Eagle River has Up North Beerfest back for 2024! It happens with Premier Beer Night Friday, June 7th and the main event Saturday, June 8th. All happens at Hi-Pines Campground.
Walk the red carpet – literally – for Premier Beer Night from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday evening. This insider event allows participants to sample beers from 16 breweries which WON’T be available during the Saturday main event. Sip suds and enjoy tasty hors d’oeuvres. Premier Beer Night tickets are available for $85.
Saturday’s main event runs from 2pm to 6pm. It includes a sampling glass to taste nearly 100 different beers from 30 different breweries. A complementary beer guide will direct you to your favorite beer styles – or perhaps to styles you have yet to savor. There will be live entertainment and food is available for purchase from the Veterans Resource Center of Eagle River. Advance tickets are $60, same as at the event.
Parking is available on the grounds for both events, however, many area hotels and lodging places will provide free shuttle transportation to and from Hi-Pines Campground before, during, and after the main event on Saturday. No children, pets, or carry-ins are allowed to the event. Smoking is not allowed under the tented sampling areas.
There are three ways to purchase tickets: Online, via mail, or at these Eagle River locations:
Trig’s Cellar 70 (Liquor Department)
Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center
Tribute Brewing Company
You’ve been hibernating long enough. It’s time to enjoy the fresh air up here and taste some delicious beers! Hi-Pines Campground is right along U.S. 45/Highway 17/Highway 32 just north of Eagle River, not far from the World Championship Derby Complex and Tribute Brewing. Highway 70 also bring you to Eagle River, just head north a few miles!
Up North Beerfest Address:
Hi-Pines Campground
1919 U.S. 45 North
Eagle River, WI 54521
(800) 359-6315 Website
PrideFest is Wisconsin’s largest LGBT festival and the one that kicks off the “summer of festivals” on Milwaukee’s lakefront. Plenty of shows, activities, food, a marketplace, a parade, and entertainment including a variety of comedy and music acts. The 2024 Pridefest runs June 6th-8th at Maier Festival Park, a.k.a. the Summerfest Grounds.
Acts on the SKYYLine Mainstage include:
THURSDAY
Totally Neon
Bell Bastien
MkX
Drag Shows
FRIDAY:
MKE Royals
Funk Summit Bass Team
Jerry Grillo
Legends of Drag shows
Dixon Dallas
David Archuleta
SATURDAY:
Reyna
Our Voice Milwaukee
Homme Fatale
Benjamin Koll
Tina Turner Tribute: Debby Holiday
Murray’s Misfits
Cupcakke
Icona Pop
Mya
Fireworks will be launched Saturday night the 8th around 9:15pm.
The Summerfest Grounds & Henry Maier Festival Park can be reached via I-794 and U.S. 18, right where it ends at Lake Michigan. Highway 32 is within blocks; also coming close are I-43/94 and Highways 38, 57, 59, 145, and 175.
PrideFest Address:
Milwaukee’s Summerfest Grounds/Henry Maier Festival Park
200 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 272-3378 PrideFest website
Sparta holds some notable festivals, and Butterfest is the biggest one of the year. Along with plenty of butter, the festival features numerous events.
Among them: the A&P Carnival, one of the Midwest’s best. There’s also a craft and flea market, a quilt show, softball tournaments, a cornhole bean bag tournament, dance demonstrations, firemen’s water fights, a milking contest, stage entertainment, and much more. The Miss Sparta Pageant will be held during the event, one of the sanctioned events where the winner can then compete in Miss Wisconsin.
It runs Thursday June 6th through Sunday, June 9th. The Butterfest Parade takes place Sunday at 12:30pm. The whole event takes place at Memorial Park in Sparta. I-90 and Highways 16, 21, 27, and 71 bring you there! (Heck, so does the Elroy-Sparta Trail!)
Live music includes Larry’s Drifters on Thursday, the Pat Watters Band on Friday, High Mileage on Saturday, and The Dweebs on Sunday!
Sparta Butterfest Address:
Memorial Park
Pine Street
Sparta, WI 54656 Map Website
Sparta Butterfest Schedule of Events
THURSDAY, JUNE 6:
A&P Carnival, 5-10pm
Corporate Sponsors Reception, 5:30pm • Fest Tent
Fest Tent – opening 7pm • Larry’s Drifters
Military Night – All active duty military free with Military ID
Food Tent
FRIDAY, JUNE 7:
Softball Tournament
Arts, Crafts, Fleamarket and Antiques • 4pm-dusk
Quilt Show Registration – 3pm
Food Tent
A&P Carnival, 5-11pm
Bingo 4-8pm
Fest Tent – opening 8pm • Pat Watters Band •
SATURDAY, JUNE 8:
Arts, Crafts, Fleamarket and Antiques • throughout the day, beginning 10am
A&P Carnival • Throughout the day • WRISTBANDS • Get a $20 wristband and ride from 12-5pm
Softball Tournament – throughout the day
Food Tent
Pancake and Sausage Breakfast • 7am-10am • At the cheese curd concession stand
3 Person Rotary Golf Tournament • 9am
Poker Run • Registration 9-11am
Quilt Show • 10am-5pm with a Demonstration at 2pm
Fest Tent – opening 12pm • Music provided by Mike Harris
New Age Wrestling, Fest Tent, 2pm
Firemen’s Waterfights • 1pm (registration at noon)
DJ Trivia, 1-3pm
Miss Wisconsin Send Off Party, 12pm in the Fest Tent
Milking Contest • 1:00pm
Kids Craft Area • 2-4pm
Bingo 2-6pm
Car Show • 1pm-6pm
Cornhole Bean Bag Tournament • 2pm
Quilting Demonstration • 2pm
Kid’s Bike Decorating Contest in the Arts and Crafts area • 2pm • Judging at 4:30pm
Fest Tent 8pm Entertainment – High Mileage
SUNDAY, JUNE 9:
Softball Tournament • Throughout the day
Food Tent • Throughout the day
Arts, Crafts, Fleamarket and Antiques • Throughout the day • 10am-6pm
A&P Carnival • Throughout the day 12pm-8pm
Quilt Show • 12-4pm • Maplewood School
Fest Tent opens at 12:00pm
Parade • 12:30pm
Fest Tent 4pm-8pm Entertainment – The Dweebs
Bingo 3-5pm
Cows on the Concourse is a celebrated tradition that kicks off June Dairy Month in Dane County. At this free and family-friendly event, kids and adults can meet and greet cows and baby calves from local dairy farms.
Check out Cows on the Concourse as you peruse the Dane County Farmers’ Market on Saturday, June 1, 2024 and enjoy live music, tasty food, fun games, and real, live cows!
Cows on the Concourse celebrates Wisconsin’s dairy industry, which contributes more than $43.4 billion to our state’s economy – Wisconsin is truly “America’s Dairyland.”
Activities
Cow Zone
Get up close and personal with two different herds of cows and baby calves from several dairy breeds. You can even pet them! Joining the cows are local Wisconsin farmers and other “Moo Experts” to answer all your questions.
Get MOOving & Fit Zone
Kids, check out our athletic stations and learn how dairy products are a part of healthy lifestyle and keep your bodies strong. Don’t forget to fuel up with ice-cold milk after you exercise!
Ed’Moo’cation Zone
Dairy is a rich tradition in Wisconsin, but how did it get to be that way? In this youth-friendly station, learn how dairy has become the cornerstone of Wisconsin’s economy as well as how all the great dairy products have become signature treats for folks in the Badger State.
Cows on the Concourse Big Cheese Zone
Sink your teeth into a melt-in-your-mouth grilled cheese sandwich for only $2. Don’t forget to grab a bottle of ice-cold milk to wash it down!
My Dairyland Scavenger Hunt
Join in the My Dairyland Scavenger Hunt and visit each zone at Cows on the Concourse. Learn fun dairy facts and record your answers for a chance to win a free souvenir t-shirt while supplies last.
Saturday Science
Can’t get enough dairy? Hop on a school bus for an excursion to the Town Center at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery on the UW-Madison campus. You will learn about the science of dairy foods and even do some sampling too!
A free shuttle will travel between the two locations, departing every 20 minutes between 10 a.m. and noon.
Saturday Science will include a bonus stop for the My Dairyland Scavenger Hunt.When you complete the My Dairyland Scavenger Hunt at Cows on the Concourse, take your question card to Saturday Science and earn a token for a scoop of Culver’s custard while supplies last!
Cows on the Concourse Address:
Capitol Square, 2 E. Main Street
Madison, WI 53703 Website
Their website has even more details. Check it out Saturday, June 1st from 8am-1pm on the Capitol Square in Madison. U.S. 12, 14, 18 and Highways 30 and 113 all bring you to the city, and U.S. 151 takes you right to the Square!
Yes, yes, we had you at bacon. Lake Geneva Bacon Fest fills the city with the wondrous smells and tastes of unique bacon creations – from dishes to drinks – while enjoying live music from local performing artists across the downtown area. The 4th annual Bacon Fest runs all weekend from Friday, May 31st through Sunday, June 2nd.
The fun is centered on Flatiron Park in downtown Lake Geneva, which offers a beautiful view of Geneva Lake and is across from The Riviera, the historic Baker House, Sprecher’s Restaurant & Pub, and more. Tons of great shops and restaurants are within blocks, including Topsy Turvy Brewery. Of course, at the park itself beverages beyond bacon will be available, and part of the proceeds benefit the Walworth County Food Pantry and Diaper Bank.
Live Music Lineup:
Friday 5/31
5 to 6:45 The Soul Chasers
7:30 to 10 Think Floyd USA
Saturday 6/1
11-2 BB and The Honey (Yacht Rock)
2:30-5 TBD
5:30-7:30 Rumor Hazit (80’s Band)
8-10 Mellencougar
Presented by Lake Geneva Regional News and Amplified Wisconsin, tickets are available with a variety of options. You can buy them at the door or in advance here!
Here’s a sample of Lake Geneva Bacon Fest from 2022:
It’s easy to get to downtown Lake Geneva and Flatiron Park, just follow Highway 50 (which cuts right through the heart of downtown). Highway 120 comes in from the direct south and north, and the U.S. 12 freeway cuts right past town to the east and intersects with both 50 and 120 near the Grand Geneva. Easy access from the west is also available via Highway 50 from I-43 or Highway 67!
Lake Geneva Bacon Fest Address:
Flatiron Park
201 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(262) 248-4444 Website
Shawano SunDrop Dayz 2024 hits Friday, May 31st and Saturday, June 1st to celebrate the tasty citrus soda this town began making in the 1950s! SunDrop helps usher in summer with a wide variety of family-friendly activities, live performances, music, food, beverages. You can even enjoy tours and tastings at the SunDrop Museum.
Sun Drop soda is being made and bottled in returnable glass bottles. Tour the Sun Drop museum at 920 S. Franklin Street and experience fun interactive displays. Most importantly, visit the tasting room and sample their different soda flavors. They include Farmer’s Brew butterscotch root beer, rhu-berry, caramel apple, blue raspberry, black cherry, cream, or the original “Golden Soda” Sun Drop. Horse wagon rides will be available between the museum and the park so you can enjoy a ride to the tours and tastings!
Friday late afternoon into the evening, kids can enjoy the Kidz Zone with inflatables and more. Afterwards, all can enjoy live music from Spark Spark Bang! and Driftwood during the evening. Saturday, June 1st opens early with a Flea Market at 6am on Main Street. At 9am, the 5k Run/Walk kicks off. Both the Craft Fair and Kidz Zone fire up at 10am. The muscle comes out in the early afternoon with the Strongman Competition at 1pm and the Lumberjack Competition continuing from there through 5pm. For music, the Oneida Smoke Dancers will perform starting at Noon. Also, Wet Possum takes the stage at 3pm and the GLAM BAND plays from 6:45pm until 10 (at least.)
