Let’s face it: the Rutabaga doesn’t get enough recognition. Cumberland rectifies that with their annual Rutabaga Festival Thursday, August 22nd through Sunday, August 25th!
Happening since 1932, Cumberland’s Rutabaga Festival includes live entertainment, a pedal tractor pull, pepper-eating contest, basketball shootout, craft show, morning bike tour, a grand parade… and rutabagas. (Which we think are what makes a pasty so much better!)
Come enjoy the Cumberland Rutabaga Festival Run on Saturday morning! Choose from a half marathon, 5K run, or 2 mile fun run/walk. All races start at 8 am at the Cumberland High School. You can also just watch if you prefer and cheer everyone on.
You’ll find Cumberland – aka “The Island City” – along U.S. 63 and Highway 48 in northwestern Barron County. Check out the amazing selection at Louie’s Finer Meats in town while you’re there! It’s a State Trunk Tour favorite.
Cumberland Rutabaga Festival Address:
Downtown Cumberland
Cumberland, WI 54829
(715) 822-FEST Website
West Bend’s Museum of Wisconsin Art hosts its annual Art & Chalk Fest Saturday, August 17th and Sunday, August 18th. This free, outdoor, fine arts festival features 65+ fine artists selling their work and 15+ chalk artists from across the nation creating masterpieces before your eyes!
Art activities for all ages are offered throughout the weekend along with live entertainment and music, food vendors, a beer garden, an art raffle, and free admission for the weekend to the Museum of Wisconsin Art. You can create your own chalk masterpiece on the concrete canvas of Veterans Avenue. Cool off inside the museum with art projects and grab an interactive family guide to explore the Among the Wonders of the Dells exhibition! The MOWA Shop will also be open to shop more Wisconsin art along with an outdoor booth.
The Food and Beer Garden will offer beers from Lakefront Brewery, wines and sangria, soda, water, and more. Food selections include Just Smokin’ Barbecue, the Falafel Guys, Lovely & Tasty Walking Taco, Cousins Subs, Laughing Mountain Popcorn, Nosh Nook, CS Foods, Purple Door Ice Cream, J. Wade Confections, the Nutman Company, and Concoctions.
Saturday, August 17th
10:30 Milwaukee Hittaz Drumline
1:30 Warped Dance Company
3:30 Peter Alt Group
Sunday, Augsut 18th
10:30 Little Priest Singers
1:30 Warped Dance Company
3:30 Sainted Patrons
You’ll find the Museum of Wisconsin Art along the east banks of the Milwaukee River in downtown West Bend. It’s along the Eisenbahn State Trail, just south of Highway 33/Washington Avenue. Highway 144 comes in from the north and west; the U.S. 45 freeway bypass is less than two miles to the west. Nearby, you can also enjoy shopping in downtown West Bend, local brews at the Riverside Brewery, custard at the Toucan on Highway 144, and more.
Art & Chalk Fest Address:
Museum of Wisconsin Art
205 Veterans Avenue
West Bend, WI 53095
(262) 334-9639 Website
The 71st annual Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival is BACK at Angell Park this year, taking place Wednesday, August 14th through Sunday, August 18th, 2024!
Enjoy a carnival-midway complete with a wide variety of carnival games and rides, food booths, live bands, a “kiddie korner” with large inflatables, a cornhole tournament, family entertainment, a beer shelter, and much more! Of course fresh, locally-grown sweet corn is available to enjoy. Check out parades and a music lineup including:
Angell Park is a beautiful historic park adjacent to Sun Prairie’s downtown. It’s also home to the Angell Park Speedway, a 1/3 dirt oval that dates back to 1903! You can reach Angell Park via Highway 19 through the city. From the U.S. 151 bypass, follow Main Street or the Highway 19 exit. You can also easily reach Angell Park via County N north from I-94 at the Cottage Grove exit.
Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival Address:
Angell Park & Angell Park Speedway
300 Park Street
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
(608) 837-4547 Website
Hudson was the last Wisconsin stop for westbound travelers on the iconic Yellowstone Trail, which in St. Croix County roughly follows the path of today’s U.S. 12. The city celebrates 111 years of history for the Trail on Saturday, August 10th this year with Yellowstone Trail Heritage Day.
The year was 1912 and the auto was gaining popularity. It wasn’t uncommon for horse drawn wagons to share potholes with the automobiles that also traveled the country roads and passed through everything the horses left behind.
A few ambitious folks got together and decided to connect county roads which resulted in the first transcontinental road – The Yellowstone Trail. From “Plymouth Rock to Puget Sound!”
Check out Hudson on August 10th for family fun around town with a Vintage and Class Car Show, Cemetery Walk, Pie and Ice Cream Social, Children’s Activities and a drive on the Yellowstone Trail!
Other activities planned include a Car Show, Children’s Activities, a Pie & Ice Cream Social at First Baptist Church, Historic Downtown Hudson Walking Tours, Cemetery Walk @ Willow River Cemetery, Octagon House Tours, Ciranda Garden Fair, Non-Profit Community Fair, Coco’s Heart Rescue, and more. Check out their website for details.
Looking back at downtown Hudson under the arch that welcomed travelers to and from the original Yellowstone Trail Bridge over the St. Croix River.
Hudson is right along U.S. 12 (which follows portions of the original Yellowstone Trail) and Highway 35. I-94 runs along the south side of town, and Highway 64 is just a few miles north. Check out this beautiful city on the St. Croix River, and for great waterfalls and trails be sure to hit Willow River State Park nearby!
Yellowstone Trail Heritage Day Address:
Various locations in downtown Hudson
Hudson, WI 54016
(715) 386-8411 Website
La Crosse celebrates its Irish heritage and parties down at Irishfest the weekend of August 9-11, 2024! They call it “the only Irishfest under a roof,” but there’s indoor and outdoor fun to be had. Load up on great Irish food from Corned beef, cabbage and mash to a Banger sandwich, Kilkenny Coddle, or Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheesecake. Quaff beverages from Guinness, Killian’s Irish Red, Harp, and Finnegan’s to a variety of Irish teas and Leprechaun Punch. Nearby restaurants like Dublin Square in La Crosse and the Monarch Public House from Fountain City will be there to make sure you’re all fueled up.
Enjoy great live music on multiple stages from performers like Gaelic Storm, Seo Linn, Byrne Brothers, Onoir, Screaming Orphans, Gadan, Scattering hosted by Ian Gould, performances from the Glencastle Irish Dancers, and many more!
You’ll find plenty of activities on the Harp Stage, in the Cultural Tent, kids can enjoy the Wee Folks Area, play Highland Games, or explore your ancestry in the Genealogy Tent.
Participate in the Irishfest Raffle and you could win a trip to Ireland, to Scotland, or to next year’s Irishfest La Crosse (that would be the order of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes…)
The Sheboygan Midwest Challenge, a festival and celebration of powerboat racing, will feature the top categories of U.S. powerboat racing. The UIM Class 1 World Championship returns with boats capable of 160 mph!
For the first time, Sheboygan is also a host city to the American Powerboat Racing Association’s (APBA) National Championship, with 14 classes of fast boats in action. More than 60 race teams are expected to participate with competitors from around the world, including Australia, Italy, Sweden, Canada, the United Kingdom, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas. You can view the action from the harbor area or the expansive areas along North and South Beach. Throughout downtown Sheboygan, you’ll find ample facilities for food, drink, and lodging.
Sheboygan Midwest Challenge Schedule of Events:
FRIDAY AUGUST 9 10:00 am to 5:00 pm: Walk through the pit area near Deland Park to see the boats and race crew up close and personal. 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm: Watch the high-speed testing of the race boats on Lake Michigan. The six-mile offshore course is along the Sheboygan South Beach, Kite Beach, and South Shore. 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm: Enjoy the kickoff block party at City Green downtown. View the powerboats that will be racing in the Sheboygan Midwest Challenge as they set up on the streets of downtown. Dance to the music of the King of Mars at City Green. Food trucks and beverage concessions are available. Accessible to the public.
SATURDAY AUGUST 10 9:00 am to 5:00 pm: P1 Fan Zone opens at the end of South Pier, where vendors, food trucks, and beverages are located. 9:30 am to 4:00 pm: VIP Hospitality tent open at South Pier lawn. Tickets for the VIP tent are available at https://tealreef.ticketspice.com/sheboygan. 10:00 am to 4:00 pm: Walk through the pit area near Deland Park to see the boats and race crew up close and personal. 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.: Bring your chairs, blankets, food, and drinks and watch the races on the six-mile offshore course along Sheboygan South Beach, Kite Beach, and South Shore. Food trucks and beverage stations are also available throughout the area. 11:00 am to 6:00 pm: Sheboygan Yacht Club will host a brat fry and concessions in the northeast lot and outdoor pavilion just north of the river on Broughton Drive. After walking through the pit area, stop in for food and beverages. Spectators, visitors, and the public are welcome on the Yacht Club grounds—live music from Uncle Meat from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. 11:00 am: Opening Ceremony to kick off the races on the South Pier lawn. Watch the powerboat races streamed to the jumbo screen at the official event stage on the South Pier lawn. 11:30 am to 12:30 pm: Class 1 Qualifying Round 12:45 pm to 1:45 pm: Race 1 – Superstock Class 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm: Driftwood South Pier serves food and drinks under the tent. Live music from Benson Klemme from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm and the Flying Zebras from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm. 2:15 pm to 3:15 pm: Race 2 – Class 1 (Race 1) 3:15 pm to 4:15 pm: Race 3 – 450R, Super V
SUNDAY AUGUST 11 9:00 am to 2:00 pm: Driftwood South Pier serves beverages under the tent featuring Bloody Mary’s and Mimosa’s. 9:00 am to 5:00 pm: P1 Fan Zone opens at the end of Sout Pier, where vendors, food trucks, and beverages are located. 9:00 am to 4:00 pm: Walk through the pit area near Deland Park to see the boats and race crew up close and personal. 9:30 am to 4:00 pm: VIP Hospitality tent open at South Pier lawn. Tickets for the VIP tent are available at https://tealreef.ticketspice.com/sheboygan. 9:30 am to 4:00 pm: Bring your chairs, blankets, food, and drinks and watch the races on the six-mile offshore course along Sheboygan South Beach, Kite Beach, and South Shore. Food trucks and beverage stations are also available throughout the area. 10:00 am: Opening Ceremony to kick off the races on the South Pier lawn. Watch the powerboat races streamed to the jumbo screen at the official event stage on the South Pier lawn. 11:00 am to 12 pm: Race 4 – Class 1 MAVTV (Race 2) 12:15 pm to 1:15 pm: Race 5 – Bracket Class 700, 600, 500 1:45 pm to 2:45 pm: Race 6 – Mod V, (Bracket 400, 300, 200) 2:45 pm to 3:15 pm: Race 7 – Supercat 5:00 pm: Celebrate with the winners at the Awards Ceremony on the main stage on the South Pier lawn.
You can get to downtown Sheboygan and the lakefront via Highways 23, 28, or 42 in from I-43.
Watertown Riverfest is back at Riverside Park along the Rock River, Thursday, August 8th through Sunday, August 11th this year! Riverfest is FREE once again this year with plenty of fun, family-friendly activities and live music.
Some Riverfest Events Include:
Riverfest Half Marathon and 5K Saturday morning, 8:30am start Bean Bag Tournament Saturday morning, 10am Craft Fair Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 5pm, with plenty of artists and craftsman display their items in a natural setting on the Riverside Park island Horseshoe Tourament, Saturday, 1:00pm Raft/Kayak Race Saturday 9:30am, Two person raft race on the Rock River from the Main Street bridge at Tivoli Island to Riverside Park Classic Car Show featuring classic automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles Sunday, 9am – 3pm
The Waterski Show is back at Riverfest for 2024!
FULL Watertown Riverfest Schedule of Events
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8TH 4:00 – 10:00pm A Taste of Watertown
4:00 – 8:00pm Face Painting/Body Art
4:00 – 8:00pm Chainsaw Art
4:00 – 9:00pm Bernie Tennis/Caricature Artist
4:00 – 10:00pm RVR Rides (wristband 5-9pm)
4:00 – 5:00pm Happy Hour Drink Specials w/Big Style Brass Band
5:00 – 6:45pm Big Spoon
7:15 – 10:00pm BACK TO THE ’90s featuring COLOR ME BADD, C&C MUSIC FACTORY FEATURING FREEDOM WILLIAMS & YOUNG MC
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9TH
12:00noon – 10:00pm RVR Rides (wristband noon-5pm)
12:00noon – 8:00pm Face Painting/Body Art
12:00noon – 9:00pm Bernie Tennis/Caricature Artist
4:00 – 8:00pm Chainsaw Art
noon – 10:00pm A Taste of Watertown
4:00 – 5:00pm Happy Hour Drink Specials w/Big Style Brass Band
5:00 – 6:30pm COMMOTION – TRIBUTE TO THE MUSIC OF CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL
7:00 – 10:00pm BREE MORGAN RELOADED
10:00pm Pyromusical Fireworks & Laser Light Show
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10TH
8:00am Kids Fun Run
8:30am 5K Run
9:00am – 5:00pm Craft Fair
9:00am – 8:00pm Bernie Tennis/Caricature Artist
10:00am Bean Bag Tournament
11:00am – 8:00pm Chainsaw Art
11:00am – 10:00pm A Taste of Watertown
12 Noon – 8:00pm Face Painting / Body Art
12noon – 10:00pm RVR Rides (wristband noon-5pm)
1:00 – 3:00pm Horseshoe Tournament
1:00 – 3:30pm DJ Shawna
1:30 – 2:00pm Milwaukee Bucks Rim Rockers Performance
2:00 – 2:30pm Milwaukee Bucks Bango Mingle and Dance Party
2:30 – 3:00pm Milwaukee Bucks Rim Rockers Performance
3:30 – 6:00pm Pat McCurdy
6:30 – 8:00pm Hypnotized – The Music of Fleetwood Mac
8:30 – 10:00pm STARSHIP, FEATURING MICKEY THOMAS
10:15pm Pyromusical Fireworks & Laser Light Show (RAIN DATE)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11TH
9:00am Tennis Tournament
9:00am – 3:00pm Car Show
9:00am – 5:00pm Craft Fair
11:00am – 1:30pm Chainsaw Art
11:00am – 5:00pm A Taste of Watertown
11:45am – noon Main Street Bridge Naming Ceremony
12noon – 5:00pm Face Painting / Body Art
12noon – 6:00pm RVR Rides (wristband noon-5pm)
12noon – 2:00pm Big Al & the Hi-Fi’s
2:30pm – 5:00pm COUNT’S 77
3:00pm Chainsaw Art Auction
3:30pm – 4:00pm Car Show Awards
5:00pm Raffle Drawing
5:30pm Festival Closes
Watertown is right where Highways 16, 19, and 26 meet. It’s about 7 miles north of I-94
Appleton’s “Mile of Music” Festival (X/Twitter: @MileofMusicFest) serves up original singer-songwriters, combos and multi-piece bands showcasing Americana music at both its most colorful and its very best. Genres include roots and indie rock, country, gospel, soul, R&B, jazz and folk. This year’s Mile of Music 11 takes place August 1-4, 2024.
