Sister Bay has a beautiful marina along the waters of Green Bay. Hit the end of Highway 57 along Highway 42 for Marina Fest, which features live entertainment, plenty of food and drink, a water ski show by the Waterboard Warriors, a fireworks show, easy access to Al Johnson’s show you can watch goats on the roof, and more!
Sister Bay Marina Fest Schedule of Events
SATURDAY, AUG 30th
7:30 – 10 AM: Pancake Breakfast Presented by the Sister Bay & Liberty Grove Fire Department
8 AM – 4 PM: Used Book Sale
9 AM – 4 PM: Vintage Boat Show
9 AM – 5 PM: Arts & Crafts Fair with Stained Glass Mosaic Workshop
10 AM – 6 PM: Kid’s Bouncy Houses
11 AM – 4 PM: Kid’s Boat Building with the Lions Club
11 AM – 8 PM: Food Court
12 – 1:30 PM: Kid’s Ages 4-12 Pedal Tractor Pull – Presented by Peach Barn (Registration begins at 11 AM )
1 – 4 PM: Performance by Mistrial
4 – 7 PM: Performance by Modern Day Drifters
3:30 – 5 PM: Kid’s Ages 4-12 Pedal Tractor Pull Presented by Peach Barn (Registration begins at 2:30 PM)
7 – 10 PM: Performance by Big Mouth and the Power Tool Horns
Dusk: Fireworks Presented by Wild Tomato
SUNDAY, AUG 31st
9 AM – 5 PM: Arts & Crafts Fair
10 AM – 2 PM: Used Book Sale
10 AM – 6 PM: Kid’s Bouncy Houses
11 AM – 8 PM: Food Court
12 – 3 PM: Performance by Conscious Pilot
4 – 7 PM: Performance by Second Hand Stereo
Sister Bay Marina Fest Address:
Marina Park
10733 Wisconsin Highway 42 / Bay Shore Drive
Sister Bay, WI 54234
(920) 854-2812 Website
The World’s Largest celebration of Celtic music and culture, the 43rd Milwaukee Irish Fest happens Thursday, August 14th through Sunday, August 17th on Milwaukee’s lakefront! An amazing array of musical artists in Irish and Celtic music fill several stages.
Other Irish Fest activities include a Baking Contest, Photo and Poetry Contests, and “Red Hair & Freckles” Contest, a “Celtic Canines” exhibit, the Jameson Lounge (for whiskey tastings), a Marketplace filled with Irish crafts and other items from over 90 vendors, a Cultural Village, and much more.
Saturday the 16th features a 5K Run/Walk to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Later that day you can enjoy the Lesaffre/Red Star Yeast Baking Contest. Dog lovers can check out Milwaukee Irish Fest’s Celtic Canine Area; this unique area gives you the chance to see and pet some of Ireland’s most popular dog breeds, meet and talk with some of the Midwest’s top breeders, and learn about grooming, general care and training. The Irish dog breeds include Irish Wolfhounds, Irish Terriers, Irish Red Setters, Irish Red and White Setters, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers, Irish Water Spaniels, Kerry Blue Terriers and Kerry Beagles. The Celtic Canines will be on display Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Saturday from noon to 7 p.m., and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For a full lineup of activities and deals for everything else, check out the Irish Fest website!
You can reach Irish Fest at Henry Maier Festival Park (aka the Summerfest grounds) along Milwaukee’s lakefront via I-794 and U.S. 18 most directly. Highways 32, 38, 59, and 145 all bring you within a mile of the grounds.
Milwaukee Irish Fest Address:
Henry Maier Festival Park (aka Summerfest Grounds)
200 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 476-3378 Website
Lake Geneva knows how to throw a great party, and the 63rd annual Lake Geneva Venetian Fest – sponsored by the Lake Geneva Jaycees and running from Wednesday, August 13th through Sunday, August 17th – is a prime example! Five days of fun in town and along the shores of Geneva Lake awaits with a carnival, an arts and crafts fair, a Saturday water ski show, and the Sunday lighted boat parade complete with fireworks to cap it all off.
The Arts & Crafts Fair is returning to Venetian Fest and features over 110 exhibitors. It runs Saturday from 10am – 5pm and Sunday from 10am – 4pm in Library Park, right along Highway 50/Main Street along the lake on the west edge of downtown, just down from The Riviera. Details…
The Lake Geneva Venetian Festival Carnival offers family fun via “Mr. Ed’s Magical Midways” and is open every day of the festival: Wednesday-Thursday 5pm to 10:30pm, Friday 5pm – 11:30pm, Saturday Noon to 11:30pm, and Sunday Noon to 10:30pm.
Saturday you can experience the Baggo Tournament, which takes place at the Entertainment Pavilion in Flatiron Park. It’s a double elimination straight to 21. It starts at 11:30am Saturday and runs until about 3pm.
Check out the Lumberjack Show!
New last year the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack show is back and should be yet another great bit of entertainment for families of all sizes and ages. From log rolling, axe throwing, and wood-cutting, to chainsaw vs cross-cut racing, and quick chainsaw carving, there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you want great old-fashioned fun and family entertainment, the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show is where you’ll want to be.
New this year: Car Show! The inaugural Car Show run at Venetian Fest Sunday from 11am-3pm at Seminary Park, a great thing to check out ahead of all the bands, water ski shows, the lighted boat parade, and the fireworks that evening!
Sunday is the topper, with all the Carnival and Arts & Crafts Fair activities, THREE performers covering live music, and the Lake Geneva Jaycees Water Ski Show featuring the Wonder Lake Ski Team. They’ll perform on Geneva Lake right by the Riviera starting at 6pm. At dusk, the Lighted Boat Parade begins with the theme this year being “Rat Pack” for Lake Geneva Venetian Fest’s 61st anniversary. It concludes with fireworks following the parade.
All of this fun is in downtown Lake Geneva, which is easily accessed via U.S. 12 or Highways 50 and 120. Highway 67 brings you close, as it runs along the west side of Geneva Lake. Make it a road trip destination the weekend of August 14th-18th!
Lake Geneva Venetian Fest Address:
Downtown Lake Geneva, centered at Riviera Ballroom
821 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147 Website
Ashley For The Arts celebrates music, art, and supporting nearby communities with a spectacular three-day event August 7-9, 2025. It takes place in Arcadia – home to Ashley Furniture – in the city’s 54-acre Memorial Park, which known for its Soldier’s Walk, one of the premier war memorials in the U.S. outside of Washington, D.C.
Arcadia is right along the Chippewa River nestled in the gorgeous hills of Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, where Highways 93 and 95 meet. The drive alone is worth it! Ashley for the Arts itself is a non-profit event, stacked with a star-studded lineup of musical entertainment as well as numerous family-friendly activities and some new additions to the venue. It’s one of Wisconsin’s largest charity events, growing from 300 attendees in 2009 to more than 50,000, with of course the exception of 2020, when the event had to skip a year.
With four stages this year, you won’t miss a beat! The Main Stage will host headline entertainment, the Amphitheater will portray participating school performances as well as entertaining circus acts, the Pavilion stage hosts early to mid-day side-stage performances and the Soldier’s Walk stage will create a unique ambiance for local bands to perform outdoors the second half of the day.
Ashley for the Arts’ headline lineup will include ZZ Top, Darius Rucker, Brad Paisley, Daughtry, Third Eye Blind, Chris Jenson, Neon Trees, The Castellows, Red – A Taylor Swift Tribute, area high school choirs and even an extreme juggling show! Truly something for everyone.
The three-day festival will also feature upbeat musical performances; in addition, 11 area schools will participate in the event’s activities and demonstrate the region’s student talent through performances on Friday and Saturday.
You can also enjoy a variety of off-stage entertainment including a living statue, balloon sculptors, Root Berry juggling and sword swallowing, a mariachi band, silly stilt walkers, an interactive drum circle, Magician Professor Pinkerton, and many more entertaining audiences throughout the grounds.
The park features nearly 100 art and craft vendors, a new interactive art space, a classic car show, two air parks including bouncy houses and obstacle courses, even a kid’s fitness course. Ashley for the Arts also hosts the Pursuit of a Cure 5K run/walk on Thursday and a spectacular firework display on Saturday.
From mini donuts to barbeque to gyros and frybread, an expanded selection of food trucks will decorate Memorial Park Drive along with Arcadia’s staple charcoal chicken, grilled to perfection in North America’s largest indoor chicken pit. A newly added beer garden, next to the main stage, will offer specialty beer and wine options for the adult audience. Event parking is free along with free bus shuttles to and from the grounds; including the county campground (Pietrek Park) just five miles north of Arcadia. Highways 93 and 95 bring you to town!
Ashley For the Arts Address:
Memorial Park
551 Memorial Park Drive
Arcadia, WI 54612
(608) 863-6700 Website
The Motl SportsCar Grand Prix featuring IMSA hits Road America Thursday, July 31st through Sunday, August 3rd! Get ready for some incredible racing – and a LOT of it!
If you need help getting around at Road America, their TRAM will run Saturday and Sunday. All Concession stands will be open.
Public Karting will be available for ages 14 and older. A parent/guardian must be present if under 18. You’ll find it at the CTECH Manufacturing Motorplex, infield over the SpeedVille Bridge, near Turns 7 and 8. Karts can reach speeds of up to 40 mph.
You can also test your skills on their 18 hole disc golf course – FREE fun for everyone! The Front Nine begins at Tee #1, located across from Gearbox concessions in the paddock. The Back Nine begins at Tee #10, located west of the Sargento Bridge, towards Motorplex. Rental discs are available in Paddock Shop.