SunDrop Dayz is also a fundraiser, and the festival has raised over $100,000 for local charities since its inception in 2016. Sponsors keep admission FREE and there are plenty of vendors offering their crafts, food, beer, soda, and more for sale.
Shawano SunDrop Dayz Address:
Shawano is easily accessible via the Highway 29 expressway as well as Highways 22, 47, and 55 (which also sometimes joins 29 on the bypass). Memorial Park itself, where the festivities are centered, is along Main Street/Highway 22. Within blocks you’ll find Stubborn Brothers Brewing and the Mountain-Bay Trail.
909 S. Lincoln Street one block north of Lieg Street east of Main (Highway 22)
Shawano, WI Website
Stoughton’s Syttende Mai festival is a weekend-long celebration of Norwegian heritage featuring fun activities and cultural experiences for the whole family. Check out three days of parades, amazing food and drink, arts and music, athletic competitions, and kids’ activities steeped in centuries of Norwegian culture. From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, Stoughton enjoyed an influx of Norwegians, and at one time, as many as 75 percent of its residents spoke Norwegian. These immigrants celebrated Syttende Mai unofficially, but it became an annual, city-wide tradition in the 1950s.
The city-wide festival takes place every year on the weekend closest to Norway’s May 17th Constitution Day, also known as Syttende Mai. In 2024, the festivities run through the weekend of May 17th through the 19th. The Arts & Crafts Fair attracts arts and crafts enthusiasts and artists who appreciate Norwegian culture and its role in the arts. The Stoughton festival features an annual juried craft fair where artisans and artists show and sell their hand-crafted works. The Norwegian art of rosemaling, or decorative painting, traditional Norwegian embroidery and quilts are all on display. Many artists hold public demonstrations of how they create their works, too. It’s a great opportunity for Stoughton festival-goers to meet the artists and appreciate the art’s deep roots in traditional Norwegian culture. It includes the Arts & Craft Fair, Hardanger Embroidery Exhibit, the Quilt Show, the Rosemaling Exhibit and Sale, and Norwegian Cultural Demonstrations. It runs Saturday from 10am — 6pm and Sunday from 9am — 2pm at River Bluff Middle School Gymnasium, Cafetorium, and Grounds at 235 N. Forrest Street in Stoughton.
Festival activities include:
Stoughton Norwegian Dancers
20-Mile Run, 10-Mile Run, 17-Mile Walk, and Lil’ Community Run
Hardanger Fiddle Performances
Norwegian Heritage Center (Livsreise)
Live Norwegian Art Demonstrations
Edvard Grieg Chorus at the Stoughton Opera House
Norse Costume Style Show
Viking Games Strongman Competition
Craft Beer Tent
Traditional Norwegian Delicacies
Food Trucks
Youth Parade (Saturday)
Norwegian Parade (Sunday)
Canoe Race & Portage on the Yahara River
Stoughton Village Players Theater Original Presentation
Arts & Crafts Fair
Syttende Mai Festival Address:
via Stoughton Chamber of Commerce
532 E. Main Street
Stoughton, WI 53589
(608) 873-7912 Website
More details below!
Stoughton Norwegian Dancers
This dance troupe delights audiences with their intricate footwork, athleticism, and enthusiasm for traditional Norwegian culture. Around since 1952 and clad in traditional Norwegian costumes, or bunad, their dancing to music from the fjords, and their colorful and captivating performances are in demand nationwide. You’ll be able to see the Stoughton Norwegian Dancers and their traditional folk performances every day during the three-day Syttende Mai festival.
Other Live Performances
While enjoying all the Syttende Mai sights and delicious foods, don’t forget to experience the music, dance, and theater performances. Be sure to catch a Norwegian Dancer performance to experience Scandinavian folk dancing. Attend a Stoughton Village Players theatrical performance written and performed by local actors who are expert at presenting the humorous side of life in Stoughton. Be sure to seek out a Hardanger fiddle performance to see and hear these beautiful instruments up close.
Enjoy:
Chorus Public House Live Music
Christ Lutheran Church
Craft Beer Tent Entertainment
Stoughton City Band Concert
Stoughton Opera House
Stoughton Village Players Theater
Crowning the Syttende Mai Royalty
Check out the crowning of Syttende Mai’s event ambassadors in a tradition that spans five decades. Stoughton’s Syttende Mai royalty kick off the three-day event and declare the weekend a statewide celebration.
Those who wear the Syttende Mai crown receive the honor for their commitment to community service and keeping the local Norwegian culture alive. Each year, a couple learns of their nomination in September and must keep it a secret from everyone, even friends and family, for five months. During the Stoughton Norwegian Dancers’ February Norse Afternoon of Fun, the new king and queen receive their crowns and join previous years’ honorees.
Although their reign is symbolic, the annual Syttende Mai King and Queen dress in traditional Norwegian clothing, or bunad, for the entire festival. In addition to opening the festival, the couple attend more than 40 events over the weekend. They are the festival’s icons and serve as cultural ambassadors to visitors. Have questions about the Norwegian cultural demonstrations, colors, music, foods and costumes you see? Ask this year’s king and queen (or one of our many volunteers).
Young people participate in the Syttende Mai royalty tradition, too. Two local third-grade students are selected as the festival’s annual Prince and Princess and are chosen to carry on Norwegian traditions among their peers. They serve as grand marshals of the Saturday Youth Parade, ride in the Sunday Norwegian Parade, and start The Lil’ Run. The pair also attend the opening dinner and make other appearances throughout the Syttende Mai festival.
Again, you’ll find Stoughton along U.S. 51 and Highway 138, southeast of Madison. I-39/90 and U.S. 14 also bring you close!
The 2024 Spring Fiber Extravaganza is a great opportunity to enjoy a road trip and learn about fiber farms around Manitowoc and Sheboygan Counties. The Extravaganza consist of a self-guided scenic road trip with roughly 30 minutes of driving time to three different fiber farms in or near Manitowoc County to visit alpacas, goats, llamas, sheep, ducks, turkeys and more. It runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday May 3rd-5th and takes place at these three farms:
All three invite you to visit the farms, meet the animals, learn more about agriculture, and shop their stores or vendors. This is FREE, open-house style event at all of the farms.
For everyone’s enjoyment and safety, children must be supervised at all times, no smoking or running is allowed, and safety rules at each farm must be strictly followed.
Spring Fiber Extravaganza Location Map:
A trip along Highway 147, which runs between Two Rivers and Maribel, is a fun one for this event. You can easily head down I-43 to Velvet Sheep Farms, which is just off Highway 42 northwest of the interchange. While you’re road tripping in the area, check out great food and beverages at locations throughout Manitowoc County along the Wisconsin Coastal Food Trail. You can also explore downtown Two Rivers with its vibrant shops, Nashotah Beach, Historic Rogers Street Fishing Village, the Washington House (birthplace of the ice cream sundae), and more. Closer to Maribel, stop off Highway 147 and up County R just a mile or so and explore Cherney Maribel Caves County Park, which offers great hiking trails and showcases the Niagara Escarpment beautifully. Down at Velvet Sheep Farms, you’re right by Sheboygan with its bustling downtown complete with museums, theater, a busy and fun harborfront district, wide variety of restaurant cuisine, and more right down Highway 42. If you crave breweries on this road trip, Cool City Brewing is one block off Highway 42 in Two Rivers, Manitowoc features PetSkull Brewing, Sabbatical Brewing, and Craft Creek Brewing. In Sheboygan, a visit to 3 Sheeps Brewing is a must!
Happy road tripping on the Spring Fiber Extravaganza… who knows what else it can lead to??
The annual 100 Mile Garage Sale is coming up! Spreading across miles and miles of roads on both sides of the Mississippi River, this fun event is perfect for driving and shopping from Thursday, May 2nd through Sunday, May 5th.
Every year, Lake Pepin historic river towns in both Wisconsin and Minnesota clean out their attics, garages and basements to create the most spectacular garage sale around. Bargain hunters can start anywhere along the river road – Minnesota or Wisconsin – rain or shine. The 100 Mile Garage Sale extends from Winona north to Red Wing on the Minnesota side of the River and Fountain City north to Prescott on the Wisconsin side of the River. Thousands of individuals and businesses participate with their own garage sales, often whole neighborhoods. While there are no maps indicating the exact location of the individual sales they are very easy to find and are identified by signage and pink balloons or ribbons. Many of the people who visit the Region for the garage sale weekend start on Thursday and stay until Sunday morning. They often comment that they attended half of the sales that they saw. You won’t have any problem what-so-ever finding as many garage sales as you feel like attending! Follow the trail marked with colored balloons or ribbons of participating sales and you’ll find deals, steals and fun.
Sales on the Minnesota side run from Hastings along U.S. 61 south to Winona; on the Wisconsin side the sales go from Fountain City on the south to Prescott on the north, all centered around Pepin – and you have to check out the gorgeous views of Lake Pepin! Don’t miss it!
100 Mile Garage Sale Address:
Various locations, centered around Pepin along Highway 35 in Wisconsin and U.S. 14/61 in Minnesota
Information: (651) 307-8364 Website
The annual Between the Bluffs Beer Wine & Cheese Festival is celebrating its return April 27, 2024! Join them for a tasting of over 200 quality beers poured by over 35 breweries. Experience over 45 types of wine, sample and purchase gourmet cheeses, all while enjoying live music. Don’t forget to sign-up for the Coulee Region Cornhole Tournament and play some Hammer-Schlagen.
It all begins Friday evening, April 26th, with Friday Night: Taster’s Eve. You can buy a wristband and ride the shuttles to various participating establishments for specials and tap take-overs by guest breweries attending the fest.
The main festival takes place at La Crosse’s Southside Oktoberfest Grounds on Saturday afternoon, April 23rd, with general admission ($50) from 2-6pm. VIP tickets ($90) allow for a noon entry. Details on what you get with each are below!
But that’s not all…
Sunday, April 28th is the Bacon Bloody Brunch! Jump back on the horse or come out for a “Sunday Funday” at the Oktoberfest Grounds! Enjoy specialty breakfast drinks, yard games, live music, and of course BACON. Specialty drinks include beer bloodies, mimosas and breakfast beer served up by Del’s Bar, Pearl Street Brewery, and Surly Brewing Company. For eats, enjoy giant pancakes served up by Mindoro Lions Club, bacon provided by Bubba’s Meats and Premier Catering, cheesy potatoes, and eggs. Coffee will also be available.
For Sunday’s Bacon Bloody Brunch, tickets are available for $15, which are available online or at the gates. You must be 21 years or older and show ID at the gate.
I-90, U.S. 14/61, U.S. 53, and Highways 16, 33, and 35 all bring you to La Crosse, and they’re all beautiful drives as you head “Between the Bluffs”!
