The 2nd annual Jingle & Mingle at City Green in downtown Sheboygan is a family-friendly event that includes entertainment, a marketplace, a brat fry, trolley rides, and of course, Santa!
Make plans to visit Santa and his elves from 12:30pm – 2:00pm and 2:30pm -4:00pm.
The Marketplace is open from Noon to 4 :00pm with crafters, sweet treats, and a traditional brat fry.
Warm up around the bonfire while you roast a tasty s’more or two.
Climb aboard the trolley for rides around town and mingle through the local shops. The Holiday Open House will be happening in select downtown, riverfront and South Pier businesses to help with your holiday shopping.
Help us decorate our tree with handmade ornaments or write your letter to Santa and we’ll deliver it to the North Pole.
Participate in the ugly sweater contest to win prizes.
The Marketplace is open from Noon to 6pm with crafters, sweet treats, and a traditional Sheboygan Jaycees Brat Fry. Marketplace Vendors include:
Comfort & Joy Wooden Ornaments
Crafters Attic (soaps, lotions & more)
Fat Cat 3D creations
Hope Church Bake Sale
Infernal Candles
Mz.Nita’s Kitchen (desserts & baked goods)
Nap Time Treasures (wire jewelry)
She Sews Creations (purses, wallets, backpacks, kids pouches)
Sit back and relax for a bit with some holiday entertainment.
Jingle & Mingle Schedule of Events:
12:15 PM: Storytime with Santa.
12:30 PM: The Kohler High School Madrigal Singers
1 PM: Ugly Sweater Contest
1:30 PM: South High School Singers
2 PM: Lutheran High School Chamber Choir
2:30 PM: Noah & Grace
3 PM: Livie
You can get to City Green and downtown Sheboygan via Highways 23, 28, or 42 in from I-43. Just head towards the lake and make your way to 8th Street, City Green is right at the New York Avenue intersection. While in Sheboygan, you can check out so many fun attractions, restaurants, and more. They include the John Michael Kohler Arts Center – practically adjacent to City Green – the Above & Beyond Children’s Museum, also within blocks of City Green, the Harbor District along the Sheboygan River, North Beach, Maywood Environmental Park and 3 Sheeps Brewing on the north side (both just off Highway 42), and much more.
Jingle & Mingle Address:
City Green, downtown Sheboygan
710 New York Avenue
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 335-0060 Website
The Lincoln Park Zoo is a terrific free zoo in the “Coolest Coast” city of Manitowoc. Every holiday season, Lights In Lincoln Park dazzles with a “twinkly bright drive-thru wonder” from November 24th through December 9th on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, and then resuming for EVERY evening from December 14th through the 28th, 2023.
Along with beautiful lights on trees, trellises and more, enjoy over 70 wild animal light displays, many with animated characters. Among them is animated elephant, a wood duck, a standing polar bear, an animated wolf, and whispering pine tree… just to give you an idea of what you’ll get to enjoy. This is the 10th annual Lights in Lincoln Park and they manage to add new features every year.
Admission is $5 per car and proceeds go to benefit zoo educational programs and enhancements to the Lincoln Park Zoo. You can enter from Waldo/Lincoln Boulevard, right where U.S. 10 and Highway 42 meet. It’s just north of downtown Manitowoc, about five minutes east of I-43, following the U.S. 10 (Waldo Blvd.) exit. It’s just west of Highway 42/Memorial Drive, which is a beautiful drive along the shores of Lake Michigan between Manitowoc and Two Rivers.
Lights In Lincoln Park Hours:
November 24th – December 9th: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm- Thursday, Friday and Saturday
December 14th – December 28th: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm- Every Night You can visit Santa on Cabin 1 on Friday nights: December 2nd, 9th, and 16th.
Lights in Lincoln Park Family Night Fun Walk is Friday December 29th, 2022 from 5:00 pm- 8:00 pm, featuring a fun walk through the Lincoln Park Lights. It’s a great way for the whole family to enjoy the lights and get some steps in! Admission for the Family Night Fun Walk is $5/person or $10/family.
Lights In Lincoln Park Address:
Lincoln Park Zoo
900 Quay Street (just off Highway 42, blocks from U.S. 10)
Manitowoc, WI 54220 Website
The Fall Art Tour is perfect for State Trunk Tourers with a love of the Driftless Area and art. It’s a self-guided driving tour where you can meet up to 45 area artists and watch them at work as you make your way through Baraboo, Spring Green, Dodgeville and Mineral Point!
Potters, weavers, glassblowers, woodworkers, painters, jewelers, quilters, photographers & sculptors are all part of it. Meet the artists, experience their work spaces, and witness as they create unique works of art. A wide variety of high-quality artwork is available for purchase in every price range. This is their 22nd Anniversary Tour and it’s become one of the most popular art events in the Midwest.
Highways 33, 130, 136, and 23 figure in this tour, as do many county and side roads. It’s a beautiful drive through the Driftless Area and a great behind-the-scenes look at artists’ studios!
Fall Art Tour Details:
More details can be had by calling (608) 356-9048 or checking out their website, http://www.fallarttour.com/.
Also, check out this video for a sample of what you’re in for!
Lake Geneva Oktoberfest 2022 is happening Saturday, October 8th and Sunday, October 9th, with a kickoff party at Topsy Turvy Brewery Friday night the 7th! The activity is centered in Flat Iron Park and throughout Downtown Lake Geneva.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT:
Playing at Flat Iron Park (Bring your own chairs)
Saturday, October 8th
Ed Wagner’s Lustige Blaskapelle, 12:30-3:00pm
Dunn Lumber Stein Hoisting Competition, 2:00pm
Grand Geneva Doxie Dash Race, 4:00pm
Steve Meisner Band, 4:00-6:00pm
Sunday, October 9th
Badger High School Jazz Band, 12:30-2:00pm
Dunn Lumber Stein Hoisting Competition, 2:00pm
The Phenix Band, 3:00-5:00pm
Grand Geneva Doxie Dash Race, 4:00pm
Also Saturday & Sunday
Playing throughout the downtown district and in the Flat Iron Park tent during band change overs.
Shows in the Rotary Club of Lake Geneva’s KIDS ENTERTAINMENT ZONE repeat throughout each day.
FREE PUMPKIN GIVEAWAY
U.S. 12 and Highways 50 and 120 bring you to Lake Geneva for all the fun.
Lake Geneva Oktoberfest 2022 Address:
Flat Iron Park, 201 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(262) 248-4416 Website
Windigo Fest is “a Festival of Folklore Freaks and ALL Things Halloween!” For 2022, this spine-chilling festival will take place at Manitowoc’s Expo Grounds, same place where the Manitowoc County Fair is held on the west end of town – there’s a lot of room on those grounds! All Hallows Eve enthusiasts with a hunger for the strange and unusual can experience a weekend filled with various seasonal activities including outstanding music, costume contests, dark art exhibits and contests, bizarre performances, and the historical cemetery bus tour. Windigo Fest kicks off Friday evening. After a day full of Halloween havoc, a parade will again display the Midwest’s best competitive costumes.
IT IS HALLOWEEN SO WEAR A COSTUME!!!!!
This is a huge event, with over 40 unique vendors with tons of Halloween and horror merch, plenty of creative art, unique oddities, and LOTS of live entertainment.
The Entertainment includes Kane Hopper, one of the actors who played Jason; ghost tribute band Absolution; Midgets With Attitude wrestling entertainment; EDM featuring Lockvibe; Blackened: Hellbilly Deluxe; Istra the Belly Dancer; and more.
Saturday features a Costume Contest & Halloween Parade for people of all ages! That starts around 6:07.
There’s also a Hearse & Rat Rod Auto Show, tons of food trucks, and plenty of vendors “Shop ‘Til You Drop Dead,” they say!)
Windigo Fest runs Friday, September 30th, Saturday, October 1st, and Sunday, October 2nd at the Manitowoc Expo Grounds. The grounds are easily accessible off I-43, at U.S. 151 and Highway 42 (Exit #149). U.S. 10 arrives in Manitowoc a few miles north of the Expo Grounds, which are accessible from U.S. 10 via I-43 or County R/Rapids Road (which was the original main highway – U.S. 141 – between Milwaukee and Green Bay before I-43 was built.)
The Gays Mills Apple Festival – the 63rd annual – runs September 23-25, 2022! Gays Mills is pretty much the apple capital of Wisconsin, and it celebrates the apple harvest with parades, carnivals, arts and crafts, flea markets, music, dancing, a 2K and 5K fun run/walk, food and festivities.
Get the rest of the details from their website or see the schedule below!
You’ll find Gays Mills in the heart of Wisconsin’s beautiful Driftless Area, where Highways 131 and 171 meet by the Kickapoo River. It’s worth going for the drive alone!
2022 Gays Mills Apple Festival Schedule of Events
FRIDAY EVENTS
Carnival: Wristband Night 5pm-9pm Fairgrounds
Lions Club Flea Market: 8am-5pm Fairgrounds
Main Street Vending: 10am-5pm Downtown
BMZ Church Food Stand:10am-5pm Fairgrounds
4-H Food Stand: Friday-Sunday Fairgrounds
American Legion Food Stand: 10am-5pm Fairgrounds
Societies Sons M/C: Music
Dante’s:Music Last Ride
Halver’s Town Tap: Music
SATURDAY EVENTS To See & Do:
Run and Walk:Registration 8am Main St Bridge, 2 & 5 Mi. Run; 2 Mi. Walk; ¼ Mi. Kids Fun Run: 9am
Lions Club Flea Market: 8am-5pm Fairgrounds
Main Street Vending: 9:30am-5pm Downtown
Cornhole Tournament
American Legion Volleyball Tournament: 9am 4-person Co-Ed Teams, 312 Main
Library Book Sale: 9am-5pm, 212 Main
Lions Club Arts and Crafts: 9am-5pm Fairgrounds
Carnival: 10am-5pm Fairgrounds
Open Horseshoe Tournament: Saturday Partner draw,Sunday 10 am registration and 11am start, Log CabinVillage Park
Societies Sons M/C: Music from American Standard
Fire Department: Raffle (Drawing in Nov.)
Dante’s: Music from Pilot of the Airwaves 3pm-7pm, Last Ride
Halver’s Town Tap: Music from Dylan Harris 2-6pm, DJ Robert 9pm – 1am
Inflatables:Downtown
SUNDAY EVENTS To See & Do:
Ride the FREE Trolley stops at Flea Market & Main! APPLE FESTIVAL PARADE 1:30 pm, Main Street to Riverside Park Lions Club Arts and Crafts & Flea Market: 8am-5pm Fairgrounds Main Street Vending: 9:30am-4pm Downtown Library Book Sale: 9am-3:30 pm 212 Main Carnival: 10am-5pm Fairgrounds Open Horseshoe Tournament: Saturday draw for partners, Sunday 10am registration, 11am start, Log Cabin Village Park Fire Department: Raffle (Drawing in Nov.) Inflatables: Downtown
Harvest Fair at Wisconsin State Fair Park features tons of fall-focused events, activities, live entertainment, competitions, scarecrow making and the much anticipated Pumpkin Bowling. It runs September 23-25, 2022 and has FREE admission.
Over 30 vendors will be there, selling everything from tasty food to cool crafts. Since it’s fall, imbibe in a pumpkin spice cream puff; enjoy pies from the Elegant Farmer; grab a cup of Kozie’s Harvest Stew; explore a multitude of Wisconsin cheeses; and The Micro will be offering over 60 varieties of craft beers. Prefer wine? No problem, Wineberry will be serving up red wines, white wines, even wine slushies.
Check out the Antique Tractors Display, the Backyard Circus, Camel and Pony Rides, a Farmers’ Market, Free Live Music, Giant Cookie Decorating, Hay Rides, a Kiddie Tractor Maze, “Make Your Own Caramel Apple” fun (they provide a lot of toppings), even a chance for kids to slide down the “World’s Largest Piggy Bank.” Free, lively entertainment is rocking stages all weekend long, including performances by the 5 Card Studs, Too Hype Crew, Rhythm Kings, The Toys and more will be on the Bank Five Nine Amphitheater with nightly entertainment presented by Bud Light. Plus, multiple Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Shows, presented by WaterStone Bank, are also on deck.
A major feature of Harvest Fair is the massive pumpkin patch, big enough to impress Linus from Peanuts (yes, we’re going old school here.)
Wisconsin State Fair Park is in West Allis, minutes west of downtown Milwaukee. I-94 and Highways 59 and 181 border the park; I-41, I-894, U.S. 18, U.S. 45, and Highway 100 all get you close.
Harvest Fair / Maker Faire Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park
640 S. 84th Street (Highways 181 & 59)
West Allis, WI 53214
(800) 884-3247 Website
Monroe is an epicenter of cheesemaking in the heart of Green County – even their high school team name is the “Cheesemakers.” The city and county celebrates every other year Green County Cheese Days, a three-day hullabaloo filled with food, music, dancing, contests, crafts, cheesemaking, cow milking, yodeling, and even Wisconsin’s only parade led by Brown Swiss Cows. After skipping 2020 and 2021 (it’s an every-other-year festival, after all) Green County Cheese Days is back for 2022, happening September 16th through the 18th.
Monroe’s beautiful town square centers around the gorgeous Green County Courthouse and fills up with all the fun. From a beer and Limburger sandwich at Baumgartner’s to the 5K & 10K Cheese Days Chase, from arts & crafts to actual cow milking, Cheese Days is a blast.
Get the schedule and details on all of their events at the Cheese Days website, or below reprinted from their site. Scroll down for more details, including the schedule for the Main Stage lineup!
Highways 11, 59, 69, and 81 all bring you to Monroe. The three days of festivities are also right next to the Minhas Craft Brewery, which is worth a tour, and the lovely trappings of Green County, including New Glarus just up Highway 69. Make a weekend of it!
Green County Cheese Days Address:
1016 16th Avenue
Monroe, WI 53566
(608) 325-7771 Website
Green County Cheese Days Schedule of Events
FRIDAY, SEPT 16
PARK & RIDE SHUTTLE BUS – $1 each trip. Park off site at Orchid (350 – 21st St.) & ride bus downtown. 5–10 pm
INFO TRAILER – SW Corner (near Baumgartner’s) – maps, schedules, ask questions, lost and found. 9 am – 7:30 pm
FOOD STANDS – Eat your way around the Courthouse Square! Menu/maps at INFO BOOTH. (10 am–9 pm)
CHEESE DAYS STORE – SOUVENIR TENT (Adenke Zält) – t-shirts & sweatshirts, collector buttons, International Harvester toy tractor, logo pint glasses, “udderly good time” drawstring backpacks, Wedgie bobbleheads, canvas tote bags, Swiss cheese earrings. SW corner cross from Baumgartner’s Cheese Store. (9 am–8:30 pm)
BEER and WINE STAND – SW Corner – near INFO TRAILER. (10 am–midnight) ****Proceeds from sales at the Cheese Days Beer & Wine Stand go toward the costs of tents, porta potties, electricity, stage entertainment and more – thank you for your support.****
HOSPITALITY TENT (Zält zum Höckle) Sponsored by Colony Brands. NORTH SIDE. Dining area with tables & chairs. Musical entertainment throughout the weekend. Open all weekend.