Motul SportsCar Grand Prix Racing Schedule:
Thursday, July 31, 2025
1:05 PM – 1:50 PM | Practice #1 – Lamborghini Trofeo
2:10 PM – 2:40 PM | Practice #1 – Mustang Challenge
2:55 PM – 3:25 PM | Practice #1 – Porsche Carrera Cup
3:40-4:25 PM | Practice #2 – Lamborghini Trofeo
Friday, August 1, 2025
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Practice #1 – Michelin Challenge
9:15 AM – 9:45 AM | Practice #2 – Mustang Challenge
10:00 AM – 10:40 AM | Practice #2 – Porsche Carrera Cup
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | IMSA Driver Fan Forum -RoadAmerica Center
12:40 PM – 1:40 PM | Practice #2 – Michelin Challenge
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Practice #1 – WeatherTech Championship (All
Classes)3:50 PM – 4:05 PM | Qualifying – Mustang Challenge
4:20 PM – 4:50 PM | Qualifying – Porsche Carrera Cup
5:05PM -5:20PM |Qualifying #1 Lamborghini Trofeo
5:25PM -5:40PM |Qualifying #2 Lamborghini Trofeo
5:55-6:10PM |Qualifying- Michelinchallenge TCR
6:15PM -6:30PM | |Qualifying- MichelinChallengeGS
Saturday, August 2, 2025
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM | Race #1 – Mustang Challenge (45 Minutes)
9:05 AM – 10:35 AM | Practice #2 – WeatherTech Championship (All Classes)
10:55 AM – 11:35 AM | Race #1 – Porsche Carrera Cup (40 Minutes)
11:55 AM – 12:45 PM | Race #1 – Lamborghini Trofeo (50 Minutes)
12:15 PM – 12:45 PM | Autograph Session – WeatherTech Championship – at Team Transporters in the Paddock
1:05 PM – 1:45 PM | Michelin Challenge – Open Grid / Fan Walk – Pit Lane
2:05 PM – 4:05 PM | Race – Road America 120 for the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge (2 Hours)
4:40 PM – 4:55 PM | Qualifying – WeatherTech Championship (GTD – Any Driver)
5:05 PM – 5:20 PM | Qualifying – WeatherTech Championship (GTD PRO – Any Driver)
5:30 PM – 5:45 PM | Qualifying – WeatherTech Championship (LMP2 – Bronze Only)
5:55PM -6:10PM |Qualifying- WeatherTechChampionship(GTP-AnyDriver)
Sunday, August 3, 2025
8:20 AM – 9:05 AM | Race #2 – Mustang Challenge (45 Minutes)
9:25 AM – 10:15 AM | Race #2 – Lamborghini Trofeo (50 Minutes)
10:35 AM – 11:15 | Race #2 – Porsche Carrera Cup (40 Minutes)
11:50 AM – 12:50 PM | WeatherTech Championship – Open Grid / Fan Walk – Pit Lane
1:10 PM – 3:50 PM | Race – IMSA SportsCar Weekend for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
Hit Highway 67 north of Highway 23 near Elkhart Lake to find Road America – social distancing and mask safety is required, but easy on these grounds.
IMSA Motul SportsCar Grand Prix Weekend Address for Road America:
Road America
N7390 Highway 67
Elkhart Lake, WI 53073
(800) 365-7223 Website
Automobile manufacturing took place in Kenosha for more than 100 years. The Kenosha County Historical Society (aka the Kenosha History Center) celebrates the area’s industrial history, including how Kenosha’s auto-making legacy shaped history through the 20th Century. Both the Museum and the Kenosha Homecoming Car Show help celebrate this legacy.
The Kenosha Homecoming Car Show is a signature event in the Kenosha Area. Typically held every three years, the celebration runs July 22-27, 2025 with a variety of events across multiple locations. The big car show/swap meet is Saturday, July 26. This is among the largest AMC shows in the world!
Bring your car to show it, or just come as a spectator. The Kenosha History Center recommends car owners and swap meet vendors preregister for the show/swap meet. Cars and Vendors can also register the day of the show.
Kenosha Homecoming Car Show Schedule of Events
Thursday 7/24 4PM – 8PM: Evening Car Cruise-in at AMC Factory Site, off of 22nd Avenue and 30th Avenue. For the first time ever, the Homecoming Car Show Thursday Night Cruise-in will be held on the site where it all started. All Kenosha-made automobiles are invited to attend an evening cruise-in on the Nash/AMC/Chrysler Factory Site (now the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood). Bring your car back to where it was manufactured; it is sure to be a nostalgic evening. The event will be part of the City of Kenosha’s 175th Anniversary Celebration. All Kenosha-made vehicles will enter from 56th Street. Spectator parking will be announced soon.
Friday 7/25 8AM – 4PM: Homecoming Car Show Swap Meet at Kennedy Park, 4051 5th Avenue. Fee for vendors.
10AM – Noon: Gremlin Event at Jeffery Elementary School, 4011 87th Street
4PM: Homecoming Car Show Parade starts at Southport Park, 7501 2nd Avenue. Staging starts around 3PM. The parade will travel west on 78th Street, right on 7th Avenue, and continue through Downtown Kenosha. It will continue on 6th Avenue, right into Pennoyer Park, continue through Kennedy Park, and continue through Simmons Island Park. The parade ends at the Kenosha History Center Block Party, 220 51st Place.
4PM – 8PM: Kenosha Homecoming Block Party at Kenosha History Center, 220 51st Place. The road will be closed to all other traffic. Vehicles coming to the 2025 Kenosha Homecoming Car Show at Kennedy Park on July 26 can register their car at the museum that evening and save time and hassle the next morning. Registration packets can also be picked up for anyone who pre-registered. The museum and gift shop will be open until 7PM and stocked full of AMC/Nash T-shirts and other keepsakes. Food trucks will be on-site.
Saturday 7/26 8AM – 4PM: 2025 Kenosha Homecoming Car Show & Swap Meet at Kennedy Park, 4051 5th Avenue. Fee for show cars and vendors.
Sunday 7/27 9AM: Racing at Great Lakes Dragaway, 18411 1st Street. Fee for spectators and race cars.
You can get to downtown Kenosha, Simmons Island, and the Kenosha History Center via Highway 32 (Sheridan Road, named for Fort Sheridon just down the way in northern Illinois), Highway 50 (75th Street coming in from I-41/94, also Roosevelt and 63rd Streets as you approach downtown), and Highway 158 (52nd Street). It’s a 10-12 minute drive or so east of I-41/94 and 5-7 minute drive east from Highway 31, which skirts the west side of the city.
Kenosha Homecoming Week and Car Show Address:
Kenosha History Center (and other locations)
220 51st Place
Kenosha, WI 53142 Website
The Milwaukee Air & Water Show, sponsored by Waterstone Bank, offers one of the top air shows in the Midwest along the city’s gorgeous lakefront. They roar along Milwaukee’s lakefront Saturday, July 19th and Sunday, July 20th.
An “M” for Milwaukee at the Milwaukee Air & Water Show we snapped from Back Bay Park on Milwaukee’s East Side.
Exciting acts having performed in Milwaukee’s skies this July include the U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon Patrol Aircraft, U.S. Navy Leapfrogs Parachute Team, the USAF T-38 “Talons”in 2-3 ship formation, the return of the U.S. Air Force A-10 Warthogs, the U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super-Hornet Tactical Demonstration Squadron, the Wisconsin Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker straight from Milwaukee’s own 128th Air Refueling Wing base, and the Firebirds X-treme Team. Solo aerobatics and stunts have been performed by Bill Stein, Mike Wiscus, Jack Knutson, Matt Chapman, and Lt. Colonel Josh “Tater” Boudreaux of the “Wild Blue Rodeo.”
On the waters of Lake Michigan, you’ve been able to enjoy the USCGC Bristol Bay (WLB), a 225-foot multi-mission buoy tender out of Detroit; a Water Show act from Milwaukee’s own Dennis Pinter, who demonstrated the “Air Chair” on the water! Daredevil and Pro Flyboard competitor Casey “Swizzle” McElwee who performed with his Hydroflyte and Flyboard act. We also hope to see the return of the Milwaukee Fire Department’s “Trident Fireboat,” which demonstrates its capabilities on the water, and witness an HH-60 Jayhawk Rescue Helicopter Air-Sea Rescue Demostration courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station out of Traverse City, Michigan.
You can watch from Bradford Beach and many other areas along Milwaukee’s lakefront for free. Ticketed areas offer the closest proximity, the best views, hosted narration, the best access to concessions, and great seating. This is definitely a benchmark summer event in Milwaukee! U.S. 18, Highways 32, 36, 38, 57, 59, 145, 190 and more all bring to within eye (and definitely ear!) shot of the show.
Milwaukee Air & Water Show Schedule of Events (both days):
10 AM: Water Show
12 PM: National Anthem / Army Golden Knights
3 PM: US Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron
Milwaukee Air & Water Show Address:
2272 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 482-2069 Website
The 53rd annual Iola Car Show is happening Thursday, July 10th through Saturday, July 12th. It’s the Midwest’s biggest and best car show and swap meet, with over 100,000+ attendees, 2,500 Show Cars, 4,000+ Swap Spaces, and more!
Join them as they celebrate all things automotive across the decades. With a huge variety of vehicles, a great lineup of celebrities, even Mother Nature cooperating with nice weather predicted, this should be fantastic! Enjoy all the cheese curds, chocolate shakes and fun you could ever wish for at the car show. As one of the biggest and best in the nation, the Iola Car Show is back and going full throttle.
You can get to Iola along Highway 49 and/or Highway 161 in Waupaca County; it’s not too far off the U.S. 10 freeway.
Iola Car Show Address:
700 E. State Street
Iola, WI 54945
(715) 445-4000 Website
South Milwaukee hosts quite a cool thing Saturday, May 31st and Sunday, June 1st: Crusherfest! Named for native son and professional wrestler Reggie “Da Crusher” Lisowski, Crusher Fest is a Wild combination of fun and competitive activities, promising “cold beer, polka, live wrestling, and more!”
Mr. Saloon Competition
Da Crusher loved talking about his days growing up around saloons on the rough and tumble blue collar streets of South Milwaukee, and the Mr. Saloon Competition salutes this with Keg Holding, Trivia, Throw-the-Drunk, Sausage Eating, and Beer Drinking – among other things – all in the pursuit of being crowned Crusherfest’s Mr. Saloon and walking away with a championship belt. The event will take place at Crusherfest on Sunday, June 4th starting at 1pm. Men and women are welcome to participate. Participants must be over the age of 21 and bring a photo ID with their birthdate to the event. Participants must bring a smartphone to the event. Give it a try!
Crusherfest welcomes vendors offering everything from cigars to retro outfits, jewelry to signs and artwork. They include Hollyville, Thurston’s, Lake Country Cigars, The Lamb Shop, All in a Jar, Minimalist Martha, Say It Louder, Rhubarb and Ice, Twisted Tree Creations, Ron Dunn Art, Finch’s Vendor Expo, and Bellajack Design. Find out more about them here.
Meet wrestling stars Tito Santana, Steve Keirn, Jimmy Hart, Tommy Dreamer, Texas Hangman, Al Snow, Scotty 2 Hotty, Keagan Garland, and announcer/interviewer Ken Resnick. Real wrestling happens Saturday night at 6pm before the final matchup with Da Crusherfest Showdown Sunday afternoon at 3pm. The wrestling events require ticketed admission, which you can buy here. You can also do meet & greets with the wrestlers; we do not suggest you try and wrestle them. Full details.