Between the Bluffs Beer Wine and Cheese Festival Address:
Southside Oktoberfest Grounds
2nd & La Crosse Streets
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 782-2250 or (800) 658-9424 Website
Between the Bluffs Ticket ($55) Details:
General Admission Tickets include:
Souvenir sampling glass
Sampling of Beer, Wine, and Cheese
Live Music
Tasters Eve events on Friday, April 26th
Free shuttle for Tasters Eve events and on day of Fest from and to Host Hotels
Voucher for La Crosse County Tavern League “Safe Ride Home” upon request
VIP Tickets ($95) Include:
ALL GENERAL ADMISSION PERKS PLUS:
VIP and Brewers Reception Friday, April 26th
Private access from 12:00 – 2:00 PM before the general admission entry at 2:00pm
On-site VIP parking
VIP special gift
2 Free Pearl Street Brewery Drinks and 1 Free Food Coupon Redeemable at Monkey Business Food Truck on Taster’s Eve (April 26th) @ Pearl Street Brewery from 5-10 PM
Happening quarterly, Gallery Night & Day is one of the premier art events in Milwaukee. It’s the “Ultimate Art Weekend,” with over 50 venues throughout the Historic Third Ward and Downtown that serve as showcases for viewing art from paintings to sculptures to other creative outlets. Bars and restaurants stay open later than usual Friday night, while Saturday is a prime time to continue the gallery gallivanting while also enjoying the area’s unique and eclectic selection of shops.
Along with art galleries, Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward is filled with boutique shops like Lela, Bangles & Bags, Shoo, Untuck’d, Stephanie Horne Boutique, MILWORKS, Lizzibeth, Drybar, Too Much Metal, MODA3, and more. You’ll also find Anthropologie, Designs Within Reach, Restoration Hardware, Francesca’s, Mod Gen, Retique, Warby Parker, Lululemon Athletica, and more. You can also stop in Wizard Works Brewing orBroken Bat Brewery for craft beer, or Vino 100 or Thief Wine in the Milwaukee Public Market for a fantastic selection of wines. Numerous restaurants in the Third Ward offer everything from bar food to Asian fusion, American and Korean barbecue, and Italian – plus Shake Shack. The Milwaukee Public Marketdraws visitors from all over and offers takeaway and ready-to-eat food, drinks, and sundries in one dynamic setting.
This quarter, Gallery Night runs Friday and Saturday, April 19th and 20th. Activities begin late afternoon Friday and run through Saturday afternoon. I-43/94, I-794, U.S. 18, and Highway 32 are all amidst where it takes place; Highways 38, 59, and 145 get you close! The city has signs directing you to the Third Ward from the Marquette Interchange. You can also ride The Hop, the local streetcar
Full details and venue listings are available on their website. You’ll find the latest listings of shops, galleries, bars, restaurants, and more – things develop and change quickly in the Third Ward!
Gallery Night & Day Address:
Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward
300 N. Broadway (and all over the area)
Milwaukee, WI 53202 Website
Fond du Lac, which literally means “bottom of the lake” in French, sparkles along the south end of Lake Winnebago during the season with the Lakeside Park Holiday Light Show. Running from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, you can walk or drive through thousands of holiday light displays, animations, and even a music show with dancing trees that will perform for 20 minutes to music you can tune into on a local radio station.
The Lakeside Park Holiday Light Show is FREE. It runs every evening through January 1st!
Fond du Lac is easily accessible via I-41, U.S. 45, U.S. 151, or Highways 23 or 175. Follow U.S. 45 or Highway 23 into downtown and head north along Main Street, you’ll get right there – because any further, and you’d be in Lake Winnebago.
Lakeside Park Holiday Light Show Address:
Lakeside Park
Main Street
Fond du Lac, WI 54935 Website
OVER THREE MILLION LIGHTS. That’s crazy! And beautiful. And festive. And there’s a lot more to see at the La Crosse Rotary Lights, that holiday special event that runs November 24th through December 31st at Riverside Park. The parade kicks everything off at 6pm on the 24th, with the opening ceremony immediately following. Santa will be on hand to throw the switch turning on all these lights (and probably momentarily dimming some others across town – that’s gotta be a huge power draw!), too. Helicopter rides are back this year, too!
Among the splendor is a 140- foot Christmas tree and plenty of animated light displays. Live nativity presentation on weekends until Christmas, although the number of participants will be limited this year. Santa, after opening the festivities, will continue to be there for you and the kids until December 23rd.
Here’s how it works if you choose to drive through it: The line forms down State Street and continues to the North on 2nd Street. On busy nights, the line will back up onto 3rd Street/Copeland Ave/U.S. 53. Roads will be blocked so that you cannot enter from State Street, northbound on Second Street, or from Vine Street. You can tune your car stereo to their local Christmas channel for good musical accompaniment while joining the caravan of onlookers from the comfort – and heat – of your car.
If you prefer to walk or take a carriage ride through the display, you do not need to wait in line. There is usually street parking available near the park or there are several parking ramps within walking distance. Get Parking Ramp Information HERE. Horse-drawn carriages are available most weekends and run $20/couple or $30/family. No Tuesday night hayrides this year, but you can still get free s’mores at the fire pit, where supplies will be individually packaged.. You’ll also still be able to experience the helicopter rides for an amazing view! New additions from last year that they’ve kept include a brand new sleigh for photos, heated restrooms available on both the north and south ends of the park, and the hologram display.
Remember, Santa shows up nightly from 5 – 8 pm until December 21st (of course, he has to hurry back to the North Pole right after that and get his sleigh ready for that worldwide trip) and there’s no sitting on his lap.
Weather permitting, the Chad Erickson Ice Rink is available for skating, Monday through Friday 5pm-8pm, Saturday Noon to 8pm, and Sunday Noon to 6pm. The warming hut and skate rental are back, and of course you can bring your own skates! A heated igloo will be available if you need to warm up and/or change. You can call (608) 784-9993 to check on Skating Rink Status and information; voicemail messages are updated daily.
New this year is All Abilities Night on Monday, November 27th. They will be adjusting the lights and music to accommodate individuals that may not have been able to experience the show in the past due to flashing lights and loud music.
The hours for La Crosse Rotary Lights are 5-10pm daily. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the hours are 5-9pm; New Year’s Eve, it will stay open until 1 am; meaning technically La Crosse Rotary Lights lasts into January 1, 2024.
The whole La Crosse Rotary Lights admission and experience is free of charge, but Rotary Lights does welcome donations; monetary or non-perishable food item donations are strongly encouraged. Get the full Schedule of Events here!
La Crosse Rotary Lights Address:
Riverside Park (just off U.S. 53)
410 Veterans Memorial Drive
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 784-9993 Website
A Country Christmas – it’s Wisconsin’s largest outdoor drive-thru lights display, now in its 27th year! It’s back as big as ever, letting families enjoy everything from the safety and comfort of their cars ! Country Christmas’ popular drive-thru holiday lights display covers the grounds of The Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, right along I-94 between County Highways T and G just north of Waukesha. Enjoy unique displays and exhibits like “Bearville,” an area of the trail where you will find giant teddy bears in a church scene, general store, butcher shop, and sausage factory. You can also enjoy Prairieville (Waukesha’s original name) and Old Time Waukesha miniature cities. plus a captivating 200-foot tunnel of 30,000 computerized, pulsating lights!
Road geeks (like us on the State Trunk Tour) love the old Mobilgas pumps along the Country Christmas Tour!
Admission to Country Christmas includes access to the following:
• The Country Christmas Trail features over a million holiday lights festively displayed on over a mile-long trail. As guests drive through the countryside, they will experience enchanting animated figures and holiday scenes from the comfort of their car.
• The Streets of Bethlehem is in a building at the end of the drive-through trail. You can get out of your car and walk through the collection of nearly life-sized Fontanini nativity figurines – a replica of the Pope’s personal collection.
• Christmas Village is another building at the end of the trail that you can get out of your car and visit. At Christmas Village, you can enjoy a hot cup of cocoa or an evening treat while surrounded by a cuddly cast of animated holiday characters. The newly rebuilt working model train display is cool, too!
Also, back by popular demand for the 3rd year, wagon rides will be available on the dates of November 27- 30th, December 4th – December 8th, and December 11th – December 15th. Rides start at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm and are $20 per person. Wagon rides include hot chocolate and a Christmas cookie; they can be purchased online. Carload admission is not required for wagon rides.
Country Christmas is again partnering with the Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County (HAWS). On December 1st and 8th, $5 of each regular carload admission will go directly back to HAWS. Additionally, HAWS Mobile Adoption Center will have animals on site in Christmas Village those two nights from 5pm-9pm for guests to visit and adopt.
Country Christmas 2023 runs November 24, 2021 through January 1, 2024, closed November 30th. Hours for the event are 5pm to 9pm Sunday through Thursday and 5pm to 10pm on Friday, Saturday and Holidays. Admission is $25 per carload Sunday-Thursday, $35 Friday, Saturday, and holidays. Pricing for large passenger vans and limos is $50 and minibus admission is $55. Senior home minibus admission is available for a discounted rate of $35.
Country Christmas at the Ingleside Address:
Ingleside Hotel
2810 Golf Road (County DR, along I-94)
Pewaukee, WI 53072
(262) 547-0201 Website
Chandelier lights over Wisconsin Avenue & Water Street in downtown Milwaukee for the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival.
The annual Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival celebrates its 25th year and once again Milwaukee will sparkle with lights and decorations in venues across downtown, including up and down Wisconsin Avenue, where every intersection features iconic chandeliers.
The Jingle Bus is taking this year off again, but you can enjoy Milwaukee’s joyous, open-air winter fest on foot or by car (heck, even by bike if you want) by visiting all the decorated parks as well as the dazzling downtown decor on foot or in the car.
A podcast called the MKE Jingle Bus Tour featuring Milwaukee Downtown BID CEO Beth Weirick and State Trunk Tour founder Eric Paulsen (who also served as a DJ on 95.7 BIG FM in Milwaukee during this interview) describing the Holiday Lights at each stop is available in five brief, illustrative podcast episodes:
Pere Marquette Park, one of several decorated parks during downtown Milwaukee’s Holiday Lights Festival. Photo credit: Alan Herzberg Jr. via Milwaukee Downtown.
The four decorated parks for the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival include:
“Community Spirit Park presented by Madison Medical Affiliates” at Cathedral Square Park (520 E. Wells Street, U.S. 18 & Highway 32), home to over 100 decorated evergreens along with Santa’s Mailbox presented by Educators Credit Union and Serving Older Adults. Children can drop their letter to Santa in the box through December 13th and receive a personalized response in return.
“Tinsel Town Express” at Pere Marquette Park (900 N. Plankinton Avenue, just south of U.S. 18/State Street) features a lighted scene from the North Pole’s special delivery depot. Plus, visit Ideal Property Management’s festive tree lot to pick up all of your holiday greenery.
“Home Is Where the Hearth Is powered by We Energies” is a favorite destination for photo ops at Zeidler Square (301 W. Michigan Avenue.) Take a snapshot in Santa’s chair and stroll the stunning lighted displays. Plus, in December, Zeidler Union Square will host Jingle Joy Boxes by Milwaukee Food & City Tours!
Red Arrow Park, a block east of the Milwaukee River across the street from the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, features lights, decorations, and a beautiful ice skating rink in the heart of downtown.
Of course, a TON of road trip routes bring you to downtown Milwaukee: I-94, I-43, I-794, U.S. 18, and Highways 32 and 145 bring you right to it. Highways 38 (Chase Avenue/6th Street), 57 (27th Street/Highland/20th Street), 59 (National Avenue), and 175 (Appleton and Lisbon Avenues, Miller Park Way) all bring you close.
“Feast with the Beasts” at the Milwaukee County Zoo! Milwaukee Journal Sentinel a la Carte, presented by Meijer, runs Thursday, August 17th through Sunday August 20th. Check out 27 area restaurants with palate-pleasing offers and national and local bands performing throughout Zoo grounds, including Vertical Horizon Thursday night,
Plenty of family-friendly activities are also available throughout the grounds, and of course the Milwaukee County Zoo’s remarkable collection of 2,100+ animals you can see and learn about. It’s one of the best family activities of the year.