This grassroots festival was co-founded by Appleton marketing executive Dave Willems and Appleton/Nashville-based national recording artist and Grammy nominee Cory Chisel in 2013. Willems Marketing & Events continues to run Mile of Music, with the support of over 100 community organizations and sponsors. Presenting sponsor Fox Communities Credit Union and other major sponsors have allowed this event to be FREE.
Mile of Music is noted as a “handcrafted artisan festival” with over 200 artists and acts across 40 venues spanning a mile… of music (hence the name!)
Brett Newski performs at Mile of Music in Appleton.
Venues vary and include coffee shops, bars, parks, restaurants, museums and other public spaces. with more of them outdoors in the wake of the pandemic we all had to deal with. Some of Mile 11’s biggest artists will perform at the Main Stage in Houdini Plaza, one of the festival’s most popular venues. Remember, Harry Houdini spent time in Appleton and claimed it as his hometown!
Local brewpub Stone Arch will offer up its artisan Mile of Music Americana Pale Ale to add to the flavor of the festival. Music fans who love bicycling can work off those beer calories and indulge their music passions with Bike to the Beat. Added fun includes the Tub of Tunes giveaway, where one lucky attendee will win a bathtub full of CDs and vinyl from Mile 10 artists.
Check it out all weekend in Appleton. Their website has the complete lineup, and you can also download their special app for updates, details on all the events, and more. You can also get the full schedule here – it’s a busy one!
Appleton is easily accessible via I-41, U.S. 10, Highways 15, 47, 96, or, of course 125 – because if you’re on Highway 125, you’re in Appleton already. Highway 441 provides a bypass around the city that allows you to enter from points east and south.
The John Michael Kohler Arts Center celebrates the Midsummer Festival of the Arts July 20-21, 2024. More than 135 artists descend on downtown Sheboygan for a weekend of exhibitions, all set amidst gardens surrounding the world-class Arts Center with its light-filled spaces, 12 galleries, and ARTcafe.
This is touted as one of the finest outdoor arts festivals in Wisconsin! Exhibitors include jewelry, ceramics, glass, sculpture, painting, drawing, photography, leather, sculpture, art glass, wearable art, and more.
Fun, hands-on workshops for the whole family include “Concrete Creations: Fantasy Faces,” Clay Play, Marvelous Magificent Mobiles, and face painting for the kids (I think it’s just for kids, heck, doesn’t hurt to ask if you’re a grown-up and want your face painted, too.)
Visit the food court where the Culinary Art Car and other food trucks will recharge your energy reserves with a wrap, cheese curds, bratwurst, gyros, ice cream, or one of many other delicious treats.
Festivalgoers will be treated to “finger-snappin’, toe-tappin’”, free concerts from the Levitt AMP Sheboygan Music Series. The lineup includes the Mark Croft Band and Well-Known Strangers on Saturday. This Big Life, King Solomon, and Big Little Lions are scheduled to take the stage on Sunday.
Click here for all the details on the Midsummer Festival of the Arts, including a schedule of events and all the particulars. Admission is FREE.
Midsummer Festival of the Arts Address:
John Michael Kohler Arts Center
608 New York Avenue
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 458-6144
You’ll find the John Michael Kohler Arts Center on New York Avenue just east of 7th Street. It’s right between the heart of the Sheboygan’s downtown and Lake Michigan. Highways 23, 28, and 42 all bring you into town!
While in Sheboygan, check out their new City Green, which we discuss (along with many other things Sheboygan!) in our State Trunk Tour Podcast:
Some of the biggest acts in country music hit Twin Lakes for Country Thunder over four days, July 18-21, 2024! Country Thunder takes place in multiple venues across North America including Arizona, Tennessee, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Florida, and Wisconsin! It takes place in Twin Lakes, right by the Wisconsin-Illinois border between Lake Geneva and Kenosha. Plenty of campsites are available and you can purchase tickets here. If you don’t want to camp, you can stay elsewhere and shuttle in, including the Lakefront Shuttle from Lake Geneva.
Country Thunder Headliners & Lineups for 2024:
Thursday, July 18
3:30pm Grace Tyler
5:00pm Dillon Carmichael
6:30pm Stephen Wilson Jr.
8:00pm Randy Houser
10:00pm Koe Wetzel
Friday, July 19
3:30pm Lauren Watkins
5:00pm John Morgan
6:30pm Phil Vassar
8:00pm Kip Moore
10:00pm Lainey Wilson
Saturday, July 20
2:00pm Emily Ann Roberts
3:30pm Josh Ross
5:00pm The Bellamy Brothers
6:30pm Jake Worthington
8:00pm Bailey Zimmerman
10:00pm Nickelback
Sunday, July 21
2:30pm Meghan Patrick
4:00pm Randall King
5:30pm Jackson Dean
7:00pm Elle King
9:00pm Eric Church
The Boathouse Cabana will feature many additional acts across all four days.
The Country Thunder grounds are very close to the Wisconsin-Illinois state line, centrally located between Highway O and Highway P, near 119th St in southwestern Kenosha County. U.S. 12 is close by; Twin Lakes is a few miles south of Highway 50 and west of U.S. 45 and Highway 83.
Country Thunder Wisconsin Address:
Country Thunder East
2305 Lance Drive
Twin Lakes, WI 53181
(866) 802-6418 Website
Start:
July 18, 2024
End:
July 21, 2024
Venue:
Country Thunder East
Phone:
866-802-6418
Address:
2305 Lance Drive, Twin Lakes, WI, 53181, United States
Racine’s annual Salmon-A-Rama is a popular tournament open to all anglers on Lake Michigan, with nine days of entertainment for the whole family! Now one of the largest freshwater salmon and trout tournaments in the world, Salmon-A-Rama features participation categories like the off shore/Boat division, on shore, youth, kayak, Two-In-A-Boat and Super Sweepstakes.
The Grand Prize is a combination of $25,000 cash and a 9.9-horsepower Yamaha outboard motor or the choice of a GMC Canyon, Buick Encore or Chevrolet Camaro. There’s an additional $70,000 in cash and prizes in several categories. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Lake Michigan fishery for future generations to enjoy.
Salmon-A-Rama is not only a fishing tournament, it’s also a festival. There will be something for everyone. There will be bands, raffles, a bags tournament, pig roast, smelt fry, fish boil, kids entertainment and so much more.
Salmon-A-Rama kicks off at 12:01 am Saturday, July 13th (so you might also say late Friday night) and it runs through 11 am on Sunday, July 21st. Tournament headquarters are at Pershing Park, 500 Pershing Drive, on Racine’s lakefront. You can stop by the tent every day to check on the leaderboards and/or explore the variety of vendors, the fish weigh-in, and numerous fish cooking and smoking demonstrations.
Salmon-A-Rama is presented by Salmon Unlimited of Wisconsin. You can get tournament updates on their website, including ticket information.
Pershing Park and the Racine lakefront is accessible via Highways 11, 20, 32, and 38, all about 8 miles east of I-41/94.
Salmon-A-Rama Address:
Pershing Park
500 Pershing Drive
Racine, WI 53043
(262) 995-3459 Website
Rhinelander is the home of the legendary hodag, so it’s only fitting when an amazing country music festival is hosted in town, it’s called the Hodag Country Festival, right?? The 46th edition of the Hodag Country Festival is ready to roll July 11-14, 2024!
There will be a band playing in the Pavilion every day starting Saturday, July 6th, plus a Karaoke Contest will be held on Thursday, July 11th. The chair line will still be on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, however, they have a new procedure with a change in the times for chairs to be put down (the goal is to shorten the lines.) The Chair Line Details can be found here.
The Northern Wisconsin State Fair is always a fun-filled, family event that brings folks back year after year to Chippewa Falls, right along Historic U.S. 53 and today’s Highway 124. In 2024, it runs Wednesday July 10th through Sunday, July 14th!
The five days of the fair feature midway carnival excitement, numerous exhibits, animal judging, contests for milk drinking, pie eating, karaoke, animal shows including a draft horse show, a pedal tractor pull, and much more that you would expect from a fair like this. Furthermore, you can check out or participate in the Lego Pre-Build Contest, talent competitions, and of course, the food is always a highlight. A Schedule of Events is below!
The fairgrounds are indicated by this formation of stones right along Highway 124.
Adult 6 Day Admission: $25 (covers all six days, a $35 total savings!)
Adult One Day Admission (Ages 12 and Older): $10
Youth One Day Admission (Ages 6-11): $5
Children 5 and Under: FREE
Parking: $5 per vehicle
Active/Retired Military and Veterans: Free with Active/Retired Military ID Card, DD214
The Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds are right along Highway 124 in Chippewa Falls, just a hop, skip, and a jump north of the Leinenkugel Brewery and across from beautiful Irvine Park and the Irvine Park Zoo. Highways 29 and U.S. 53 bring you close by.