BIG RADIO DINING TENT – NORTHWEST CORNER. Dining area with tables and chairs. Open all weekend.
CARNIVAL in Spring Square Parking Lot (behind JoAnne’s Dress Shop) – all weekend.
NATIONAL HISTORIC CHEESEMAKING CENTER – Guided tours showcasing the history of cheesemaking. The past comes alive at the century-old Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory. 2018 6th Ave, at intersection of Hwy 69 south and 21st St. (9 am–4 pm)
CHEESE TENT (Chäs Zält) – Cheese for sale. EAST SIDE of the Square. Presented by Foreign Type Cheesemakers Assn. Vendors: Emmi Roth USA, Edelweiss Creamery, Landmark Creamery, Klondike Cheese Company, Valley View Cheese, Chula Vista (V&V Supremo), Brunkow Cheese and Decatur Dairy. (9 am–8 pm)
MINHAS CRAFT BREWERY – guided tours and tasting – “Oldest in the Midwest” with brewing excellence since 1845. Visitor Center and gift shop. Beer & root beer samples. Herb & Helen Haydock’s Collection of Brewery Memorabilia. $12 admission includes guided tour and gift pack ($15 retail value). Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS MICRO DISTILLERY GUIDED TASTING– Hand–crafted, small–batch distilled spirits using old world methods & traditions. Guided Distillery and Liqueur Tasting $12 admission includes 2 cocktails, branded whisky tasting glass & gift bottle to take home. Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS WINERY WINE TASTING & FOOD PAIRING: Guided by Executive Chef Trisha Coughlin and her team, wines paired with different types of artisanal cheeses and other small bites. $12 admission includes guided tasting and food pairing and take home a branded wine glass. ($5 retail value). (10 am–6 pm)
COLONY BRANDS TENT – Celebrating more than 90 years in Monroe. Buy cheesecake-on-a-stick – made exclusively for Cheese Days! Stop in to learn more about the Colony Brands team, our 10 retail brands, door prizes and more! NE CORNER (10 am – 9 pm)
BARN QUILT and DAIRY FARM TOUR – Board a bus for a guided tour to one of Green County’s most beautiful family-operated dairy farms. You’ll meet members of the family and their Holstein herd, along with calves, a donkey, rabbit, chickens, guineas, peacocks, ducks, pigs, goats, dogs, and cats. On the way to the farm and back, you’ll see some of Green County’s barn quilts. We guarantee you’ll be entertained along the way by stories from tour guides Lynn Lokken & Kris Winkler – the volunteers who developed the Barn Quilt project. Admission of $5 charged for those 6 and older; ages 5 and under are free. (This is a 2-hour tour. You’ll be back downtown at the festival grounds at 1 pm, so you may want to eat lunch prior to departing.) TODAY – PURCHASE TICKETS AT INFO TRAILER NEAR THE BEER STAND – limited seating 50 tickets will be sold. (Saturday – tickets for sale at Family Farm Adventure Tent) (11 am)
MAIN STAGE (Grossi Bühni) – Yodeling, alphorns, polka bands, & Swiss heritage music during the day. Tonight’s street dance – BOOGIE AND THE YO-YO’Z. (Live music today on the main stage from noon til midnight)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen – Master Yodeler (Noon)
GREEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM – Housed in a Civil War era church. Donations suggested. One block north of Square. (Noon–5 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – John Waelti and Bobbie Edler Accordion Duo (1 pm)
GREENWOODS CEMETERY WALK – sponsored by Green County Genealogical Society and Green County Historical Society – led by local historians. Info: 608.328.7436 or 608.426.1796. (Registration 1 pm; walk at 1:30 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Keith Zweifel Band (1:30 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorn Entertainment (3 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Green County Harmony Chorus (2 pm)
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT – Sponsored by Green Co. Farm Bureau, in partnership with 4–H, FFA & other ag groups. Check out a number of educational activities about agriculture; including milking a “cow”, AG Trivia Wheel, coloring station, crop boxes and “Cow Races” back by popular demand! On NORTHEAST corner of Square by First National Bank. (2–8 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Alphorns led by Heinz and George (2:45 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorns led by Heinz and George (3 pm)
OPENING CEREMONY – MAIN STAGE – MC – Scott Thompson of BIG RADIO. Presentation of Colors with Green County Sheriff Dept., ceremonial blowing of Alphorns, presentation of royalty, “Procession of Cheesemakers” (6 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Mascot Theory (Americana, Alt-Folk Rock) (7 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Monroe Swiss Singers (7:15 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorns led by Heinz and George (8:15 pm)
STREET DANCE (uf der Strass Tanze) – MAIN STAGE – Boogie and the Yo-Yo’z (8:30 pm–midnight)
SATURDAY, SEPT 17
PARK & RIDE SHUTTLE BUS – $1 each trip. Park offsite at Orchid (350 – 21st St.) and ride the bus downtown. Other stops today include **Historic Cheese Center** and Green County Fairgrounds. (**Historic Cheese Center closes at 4 pm). (Shuttle runs 10 am–10 pm)
INFO TRAILER – SW Corner (near Baumgartner’s) – maps, schedules, ask questions, lost and found. 8:30 am – 7:30 pm
FOOD STANDS – Eat your way around the Courthouse Square! Menu/maps at INFO BOOTH. (9 am–9 pm)
CHEESE DAYS STORE – SOUVENIR TENT (Adenke Zält) – t-shirts & sweatshirts, collector buttons, International Harvester toy tractor, logo pint glasses, “udderly good time” drawstring backpacks, Wedgie bobbleheads, canvas tote bags, Swiss cheese earrings. SW corner cross from Baumgartner’s Cheese Store. (9 am–8:30 pm)
BEER and WINE STAND – SW Corner – near INFO TRAILER. (10 am–midnight) ****Proceeds from sales at the Cheese Days Beer & Wine Stand go toward the costs of tents, porta potties, electricity, stage entertainment and more – thank you for your support.****
HOSPITALITY TENT (Zält zum Höckle) Sponsored by Colony Brands. NORTH SIDE. Dining area with tables & chairs. Musical entertainment throughout the weekend. Open all weekend.
BIG RADIO DINING TENT – NORTHWEST CORNER. Dining area with tables and chairs. Open all weekend.
CARNIVAL in Spring Square Parking Lot (behind JoAnne’s Dress Shop) – all weekend.
FARMER’S MARKET – South of Middle School (8 am–4 pm)
“STREETS OF SWITZERLAND” European Sidewalk Café & Biergarten – Swiss specialties at Turner Hall. (8:30 am–7:30 pm)
CHEESE DAYS CHASE – 5 & 10 k run, & 2-mile fun walk. Presented by Monroe Youth Hockey with sponsor Klondike Cheese Factory. Check in 7:30 am. Race starts PROMPTLY at 9 am. (Kid’s Race at 8:30 am) Click for more info.
NATIONAL HISTORIC CHEESEMAKING CENTER – Guided tours showcasing the history of cheesemaking. The past comes alive at the century-old Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory. 2018 6th Ave, at intersection of Hwy 69 south and 21st St. (9 am–4 pm) PARK AND RIDE SHUTTLE STOP TIL 4 PM
VINTAGE TRACTOR DISPLAY – Courtesy of Monroe area antique tractor owners. Take a step back in time and learn how farmers and their tractors played an important role in shaping the agricultural and cheese industry in Green County. You’ll see various “colors” (brands) – meet the owners & talk about their favorite toys! On 17th Avenue between banks and also in First National Bank parking lot. (9 am–5 pm)
MAKER’S MARKET – Just west of the Square; right behind Baumgartner’s Cheese Store and Tavern. Shop the booths of creators, fiber artists, hobbyists, wood crafters, photographers, painters, etc, who personally design and make what they sell. (9 am–8 pm)
VENDOR MARKETPLACE – Booths in Library Parking Lot – Commercial vendors, merchandise for sale, businesses & groups promoting products & services. (9 am–8 pm)
CHEESE TENT (Chäs Zält) – Cheese for sale. EAST SIDE of the Square. Presented by Foreign Type Cheesemakers Assn. Vendors: Emmi Roth USA, Edelweiss Creamery, Landmark Creamery, Klondike Cheese Company, Valley View Cheese, Chula Vista (V&V Supremo), Brunkow Cheese and Decatur Dairy. (9 am–8 pm)
COLONY BRANDS TENT – Celebrating more than 90 years in Monroe. Buy cheesecake-on-a-stick – made exclusively for Cheese Days! Stop in to learn more about the Colony Brands team, our 10 retail brands, door prizes and more! NE CORNER (9 am–9 pm)
HEART OF CHEESE DAYS – Exhibit & Sales – Meet artisans who create traditional Swiss folk art and view exhibits of Swiss artifacts and memorabilia brought to Green County by some of the area’s Swiss immigrants. Presented by Monroe Swiss Singers at Turner Hall. Free admission with 2020 CHEESE DAYS BUTTON (or $2 at the door). (10 am–4 pm)
GREEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM – Housed in a Civil War era church. Donations suggested. One block north of Square. (10 am–5 pm)
MINHAS CRAFT BREWERY – guided tours and tasting – “Oldest in the Midwest” with brewing excellence since 1845. Visitor Center and gift shop. Beer & root beer samples. Herb & Helen Haydock’s Collection of Brewery Memorabilia. $12 admission includes guided tour and gift pack ($15 retail value). Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS MICRO DISTILLERY GUIDED TASTING– Hand–crafted, small–batch distilled spirits using old world methods & traditions. Guided Distillery and Liqueur Tasting $12 admission includes 2 cocktails, branded whisky tasting glass & gift bottle to take home. Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS WINERY WINE TASTING & FOOD PAIRING – Guided by Executive Chef Trisha Coughlin and her team, wines paired with different types of artisanal cheeses and other small bites. $12 admission includes guided tasting and food pairing and take home a branded wine glass. ($5 retail value). (10 am–6 pm)
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT – Sponsored by Green Co. Farm Bureau, in partnership with 4–H, FFA & other ag groups. Check out a number of educational activities about agriculture; including milking a “cow”, AG Trivia Wheel, coloring station, crop boxes and “Cow Races” back by popular demand! On NORTHEAST corner of Square by First National Bank. (10 am–8 pm)
CARNIVAL (Rummel Platz) – “Spring Square” south of the Courthouse Square (10 am–11 pm)
KIDS’ STREET (Chinder Schpil Strass) SPONSORED BY TDS – On 16th Avenue by Library. Demonstrations, activities and fun for kids – all free! (Kid’s Street Schedule)
MAIN STAGE (Grossi Bühni) – Yodeling, alphorns, polka bands, & Swiss heritage music during the day. Tonight’s Street Dance – Bella Cain! (Live music today from 10:30 am–midnight)
DAIRY FARM TOURS – Board a bus for a guided tour into Green County countryside to visit a family run dairy farm, and to see cows and calves and gain a better understanding of where cheese gets started. $5 admission charged for those 10 and older; under 10 are free. Tickets available in FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT. Length of tour ranges from 1 to 1 1/2 hours. (10:30 am til last bus departs at 3 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (10:30 am)
BARN QUILT and DAIRY FARM TOUR – Board a bus for a guided tour to one of Green County’s most beautiful family-operated dairy farms. You’ll meet members of the family and their Holstein herd, along with calves, a donkey, rabbit, chickens, guineas, peacocks, ducks, pigs, goats, dogs, and cats. On the way to the farm and back, you’ll see some of Green County’s barn quilts. We guarantee you’ll be entertained along the way by stories from tour guides Lynn Lokken & Kris Winkler – the volunteers who developed the Barn Quilt project. Special guest Alice in Dairyland will also be along for the tour! Admission of $5 charged for those 6 and older; ages 5 and under are free. (This is a 2-hour tour. You’ll be back downtown at the festival grounds at 1 pm, so you may want to eat lunch prior to departing.) PURCHASE TICKETS AT FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT ON NE CORNER – limited seating 49 tickets will be sold. (11 am)
MAIN STAGE – Meet the Cheese Days Royalty (11:20 am)
MAIN STAGE – Monroe City Band (Noon)
OLD WORLD CHEESEMAKING DEMONSTRATION (DIE ALT KASEREI “the old cheese factory”) Watch and learn as members of The Foreign Type Cheesemaker’s Association create a 200-pound wheel of Swiss cheese the old fashioned way, in a giant copper kettle. You’ll meet Wisconsin Master Cheesemakers Jeff Wideman and Gary Grossen, who will explain the process and demonstrate the steps. Spectators will have the opportunity to take a turn stirring the kettle with the “Swiss harp” (great photo opp!) After the cheese is “hooped” the cheesemakers will “plug” a block of cheese and demonstrate the grading and judging process using the criteria of the USA and World Championship Cheese Competitions. North of Courthouse. (Noon–4 pm)
COW MILKING CONTEST (Chueh Mälche Wettstriett) – An “udderly” good time thanks to area dairy farmers & their happy herds! Watch as teams compete for prizes – may the most milk win! Located by post office. (1 pm)
MAIN STAGE – David Austin Band (1:15 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – John and Bobbie Accordion Duo (2 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Accordion Four – John, Bobbie, Barb and Mary ( 4 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorn entertainment (4:30 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Cheesemaker Dancers (4:45 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Andy Yaun Ensemble (5 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (5:30 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – The Decade (Rock hits from the 70’s thru 90’s) (6:15 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Wheelhouse (7 pm)
STREET DANCE (uf der Strass Tanze) – MAIN STAGE – To Be Announced. (8:30 pm–midnight)
SUNDAY, SEPT 18
PARK & RIDE SHUTTLE BUS – $1 each trip. Park offsite at Orchid (350 – 21st St.) & ride the bus downtown. Shuttle also stops at Historic Cheese Center until 4 pm. (Shuttle runs 10 am–5 pm)
INFO TRAILER – SW Corner (near Baumgartner’s) – maps, schedules, ask questions, lost and found. (9 am – 5 pm)
FOOD STANDS – Eat your way around the Courthouse Square! Menu/maps at INFO BOOTH. (9 am–6 pm)
CHEESE DAYS STORE – SOUVENIR TENT (Adenke Zält) – t-shirts & sweatshirts, collector buttons, International Harvester toy tractor, logo pint glasses, “udderly good time” drawstring backpacks, Wedgie bobbleheads, canvas tote bags, Swiss cheese earrings. SW corner cross from Baumgartner’s Cheese Store. (9 am–6 pm)
BEER and WINE STAND – SW Corner – near INFO TRAILER. (10 am–6 pm) ****Proceeds from sales at the Cheese Days Beer & Wine Stand go toward the costs of tents, porta potties, electricity, stage entertainment and more – thank you for your support.****
HOSPITALITY TENT (Zält zum Höckle) Sponsored by Colony Brands. NORTH SIDE. Dining area with tables & chairs. Open today til 6 pm.