Crafty kids can show their artistic side with Kohl’s Color Wheels, a mobile art experience. You can also enjoy a glass of wine, while listening to local bands at the Giraffe Village Wine Tent, sponsored by Champion Windows & Sunrooms. On top of that, you can visit the Brick Dinos exhibit, sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets, which includes interactive LEGO® play-scapes and more. Admission is $3 per person.
Zoo A La Carte Music Schedule:
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Miller Lite Caribou Stage
11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Jake Williams (90s, R&B, modern, & classics)
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Jon Rouse (Classic rock)
7 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Vertical Horizon (Alternative rock)
Flamingo Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Driving Buddies (Pop, rock, & country)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Jordan and Ernie (Bluegrass)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Andrea and The Mods (70s, 80s, & more)
Zoofari Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Geoff Landon Duo (Country hits)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Xeno and Joe (Classic hits)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Brady Lee (Pop country)
Lakeview Stage
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Phil Norby (Acoustic classics)
2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Sam and Cookie (Folk, classic rock, & bluegrass)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Grimm Brothers Trio (Classic hits)
Mad City Windows & Baths Woody Stage
11:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Steve Cohen and Jim Ohlschmidt (Twisted acoustic blues)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. JC Munguía (Latin music)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Eric Diamond (Neil Diamond & more)
BioLife Plasma Services Giraffe Wine Tent
11:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Carmen and Kostia (Pop vocals with piano)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Anthony Deutsch (Pianist, vocalist, & composer)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Downtown Harrison (Modern song and dance man)
Friday, August 18, 2023
Miller Lite Caribou Stage
12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Kris and Dani Crow (Harmonies & great banter)
3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Trapper Schoepp Band (Singer-songwriter)
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Eli Young Band (Country)
Flamingo Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Ebert and Grass (Classics)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Jessie Haines (Singer-songwriter)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Eric Barbieri and the Rockin’ Krakens (Classic rock hits)
Zoofari Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Scott E. Berendt Trio (Acoustic rock & pop)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Bad Medicine (80s party rock)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. The Playlist (Top 40 hits)
Mad City Windows & Baths Woody Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Rudy and Vee (Acoustic duo)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Michael Sean (Wisconsin musical mainstay)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Frogwater (Celtic bluegrass fusion)
BioLife Plasma Services Giraffe Wine Tent
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Keshena Armon (Singer-songwriter)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Katy Ambrose (Dynamic piano stylings)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Downtown Harrison (Modern song and dance man)
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Miller Lite Caribou Stage
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bath (Classic to modern pop and rock)
3 p.m. – 6 p.m. The Morrison Sessions (Roots rock & roll)
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Record Company (Rock)
Zoofari Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Busted Mullet (Rock)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Bruce Humphries and the Rockabilly Rebels (Rockabilly)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Our House (50s, 60s, 70s, & more)
Lakeview Stage
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Chris Haise Duo (Indie folk rock)
2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. The Belle Weather (Orchestral indie folk rock)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Ronnie Nyles (Singer-songwriter)
Mad City Windows & Baths Woody Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Patrick Van Bibber (Guitarist, singer-songwriter)
2:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Jake Warne Duo (Singer-songwriters)
6:15 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Eric Barbieri (Classic hits)
Sunday, August 20, 2023 Miller Lite Caribou Stage
12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Joe 2.0 (The world’s original rockestra)
5 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Hypnotized (Milwaukee’s Fleetwood Mac Tribute)
Flamingo Stage
11:15 a.m. – 3 p.m. Another One (Grateful Dead tribute)
4 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Crossfire (Country rock)
Mad City Windows & Baths Woody Stage
11:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Ronnie Nyles (Singer-songwriter)
4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Brooklynn Marti (Singer-songwriter)
BioLife Plasma Services Giraffe Wine Tent
11:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Barbara Stephan and Peter Mac Duo (Singer-songwriters)
4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Downtown Harrison (Modern song and dance man)
Admission rates (includes all bands and activities):
Adults: $17
Juniors (ages 3 to 12): $14
Children (ages 2 and under): FREE
Parking: $14
We talked with Jenny Diliberti from the Zoo a while back about this event and the Zoo’s history, animals, new designs, and more in this State Trunk Tour Podcast:
Milwaukee area restaurants at Zoo A La Carte include:
A la Crepes
Bear Garden
Brew City Snowballs
Bubble Waffle Shoppes
Café el Sol (gluten-free, vegetarian)
Caribou Beverage Bar
Catalano Corn (vegetarian)
Cedar Crest Ice Cream Parlor
Chillwaukee Pops (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free)
C-Viche
Funnel Cake Factory
Giraffe Beverage Bar
Giraffe Wine Bar
Golden Grill
Hot Potato
La Masa (vegetarian)
Leinie Lodge
Mama Bev’s Bakery
MIL-WOK-EE (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free)
Nothing Bundt Cakes (gluten-free)
Nourish 414 (vegetarian, gluten-free)
OOZ
Penguin Beverage Bar
Pig Tailz (vegetarian)
Roll MKE (vegetarian)
Salentini’s Pizza
Saz’s (gluten-free)
Scrima’s Woodfired Pizza (gluten-free)
Shawarma House (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free)
The Coop
The Snack Barn
Thunder Bay Grille (vegetarian, gluten-free)
Tots on the Street (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free)
Ultimate Confections Desserts featuring Suzy’s Cream Cheesecakes
Watering Hole Root Beer Floats
West End Snacks
Wild Burger
Woody’s Custard
Wong’s Wok
Zoo A La Carte at the Milwaukee County Zoo Address:
10001 W. Bluemound Road (U.S. 18)
Milwaukee, WI 53226
(414) 256-5466 Website
The Zoo is surrounded by U.S. 18/Bluemound Road on the north, I-41/US. 45 on the east, I-94 on the south, and Highway 100 on the west. Despite the Zoo Interchange construction, it’s still easy to get to!
Port Fish Days is BACK to being a multi-day festival! This fun weekend, which for a long time has featured “The World’s Largest One-Day Outdoor Fish Fry,” offers a TON of fun in the beautiful downtown and harbor areas of Port Washington.
Okay, along with the fish fry, we’re talking lots of fun: music on four stages, rides, fireworks, and plenty of other cool stuff like soccer water fights all along Port Washington’s beautiful harbor on Lake Michigan, where even on a hot day it tends to be nice and comfortable.
Port Fish Day in 2023 begins on Thursday, July 13th and runs through Saturday, July 15th with a variety of events each day and night. It begins with the Corn Hole Tournament Thursday evening with music Friday afternoon into the evening by Nate Horlache.
Saturday is the busy day – it begins with a nice calorie burn in the form of the Coal Dock Park Portal Run/Walk/Roll at 8am. Starting at 10am, the Beer Garden, Arts & Crafts Show, and Family Zone activities fire up at Upper Lake Park. Coal Dock and Upper Lake Park essentially flank downtown Port Washington, with all of their shops, restaurants, and marina activities in between.
Along with the Beer Garden, Arts & Crafts Show, and Family Zone from 10am – 8pm in Upper Lake Park, Port Washington hosts the Downtown Parade from 11am – 12:30pm up Franklin Street. Upper Lake Park adds its Car, Bike & Truck Show at noon, lasting through 5pm.
Live music starts up in Lower Lake Park with performances from Zach Steinbach, Letter 8, and headliners The Love Monkeys – get more details here. It all caps off at 7pm in Rotary Park along the water with the Fireworks Watch Party.
Port Fish Day is focused around the beautiful harbor area in downtown Port Washington. Highways 32 and 33 bring you right into downtown Port, just east of I-43 and Highway 57, a few miles north of Highway 60.
Further details are on their website. While in Port Washington, be sure to check out Coal Dock Park, raise a glass at Inventors Brewpub, trace the history of the Blues, shop Duluth Trading Company or any of the local stores downtown, and enjoy the lakefront! Of course you can check out Allen Edmonds Shoe Outlet on the north side of town or get some exercise on the Interurban Trail, which cuts right through town.
Port Fish Day Address:
Port Washington Harbor
100 N. Franklin Street (Highway 32)
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 284-0900 Website
Start:
July 14, 2023
End:
July 15, 2023
Venue:
Port Washington Harbor
Phone:
262-284-0900
Address:
100 N. Franklin Street, Port Washington, WI, 53074, United States
Long known as the Spooner Block Party and now known as Freedom Music Fest Wisconsin, this incredible music event is designed to celebrate and benefit those who keep us and our country safe and free. While offering a great lineup of rock and country acts, Freedom Music Fest is focused on giving back to regional military, law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS teams. It’s a celebration and a fund raiser that offers plenty to enjoy in the beautiful North Woods at the height of summer.
Freedom Music Fest takes place Saturday, July 1st, 2023 on the Washburn County Fairgrounds on the south side of the city of Spooner. Doors open at 4pm with a lineup that includes The Smokin’ Loons at 4:15, GB Leighton at 5:30, BlackHawk at 7:30, and headliner .38 Special at 9:30pm! Food and beverage vendors from the area will be there, including local craft brewery Round Man Brewing Company, Big Daddy’s Diner in Spooner, Lamoureux Concessions from Hayward, Lucky 8’s Grill, B & D’s BBQ, and more. Check out this podcast episode to find out more in detail.
Tickets range from $40 for general admission to $90 for reserved seating. VIP tickets are available in a variety of packages from $120 to $1,200 for a front row table for four. Compare and Buy Tickets Here.
Metro Jam is an annual two-day festival of FREE music in downtown Manitowoc, bringing national, regional, and local acts to the city’s Washington Park. Metro Jam, now in its 43rd year, brings a very diverse lineup of music to the MetroStage including original and classic rock, Americana, alt-country, roots, folk, blues, jazz, reggae, ska, bluegrass, indie, alternative, pop and much more. The featured headliner for this year’s Metro Jam is The Producers who will be taking the stage (and bring you back to the ’80s) at 8:30pm on Saturday evening, June 17th.
The lineup will be as follows:
FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2023
“European Music Tribute Night”
5:15PM LLOYD GOSZ & THE MYSTIC MOODS (Polka)
6:35PM ATHAS (Traditional Irish)
8:00PM CREAM CITY HOTCLUB (Gypsy Jazz)
SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 2023
12:00PM ALMOST.CERTAIN
1:15PM FRYIN’KIELBASA BROTHERS
2:30PM LADYBIRD
4:00PM THE KEYSTONES
5:30PM XPOSED 4HEADS
7:00PM TURN TURN TURN
8:30PM THE PRODUCERS
You’ll find MetroJam action right along what is once again Highway 42 (it was Business 42 until they re-did the routes in town) a few miles after the east end of U.S. 151 at I-43. The road brings you right to Washington Park! U.S. 10 also brings you within two blocks.
MetroJam Address:
Washington Park
1115 Washington Street
Manitowoc, WI 54220 Website
Polish Fest is the largest Polish cultural festival in America, and it’s right on Milwaukee’s lakefront! Authentic dancing, food, music, family activities, and plenty of other entertainment (accordions may be involved.)
Some of that extra entertainment includes vodka tastings, the annual Chopin Youth Piano Competition, folk arts and crafts, and plenty of children’s activities.
Polish Fest runs Friday, June 9th and Saturday, June 10th from noon until midnight; Sunday the 11th from noon to 8pm. A Sunday Mass will also take place, with free admission. Gates open at 9:30am Sunday for the Mass.
Tickets are $7 in advance, $12 at the Summerfest Gate. Military personnel, both active and retired, are admitted FREE with military ID.