Live Music & Great Food
Crusherfest features live music both days, including:
Saturday, May 31st:
11:00am – 1:30pm Larry Lynne
2:00pm – 4:00pm Blues Addiction
4:00pm-6:00pm Bad Behavior 6:30pm-7:15pm Richrath Project
7:45pm-9:00pm Kuarantine
Sunday, June 1st:
10:30am – Noon Polka Mass
Noon – 2pm Jeff Windard
2:00pm – 4:00pm The Squeezettes
4:00pm – 6:00pm Addiction
Food vendors include everything from savory BBQ to sweet treats. Among them are the South Milwaukee Lions Club, Sweet Delight, Bakehouse 23, Carries Crispies, Short & Sweet Desserts, BeBe’s Bistro, Smokin’ C’s, The Gutt Truck, Smiling Dawgs, and Atwood HWY BBQ. Find out more about them here.
Crusherfest runs Saturday, May 31st from 11am – 9pm and Sunday, June 1st from 11am – 6pm.
Whether you’re planning to build your dream home from the ground up or turn your current house into the home of your dreams, the 2025 MBA Home Building & Remodeling Show, presented by Nonn’s, is the premier destination for people who are looking to build or remodel their home.
Held January 10-12, 2025 at the conveniently located Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park, the MBA Home Show will allow you to connect with the area’s top building, remodeling and design professionals. Stop by and meet the experts, and turn your dream into a reality!
Join MBA experts on the Callen Construction Culinary & Seminar Stage for a variety of free seminars on trends in building and remodeling, innovations in appliances, how to improve residential energy efficiency, trends in interior design and décor, landscaping ideas, entertainment inspirations and more!
“The MBA Home Show is really the one-stop shop for people who are looking to build or update their home,” says Kristine Hillmer, MBA executive director. “We want to provide information in a relaxing, fun environment and help consumers build their lifestyle.”
Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for seniors (65 and up.) Check their website for all the exhibitors and other details!
The Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center is at corner of Highways 59 and 181 (84th & Greenfield) in West Allis, just south of I-94 and U.S. 18. I-41/I-894/U.S. 45 & Highway 100 are also just to the west and bring you close!
MBA Home & Remodeling Show Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center
8200 W. Greenfield Avenue (Highway 59)
West Allis, WI 53214
(262) 436-1122 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 24th Anniversary Tour and it’s become one of the most popular art events in the Midwest.
Highways 33, 130, 136, and 23 figure big 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!
Sister Bay Fall Fest is the “granddaddy” of Door County festivals is celebrating its 78th year! The streets of this lovely Door County town along Highway 42 where Highway 57 ends will be packed with fun. Check out a Saturday Parade, a huge arts and crafts fair, plenty of food and live entertainment, and great activities for children of all ages.
Check out live music at Husby’s (which also has great Bloody Marys and is a Sister Bay Fall Fest institution – plus, check out the awesome and huge 1920 Wisconsin state map they have in there!) as well as Door County Creamery, Stabbur, and the Boathouse on the Bay, and more. The Lion’s Club Fish Boil is a yearly favorite along with Saturday’s Pancake Breakfast followed by the annual Fall Fest Parade. Explore nearly 100 different artisans’ creations and high-quality handmade crafts. These include media, fine photography, wood carvers, furniture, unique jewelry, cozy mittens & sweaters, customized signs, and fine milled soaps & lotions. Be sure to watch the Wooden Shoe carver, too! Sunday – well before the Packers-Bears game kicks off – is the return of the Derby Race. The race is held right on Highway 42 in downtown Sister Bay where girls and boys ages 7 to 13 can build (with assistance from an adult) and then race in their gravity powered cars. Get the full schedule here or on the picture to the left
Of course, businesses all over town will have specials and it’s always great to check out Sister Bay’s gorgeous shoreline, marina, and the goats on the roof at Al Johnson’s Swedish Butik & Restaurant!
Enjoy Sister Bay Fall Fest all weekend. Just take Highways 42 or 57 and you’ll get there!
Sister Bay Fall Fest Address:
Waterfront Park
2362 Mill Road
Sister Bay, WI 54234 Website
Seven Acre Dairy Company in Paoli hosts its 2nd annual Sugar River Bourbon Fest Wednesday, October 16th through Sunday, October 20th. It’s a five-day celebration of all things bourbon that highlights the country’s top distilleries and chefs. Imbibe in amazing meals and pair them with delicious food complements and beverages – including some amazing Bourbon and whiskey beverages. It features a welcome dinner with chef Joe Heppe and Driftless Glen Distillery, a signature dinner with nine-time James Beard Award nominee chef Edward Lee and Dancing Goat Distillery, a fish fry featuring Blue Ash Farm Craft Spirits, and a special bourbon brunch with J. Henry.
Seven Acre Dairy in Paoli, host of the 2nd annual Sugar River Bourbon Festival. The Sugar River is right along the property.
These evenings lead up to the main event: the Sugar River Bourbon Tasting Festival on Saturday, October 19th. You can enjoy samplings and meet with over 25 distilleries and distillers, including award-winning local and national distilleries Heaven Hill, Bardstown 45th parallel, Green River, Old Forester, Dancing Goat, J. Henry, and more.
There will be live music, along with burgers, hot dogs and barbeque available for purchase from Seven Acre Dairy Company and Knoche’s Meats; a portion of the proceeds benefit the Belleville Food Pantry.
Here’s how the evenings work out on the weekends:
Friday, October 18th: Blue Ash Farm Craft Spirit’s Bourbon Lover’s Fish Fry
Join Seven Acre chefs and Blue Ash Farm Craft Spirits for the last outdoor fish fry along the Sugar River of the season. Seven Acre chefs will cook up all-you-can-eat cod, perch and walleye, alongside seasonal sides, salads and desserts. Blue Ash Farm Craft Spirits of Argyle will be crafting cocktails from their award-winning farmstead spirits. The fish fry will take place in a heated, open air tent. Fire pits will be lit and lawn games will be out.
Saturday, October 19th: The Sugar River Bourbon Tasting Festival
Regular admission is $55 per person from 1-4 p.m. This includes samplings and meet and greets with over 25 distilleries, live music, unique bourbon bottle sales and food for purchase.
VIP admission is $100 per person from noon to 4 p.m. This includes exclusive access to the Makers Mark/Jim Beam VIP Tasting Tent, VIP appetizers, a copy of Edward Lee’s best-selling book “Bourbon Land,” first access to unique bourbon bottle sales, plus access to all other areas of the festival.
Sunday, October 20th: J. Henry Maple Bourbon Brunch
Join Seven Acre chefs and J. Henry for a one-of-a-kind bourbon brunch. Seven acre chefs will be cooking up some of Edward Lee’s favorite brunch recipes alongside some of their favorite bourbon brunch cocktails. Don’t miss your chance to sample the infamous Maple Bourbon made by J. Henry and your chances to take a bottle home. The maple bourbon was only available on the farm this year and sold out in under an hour.
For more information and tickets, visit sevenacredairyco.com.
You’ll find the lovely little burg of Paoli along County PB, right near State Trunk Highway 69, less than 10 minutes south of Verona off U.S. 18/151.
Sugar River Bourbon Fest Address:
Seven Acre Dairy Company
6858 Paoli Road
Belleville, WI 53508
(608) 416-4023 Website
The Wisconsin Science Festival is a weeklong celebration of science all across the state, with major events in Madison, Wausau, Fond du Lac, Milwaukee, and more!
The Wisconsin Science Festival is a statewide celebration with activities for people throughout Wisconsin. Events include hands-on science exhibitions, demonstrations, performances, tours, pub nights, workshops and more. The Wisconsin Science Festival welcomes all disciplines utilizing science, technology, or art to explore and nurture curiosity. Each year, we spotlight a specific topic to emphasize its significance and value to the state and its people.
The official festival feature this year is AGRICULTURE! In 2024, the focus aims to showcase its profound impact on our world. Their mission is to illustrate the interconnectedness of agriculture within our state’s economy, society, well-being, and the overall future of humanity through the lens of science, art, and technology.
Wisconsin Science Festival features:
Explore the Fab Lab by taking a Fab Lab Tour Thursday or Friday in Madison.
Learn about the Magnificent Machines of Milwaukee at the Grohmann Museum in downtown Milwaukee (did you even KNOW the typewriter was invented in Milwaukee??) from the QWERTY keyboard to thermostats to motorcycles to outboard motors, Milwaukee’s inventive history with machines is nothing short of amazing. Check out exhibits Thursday-Sunday!
Meet a Wisconsin wooly mammoth, find out how to survive the Ice Age, touch real dinosaur bones and more at the Colossal Fossils Downtown Museum in Wausau Thursday-Saturday!
There are more than just events happening that are tied to the Wisconsin Science Festival! Check out their websitefor full schedules and details. It’s definitely a fun learning experience in locales across Wisconsin – road trip to a bunch of them!
Wisconsin Fear Fest continues weekends through November 2nd this year at Road America with TONS of Halloween fun… and spooky stuff!
Explore the ultimate thrill at Wisconsin Fear Fest at Road America! Dare to explore three spine-tingling haunted houses (Carnival Chaos, Cellblock 13, and the Slaughter Shack) that promise to send shivers down your spine. Unleash your adventurous spirit with exhilarating activities like paintball, axe throwing, mini escape rooms, the Rage Experience, live music on Saturdays, food, drinks and beer! Parking is free. It runs the next few weekends and hours vary by day.
Buy your in tickets online in advance and you get a $5 discount!
For just $39.00, you can experience every attraction, including:
Three haunted houses
Escape Room
Axe Throwing
Haunted Hayride
Paintball Gallery
The Midway
and much more!
You can also get the Speed Pass Ticket for $54, which get you through the haunted houses faster.
The dates remaining are Friday-Sunday, October 18th-20th, Thursday, October 24th through Sunday, October 27th, and Thursday, October 31st through Saturday, November 2nd.
Wisconsin Fear Fest is right between Plymouth and Elkhart Lake in Sheboygan County. Highway 67 brings you right there!
Wisconsin Fear Fest Address:
Road America
N7390 Highway 67
Plymouth, WI 53073
(904) 510-9873 Website
The Bayfield Apple Festival is hailed as one of the 10 Best Fall Harvest Festivals in the nation by USA Today! Bayfield celebrates its Apple Festival every October and in 2024 it will take place October 4th through the 6th.