BIG RADIO DINING TENT – NORTHWEST CORNER. Dining area with tables and chairs. Open today til 6 pm.
CARNIVAL in Spring Square Parking Lot (behind JoAnne’s Dress Shop) – all weekend.
NATIONAL HISTORIC CHEESEMAKING CENTER – Guided tours showcasing the history of cheesemaking. The past comes alive at the century-old Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory. 2018 6th Ave, at intersection of Hwy 69 south and 21st St. (9 am–4 pm) PARK AND RIDE BUS SHUTTLE STOP.
VENDOR MARKETPLACE – Booths in Library Parking Lot – Commercial vendors, merchandise for sale, businesses & groups promoting products & services. (9 am–5 pm)
MAKER’S MARKET – Just west of the Square; right behind Baumgartner’s Cheese Store and Tavern. Shop the booths of creators, fiber artists, hobbyists, wood crafters, photographers, painters, etc, who personally design and make what they sell. (9 am-5 pm)
CHEESE TENT (Chäs Zält) – Cheese for sale. EAST side of Square. Presented by Foreign Type Cheesemakers Assn. Vendors: Emmi Roth USA, Edelweiss Creamery, Landmark Creamery, Klondike Cheese Company, Valley View Cheese, Chula Vista (V&V Supremo), Brunkow Cheese and Decatur Dairy. (9 am–5 pm)
COLONY BRANDS TENT – Celebrating more than 90 years in Monroe! Buy cheesecake-on-a-stick; made exclusively for Cheese Days. Stop in to learn more about the Colony Brands team, our 10 retail brands, door prizes and more! NE Corner. (9 am–6 pm)
MAIN STAGE (Grossi Bühni) – Yodeling, alphorns, polka bands, & Swiss heritage music. Daily schedule at INFO BOOTH. (Entertainment today 10 am–6 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Swiss Canton Fashion Show by Wilhelm Tell Usherettes (10 am)
GREEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM – Housed in a Civil War era church. Donations suggested. One block north of Square. (10 am–1 pm)
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT – Sponsored by Green Co. Farm Bureau, in partnership with 4–H, FFA & other ag groups. Check out a number of educational activities about agriculture; including milking a “cow”, AG Trivia Wheel, coloring station, crop boxes and “Cow Races” back by popular demand! On NORTHEAST corner of Square by First National Bank. (10 am–5 pm; closed during parade)
MINHAS CRAFT BREWERY – guided tours and tasting – “Oldest in the Midwest” with brewing excellence since 1845. Visitor Center and gift shop. Beer & root beer samples. Herb & Helen Haydock’s Collection of Brewery Memorabilia. $12 admission includes guided tour and gift pack ($15 retail value). Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–5 pm)
MINHAS MICRO DISTILLERY GUIDED TASTING– Hand–crafted, small–batch distilled spirits using old world methods & traditions. Guided Distillery and Liqueur Tasting $12 admission includes 2 cocktails, branded whisky tasting glass & gift bottle to take home. Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–5 pm)
MINHAS WINERY WINE TASTING & FOOD PAIRING: Guided by Executive Chef Trisha Coughlin and her team, wines paired with different types of artisanal cheeses and other small bites. $12 admission includes guided tasting and food pairing and take home a branded wine glass. ($5 retail value). (10 am–5 pm)
CARNIVAL (Rummel Platz) – “Spring Square” parking lot – south of the Courthouse Square (10 am–6 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (10:30 am)
MAIN STAGE – Goodtime Dutchmen – 3rd Generation Family Polka Band (11:30 am)
THE SWISS COLONY CHEESE DAYS PARADE (Chäs Tag Umzug) – Steps off from fairgrounds at 12:30 pm, arrives downtown approximately 12:45 pm.
MAIN STAGE – UW Marching Band 5th Quarter! (after parade)
MAIN STAGE – Goodtime Dutchmen – 3rd Generation Family Polka Band (3:15 pm)
MAIN STAGE – New Glarus Mannerchor (Men’s Choir) (4:10 pm)
MAIN STAGE – New Glarus Jodlerklub (Yodel Club) (5 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (5:45 pm-6:15 pm)
The largest and most realistic dinosaur exhibit in North America is back, bigger, and better than ever! More than 100 photorealistic dinosaurs are ready to delight families when Jurassic Quest roars into Wisconsin State Fair Park Friday, September 16th through Sunday, September 18th, 2022.
Jurassic Quest offers some of the most beloved and unique experiences for the whole family including more than 100 life-like dinosaurs, dinosaur themed rides, live dinosaur shows, interactive science and art activities, a “Triceratots” soft play area for our littlest explorers, bounce houses and inflatable attractions (socks required), photo opportunities, and more.
Walk and drive through the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic periods to see the dinos that ruled on land, and “deep dive” into the “Ancient Oceans” exhibit to come face to face with the largest apex predator that ever existed – a moving, life-size, 50-foot-long megalodon. Meet the babies, hatched only at Jurassic Quest: Cammie the Camarasaurus, Tyson the T-Rex and Trixie the Triceratops – and, you may even catch one of our star dino trainers: Safari Sarah, Dino Dustin, Captain Caleb, Prehistoric Nick or Park Ranger Marty!
The Jurassic Quest herd of animatronic dinos – from the largest predators to playful baby dinos – are displayed in realistic scenes with some that move and roar, allowing guests to experience them as they were when they roamed the earth billions of years ago.
Jurassic Quest works in collaboration with leading paleontologists to ensure each dinosaur is painstakingly replicated in every detail, from coloration to teeth size, to textured skin, fur or feathers, drawing on the latest research about how we understand dinosaurs and ancient giants of the sea looked and moved.
Tickets are timed entry — reserve online to ensure desired date and time. Tickets are also available on-site and include a 100% ticket guarantee that in the event of a show cancellation or postponement for any reason, ticket purchases will be automatically refunded for the full purchase amount. Tickets are for a timed arrival window, and advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged.
Guests can walk through the dinosaur experience at their own pace, and strollers are permitted.
General admission tickets include access to the dinosaur and marine exhibits, arts and crafts activities, and dinosaur shows. There are rides and activities that require activity tickets available on site for $5 each, or guests can upgrade to the Kids Unlimited Rides ticket (the best value for children ages 2-12). Green screen photography and animal art tattoos are available at a separate cost. Entry is free for children under age 2.
You can easily get to Wisconsin State Fair Park via I-94, Highway 59, or Highway 181 – they surround the park! U.S. 18 and I-41/U.S. 45/I-894 get you close for connections.
Jurassic Quest Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park
640 S. 84th Street
West Allis, WI 53214 Website
The Pardeeville Watermelon Festival celebrates the fact that watermelon is delicious. But what do you do with the seeds? In Pardeeville, they reward you for spitting them out as far as you can! The longtime home of the U.S. Watermelon Speed-Eating and Seed-Spitting Championships, come and enjoy this fun festival in Pardeeville’s Chandler Park Saturday, September 10th! This festival has been taking place since 1968 and they make the most of it. Free watermelon is included (the seeds are free too) and there are contests for all ages. Watermelon carvings become pretty interesting, too. The Pardeeville Watermelon Festival officially opens at 10am in Chandler Park. There will be an Open Air Market, concessions, and rides at the Midway all day. The Open Air Market showcases art and craft vendors from all over the area, plus a flea market and commercial vendors such Avon, Scentsy, and Tupperware. The market runs from 10am until about 3pm. Typically there are about 30-40 vendors.
The Watermelon carving contest makes for some interesting creations in Pardeeville.
Wayne the Wizard will be there to provide children’s entertainment, there’s a free Hay Dive at noon, and the championship events for the U.S. Watermelon Speed-Eating and Seed-Spitting Championships begin at 1:30pm. Find out more about the actual speed-eating and seed-spitting events, including records like the 61 feet, inches one entrant spat a seed in 1988, here. It’s a fun and unique thing to watch!
Yes, they seriously spit seeds from watermelons as far as they can. There are contests for multiple age categories.
You’ll find Pardeeville along Highway 22, where it meets Highway 44 in Columbia County.
Pardeeville Watermelon Festival Address:
Chandler Park 208 Chandler Park Drive Pardeeville, WI 53954 (608) 535-9139 Website
Kites Over Lake Michigan is one of the largest kite festivals in the Midwest and attracts kitefliers from all over. Check out giant show kites, precision stunt kite teams flying dual- and quad-line kites, spectacular and colorful ground displays, running of the bols, and games for kids! Learn how to fly two and quad line stunt kites from the experts.
Kites Over Lake Michigan continues at Two Rivers High School with other activities taking place along Lake Michigan nearby. It will take place Saturday, September 3rd and Sunday, September 4th. This includes a night fly on Saturday night, conditions permitting.
There will be a role reversal of role this year; since the High School serves as the festival grounds, Walsh Field (on 22nd Street just before the turn into Neshotah Beach) will serve as the overflow parking area. A shuttle bus service will run between Walsh Field and the high school both days from 11 am to 5 pm. Please note that the bus will be limited to 23 people per trip to allow for social distancing, more if family members living together are present. All those using the shuttle will have to be masked. Also, pets are not allowed anywhere on school property.
Good news: Free kite making for kids will continue, taking place Sunday 9/4/20 at 9.00 am.
Great News: The Fireworks Show WILL take place, and it will happen Saturday evening at 8 pm. Fireworks will be shot off behind the Coast Guard Station, allowing people to spread out over a wide area and still have optimum viewing from various places along the waterfront.
Highway 42 is the road to both Neshotah Beach and Two Rivers High School; Highway 147 brings you to Two Rivers from the north, and Highway 310 provides quick access to and from I-43. Check out this colorful fest (which we need in 2020) September 5th and 6th!
Kites Over Lake Michigan Event Address:
Two Rivers High School
4519 Lincoln Avenue (Highway 42)
Two Rivers, WI 54241
(920) 793-9599 Website
It’s an annual Labor Day weekend tradition in Prairie du Sac to toss cow “chips” at this annual Cow Chip Throw & Festival, which happens Friday & Saturday, September 2nd & 3rd this year. Dried out and surprisingly unoffensive to the nose, these nuggets of nastiness get hurled into the air by kids and adults alike with the goal of the most distance as possible – with a crowd of onlookers often in the sights where they land. The current record is 248 feet, but records were made to be broken!
Of course, that’s the main event; there’s also music with plenty of bands, a “Tournament of Chips” parade Saturday morning, kids’ activities including a pedal pull, a Fine Arts & Crafts Fair, a run/walk, and much more. So whether you want to throw cow chips, dodge them, or just watch from a safe distance, there’s plenty of bovine-related fun to be had at the 45th annual Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival!
Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival Schedule of Events:
Friday • September 2nd
• Tony Rocker: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Corporate Throw: 5:30 PM (Click here to sign up)
• John King Band: 8:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Saturday • September 3rd
• Food Court: Open all day – See vendor list here
• 5K Run/Walk & 10K Run: 8:00 AM (registration at 6:30)
See race page for details and to sign up.
• Children’s Game Tent: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Children’s Chip Chucking: 9:00 AM – Noon ($2.00)
• Cow Chip Breakfast: 8:00am
• Volleyball Tournament: 8:30am Registration, 9:00am Start. Download 2022 registration form here.
• Arts & Crafts Fair: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (over 125 exhibits)
• Mixed Nuts: 10:00 & 11:00 AM (Kids Area)
• Angela Puerta: 9:30 – 11:30 AM
• Tournament of Chips Parade: 12:00 PM
• Adult & Team Cow Chip Throw: 1:00 PM
• German Wheel, Tight Rope, Trapeze: 1:30 – 3:30 PM (Kids Stage)
• Truly Remarkable Loon Comedy Juggler: 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 PM (Kids Stage)
• Dan Lepien: 1:30 – 4:30 PM
• Kid’s Pedal Pull: 2:30 PM
• Mark Hayward Juggler Yo-Yoer: 3:30 PM
• 52nd Street Band – A Billy Joel Tribute: 5:00 – 7:30 PM
• The Cheap Shots: 8:30 – 11:30 PM
You’ll find the festival just off U.S. 12 and Highways 60 and 78 in Marion Park at 1st & Grand in PrairieWiscon du Sac.
Here’s a video short from when we first visited the Wisconsin State Cow Chip Toss in Prairie du Sac back in 2009:
And here’s how it went in 2016, produced by the Festival itself with better equipment:
Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival Address:
Marion Park
145 1st Street
Prairie du Sac, WI 53578
(608) 643-4317 Website
Back to StateTrunkTour.com
Date:
September 3, 2022
Venue:
Marion Park
Phone:
608-643-2421
Address:
145 1st Street, Prairie du Sac, WI, 53578, United States
Off-Road Racing at its best! Crandon International Raceway hosts a series of off-road races throughout Labor Day weekend. Over 40,000 attendees enjoy this event every year in what many call the sport’s “Indianapolis 500,” guests to the 400-acre “Big House” can look forward to a jam-packed, three-day schedule of great racing, rich tradition and on-site entertainment that make up the unforgettable “Crandon Experience.”
This year, it’s the 53rd Polaris Crandon World Championships Off-Road Races!
The facility’s massive grounds feature nearly 2,000 manicured grass campsites, many of which are reserved months in advance. While track management expects another sell-out for campsites, those remaining will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Daily parking and admission tickets are also available at the gate.
In 202w the grounds are ready to host up a record 400 plus Pro and Sportsman AMSOIL Championship Off-Road (COR) series teams and all of the classes that make up the Ultra4 Racing series. Racers will go all-in to earn a coveted title of 2021 Crandon World Champion. The “Forest County Potawatomi Friday Night Thunder” races will kick off the weekend, with night racing under the lights on Saturday as well. Then it’s time for Sunday’s epic Red Bull Crandon World Cup Sunday. For those coming to be part of the Camp Crandon experience, the park will be open to weekend guests from Wednesday, September 1st at noon through Monday, September 6 – that’s five nights to enjoy all that Crandon has to offer.