Check out these event highlights:
Sukiennice Marketplace
Filled by over forty different vendors, our Sukiennice Marketplace gives you a chance to buy Polish items, from traditional Polish toys for children to a new piece of pottery. The Sukiennice Marketplace is also your source for massage & acupuncture, home improvement, and genealogy research. Find everything from relaxation to the knowledge of your Polish roots.
Cultural Village
2022 Cultural Village Exhibits will feature folk artists demonstrating traditional Polish crafts, including wycinanki (paper cutting), pisanki (decorated eggs), wianki (floral head wreaths) and more. Polanki’s sales tent featuring handmade Polish pottery (Boleslawiec), Christmas ornaments, recipe books and other folk art are both located in the Cultural Village. The Polish Genealogical Society and the Milwaukee County Genealogical Society will again be at Polish Fest in a new location, east of the demonstrator tent.
There’s also the Polish Forum, click here for a schedule of speakers.
Cooking demonstrations will abound, too: check out this schedule of events.
Polish Fest Schedule:
As you enter the festival grounds, you will be entertained by:
Friday Noon – 4:00 Jimmy Locke & Friends
4:30 – 8:30 Vern Tretow Band
Saturday Noon – 4:00 Jimmy Locke & Friends
4:30 – 8:30 Bryan O’Donnel Band
Sunday Noon – 3:30 Jimmy Locke & Friends
4:00 – 8:00 Roger Boll
Friday – June 9
Miller Stage
5:00 Shut the Front Door
6:00 Opening Ceremony
7:00 Shut the Front Door
9:00 The First Wave
Non-Stop Polka Stage
Noon Eddie Wojcik Tribute
3:20 I.P.A. Tribute Band
4:00 The Boys
4:40 I.P.A. Tribute Band
5:20 The Boys
6:00 I.P.A. Tribute Band
6:40 The Boys
7:20 Polka Country Musicians
8:00 Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push
8:40 Polka Country Musicians
9:20 Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push
10:00 Polka Country Musicians
10:40 Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push
11:20 Polka Country Musicians
Sobieski Cultural Stage
12:30 Larry Lynne – Decades
1:00 The Britins
2:00 Larry Lynne – Decades
3:00 The Britins
4:30 Syrena Polish Folk Dance Ensemble / Polonia Polish Folk Dance Ensemble Regina, Canada
6:00 Capuchins Walk For The Hungry
7:30 Syrena Polish Folk Dance Ensemble / Polonia Polish Folk Dance Regina, Canada
8:30 Korona Band From Canada
Sports Area
Polonia soccer club
Children’s Stage
1:00 Animated Illusionist Arden James
2:00 Julie Sobanski – Magicienne & Escape Artist
3:00 Animated Illusionist Arden James
4:00 Wayne & Wingnut
5:00 Julie Sobanski – Magicienne & Escape Artist
6:00 Accompany of Kids
7:00 David Seebach’s Wonders of Magic
Saturday – June 10
“The Big Boomski Fireworks” at 10:15pm
Miller Stage Noon John Gora & Gorale
1:30 SqueezeBox with Mollie B & Ted Lange
2:30 John Gora & Gorale
3:30 SqueezeBox with Mollie B & Ted Lange
5:00 Brett Newski
9:00 Almighty Vinyl
Non-Stop Polka Stage Noon The Maroszek Brothers
12:40 Keith Stras & Polka Confetti
1:20 The Maroszek Brothers
2:00 Keith Stras & Polka Confetti
2:40 The Maroszek Brothers
3:20 Keith Stras & Polka Confetti
4:00 Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push
4:40 Polka Family
5:20 Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push
6:00 Polka Family
6:40 Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push
7:20 Polka Family
8:00 Polka Country Musicians
8:40 The Boys
9:20 Polka Country Musicians
10:00 The Boys
10:40 Polka Country Musicians
11:20 The Boys
Sobieski Cultural Stage Noon Song & Dance Ensemble Lajkonik
12:30 Polonia Dance Ensemble Regina, Canada / Song & Dance Ensemble Lajkonik
1:00 Whisper Center for Artistic Expression
2:00 Syrena Polish Folk Dance Ensemble
3:00 Dolina Polish Dancers / Polonia Dance Ensemble Regina, Canada
4:00 Wesloly Lud Polish Dance Company of P.R.C.U.A. Zakopane Polish Dance Ensemble / P.R.C.U.A and Southwest Center of Polish Dancing P.R.C.U.A.
5:00 Wawel Polish Dancers
5:30 Song & Dance Ensemble Lajkonik
6:00 PFDAA Polish Folk Dance Gala
8:30 The Silver Orkiestra
Sports Area
Polonia soccer club
Children’s Stage
1:00 Syenka Polish Folk Dance Ensemble
2:00 Julie Sobanski – Magicienne & Escape Artist
3:00 Juchasi Polish Highlaner Dance Group
5:00 Julie Sobanski – Magicienne & Escape Artist
6:00 Wayne & Wingnut
7:00 David Seebach’s Wonders of Magic
Sunday – June 11
Miller Stage
Noon The Music Connection
1:30 John Gora & Gorale
2:30 The Music Connection
3:30 John Gora & Gorale
5:00 Jessie Marie & The Rippers
Non-Stop Polka Stage
Noon Polka Family
12:40 Polka Generations
1:20 Polka Family
2:00 Polka Generations
2:40 Polka Family
3:20 Polka Generations
4:00 D Street Band
Sobieski Cultural Stage
10:00 Mass Prelude
10:15 Mass
1:00 Syrena Polish Folk Dance Ensemble
2:00 Stas Venglevski
3:30 Al White
6:00 Depot Express
Sports Area
Polonia soccer club
Children’s Stage
Noon Little, Jr., Teen & Teen Polish Fest Pageant
3:00 Julie Sobanski – Magicienne & Escape Artist
4:00 Wayne & Wingnut
5:00 Accompany of Kids
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events
June 7, 2024 – June 8, 2024
Up North Beerfest
Walk the red carpet – literally – for Premier Beer Night from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday evening. This insider event allows participants to sample beers from 16 breweries which WON’T be available during the Saturday main event. Sip suds and enjoy tasty hors d’oeuvres. Premier Beer Night tickets are available for $85.
Saturday’s main event runs from 2pm to 6pm. It includes a sampling glass to taste nearly 100 different beers from 30 different breweries. A complementary beer guide will direct you to your favorite beer styles – or perhaps to styles you have yet to savor. There will be live entertainment and food is available for purchase from the Veterans Resource Center of Eagle River. Advance tickets are $60, same as at the event.
Parking is available on the grounds for both events, however, many area hotels and lodging places will provide free shuttle transportation to and from Hi-Pines Campground before, during, and after the main event on Saturday. No children, pets, or carry-ins are allowed to the event. Smoking is not allowed under the tented sampling areas.
There are three ways to purchase tickets: Online, via mail, or at these Eagle River locations:
Trig’s Cellar 70 (Liquor Department)
Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center
Tribute Brewing Company
You’ve been hibernating long enough. It’s time to enjoy the fresh air up here and taste some delicious beers! Hi-Pines Campground is right along U.S. 45/Highway 17/Highway 32 just north of Eagle River, not far from the World Championship Derby Complex and Tribute Brewing. Highway 70 also bring you to Eagle River, just head north a few miles!
Up North Beerfest Address:
Hi-Pines Campground
1919 U.S. 45 North
Eagle River, WI 54521
(800) 359-6315
Website
Back to StateTrunkTour.com
June 6, 2024 – June 8, 2024
PrideFest
PrideFest is Wisconsin’s largest LGBT festival and the one that kicks off the “summer of festivals” on Milwaukee’s lakefront. Plenty of shows, activities, food, a marketplace, a parade, and entertainment including a variety of comedy and music acts. The 2024 Pridefest runs June 6th-8th at Maier Festival Park, a.k.a. the Summerfest Grounds.
Acts on the SKYYLine Mainstage include:
THURSDAY
FRIDAY:
SATURDAY:
Fireworks will be launched Saturday night the 8th around 9:15pm.
You can also check out the Stonewall Stage and The Intersection with more activities and artists lined up, the Dance Pavilion, and Bonus Acts!
The Summerfest Grounds & Henry Maier Festival Park can be reached via I-794 and U.S. 18, right where it ends at Lake Michigan. Highway 32 is within blocks; also coming close are I-43/94 and Highways 38, 57, 59, 145, and 175.
PrideFest Address:
Milwaukee’s Summerfest Grounds/Henry Maier Festival Park
200 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 272-3378
PrideFest website
Back to StateTrunkTour.com
June 6, 2024 – June 9, 2024
Sparta Butterfest
Sparta holds some notable festivals, and Butterfest is the biggest one of the year. Along with plenty of butter, the festival features numerous events.
Among them: the A&P Carnival, one of the Midwest’s best. There’s also a craft and flea market, a quilt show, softball tournaments, a cornhole bean bag tournament, dance demonstrations, firemen’s water fights, a milking contest, stage entertainment, and much more. The Miss Sparta Pageant will be held during the event, one of the sanctioned events where the winner can then compete in Miss Wisconsin.
It runs Thursday June 6th through Sunday, June 9th. The Butterfest Parade takes place Sunday at 12:30pm. The whole event takes place at Memorial Park in Sparta. I-90 and Highways 16, 21, 27, and 71 bring you there! (Heck, so does the Elroy-Sparta Trail!)
Live music includes Larry’s Drifters on Thursday, the Pat Watters Band on Friday, High Mileage on Saturday, and The Dweebs on Sunday!
Sparta Butterfest Address:
Memorial Park
Pine Street
Sparta, WI 54656
Map
Website
Sparta Butterfest Schedule of Events
THURSDAY, JUNE 6:
A&P Carnival, 5-10pm
Corporate Sponsors Reception, 5:30pm • Fest Tent
Fest Tent – opening 7pm • Larry’s Drifters
Military Night – All active duty military free with Military ID
Food Tent
FRIDAY, JUNE 7:
Softball Tournament
Arts, Crafts, Fleamarket and Antiques • 4pm-dusk
Quilt Show Registration – 3pm
Food Tent
A&P Carnival, 5-11pm
Bingo 4-8pm
Fest Tent – opening 8pm • Pat Watters Band •
SATURDAY, JUNE 8:
Arts, Crafts, Fleamarket and Antiques • throughout the day, beginning 10am
A&P Carnival • Throughout the day • WRISTBANDS • Get a $20 wristband and ride from 12-5pm
Softball Tournament – throughout the day
Food Tent
Pancake and Sausage Breakfast • 7am-10am • At the cheese curd concession stand
3 Person Rotary Golf Tournament • 9am
Poker Run • Registration 9-11am
Quilt Show • 10am-5pm with a Demonstration at 2pm
Fest Tent – opening 12pm • Music provided by Mike Harris
New Age Wrestling, Fest Tent, 2pm
Firemen’s Waterfights • 1pm (registration at noon)
DJ Trivia, 1-3pm
Miss Wisconsin Send Off Party, 12pm in the Fest Tent
Milking Contest • 1:00pm
Kids Craft Area • 2-4pm
Bingo 2-6pm
Car Show • 1pm-6pm
Cornhole Bean Bag Tournament • 2pm
Quilting Demonstration • 2pm
Kid’s Bike Decorating Contest in the Arts and Crafts area • 2pm • Judging at 4:30pm
Fest Tent 8pm Entertainment – High Mileage
SUNDAY, JUNE 9:
Softball Tournament • Throughout the day
Food Tent • Throughout the day
Arts, Crafts, Fleamarket and Antiques • Throughout the day • 10am-6pm
A&P Carnival • Throughout the day 12pm-8pm
Quilt Show • 12-4pm • Maplewood School
Fest Tent opens at 12:00pm
Parade • 12:30pm
Fest Tent 4pm-8pm Entertainment – The Dweebs
Bingo 3-5pm
June 1, 2024
Cows on the Concourse
Check out Cows on the Concourse as you peruse the Dane County Farmers’ Market on Saturday, June 1, 2024 and enjoy live music, tasty food, fun games, and real, live cows!