The three day event features a farm market featuring local producers, over 60 orchard and food booths selling Bayfield’s apples, apple delicacies, and festival food favorites! There is plenty to buy and see at the 140 art, craft and vendor booths. Kids carnival rides and games, an apple peeling contest, fish fry & dance round out the offerings.
You can also catch Big Top Chautauqua’s Blue Canvas Orchestra perform throughout the weekend on the Grandstand stage. The festival culminates with the Grand Parade on Sunday, which features a 400 member “Mass Band” finale.
Bayfield is located along Highway 13 on the shores of Lake Superior, about 15 minutes north of U.S. 2. U.S. 63 brings you towards Bayfield from the Hayward, Spooner, and Twin Cities areas; U.S. 51 north through the North Woods sends you toward U.S. 2 for the connection to Bayfield, too. Enjoy the fall colors on your ride!
Bayfield Apple Festival Address:
Downtown Bayfield & Memorial Park
42 South Broad Street
Bayfield, WI 54814
(715) 779-3335 Website
Read about additional “things to know” below!
More Bayfield Apple Festival features and things to know:
Over 60 orchard and food booths selling Bayfield’s apples and apple desserts and delicacies; Caramel apples, apple pies, apple tortes, dumplings or tarts, apple sundaes, apple cider, bags and bushels of apples – even apple bratwurst, mustard, and butter.
A kids’ carnival with games, rides and favorite foods.
Plenty to buy and see including nearly 140 arts and crafts booths.
Pipes and Drums of Thunder Bay wake up concert at Port Superior Marina, Saturday at 10am
Fine art exhibitors on South Second Street, featuring pottery, paintings, glassworks, photography, wood crafts and fiber arts.
A Grand Parade on Sunday featuring a 400+ member “Mass Band” finale
Big Top Chautauqua’s Blue Canvas Orchestra will perform throughout the weekend on the Essentia Health Grand Stand stage. Hear the original Apple Festival song!
The annual Apple Dumpling Gang for the little ones. Click here for Registration Form.
Bus shuttles for easy parking at Hauser’s Superior View Farm and Legendary Waters Casino.
Bayfield Fire Department offers a traditional fish fry dinner on Saturday afternoon at Lakeside Pavilion followed by a Saturday evening dance.
Boat cruises of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Musical entertainment at many local pubs and Legendary Waters Resort & Casino
Drive 5 minutes outside of town and tour the 15 local orchards and farms, many with pick-your-own apples and pumpkins.
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 27-29, 2024 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
Welcome the transition from summer to fall in historic Cedarburg with the annual Cedarburg Wine & Harvest Festival! It happens Saturday, September 21st from 10-6 pm & Sunday, September 22nd from 10-5 pm. Both the abundance of Wisconsin’s homegrown produce and artisan food products plus the award-winning wines of Cedar Creek Winery are what initiated this free, family-oriented arts and crafts event.
The Festival Food Court offers plenty of options for a quick meal and the Farmer’s Market offers foodstuffs such as honey, syrup, cheese, sausage and jellies are available in each Marketplace located at Turner Street, Mill Street and Cleveland Street. Also, the three Marketplaces offers shopping for find unique handbags, hats, skin care products and more.
Cedarburg Wine & Festival fans can kick back and listen to live music all over town including Top Forty, Folk and Rock & Roll bands. The Gruber Law Offices Main Stage is open until 8:30 p.m. on Saturday night.
“Art on the Avenue” also features over 250 juried artist booths presented by the Cedarburg Garden Club, Cedarburg Cultural Center, Cedarburg Art Museum, and Ozaukee Art Center along Washington Avenue. Drop in at both the Cedarburg Cultural Center for the Cedarburg Artists Guild’s annual juried Fall Show and the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts for special exhibits. Take a free haywagon shuttle to their location.
On Saturday from 11am-4pm, check out the third Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, with some weighing in at well over 1,000 pounds. You can also see oversize watermelons, tomatoes, and gourds – last year somebody brought a 2,145-pound pumpkin!
The annual Giant Pumpkin Charity Regatta will take place on Sunday. Previous regattas are YouTube favorites featuring gigantic, decorated, hollowed-out, floatable pumpkins, piloted by intrepid paddlers’ attempting to race across Cedar Creek to win cash for their favorite charity.
Cedarburg Wine & Harvest Festival also features Ashley’s Candyland for Kids with a variety of activities and entertainment geared for children including Popcorn the Clown, a bouncer, coloring tables, spin art, and Paint a Pumpkin. Pumpkin Carver extraordinaire Steve Dahlke will be turning large pumpkins into grotesque faces at the City Hall Lawn on Saturday.
Cedar Creek Settlement will feature a Courtyard Grill with specialty beers and grilled foods with live music each day. At Cedar Creek Winery, you’ll find wine by the glass or bottle, with tours available. Also at the Shops of Cedar Creek Settlement, the Winery’s Grape Stomp offers stomping fun for both adults and kids each day.
For specific times and a complete list of Cedarburg Wine & Harvest Festival events, a map/schedule will be available at two information booths as well as at most retailers throughout town. Click here for a downloadable version. The information booths are on Washington Avenue at Bridge Road and at Mill Street.
Cedarburg Wine and Harvest Festival Location
Check out some great fall fun in historic Cedarburg, along Historic Highway 57 (Washington Avenue) just north of Highway 167 and south of Highway 60. Highway 181 is just to the west. It’s only about 10-12 minutes off I-43/Highway 32, and it’s a great little town!
Fromm Petfest is a free family event on Milwaukee’s lakefront (yep, the Summerfest grounds!) will host a variety of fun pet-focused attractions and activities. Check out the Bier Garden & Dog Park, the Lure Course, Agility Course, Dock Diving, Doggie Dash, nutritional seminars, grooming competitions, the pet-themed marketplace, contests, live music, food, even a Kids’ Zone. And yes, parking is free too!
By the way, the Bier Garden & Dog Park allows you to enjoy a frosty beverage at their two-level Bier Garden and you can bring your dog over for some supervised off leash play at one of two fully fenced in play areas!
You can explore Adoption Avenue, where some pretty amazing dogs and cats could find their forever homes. Visit with dozens of rescues and non-profits that work tirelessly to better the lives of dogs and cats. Many will have adoptable pets on hand for people to meet along with information on adoption.
Fromm Petfest Music Schedule:
9:30 AM – Chris Esenberg – Chris is a singer/songwriter and Wisconsin native who specializes in pop covers and original songs. Playing everything from Chris Stapleton to David Bowie, Chris plays with a signature style that has made him a local mainstay.
11:30 AM – Kaleb Woods
Hailing from Sauk County, Wisconsin, Kaleb is a singer, guitarist, and songwriter specializing in bringing a fun, upbeat vibe for all to enjoy. Having performed at numerous venues and events throughout the Midwest including The Rave, Crystal Grand Theatre, Pabst Theater, Majestic Theatre, and Summerfest, and sharing his platform with notable artists such as John King, Chris Janson, and Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry, it’s no surprise that Kaleb was Southeastern Wisconsin’s top streamed musician via Reverbnation, a 2022 Best of Madison finalist, and March 2022’s featured new artist for 99.9 WJVL.
1:30 PM – Mookie Terremoto
Good old fashioned rock and roll from a Riverwest trio! Who is Mookie Terremoto? Find out for yourself.
3:30 PM – Front Porch Rockers
Since 2010 the Front Porch Rockers have been performing acoustic covers of your favorite songs from the 1950s through today. You may have heard them at Summerfest, the Wisconsin State Fair, or various area festivals and beer gardens. The Front Porch Rockers play upbeat music for good times.
Fromm Petfest Main Stage Schedule:
11:00 – 11:45am − MPD K9 Presentation
12:00 – 12:45pm − Noodles the Wonder Dog, a mixed-breed, former shelter dog who has won trick and talents contests across North America, including Good Morning America’s National “Dog vs. Dog” contest.
1:00 – 1:45pm − EmE MaGiC
Prepare to be amazed and entertained by the interactive magic and illusion of EmE MaGiC. The Milwaukee-local magician will bring magic, mentalism and comedy to the Main Stage and will roam the grounds to oohh and aww all two and four-legged guests.
2:00 – 2:45pm − Sailor the Poodle
This amazing canine performer, under the guidance of his trainer Alex “Popeye” Rothacker, jumps rope, walks a tightrope and balances a ball while walking, to name a few of his fun tricks.
3:30 – 4:30pm − Costume Contest and Owner/Pet Look-a-like Contest with Riggs from 103.7 Kiss FM and special guest judges!
Back by popular demand, come to watch or click to enter the Fromm Petfest Pet/Owner Look-a-Like contest or the fan favorite costume contest. Grand prizes include a six-month supply of Fromm pet food and more!
Fromm Petfest Address:
The event is happening right where Summerfest takes place along Milwaukee’s lakefront near downtown and the Historic Third Ward. You can access the grounds via I-794, I-43/94, U.S. 18, and Highways 32, 38, 59, and 145.
200 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202 Fromm Petfest Website
“Wo-Zha-Wa” means “fun time” in the Ho-Chunk language, and Wisconsin Dells offers just that September 13-15! As one of the largest festivals in Wisconsin, Wo-Zha-Wa is a three day extravaganza with delicious food, a 100-unit parade, rousing live music, and arts and crafts that everyone can enjoy.
Wo-Zha-Wa’s flea market (Maxwell Street Days) always has new novel items to check out including gourmet dog treats, hand-made works of art, custom pieces of jewelry, organic cosmetics, and wood flowers made before your eyes. You can stroll through all these different stalls while chowing down on some of the festival’s favorite culinary treats, like kettle corn and alligator on a stick.
The whole family can enjoy themselves at Wo-Zha-Wa. The yearly Wo-Zha-Wa parade is a spectacle filled with floats, performers, and music that fills the entire street. The carnival rides are always a hit with the kids, who always get a thrill on the rides’ twists, turns, and spins.
When you attend, you’re invited to participate in a street carnival with refreshment concessions and the Wo-Zha-Wa Run, Wisconsin’s oldest long-distance race. Runners can take part in the challenging half-marathon course, or the fast-paced four-mile run.
Festival admission is free, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t go to this Wisconsin favorite!
All activities located in Downtown Wisconsin Dells & Bowman Park.
You can get to the Dells easily, of course: I-90/94, U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23 all bring you there. Check their website for full details!