You’ll find Crandon International Raceway and the Off-Road Races along U.S. 8 and Highway 32 on the east side of town, near Highway 55.
Get your motors running! Harley-Davidson hosts its annual Milwaukee Rally September 1st through the 5th this year, and bikes, beer, bands, rides, and good times all await! The Harley Davidson Museum in downtown Milwaukee will be the epicenter, with tons of bikes, history, live music, and more. Six Harley-Davidson dealers around southeast Wisconsin from West Bend to Kenosha will also serve as official Milwaukee Rally locations, with their own parties and live music. Check below for links to each Rally location and the activities they will host!
The Rally experience is rooted in riding to the rally and the spectacular routes that surround the event. Ride Routes will be offered through the Harley-Davidson Mobile App.
Live music headliners at the Harley Davidson Museum include Hairball Thursday night, Parmalee Friday night, and Jackyl Saturday night.
Performances & Stunt Shows include:
The V-Twin Visionary Beer City Speed & Style Showcase on Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Unknown Industries Thursday – Saturday at 12pm, 4pm, and 6:30pm, and Sunday at 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm
Police Skills Demonstration Riding Thursday & Friday at 3:30pm and 6pm; Saturday at 11:30am, 3:30pm, and 6pm; and Sunday at 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm
Flat Out Friday Boonie Bike Races on Saturday, with Heat #1 at 1pm, Heat #2 at 2pm, and the Finals at 5pm
The H-D Museum will offer photo opportunities at The Shed, a replica of the iconic Shed where Harley-Davidson’s story began in 1903. The Museum will also offer Self-Guided Tours, showcasing motorcycles and artifacts that tell the story of the Motor Company’s rich history and heritage.
Harley-Davidson 2013 Rally Parade through Milwaukee
Artstreet showcases over 200 artists from throughout the country as they descend on Green Bay. They’re in a new location this year: Ashwaubomay Park on South Broadway! Take in music, dance, theatrical and literary performances on stage and in the park. View artists demonstrating their work during the creative process. Savor an array of specialty foods, enjoy cultural displays, children’s art activities, and more.
Music Lineup
MAIN STAGE
Friday 8/26/22 3:00-4:00pm Grup KN Zavor [Latin]
4:30-6:00pm 7000apart [Indie Rock]
6:30-8:00pm Dan Rodriguez [Pop|Rock|Soul]
8:30-10:00pm Vegabonds [South Rock]
Sunday 8/28/22 10:00-11:00am Mark Ringwelski [Gospel]
11:30-12:30pm Hannah Rose Trio [Classic Country]
12:45-1:45pm Jerimiah Jams Band [Jam|Rock]
2:00-5:00pm Brass Differential [Jazz|Blues|Funk|R&B]
COMMUNITY STAGE
Friday 8/26/22 3:00-3:45pm Brad Garrity [Covers|Mashups|Original Music]
3:45-4:15pm Master Sand Sculptor Bill Knight [Sculpting Demo]
4:15-5:00pm Navah Mirage [Belly Dancing]
5:15-6:15pm Dz Blue – DJ [Pop|House|EDM Music]
Saturday 8/27/22 10:00-11:30am Emerald Brass Quintet [Jazz]
12:00-12:45pm Garden of Eden* [Variety of Dance]
12:45-1:15pm Master Sand Sculptor Bill Knight [Sculpting Demo]
1:30-2:30pm Bernie Rocheleau* [Variety]
3:00-4:15pm Navah Mirage [Belly Dancing]
5:00-6:00pm Sweet Acoustics [Original Folk | Soul and Blues | Bluegrass Music]
6:00-6:30pm Master Sand Sculptor Bill Knight [Sculpting Demo]
Sunday 8/28/22 10:15-10:45am Boys/Girls Choir [Folk | Ethnic | Sacred | Secular Music]
11:00-12:00pm Strategic [Children’s]
12:00-12:45pm Comedy City Production [Performance]
1:00-2:00pm Strategic [Acoustic Originals]
2:15-2:45pm SOL: Baile Folklórico de Nicolet [Mexican Folkloric Dances]
3;00-3:45pm GardenofEden Dance Revue* [Variety of Dance]
4:00-5:00pm Morgan Piontek [Original Pop] *Note: Schedule as of August 19, 2022 – Subject to Change
Ashwaubomay Park is an 84 acre park, conveniently located between the National Railroad Museum and the Brown County Fairgrounds, at 2881 South Broadway, 54304.
Artstreet Admission is free; donations, of course, are welcomed! You can get to downtown Green Bay via I-41 or I-43 via U.S. 141, or Highways 29, 32, 54, 57, or 172.
Artstreet Hours:
Friday, August 26 | 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm (music until 10 pm)
Saturday, August 27 | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (music until 9 pm)
Sunday, August 28 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Artstreet Address:
Ashwaybomay Park
2882 S. Broadway
Green Bay, WI 54304
(920) 435-5220 Website
One of three “State Fairs” in Wisconsin, the Central Wisconsin State Fair takes place in Marshfield August 23-28, 2022 on the grounds that also feature the “World’s Largest Round Barn.” The Central Wisconsin State Fair has also been refreshing its equipment with new rides and games to enhance the experience!
Headliners include:
Hotel California, a Tribute to the Eagles Wednesday night, August 24th
This Fair also features Mad Dog & Merrill and Pumpkin Bowling as a new thing this year. Tons of arts & crafts vendors will be there, and you can enjoy the Saturday & Sunday Pancake Breakfast with local maple syrup from 7am – noon. As usual, Central Wisconsin State Fair hosts the 4-H and open class exhibits, free grandstand entertainment with gate admission, the Round Barn Express train, Junior Fair Market Animal Sale, the Dress-A-Cow Contest, midway carnival rides, commercial exhibits and special programs, food and beer gardens, and more. This six-day extravaganza is definitely worth checking out if you want to hit the lovely city of Marshfield in the central part of the state (hence, the event’s name).
Central Wisconsin State Fair’s Round Barn Express Train
U.S. 10 and Highways 13, 80, and 97 all hit Marshfield, Wisconsin (“Hub City”) and the Central Wisconsin State Fair grounds are on the south side of town, a few blocks east of Central Avenue (Bus. Hwy 13) and the Wildwood Zoo. Also check out Central Avenue and the downtown district, the Blue Heron Brewpub, and a plenty of other things and to see and do around Hub City. Get more ideas from Visit Marshfield here!
Check their website for the complete entertainment lineup, ticket specials, and more!
Central Wisconsin State Fair Address:
Wood County Fairgrounds
513 E. 17th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 387-1261 Website
The annual Great River Folk Festival is a family-friendly Saturday featuring outdoor contemporary and traditional folk music right in La Crosse’s beautiful Riverside Park. Along with the music, you can enjoy demonstrations of traditional crafts and plenty of craft items for sale from artists across the spectrum, ethnic food and children’s activities. The Driftless Folk School will be demonstrating Spoon Carving, Spindle Spinning and Small Basket weaving throughout the day—11 and 5 pm.
Riverside Park is a beautiful space along the Mississippi River on the west edge of downtown La Crosse. Along with the Great River Folk Festival you’ll find historic and contemporary statutes, beautiful views of the river and bluffs, access to riverboats, restaurants, hotels, the Turtle Stack Brewing Company, and plenty of hotels to spend the night – all within easy walking distance.
Great River Folk Festival Music Schedule:
Saturday, August 27th
Saturday Daytime Activities: 10:00 – 5:00
Riverside Park (Rain or shine)
Traditional arts and craft fair
Craft demonstrations
Children’s activities
Food from a wide variety of vendors
Music Performances and Workshops at three stages
Performers include Echo Black River, The Lowest Pair, Don Harvey, Cass Magpie, J.E. Sunde, Patina, Camela Widad, Roe Family Singers, Siena Christie, D. Janakey, The Iowans, and Joseph Hubner
U.S. 14, 53, and 61, as well as Highways 16, 33, 35, and I-90 all bring you to La Crosse, which has plenty of other fun things to check out, too!
Great River Folk Festival Address:
Riverside Park
100 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 784-3033 Website
Chippewa Falls celebrates its clean, bountiful water and the community in general with the 46th Annual Pure Water Days Parade and Riverfest celebration Saturday, August 13th!
With Pure Water Days, enjoy the big parade early Saturday afternoon with over 70 parade entries and a vintage car parade. Then, head down the street to Allen Park for RiverFest, which begins at 2pm.
Bring the kids and take advantage of the giant inflatables, games for both kids and adults, tons of prizes, a balloon artist, live music by Irie Sol, a Veterans tribute, food trucks, a beer tent, arts and crafts vendors, and fireworks. Throughout the day, city-wide events also include YMCA races and other sporting events, plus much more. It’s always an awesome family-friendly time!
During Pure Water Days, you can also enjoy the classic Cruise-In Car Show. This is the fourth of four car shows held downtown every summer. Vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles with great music!
The Pure Water Days Parade theme for 2019 is “History of Chippewa Falls,” perfect for the city’s ongoing 150th (sesquicentennial) celebrations! So expect a lot of historic-looking floats and formations. The Chippewa River and Duncan Creek flow through town and provide pure water and plenty of scenic beauty.
While in Chippewa Falls, be sure to explore the famous Leinenkugel Brewery, take a tour and discover their new “pilot brewery”; enjoy the amenities of nearby Irvine Park and Zoo, Brewster Brothers Brewing & the Chippewa River Distillery on the west edge of downtown along Business 29 & 53, the lovely Riverbend Vineyard & Winery west of town along Business 29, the historic Cook-Rutledge Mansion, the downtown shopping, nearby Lake Wissota State Park, and much more. And be sure to mark your calendar for the upcoming Oktoberfest celebration at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds! It’s definitely one of the best in the Midwest.
Chippewa Falls is easy to get to! Today’s U.S. 53 freeway, Highway 29 freeway, Highway 124, and Highway 178 all bring you to Chippewa Falls, too. It’s only about 15 minutes north of Eau Claire off I-94, too.
It’s one of the oldest county fairs in Wisconsin, and the oldest FREE county fair in the state! Since 1859, the Ozaukee County Fair has been delighting visitors with everything from featuring prize animals, musical performances, rides, competitions, and more.
This year’s Ozaukee County Fair runs August 3-7, 2022 at the Fairgrounds in Cedarburg.
There’s always plenty of fun and action at the 2022 Ozaukee County Fair, with two nights of Truck & Tractor Pulls (Wednesday and Thursday at 7pm), two nights of Demolition Derbies (Friday and Saturday at 6pm), and the All Star Monster Truck Tour on Sunday, August 7 at 11am.
Great musical acts will play, with five stages of music in all. The Grandstand schedule runs as follows:
WEDNESDAY
3:30 PM Pat McCurdy
7:30 PM Johnny Wad
THURSDAY
1:00 PM Grooveline
3:30 PM The Whiskeybelles
7:30 PM Vic Ferrari Band
FRIDAY
1:00 PM Mike & Katy
3:30 PM Midlife Oasis
8:00 PM Madison County
SATURDAY
1:30 PM The Stangs
4:30 PM Star Six Nine
8:00 PM Bella Cain
SUNDAY
1:00 PM Larry Lynne – Decades Band
Animals, of course, will be shown and featured at the Ozaukee County Fair. Sheep, horses, cows, goats, pigs, rabbits, and chickens to see, ride a pony, pet a llama, get to know them!
There’s also the Barnyard 5K Run & Walk, a “Fairest of the Fair” competition, and more!
Hours:
Wednesday, August 3, Noon – Midnight
Thursday, August 4, 8am – Midnight
Friday, August 5, 8am – Midnight
Saturday, August 6, 8am – Midnight
Sunday, August 7, 8am – 8pm
Admission to the fair is FREE! Parking passes are available for Gate 4 – the north end of the Fairgrounds – for $10 (single day), $25/$40 for full season passes, and $100 camper or trailer parking for the whole Fair. Trucks and trailers can park for $20/day on the Saturday and Sunday of the Fair. Passes for Gate 1 – the south end of the Fairgrounds – can be purchased for $10/day for cars.
Ozaukee County Fair Address:
W67N866 Washington Avenue
Cedarburg, WI 53012
(262) 375-6185 Website
Hayward hosts the 62nd annual Lumberjack World Championships July 28-30, 2022! The Lumberjack World Championships began in 1960 as a way to acknowledge the rich history of the logging industry across the United States. Once again, over 21 events will offer international competition showcasing the best sawing, chopping, speed climbing, log rolling, boom-running & more! It’s great family fun.
More than 100 lumberjacks and lumberjills vie for more than $50,000 in prize money, making this one of the largest paybacks for lumberjack competition in the world – and of course, world records in these events could be set – they often have!
Up to 12,000 spectators enjoy the action in Hayward.
Opening night – Thursday, July 28th – is Mountain Dew Family Night, with special family pricing for admission ($45 for two adults and up to four children) and other specials. Other ticket packages run around $53 for three days’ worth of admission.
Getting to Hayward means a beautiful drive through the North Woods – just what we like! Hayward is along U.S. 63 on the drive from Spooner to Ashland; it’s also where Highways 27 and 77 meet up. While in town, check out the great trails, shopping, the World’s Largest Musky at the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, the Angry Minnow Brewpub, and more!
Hayward Lumberjack World Championships Address:
15670 West County Road B
Hayward, WI 54843
(715) 634-2484 Website
Lumberjack World Championships Schedule of Events
Thursday, July 28, 2022
8:00 – 11:00am – Amateur Log Rolling
11:30am – LWC Festival Grounds Open to Ticket Holders, Swinging Axe Beer Tent open, Food & Unique Vendors, All Day Family Fun, Try Logrolling!
11:30am – Qualifying Competitions for chopping and sawing; ongoing
Noon – Professional Logrolling Preliminaries
3:00pm-5:00pm – Happy Hour & Live Music in Swinging Axe Beer Garden Music by Molly & The Danger Band
Free Tastings from 3-5pm
Ages 21 & Over
Earth Rider SWAG Giveaways
3:30pm – Boom Running Qualifiers
5:45pm – Opening Ceremonies
6:00pm – Professional Quarterfinal Competition
Friday, July 29, 2022
8:00 – 11:00am – Amateur Log Rolling
11:30am – LWC Festival Grounds Open to Ticket Holders, Swinging Axe Beer Tent open, Food & Unique Vendors, All Day Family Fun, Try Logrolling!