Cows on the Concourse celebrates Wisconsin’s dairy industry, which contributes more than $43.4 billion to our state’s economy – Wisconsin is truly “America’s Dairyland.”
Activities
Cow Zone
Get up close and personal with two different herds of cows and baby calves from several dairy breeds. You can even pet them! Joining the cows are local Wisconsin farmers and other “Moo Experts” to answer all your questions.
Get MOOving & Fit Zone
Kids, check out our athletic stations and learn how dairy products are a part of healthy lifestyle and keep your bodies strong. Don’t forget to fuel up with ice-cold milk after you exercise!
Ed’Moo’cation Zone
Dairy is a rich tradition in Wisconsin, but how did it get to be that way? In this youth-friendly station, learn how dairy has become the cornerstone of Wisconsin’s economy as well as how all the great dairy products have become signature treats for folks in the Badger State.
Cows on the Concourse Big Cheese Zone
Sink your teeth into a melt-in-your-mouth grilled cheese sandwich for only $2. Don’t forget to grab a bottle of ice-cold milk to wash it down!
My Dairyland Scavenger Hunt
Join in the My Dairyland Scavenger Hunt and visit each zone at Cows on the Concourse. Learn fun dairy facts and record your answers for a chance to win a free souvenir t-shirt while supplies last.
Saturday Science
Can’t get enough dairy? Hop on a school bus for an excursion to the Town Center at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery on the UW-Madison campus. You will learn about the science of dairy foods and even do some sampling too!
A free shuttle will travel between the two locations, departing every 20 minutes between 10 a.m. and noon.
Saturday Science will include a bonus stop for the My Dairyland Scavenger Hunt.When you complete the My Dairyland Scavenger Hunt at Cows on the Concourse, take your question card to Saturday Science and earn a token for a scoop of Culver’s custard while supplies last!
Cows on the Concourse Address:
Capitol Square, 2 E. Main Street
Madison, WI 53703
Website
Their website has even more details. Check it out Saturday, June 1st from 8am-1pm on the Capitol Square in Madison. U.S. 12, 14, 18 and Highways 30 and 113 all bring you to the city, and U.S. 151 takes you right to the Square!
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May 31, 2024 – June 2, 2024
Lake Geneva Bacon Fest
Yes, yes, we had you at bacon. Lake Geneva Bacon Fest fills the city with the wondrous smells and tastes of unique bacon creations – from dishes to drinks – while enjoying live music from local performing artists across the downtown area. The 4th annual Bacon Fest runs all weekend from Friday, May 31st through Sunday, June 2nd.
The fun is centered on Flatiron Park in downtown Lake Geneva, which offers a beautiful view of Geneva Lake and is across from The Riviera, the historic Baker House, Sprecher’s Restaurant & Pub, and more. Tons of great shops and restaurants are within blocks, including Topsy Turvy Brewery. Of course, at the park itself beverages beyond bacon will be available, and part of the proceeds benefit the Walworth County Food Pantry and Diaper Bank.
Live Music Lineup:
Friday 5/31
5 to 6:45 The Soul Chasers
7:30 to 10 Think Floyd USA
Saturday 6/1
11-2 BB and The Honey (Yacht Rock)
2:30-5 TBD
5:30-7:30 Rumor Hazit (80’s Band)
8-10 Mellencougar
Sunday 6/2
12:30-1:45 Simply Billy (Joel)
2:15-3:00/3:30-4:15 Simply Elton (John)
4:15-4:30 Meet & Greet w/ Simply Elton
Presented by Lake Geneva Regional News and Amplified Wisconsin, tickets are available with a variety of options. You can buy them at the door or in advance here!
Here’s a sample of Lake Geneva Bacon Fest from 2022:
It’s easy to get to downtown Lake Geneva and Flatiron Park, just follow Highway 50 (which cuts right through the heart of downtown). Highway 120 comes in from the direct south and north, and the U.S. 12 freeway cuts right past town to the east and intersects with both 50 and 120 near the Grand Geneva. Easy access from the west is also available via Highway 50 from I-43 or Highway 67!
Lake Geneva Bacon Fest Address:
Flatiron Park
201 Wrigley Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
(262) 248-4444
Website
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May 31, 2024 – June 1, 2024
Shawano Sundrop Dayz
Shawano SunDrop Dayz 2024 hits Friday, May 31st and Saturday, June 1st to celebrate the tasty citrus soda this town began making in the 1950s! SunDrop helps usher in summer with a wide variety of family-friendly activities, live performances, music, food, beverages. You can even enjoy tours and tastings at the SunDrop Museum.
Sun Drop soda is being made and bottled in returnable glass bottles. Tour the Sun Drop museum at 920 S. Franklin Street and experience fun interactive displays. Most importantly, visit the tasting room and sample their different soda flavors. They include Farmer’s Brew butterscotch root beer, rhu-berry, caramel apple, blue raspberry, black cherry, cream, or the original “Golden Soda” Sun Drop. Horse wagon rides will be available between the museum and the park so you can enjoy a ride to the tours and tastings!
Friday late afternoon into the evening, kids can enjoy the Kidz Zone with inflatables and more. Afterwards, all can enjoy live music from Spark Spark Bang! and Driftwood during the evening. Saturday, June 1st opens early with a Flea Market at 6am on Main Street. At 9am, the 5k Run/Walk kicks off. Both the Craft Fair and Kidz Zone fire up at 10am. The muscle comes out in the early afternoon with the Strongman Competition at 1pm and the Lumberjack Competition continuing from there through 5pm. For music, the Oneida Smoke Dancers will perform starting at Noon. Also, Wet Possum takes the stage at 3pm and the GLAM BAND plays from 6:45pm until 10 (at least.)
SunDrop Dayz is also a fundraiser, and the festival has raised over $100,000 for local charities since its inception in 2016. Sponsors keep admission FREE and there are plenty of vendors offering their crafts, food, beer, soda, and more for sale.
Shawano SunDrop Dayz Address:
Shawano is easily accessible via the Highway 29 expressway as well as Highways 22, 47, and 55 (which also sometimes joins 29 on the bypass). Memorial Park itself, where the festivities are centered, is along Main Street/Highway 22. Within blocks you’ll find Stubborn Brothers Brewing and the Mountain-Bay Trail.
909 S. Lincoln Street one block north of Lieg Street east of Main (Highway 22)
Shawano, WI
Website
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May 17, 2024 – May 19, 2024
Syttende Mai Festival, Stoughton
Stoughton’s Syttende Mai festival is a weekend-long celebration of Norwegian heritage featuring fun activities and cultural experiences for the whole family. Check out three days of parades, amazing food and drink, arts and music, athletic competitions, and kids’ activities steeped in centuries of Norwegian culture. From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, Stoughton enjoyed an influx of Norwegians, and at one time, as many as 75 percent of its residents spoke Norwegian. These immigrants celebrated Syttende Mai unofficially, but it became an annual, city-wide tradition in the 1950s.
The city-wide festival takes place every year on the weekend closest to Norway’s May 17th Constitution Day, also known as Syttende Mai. In 2024, the festivities run through the weekend of May 17th through the 19th. The Arts & Crafts Fair attracts arts and crafts enthusiasts and artists who appreciate Norwegian culture and its role in the arts. The Stoughton festival features an annual juried craft fair where artisans and artists show and sell their hand-crafted works. The Norwegian art of rosemaling, or decorative painting, traditional Norwegian embroidery and quilts are all on display. Many artists hold public demonstrations of how they create their works, too. It’s a great opportunity for Stoughton festival-goers to meet the artists and appreciate the art’s deep roots in traditional Norwegian culture. It includes the Arts & Craft Fair, Hardanger Embroidery Exhibit, the Quilt Show, the Rosemaling Exhibit and Sale, and Norwegian Cultural Demonstrations. It runs Saturday from 10am — 6pm and Sunday from 9am — 2pm at River Bluff Middle School Gymnasium, Cafetorium, and Grounds at 235 N. Forrest Street in Stoughton.
Festival activities include:
Syttende Mai Festival Address:
via Stoughton Chamber of Commerce
532 E. Main Street
Stoughton, WI 53589
(608) 873-7912
Website
More details below!
Stoughton Norwegian Dancers
This dance troupe delights audiences with their intricate footwork, athleticism, and enthusiasm for traditional Norwegian culture. Around since 1952 and clad in traditional Norwegian costumes, or bunad, their dancing to music from the fjords, and their colorful and captivating performances are in demand nationwide. You’ll be able to see the Stoughton Norwegian Dancers and their traditional folk performances every day during the three-day Syttende Mai festival.
Other Live Performances
While enjoying all the Syttende Mai sights and delicious foods, don’t forget to experience the music, dance, and theater performances. Be sure to catch a Norwegian Dancer performance to experience Scandinavian folk dancing. Attend a Stoughton Village Players theatrical performance written and performed by local actors who are expert at presenting the humorous side of life in Stoughton. Be sure to seek out a Hardanger fiddle performance to see and hear these beautiful instruments up close.
Enjoy:
Crowning the Syttende Mai Royalty
Check out the crowning of Syttende Mai’s event ambassadors in a tradition that spans five decades. Stoughton’s Syttende Mai royalty kick off the three-day event and declare the weekend a statewide celebration.
Those who wear the Syttende Mai crown receive the honor for their commitment to community service and keeping the local Norwegian culture alive. Each year, a couple learns of their nomination in September and must keep it a secret from everyone, even friends and family, for five months. During the Stoughton Norwegian Dancers’ February Norse Afternoon of Fun, the new king and queen receive their crowns and join previous years’ honorees.
Although their reign is symbolic, the annual Syttende Mai King and Queen dress in traditional Norwegian clothing, or bunad, for the entire festival. In addition to opening the festival, the couple attend more than 40 events over the weekend. They are the festival’s icons and serve as cultural ambassadors to visitors. Have questions about the Norwegian cultural demonstrations, colors, music, foods and costumes you see? Ask this year’s king and queen (or one of our many volunteers).
Young people participate in the Syttende Mai royalty tradition, too. Two local third-grade students are selected as the festival’s annual Prince and Princess and are chosen to carry on Norwegian traditions among their peers. They serve as grand marshals of the Saturday Youth Parade, ride in the Sunday Norwegian Parade, and start The Lil’ Run. The pair also attend the opening dinner and make other appearances throughout the Syttende Mai festival.
Again, you’ll find Stoughton along U.S. 51 and Highway 138, southeast of Madison. I-39/90 and U.S. 14 also bring you close!
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May 3, 2024 – May 5, 2024
Spring Fiber Extravaganza!
The 2024 Spring Fiber Extravaganza is a great opportunity to enjoy a road trip and learn about fiber farms around Manitowoc and Sheboygan Counties. The Extravaganza consist of a self-guided scenic road trip with roughly 30 minutes of driving time to three different fiber farms in or near Manitowoc County to visit alpacas, goats, llamas, sheep, ducks, turkeys and more. It runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday May 3rd-5th and takes place at these three farms:
All three invite you to visit the farms, meet the animals, learn more about agriculture, and shop their stores or vendors. This is FREE, open-house style event at all of the farms.