Here’s a video from a ways back of Wo-Zha-Wa Days (not that it’s much different now) to give you an idea:
Schedule of Events:
Friday, September 13th
All Day Concessions and Carnival Rides 8 am – 5 pm Maxwell Street Days 8 am – 6 pm Antique & Collectibles Market Noon – 5 pm Arts & Crafts Fair Noon – 5 pm Funtime Bounce Houses and Obstacle Course 3:30-5:30pm Kindschi Pedal Pulls
Saturday, September 14th
Day Concessions and Carnival Rides Wo-Zha-Wa Run 8 am – 5 pm Maxwell Street Days 8 am Race for the Future Run Visit the website 8 am – 6 pm Antique & Collectibles Market 9am – 5 pm Arts & Crafts Fair 9am – 5pm Funtime Bounce Houses and Obstacle Course
Sunday, September 15th
All Day Concessions and Carnival Rides 8 am – 3 pm Maxwell Street Days 8 am – 3 pm Antique & Collectibles Market 9 am – 3 pm Arts & Crafts Fair 9 am – 3pm Funtime Bounce Houses and Obstacle Course 1:30 pm PARADE Post Parade South Shore Performance at the Elm Street Plaza
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events
August 30, 2025 – August 31, 2025
Marina Fest
Sister Bay has a beautiful marina along the waters of Green Bay. Hit the end of Highway 57 along Highway 42 for Marina Fest, which features live entertainment, plenty of food and drink, a water ski show by the Waterboard Warriors, a fireworks show, easy access to Al Johnson’s show you can watch goats on the roof, and more!
Sister Bay Marina Fest Schedule of Events
7:30 – 10 AM: Pancake Breakfast Presented by the Sister Bay & Liberty Grove Fire Department
8 AM – 4 PM: Used Book Sale
9 AM – 4 PM: Vintage Boat Show
9 AM – 5 PM: Arts & Crafts Fair with Stained Glass Mosaic Workshop
10 AM – 6 PM: Kid’s Bouncy Houses
11 AM – 4 PM: Kid’s Boat Building with the Lions Club
11 AM – 8 PM: Food Court
12 – 1:30 PM: Kid’s Ages 4-12 Pedal Tractor Pull – Presented by Peach Barn (Registration begins at 11 AM )
1 – 4 PM: Performance by Mistrial
4 – 7 PM: Performance by Modern Day Drifters
3:30 – 5 PM: Kid’s Ages 4-12 Pedal Tractor Pull Presented by Peach Barn (Registration begins at 2:30 PM)
7 – 10 PM: Performance by Big Mouth and the Power Tool Horns
Dusk: Fireworks Presented by Wild Tomato
SUNDAY, AUG 31st
9 AM – 5 PM: Arts & Crafts Fair
10 AM – 2 PM: Used Book Sale
10 AM – 6 PM: Kid’s Bouncy Houses
11 AM – 8 PM: Food Court
12 – 3 PM: Performance by Conscious Pilot
4 – 7 PM: Performance by Second Hand Stereo
Sister Bay Marina Fest Address:
Marina Park
10733 Wisconsin Highway 42 / Bay Shore Drive
Sister Bay, WI 54234
(920) 854-2812
Website
Back to StateTrunkTour.com
August 14, 2025 – August 17, 2025
Irish Fest Milwaukee
The World’s Largest celebration of Celtic music and culture, the 43rd Milwaukee Irish Fest happens Thursday, August 14th through Sunday, August 17th on Milwaukee’s lakefront! An amazing array of musical artists in Irish and Celtic music fill several stages.
Other Irish Fest activities include a Baking Contest, Photo and Poetry Contests, and “Red Hair & Freckles” Contest, a “Celtic Canines” exhibit, the Jameson Lounge (for whiskey tastings), a Marketplace filled with Irish crafts and other items from over 90 vendors, a Cultural Village, and much more.
Saturday the 16th features a 5K Run/Walk to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Later that day you can enjoy the Lesaffre/Red Star Yeast Baking Contest. Dog lovers can check out Milwaukee Irish Fest’s Celtic Canine Area; this unique area gives you the chance to see and pet some of Ireland’s most popular dog breeds, meet and talk with some of the Midwest’s top breeders, and learn about grooming, general care and training. The Irish dog breeds include Irish Wolfhounds, Irish Terriers, Irish Red Setters, Irish Red and White Setters, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers, Irish Water Spaniels, Kerry Blue Terriers and Kerry Beagles. The Celtic Canines will be on display Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Saturday from noon to 7 p.m., and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For a full lineup of activities and deals for everything else, check out the Irish Fest website!
You can reach Irish Fest at Henry Maier Festival Park (aka the Summerfest grounds) along Milwaukee’s lakefront via I-794 and U.S. 18 most directly. Highways 32, 38, 59, and 145 all bring you within a mile of the grounds.
Milwaukee Irish Fest Address:
Henry Maier Festival Park (aka Summerfest Grounds)
200 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 476-3378
Website
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August 13, 2025 – August 17, 2025
Lake Geneva Venetian Fest
The Entertainment Pavilion includes a beer tent and stage for live music. Here’s the Music Schedule:
Wednesday 8/14: Sons of Sconnie, 8pm-midnight
Thursday 8/15: Rok Brigade, 8pm-midnight
Friday 8/18: Kelly Daniels, 8pm-midnight
Saturday 8/19: Rebecca and the Grey Notes, 3pm-6pm
Saturday 8/19: Too Hype Crew, 8pm-midnight
Sunday 8/20: Rock Central, Noon-3pm
Sunday 8/20: Big Al Wetzel Band, 3pm-6pm
Sunday 8/20: Venetian All-Stars, 8pm-midnight
The Arts & Crafts Fair is returning to Venetian Fest and features over 110 exhibitors. It runs Saturday from 10am – 5pm and Sunday from 10am – 4pm in Library Park, right along Highway 50/Main Street along the lake on the west edge of downtown, just down from The Riviera. Details…
The Lake Geneva Venetian Festival Carnival offers family fun via “Mr. Ed’s Magical Midways” and is open every day of the festival: Wednesday-Thursday 5pm to 10:30pm, Friday 5pm – 11:30pm, Saturday Noon to 11:30pm, and Sunday Noon to 10:30pm.
Saturday you can experience the Baggo Tournament, which takes place at the Entertainment Pavilion in Flatiron Park. It’s a double elimination straight to 21. It starts at 11:30am Saturday and runs until about 3pm.
Check out the Lumberjack Show!
New last year the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack show is back and should be yet another great bit of entertainment for families of all sizes and ages. From log rolling, axe throwing, and wood-cutting, to chainsaw vs cross-cut racing, and quick chainsaw carving, there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you want great old-fashioned fun and family entertainment, the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show is where you’ll want to be.
New this year: Car Show! The inaugural Car Show run at Venetian Fest Sunday from 11am-3pm at Seminary Park, a great thing to check out ahead of all the bands, water ski shows, the lighted boat parade, and the fireworks that evening!
Sunday is the topper, with all the Carnival and Arts & Crafts Fair activities, THREE performers covering live music, and the Lake Geneva Jaycees Water Ski Show featuring the Wonder Lake Ski Team. They’ll perform on Geneva Lake right by the Riviera starting at 6pm. At dusk, the Lighted Boat Parade begins with the theme this year being “Rat Pack” for Lake Geneva Venetian Fest’s 61st anniversary. It concludes with fireworks following the parade.
All of this fun is in downtown Lake Geneva, which is easily accessed via U.S. 12 or Highways 50 and 120. Highway 67 brings you close, as it runs along the west side of Geneva Lake. Make it a road trip destination the weekend of August 14th-18th!
Lake Geneva Venetian Fest Address:
Downtown Lake Geneva, centered at Riviera Ballroom
821 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
Website
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August 7, 2025 – August 9, 2025
Ashley for the Arts
Ashley For The Arts celebrates music, art, and supporting nearby communities with a spectacular three-day event August 7-9, 2025. It takes place in Arcadia – home to Ashley Furniture – in the city’s 54-acre Memorial Park, which known for its Soldier’s Walk, one of the premier war memorials in the U.S. outside of Washington, D.C.
With four stages this year, you won’t miss a beat! The Main Stage will host headline entertainment, the Amphitheater will portray participating school performances as well as entertaining circus acts, the Pavilion stage hosts early to mid-day side-stage performances and the Soldier’s Walk stage will create a unique ambiance for local bands to perform outdoors the second half of the day.
Ashley for the Arts’ headline lineup will include ZZ Top, Darius Rucker, Brad Paisley, Daughtry, Third Eye Blind, Chris Jenson, Neon Trees, The Castellows, Red – A Taylor Swift Tribute, area high school choirs and even an extreme juggling show! Truly something for everyone.
The three-day festival will also feature upbeat musical performances; in addition, 11 area schools will participate in the event’s activities and demonstrate the region’s student talent through performances on Friday and Saturday.
You can also enjoy a variety of off-stage entertainment including a living statue, balloon sculptors, Root Berry juggling and sword swallowing, a mariachi band, silly stilt walkers, an interactive drum circle, Magician Professor Pinkerton, and many more entertaining audiences throughout the grounds.
The park features nearly 100 art and craft vendors, a new interactive art space, a classic car show, two air parks including bouncy houses and obstacle courses, even a kid’s fitness course. Ashley for the Arts also hosts the Pursuit of a Cure 5K run/walk on Thursday and a spectacular firework display on Saturday.
From mini donuts to barbeque to gyros and frybread, an expanded selection of food trucks will decorate Memorial Park Drive along with Arcadia’s staple charcoal chicken, grilled to perfection in North America’s largest indoor chicken pit. A newly added beer garden, next to the main stage, will offer specialty beer and wine options for the adult audience. Event parking is free along with free bus shuttles to and from the grounds; including the county campground (Pietrek Park) just five miles north of Arcadia. Highways 93 and 95 bring you to town!
Ashley For the Arts Address:
Memorial Park
551 Memorial Park Drive
Arcadia, WI 54612
(608) 863-6700
Website
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July 31, 2025 – August 3, 2025
IMSA Motul SportsCar Grand Prix at Road America
The Motl SportsCar Grand Prix featuring IMSA hits Road America Thursday, July 31st through Sunday, August 3rd! Get ready for some incredible racing – and a LOT of it!
Gate entrances open at 7:00 am. Here’s a .pdf of the weekend schedule.
If you need help getting around at Road America, their TRAM will run Saturday and Sunday. All Concession stands will be open.
Public Karting will be available for ages 14 and older. A parent/guardian must be present if under 18. You’ll find it at the CTECH Manufacturing Motorplex, infield over the SpeedVille Bridge, near Turns 7 and 8. Karts can reach speeds of up to 40 mph.