11:30am – Qualifying Competitions for chopping and sawing; ongoing
Noon – Professional Logrolling Competitions
3:00pm – 5:00pm – Happy Hour & Live Music – Swinging Axe Beer Garden Music by Scott Kirby and Guest, Ed Willet
Happy Hour Giveaway! You Could Win a Shiner Bock 54-QT Coleman cooler
Free Can Koozie(c) to the First 250, Courtesy of Northern Lakes Coop
Ages 21 & Over
5:45pm – Opening Ceremonies
6:00pm – Professional Semi-Final Competition
Saturday, July 30, 2022
8:00am – Lumberjack Run 5K Run/Walk – Start and Finish at the Lumberjack Bowl (15670 W County Road B, Hayward, WI 54843)
11:30am – LWC Festival Grounds Open to Ticket Holders, Swinging Axe Beer Tent open, Food & Unique Vendors, All Day Family Fun, Try Logrolling!
Noon – Professional Logrolling Competitions
1:00pm – Axe Throwing Competition
3:00pm – 5:00pm – Happy Hour & Live Music – Swinging Axe Beer Garden Music by Steve Beguhn, American Idol Finalist
Happy Hour Giveaway! You Could Win a Sam Adams/Truly 45-QT Cooler
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events
December 3, 2022
Jingle & Mingle, Sheboygan
The 2nd annual Jingle & Mingle at City Green in downtown Sheboygan is a family-friendly event that includes entertainment, a marketplace, a brat fry, trolley rides, and of course, Santa!
Jingle & Mingle Schedule of Events:
12:15 PM: Storytime with Santa.
12:30 PM: The Kohler High School Madrigal Singers
1 PM: Ugly Sweater Contest
1:30 PM: South High School Singers
2 PM: Lutheran High School Chamber Choir
2:30 PM: Noah & Grace
3 PM: Livie
You can get to City Green and downtown Sheboygan via Highways 23, 28, or 42 in from I-43. Just head towards the lake and make your way to 8th Street, City Green is right at the New York Avenue intersection. While in Sheboygan, you can check out so many fun attractions, restaurants, and more. They include the John Michael Kohler Arts Center – practically adjacent to City Green – the Above & Beyond Children’s Museum, also within blocks of City Green, the Harbor District along the Sheboygan River, North Beach, Maywood Environmental Park and 3 Sheeps Brewing on the north side (both just off Highway 42), and much more.
Jingle & Mingle Address:
City Green, downtown Sheboygan
710 New York Avenue
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 335-0060
Website
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November 27, 2022 – December 29, 2022
Lights in Lincoln Park, Manitowoc
The Lincoln Park Zoo is a terrific free zoo in the “Coolest Coast” city of Manitowoc. Every holiday season, Lights In Lincoln Park dazzles with a “twinkly bright drive-thru wonder” from November 24th through December 9th on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, and then resuming for EVERY evening from December 14th through the 28th, 2023.
Along with beautiful lights on trees, trellises and more, enjoy over 70 wild animal light displays, many with animated characters. Among them is animated elephant, a wood duck, a standing polar bear, an animated wolf, and whispering pine tree… just to give you an idea of what you’ll get to enjoy. This is the 10th annual Lights in Lincoln Park and they manage to add new features every year.
Admission is $5 per car and proceeds go to benefit zoo educational programs and enhancements to the Lincoln Park Zoo. You can enter from Waldo/Lincoln Boulevard, right where U.S. 10 and Highway 42 meet. It’s just north of downtown Manitowoc, about five minutes east of I-43, following the U.S. 10 (Waldo Blvd.) exit. It’s just west of Highway 42/Memorial Drive, which is a beautiful drive along the shores of Lake Michigan between Manitowoc and Two Rivers.
Lights In Lincoln Park Hours:
November 24th – December 9th: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm- Thursday, Friday and Saturday
December 14th – December 28th: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm- Every Night
You can visit Santa on Cabin 1 on Friday nights: December 2nd, 9th, and 16th.
Lights in Lincoln Park Family Night Fun Walk is Friday December 29th, 2022 from 5:00 pm- 8:00 pm, featuring a fun walk through the Lincoln Park Lights. It’s a great way for the whole family to enjoy the lights and get some steps in! Admission for the Family Night Fun Walk is $5/person or $10/family.
Lights In Lincoln Park Address:
Lincoln Park Zoo
900 Quay Street (just off Highway 42, blocks from U.S. 10)
Manitowoc, WI 54220
Website
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October 14, 2022 – October 16, 2022
Fall Art Tour in the Driftless
The Fall Art Tour is perfect for State Trunk Tourers with a love of the Driftless Area and art. It’s a self-guided driving tour where you can meet up to 45 area artists and watch them at work as you make your way through Baraboo, Spring Green, Dodgeville and Mineral Point!
Potters, weavers, glassblowers, woodworkers, painters, jewelers, quilters, photographers & sculptors are all part of it. Meet the artists, experience their work spaces, and witness as they create unique works of art. A wide variety of high-quality artwork is available for purchase in every price range. This is their 22nd Anniversary Tour and it’s become one of the most popular art events in the Midwest.
Highways 33, 130, 136, and 23 figure in this tour, as do many county and side roads. It’s a beautiful drive through the Driftless Area and a great behind-the-scenes look at artists’ studios!
Fall Art Tour Details:
More details can be had by calling (608) 356-9048 or checking out their website, http://www.fallarttour.com/.
Also, check out this video for a sample of what you’re in for!
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October 8, 2022 – October 9, 2022
Lake Geneva Oktoberfest
Lake Geneva Oktoberfest 2022 is happening Saturday, October 8th and Sunday, October 9th, with a kickoff party at Topsy Turvy Brewery Friday night the 7th! The activity is centered in Flat Iron Park and throughout Downtown Lake Geneva.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT:
Playing at Flat Iron Park
(Bring your own chairs)
Saturday, October 8th
Ed Wagner’s Lustige Blaskapelle, 12:30-3:00pm
Dunn Lumber Stein Hoisting Competition, 2:00pm
Grand Geneva Doxie Dash Race, 4:00pm
Steve Meisner Band, 4:00-6:00pm
Sunday, October 9th
Badger High School Jazz Band, 12:30-2:00pm
Dunn Lumber Stein Hoisting Competition, 2:00pm
The Phenix Band, 3:00-5:00pm
Grand Geneva Doxie Dash Race, 4:00pm
Also Saturday & Sunday
Playing throughout the downtown district and in the Flat Iron Park tent during band change overs.
Shows in the Rotary Club of Lake Geneva’s KIDS ENTERTAINMENT ZONE repeat throughout each day.
FREE PUMPKIN GIVEAWAY
U.S. 12 and Highways 50 and 120 bring you to Lake Geneva for all the fun.
Lake Geneva Oktoberfest 2022 Address:
Flat Iron Park, 201 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(262) 248-4416
Website
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September 30, 2022 – October 2, 2022
Windigo Fest
Windigo Fest is “a Festival of Folklore Freaks and ALL Things Halloween!” For 2022, this spine-chilling festival will take place at Manitowoc’s Expo Grounds, same place where the Manitowoc County Fair is held on the west end of town – there’s a lot of room on those grounds! All Hallows Eve enthusiasts with a hunger for the strange and unusual can experience a weekend filled with various seasonal activities including outstanding music, costume contests, dark art exhibits and contests, bizarre performances, and the historical cemetery bus tour. Windigo Fest kicks off Friday evening. After a day full of Halloween havoc, a parade will again display the Midwest’s best competitive costumes.
IT IS HALLOWEEN SO WEAR A COSTUME!!!!!
This is a huge event, with over 40 unique vendors with tons of Halloween and horror merch, plenty of creative art, unique oddities, and LOTS of live entertainment.
The Entertainment includes Kane Hopper, one of the actors who played Jason; ghost tribute band Absolution; Midgets With Attitude wrestling entertainment; EDM featuring Lockvibe; Blackened: Hellbilly Deluxe; Istra the Belly Dancer; and more.
Saturday features a Costume Contest & Halloween Parade for people of all ages! That starts around 6:07.
There’s also a Hearse & Rat Rod Auto Show, tons of food trucks, and plenty of vendors “Shop ‘Til You Drop Dead,” they say!)
Windigo Fest runs Friday, September 30th, Saturday, October 1st, and Sunday, October 2nd at the Manitowoc Expo Grounds. The grounds are easily accessible off I-43, at U.S. 151 and Highway 42 (Exit #149). U.S. 10 arrives in Manitowoc a few miles north of the Expo Grounds, which are accessible from U.S. 10 via I-43 or County R/Rapids Road (which was the original main highway – U.S. 141 – between Milwaukee and Green Bay before I-43 was built.)
Windigo Fest Address:
Manitowoc Expo Grounds
4921 Expo Drive
Manitowoc, WI 54220
(920) 683-4378
Website
A shot during the Cemetery Tours at Windigo Fest, Manitowoc.
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September 23, 2022 – September 25, 2022
Gays Mills Apple Festival
The Gays Mills Apple Festival – the 63rd annual – runs September 23-25, 2022! Gays Mills is pretty much the apple capital of Wisconsin, and it celebrates the apple harvest with parades, carnivals, arts and crafts, flea markets, music, dancing, a 2K and 5K fun run/walk, food and festivities.
Get the rest of the details from their website or see the schedule below!
You’ll find Gays Mills in the heart of Wisconsin’s beautiful Driftless Area, where Highways 131 and 171 meet by the Kickapoo River. It’s worth going for the drive alone!
2022 Gays Mills Apple Festival Schedule of Events
FRIDAY EVENTS
Carnival: Wristband Night 5pm-9pm Fairgrounds
Lions Club Flea Market: 8am-5pm Fairgrounds
Main Street Vending: 10am-5pm Downtown
BMZ Church Food Stand:10am-5pm Fairgrounds
4-H Food Stand: Friday-Sunday Fairgrounds
American Legion Food Stand: 10am-5pm Fairgrounds
Societies Sons M/C: Music
Dante’s:Music Last Ride
Halver’s Town Tap: Music
SATURDAY EVENTS To See & Do:
Run and Walk:Registration 8am Main St Bridge, 2 & 5 Mi. Run; 2 Mi. Walk; ¼ Mi. Kids Fun Run: 9am
Lions Club Flea Market: 8am-5pm Fairgrounds
Main Street Vending: 9:30am-5pm Downtown
Cornhole Tournament
American Legion Volleyball Tournament: 9am 4-person Co-Ed Teams, 312 Main
Library Book Sale: 9am-5pm, 212 Main
Lions Club Arts and Crafts: 9am-5pm Fairgrounds
Carnival: 10am-5pm Fairgrounds
Open Horseshoe Tournament: Saturday Partner draw,Sunday 10 am registration and 11am start, Log CabinVillage Park
Societies Sons M/C: Music from American Standard
Fire Department: Raffle (Drawing in Nov.)
Dante’s: Music from Pilot of the Airwaves 3pm-7pm, Last Ride
Halver’s Town Tap: Music from Dylan Harris 2-6pm, DJ Robert 9pm – 1am
Inflatables:Downtown
SUNDAY EVENTS To See & Do:
Ride the FREE Trolley stops at Flea Market & Main!
APPLE FESTIVAL PARADE 1:30 pm, Main Street to Riverside Park
Lions Club Arts and Crafts & Flea Market: 8am-5pm Fairgrounds
Main Street Vending: 9:30am-4pm Downtown
Library Book Sale: 9am-3:30 pm 212 Main
Carnival: 10am-5pm Fairgrounds
Open Horseshoe Tournament: Saturday draw for partners, Sunday 10am registration, 11am start, Log Cabin Village Park
Fire Department: Raffle (Drawing in Nov.)
Inflatables: Downtown
Gays Mills Apple Festival Address:
Highways 131 & 171
Gays Mills, WI 54631
(608) 735-4341
Website
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September 23, 2022 – September 25, 2022
Harvest Fair
Harvest Fair at Wisconsin State Fair Park features tons of fall-focused events, activities, live entertainment, competitions, scarecrow making and the much anticipated Pumpkin Bowling. It runs September 23-25, 2022 and has FREE admission.
Over 30 vendors will be there, selling everything from tasty food to cool crafts. Since it’s fall, imbibe in a pumpkin spice cream puff; enjoy pies from the Elegant Farmer; grab a cup of Kozie’s Harvest Stew; explore a multitude of Wisconsin cheeses; and The Micro will be offering over 60 varieties of craft beers. Prefer wine? No problem, Wineberry will be serving up red wines, white wines, even wine slushies.
Check out the Antique Tractors Display, the Backyard Circus, Camel and Pony Rides, a Farmers’ Market, Free Live Music, Giant Cookie Decorating, Hay Rides, a Kiddie Tractor Maze, “Make Your Own Caramel Apple” fun (they provide a lot of toppings), even a chance for kids to slide down the “World’s Largest Piggy Bank.” Free, lively entertainment is rocking stages all weekend long, including performances by the 5 Card Studs, Too Hype Crew, Rhythm Kings, The Toys and more will be on the Bank Five Nine Amphitheater with nightly entertainment presented by Bud Light. Plus, multiple Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Shows, presented by WaterStone Bank, are also on deck.
A major feature of Harvest Fair is the massive pumpkin patch, big enough to impress Linus from Peanuts (yes, we’re going old school here.)
And, a lot more! Check their website for full schedules and details.
Wisconsin State Fair Park is in West Allis, minutes west of downtown Milwaukee. I-94 and Highways 59 and 181 border the park; I-41, I-894, U.S. 18, U.S. 45, and Highway 100 all get you close.
Harvest Fair / Maker Faire Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park
640 S. 84th Street (Highways 181 & 59)
West Allis, WI 53214
(800) 884-3247
Website
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September 17, 2022 – September 18, 2022
Green County Cheese Days
Monroe is an epicenter of cheesemaking in the heart of Green County – even their high school team name is the “Cheesemakers.” The city and county celebrates every other year Green County Cheese Days, a three-day hullabaloo filled with food, music, dancing, contests, crafts, cheesemaking, cow milking, yodeling, and even Wisconsin’s only parade led by Brown Swiss Cows. After skipping 2020 and 2021 (it’s an every-other-year festival, after all) Green County Cheese Days is back for 2022, happening September 16th through the 18th.
Monroe’s beautiful town square centers around the gorgeous Green County Courthouse and fills up with all the fun. From a beer and Limburger sandwich at Baumgartner’s to the 5K & 10K Cheese Days Chase, from arts & crafts to actual cow milking, Cheese Days is a blast.
You can check out the Children’s Parade on Friday and the main Swiss Colony Cheese Days Parade on Sunday.
Get the schedule and details on all of their events at the Cheese Days website, or below reprinted from their site. Scroll down for more details, including the schedule for the Main Stage lineup!