For everyone’s enjoyment and safety, children must be supervised at all times, no smoking or running is allowed, and safety rules at each farm must be strictly followed.
Spring Fiber Extravaganza Location Map:
A trip along Highway 147, which runs between Two Rivers and Maribel, is a fun one for this event. You can easily head down I-43 to Velvet Sheep Farms, which is just off Highway 42 northwest of the interchange. While you’re road tripping in the area, check out great food and beverages at locations throughout Manitowoc County along the Wisconsin Coastal Food Trail. You can also explore downtown Two Rivers with its vibrant shops, Nashotah Beach, Historic Rogers Street Fishing Village, the Washington House (birthplace of the ice cream sundae), and more. Closer to Maribel, stop off Highway 147 and up County R just a mile or so and explore Cherney Maribel Caves County Park, which offers great hiking trails and showcases the Niagara Escarpment beautifully. Down at Velvet Sheep Farms, you’re right by Sheboygan with its bustling downtown complete with museums, theater, a busy and fun harborfront district, wide variety of restaurant cuisine, and more right down Highway 42. If you crave breweries on this road trip, Cool City Brewing is one block off Highway 42 in Two Rivers, Manitowoc features PetSkull Brewing, Sabbatical Brewing, and Craft Creek Brewing. In Sheboygan, a visit to 3 Sheeps Brewing is a must!
Happy road tripping on the Spring Fiber Extravaganza… who knows what else it can lead to??
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May 2, 2024 – May 5, 2024
100 Mile Garage Sale along the Great River Road
Every year, Lake Pepin historic river towns in both Wisconsin and Minnesota clean out their attics, garages and basements to create the most spectacular garage sale around. Bargain hunters can start anywhere along the river road – Minnesota or Wisconsin – rain or shine. The 100 Mile Garage Sale extends from Winona north to Red Wing on the Minnesota side of the River and Fountain City north to Prescott on the Wisconsin side of the River. Thousands of individuals and businesses participate with their own garage sales, often whole neighborhoods. While there are no maps indicating the exact location of the individual sales they are very easy to find and are identified by signage and pink balloons or ribbons. Many of the people who visit the Region for the garage sale weekend start on Thursday and stay until Sunday morning. They often comment that they attended half of the sales that they saw. You won’t have any problem what-so-ever finding as many garage sales as you feel like attending! Follow the trail marked with colored balloons or ribbons of participating sales and you’ll find deals, steals and fun.
Sales on the Minnesota side run from Hastings along U.S. 61 south to Winona; on the Wisconsin side the sales go from Fountain City on the south to Prescott on the north, all centered around Pepin – and you have to check out the gorgeous views of Lake Pepin! Don’t miss it!
100 Mile Garage Sale Address:
Various locations, centered around Pepin along Highway 35 in Wisconsin and U.S. 14/61 in Minnesota
Information: (651) 307-8364
Website
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April 27, 2024
Between the Bluffs Beer Wine and Cheese Festival
It all begins Friday evening, April 26th, with Friday Night: Taster’s Eve. You can buy a wristband and ride the shuttles to various participating establishments for specials and tap take-overs by guest breweries attending the fest.
The main festival takes place at La Crosse’s Southside Oktoberfest Grounds on Saturday afternoon, April 23rd, with general admission ($50) from 2-6pm. VIP tickets ($90) allow for a noon entry. Details on what you get with each are below!
But that’s not all…
Sunday, April 28th is the Bacon Bloody Brunch! Jump back on the horse or come out for a “Sunday Funday” at the Oktoberfest Grounds! Enjoy specialty breakfast drinks, yard games, live music, and of course BACON. Specialty drinks include beer bloodies, mimosas and breakfast beer served up by Del’s Bar, Pearl Street Brewery, and Surly Brewing Company. For eats, enjoy giant pancakes served up by Mindoro Lions Club, bacon provided by Bubba’s Meats and Premier Catering, cheesy potatoes, and eggs. Coffee will also be available.
For Sunday’s Bacon Bloody Brunch, tickets are available for $15, which are available online or at the gates. You must be 21 years or older and show ID at the gate.
I-90, U.S. 14/61, U.S. 53, and Highways 16, 33, and 35 all bring you to La Crosse, and they’re all beautiful drives as you head “Between the Bluffs”!
Between the Bluffs Beer Wine and Cheese Festival Address:
Southside Oktoberfest Grounds
2nd & La Crosse Streets
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 782-2250 or (800) 658-9424
Website
Between the Bluffs Ticket ($55) Details:
General Admission Tickets include:
VIP Tickets ($95) Include:
VIP and Brewers Reception Friday, April 26th
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April 19, 2024 – April 20, 2024
Gallery Night & Day, Milwaukee
Happening quarterly, Gallery Night & Day is one of the premier art events in Milwaukee. It’s the “Ultimate Art Weekend,” with over 50 venues throughout the Historic Third Ward and Downtown that serve as showcases for viewing art from paintings to sculptures to other creative outlets. Bars and restaurants stay open later than usual Friday night, while Saturday is a prime time to continue the gallery gallivanting while also enjoying the area’s unique and eclectic selection of shops.
Along with art galleries, Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward is filled with boutique shops like Lela, Bangles & Bags, Shoo, Untuck’d, Stephanie Horne Boutique, MILWORKS, Lizzibeth, Drybar, Too Much Metal, MODA3, and more. You’ll also find Anthropologie, Designs Within Reach, Restoration Hardware, Francesca’s, Mod Gen, Retique, Warby Parker, Lululemon Athletica, and more. You can also stop in Wizard Works Brewing or Broken Bat Brewery for craft beer, or Vino 100 or Thief Wine in the Milwaukee Public Market for a fantastic selection of wines. Numerous restaurants in the Third Ward offer everything from bar food to Asian fusion, American and Korean barbecue, and Italian – plus Shake Shack. The Milwaukee Public Market draws visitors from all over and offers takeaway and ready-to-eat food, drinks, and sundries in one dynamic setting.
This quarter, Gallery Night runs Friday and Saturday, April 19th and 20th. Activities begin late afternoon Friday and run through Saturday afternoon. I-43/94, I-794, U.S. 18, and Highway 32 are all amidst where it takes place; Highways 38, 59, and 145 get you close! The city has signs directing you to the Third Ward from the Marquette Interchange. You can also ride The Hop, the local streetcar
Full details and venue listings are available on their website. You’ll find the latest listings of shops, galleries, bars, restaurants, and more – things develop and change quickly in the Third Ward!
Gallery Night & Day Address:
Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward
300 N. Broadway (and all over the area)
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Website
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December 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Lakeside Park Holiday Light Show
Fond du Lac, which literally means “bottom of the lake” in French, sparkles along the south end of Lake Winnebago during the season with the Lakeside Park Holiday Light Show. Running from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, you can walk or drive through thousands of holiday light displays, animations, and even a music show with dancing trees that will perform for 20 minutes to music you can tune into on a local radio station.
The Lakeside Park Holiday Light Show is FREE. It runs every evening through January 1st!
Fond du Lac is easily accessible via I-41, U.S. 45, U.S. 151, or Highways 23 or 175. Follow U.S. 45 or Highway 23 into downtown and head north along Main Street, you’ll get right there – because any further, and you’d be in Lake Winnebago.
Lakeside Park Holiday Light Show Address:
Lakeside Park
Main Street
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
Website
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December 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024
La Crosse Rotary Lights
OVER THREE MILLION LIGHTS. That’s crazy! And beautiful. And festive. And there’s a lot more to see at the La Crosse Rotary Lights, that holiday special event that runs November 24th through December 31st at Riverside Park. The parade kicks everything off at 6pm on the 24th, with the opening ceremony immediately following. Santa will be on hand to throw the switch turning on all these lights (and probably momentarily dimming some others across town – that’s gotta be a huge power draw!), too. Helicopter rides are back this year, too!
Among the splendor is a 140- foot Christmas tree and plenty of animated light displays. Live nativity presentation on weekends until Christmas, although the number of participants will be limited this year. Santa, after opening the festivities, will continue to be there for you and the kids until December 23rd.
Here’s how it works if you choose to drive through it: The line forms down State Street and continues to the North on 2nd Street. On busy nights, the line will back up onto 3rd Street/Copeland Ave/U.S. 53. Roads will be blocked so that you cannot enter from State Street, northbound on Second Street, or from Vine Street. You can tune your car stereo to their local Christmas channel for good musical accompaniment while joining the caravan of onlookers from the comfort – and heat – of your car.
If you prefer to walk or take a carriage ride through the display, you do not need to wait in line. There is usually street parking available near the park or there are several parking ramps within walking distance. Get Parking Ramp Information HERE. Horse-drawn carriages are available most weekends and run $20/couple or $30/family. No Tuesday night hayrides this year, but you can still get free s’mores at the fire pit, where supplies will be individually packaged.. You’ll also still be able to experience the helicopter rides for an amazing view! New additions from last year that they’ve kept include a brand new sleigh for photos, heated restrooms available on both the north and south ends of the park, and the hologram display.
Remember, Santa shows up nightly from 5 – 8 pm until December 21st (of course, he has to hurry back to the North Pole right after that and get his sleigh ready for that worldwide trip) and there’s no sitting on his lap.
Weather permitting, the Chad Erickson Ice Rink is available for skating, Monday through Friday 5pm-8pm, Saturday Noon to 8pm, and Sunday Noon to 6pm. The warming hut and skate rental are back, and of course you can bring your own skates! A heated igloo will be available if you need to warm up and/or change. You can call (608) 784-9993 to check on Skating Rink Status and information; voicemail messages are updated daily.
New this year is All Abilities Night on Monday, November 27th. They will be adjusting the lights and music to accommodate individuals that may not have been able to experience the show in the past due to flashing lights and loud music.
The hours for La Crosse Rotary Lights are 5-10pm daily. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the hours are 5-9pm; New Year’s Eve, it will stay open until 1 am; meaning technically La Crosse Rotary Lights lasts into January 1, 2024.
The whole La Crosse Rotary Lights admission and experience is free of charge, but Rotary Lights does welcome donations; monetary or non-perishable food item donations are strongly encouraged. Get the full Schedule of Events here!
Riverside Park (just off U.S. 53)
410 Veterans Memorial Drive
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 784-9993
Website
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December 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Country Christmas at the Ingleside, Pewaukee
A Country Christmas – it’s Wisconsin’s largest outdoor drive-thru lights display, now in its 27th year! It’s back as big as ever, letting families enjoy everything from the safety and comfort of their cars ! Country Christmas’ popular drive-thru holiday lights display covers the grounds of The Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, right along I-94 between County Highways T and G just north of Waukesha. Enjoy unique displays and exhibits like “Bearville,” an area of the trail where you will find giant teddy bears in a church scene, general store, butcher shop, and sausage factory. You can also enjoy Prairieville (Waukesha’s original name) and Old Time Waukesha miniature cities. plus a captivating 200-foot tunnel of 30,000 computerized, pulsating lights!
Admission to Country Christmas includes access to the following:
• The Country Christmas Trail features over a million holiday lights festively displayed on over a mile-long trail. As guests drive through the countryside, they will experience enchanting animated figures and holiday scenes from the comfort of their car.
• The Streets of Bethlehem is in a building at the end of the drive-through trail. You can get out of your car and walk through the collection of nearly life-sized Fontanini nativity figurines – a replica of the Pope’s personal collection.
• Christmas Village is another building at the end of the trail that you can get out of your car and visit. At Christmas Village, you can enjoy a hot cup of cocoa or an evening treat while surrounded by a cuddly cast of animated holiday characters. The newly rebuilt working model train display is cool, too!