You can also test your skills on their 18 hole disc golf course – FREE fun for everyone! The Front Nine begins at Tee #1, located across from Gearbox concessions in the paddock. The Back Nine begins at Tee #10, located west of the Sargento Bridge, towards Motorplex. Rental discs are available in Paddock Shop.
Motul SportsCar Grand Prix Racing Schedule:
Thursday, July 31, 2025
1:05 PM – 1:50 PM | Practice #1 – Lamborghini Trofeo
2:10 PM – 2:40 PM | Practice #1 – Mustang Challenge
2:55 PM – 3:25 PM | Practice #1 – Porsche Carrera Cup
3:40-4:25 PM | Practice #2 – Lamborghini Trofeo
Friday, August 1, 2025
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Practice #1 – Michelin Challenge
9:15 AM – 9:45 AM | Practice #2 – Mustang Challenge
10:00 AM – 10:40 AM | Practice #2 – Porsche Carrera Cup
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | IMSA Driver Fan Forum -RoadAmerica Center
12:40 PM – 1:40 PM | Practice #2 – Michelin Challenge
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Practice #1 – WeatherTech Championship (All
Classes)3:50 PM – 4:05 PM | Qualifying – Mustang Challenge
4:20 PM – 4:50 PM | Qualifying – Porsche Carrera Cup
5:05PM -5:20PM |Qualifying #1 Lamborghini Trofeo
5:25PM -5:40PM |Qualifying #2 Lamborghini Trofeo
5:55-6:10PM |Qualifying- Michelinchallenge TCR
6:15PM -6:30PM | |Qualifying- MichelinChallengeGS
Saturday, August 2, 2025
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM | Race #1 – Mustang Challenge (45 Minutes)
9:05 AM – 10:35 AM | Practice #2 – WeatherTech Championship (All Classes)
10:55 AM – 11:35 AM | Race #1 – Porsche Carrera Cup (40 Minutes)
11:55 AM – 12:45 PM | Race #1 – Lamborghini Trofeo (50 Minutes)
12:15 PM – 12:45 PM | Autograph Session – WeatherTech Championship – at Team Transporters in the Paddock
1:05 PM – 1:45 PM | Michelin Challenge – Open Grid / Fan Walk – Pit Lane
2:05 PM – 4:05 PM | Race – Road America 120 for the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge (2 Hours)
4:40 PM – 4:55 PM | Qualifying – WeatherTech Championship (GTD – Any Driver)
5:05 PM – 5:20 PM | Qualifying – WeatherTech Championship (GTD PRO – Any Driver)
5:30 PM – 5:45 PM | Qualifying – WeatherTech Championship (LMP2 – Bronze Only)
5:55PM -6:10PM |Qualifying- WeatherTechChampionship(GTP-AnyDriver)
Sunday, August 3, 2025
8:20 AM – 9:05 AM | Race #2 – Mustang Challenge (45 Minutes)
9:25 AM – 10:15 AM | Race #2 – Lamborghini Trofeo (50 Minutes)
10:35 AM – 11:15 | Race #2 – Porsche Carrera Cup (40 Minutes)
11:50 AM – 12:50 PM | WeatherTech Championship – Open Grid / Fan Walk – Pit Lane
1:10 PM – 3:50 PM | Race – IMSA SportsCar Weekend for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship
Hit Highway 67 north of Highway 23 near Elkhart Lake to find Road America – social distancing and mask safety is required, but easy on these grounds.
IMSA Motul SportsCar Grand Prix Weekend Address for Road America:
Road America
N7390 Highway 67
Elkhart Lake, WI 53073
(800) 365-7223
Website
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July 22, 2025 – July 27, 2025
Kenosha Homecoming Car Show
Automobile manufacturing took place in Kenosha for more than 100 years. The Kenosha County Historical Society (aka the Kenosha History Center) celebrates the area’s industrial history, including how Kenosha’s auto-making legacy shaped history through the 20th Century. Both the Museum and the Kenosha Homecoming Car Show help celebrate this legacy.
Bring your car to show it, or just come as a spectator. The Kenosha History Center recommends car owners and swap meet vendors preregister for the show/swap meet. Cars and Vendors can also register the day of the show.
Kenosha Homecoming Car Show Schedule of Events
Thursday 7/24
4PM – 8PM: Evening Car Cruise-in at AMC Factory Site, off of 22nd Avenue and 30th Avenue. For the first time ever, the Homecoming Car Show Thursday Night Cruise-in will be held on the site where it all started. All Kenosha-made automobiles are invited to attend an evening cruise-in on the Nash/AMC/Chrysler Factory Site (now the Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood). Bring your car back to where it was manufactured; it is sure to be a nostalgic evening. The event will be part of the City of Kenosha’s 175th Anniversary Celebration. All Kenosha-made vehicles will enter from 56th Street. Spectator parking will be announced soon.
Friday 7/25
8AM – 4PM: Homecoming Car Show Swap Meet at Kennedy Park, 4051 5th Avenue. Fee for vendors.
10AM – Noon: Gremlin Event at Jeffery Elementary School, 4011 87th Street
4PM: Homecoming Car Show Parade starts at Southport Park, 7501 2nd Avenue. Staging starts around 3PM. The parade will travel west on 78th Street, right on 7th Avenue, and continue through Downtown Kenosha. It will continue on 6th Avenue, right into Pennoyer Park, continue through Kennedy Park, and continue through Simmons Island Park. The parade ends at the Kenosha History Center Block Party, 220 51st Place.
4PM – 8PM: Kenosha Homecoming Block Party at Kenosha History Center, 220 51st Place. The road will be closed to all other traffic. Vehicles coming to the 2025 Kenosha Homecoming Car Show at Kennedy Park on July 26 can register their car at the museum that evening and save time and hassle the next morning. Registration packets can also be picked up for anyone who pre-registered. The museum and gift shop will be open until 7PM and stocked full of AMC/Nash T-shirts and other keepsakes. Food trucks will be on-site.
Saturday 7/26
8AM – 4PM: 2025 Kenosha Homecoming Car Show & Swap Meet at Kennedy Park, 4051 5th Avenue. Fee for show cars and vendors.
Sunday 7/27
9AM: Racing at Great Lakes Dragaway, 18411 1st Street. Fee for spectators and race cars.
You can get to downtown Kenosha, Simmons Island, and the Kenosha History Center via Highway 32 (Sheridan Road, named for Fort Sheridon just down the way in northern Illinois), Highway 50 (75th Street coming in from I-41/94, also Roosevelt and 63rd Streets as you approach downtown), and Highway 158 (52nd Street). It’s a 10-12 minute drive or so east of I-41/94 and 5-7 minute drive east from Highway 31, which skirts the west side of the city.
Kenosha Homecoming Week and Car Show Address:
Kenosha History Center (and other locations)
220 51st Place
Kenosha, WI 53142
Website
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July 19, 2025 – July 20, 2025
Milwaukee WaterStone Bank Air & Water Show
The Milwaukee Air & Water Show, sponsored by Waterstone Bank, offers one of the top air shows in the Midwest along the city’s gorgeous lakefront. They roar along Milwaukee’s lakefront Saturday, July 19th and Sunday, July 20th.
Exciting acts having performed in Milwaukee’s skies this July include the U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon Patrol Aircraft, U.S. Navy Leapfrogs Parachute Team, the USAF T-38 “Talons”in 2-3 ship formation, the return of the U.S. Air Force A-10 Warthogs, the U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super-Hornet Tactical Demonstration Squadron, the Wisconsin Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker straight from Milwaukee’s own 128th Air Refueling Wing base, and the Firebirds X-treme Team. Solo aerobatics and stunts have been performed by Bill Stein, Mike Wiscus, Jack Knutson, Matt Chapman, and Lt. Colonel Josh “Tater” Boudreaux of the “Wild Blue Rodeo.”
On the waters of Lake Michigan, you’ve been able to enjoy the USCGC Bristol Bay (WLB), a 225-foot multi-mission buoy tender out of Detroit; a Water Show act from Milwaukee’s own Dennis Pinter, who demonstrated the “Air Chair” on the water! Daredevil and Pro Flyboard competitor Casey “Swizzle” McElwee who performed with his Hydroflyte and Flyboard act. We also hope to see the return of the Milwaukee Fire Department’s “Trident Fireboat,” which demonstrates its capabilities on the water, and witness an HH-60 Jayhawk Rescue Helicopter Air-Sea Rescue Demostration courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station out of Traverse City, Michigan.
You can watch from Bradford Beach and many other areas along Milwaukee’s lakefront for free. Ticketed areas offer the closest proximity, the best views, hosted narration, the best access to concessions, and great seating. This is definitely a benchmark summer event in Milwaukee! U.S. 18, Highways 32, 36, 38, 57, 59, 145, 190 and more all bring to within eye (and definitely ear!) shot of the show.
Milwaukee Air & Water Show Schedule of Events (both days):
10 AM: Water Show
12 PM: National Anthem / Army Golden Knights
3 PM: US Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron
Milwaukee Air & Water Show Address:
2272 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 482-2069
Website
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July 10, 2025 – July 12, 2025
Iola Car Show
The 53rd annual Iola Car Show is happening Thursday, July 10th through Saturday, July 12th. It’s the Midwest’s biggest and best car show and swap meet, with over 100,000+ attendees, 2,500 Show Cars, 4,000+ Swap Spaces, and more!
Join them as they celebrate all things automotive across the decades. With a huge variety of vehicles, a great lineup of celebrities, even Mother Nature cooperating with nice weather predicted, this should be fantastic! Enjoy all the cheese curds, chocolate shakes and fun you could ever wish for at the car show. As one of the biggest and best in the nation, the Iola Car Show is back and going full throttle.
You can get to Iola along Highway 49 and/or Highway 161 in Waupaca County; it’s not too far off the U.S. 10 freeway.
Iola Car Show Address:
700 E. State Street
Iola, WI 54945
(715) 445-4000
Website
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May 31, 2025 – June 1, 2025
Crusherfest
South Milwaukee hosts quite a cool thing Saturday, May 31st and Sunday, June 1st: Crusherfest! Named for native son and professional wrestler Reggie “Da Crusher” Lisowski, Crusher Fest is a Wild combination of fun and competitive activities, promising “cold beer, polka, live wrestling, and more!”
Mr. Saloon Competition
Da Crusher loved talking about his days growing up around saloons on the rough and tumble blue collar streets of South Milwaukee, and the Mr. Saloon Competition salutes this with Keg Holding, Trivia, Throw-the-Drunk, Sausage Eating, and Beer Drinking – among other things – all in the pursuit of being crowned Crusherfest’s Mr. Saloon and walking away with a championship belt. The event will take place at Crusherfest on Sunday, June 4th starting at 1pm. Men and women are welcome to participate. Participants must be over the age of 21 and bring a photo ID with their birthdate to the event. Participants must bring a smartphone to the event. Give it a try!