Highways 11, 59, 69, and 81 all bring you to Monroe. The three days of festivities are also right next to the Minhas Craft Brewery, which is worth a tour, and the lovely trappings of Green County, including New Glarus just up Highway 69. Make a weekend of it!
Green County Cheese Days Address:
1016 16th Avenue
Monroe, WI 53566
(608) 325-7771
Website
Green County Cheese Days Schedule of Events
FRIDAY, SEPT 16
PARK & RIDE SHUTTLE BUS – $1 each trip. Park off site at Orchid (350 – 21st St.) & ride bus downtown. 5–10 pm
INFO TRAILER – SW Corner (near Baumgartner’s) – maps, schedules, ask questions, lost and found. 9 am – 7:30 pm
FOOD STANDS – Eat your way around the Courthouse Square! Menu/maps at INFO BOOTH. (10 am–9 pm)
CHEESE DAYS STORE – SOUVENIR TENT (Adenke Zält) – t-shirts & sweatshirts, collector buttons, International Harvester toy tractor, logo pint glasses, “udderly good time” drawstring backpacks, Wedgie bobbleheads, canvas tote bags, Swiss cheese earrings. SW corner cross from Baumgartner’s Cheese Store. (9 am–8:30 pm)
BEER and WINE STAND – SW Corner – near INFO TRAILER. (10 am–midnight) ****Proceeds from sales at the Cheese Days Beer & Wine Stand go toward the costs of tents, porta potties, electricity, stage entertainment and more – thank you for your support.****
HOSPITALITY TENT (Zält zum Höckle) Sponsored by Colony Brands. NORTH SIDE. Dining area with tables & chairs. Musical entertainment throughout the weekend. Open all weekend.
BIG RADIO DINING TENT – NORTHWEST CORNER. Dining area with tables and chairs. Open all weekend.
CARNIVAL in Spring Square Parking Lot (behind JoAnne’s Dress Shop) – all weekend.
NATIONAL HISTORIC CHEESEMAKING CENTER – Guided tours showcasing the history of cheesemaking. The past comes alive at the century-old Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory. 2018 6th Ave, at intersection of Hwy 69 south and 21st St. (9 am–4 pm)
CHEESE TENT (Chäs Zält) – Cheese for sale. EAST SIDE of the Square. Presented by Foreign Type Cheesemakers Assn. Vendors: Emmi Roth USA, Edelweiss Creamery, Landmark Creamery, Klondike Cheese Company, Valley View Cheese, Chula Vista (V&V Supremo), Brunkow Cheese and Decatur Dairy. (9 am–8 pm)
MINHAS CRAFT BREWERY – guided tours and tasting – “Oldest in the Midwest” with brewing excellence since 1845. Visitor Center and gift shop. Beer & root beer samples. Herb & Helen Haydock’s Collection of Brewery Memorabilia. $12 admission includes guided tour and gift pack ($15 retail value). Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS MICRO DISTILLERY GUIDED TASTING– Hand–crafted, small–batch distilled spirits using old world methods & traditions. Guided Distillery and Liqueur Tasting $12 admission includes 2 cocktails, branded whisky tasting glass & gift bottle to take home. Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS WINERY WINE TASTING & FOOD PAIRING: Guided by Executive Chef Trisha Coughlin and her team, wines paired with different types of artisanal cheeses and other small bites. $12 admission includes guided tasting and food pairing and take home a branded wine glass. ($5 retail value). (10 am–6 pm)
COLONY BRANDS TENT – Celebrating more than 90 years in Monroe. Buy cheesecake-on-a-stick – made exclusively for Cheese Days! Stop in to learn more about the Colony Brands team, our 10 retail brands, door prizes and more! NE CORNER (10 am – 9 pm)
BARN QUILT and DAIRY FARM TOUR – Board a bus for a guided tour to one of Green County’s most beautiful family-operated dairy farms. You’ll meet members of the family and their Holstein herd, along with calves, a donkey, rabbit, chickens, guineas, peacocks, ducks, pigs, goats, dogs, and cats. On the way to the farm and back, you’ll see some of Green County’s barn quilts. We guarantee you’ll be entertained along the way by stories from tour guides Lynn Lokken & Kris Winkler – the volunteers who developed the Barn Quilt project. Admission of $5 charged for those 6 and older; ages 5 and under are free. (This is a 2-hour tour. You’ll be back downtown at the festival grounds at 1 pm, so you may want to eat lunch prior to departing.) TODAY – PURCHASE TICKETS AT INFO TRAILER NEAR THE BEER STAND – limited seating 50 tickets will be sold. (Saturday – tickets for sale at Family Farm Adventure Tent) (11 am)
MAIN STAGE (Grossi Bühni) – Yodeling, alphorns, polka bands, & Swiss heritage music during the day. Tonight’s street dance – BOOGIE AND THE YO-YO’Z. (Live music today on the main stage from noon til midnight)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen – Master Yodeler (Noon)
GREEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM – Housed in a Civil War era church. Donations suggested. One block north of Square. (Noon–5 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – John Waelti and Bobbie Edler Accordion Duo (1 pm)
GREENWOODS CEMETERY WALK – sponsored by Green County Genealogical Society and Green County Historical Society – led by local historians. Info: 608.328.7436 or 608.426.1796. (Registration 1 pm; walk at 1:30 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Keith Zweifel Band (1:30 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorn Entertainment (3 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Green County Harmony Chorus (2 pm)
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT – Sponsored by Green Co. Farm Bureau, in partnership with 4–H, FFA & other ag groups. Check out a number of educational activities about agriculture; including milking a “cow”, AG Trivia Wheel, coloring station, crop boxes and “Cow Races” back by popular demand! On NORTHEAST corner of Square by First National Bank. (2–8 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Alphorns led by Heinz and George (2:45 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorns led by Heinz and George (3 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (3:15 pm)
“STREETS OF SWITZERLAND” European Sidewalk Café & Biergarten – Swiss specialties at Turner Hall (3–7:30 pm)
CARNIVAL (Rummel Platz) – “Spring Square” parking lot – south of the Courthouse Square (4 – 11 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Children’s Swiss Music Concert (4:15 pm)
CHILDREN’S COSTUME PARADE (Chinder Trachte Umzug) – Prince & Princess lead the parade (5 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (5 pm)
OPENING CEREMONY – MAIN STAGE – MC – Scott Thompson of BIG RADIO. Presentation of Colors with Green County Sheriff Dept., ceremonial blowing of Alphorns, presentation of royalty, “Procession of Cheesemakers” (6 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Mascot Theory (Americana, Alt-Folk Rock) (7 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Monroe Swiss Singers (7:15 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorns led by Heinz and George (8:15 pm)
STREET DANCE (uf der Strass Tanze) – MAIN STAGE – Boogie and the Yo-Yo’z (8:30 pm–midnight)
SATURDAY, SEPT 17
PARK & RIDE SHUTTLE BUS – $1 each trip. Park offsite at Orchid (350 – 21st St.) and ride the bus downtown. Other stops today include **Historic Cheese Center** and Green County Fairgrounds. (**Historic Cheese Center closes at 4 pm). (Shuttle runs 10 am–10 pm)
INFO TRAILER – SW Corner (near Baumgartner’s) – maps, schedules, ask questions, lost and found. 8:30 am – 7:30 pm
FOOD STANDS – Eat your way around the Courthouse Square! Menu/maps at INFO BOOTH. (9 am–9 pm)
CHEESE DAYS STORE – SOUVENIR TENT (Adenke Zält) – t-shirts & sweatshirts, collector buttons, International Harvester toy tractor, logo pint glasses, “udderly good time” drawstring backpacks, Wedgie bobbleheads, canvas tote bags, Swiss cheese earrings. SW corner cross from Baumgartner’s Cheese Store. (9 am–8:30 pm)
BEER and WINE STAND – SW Corner – near INFO TRAILER. (10 am–midnight) ****Proceeds from sales at the Cheese Days Beer & Wine Stand go toward the costs of tents, porta potties, electricity, stage entertainment and more – thank you for your support.****
HOSPITALITY TENT (Zält zum Höckle) Sponsored by Colony Brands. NORTH SIDE. Dining area with tables & chairs. Musical entertainment throughout the weekend. Open all weekend.
BIG RADIO DINING TENT – NORTHWEST CORNER. Dining area with tables and chairs. Open all weekend.
CARNIVAL in Spring Square Parking Lot (behind JoAnne’s Dress Shop) – all weekend.
FARMER’S MARKET – South of Middle School (8 am–4 pm)
“STREETS OF SWITZERLAND” European Sidewalk Café & Biergarten – Swiss specialties at Turner Hall. (8:30 am–7:30 pm)
CHEESE DAYS CHASE – 5 & 10 k run, & 2-mile fun walk. Presented by Monroe Youth Hockey with sponsor Klondike Cheese Factory. Check in 7:30 am. Race starts PROMPTLY at 9 am. (Kid’s Race at 8:30 am) Click for more info.
NATIONAL HISTORIC CHEESEMAKING CENTER – Guided tours showcasing the history of cheesemaking. The past comes alive at the century-old Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory. 2018 6th Ave, at intersection of Hwy 69 south and 21st St. (9 am–4 pm) PARK AND RIDE SHUTTLE STOP TIL 4 PM
VINTAGE TRACTOR DISPLAY – Courtesy of Monroe area antique tractor owners. Take a step back in time and learn how farmers and their tractors played an important role in shaping the agricultural and cheese industry in Green County. You’ll see various “colors” (brands) – meet the owners & talk about their favorite toys! On 17th Avenue between banks and also in First National Bank parking lot. (9 am–5 pm)
MAKER’S MARKET – Just west of the Square; right behind Baumgartner’s Cheese Store and Tavern. Shop the booths of creators, fiber artists, hobbyists, wood crafters, photographers, painters, etc, who personally design and make what they sell. (9 am–8 pm)
VENDOR MARKETPLACE – Booths in Library Parking Lot – Commercial vendors, merchandise for sale, businesses & groups promoting products & services. (9 am–8 pm)
CHEESE TENT (Chäs Zält) – Cheese for sale. EAST SIDE of the Square. Presented by Foreign Type Cheesemakers Assn. Vendors: Emmi Roth USA, Edelweiss Creamery, Landmark Creamery, Klondike Cheese Company, Valley View Cheese, Chula Vista (V&V Supremo), Brunkow Cheese and Decatur Dairy. (9 am–8 pm)
COLONY BRANDS TENT – Celebrating more than 90 years in Monroe. Buy cheesecake-on-a-stick – made exclusively for Cheese Days! Stop in to learn more about the Colony Brands team, our 10 retail brands, door prizes and more! NE CORNER (9 am–9 pm)
HEART OF CHEESE DAYS – Exhibit & Sales – Meet artisans who create traditional Swiss folk art and view exhibits of Swiss artifacts and memorabilia brought to Green County by some of the area’s Swiss immigrants. Presented by Monroe Swiss Singers at Turner Hall. Free admission with 2020 CHEESE DAYS BUTTON (or $2 at the door). (10 am–4 pm)
GREEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM – Housed in a Civil War era church. Donations suggested. One block north of Square. (10 am–5 pm)
MINHAS CRAFT BREWERY – guided tours and tasting – “Oldest in the Midwest” with brewing excellence since 1845. Visitor Center and gift shop. Beer & root beer samples. Herb & Helen Haydock’s Collection of Brewery Memorabilia. $12 admission includes guided tour and gift pack ($15 retail value). Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS MICRO DISTILLERY GUIDED TASTING– Hand–crafted, small–batch distilled spirits using old world methods & traditions. Guided Distillery and Liqueur Tasting $12 admission includes 2 cocktails, branded whisky tasting glass & gift bottle to take home. Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS WINERY WINE TASTING & FOOD PAIRING – Guided by Executive Chef Trisha Coughlin and her team, wines paired with different types of artisanal cheeses and other small bites. $12 admission includes guided tasting and food pairing and take home a branded wine glass. ($5 retail value). (10 am–6 pm)
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT – Sponsored by Green Co. Farm Bureau, in partnership with 4–H, FFA & other ag groups. Check out a number of educational activities about agriculture; including milking a “cow”, AG Trivia Wheel, coloring station, crop boxes and “Cow Races” back by popular demand! On NORTHEAST corner of Square by First National Bank. (10 am–8 pm)
CARNIVAL (Rummel Platz) – “Spring Square” south of the Courthouse Square (10 am–11 pm)
KIDS’ STREET (Chinder Schpil Strass) SPONSORED BY TDS – On 16th Avenue by Library. Demonstrations, activities and fun for kids – all free! (Kid’s Street Schedule)
MAIN STAGE (Grossi Bühni) – Yodeling, alphorns, polka bands, & Swiss heritage music during the day. Tonight’s Street Dance – Bella Cain! (Live music today from 10:30 am–midnight)
DAIRY FARM TOURS – Board a bus for a guided tour into Green County countryside to visit a family run dairy farm, and to see cows and calves and gain a better understanding of where cheese gets started. $5 admission charged for those 10 and older; under 10 are free. Tickets available in FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT. Length of tour ranges from 1 to 1 1/2 hours. (10:30 am til last bus departs at 3 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (10:30 am)
BARN QUILT and DAIRY FARM TOUR – Board a bus for a guided tour to one of Green County’s most beautiful family-operated dairy farms. You’ll meet members of the family and their Holstein herd, along with calves, a donkey, rabbit, chickens, guineas, peacocks, ducks, pigs, goats, dogs, and cats. On the way to the farm and back, you’ll see some of Green County’s barn quilts. We guarantee you’ll be entertained along the way by stories from tour guides Lynn Lokken & Kris Winkler – the volunteers who developed the Barn Quilt project. Special guest Alice in Dairyland will also be along for the tour! Admission of $5 charged for those 6 and older; ages 5 and under are free. (This is a 2-hour tour. You’ll be back downtown at the festival grounds at 1 pm, so you may want to eat lunch prior to departing.) PURCHASE TICKETS AT FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT ON NE CORNER – limited seating 49 tickets will be sold. (11 am)
MAIN STAGE – Meet the Cheese Days Royalty (11:20 am)
MAIN STAGE – Monroe City Band (Noon)
OLD WORLD CHEESEMAKING DEMONSTRATION (DIE ALT KASEREI “the old cheese factory”) Watch and learn as members of The Foreign Type Cheesemaker’s Association create a 200-pound wheel of Swiss cheese the old fashioned way, in a giant copper kettle. You’ll meet Wisconsin Master Cheesemakers Jeff Wideman and Gary Grossen, who will explain the process and demonstrate the steps. Spectators will have the opportunity to take a turn stirring the kettle with the “Swiss harp” (great photo opp!) After the cheese is “hooped” the cheesemakers will “plug” a block of cheese and demonstrate the grading and judging process using the criteria of the USA and World Championship Cheese Competitions. North of Courthouse. (Noon–4 pm)
COW MILKING CONTEST (Chueh Mälche Wettstriett) – An “udderly” good time thanks to area dairy farmers & their happy herds! Watch as teams compete for prizes – may the most milk win! Located by post office. (1 pm)
MAIN STAGE – David Austin Band (1:15 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – John and Bobbie Accordion Duo (2 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Swiss Miss Dancers (2:30 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Doo Wop Daddies (3 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (3 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Accordion Four – John, Bobbie, Barb and Mary ( 4 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorn entertainment (4:30 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Cheesemaker Dancers (4:45 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Andy Yaun Ensemble (5 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (5:30 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – The Decade (Rock hits from the 70’s thru 90’s) (6:15 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Wheelhouse (7 pm)
STREET DANCE (uf der Strass Tanze) – MAIN STAGE – To Be Announced. (8:30 pm–midnight)
SUNDAY, SEPT 18
PARK & RIDE SHUTTLE BUS – $1 each trip. Park offsite at Orchid (350 – 21st St.) & ride the bus downtown. Shuttle also stops at Historic Cheese Center until 4 pm. (Shuttle runs 10 am–5 pm)
INFO TRAILER – SW Corner (near Baumgartner’s) – maps, schedules, ask questions, lost and found. (9 am – 5 pm)
FOOD STANDS – Eat your way around the Courthouse Square! Menu/maps at INFO BOOTH. (9 am–6 pm)
CHEESE DAYS STORE – SOUVENIR TENT (Adenke Zält) – t-shirts & sweatshirts, collector buttons, International Harvester toy tractor, logo pint glasses, “udderly good time” drawstring backpacks, Wedgie bobbleheads, canvas tote bags, Swiss cheese earrings. SW corner cross from Baumgartner’s Cheese Store. (9 am–6 pm)
BEER and WINE STAND – SW Corner – near INFO TRAILER. (10 am–6 pm) ****Proceeds from sales at the Cheese Days Beer & Wine Stand go toward the costs of tents, porta potties, electricity, stage entertainment and more – thank you for your support.****
HOSPITALITY TENT (Zält zum Höckle) Sponsored by Colony Brands. NORTH SIDE. Dining area with tables & chairs. Open today til 6 pm.
