenty of live music, games, attractions including FamilyLand, a Strongman competition and tournaments in basketball, volleyball, and fishing … all capped with the Mercury Marine 38th Annual National Walleye Tournament.
It’s a fun outdoor festival along the southern shore of Lake Winnebago. U.S. 41, 45, 151 and Highways 23 and 175 all bring you to Fond Du Lac!