Shop Some Great Vendors
Crusherfest welcomes vendors offering everything from cigars to retro outfits, jewelry to signs and artwork. They include Hollyville, Thurston’s, Lake Country Cigars, The Lamb Shop, All in a Jar, Minimalist Martha, Say It Louder, Rhubarb and Ice, Twisted Tree Creations, Ron Dunn Art, Finch’s Vendor Expo, and Bellajack Design. Find out more about them here.
Blizzard Brawl with Great Lakes Championship Wrestling, Meet & Greets, Bolo Bash, and Da Crusherfest Showdown
Meet wrestling stars Tito Santana, Steve Keirn, Jimmy Hart, Tommy Dreamer, Texas Hangman, Al Snow, Scotty 2 Hotty, Keagan Garland, and announcer/interviewer Ken Resnick. Real wrestling happens Saturday night at 6pm before the final matchup with Da Crusherfest Showdown Sunday afternoon at 3pm. The wrestling events require ticketed admission, which you can buy here. You can also do meet & greets with the wrestlers; we do not suggest you try and wrestle them. Full details.
Live Music & Great Food
Crusherfest features live music both days, including:
Saturday, May 31st:
11:00am – 1:30pm Larry Lynne
2:00pm – 4:00pm Blues Addiction
4:00pm-6:00pm Bad Behavior
6:30pm-7:15pm Richrath Project
7:45pm-9:00pm Kuarantine
Sunday, June 1st:
10:30am – Noon Polka Mass
Noon – 2pm Jeff Windard
2:00pm – 4:00pm The Squeezettes
4:00pm – 6:00pm Addiction
Food vendors include everything from savory BBQ to sweet treats. Among them are the South Milwaukee Lions Club, Sweet Delight, Bakehouse 23, Carries Crispies, Short & Sweet Desserts, BeBe’s Bistro, Smokin’ C’s, The Gutt Truck, Smiling Dawgs, and Atwood HWY BBQ. Find out more about them here.
Crusherfest runs Saturday, May 31st from 11am – 9pm and Sunday, June 1st from 11am – 6pm.
Each evening, party at the bars with South Milwaukee After Dark!
Crusherfest Address:
1101 Milwaukee Avenue
South Milwaukee, WI 53172
Crusherfest Website
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January 10, 2025 – January 12, 2025
MBA Home & Remodeling Show at State Fair Park
Held January 10-12, 2025 at the conveniently located Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park, the MBA Home Show will allow you to connect with the area’s top building, remodeling and design professionals. Stop by and meet the experts, and turn your dream into a reality!
Join MBA experts on the Callen Construction Culinary & Seminar Stage for a variety of free seminars on trends in building and remodeling, innovations in appliances, how to improve residential energy efficiency, trends in interior design and décor, landscaping ideas, entertainment inspirations and more!
Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for seniors (65 and up.) Check their website for all the exhibitors and other details!
The Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center is at corner of Highways 59 and 181 (84th & Greenfield) in West Allis, just south of I-94 and U.S. 18. I-41/I-894/U.S. 45 & Highway 100 are also just to the west and bring you close!
MBA Home & Remodeling Show Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center
8200 W. Greenfield Avenue (Highway 59)
West Allis, WI 53214
(262) 436-1122
Website
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October 18, 2024 – October 20, 2024
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 24th Anniversary Tour and it’s become one of the most popular art events in the Midwest.
Highways 33, 130, 136, and 23 figure big 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 18, 2024 – October 20, 2024
Sister Bay Fall Fest
Sister Bay Fall Fest is the “granddaddy” of Door County festivals is celebrating its 78th year! The streets of this lovely Door County town along Highway 42 where Highway 57 ends will be packed with fun. Check out a Saturday Parade, a huge arts and crafts fair, plenty of food and live entertainment, and great activities for children of all ages.
Check out live music at Husby’s (which also has great Bloody Marys and is a Sister Bay Fall Fest institution – plus, check out the awesome and huge 1920 Wisconsin state map they have in there!) as well as Door County Creamery, Stabbur, and the Boathouse on the Bay, and more. The Lion’s Club Fish Boil is a yearly favorite along with Saturday’s Pancake Breakfast followed by the annual Fall Fest Parade. Explore nearly 100 different artisans’ creations and high-quality handmade crafts. These include media, fine photography, wood carvers, furniture, unique jewelry, cozy mittens & sweaters, customized signs, and fine milled soaps & lotions. Be sure to watch the Wooden Shoe carver, too! Sunday – well before the Packers-Bears game kicks off – is the return of the Derby Race. The race is held right on Highway 42 in downtown Sister Bay where girls and boys ages 7 to 13 can build (with assistance from an adult) and then race in their gravity powered cars. Get the full schedule here or on the picture to the left
Of course, businesses all over town will have specials and it’s always great to check out Sister Bay’s gorgeous shoreline, marina, and the goats on the roof at Al Johnson’s Swedish Butik & Restaurant!
Enjoy Sister Bay Fall Fest all weekend. Just take Highways 42 or 57 and you’ll get there!
Sister Bay Fall Fest Address:
Waterfront Park
2362 Mill Road
Sister Bay, WI 54234
Website
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October 17, 2024
Sugar River Bourbon Fest
Seven Acre Dairy Company in Paoli hosts its 2nd annual Sugar River Bourbon Fest Wednesday, October 16th through Sunday, October 20th. It’s a five-day celebration of all things bourbon that highlights the country’s top distilleries and chefs. Imbibe in amazing meals and pair them with delicious food complements and beverages – including some amazing Bourbon and whiskey beverages. It features a welcome dinner with chef Joe Heppe and Driftless Glen Distillery, a signature dinner with nine-time James Beard Award nominee chef Edward Lee and Dancing Goat Distillery, a fish fry featuring Blue Ash Farm Craft Spirits, and a special bourbon brunch with J. Henry.
These evenings lead up to the main event: the Sugar River Bourbon Tasting Festival on Saturday, October 19th. You can enjoy samplings and meet with over 25 distilleries and distillers, including award-winning local and national distilleries Heaven Hill, Bardstown 45th parallel, Green River, Old Forester, Dancing Goat, J. Henry, and more.
There will be live music, along with burgers, hot dogs and barbeque available for purchase from Seven Acre Dairy Company and Knoche’s Meats; a portion of the proceeds benefit the Belleville Food Pantry.
Here’s how the evenings work out on the weekends:
Friday, October 18th: Blue Ash Farm Craft Spirit’s Bourbon Lover’s Fish Fry
Join Seven Acre chefs and Blue Ash Farm Craft Spirits for the last outdoor fish fry along the Sugar River of the season. Seven Acre chefs will cook up all-you-can-eat cod, perch and walleye, alongside seasonal sides, salads and desserts. Blue Ash Farm Craft Spirits of Argyle will be crafting cocktails from their award-winning farmstead spirits. The fish fry will take place in a heated, open air tent. Fire pits will be lit and lawn games will be out.
Saturday, October 19th: The Sugar River Bourbon Tasting Festival
Regular admission is $55 per person from 1-4 p.m. This includes samplings and meet and greets with over 25 distilleries, live music, unique bourbon bottle sales and food for purchase.
VIP admission is $100 per person from noon to 4 p.m. This includes exclusive access to the Makers Mark/Jim Beam VIP Tasting Tent, VIP appetizers, a copy of Edward Lee’s best-selling book “Bourbon Land,” first access to unique bourbon bottle sales, plus access to all other areas of the festival.
Sunday, October 20th: J. Henry Maple Bourbon Brunch
Join Seven Acre chefs and J. Henry for a one-of-a-kind bourbon brunch. Seven acre chefs will be cooking up some of Edward Lee’s favorite brunch recipes alongside some of their favorite bourbon brunch cocktails. Don’t miss your chance to sample the infamous Maple Bourbon made by J. Henry and your chances to take a bottle home. The maple bourbon was only available on the farm this year and sold out in under an hour.
For more information and tickets, visit sevenacredairyco.com.
You’ll find the lovely little burg of Paoli along County PB, right near State Trunk Highway 69, less than 10 minutes south of Verona off U.S. 18/151.
Sugar River Bourbon Fest Address:
Seven Acre Dairy Company
6858 Paoli Road
Belleville, WI 53508
(608) 416-4023
Website
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October 14, 2024 – October 20, 2024
Wisconsin Science Festival
The Wisconsin Science Festival is a statewide celebration with activities for people throughout Wisconsin. Events include hands-on science exhibitions, demonstrations, performances, tours, pub nights, workshops and more. The Wisconsin Science Festival welcomes all disciplines utilizing science, technology, or art to explore and nurture curiosity. Each year, we spotlight a specific topic to emphasize its significance and value to the state and its people.
The official festival feature this year is AGRICULTURE! In 2024, the focus aims to showcase its profound impact on our world. Their mission is to illustrate the interconnectedness of agriculture within our state’s economy, society, well-being, and the overall future of humanity through the lens of science, art, and technology.
Wisconsin Science Festival features:
There are more than just events happening that are tied to the Wisconsin Science Festival! Check out their website for full schedules and details. It’s definitely a fun learning experience in locales across Wisconsin – road trip to a bunch of them!
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October 4, 2024 – November 2, 2024
Wisconsin Fear Fest
Wisconsin Fear Fest continues weekends through November 2nd this year at Road America with TONS of Halloween fun… and spooky stuff!
Explore the ultimate thrill at Wisconsin Fear Fest at Road America! Dare to explore three spine-tingling haunted houses (Carnival Chaos, Cellblock 13, and the Slaughter Shack) that promise to send shivers down your spine. Unleash your adventurous spirit with exhilarating activities like paintball, axe throwing, mini escape rooms, the Rage Experience, live music on Saturdays, food, drinks and beer! Parking is free. It runs the next few weekends and hours vary by day.
Buy your in tickets online in advance and you get a $5 discount!
For just $39.00, you can experience every attraction, including:
You can also get the Speed Pass Ticket for $54, which get you through the haunted houses faster.
The dates remaining are Friday-Sunday, October 18th-20th, Thursday, October 24th through Sunday, October 27th, and Thursday, October 31st through Saturday, November 2nd.
Wisconsin Fear Fest is right between Plymouth and Elkhart Lake in Sheboygan County. Highway 67 brings you right there!