BIG RADIO DINING TENT – NORTHWEST CORNER. Dining area with tables and chairs. Open today til 6 pm.
CARNIVAL in Spring Square Parking Lot (behind JoAnne’s Dress Shop) – all weekend.
NATIONAL HISTORIC CHEESEMAKING CENTER – Guided tours showcasing the history of cheesemaking. The past comes alive at the century-old Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory. 2018 6th Ave, at intersection of Hwy 69 south and 21st St. (9 am–4 pm) PARK AND RIDE BUS SHUTTLE STOP.
VENDOR MARKETPLACE – Booths in Library Parking Lot – Commercial vendors, merchandise for sale, businesses & groups promoting products & services. (9 am–5 pm)
MAKER’S MARKET – Just west of the Square; right behind Baumgartner’s Cheese Store and Tavern. Shop the booths of creators, fiber artists, hobbyists, wood crafters, photographers, painters, etc, who personally design and make what they sell. (9 am-5 pm)
CHEESE TENT (Chäs Zält) – Cheese for sale. EAST side of Square. Presented by Foreign Type Cheesemakers Assn. Vendors: Emmi Roth USA, Edelweiss Creamery, Landmark Creamery, Klondike Cheese Company, Valley View Cheese, Chula Vista (V&V Supremo), Brunkow Cheese and Decatur Dairy. (9 am–5 pm)
COLONY BRANDS TENT – Celebrating more than 90 years in Monroe! Buy cheesecake-on-a-stick; made exclusively for Cheese Days. Stop in to learn more about the Colony Brands team, our 10 retail brands, door prizes and more! NE Corner. (9 am–6 pm)
MAIN STAGE (Grossi Bühni) – Yodeling, alphorns, polka bands, & Swiss heritage music. Daily schedule at INFO BOOTH. (Entertainment today 10 am–6 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Swiss Canton Fashion Show by Wilhelm Tell Usherettes (10 am)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Ecumenical Worship Serivice (10 am)
GREEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM – Housed in a Civil War era church. Donations suggested. One block north of Square. (10 am–1 pm)
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT – Sponsored by Green Co. Farm Bureau, in partnership with 4–H, FFA & other ag groups. Check out a number of educational activities about agriculture; including milking a “cow”, AG Trivia Wheel, coloring station, crop boxes and “Cow Races” back by popular demand! On NORTHEAST corner of Square by First National Bank. (10 am–5 pm; closed during parade)
MINHAS CRAFT BREWERY – guided tours and tasting – “Oldest in the Midwest” with brewing excellence since 1845. Visitor Center and gift shop. Beer & root beer samples. Herb & Helen Haydock’s Collection of Brewery Memorabilia. $12 admission includes guided tour and gift pack ($15 retail value). Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–5 pm)
MINHAS MICRO DISTILLERY GUIDED TASTING– Hand–crafted, small–batch distilled spirits using old world methods & traditions. Guided Distillery and Liqueur Tasting $12 admission includes 2 cocktails, branded whisky tasting glass & gift bottle to take home. Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–5 pm)
MINHAS WINERY WINE TASTING & FOOD PAIRING: Guided by Executive Chef Trisha Coughlin and her team, wines paired with different types of artisanal cheeses and other small bites. $12 admission includes guided tasting and food pairing and take home a branded wine glass. ($5 retail value). (10 am–5 pm)
CARNIVAL (Rummel Platz) – “Spring Square” parking lot – south of the Courthouse Square (10 am–6 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (10:30 am)
MAIN STAGE – Goodtime Dutchmen – 3rd Generation Family Polka Band (11:30 am)
THE SWISS COLONY CHEESE DAYS PARADE (Chäs Tag Umzug) – Steps off from fairgrounds at 12:30 pm, arrives downtown approximately 12:45 pm.
MAIN STAGE – UW Marching Band 5th Quarter! (after parade)
MAIN STAGE – Goodtime Dutchmen – 3rd Generation Family Polka Band (3:15 pm)
MAIN STAGE – New Glarus Mannerchor (Men’s Choir) (4:10 pm)
MAIN STAGE – New Glarus Jodlerklub (Yodel Club) (5 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (5:45 pm-6:15 pm)
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September 17, 2022 – September 18, 2022
Jurassic Quest
The largest and most realistic dinosaur exhibit in North America is back, bigger, and better than ever! More than 100 photorealistic dinosaurs are ready to delight families when Jurassic Quest roars into Wisconsin State Fair Park Friday, September 16th through Sunday, September 18th, 2022.
Jurassic Quest offers some of the most beloved and unique experiences for the whole family including more than 100 life-like dinosaurs, dinosaur themed rides, live dinosaur shows, interactive science and art activities, a “Triceratots” soft play area for our littlest explorers, bounce houses and inflatable attractions (socks required), photo opportunities, and more.
Walk and drive through the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic periods to see the dinos that ruled on land, and “deep dive” into the “Ancient Oceans” exhibit to come face to face with the largest apex predator that ever existed – a moving, life-size, 50-foot-long megalodon. Meet the babies, hatched only at Jurassic Quest: Cammie the Camarasaurus, Tyson the T-Rex and Trixie the Triceratops – and, you may even catch one of our star dino trainers: Safari Sarah, Dino Dustin, Captain Caleb, Prehistoric Nick or Park Ranger Marty!
The Jurassic Quest herd of animatronic dinos – from the largest predators to playful baby dinos – are displayed in realistic scenes with some that move and roar, allowing guests to experience them as they were when they roamed the earth billions of years ago.
Jurassic Quest works in collaboration with leading paleontologists to ensure each dinosaur is painstakingly replicated in every detail, from coloration to teeth size, to textured skin, fur or feathers, drawing on the latest research about how we understand dinosaurs and ancient giants of the sea looked and moved.
Tickets are timed entry — reserve online to ensure desired date and time. Tickets are also available on-site and include a 100% ticket guarantee that in the event of a show cancellation or postponement for any reason, ticket purchases will be automatically refunded for the full purchase amount. Tickets are for a timed arrival window, and advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged.
Guests can walk through the dinosaur experience at their own pace, and strollers are permitted.
General admission tickets include access to the dinosaur and marine exhibits, arts and crafts activities, and dinosaur shows. There are rides and activities that require activity tickets available on site for $5 each, or guests can upgrade to the Kids Unlimited Rides ticket (the best value for children ages 2-12). Green screen photography and animal art tattoos are available at a separate cost. Entry is free for children under age 2.
You can easily get to Wisconsin State Fair Park via I-94, Highway 59, or Highway 181 – they surround the park! U.S. 18 and I-41/U.S. 45/I-894 get you close for connections.
Jurassic Quest Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park
640 S. 84th Street
West Allis, WI 53214
Website
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September 10, 2022
Pardeeville Watermelon Festival & U.S. Watermelon Speed-Eating & Seed-Spitting Championships
You’ll find Pardeeville along Highway 22, where it meets Highway 44 in Columbia County.
Pardeeville Watermelon Festival Address:
Chandler Park 208 Chandler Park Drive Pardeeville, WI 53954 (608) 535-9139 Website
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September 3, 2022 – September 4, 2022
Kites Over Lake Michigan
Kites Over Lake Michigan is one of the largest kite festivals in the Midwest and attracts kitefliers from all over. Check out giant show kites, precision stunt kite teams flying dual- and quad-line kites, spectacular and colorful ground displays, running of the bols, and games for kids! Learn how to fly two and quad line stunt kites from the experts.
Kites Over Lake Michigan continues at Two Rivers High School with other activities taking place along Lake Michigan nearby. It will take place Saturday, September 3rd and Sunday, September 4th. This includes a night fly on Saturday night, conditions permitting.
There will be a role reversal of role this year; since the High School serves as the festival grounds, Walsh Field (on 22nd Street just before the turn into Neshotah Beach) will serve as the overflow parking area. A shuttle bus service will run between Walsh Field and the high school both days from 11 am to 5 pm. Please note that the bus will be limited to 23 people per trip to allow for social distancing, more if family members living together are present. All those using the shuttle will have to be masked. Also, pets are not allowed anywhere on school property.
Good news: Free kite making for kids will continue, taking place Sunday 9/4/20 at 9.00 am.
Great News: The Fireworks Show WILL take place, and it will happen Saturday evening at 8 pm. Fireworks will be shot off behind the Coast Guard Station, allowing people to spread out over a wide area and still have optimum viewing from various places along the waterfront.
Highway 42 is the road to both Neshotah Beach and Two Rivers High School; Highway 147 brings you to Two Rivers from the north, and Highway 310 provides quick access to and from I-43. Check out this colorful fest (which we need in 2020) September 5th and 6th!
Kites Over Lake Michigan Event Address:
Two Rivers High School
4519 Lincoln Avenue (Highway 42)
Two Rivers, WI 54241
(920) 793-9599
Website
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Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival
It’s an annual Labor Day weekend tradition in Prairie du Sac to toss cow “chips” at this annual Cow Chip Throw & Festival, which happens Friday & Saturday, September 2nd & 3rd this year. Dried out and surprisingly unoffensive to the nose, these nuggets of nastiness get hurled into the air by kids and adults alike with the goal of the most distance as possible – with a crowd of onlookers often in the sights where they land. The current record is 248 feet, but records were made to be broken!
Of course, that’s the main event; there’s also music with plenty of bands, a “Tournament of Chips” parade Saturday morning, kids’ activities including a pedal pull, a Fine Arts & Crafts Fair, a run/walk, and much more. So whether you want to throw cow chips, dodge them, or just watch from a safe distance, there’s plenty of bovine-related fun to be had at the 45th annual Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival!
Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival Schedule of Events:
Friday • September 2nd
• Tony Rocker: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Corporate Throw: 5:30 PM (Click here to sign up)
• John King Band: 8:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Saturday • September 3rd
• Food Court: Open all day – See vendor list here
• 5K Run/Walk & 10K Run: 8:00 AM (registration at 6:30)
See race page for details and to sign up.
• Children’s Game Tent: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Children’s Chip Chucking: 9:00 AM – Noon ($2.00)
• Cow Chip Breakfast: 8:00am
• Volleyball Tournament: 8:30am Registration, 9:00am Start. Download 2022 registration form here.
• Arts & Crafts Fair: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (over 125 exhibits)
• Mixed Nuts: 10:00 & 11:00 AM (Kids Area)
• Angela Puerta: 9:30 – 11:30 AM
• Tournament of Chips Parade: 12:00 PM
• Adult & Team Cow Chip Throw: 1:00 PM
• German Wheel, Tight Rope, Trapeze: 1:30 – 3:30 PM (Kids Stage)
• Truly Remarkable Loon Comedy Juggler: 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 PM (Kids Stage)
• Dan Lepien: 1:30 – 4:30 PM
• Kid’s Pedal Pull: 2:30 PM
• Mark Hayward Juggler Yo-Yoer: 3:30 PM
• 52nd Street Band – A Billy Joel Tribute: 5:00 – 7:30 PM
• The Cheap Shots: 8:30 – 11:30 PM
You’ll find the festival just off U.S. 12 and Highways 60 and 78 in Marion Park at 1st & Grand in PrairieWiscon du Sac.
Here’s a video short from when we first visited the Wisconsin State Cow Chip Toss in Prairie du Sac back in 2009:
And here’s how it went in 2016, produced by the Festival itself with better equipment:
Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival Address:
Marion Park
145 1st Street
Prairie du Sac, WI 53578
(608) 643-4317
Website
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September 2, 2022 – September 4, 2022
World Championship Off-Road Races at Crandon Int’l Raceway
Off-Road Racing at its best! Crandon International Raceway hosts a series of off-road races throughout Labor Day weekend. Over 40,000 attendees enjoy this event every year in what many call the sport’s “Indianapolis 500,” guests to the 400-acre “Big House” can look forward to a jam-packed, three-day schedule of great racing, rich tradition and on-site entertainment that make up the unforgettable “Crandon Experience.”
This year, it’s the 53rd Polaris Crandon World Championships Off-Road Races!
The facility’s massive grounds feature nearly 2,000 manicured grass campsites, many of which are reserved months in advance. While track management expects another sell-out for campsites, those remaining will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Daily parking and admission tickets are also available at the gate.