Northern Wisconsin State Fair Schedule of Events:
Tuesday
July
9
Not an Official Fair Date
Show – Junior Swine
9:00am
Custer Coliseum
Show – Junior Sheep
2:00pm
Custer Coliseum
Favorite Fair Food Contest
4:00pm – 7:00pm
WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Leinie Lodge Opens
5:00pm – 11:00pm
Leinie Lodge
The Dweebs
7:00pm – 10:00pm
Leinie Lodge
Wednesday
July
10
Show – Junior Horses
9:00am
Horse Arena
Show – Junior Beef
9:00am
Custer Coliseum
Show – Open Llama
10:00am
Llama Tent Area
Petting Zoo – Fantasy Corral
10am – 8:00pm
Near Custer Coliseum
Syryczuk’s Carving – Wood Carving Demonstration
11:00am – 11:30am
Main Entry Road
Chippewa Falls YMCA
11:00am – 11:45am
WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Chippewa Falls Public Library – Adventure Lab
11:00am – 3:00pm
Building B
Paint Me First – Face Painting $
11:00am – 4:30pm
Building B
The Real Beal’s One Man Band
11:30am – Noon
Roaming
Chippewa Valley Beekeepers demonstration
Noon
Building B
Pony Cycle – Fun on the Run $
Noon – 6:00pm
Building A
Pony Rides – Fantasy Corral $
Noon – 8:00pm
Near Custer Coliseum
Mark Hayward, Yo-Yoer and Juggler
12:30pm – 1:00pm
Roaming
30-Minute Difference
12:30pm – 1:15pm
WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Syryczuk’s Carving – Wood Carving Demonstration
1:00pm – 1:30pm
Main Entry Road
Kids Pedal Tractor Pull (Wisconsin Sanctioned)
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Near Royal Credit Union Building
The Real Beal’s One Man Band
1:15pm – 1:45pm
Roaming
Racing Pigs, Goats & Ducks
1:45pm – 2:15pm
Near WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Conrad and the Comrades
2:00pm – 5:00pm
Leinie Lodge
Kevin’s Juggling & Balloons
2:00pm – 7:00pm
Building B
Indoor Micro Beer Garden
2:00pm – 8:00pm
Building C
30-Minute Difference
2:15pm – 3:00pm
WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Meet the NWSF Fairest of the Fair
2:30pm – 3:00pm
Building B
The Real Beal’s One Man Band
2:45pm – 3:15pm
Roaming
Bike Giveaway, Coordinated by Area EMS
3:00pm
EMS Building
Circus – Dominguez Attractions
3:00pm – 4:00pm
Near Royal Credit Union Building
Judging – Open Beer & Wine
4:00pm
Building C
Show – Junior Poultry
4:00pm
Poultry/Rabbits Area
Show – Junior & Open Goats
4:00pm
Custer Coliseum
North of Dixie
4:00pm – 6:00pm
Leinenkugel’s Pavilion
Mark Hayward, Yo-Yoer and Juggler
4:15pm – 4:45pm
WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Ace Helicopter Rides $
5:00pm – 9:00pm
Near Main Gates
Racing Pigs, Goats & Ducks
5:00pm – 5:30pm
Near WEAU 13 News Front Porch
The Real Beal’s One Man Band
5:15pm – 5:45pm
Roaming
NWSF Pig Pals Show, in partnership with Chippewa River Industries
6:00pm
Custer Coliseum
Mark Hayward, Yo-Yoer and Juggler
6:00pm – 6:30pm
WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Circus – Dominguez Attractions
6:30pm – 7:00pm
Near Royal Credit Union Building
Racing Pigs, Goats & Ducks
7:00pm – 7:30pm
Near WEAU 13 News Front Porch
One Vision of Queen – featuring Marc Martel
8:00pm
Leinenkugel’s Main Stage
North of Dixie
9:30pm – 11:00pm
Leinenkugel’s Pavilion
Brady Luke Band
9:30pm – Midnight
Leinie Lodge
Thursday
July
11
Area Fairest & Royalty Day
Show – Junior Dairy
8:00am
Custer Coliseum
Show – Junior Horses
9:00am
Horse Arena
Show – Junior Rabbits
9:00am
Poultry/Rabbits Area
Petting Zoo – Fantasy Corral
10:00am – 8:00pm
Near Custer Coliseum
Syryczuk’s Carving – Wood Carving Demonstration
11:00am – 11:30am
Main Entry Road
Chippewa Falls YMCA
11:00am – 11:45am
WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Chippewa Falls Public Library – Adventure Lab
11:00am – 3:00pm
Building B
Paint Me First – Face Painting $
11:00am – 4:30pm
Building B
The Real Beal’s One Man Band
11:15am – 11:45am
Roaming
Ace Helicoptor Rides
5:00pm – 9:00pm
Near Main Gates
Chippewa Valley Beekeepers Demonstration
Noon
Building B
Racing Pigs, Goats & Ducks
Noon – 12:30pm
Near WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Pony Cycle – Fun on the Run $
Noon – 6:00pm
Building A
Pony Rides – Fantasy Corral $
Noon – 8:00pm
Near Custer Coliseum
NWSF Fairest of the Fair & Area Royalty Introductions
12:30pm – 1:00pm
WEAU 13 News Front Porch
NWSF Junior Master Showmanship
1:00pm
Custer Coliseum
Kids Event – Cookies & Crowns
1:00pm – 1:30pm
WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Syryczuk’s Carving – Wood Carving Demonstration
1:00pm – 1:30pm
Main Entry Road
Kids Pedal Tractor Pull (Wisconsin Sanctioned)
1:00pm – 3:00pmNear Royal Credit Union Building
The Real Beal’s One Man Band
1:15pm – 1:45pm
Roaming
Circus – Dominguez Attractions
1:30pm – 2:00pm
Near Building B
Racing Pigs, Goats & Ducks
1:45pm – 2:15pm
Near WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Mark Hayward, Yo-Yoer and Juggler
2:00pm – 2:30pm
Roaming
Meet the NWSF Fairest of the Fair
2:00pm – 2:30pm
Building B
Conrad and the Comrades
2:00pm – 5:00pm
Leinie Lodge
Kevin’s Juggling & Balloons
2:00pm – 7:00pm
Building B
Indoor Micro Beer Garden
2:00pm – 8:00pm
Building C
Wisconsin Shakespeare Festival – Merely Players
2:15pm – 3:00pm
WEAU 13 News Front Porch
The Real Beal’s One Man Band
2:45pm – 3:15pm
Roaming
Bike Giveaway, Coordinated by Area EMS
3:00pm
EMS Building
Mark Hayward, Yo-Yoer and Juggler
3:30pm – 4:00pm
WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Bidder Registration, NWSF Meat Animal Program Auction
4:00pm
Custer Coliseum
Culinary Arts Heritage Contest
4:00pm
Building C
Circus – Dominguez Attractions
4:00pm – 4:30pm
Near Building B
North of Dixie
4:00pm – 6:00pm
Leinenkugel’s Pavilion
Wisconsin Shakespeare Festival – Merely Players
4:15pm – 5:00pm
WEAU 13 Front Porch Stage
Racing Pigs, Goats & Ducks
5:00pm – 5:30pm
Near WEAU 13 News Front Porch
The Real Beal’s One Man Band
5:15pm – 5:45pm
Roaming
NWSF Meat Animal Program Auction
6:00pm
Custer Coliseum
Mark Hayward, Yo-Yoer and Juggler
6:00pm – 6:30pm
WEAU 13 Front Porch Stage
Circus – Dominguez Attractions
6:30pm – 7:00pm
Near Building B
Racing Pigs, Goats & Ducks
7:00pm – 7:30pm
Near WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Lee Brice
8:00pm
Leinenkugel’s Main Stage
North of Dixie
9:30pm – 11:00pm
Leinenkugel’s Pavilion
Brady Luke Band
9:30pm – Midnight
Leinie Lodge
Friday
July
12
Petting Zoo – Fantasy Corral
10am – 8:00pm
Near Custer Coliseum
Syryczuk’s Carving – Wood Carving Demonstration
11:00am – 11:30am
Main Entry Road
Chippewa Falls YMCA
11:00am – 11:45am
WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Kids Pedal Tractor Pull (Wisconsin Sanctioned)
11:00am – 1:00pm
Near Royal Credit Union Building
Chippewa Falls Public Library – Adventure Lab
11:00am – 3:00pm
Building B
Paint Me First – Face Painting $
11:00am – 4:30pm
Building B
Pony Cycle – Fun on the Run $
11:00am – 7:00pm
Building A
Ace Helicoptor Rides $
Noon – 9:00pm
Near Main Gates
The Real Beal’s One Man Band
11:15am – 11:45am
Roaming
Chippewa Valley Beekeepers demonstration
Noon
Building B
204th Army Band and Brass Ensemble
Noon – 2:00pm
Leinenkugel’s Pavilion
Racing Pigs, Goats & Ducks
Noon – 12:30pm
Near WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Pony Rides – Fantasy Corral $
Noon – 8:00pm
Near Custer Coliseum
Circus – Dominguez Attractions
12:30pm – 1:00pm
Near Royal Credit Union Building
Magic of Isaiah
12:30pm – 1:15pm
WEAU 13 News Front Porch
WQOW News 18 Weather Academy
1:00pm – 1:30pm
Building B
Syryczuk’s Carving – Wood Carving Demonstration
1:00pm – 1:30pm
Main Entry Road
The Real Beal’s One Man Band
1:15pm – 1:45pm
Roaming
Racing Pigs, Goats & Ducks
1:45pm – 2:15pm
Near WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Meet the NWSF Fairest of the Fair
2:00pm – 2:30pm
Building B
Magic of Isaiah
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Roaming
Kevin’s Juggling & Balloons
2:00pm – 7:00pm
Building B
Indoor Micro Beer Garden
2:00pm – 8:00pm
Building C
Groove Merchants
2:15pm – 3:00pm
WEAU 13 News Front Porch
The Real Beal’s One Man Band
2:45pm – 3:15pm
Roaming
Bike Giveaway, Coordinated by Area EMS
3:00pm
EMS Building
Rockin’ Billy
3:00pm – 6:00pm
Leinenkugel’s Pavilion
Mark Healey & Jim Schuh Duo
3:00pm – 6:00pm
Leinie Lodge
Circus – Dominguez Attractions
3:30pm – 4:00pm
Near Royal Credit Union Building
Groove Merchants
3:45pm – 4:30pm
WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Racing Pigs, Goats & Ducks
4:30pm – 5:00pm
Near WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Groove Merchants
5:00pm – 5:45pm
WEAU 13 News Front Porch
The Real Beal’s One Man Band
5:15pm – 5:45pm
Roaming
Magic of Isaiah
6:00pm – 6:45pm
WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Circus – Dominguez Attractions
6:30pm – 7:00pm
Near Royal Credit Union Building
Racing Pigs, Goats & Ducks
7:00pm – 7:30pm
Near WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Ludacris
8:00pm
Leinenkugel’s Main Stage
The Thundermen
8:30pm – Midnight
Leinenkugel’s Pavilion
Contradiction
9:30pm – Midnight
Leinie Lodge
Saturday
July
13
Show – Open Beef
9:00am
Custer Coliseum
Show – Open Draft Horses – Halter & Youth Halter
10:00am
Horse Arena
Petting Zoo – Fantasy Corral
10:00am – 8:00pm
Near Custer Coliseum
Syryczuk’s Carving – Wood Carving Demonstration
11:00am – 11:30am
Main Entry Road
Chippewa Falls YMCA – Zumba
11:00am – 11:45am
WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Kids Pedal Tractor Pull (Wisconsin Sanctioned)
11:00am – 1:00pm
Near Royal Credit Union Building
Free Horse & Wagon Rides
11:00am – 3:00pm
Horse Barn Area
Chippewa Falls Public Library – Adventure Lab
11 :00am – 3:00pm
Building B
Ace Helicopter Rides $
Noon – 9:00pm
Near Main Gates
Paint Me First – Face Painting $
11:00am – 4:30pm
Building B
Pony Cycle – Fun on the Run $
11:00am – 7:00pm
Building A
The Real Beal’s One Man Band
11:15am – 11:45am
Roaming
Chippewa Valley Beekeepers demonstration
Noon
Building B
Racing Pigs, Goats & Ducks
Noon – 12:30pm
Near WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Jake Morley
Noon – 1:00pm
Leinie Lodge
Kevin’s Juggling & Balloons
Noon – 5:00pm
Building B
Pony Rides – Fantasy Corral $
Noon – 8:00pm
Near Custer Coliseum
Circus – Dominguez Attractions
12:30pm – 1:00pm
Near Royal Credit Union Building
Magic of Isaiah
12:30pm – 1:15pm
WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Show – Open Draft Horses – Small Hitch & All Youth Driving Classes
1:00pm
Horse Arena
Show – Open Poultry
1:00pm
Poultry/Rabbits Area
WQOW Weather Academy
1:00pm – 1:30pm
Building B
Syryczuk’s Carving – Wood Carving Demonstration
1:00pm – 1:30pm
Main Entry Road
Studio Sky – Aerial Arts demonstration
1:00pm – 1:30pm
Near Building B
ClearWater Connection Quartet
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Roaming
The Real Beal’s One Man Band
1:15pm – 1:45pm
Roaming
Show – Open Sheep
2:00pm
Custer Coliseum
Meet the NWSF Fairest of the Fair
2:00pm – 2:30pm
Building B
Racing Pigs, Goats & Ducks
2:00pm – 2:30pm
Near WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Rockin’ Billy
2:00pm – 5:00pm
Leinenkugel’s Pavilion
Rich Schroeder
2:00pm – 5:00pm
Leinie Lodge
Indoor Micro Beer Garden
2:00pm – 8:00pm
Building C
Studio Sky – Aerial Arts demonstration
3:15pm – 3:45pm
Near Building B
Mactir Academy of Irish Dance
2:30pm – 3:15pm
WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Bike Giveaway, Coordinated by Area EMS
3:00pm
EMS Building
The Real Beal’s One Man Band
3:00pm – 3:30pm
Roaming
Circus – Dominguez Attractions
3:30pm – 4:00pm
Near Royal Credit Union Building
Magic of Isaiah
3:30pm – 4:30pm
Roaming
Studio Sky – Aerial Arts demonstration
4:30pm – 5:00pm
Near Building B
Racing Pigs, Goats & Ducks
4:30pm – 5:00pm
Near WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Mactir Academy of Irish Dance
5:00pm – 5:45pm
WEAU 13 News Front Porch
The Real Beal’s One Man Band
5:15pm – 5:45pm
Roaming
Magic of Isaiah
6:00pm – 6:45pm
WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Circus – Dominguez Attractions
6:30pm – 7:00pm
Near Royal Credit Union Building
Racing Pigs, Goats & Ducks
7:00pm – 7:30pm
Near WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Charlie Berens
8:00pm
Leinenkugel’s Main Stage
Marshall Star Band
8:30pm – Midnight
Leinenkugel’s Pavilion
ember
9:30pm – Midnight
Leinie Lodge
Sunday
July
14
Free Admission & Parking if within the Main Gate Entrance before 10:00am
NWSF Ferris Wheel 5K, in partnership with Chippewa Falls YMCA
8:00am
Main Gate Entry Area
Show – Open Dairy
9:00am
Custer Coliseum
Church at the Fair – Featuring Guest Speaker, Terrance Talley
10:00am
Leinenkugel’s Main Stage
Show – Open Draft Horse – All Hitch Classes
10:30am
Horse Arena
Petting Zoo – Fantasy Corral
10:00am – 5:00pm
Near Custer Coliseum
Syryczuk’s Carving – Wood Carving Demonstration
11:00am – 11:30am
Main Entry Road
Chippewa Falls YMCA
11:00am – 11:45am
WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Chippewa Falls Public Library – Adventure Lab
11:00am – 3:00pm
Building B
Paint Me First – Face Painting $
11:00am – 3:30pm
Building B
Pony Cycle – Fun on the Run $
11:00am – 5:00pm
Building A
Ace Helicopter Rides $
11:00am – 5:00pm
Near Main Gates
The Real Beal’s One Man Band
11:15am – 11:45am
Roaming
Chippewa Valley Beekeepers demonstration
Noon
Building B
Racing Pigs, Goats & Ducks
Noon – 12:30pm
Near WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Studio Sky – Aerial Arts demonstration
11:30am – Noon
Near Building B
Pony Rides – Fantasy Corral $
Noon – 5:00pm
Near Custer Coliseum
Kevin’s Juggling & Balloons
Noon – 5:00pm
Building B
The Real Beal’s One Man Band
12:30pm – 1:00pm
Roaming
Circus – Dominguez Attractions
12:45pm – 1:15pm
Near Royal Credit Union Building
WQOW Weather Academy
1:00pm – 1:30pm
Building B
Syryczuk’s Carving – Wood Carving Demonstration
1:00pm – 1:30pm
Main Entry Road
Racing Pigs, Goats & Ducks
1:15pm – 1:45pm
Near WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Studio Sky – Aerial Arts demonstration
12:45pm – 1:15pm
Near Building B
ClearWater Connection Quartet
1:45pm – 2:30pm
WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Meet the NWSF Fairest of the Fair
2:00pm – 2:30pm
Building B
The Real Beal’s One Man Band
2:00pm – 2:30pm
Roaming
Indoor Micro Beer Garden
2:00pm – 5:00pm
Building C
The Gators Band
2:00pm – 5:00pm
Leinie Lodge
Rich Schroeder
2:00pm – 5:00pm
Leinenkugel’s Pavilion
Racing Pigs, Goats & Ducks
2:30pm – 3:00pm
Near WEAU 13 News Front Porch
Bike Giveaway, Coordinated by Area EMS
3:00pm
EMS Building
Circus – Dominguez Attractions
3:00pm – 3:30pm
Near RCU Building
Studio Sky – Aerial Arts demonstration
3:00pm – 3:30pm
Near Building B
ClearWater Connection Quartet
3:30pm – 4:15pm
WEAU 13 News Front Porch
All Animals and Junior Exhibits can depart the Fairgrounds
4:00pm
Northern Wisconsin State Fair Address:
Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds
225 Edward Street (just off Highway 124)
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
(715) 723-2861 Website
A full Schedule of Events list is below! For more on Chippewa Falls in general and more about the Northern Wisconsin State Fair, check out our State Trunk Tour Chippewa Falls Podcast:
Elkhorn hosts Wisconsin’s largest BBQ Festival with Ribfest, which take place on the Walworth County Fairgrounds July 10-14, 2024!