Wisconsin Fear Fest Address:
Road America
N7390 Highway 67
Plymouth, WI 53073
(904) 510-9873
Website
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October 4, 2024 – October 6, 2024
Bayfield Apple Festival
The Bayfield Apple Festival is hailed as one of the 10 Best Fall Harvest Festivals in the nation by USA Today! Bayfield celebrates its Apple Festival every October and in 2024 it will take place October 4th through the 6th.
The three day event features a farm market featuring local producers, over 60 orchard and food booths selling Bayfield’s apples, apple delicacies, and festival food favorites! There is plenty to buy and see at the 140 art, craft and vendor booths. Kids carnival rides and games, an apple peeling contest, fish fry & dance round out the offerings.
You can also catch Big Top Chautauqua’s Blue Canvas Orchestra perform throughout the weekend on the Grandstand stage. The festival culminates with the Grand Parade on Sunday, which features a 400 member “Mass Band” finale.
Bayfield is located along Highway 13 on the shores of Lake Superior, about 15 minutes north of U.S. 2. U.S. 63 brings you towards Bayfield from the Hayward, Spooner, and Twin Cities areas; U.S. 51 north through the North Woods sends you toward U.S. 2 for the connection to Bayfield, too. Enjoy the fall colors on your ride!
Bayfield Apple Festival Address:
Downtown Bayfield & Memorial Park
42 South Broad Street
Bayfield, WI 54814
(715) 779-3335
Website
Read about additional “things to know” below!
More Bayfield Apple Festival features and things to know:
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September 27, 2024 – September 29, 2024
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 27-29, 2024 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 21, 2024 – September 22, 2024
Cedarburg Wine & Harvest Fest
Welcome the transition from summer to fall in historic Cedarburg with the annual Cedarburg Wine & Harvest Festival! It happens Saturday, September 21st from 10-6 pm & Sunday, September 22nd from 10-5 pm. Both the abundance of Wisconsin’s homegrown produce and artisan food products plus the award-winning wines of Cedar Creek Winery are what initiated this free, family-oriented arts and crafts event.
The Festival Food Court offers plenty of options for a quick meal and the Farmer’s Market offers foodstuffs such as honey, syrup, cheese, sausage and jellies are available in each Marketplace located at Turner Street, Mill Street and Cleveland Street. Also, the three Marketplaces offers shopping for find unique handbags, hats, skin care products and more.
Cedarburg Wine & Festival fans can kick back and listen to live music all over town including Top Forty, Folk and Rock & Roll bands. The Gruber Law Offices Main Stage is open until 8:30 p.m. on Saturday night.
On Saturday from 11am-4pm, check out the third Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, with some weighing in at well over 1,000 pounds. You can also see oversize watermelons, tomatoes, and gourds – last year somebody brought a 2,145-pound pumpkin!
The annual Giant Pumpkin Charity Regatta will take place on Sunday. Previous regattas are YouTube favorites featuring gigantic, decorated, hollowed-out, floatable pumpkins, piloted by intrepid paddlers’ attempting to race across Cedar Creek to win cash for their favorite charity.
Cedarburg Wine & Harvest Festival also features Ashley’s Candyland for Kids with a variety of activities and entertainment geared for children including Popcorn the Clown, a bouncer, coloring tables, spin art, and Paint a Pumpkin. Pumpkin Carver extraordinaire Steve Dahlke will be turning large pumpkins into grotesque faces at the City Hall Lawn on Saturday.
Cedar Creek Settlement will feature a Courtyard Grill with specialty beers and grilled foods with live music each day. At Cedar Creek Winery, you’ll find wine by the glass or bottle, with tours available. Also at the Shops of Cedar Creek Settlement, the Winery’s Grape Stomp offers stomping fun for both adults and kids each day.
For specific times and a complete list of Cedarburg Wine & Harvest Festival events, a map/schedule will be available at two information booths as well as at most retailers throughout town. Click here for a downloadable version. The information booths are on Washington Avenue at Bridge Road and at Mill Street.
Cedarburg Wine and Harvest Festival Location
Check out some great fall fun in historic Cedarburg, along Historic Highway 57 (Washington Avenue) just north of Highway 167 and south of Highway 60. Highway 181 is just to the west. It’s only about 10-12 minutes off I-43/Highway 32, and it’s a great little town!
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Fromm Petfest
Fromm Petfest is a free family event on Milwaukee’s lakefront (yep, the Summerfest grounds!) will host a variety of fun pet-focused attractions and activities. Check out the Bier Garden & Dog Park, the Lure Course, Agility Course, Dock Diving, Doggie Dash, nutritional seminars, grooming competitions, the pet-themed marketplace, contests, live music, food, even a Kids’ Zone. And yes, parking is free too!
By the way, the Bier Garden & Dog Park allows you to enjoy a frosty beverage at their two-level Bier Garden and you can bring your dog over for some supervised off leash play at one of two fully fenced in play areas!
You can explore Adoption Avenue, where some pretty amazing dogs and cats could find their forever homes. Visit with dozens of rescues and non-profits that work tirelessly to better the lives of dogs and cats. Many will have adoptable pets on hand for people to meet along with information on adoption.
Fromm Petfest Music Schedule:
9:30 AM – Chris Esenberg – Chris is a singer/songwriter and Wisconsin native who specializes in pop covers and original songs. Playing everything from Chris Stapleton to David Bowie, Chris plays with a signature style that has made him a local mainstay.
11:30 AM – Kaleb Woods
Hailing from Sauk County, Wisconsin, Kaleb is a singer, guitarist, and songwriter specializing in bringing a fun, upbeat vibe for all to enjoy. Having performed at numerous venues and events throughout the Midwest including The Rave, Crystal Grand Theatre, Pabst Theater, Majestic Theatre, and Summerfest, and sharing his platform with notable artists such as John King, Chris Janson, and Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry, it’s no surprise that Kaleb was Southeastern Wisconsin’s top streamed musician via Reverbnation, a 2022 Best of Madison finalist, and March 2022’s featured new artist for 99.9 WJVL.
1:30 PM – Mookie Terremoto
Good old fashioned rock and roll from a Riverwest trio! Who is Mookie Terremoto? Find out for yourself.
3:30 PM – Front Porch Rockers
Since 2010 the Front Porch Rockers have been performing acoustic covers of your favorite songs from the 1950s through today. You may have heard them at Summerfest, the Wisconsin State Fair, or various area festivals and beer gardens. The Front Porch Rockers play upbeat music for good times.
Fromm Petfest Main Stage Schedule:
11:00 – 11:45am − MPD K9 Presentation
12:00 – 12:45pm − Noodles the Wonder Dog, a mixed-breed, former shelter dog who has won trick and talents contests across North America, including Good Morning America’s National “Dog vs. Dog” contest.
1:00 – 1:45pm − EmE MaGiC
Prepare to be amazed and entertained by the interactive magic and illusion of EmE MaGiC. The Milwaukee-local magician will bring magic, mentalism and comedy to the Main Stage and will roam the grounds to oohh and aww all two and four-legged guests.
2:00 – 2:45pm − Sailor the Poodle
This amazing canine performer, under the guidance of his trainer Alex “Popeye” Rothacker, jumps rope, walks a tightrope and balances a ball while walking, to name a few of his fun tricks.
3:30 – 4:30pm − Costume Contest and Owner/Pet Look-a-like Contest with Riggs from 103.7 Kiss FM and special guest judges!
Back by popular demand, come to watch or click to enter the Fromm Petfest Pet/Owner Look-a-Like contest or the fan favorite costume contest. Grand prizes include a six-month supply of Fromm pet food and more!
Fromm Petfest Address:
The event is happening right where Summerfest takes place along Milwaukee’s lakefront near downtown and the Historic Third Ward. You can access the grounds via I-794, I-43/94, U.S. 18, and Highways 32, 38, 59, and 145.
200 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Fromm Petfest Website
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September 13, 2024 – September 15, 2024
Wo-Zha-Wa Days
“Wo-Zha-Wa” means “fun time” in the Ho-Chunk language, and Wisconsin Dells offers just that September 13-15! As one of the largest festivals in Wisconsin, Wo-Zha-Wa is a three day extravaganza with delicious food, a 100-unit parade, rousing live music, and arts and crafts that everyone can enjoy.
Wo-Zha-Wa’s flea market (Maxwell Street Days) always has new novel items to check out including gourmet dog treats, hand-made works of art, custom pieces of jewelry, organic cosmetics, and wood flowers made before your eyes. You can stroll through all these different stalls while chowing down on some of the festival’s favorite culinary treats, like kettle corn and alligator on a stick.
The whole family can enjoy themselves at Wo-Zha-Wa. The yearly Wo-Zha-Wa parade is a spectacle filled with floats, performers, and music that fills the entire street. The carnival rides are always a hit with the kids, who always get a thrill on the rides’ twists, turns, and spins.
When you attend, you’re invited to participate in a street carnival with refreshment concessions and the Wo-Zha-Wa Run, Wisconsin’s oldest long-distance race. Runners can take part in the challenging half-marathon course, or the fast-paced four-mile run.
Festival admission is free, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t go to this Wisconsin favorite!
All activities located in Downtown Wisconsin Dells & Bowman Park.
You can get to the Dells easily, of course: I-90/94, U.S. 12, or Highways 13, 16, or 23 all bring you there. Check their website for full details!
Here’s a video from a ways back of Wo-Zha-Wa Days (not that it’s much different now) to give you an idea:
Schedule of Events:
Friday, September 13th
All Day Concessions and Carnival Rides
8 am – 5 pm Maxwell Street Days
8 am – 6 pm Antique & Collectibles Market
Noon – 5 pm Arts & Crafts Fair
Noon – 5 pm Funtime Bounce Houses and Obstacle Course
3:30-5:30pm Kindschi Pedal Pulls
Saturday, September 14th
Day Concessions and Carnival Rides
Wo-Zha-Wa Run
8 am – 5 pm Maxwell Street Days
8 am Race for the Future Run Visit the website
8 am – 6 pm Antique & Collectibles Market
9am – 5 pm Arts & Crafts Fair
9am – 5pm Funtime Bounce Houses and Obstacle Course
Sunday, September 15th
All Day Concessions and Carnival Rides
8 am – 3 pm Maxwell Street Days
8 am – 3 pm Antique & Collectibles Market
9 am – 3 pm Arts & Crafts Fair
9 am – 3pm Funtime Bounce Houses and Obstacle Course
1:30 pm PARADE
Post Parade South Shore Performance at the Elm Street Plaza
Wo-Zha-Wa Days Website
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