In 202w the grounds are ready to host up a record 400 plus Pro and Sportsman AMSOIL Championship Off-Road (COR) series teams and all of the classes that make up the Ultra4 Racing series. Racers will go all-in to earn a coveted title of 2021 Crandon World Champion. The “Forest County Potawatomi Friday Night Thunder” races will kick off the weekend, with night racing under the lights on Saturday as well. Then it’s time for Sunday’s epic Red Bull Crandon World Cup Sunday. For those coming to be part of the Camp Crandon experience, the park will be open to weekend guests from Wednesday, September 1st at noon through Monday, September 6 – that’s five nights to enjoy all that Crandon has to offer.
You’ll find Crandon International Raceway and the Off-Road Races along U.S. 8 and Highway 32 on the east side of town, near Highway 55.
Check their website for full schedules and details!
World Championship Off-Road Races Address:
Crandon International Raceway
U.S. Highway 8 West
Crandon, WI 54520
(715) 478-2222
Website
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September 2, 2022 – September 5, 2022
Harley-Davidson Milwaukee Hometown Rally 2022
Get your motors running! Harley-Davidson hosts its annual Milwaukee Rally September 1st through the 5th this year, and bikes, beer, bands, rides, and good times all await! The Harley Davidson Museum in downtown Milwaukee will be the epicenter, with tons of bikes, history, live music, and more. Six Harley-Davidson dealers around southeast Wisconsin from West Bend to Kenosha will also serve as official Milwaukee Rally locations, with their own parties and live music. Check below for links to each Rally location and the activities they will host!
The Rally experience is rooted in riding to the rally and the spectacular routes that surround the event. Ride Routes will be offered through the Harley-Davidson Mobile App.
Live music headliners at the Harley Davidson Museum include Hairball Thursday night, Parmalee Friday night, and Jackyl Saturday night.
Performances & Stunt Shows include:
The H-D Museum will offer photo opportunities at The Shed, a replica of the iconic Shed where Harley-Davidson’s story began in 1903. The Museum will also offer Self-Guided Tours, showcasing motorcycles and artifacts that tell the story of the Motor Company’s rich history and heritage.
Harley-Davidson Milwaukee Rally Locations:
Milwaukee Harley-Davidson
11310 W. Silver Spring Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53225
(414) 461-4444
Suburban Harley-Davidson
139 N. Main Street
Thiensville, WI 53092
(262) 242-2464
Wisconsin Harley-Davidson
1280 Blue Ribbon Drive
Oconomowoc, WI 53066
(262) 569-7500
West Bend Harley-Davidson
2910 W. Washington Street (Highways 33/144)
West Bend, WI 53095
(262) 338-8761
Uke’s Harley- Davidson
5995 120th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53144
(262) 857-8537
House of Harley-Davidson
6221 W. Layton Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53220
(414) 282-2211
Harley-Davidson Museum
400 W. Canal Street
Milwaukee, WI 53201
(877) 436-8738
Rally Main Website
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August 28, 2022
Artstreet
Music Lineup
MAIN STAGE
Friday 8/26/22
3:00-4:00pm Grup KN Zavor [Latin]
4:30-6:00pm 7000apart [Indie Rock]
6:30-8:00pm Dan Rodriguez [Pop|Rock|Soul]
8:30-10:00pm Vegabonds [South Rock]
Saturday 8/27/22
10:00-11:30am Gerry Sloan [Irish]
12:00-1:30pm Island Magic [Caribbean]
2:00-5:00pm Brass Differential [Jazz|Blues|Funk|R&B]
5:30-7:00pm Big Mouth [Funk|Soul|Rock]
7:30-9:00pm EMN [Hard Rock]
Sunday 8/28/22
10:00-11:00am Mark Ringwelski [Gospel]
11:30-12:30pm Hannah Rose Trio [Classic Country]
12:45-1:45pm Jerimiah Jams Band [Jam|Rock]
2:00-5:00pm Brass Differential [Jazz|Blues|Funk|R&B]
COMMUNITY STAGE
Friday 8/26/22
3:00-3:45pm Brad Garrity [Covers|Mashups|Original Music]
3:45-4:15pm Master Sand Sculptor Bill Knight [Sculpting Demo]
4:15-5:00pm Navah Mirage [Belly Dancing]
5:15-6:15pm Dz Blue – DJ [Pop|House|EDM Music]
Saturday 8/27/22
10:00-11:30am Emerald Brass Quintet [Jazz]
12:00-12:45pm Garden of Eden* [Variety of Dance]
12:45-1:15pm Master Sand Sculptor Bill Knight [Sculpting Demo]
1:30-2:30pm Bernie Rocheleau* [Variety]
3:00-4:15pm Navah Mirage [Belly Dancing]
5:00-6:00pm Sweet Acoustics [Original Folk | Soul and Blues | Bluegrass Music]
6:00-6:30pm Master Sand Sculptor Bill Knight [Sculpting Demo]
Sunday 8/28/22
10:15-10:45am Boys/Girls Choir [Folk | Ethnic | Sacred | Secular Music]
11:00-12:00pm Strategic [Children’s]
12:00-12:45pm Comedy City Production [Performance]
1:00-2:00pm Strategic [Acoustic Originals]
2:15-2:45pm SOL: Baile Folklórico de Nicolet [Mexican Folkloric Dances]
3;00-3:45pm Garden of Eden Dance Revue* [Variety of Dance]
4:00-5:00pm Morgan Piontek [Original Pop]
*Note: Schedule as of August 19, 2022 – Subject to Change
Ashwaubomay Park is an 84 acre park, conveniently located between the National Railroad Museum and the Brown County Fairgrounds, at 2881 South Broadway, 54304.
Artstreet Admission is free; donations, of course, are welcomed! You can get to downtown Green Bay via I-41 or I-43 via U.S. 141, or Highways 29, 32, 54, 57, or 172.
Artstreet Hours:
Friday, August 26 | 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm (music until 10 pm)
Saturday, August 27 | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (music until 9 pm)
Sunday, August 28 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Artstreet Address:
Ashwaybomay Park
2882 S. Broadway
Green Bay, WI 54304
(920) 435-5220
Website
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Central Wisconsin State Fair 2022
One of three “State Fairs” in Wisconsin, the Central Wisconsin State Fair takes place in Marshfield August 23-28, 2022 on the grounds that also feature the “World’s Largest Round Barn.” The Central Wisconsin State Fair has also been refreshing its equipment with new rides and games to enhance the experience!
Headliners include:
This Fair also features Mad Dog & Merrill and Pumpkin Bowling as a new thing this year. Tons of arts & crafts vendors will be there, and you can enjoy the Saturday & Sunday Pancake Breakfast with local maple syrup from 7am – noon. As usual, Central Wisconsin State Fair hosts the 4-H and open class exhibits, free grandstand entertainment with gate admission, the Round Barn Express train, Junior Fair Market Animal Sale, the Dress-A-Cow Contest, midway carnival rides, commercial exhibits and special programs, food and beer gardens, and more. This six-day extravaganza is definitely worth checking out if you want to hit the lovely city of Marshfield in the central part of the state (hence, the event’s name).
U.S. 10 and Highways 13, 80, and 97 all hit Marshfield, Wisconsin (“Hub City”) and the Central Wisconsin State Fair grounds are on the south side of town, a few blocks east of Central Avenue (Bus. Hwy 13) and the Wildwood Zoo. Also check out Central Avenue and the downtown district, the Blue Heron Brewpub, and a plenty of other things and to see and do around Hub City. Get more ideas from Visit Marshfield here!
Check their website for the complete entertainment lineup, ticket specials, and more!
Central Wisconsin State Fair Address:
Wood County Fairgrounds
513 E. 17th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 387-1261
Website
Find out more about Marshfield in this episode of our State Trunk Tour Podcast!
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August 27, 2022
Great River Folk Festival
The annual Great River Folk Festival is a family-friendly Saturday featuring outdoor contemporary and traditional folk music right in La Crosse’s beautiful Riverside Park. Along with the music, you can enjoy demonstrations of traditional crafts and plenty of craft items for sale from artists across the spectrum, ethnic food and children’s activities. The Driftless Folk School will be demonstrating Spoon Carving, Spindle Spinning and Small Basket weaving throughout the day—11 and 5 pm.
Check out the full music lineup below. Ticket prices are $20 in advance, $25 at the gate. Get details here.
Riverside Park is a beautiful space along the Mississippi River on the west edge of downtown La Crosse. Along with the Great River Folk Festival you’ll find historic and contemporary statutes, beautiful views of the river and bluffs, access to riverboats, restaurants, hotels, the Turtle Stack Brewing Company, and plenty of hotels to spend the night – all within easy walking distance.
Great River Folk Festival Music Schedule:
Saturday, August 27th
Saturday Daytime Activities: 10:00 – 5:00
Riverside Park (Rain or shine)
Performers include Echo Black River, The Lowest Pair, Don Harvey, Cass Magpie, J.E. Sunde, Patina, Camela Widad, Roe Family Singers, Siena Christie, D. Janakey, The Iowans, and Joseph Hubner
U.S. 14, 53, and 61, as well as Highways 16, 33, 35, and I-90 all bring you to La Crosse, which has plenty of other fun things to check out, too!
Great River Folk Festival Address:
Riverside Park
100 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 784-3033
Website
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August 13, 2022
Pure Water Days Riverfest
Chippewa Falls celebrates its clean, bountiful water and the community in general with the 46th Annual Pure Water Days Parade and Riverfest celebration Saturday, August 13th!
With Pure Water Days, enjoy the big parade early Saturday afternoon with over 70 parade entries and a vintage car parade. Then, head down the street to Allen Park for RiverFest, which begins at 2pm.
During Pure Water Days, you can also enjoy the classic Cruise-In Car Show. This is the fourth of four car shows held downtown every summer. Vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles with great music!
The Pure Water Days Parade theme for 2019 is “History of Chippewa Falls,” perfect for the city’s ongoing 150th (sesquicentennial) celebrations! So expect a lot of historic-looking floats and formations. The Chippewa River and Duncan Creek flow through town and provide pure water and plenty of scenic beauty.
While in Chippewa Falls, be sure to explore the famous Leinenkugel Brewery, take a tour and discover their new “pilot brewery”; enjoy the amenities of nearby Irvine Park and Zoo, Brewster Brothers Brewing & the Chippewa River Distillery on the west edge of downtown along Business 29 & 53, the lovely Riverbend Vineyard & Winery west of town along Business 29, the historic Cook-Rutledge Mansion, the downtown shopping, nearby Lake Wissota State Park, and much more. And be sure to mark your calendar for the upcoming Oktoberfest celebration at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds! It’s definitely one of the best in the Midwest.
Chippewa Falls is easy to get to! Today’s U.S. 53 freeway, Highway 29 freeway, Highway 124, and Highway 178 all bring you to Chippewa Falls, too. It’s only about 15 minutes north of Eau Claire off I-94, too.
For more on #GOChippewa Falls, check out our State Trunk Tour Chippewa Falls Podcast:
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August 6, 2022 – August 7, 2022
Ozaukee County Fair
It’s one of the oldest county fairs in Wisconsin, and the oldest FREE county fair in the state! Since 1859, the Ozaukee County Fair has been delighting visitors with everything from featuring prize animals, musical performances, rides, competitions, and more.
This year’s Ozaukee County Fair runs August 3-7, 2022 at the Fairgrounds in Cedarburg.
There’s always plenty of fun and action at the 2022 Ozaukee County Fair, with two nights of Truck & Tractor Pulls (Wednesday and Thursday at 7pm), two nights of Demolition Derbies (Friday and Saturday at 6pm), and the All Star Monster Truck Tour on Sunday, August 7 at 11am.
Great musical acts will play, with five stages of music in all. The Grandstand schedule runs as follows:
WEDNESDAY
3:30 PM Pat McCurdy
7:30 PM Johnny Wad
THURSDAY
1:00 PM Grooveline
3:30 PM The Whiskeybelles
7:30 PM Vic Ferrari Band
FRIDAY
1:00 PM Mike & Katy
3:30 PM Midlife Oasis
8:00 PM Madison County
SATURDAY
1:30 PM The Stangs
4:30 PM Star Six Nine
8:00 PM Bella Cain
SUNDAY
1:00 PM Larry Lynne – Decades Band
Animals, of course, will be shown and featured at the Ozaukee County Fair. Sheep, horses, cows, goats, pigs, rabbits, and chickens to see, ride a pony, pet a llama, get to know them!
There’s also the Barnyard 5K Run & Walk, a “Fairest of the Fair” competition, and more!
Wednesday, August 3, Noon – Midnight
Thursday, August 4, 8am – Midnight
Friday, August 5, 8am – Midnight
Saturday, August 6, 8am – Midnight
Sunday, August 7, 8am – 8pm
Admission to the fair is FREE! Parking passes are available for Gate 4 – the north end of the Fairgrounds – for $10 (single day), $25/$40 for full season passes, and $100 camper or trailer parking for the whole Fair. Trucks and trailers can park for $20/day on the Saturday and Sunday of the Fair. Passes for Gate 1 – the south end of the Fairgrounds – can be purchased for $10/day for cars.
Ozaukee County Fair Address:
W67N866 Washington Avenue
Cedarburg, WI 53012
(262) 375-6185
Website
Check the Ozaukee County Fair website for updates, a full schedule, and more. You’ll get to Cedarburg via Historic Highway 57 (Washington Avenue), Highway 60, or Highway 181.
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July 28, 2022 – July 30, 2022
Lumberjack World Championships
Hayward hosts the 62nd annual Lumberjack World Championships July 28-30, 2022! The Lumberjack World Championships began in 1960 as a way to acknowledge the rich history of the logging industry across the United States. Once again, over 21 events will offer international competition showcasing the best sawing, chopping, speed climbing, log rolling, boom-running & more! It’s great family fun.
More than 100 lumberjacks and lumberjills vie for more than $50,000 in prize money, making this one of the largest paybacks for lumberjack competition in the world – and of course, world records in these events could be set – they often have!
Opening night – Thursday, July 28th – is Mountain Dew Family Night, with special family pricing for admission ($45 for two adults and up to four children) and other specials. Other ticket packages run around $53 for three days’ worth of admission.
Tickets can be purchased online here!
Getting to Hayward means a beautiful drive through the North Woods – just what we like! Hayward is along U.S. 63 on the drive from Spooner to Ashland; it’s also where Highways 27 and 77 meet up. While in town, check out the great trails, shopping, the World’s Largest Musky at the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, the Angry Minnow Brewpub, and more!
Hayward Lumberjack World Championships Address:
15670 West County Road B
Hayward, WI 54843
(715) 634-2484
Website
Lumberjack World Championships Schedule of Events
Thursday, July 28, 2022
Friday, July 29, 2022
Saturday, July 30, 2022
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