Check out FOUR days of unbelievably delicious, mouth-watering barbecue and entertainment on the beautiful Walworth County Fairgrounds. This event features world-renowned professional BBQ champions, great entertainment, backyard grillers, an artisan village, and a ton of great live entertainment. Not only will you experience some of the best grillers and BBQers in the country, but plenty of other fun including beer and live music with plenty of family fun, including carnival rides and other kids’ activities!
FREE Admission and parking! Even free Wi-Fi, courtesy of Edge Broadband.
Music headliners include:
Wednesday, July 10th:
Prince Experience
Tennessee Whiskey: Chris Stapleton Tribute
Secret Menu
Lucky Pickers
Thursday, July 11th:
Bella Cain
Drew Cagle & The Reputation
Superfly
Miles Over Mountains
Karen Shook
Friday, July 12th:
The Hype!
Madison County
Lunchmoney Bullies
Lara Bell Music
Saturday, July 13th:
7th Heaven
The Cheap Shots
Rico: A Tribute To Santana
The Thompson Duo
Sunday, July 14th:
24K – A Tribute To Bruno Mars
Whiskey Romance
Cameron Webb
Ribfest Hours are 3 pm – 11pm Wednesday, 11 am – 11 pm Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 11am – 9pm Sunday.
You’ll find the Walworth County Fairgrounds just east of downtown Elkhorn, the seat of Walworth County. The grounds can be accessed off Court Street (Highway 11) just west of the U.S. 12 freeway and just northwest of the U.S. 12/I-43 interchange. Highway 67 is just to the west.
Elkhorn Ribfest Address:
411 East Court Street (Highway 11)
Elkhorn, WI 53121
(262) 723-3228 Website
Subfest in Manitowoc celebrates its 7th annual event July 3-4, 2021, at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, in combination with the annual Four On the Shore along the lakefront! Come celebrate the 4th of July in Manitowoc at this lakeside celebration, including live music all day, food, self-guided submarine tours, fireworks, kid-friendly activities, a parade, and so much more!
Wisconsin Maritime Museum admission is ONLY $4 all day for everyone, thanks to support from Meijer. General grounds will be open, and there will be special ticket pricing for Tall Ship Adventure tours.
Manitowoc is easy to access via I-43, U.S. 10, U.S. 151, or Highway 42. Follow Waldo Blvd. or U.S. 151 from I-43 to get to the downtown and lakefront areas, and be ready for a fantastic time! Don’t forget to pick up some candy and sweets at Beerntsen’s on 8th Street while you’re there (it’s a State Trunk Tour favorite) and explore Manitowoc’s craft breweries, including PetSkull Brewing downtown and Sabbatical Brewing Company on the west side of town!
A Schedule of Events is below!
2024 Subfest Schedule of Events:
Thursday, July 4th
9:00am – 5:00pm Museum and submarine open, (Veterans, retired military, and active duty military free all weekend)
10:00am – 4:00pm Product/Craft vendors open, YMCA Lot
10:00am Parade (route map) and USS Cobia whistle salute
10:45am – 1:00pm Chicago Mule playing in the East Museum Lot
11:00am – 10:00pm Food Vendors & Beverage Tent, East Museum Lot
11:00am – 10:00pm Sub Pub on the Water (Museum rooftop bar) open
12:00pm Whistle salute, USS Cobia
2:00pm – 5:00pm Make It A Double playing in the East Museum Lot
7:00pm – 11:00pm Rising Phoenix playing in the East Museum Lot
Friday, July 5th
9:00am – 5:00pm Museum and submarine open, (Veterans, retired military, and active duty military free all weekend)
9:00am Tolling of the Boats Ceremony, USS Cobia deck (public welcome to watch from the Riverwalk)
10:00am – 12:00pm Veteran Meet & Greet, WMM Riverview Room
11:00am – 5:00pm Live Music, Food Vendors, and Beverage Tent in East Museum Lot
12:00pm Film Screening – “Blindly We Fought,” WMM Riverview Room
1:00pm Chief of the Boat Presentation, WMM Riverview Room
2:00pm Ballistic Missile Submarine History & USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827), WMM Riverview Room
3:00pm USS Cobia Preservation Presentation, WMM Riverview Room
5:00pm – 10:00pm Sub Pub on the Water (Museum rooftop bar) open
Saturday, July 6th
9:00am – 5:00pm Museum and submarine open, (Veterans, retired military, and active duty military free all weekend)
1:00pm – 6:00pm Eddie Topple II playing at Submariner’s Pub in Two Rivers
5:00pm – 10:00pm Sub Pub on the Water (Museum rooftop bar) open
Sunday, July 7th
8:00am – 12:00pm Bubblehead Brunch buffet at Submariner’s Pub in Two Rivers
9:00am – 5:00pm Museum and submarine open, (Veterans, retired military, and active duty military free all weekend)
1:00pm – 5:00pm Sub Pub on the Water (Museum rooftop bar) open
Four On the Shore Events:
Parking and Transportation Information for Subfest 2024:
The parking lots at the Museum will not be available Sub Fest weekend. There are several public parking lots that will be available after 5:00 pm on Friday and street parking is also available throughout the downtown area. Maritime Drive will be closed off in front of the Museum from 8th street to Buffalo street. Motorcycle parking will be available on Maritime Drive between the Museum and Baymont Hotel. Entrance near the Baymont.
Manitowoc Subfest & Four on the Shore Address:
Wisconsin Maritime Museum
75 Maritime Drive
Manitowoc, WI 54220
(920) 684-0218 Website
The 79th annual Greek Fest Sheboygan takes place Friday – Sunday, June 28-30, 2024 in Sheboygan’s Deland Park on the shores of Lake Michigan! Greek Fest, sponsored by St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, is three full days of authentic Greek food, pastries, beer and wine, and traditional music.
The dance performances and usual Sunday Liturgy service is BACK in 2024! There will be activities for kids including inflatables, and a Sunday raffle also offers the opportunity to win prizes.
The Greek food including gyros, spinach pies, baklava, hot honey puffs, rotisserie chicken with Greek spices, flaming cheese, and more. The flaming cheese – called Saganaki – is breaded Sartori Fontina cheese served with pita bread. Enjoy a tantalizing hot honey puff or some baklava-topped ice cream. FREE admission, free parking. Opa!!
Craving an art-filled weekend brimming with the most luscious summer fruit? Check out the 40th annual Cedarburg Strawberry Festival, sponsored by BMO Harris Bank, June 22-23, 2024. This free, family-oriented festival is a favorite of many, drawing up to 100,000 people annually to toast the bold and delicious fruit in all its forms, and enjoy some of the most decadent homegrown strawberries in the area.
The Cedarburg Strawberry Festival’s many food vendors are sure to please any palate, boasting about an extensive Food Court near the Community Center, offering everything from summer favorites like hamburgers, chicken, BBQ and roasted corn, to sweet treats and specialty foods. Festival Food Court’s exclusive favorites include the “Original” Strawberry Brat, Strawberry Chicken Wrap, and strawberry shortcake. Wander through the Festival for other locally made delicacies such as strawberry pie, strawberry crepes, strawberry slushies and chocolate-covered strawberries. Schmit’s Berry Farm, a local grower, provides the festival with the most ripe and juicy strawberries, available for purchase by the quart.
For attendees with a taste for wine, Cedar Creek Winery’s Strawberry Blush Wine is a must – this and the winery’s other award-winning wines can be purchased by the glass throughout the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival.
Wander down Washington Avenue and you’ll see why “Art is a Tradition” in Cedarburg. Fondly referred to as “Arts on the Avenue,” Strawberry Festival highlights more than 250 of the best local and Midwest artists who bring their combined perspectives, skills, and thousands of works of arts to the streets of Cedarburg, including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber art, fine glass, woodwork, mixed media, and photography. Art on the Avenue is a combined effort of four local organizations, the Cedarburg Cultural Center, Cedar Creek Settlement Merchant’s Association, the Ozaukee Art Center and the Cedarburg Art Museum, and offers one-of-a-kind works of art from functional to surreal, from witty to the elegantly decorative, as well as the opportunity to meet most of the artists in person.
Cedar Creek Settlement events at the north end of town include live bands, food, and features a new Cedar Creek Marketplace as well as a merchant’s marketplace and indoor shopping. The Sunday Morning Strawberry Pancake Breakfast will be worth checking out. The popular breakfast takes place on the north end of the Festival grounds from 8:00-11:00 a.m. and is served by the Cedar Creek Settlement merchants. More than 1,000 customers get their fill of mouthwatering strawberry pancakes while listening to live music outside along Cedar Creek.
Live music all over the Festival’s Historic District satisfies every audiophile all day Saturday and Sunday. The best place to enjoy the live music is at the Gruber Law Office Main Stage – Festival Food Court which will feature rockin’ fun cover bands like Our House and Life in a Tree. Enjoy live music into the evening with extended hours until 8:30 p.m on Saturday, June 25th. The Beer Garden offers shaded seating and is in close proximity to the main Festival Food Court.
For the littlest strawberry-lovers, Henry’s Kids Korner at Cedar Creek Park offers Jo-Don Farms pony rides and petting zoo, inflatable bounce houses, food and tons of other activities and vendors. One of the most popular events is the CedarQuacker 500 sponsored by Port Washington State Bank, where hundreds of rubber ducks are launched into the creek in a race to the finish Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 3 p.m.
You can check out a little more of Historic Cedarburg with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Ozaukee County’s “Berry Big” 5K Run/Walk, which kicks off in Cedar Creek Park on Saturday at 8:15 a.m. for the timed runners and 8:25 a.m. for fun runners/walkers. The route circles through the neighborhoods that surround the downtown area.
If you tire of walking, take a ride on the Country Aire Rides Tractor Hayride Shuttle that travels around the festival route. Off the festival footprint, the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts will feature exhibits and fun family activities.
You’ll find the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival in Cedarburg’s historic downtown along Washington Avenue (historic Highway 57), a few miles north of Highway 167, just east of Highway 181, and south of Highway 60.
Cedarburg Strawberry Festival Address:
Downtown Cedarburg
Washington Avenue
Cedarburg, WI 53012
(262) 377-5856 Website
Ellsworth backs up its claim as the “Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin” with their annual Cheese Curd Festival this weekend, filled with flavor and fun! We’re talking over 6,000 pounds of curds here.
This free festival offers a wide variety of cheese curd dishes from Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery for sampling, super-fresh and available battered or not with a variety of pairings, dips, and more.
Also enjoy over 30 craft brews to choose from, along with hard ciders, wines, and other local and regional beverages to try with your curds.
You can also take in eclectic live music performances and other activities for the entire family, including a classic car show, antique tractor show, games, and more. U.S. 10, U.S. 63, and Highway 65 will bring you to town and ensure you don’t leave hungry – or short on calcium.
Ellsworth Cheese Curd Festival Address:
East End Park
U.S. Highways 10/63 at East Wall Street
Ellsworth, WI 54011
(715) 273-6442 Website
Ellsworth Cheese Curd Festival Schedule of Events:
FRIDAY, JUNE 21 – 4 – 10 pm
4pm- 7pm Artisan Marketplace
– Part arts and crafts, part farmers market. Browse regional specialties and locally grown, handmade and handcrafted goods.
4pm – 6pm: Craft & Curd, Paired: the ultimate brewery face-off! Five local breweries battle it out for best brew and cheese curd flavor pairing. Who will win? That’s up to you–You’re the judge for this intense (and tasty) competition! Happening at the Tasting Tent
4:30pm – 7:30pm: Thomas Michael, Broadway Street Stage
5pm – Dark: Classic Car Cruise-In & Show, Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery Lot
6:30pm – 8:30pm: Corks & Kegs Tasting Event. Plan to take part in the tasting experiences offered during the festival. Kegs & Corks adult tasting experiences feature local and regional craft beer, wine and hard cider. A happy hour like no other, enjoy unlimited sampling and light appetizers while visiting with the brewers, crafters and reps. At the Tasting Tent.
6:00pm-9:00pm, Them Pesky Kids, Park Stage
7:30pm-9:00pm, 3OTT Point Stage
SATURDAY, JUNE 22 – 10am – 10 pm
8am: 5K/10K Run
8am-10am: Pancake Breakfast
9:30am: Run Awards, Park Stage
10am-7pm: Artisan Marketplace. Part arts and crafts, part farmers market. Browse regional specialties and locally grown, handmade and handcrafted goods. Broadway Street
10am-11:30am: C3 Praise Band, Point Stage
11am-12noon: Milk & Cookie Pairing (while supplies last) The Milk & Cookie Pairing and Farmer Meet & Greet is not to be missed! A great opportunity shake hands with a real farmer and learn about today’s agriculture and what it takes to put food on the tables of families across America. At the Tasting Tent.
11:00am-12:30pm: The Hot Mess, Park Stage
12:30-1:30pm: Ice Cream Tasting, Tasting Tent. Families won’t want to miss the Ice Cream Tasting, a one-hour real dairy flavor celebration featuring creative combinations crafted by the innovative folks from UW-River Falls Food Sciences Department.
1:00pm-3:00pm: Dave Snyder, Broadway Street Stage
1:30pm-3:30pm: Vivian Hayes & The Hi-Praise, Park Stage
2:00pm Cheese Curd Eating Contest
2:00pm-3:30pm: Block Party!, Park Stage. One of the largest cheese tastings in the area. Enjoy cheese right off the ‘block’!
3:00pm-4:30pm: Ross Williams Perry, Point Stage
4pm-6pm: Craft & Curd: Paired. Five regional craft breweries compete for your votes by pairing their favorite craft brew with a custom cheese curd flavor! Which craft and curd pairing will be the winner? That’s up to you when you cast your vote for your favorite. At the Tasting Tent.
4:30pm-6:30pm: Left Wing Bourbon, Park Stage
6:00pm-8:00pm: Trandy Blue, Broadway Street Stage
6:00pm-8:00pm: Debbie Briggs, Point Stage
6:30pm-7:30pm: Corks & Kegs Tasting Event, Tasting Tent. Plan to take part in the tasting experiences offered during the festival. Kegs & Corks adult tasting experiences feature local and regional craft beer, wine and hard cider. A happy hour like no other, enjoy unlimited sampling and light appetizers while visiting with the brewers, crafters and reps.
7:30pm-9:30pm: Jim Stairs & Squishy Mud, Park Stage
Hayward hosts Musky Fest Friday, June 21st through Sunday, June 23rd with a huge celebration that offers over 120 handmade art and crafts booths, sidewalk sales, live music on Friday and Saturday nights, kids’ games and entertainment including a carnival, a 5k and 10k run/walk, parade, Musky Queen Scholarship program and the Hayward Lions Club fishing contest. The theme in 2024 is “For the Love of Musky!”
As you may know (and if you don’t, now you will), Hayward is home to the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and includes the World’s Largest Musky that you can explore and even climb up into. Musky Fest is fun for the whole family as it celebrates the musky, fishing, the North Woods, and so much more. U.S. 63 and Highways 27 and 77 bring you to this beautiful town!
11am – 3pm
Face Painting and Balloon Animals on Second Street sponsored by Frandsen Bank
10am – 5pm
Caricatures by Rachel near the Sevenwinds Casino Main Stage in Downtown Hayward
10am – 5pm
Speed Ball Throw on Third Street presented by the Knights of Columbus
10am – 5pm Fishing Contest Booth Open for Registrations near the Food Court on Main Street – Presented by Muskies Inc. – Hayward Lakes Chapter & Hayward Bass Club
10am – 10pm
Hayward Lions Club and Hayward Rotary Club’s Beer and Brat Tents Open
11am – 3pm
Meet & Greet with Hall of Fame Fisherman Babe Winkelman
11am – 10pm
Carnival Open at the Fuller Building Lot Courtesy of St. Joe’s Catholic Church
12pm – 4pm
Carnival Wrist Band Hours, all ages $25 each
12pm – 4pm
Learn to Fish Event at Shue’s Pond – Courtesy of the Wisconsin DNR
Noon
Mini, Little Miss, & Junior Musky Queen Presentation Presented by the Hayward Dairy Queen on the Sevenwinds Casino Main Stage in Downtown Hayward
4pm Fishing Contest Raffle & Prize Ceremony at the Fishing Contest Booth on Main Street Presented by Muskies Inc. – Hayward Lakes Chapter & Hayward Bass Club
Well, THIS is an interestingly-named event: the Roofing of the Goats Parade takes place in Sister Bay on Saturday, June 8th, 2024 at 11:00 am right along Highway 42.
All goats are invited to participate in the 10th annual Roofing of the Goats parade! Don’t have a goat? Then line up and watch the famous Al Johnson’s goats while they head down the streets to climb up onto the sod roof. They will be joined by many of their local Door County goat friends who will also be at the festivities. Goat costumes, goatees, Viking hats, and other creative endeavors are encouraged. The parade begins at the corner of Mill Road and Highway 42 in downtown Sister Bay, and goes a trot, kick and a leap down the road to Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant. The parade culminates with the roofing of the first goats of the season at Al Johnson’s (weather permitting – the goats don’t go on the roof in rain or snow). The Goat Parade will be followed by Al Johnson’s annual Goat Fest, located at Stabbur Beer Garden, next to the restaurant. Goat Fest will feature all day festivities including: live music, kid’s games, various beverages, great food, and a Swedish Pancake Eating contest. Other businesses throughout town will also be celebrating with specials.
Returning this year is the Goat Drop Contest. You can help support the Northern Door Food Pantry and have some fun. With a purchase of a goat drop sticker, you will be entered in to win a Trek Fat Tire Cruiser bike from Husby’s and Flanigan’s Distributing, a $100 gift card from Al Johnson’s, or a Lunch and Farm Tour from Door County Creamery. Stickers will be placed on the street along the parade route. To win, a Goat must make a deposit on your sticker during the Goat parade. All proceeds will go to the Northern Door Food Pantry at the Sister Bay Baptist Church. Stickers will be available for purchase at the parade, or if you can’t attend you can still join in on the fun and purchase your stickers online. You do not need to be present to win! Buy your stickers HERE.
Parade line up begins on the southeast corner of Highway 42 (N. Bay Shore Dr.) and Mill Road, and begins at 11:00 a.m. Don’t be late…the goats walk fast!
After the parade, Goat Fest at Al Johnson’s will begin, and includes Live Music, Kids Games and Crafts, a Swedish Pancake Eating Contest and more.
Sister Bay Roofing of the Goats Parade Address:
Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik
10698 N. Bay Shore Road (Highway 42)
Sister Bay, WI 54234
(920) 854-2626 Website
Start:
June 8, 2024 10:30 am
End:
June 8, 2024 5:00 pm
Venue:
Al Johnson's Swedish Butik
Phone:
920-854-2626
Address:
10698 N. Bay Shore Road, Sister Bay, WI, 54234, United States
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events
August 22, 2024 – August 25, 2024
Rutabaga Festival, Cumberland
Let’s face it: the Rutabaga doesn’t get enough recognition. Cumberland rectifies that with their annual Rutabaga Festival Thursday, August 22nd through Sunday, August 25th!
Happening since 1932, Cumberland’s Rutabaga Festival includes live entertainment, a pedal tractor pull, pepper-eating contest, basketball shootout, craft show, morning bike tour, a grand parade… and rutabagas. (Which we think are what makes a pasty so much better!)
Come enjoy the Cumberland Rutabaga Festival Run on Saturday morning! Choose from a half marathon, 5K run, or 2 mile fun run/walk. All races start at 8 am at the Cumberland High School. You can also just watch if you prefer and cheer everyone on.
You’ll find Cumberland – aka “The Island City” – along U.S. 63 and Highway 48 in northwestern Barron County. Check out the amazing selection at Louie’s Finer Meats in town while you’re there! It’s a State Trunk Tour favorite.
Cumberland Rutabaga Festival Address:
Downtown Cumberland
Cumberland, WI 54829
(715) 822-FEST
Website
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August 17, 2024 – August 18, 2024
Art & Chalk Fest, West Bend
West Bend’s Museum of Wisconsin Art hosts its annual Art & Chalk Fest Saturday, August 17th and Sunday, August 18th. This free, outdoor, fine arts festival features 65+ fine artists selling their work and 15+ chalk artists from across the nation creating masterpieces before your eyes!
Art activities for all ages are offered throughout the weekend along with live entertainment and music, food vendors, a beer garden, an art raffle, and free admission for the weekend to the Museum of Wisconsin Art. You can create your own chalk masterpiece on the concrete canvas of Veterans Avenue. Cool off inside the museum with art projects and grab an interactive family guide to explore the Among the Wonders of the Dells exhibition! The MOWA Shop will also be open to shop more Wisconsin art along with an outdoor booth.
The Food and Beer Garden will offer beers from Lakefront Brewery, wines and sangria, soda, water, and more. Food selections include Just Smokin’ Barbecue, the Falafel Guys, Lovely & Tasty Walking Taco, Cousins Subs, Laughing Mountain Popcorn, Nosh Nook, CS Foods, Purple Door Ice Cream, J. Wade Confections, the Nutman Company, and Concoctions.
Live Entertainment Schedule:
Saturday, August 17th
10:30 Milwaukee Hittaz Drumline
1:30 Warped Dance Company
3:30 Peter Alt Group
Sunday, Augsut 18th
10:30 Little Priest Singers
1:30 Warped Dance Company
3:30 Sainted Patrons
You’ll find the Museum of Wisconsin Art along the east banks of the Milwaukee River in downtown West Bend. It’s along the Eisenbahn State Trail, just south of Highway 33/Washington Avenue. Highway 144 comes in from the north and west; the U.S. 45 freeway bypass is less than two miles to the west. Nearby, you can also enjoy shopping in downtown West Bend, local brews at the Riverside Brewery, custard at the Toucan on Highway 144, and more.
Art & Chalk Fest Address:
Museum of Wisconsin Art
205 Veterans Avenue
West Bend, WI 53095
(262) 334-9639
Website
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August 14, 2024 – August 18, 2024
Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival
The 71st annual Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival is BACK at Angell Park this year, taking place Wednesday, August 14th through Sunday, August 18th, 2024!
Enjoy a carnival-midway complete with a wide variety of carnival games and rides, food booths, live bands, a “kiddie korner” with large inflatables, a cornhole tournament, family entertainment, a beer shelter, and much more! Of course fresh, locally-grown sweet corn is available to enjoy. Check out parades and a music lineup including:
The Dirtybirds
Supertuesday
The Jimmys
La Movida (the radio station)
Angell Park is a beautiful historic park adjacent to Sun Prairie’s downtown. It’s also home to the Angell Park Speedway, a 1/3 dirt oval that dates back to 1903! You can reach Angell Park via Highway 19 through the city. From the U.S. 151 bypass, follow Main Street or the Highway 19 exit. You can also easily reach Angell Park via County N north from I-94 at the Cottage Grove exit.
Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival Address:
Angell Park & Angell Park Speedway
300 Park Street
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
(608) 837-4547
Website
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August 10, 2024
Yellowstone Trail Heritage Day
Hudson was the last Wisconsin stop for westbound travelers on the iconic Yellowstone Trail, which in St. Croix County roughly follows the path of today’s U.S. 12. The city celebrates 111 years of history for the Trail on Saturday, August 10th this year with Yellowstone Trail Heritage Day.
The year was 1912 and the auto was gaining popularity. It wasn’t uncommon for horse drawn wagons to share potholes with the automobiles that also traveled the country roads and passed through everything the horses left behind.
A few ambitious folks got together and decided to connect county roads which resulted in the first transcontinental road – The Yellowstone Trail. From “Plymouth Rock to Puget Sound!”
Check out Hudson on August 10th for family fun around town with a Vintage and Class Car Show, Cemetery Walk, Pie and Ice Cream Social, Children’s Activities and a drive on the Yellowstone Trail!
Other activities planned include a Car Show, Children’s Activities, a Pie & Ice Cream Social at First Baptist Church, Historic Downtown Hudson Walking Tours, Cemetery Walk @ Willow River Cemetery, Octagon House Tours, Ciranda Garden Fair, Non-Profit Community Fair, Coco’s Heart Rescue, and more. Check out their website for details.
Hudson is right along U.S. 12 (which follows portions of the original Yellowstone Trail) and Highway 35. I-94 runs along the south side of town, and Highway 64 is just a few miles north. Check out this beautiful city on the St. Croix River, and for great waterfalls and trails be sure to hit Willow River State Park nearby!
Yellowstone Trail Heritage Day Address:
Various locations in downtown Hudson
Hudson, WI 54016
(715) 386-8411
Website
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August 9, 2024 – August 11, 2024
Irishfest La Crosse
La Crosse celebrates its Irish heritage and parties down at Irishfest the weekend of August 9-11, 2024! They call it “the only Irishfest under a roof,” but there’s indoor and outdoor fun to be had. Load up on great Irish food from Corned beef, cabbage and mash to a Banger sandwich, Kilkenny Coddle, or Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheesecake. Quaff beverages from Guinness, Killian’s Irish Red, Harp, and Finnegan’s to a variety of Irish teas and Leprechaun Punch. Nearby restaurants like Dublin Square in La Crosse and the Monarch Public House from Fountain City will be there to make sure you’re all fueled up.
Enjoy great live music on multiple stages from performers like Gaelic Storm, Seo Linn, Byrne Brothers, Onoir, Screaming Orphans, Gadan, Scattering hosted by Ian Gould, performances from the Glencastle Irish Dancers, and many more!
You’ll find plenty of activities on the Harp Stage, in the Cultural Tent, kids can enjoy the Wee Folks Area, play Highland Games, or explore your ancestry in the Genealogy Tent.
Participate in the Irishfest Raffle and you could win a trip to Ireland, to Scotland, or to next year’s Irishfest La Crosse (that would be the order of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes…)
Saturday, check out the Killian’s Kilt Run/Walk Saturday morning, or participate in the Mashed Potato Eating Contest (basically, burning carbs or taking them in!) Saturday afternoon at 1pm, and then watch Irish Road Bowling. Fireworks will light up the sky Saturday night! Sunday morning features an Irish Fiddle Contest.
Tickets are $25 for a 3-Day Pass, and $15 for an adult one-day pass. Children 17 and Under are FREE during the entire festival.
Get the Irishfest La Crosse Schedule of Events here!
Irishfest La Crosse Festival Hours:
Friday, August 9th: 4 pm – Midnight
Saturday, August 10th: Noon – Midnight
Sunday, August 11th: Mass 10am, rest of grounds 11 am – 6pm
You’ll find Irishfest right off U.S. 53 in La Crosse, about 4 miles south of I-90. U.S. 14/61 and Highways 16, 33, and 35 all bring you into town!
Irishfest La Crosse Address:
Southside Fest Grounds
2nd & La Crosse Streets
La Crosse, WI 54602
(800) 658-9424
Website
Plenty of Irish dancing will be there for your entertainment too, like this!
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August 9, 2024 – August 11, 2024
Sheboygan Midwest Racing Challenge
The Sheboygan Midwest Challenge, a festival and celebration of powerboat racing, will feature the top categories of U.S. powerboat racing. The UIM Class 1 World Championship returns with boats capable of 160 mph!
For the first time, Sheboygan is also a host city to the American Powerboat Racing Association’s (APBA) National Championship, with 14 classes of fast boats in action. More than 60 race teams are expected to participate with competitors from around the world, including Australia, Italy, Sweden, Canada, the United Kingdom, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas. You can view the action from the harbor area or the expansive areas along North and South Beach. Throughout downtown Sheboygan, you’ll find ample facilities for food, drink, and lodging.
Sheboygan Midwest Challenge Schedule of Events:
FRIDAY AUGUST 9
10:00 am to 5:00 pm: Walk through the pit area near Deland Park to see the boats and race crew up close and personal.
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm: Watch the high-speed testing of the race boats on Lake Michigan. The six-mile offshore course is along the Sheboygan South Beach, Kite Beach, and South Shore.
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm: Enjoy the kickoff block party at City Green downtown. View the powerboats that will be racing in the Sheboygan Midwest Challenge as they set up on the streets of downtown. Dance to the music of the King of Mars at City Green. Food trucks and beverage concessions are available. Accessible to the public.
SATURDAY AUGUST 10
9:00 am to 5:00 pm: P1 Fan Zone opens at the end of South Pier, where vendors, food trucks, and beverages are located.
9:30 am to 4:00 pm: VIP Hospitality tent open at South Pier lawn. Tickets for the VIP tent are available at https://tealreef.ticketspice.com/sheboygan.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm: Walk through the pit area near Deland Park to see the boats and race crew up close and personal.
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.: Bring your chairs, blankets, food, and drinks and watch the races on the six-mile offshore course along Sheboygan South Beach, Kite Beach, and South Shore. Food trucks and beverage stations are also available throughout the area.
11:00 am to 6:00 pm: Sheboygan Yacht Club will host a brat fry and concessions in the northeast lot and outdoor pavilion just north of the river on Broughton Drive. After walking through the pit area, stop in for food and beverages. Spectators, visitors, and the public are welcome on the Yacht Club grounds—live music from Uncle Meat from 4:30 to 7:30 pm.
11:00 am: Opening Ceremony to kick off the races on the South Pier lawn. Watch the powerboat races streamed to the jumbo screen at the official event stage on the South Pier lawn.
11:30 am to 12:30 pm: Class 1 Qualifying Round
12:45 pm to 1:45 pm: Race 1 – Superstock Class
2:00 pm to 10:00 pm: Driftwood South Pier serves food and drinks under the tent. Live music from Benson Klemme from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm and the Flying Zebras from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm.
2:15 pm to 3:15 pm: Race 2 – Class 1 (Race 1)
3:15 pm to 4:15 pm: Race 3 – 450R, Super V
SUNDAY AUGUST 11
9:00 am to 2:00 pm: Driftwood South Pier serves beverages under the tent featuring Bloody Mary’s and Mimosa’s. 9:00 am to 5:00 pm: P1 Fan Zone opens at the end of Sout Pier, where vendors, food trucks, and beverages are located. 9:00 am to 4:00 pm: Walk through the pit area near Deland Park to see the boats and race crew up close and personal. 9:30 am to 4:00 pm: VIP Hospitality tent open at South Pier lawn. Tickets for the VIP tent are available at https://tealreef.ticketspice.com/sheboygan.
9:30 am to 4:00 pm: Bring your chairs, blankets, food, and drinks and watch the races on the six-mile offshore course along Sheboygan South Beach, Kite Beach, and South Shore. Food trucks and beverage stations are also available throughout the area.
10:00 am: Opening Ceremony to kick off the races on the South Pier lawn. Watch the powerboat races streamed to the jumbo screen at the official event stage on the South Pier lawn.
11:00 am to 12 pm: Race 4 – Class 1 MAVTV (Race 2)
12:15 pm to 1:15 pm: Race 5 – Bracket Class 700, 600, 500
1:45 pm to 2:45 pm: Race 6 – Mod V, (Bracket 400, 300, 200)
2:45 pm to 3:15 pm: Race 7 – Supercat
5:00 pm: Celebrate with the winners at the Awards Ceremony on the main stage on the South Pier lawn.
You can get to downtown Sheboygan and the lakefront via Highways 23, 28, or 42 in from I-43.
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August 8, 2024 – August 11, 2024
Watertown Riverfest
Watertown Riverfest is back at Riverside Park along the Rock River, Thursday, August 8th through Sunday, August 11th this year! Riverfest is FREE once again this year with plenty of fun, family-friendly activities and live music.
Some Riverfest Events Include:
Riverfest Half Marathon and 5K Saturday morning, 8:30am start
Bean Bag Tournament Saturday morning, 10am
Craft Fair Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 5pm, with plenty of artists and craftsman display their items in a natural setting on the Riverside Park island
Horseshoe Tourament, Saturday, 1:00pm
Raft/Kayak Race Saturday 9:30am, Two person raft race on the Rock River from the Main Street bridge at Tivoli Island to Riverside Park
Classic Car Show featuring classic automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles Sunday, 9am – 3pm
FULL Watertown Riverfest Schedule of Events
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8TH
4:00 – 10:00pm A Taste of Watertown
4:00 – 8:00pm Face Painting/Body Art
4:00 – 8:00pm Chainsaw Art
4:00 – 9:00pm Bernie Tennis/Caricature Artist
4:00 – 10:00pm RVR Rides (wristband 5-9pm)
4:00 – 5:00pm Happy Hour Drink Specials w/Big Style Brass Band
5:00 – 6:45pm Big Spoon
7:15 – 10:00pm BACK TO THE ’90s featuring COLOR ME BADD, C&C MUSIC FACTORY FEATURING FREEDOM WILLIAMS & YOUNG MC
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9TH
12:00noon – 10:00pm RVR Rides (wristband noon-5pm)
12:00noon – 8:00pm Face Painting/Body Art
12:00noon – 9:00pm Bernie Tennis/Caricature Artist
4:00 – 8:00pm Chainsaw Art
noon – 10:00pm A Taste of Watertown
4:00 – 5:00pm Happy Hour Drink Specials w/Big Style Brass Band
5:00 – 6:30pm COMMOTION – TRIBUTE TO THE MUSIC OF CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL
7:00 – 10:00pm BREE MORGAN RELOADED
10:00pm Pyromusical Fireworks & Laser Light Show
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10TH
8:00am Kids Fun Run
8:30am 5K Run
9:00am – 5:00pm Craft Fair
9:00am – 8:00pm Bernie Tennis/Caricature Artist
10:00am Bean Bag Tournament
11:00am – 8:00pm Chainsaw Art
11:00am – 10:00pm A Taste of Watertown
12 Noon – 8:00pm Face Painting / Body Art
12noon – 10:00pm RVR Rides (wristband noon-5pm)
1:00 – 3:00pm Horseshoe Tournament
1:00 – 3:30pm DJ Shawna
1:30 – 2:00pm Milwaukee Bucks Rim Rockers Performance
2:00 – 2:30pm Milwaukee Bucks Bango Mingle and Dance Party
2:30 – 3:00pm Milwaukee Bucks Rim Rockers Performance
3:30 – 6:00pm Pat McCurdy
6:30 – 8:00pm Hypnotized – The Music of Fleetwood Mac
8:30 – 10:00pm STARSHIP, FEATURING MICKEY THOMAS
10:15pm Pyromusical Fireworks & Laser Light Show (RAIN DATE)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11TH
9:00am Tennis Tournament
9:00am – 3:00pm Car Show
9:00am – 5:00pm Craft Fair
11:00am – 1:30pm Chainsaw Art
11:00am – 5:00pm A Taste of Watertown
11:45am – noon Main Street Bridge Naming Ceremony
12noon – 5:00pm Face Painting / Body Art
12noon – 6:00pm RVR Rides (wristband noon-5pm)
12noon – 2:00pm Big Al & the Hi-Fi’s
2:30pm – 5:00pm COUNT’S 77
3:00pm Chainsaw Art Auction
3:30pm – 4:00pm Car Show Awards
5:00pm Raffle Drawing
5:30pm Festival Closes
Watertown is right where Highways 16, 19, and 26 meet. It’s about 7 miles north of I-94
Watertown Riverfest Address:
916 Labaree Street
Watertown, WI 53098
Website
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August 1, 2024 – August 4, 2024
Mile of Music
Appleton’s “Mile of Music” Festival (X/Twitter: @MileofMusicFest) serves up original singer-songwriters, combos and multi-piece bands showcasing Americana music at both its most colorful and its very best. Genres include roots and indie rock, country, gospel, soul, R&B, jazz and folk. This year’s Mile of Music 11 takes place August 1-4, 2024.
This grassroots festival was co-founded by Appleton marketing executive Dave Willems and Appleton/Nashville-based national recording artist and Grammy nominee Cory Chisel in 2013. Willems Marketing & Events continues to run Mile of Music, with the support of over 100 community organizations and sponsors. Presenting sponsor Fox Communities Credit Union and other major sponsors have allowed this event to be FREE.
Mile of Music is noted as a “handcrafted artisan festival” with over 200 artists and acts across 40 venues spanning a mile… of music (hence the name!)
Venues vary and include coffee shops, bars, parks, restaurants, museums and other public spaces. with more of them outdoors in the wake of the pandemic we all had to deal with. Some of Mile 11’s biggest artists will perform at the Main Stage in Houdini Plaza, one of the festival’s most popular venues. Remember, Harry Houdini spent time in Appleton and claimed it as his hometown!
Local brewpub Stone Arch will offer up its artisan Mile of Music Americana Pale Ale to add to the flavor of the festival. Music fans who love bicycling can work off those beer calories and indulge their music passions with Bike to the Beat. Added fun includes the Tub of Tunes giveaway, where one lucky attendee will win a bathtub full of CDs and vinyl from Mile 10 artists.
They even have their own radio station, Mile of Music Radio. Listen to it here!
Check it out all weekend in Appleton. Their website has the complete lineup, and you can also download their special app for updates, details on all the events, and more. You can also get the full schedule here – it’s a busy one!
Appleton is easily accessible via I-41, U.S. 10, Highways 15, 47, 96, or, of course 125 – because if you’re on Highway 125, you’re in Appleton already. Highway 441 provides a bypass around the city that allows you to enter from points east and south.
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July 20, 2024 – July 21, 2024
Midsummer Festival of the Arts
The John Michael Kohler Arts Center celebrates the Midsummer Festival of the Arts July 20-21, 2024. More than 135 artists descend on downtown Sheboygan for a weekend of exhibitions, all set amidst gardens surrounding the world-class Arts Center with its light-filled spaces, 12 galleries, and ARTcafe.
Fun, hands-on workshops for the whole family include “Concrete Creations: Fantasy Faces,” Clay Play, Marvelous Magificent Mobiles, and face painting for the kids (I think it’s just for kids, heck, doesn’t hurt to ask if you’re a grown-up and want your face painted, too.)
Visit the food court where the Culinary Art Car and other food trucks will recharge your energy reserves with a wrap, cheese curds, bratwurst, gyros, ice cream, or one of many other delicious treats.
Festivalgoers will be treated to “finger-snappin’, toe-tappin’”, free concerts from the Levitt AMP Sheboygan Music Series. The lineup includes the Mark Croft Band and Well-Known Strangers on Saturday. This Big Life, King Solomon, and Big Little Lions are scheduled to take the stage on Sunday.
Click here for all the details on the Midsummer Festival of the Arts, including a schedule of events and all the particulars. Admission is FREE.
Midsummer Festival of the Arts Address:
John Michael Kohler Arts Center
608 New York Avenue
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 458-6144
You’ll find the John Michael Kohler Arts Center on New York Avenue just east of 7th Street. It’s right between the heart of the Sheboygan’s downtown and Lake Michigan. Highways 23, 28, and 42 all bring you into town!
While in Sheboygan, check out their new City Green, which we discuss (along with many other things Sheboygan!) in our State Trunk Tour Podcast:
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July 18, 2024 – July 21, 2024
Country Thunder
Some of the biggest acts in country music hit Twin Lakes for Country Thunder over four days, July 18-21, 2024! Country Thunder takes place in multiple venues across North America including Arizona, Tennessee, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Florida, and Wisconsin! It takes place in Twin Lakes, right by the Wisconsin-Illinois border between Lake Geneva and Kenosha. Plenty of campsites are available and you can purchase tickets here. If you don’t want to camp, you can stay elsewhere and shuttle in, including the Lakefront Shuttle from Lake Geneva.
Country Thunder Headliners & Lineups for 2024:
3:30pm Grace Tyler
5:00pm Dillon Carmichael
6:30pm Stephen Wilson Jr.
8:00pm Randy Houser
10:00pm Koe Wetzel
Friday, July 19
3:30pm Lauren Watkins
5:00pm John Morgan
6:30pm Phil Vassar
8:00pm Kip Moore
10:00pm Lainey Wilson
Saturday, July 20
2:00pm Emily Ann Roberts
3:30pm Josh Ross
5:00pm The Bellamy Brothers
6:30pm Jake Worthington
8:00pm Bailey Zimmerman
10:00pm Nickelback
Sunday, July 21
2:30pm Meghan Patrick
4:00pm Randall King
5:30pm Jackson Dean
7:00pm Elle King
9:00pm Eric Church
The Boathouse Cabana will feature many additional acts across all four days.
The Country Thunder grounds are very close to the Wisconsin-Illinois state line, centrally located between Highway O and Highway P, near 119th St in southwestern Kenosha County. U.S. 12 is close by; Twin Lakes is a few miles south of Highway 50 and west of U.S. 45 and Highway 83.
Country Thunder Wisconsin Address:
Country Thunder East
2305 Lance Drive
Twin Lakes, WI 53181
(866) 802-6418
Website
July 13, 2024 – July 21, 2024
Salmon-A-Rama
Racine’s annual Salmon-A-Rama is a popular tournament open to all anglers on Lake Michigan, with nine days of entertainment for the whole family! Now one of the largest freshwater salmon and trout tournaments in the world, Salmon-A-Rama features participation categories like the off shore/Boat division, on shore, youth, kayak, Two-In-A-Boat and Super Sweepstakes.
The Grand Prize is a combination of $25,000 cash and a 9.9-horsepower Yamaha outboard motor or the choice of a GMC Canyon, Buick Encore or Chevrolet Camaro. There’s an additional $70,000 in cash and prizes in several categories. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Lake Michigan fishery for future generations to enjoy.
Salmon-A-Rama is not only a fishing tournament, it’s also a festival. There will be something for everyone. There will be bands, raffles, a bags tournament, pig roast, smelt fry, fish boil, kids entertainment and so much more.
Salmon-A-Rama kicks off at 12:01 am Saturday, July 13th (so you might also say late Friday night) and it runs through 11 am on Sunday, July 21st. Tournament headquarters are at Pershing Park, 500 Pershing Drive, on Racine’s lakefront. You can stop by the tent every day to check on the leaderboards and/or explore the variety of vendors, the fish weigh-in, and numerous fish cooking and smoking demonstrations.
Salmon-A-Rama is presented by Salmon Unlimited of Wisconsin. You can get tournament updates on their website, including ticket information.
Pershing Park and the Racine lakefront is accessible via Highways 11, 20, 32, and 38, all about 8 miles east of I-41/94.
Salmon-A-Rama Address:
Pershing Park
500 Pershing Drive
Racine, WI 53043
(262) 995-3459
Website
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July 11, 2024 – July 14, 2024
Hodag Country Festival
Rhinelander is the home of the legendary hodag, so it’s only fitting when an amazing country music festival is hosted in town, it’s called the Hodag Country Festival, right?? The 46th edition of the Hodag Country Festival is ready to roll July 11-14, 2024!
There will be a band playing in the Pavilion every day starting Saturday, July 6th, plus a Karaoke Contest will be held on Thursday, July 11th. The chair line will still be on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, however, they have a new procedure with a change in the times for chairs to be put down (the goal is to shorten the lines.) The Chair Line Details can be found here.
The Hodag lineup this year includes:
Thursday, July 11th:
4:30pm Jenna Jane
5:45pm Brett Westgrove
7:00pm Neal McCoy
9:00pm Ashley McBryde
Friday, July 12th:
5:00pm Chayce Beckham
7:00 pm Chase Rice
9:00pm Bailey Zimmerman
Saturday, July 13th:
1:00pm Chris Kroeze
2:30pm Priscilla Block
4:30pm Terri Clark
6:30pm Walker Hayes
9:00pm Chris Young
Sunday, July 14th:
12:00pm Graham Barham
1:30pm Aaron Tippin
3:15pm Kimberly Perry (of The Band Perry)
5:00pm Corey Kent
7:00pm Chris Janson
You can order tickets here.
Rhinelander is easy to get to via U.S. 8, Highway 17, or Highway 47.
4270 River Road
Rhinelander, WI 54501
(715) 369-1300
Website
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July 10, 2024 – July 14, 2024
Northern Wisconsin State Fair
The Northern Wisconsin State Fair is always a fun-filled, family event that brings folks back year after year to Chippewa Falls, right along Historic U.S. 53 and today’s Highway 124. In 2024, it runs Wednesday July 10th through Sunday, July 14th!
The five days of the fair feature midway carnival excitement, numerous exhibits, animal judging, contests for milk drinking, pie eating, karaoke, animal shows including a draft horse show, a pedal tractor pull, and much more that you would expect from a fair like this. Furthermore, you can check out or participate in the Lego Pre-Build Contest, talent competitions, and of course, the food is always a highlight. A Schedule of Events is below!
Music Headliners on the Leinenkugel Main Stage include:
Wednesday, July 10th: One Vision of Queen feat. Marc Martel, 8pm (gates open at 7
Thursday July 11th: Lee Brice, 8pm (gates open at 7)
Friday, July 12th: Ludacris, 8pm (gates open at 7)
Saturday, July 13th: Charlie Berens, 7pm (gates open at 6)
Tickets from VIP to Grandstand levels can be purchased here!
Northern Wisconsin State Fair Admission:
Adult 6 Day Admission: $25 (covers all six days, a $35 total savings!)
Adult One Day Admission (Ages 12 and Older): $10
Youth One Day Admission (Ages 6-11): $5
Children 5 and Under: FREE
Parking: $5 per vehicle
Active/Retired Military and Veterans: Free with Active/Retired Military ID Card, DD214
The Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds are right along Highway 124 in Chippewa Falls, just a hop, skip, and a jump north of the Leinenkugel Brewery and across from beautiful Irvine Park and the Irvine Park Zoo. Highways 29 and U.S. 53 bring you close by.
Northern Wisconsin State Fair Schedule of Events:
Northern Wisconsin State Fair Address:
Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds
225 Edward Street (just off Highway 124)
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
(715) 723-2861
Website
A full Schedule of Events list is below! For more on Chippewa Falls in general and more about the Northern Wisconsin State Fair, check out our State Trunk Tour Chippewa Falls Podcast:
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July 10, 2024 – July 14, 2024
Elkhorn Ribfest
Check out FOUR days of unbelievably delicious, mouth-watering barbecue and entertainment on the beautiful Walworth County Fairgrounds. This event features world-renowned professional BBQ champions, great entertainment, backyard grillers, an artisan village, and a ton of great live entertainment. Not only will you experience some of the best grillers and BBQers in the country, but plenty of other fun including beer and live music with plenty of family fun, including carnival rides and other kids’ activities!
FREE Admission and parking! Even free Wi-Fi, courtesy of Edge Broadband.
Music headliners include:
Prince Experience
Tennessee Whiskey: Chris Stapleton Tribute
Secret Menu
Lucky Pickers
Thursday, July 11th:
Bella Cain
Drew Cagle & The Reputation
Superfly
Miles Over Mountains
Karen Shook
Friday, July 12th:
The Hype!
Madison County
Lunchmoney Bullies
Lara Bell Music
Saturday, July 13th:
7th Heaven
The Cheap Shots
Rico: A Tribute To Santana
The Thompson Duo
Sunday, July 14th:
24K – A Tribute To Bruno Mars
Whiskey Romance
Cameron Webb
Ribfest Hours are 3 pm – 11pm Wednesday, 11 am – 11 pm Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 11am – 9pm Sunday.
You’ll find the Walworth County Fairgrounds just east of downtown Elkhorn, the seat of Walworth County. The grounds can be accessed off Court Street (Highway 11) just west of the U.S. 12 freeway and just northwest of the U.S. 12/I-43 interchange. Highway 67 is just to the west.
411 East Court Street (Highway 11)
Elkhorn, WI 53121
(262) 723-3228
Website
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July 4, 2024 – July 7, 2024
Subfest & Four on the Shore in Manitowoc
Subfest in Manitowoc celebrates its 7th annual event July 3-4, 2021, at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, in combination with the annual Four On the Shore along the lakefront! Come celebrate the 4th of July in Manitowoc at this lakeside celebration, including live music all day, food, self-guided submarine tours, fireworks, kid-friendly activities, a parade, and so much more!
Wisconsin Maritime Museum admission is ONLY $4 all day for everyone, thanks to support from Meijer. General grounds will be open, and there will be special ticket pricing for Tall Ship Adventure tours.
Manitowoc is easy to access via I-43, U.S. 10, U.S. 151, or Highway 42. Follow Waldo Blvd. or U.S. 151 from I-43 to get to the downtown and lakefront areas, and be ready for a fantastic time! Don’t forget to pick up some candy and sweets at Beerntsen’s on 8th Street while you’re there (it’s a State Trunk Tour favorite) and explore Manitowoc’s craft breweries, including PetSkull Brewing downtown and Sabbatical Brewing Company on the west side of town!
A Schedule of Events is below!
2024 Subfest Schedule of Events:
Thursday, July 4th
9:00am – 5:00pm Museum and submarine open, (Veterans, retired military, and active duty military free all weekend)
10:00am – 4:00pm Product/Craft vendors open, YMCA Lot
10:00am Parade (route map) and USS Cobia whistle salute
10:45am – 1:00pm Chicago Mule playing in the East Museum Lot
11:00am – 10:00pm Food Vendors & Beverage Tent, East Museum Lot
11:00am – 10:00pm Sub Pub on the Water (Museum rooftop bar) open
12:00pm Whistle salute, USS Cobia
2:00pm – 5:00pm Make It A Double playing in the East Museum Lot
7:00pm – 11:00pm Rising Phoenix playing in the East Museum Lot
Friday, July 5th
9:00am – 5:00pm Museum and submarine open, (Veterans, retired military, and active duty military free all weekend)
9:00am Tolling of the Boats Ceremony, USS Cobia deck (public welcome to watch from the Riverwalk)
10:00am – 12:00pm Veteran Meet & Greet, WMM Riverview Room
11:00am – 5:00pm Live Music, Food Vendors, and Beverage Tent in East Museum Lot
12:00pm Film Screening – “Blindly We Fought,” WMM Riverview Room
1:00pm Chief of the Boat Presentation, WMM Riverview Room
2:00pm Ballistic Missile Submarine History & USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827), WMM Riverview Room
3:00pm USS Cobia Preservation Presentation, WMM Riverview Room
5:00pm – 10:00pm Sub Pub on the Water (Museum rooftop bar) open
Saturday, July 6th
9:00am – 5:00pm Museum and submarine open, (Veterans, retired military, and active duty military free all weekend)
1:00pm – 6:00pm Eddie Topple II playing at Submariner’s Pub in Two Rivers
5:00pm – 10:00pm Sub Pub on the Water (Museum rooftop bar) open
Sunday, July 7th
8:00am – 12:00pm Bubblehead Brunch buffet at Submariner’s Pub in Two Rivers
9:00am – 5:00pm Museum and submarine open, (Veterans, retired military, and active duty military free all weekend)
1:00pm – 5:00pm Sub Pub on the Water (Museum rooftop bar) open
Four On the Shore Events:
Parking and Transportation Information for Subfest 2024:
The parking lots at the Museum will not be available Sub Fest weekend. There are several public parking lots that will be available after 5:00 pm on Friday and street parking is also available throughout the downtown area. Maritime Drive will be closed off in front of the Museum from 8th street to Buffalo street. Motorcycle parking will be available on Maritime Drive between the Museum and Baymont Hotel. Entrance near the Baymont.
Manitowoc Subfest & Four on the Shore Address:
Wisconsin Maritime Museum
75 Maritime Drive
Manitowoc, WI 54220
(920) 684-0218
Website
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June 28, 2024 – June 30, 2024
Greek Fest, Sheboygan
The 79th annual Greek Fest Sheboygan takes place Friday – Sunday, June 28-30, 2024 in Sheboygan’s Deland Park on the shores of Lake Michigan! Greek Fest, sponsored by St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, is three full days of authentic Greek food, pastries, beer and wine, and traditional music.
The dance performances and usual Sunday Liturgy service is BACK in 2024! There will be activities for kids including inflatables, and a Sunday raffle also offers the opportunity to win prizes.
The Greek food including gyros, spinach pies, baklava, hot honey puffs, rotisserie chicken with Greek spices, flaming cheese, and more. The flaming cheese – called Saganaki – is breaded Sartori Fontina cheese served with pita bread. Enjoy a tantalizing hot honey puff or some baklava-topped ice cream. FREE admission, free parking. Opa!!
Greek Fest Hours: Friday 5pm – 8pm Saturday 11am – 8pm Sunday 11am – 6pm
Greek Fest Sheboygan Address:
Deland Park
901 Broughton Drive
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(800) 457-9497
Website
Updates and details are available on their website. Get to Sheboygan via I-43, Highways 23, 28, or 42. Deland Park is east of downtown right along Lake Michigan. It’s a beautiful park, and everything from gyros to baklava only makes it better! While in Sheboygan, check out the Harbor District, 8th Street downtown, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, the Above & Beyond Children’s Museum, 3 Sheeps Brewery, and much more. The Visit Sheboygan Visitor Center on 8th Street has more for you… stop by and check it out!
Map of Deland Park in Sheboygan:
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June 22, 2024 – June 23, 2024
Cedarburg Strawberry Festival
Craving an art-filled weekend brimming with the most luscious summer fruit? Check out the 40th annual Cedarburg Strawberry Festival, sponsored by BMO Harris Bank, June 22-23, 2024. This free, family-oriented festival is a favorite of many, drawing up to 100,000 people annually to toast the bold and delicious fruit in all its forms, and enjoy some of the most decadent homegrown strawberries in the area.
For attendees with a taste for wine, Cedar Creek Winery’s Strawberry Blush Wine is a must – this and the winery’s other award-winning wines can be purchased by the glass throughout the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival.
Wander down Washington Avenue and you’ll see why “Art is a Tradition” in Cedarburg. Fondly referred to as “Arts on the Avenue,” Strawberry Festival highlights more than 250 of the best local and Midwest artists who bring their combined perspectives, skills, and thousands of works of arts to the streets of Cedarburg, including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber art, fine glass, woodwork, mixed media, and photography. Art on the Avenue is a combined effort of four local organizations, the Cedarburg Cultural Center, Cedar Creek Settlement Merchant’s Association, the Ozaukee Art Center and the Cedarburg Art Museum, and offers one-of-a-kind works of art from functional to surreal, from witty to the elegantly decorative, as well as the opportunity to meet most of the artists in person.
Cedar Creek Settlement events at the north end of town include live bands, food, and features a new Cedar Creek Marketplace as well as a merchant’s marketplace and indoor shopping. The Sunday Morning Strawberry Pancake Breakfast will be worth checking out. The popular breakfast takes place on the north end of the Festival grounds from 8:00-11:00 a.m. and is served by the Cedar Creek Settlement merchants. More than 1,000 customers get their fill of mouthwatering strawberry pancakes while listening to live music outside along Cedar Creek.
Live music all over the Festival’s Historic District satisfies every audiophile all day Saturday and Sunday. The best place to enjoy the live music is at the Gruber Law Office Main Stage – Festival Food Court which will feature rockin’ fun cover bands like Our House and Life in a Tree. Enjoy live music into the evening with extended hours until 8:30 p.m on Saturday, June 25th. The Beer Garden offers shaded seating and is in close proximity to the main Festival Food Court.
For the littlest strawberry-lovers, Henry’s Kids Korner at Cedar Creek Park offers Jo-Don Farms pony rides and petting zoo, inflatable bounce houses, food and tons of other activities and vendors. One of the most popular events is the CedarQuacker 500 sponsored by Port Washington State Bank, where hundreds of rubber ducks are launched into the creek in a race to the finish Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 3 p.m.
You can check out a little more of Historic Cedarburg with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Ozaukee County’s “Berry Big” 5K Run/Walk, which kicks off in Cedar Creek Park on Saturday at 8:15 a.m. for the timed runners and 8:25 a.m. for fun runners/walkers. The route circles through the neighborhoods that surround the downtown area.
If you tire of walking, take a ride on the Country Aire Rides Tractor Hayride Shuttle that travels around the festival route. Off the festival footprint, the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts will feature exhibits and fun family activities.
Cedarburg Strawberry Festival Schedule of Events (.pdf)
You’ll find the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival in Cedarburg’s historic downtown along Washington Avenue (historic Highway 57), a few miles north of Highway 167, just east of Highway 181, and south of Highway 60.
Cedarburg Strawberry Festival Address:
Downtown Cedarburg
Washington Avenue
Cedarburg, WI 53012
(262) 377-5856
Website
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June 21, 2024 – June 22, 2024
Ellsworth Cheese Curd Festival
This free festival offers a wide variety of cheese curd dishes from Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery for sampling, super-fresh and available battered or not with a variety of pairings, dips, and more.
Also enjoy over 30 craft brews to choose from, along with hard ciders, wines, and other local and regional beverages to try with your curds.
Ellsworth Cheese Curd Festival Address:
East End Park
U.S. Highways 10/63 at East Wall Street
Ellsworth, WI 54011
(715) 273-6442
Website
Ellsworth Cheese Curd Festival Schedule of Events:
FRIDAY, JUNE 21 – 4 – 10 pm
4pm- 7pm Artisan Marketplace
– Part arts and crafts, part farmers market. Browse regional specialties and locally grown, handmade and handcrafted goods.
4pm – 6pm: Craft & Curd, Paired: the ultimate brewery face-off! Five local breweries battle it out for best brew and cheese curd flavor pairing. Who will win? That’s up to you–You’re the judge for this intense (and tasty) competition! Happening at the Tasting Tent
4:30pm – 7:30pm: Thomas Michael, Broadway Street Stage
5pm – Dark: Classic Car Cruise-In & Show, Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery Lot
6:30pm – 8:30pm: Corks & Kegs Tasting Event. Plan to take part in the tasting experiences offered during the festival. Kegs & Corks adult tasting experiences feature local and regional craft beer, wine and hard cider. A happy hour like no other, enjoy unlimited sampling and light appetizers while visiting with the brewers, crafters and reps. At the Tasting Tent.
6:00pm-9:00pm, Them Pesky Kids, Park Stage
7:30pm-9:00pm, 3OTT Point Stage
SATURDAY, JUNE 22 – 10am – 10 pm
8am: 5K/10K Run
8am-10am: Pancake Breakfast
9:30am: Run Awards, Park Stage
10am-7pm: Artisan Marketplace. Part arts and crafts, part farmers market. Browse regional specialties and locally grown, handmade and handcrafted goods. Broadway Street
10am-11:30am: C3 Praise Band, Point Stage
11am-12noon: Milk & Cookie Pairing (while supplies last) The Milk & Cookie Pairing and Farmer Meet & Greet is not to be missed! A great opportunity shake hands with a real farmer and learn about today’s agriculture and what it takes to put food on the tables of families across America. At the Tasting Tent.
11:00am-12:30pm: The Hot Mess, Park Stage
12:30-1:30pm: Ice Cream Tasting, Tasting Tent. Families won’t want to miss the Ice Cream Tasting, a one-hour real dairy flavor celebration featuring creative combinations crafted by the innovative folks from UW-River Falls Food Sciences Department.
1:00pm-3:00pm: Dave Snyder, Broadway Street Stage
1:30pm-3:30pm: Vivian Hayes & The Hi-Praise, Park Stage
2:00pm Cheese Curd Eating Contest
2:00pm-3:30pm: Block Party!, Park Stage. One of the largest cheese tastings in the area. Enjoy cheese right off the ‘block’!
3:00pm-4:30pm: Ross Williams Perry, Point Stage
4pm-6pm: Craft & Curd: Paired. Five regional craft breweries compete for your votes by pairing their favorite craft brew with a custom cheese curd flavor! Which craft and curd pairing will be the winner? That’s up to you when you cast your vote for your favorite. At the Tasting Tent.
4:30pm-6:30pm: Left Wing Bourbon, Park Stage
6:00pm-8:00pm: Trandy Blue, Broadway Street Stage
6:00pm-8:00pm: Debbie Briggs, Point Stage
6:30pm-7:30pm: Corks & Kegs Tasting Event, Tasting Tent. Plan to take part in the tasting experiences offered during the festival. Kegs & Corks adult tasting experiences feature local and regional craft beer, wine and hard cider. A happy hour like no other, enjoy unlimited sampling and light appetizers while visiting with the brewers, crafters and reps.
7:30pm-9:30pm: Jim Stairs & Squishy Mud, Park Stage
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June 21, 2024 – June 23, 2024
Hayward Musky Fest
Hayward hosts Musky Fest Friday, June 21st through Sunday, June 23rd with a huge celebration that offers over 120 handmade art and crafts booths, sidewalk sales, live music on Friday and Saturday nights, kids’ games and entertainment including a carnival, a 5k and 10k run/walk, parade, Musky Queen Scholarship program and the Hayward Lions Club fishing contest. The theme in 2024 is “For the Love of Musky!”
As you may know (and if you don’t, now you will), Hayward is home to the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and includes the World’s Largest Musky that you can explore and even climb up into. Musky Fest is fun for the whole family as it celebrates the musky, fishing, the North Woods, and so much more. U.S. 63 and Highways 27 and 77 bring you to this beautiful town!
Musky Fest Schedule of Events:
Friday, June 21st
Sidewalk Sales @ Downtown Hayward & Area Retail Stores
Handmade Art & Craft Show, Food, Refreshments & Live Entertainment
Hayward Area High School Bass Team Casting Game & Fundraiser on Third Street
Professional Chalk Art on Second Street presented by Deerfoot Lodge & Resort
Hayward Sports Center Hockey Activity Station on Fourth Street
Family Friendly Activity Zone at the Frandsen Bank Green Lot presented by Hayward Wesleyan Church
Woodland Dance Troupe Native American Dancers on the Sevenwinds Casino Main Stage in Downtown Hayward
Family Chalk Art Area on Second Street sponsored by Tamarack Health Hayward Medical Center
Face Painting and Balloon Animals on Second Street sponsored by Frandsen Bank
Caricatures by Rachel near the Sevenwinds Casino Main Stage in Downtown Hayward
Speed Ball Throw on Third Street presented by the Knights of Columbus
Fishing Contest Booth Open for Registrations near the Food Court on Main Street – Presented by Muskies Inc. – Hayward Lakes Chapter & Hayward Bass Club
Hayward Lions Club and Hayward Rotary Club’s Beer and Brat Tents Open
Meet & Greet with Hall of Fame Fisherman Babe Winkelman
Carnival Open at the Fuller Building Lot Courtesy of St. Joe’s Catholic Church
Carnival Wrist Band Hours, all ages $25 each
Learn to Fish Event at Shue’s Pond – Courtesy of the Wisconsin DNR
Mini, Little Miss, & Junior Musky Queen Presentation Presented by the Hayward Dairy Queen on the Sevenwinds Casino Main Stage in Downtown Hayward
Watermelon Eating Contest presented by Marketplace Foods
Live Music by Sean & Ian Okamoto on the Sevenwinds Casino Main Stage in Downtown Hayward – Sponsored by Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University
Annual Musky Fest Car Show presented and hosted by Don Johnson’s Hayward Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (3pm Check-In)
Carnival Wrist Band Hours, all ages $25 each
Musky Queen Crowning Ceremony Presented by the Hayward Dairy Queen on the Sevenwinds Casino Main Stage in Downtown Hayward
Hayward Hawks vs. Blue Hills Beasts – Larry Somerville Field
FREE Live Music by Steve Beguhn on the Sevenwinds Casino Main Stage in Downtown Hayward – Sponsored by Eddy’s on Third
Saturday, June 22nd
Sawyer County Dairy Breakfast @ Sawyer County Fairgrounds
Sidewalk Sales @ Downtown Hayward & Area Retail Stores
Handmade Art & Craft Show, Food, Refreshments & Live Entertainment
Professional Chalk Art on Second Street presented by Deerfoot Lodge & Resort
Hayward Sports Center Hockey Activity Station on Fourth Street
Family Chalk Art Area on Second Street sponsored by Tamarack Health Hayward Medical Center
Face Painting and Balloon Animals on Second Street sponsored by Frandsen Bank
Sawyer County Wood Chop in the Firehall Municipal Lot on Dakota Avenue
Caricatures by Rachel near the Sevenwinds Casino Main Stage in Downtown Hayward
Speed Ball Throw on Third Street presented by the Knights of Columbus
Hayward Lions Club and Hayward Rotary Club’s Beer and Brat Tents Open
Rod Lundberg Games – presented by Northwest Connection Family Resource Center at the Frandsen Bank Green Lot
Carnival Open at the Fuller Building Lot Courtesy of St. Joe’s Catholic Church
Dairy Queen Dilly Bar Eating Contest
Family Friendly Activity Zone at the Frandsen Bank Green Lot presented by Hayward Wesleyan Church
Carnival Wrist Band Hours, all ages $25 each
Shue’s Pond is Open for Fishing – Courtesy of the Wisconsin DNR
Hula Hoop Contest
Live Music by The Sixes on the Sevenwinds Casino Main Stage in Downtown Hayward – Sponsored by Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University
Fishing Contest Raffle & Prize Ceremony at the Fishing Contest Booth on Main Street Presented by Muskies Inc. – Hayward Lakes Chapter & Hayward Bass Club
4th Annual Musky Fest Cornhole Tournament Presented by Ignite Dispensary
Carnival Wrist Band Hours, all ages $25 each
Hayward Hawks vs. Haugen Knights – Larry Somerville Field
Get Hooked: Blood Hook Screening Extravaganza at The Park Center
FREE Live Music by Six to Midnight on the Sevenwinds Casino Main Stage in Downtown Hayward – Sponsored by Angler’s Bar & Grill
Sunday, June 23rd
Musky Fest 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run– Presented by the Tamarack Health Hayward Medical Center
Minnow Run for kids 12 and under in front of Frandsen Bank and Trust
Sidewalk Sales @ Downtown Hayward & Area Retail Stores
Hayward Lions Club and Hayward Rotary Club’s Beer and Brat Tents Open
Food Concessions on Main Street Open
Carnival Open at the Fuller Building Lot
74th Annual Musky Festival Grand Parade
Presented by: Nelson Lumber & Floor to Ceiling
Parade Route: Main Street to Second Street to Dakota Ave
Hayward Musky Fest Address:
Downtown Hayward
Hayward, WI 54843
(715) 634-8662
Website
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June 8, 2024
Sister Bay Roofing of the Goats Parade
Well, THIS is an interestingly-named event: the Roofing of the Goats Parade takes place in Sister Bay on Saturday, June 8th, 2024 at 11:00 am right along Highway 42.
All goats are invited to participate in the 10th annual Roofing of the Goats parade! Don’t have a goat? Then line up and watch the famous Al Johnson’s goats while they head down the streets to climb up onto the sod roof. They will be joined by many of their local Door County goat friends who will also be at the festivities. Goat costumes, goatees, Viking hats, and other creative endeavors are encouraged. The parade begins at the corner of Mill Road and Highway 42 in downtown Sister Bay, and goes a trot, kick and a leap down the road to Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant. The parade culminates with the roofing of the first goats of the season at Al Johnson’s (weather permitting – the goats don’t go on the roof in rain or snow). The Goat Parade will be followed by Al Johnson’s annual Goat Fest, located at Stabbur Beer Garden, next to the restaurant. Goat Fest will feature all day festivities including: live music, kid’s games, various beverages, great food, and a Swedish Pancake Eating contest. Other businesses throughout town will also be celebrating with specials.
Returning this year is the Goat Drop Contest. You can help support the Northern Door Food Pantry and have some fun. With a purchase of a goat drop sticker, you will be entered in to win a Trek Fat Tire Cruiser bike from Husby’s and Flanigan’s Distributing, a $100 gift card from Al Johnson’s, or a Lunch and Farm Tour from Door County Creamery. Stickers will be placed on the street along the parade route. To win, a Goat must make a deposit on your sticker during the Goat parade. All proceeds will go to the Northern Door Food Pantry at the Sister Bay Baptist Church. Stickers will be available for purchase at the parade, or if you can’t attend you can still join in on the fun and purchase your stickers online. You do not need to be present to win! Buy your stickers HERE.
Parade line up begins on the southeast corner of Highway 42 (N. Bay Shore Dr.) and Mill Road, and begins at 11:00 a.m. Don’t be late…the goats walk fast!
After the parade, Goat Fest at Al Johnson’s will begin, and includes Live Music, Kids Games and Crafts, a Swedish Pancake Eating Contest and more.
Sister Bay Roofing of the Goats Parade Address:
Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik
10698 N. Bay Shore Road (Highway 42)
Sister Bay, WI 54234
(920) 854-2626
Website