Country Christmas is again partnering with the Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County (HAWS). On December 1st and 8th, $5 of each regular carload admission will go directly back to HAWS. Additionally, HAWS Mobile Adoption Center will have animals on site in Christmas Village those two nights from 5pm-9pm for guests to visit and adopt.
Country Christmas 2023 runs November 24, 2021 through January 1, 2024, closed November 30th.
Hours for the event are 5pm to 9pm Sunday through Thursday and 5pm to 10pm on Friday, Saturday and Holidays.
Admission is $25 per carload Sunday-Thursday, $35 Friday, Saturday, and holidays. Pricing for large passenger vans and limos is $50 and minibus admission is $55. Senior home minibus admission is available for a discounted rate of $35.
Country Christmas at the Ingleside Address:
Ingleside Hotel
2810 Golf Road (County DR, along I-94)
Pewaukee, WI 53072
(262) 547-0201
Website
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December 1, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
The annual Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival celebrates its 25th year and once again Milwaukee will sparkle with lights and decorations in venues across downtown, including up and down Wisconsin Avenue, where every intersection features iconic chandeliers.
The Jingle Bus is taking this year off again, but you can enjoy Milwaukee’s joyous, open-air winter fest on foot or by car (heck, even by bike if you want) by visiting all the decorated parks as well as the dazzling downtown decor on foot or in the car.
A podcast called the MKE Jingle Bus Tour featuring Milwaukee Downtown BID CEO Beth Weirick and State Trunk Tour founder Eric Paulsen (who also served as a DJ on 95.7 BIG FM in Milwaukee during this interview) describing the Holiday Lights at each stop is available in five brief, illustrative podcast episodes:
Episode 1: Community Spirit Park at Cathedral Square Park:
Episode 2: HiBEARnation Station at Pere Marquette Park:
Episode 3: Red Arrow Park:
Episode 4: Home Is Where the Hearth Is powered by We Energies at Zeidler Union Square:
Episode 5: Wisconsin Avenue – Vel R. Phillips Avenue to Prospect Avenue:
The four decorated parks for the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival include:
“Community Spirit Park presented by Madison Medical Affiliates” at Cathedral Square Park (520 E. Wells Street, U.S. 18 & Highway 32), home to over 100 decorated evergreens along with Santa’s Mailbox presented by Educators Credit Union and Serving Older Adults. Children can drop their letter to Santa in the box through December 13th and receive a personalized response in return.
“Tinsel Town Express” at Pere Marquette Park (900 N. Plankinton Avenue, just south of U.S. 18/State Street) features a lighted scene from the North Pole’s special delivery depot. Plus, visit Ideal Property Management’s festive tree lot to pick up all of your holiday greenery.
“Home Is Where the Hearth Is powered by We Energies” is a favorite destination for photo ops at Zeidler Square (301 W. Michigan Avenue.) Take a snapshot in Santa’s chair and stroll the stunning lighted displays. Plus, in December, Zeidler Union Square will host Jingle Joy Boxes by Milwaukee Food & City Tours!
Red Arrow Park, a block east of the Milwaukee River across the street from the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, features lights, decorations, and a beautiful ice skating rink in the heart of downtown.
It all kicks off Thursday, November 18th at 6:30pm, where Milwaukee’s ABC affiliate, WISN 12, will feature holiday acts on stage in a televised performance.
The lights and decorations downtown continue all the way through New Year’s Day 2024, because we’re all ready for a new year.
Download their full guide (.pdf) or keep up on their website for more as we go through the holiday!
Of course, a TON of road trip routes bring you to downtown Milwaukee: I-94, I-43, I-794, U.S. 18, and Highways 32 and 145 bring you right to it. Highways 38 (Chase Avenue/6th Street), 57 (27th Street/Highland/20th Street), 59 (National Avenue), and 175 (Appleton and Lisbon Avenues, Miller Park Way) all bring you close.
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August 20, 2023
Zoo A La Carte at the Milwaukee County Zoo
“Feast with the Beasts” at the Milwaukee County Zoo! Milwaukee Journal Sentinel a la Carte, presented by Meijer, runs Thursday, August 17th through Sunday August 20th. Check out 27 area restaurants with palate-pleasing offers and national and local bands performing throughout Zoo grounds, including Vertical Horizon Thursday night,
Plenty of family-friendly activities are also available throughout the grounds, and of course the Milwaukee County Zoo’s remarkable collection of 2,100+ animals you can see and learn about. It’s one of the best family activities of the year.
Crafty kids can show their artistic side with Kohl’s Color Wheels, a mobile art experience. You can also enjoy a glass of wine, while listening to local bands at the Giraffe Village Wine Tent, sponsored by Champion Windows & Sunrooms. On top of that, you can visit the Brick Dinos exhibit, sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets, which includes interactive LEGO® play-scapes and more. Admission is $3 per person.
Zoo A La Carte Music Schedule:
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Miller Lite Caribou Stage
11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Jake Williams (90s, R&B, modern, & classics)
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Jon Rouse (Classic rock)
7 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Vertical Horizon (Alternative rock)
Flamingo Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Driving Buddies (Pop, rock, & country)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Jordan and Ernie (Bluegrass)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Andrea and The Mods (70s, 80s, & more)
Zoofari Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Geoff Landon Duo (Country hits)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Xeno and Joe (Classic hits)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Brady Lee (Pop country)
Lakeview Stage
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Phil Norby (Acoustic classics)
2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Sam and Cookie (Folk, classic rock, & bluegrass)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Grimm Brothers Trio (Classic hits)
Mad City Windows & Baths Woody Stage
11:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Steve Cohen and Jim Ohlschmidt (Twisted acoustic blues)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. JC Munguía (Latin music)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Eric Diamond (Neil Diamond & more)
BioLife Plasma Services Giraffe Wine Tent
11:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Carmen and Kostia (Pop vocals with piano)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Anthony Deutsch (Pianist, vocalist, & composer)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Downtown Harrison (Modern song and dance man)
Friday, August 18, 2023
Miller Lite Caribou Stage
12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Kris and Dani Crow (Harmonies & great banter)
3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Trapper Schoepp Band (Singer-songwriter)
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Eli Young Band (Country)
Flamingo Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Ebert and Grass (Classics)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Jessie Haines (Singer-songwriter)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Eric Barbieri and the Rockin’ Krakens (Classic rock hits)
Zoofari Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Scott E. Berendt Trio (Acoustic rock & pop)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Bad Medicine (80s party rock)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. The Playlist (Top 40 hits)
Lakeview Stage
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hearthfire (Irish roots & rock)
2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Joey Gleesing (Top 40 hits)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Scott Hlavenka Duo (Acoustic gypsy jazz)
Mad City Windows & Baths Woody Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Rudy and Vee (Acoustic duo)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Michael Sean (Wisconsin musical mainstay)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Frogwater (Celtic bluegrass fusion)
BioLife Plasma Services Giraffe Wine Tent
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Keshena Armon (Singer-songwriter)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Katy Ambrose (Dynamic piano stylings)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Downtown Harrison (Modern song and dance man)
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Miller Lite Caribou Stage
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bath (Classic to modern pop and rock)
3 p.m. – 6 p.m. The Morrison Sessions (Roots rock & roll)
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The Record Company (Rock)
Flamingo Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Tangled Lines (Roots, rock, & Americana)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Kitty Soft Paw (Indie rock & soul)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. V-Funk (Funk)
Zoofari Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Busted Mullet (Rock)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Bruce Humphries and the Rockabilly Rebels (Rockabilly)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Our House (50s, 60s, 70s, & more)
Lakeview Stage
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Chris Haise Duo (Indie folk rock)
2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. The Belle Weather (Orchestral indie folk rock)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Ronnie Nyles (Singer-songwriter)
Mad City Windows & Baths Woody Stage
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Patrick Van Bibber (Guitarist, singer-songwriter)
2:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. Jake Warne Duo (Singer-songwriters)
6:15 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Eric Barbieri (Classic hits)
BioLife Plasma Services Giraffe Wine Tent
11:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. Christopher’s Project Duo (Jazz, R&B, pop, & swing)
2:45 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Marcya Daneille (Jazz & soul)
6 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Downtown Harrison (Modern song and dance man)
Sunday, August 20, 2023
Miller Lite Caribou Stage
12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Joe 2.0 (The world’s original rockestra)
5 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Hypnotized (Milwaukee’s Fleetwood Mac Tribute)
Flamingo Stage
11:15 a.m. – 3 p.m. Another One (Grateful Dead tribute)
4 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Crossfire (Country rock)
Zoofari Stage
12 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Shuga Blu (R&B, soul, & pop)
4:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Lovin Kind (Classic rock)
Lakeview Stage
11:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Beautiful Collide (Blues, jazz, & light rock)
4:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. The Lounge Dogs (Acoustic hits, classics, sing-alongs)
Mad City Windows & Baths Woody Stage
11:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Ronnie Nyles (Singer-songwriter)
4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Brooklynn Marti (Singer-songwriter)
BioLife Plasma Services Giraffe Wine Tent
11:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Barbara Stephan and Peter Mac Duo (Singer-songwriters)
4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Downtown Harrison (Modern song and dance man)
Admission rates (includes all bands and activities):
Adults: $17
Juniors (ages 3 to 12): $14
Children (ages 2 and under): FREE
Parking: $14
We talked with Jenny Diliberti from the Zoo a while back about this event and the Zoo’s history, animals, new designs, and more in this State Trunk Tour Podcast:
Milwaukee area restaurants at Zoo A La Carte include:
A la Crepes
Bear Garden
Brew City Snowballs
Bubble Waffle Shoppes
Café el Sol (gluten-free, vegetarian)
Caribou Beverage Bar
Catalano Corn (vegetarian)
Cedar Crest Ice Cream Parlor
Chillwaukee Pops (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free)
C-Viche
Funnel Cake Factory
Giraffe Beverage Bar
Giraffe Wine Bar
Golden Grill
Hot Potato
La Masa (vegetarian)
Leinie Lodge
Mama Bev’s Bakery
MIL-WOK-EE (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free)
Nothing Bundt Cakes (gluten-free)
Nourish 414 (vegetarian, gluten-free)
OOZ
Penguin Beverage Bar
Pig Tailz (vegetarian)
Roll MKE (vegetarian)
Salentini’s Pizza
Saz’s (gluten-free)
Scrima’s Woodfired Pizza (gluten-free)
Shawarma House (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free)
The Coop
The Snack Barn
Thunder Bay Grille (vegetarian, gluten-free)
Tots on the Street (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free)
Ultimate Confections Desserts featuring Suzy’s Cream Cheesecakes
Watering Hole Root Beer Floats
West End Snacks
Wild Burger
Woody’s Custard
Wong’s Wok
Zoo A La Carte at the Milwaukee County Zoo Address:
10001 W. Bluemound Road (U.S. 18)
Milwaukee, WI 53226
(414) 256-5466
Website
The Zoo is surrounded by U.S. 18/Bluemound Road on the north, I-41/US. 45 on the east, I-94 on the south, and Highway 100 on the west. Despite the Zoo Interchange construction, it’s still easy to get to!
Back to StateTrunkTour.com
July 14, 2023 – July 15, 2023
Port Fish Days
Okay, along with the fish fry, we’re talking lots of fun: music on four stages, rides, fireworks, and plenty of other cool stuff like soccer water fights all along Port Washington’s beautiful harbor on Lake Michigan, where even on a hot day it tends to be nice and comfortable.
Port Fish Day in 2023 begins on Thursday, July 13th and runs through Saturday, July 15th with a variety of events each day and night. It begins with the Corn Hole Tournament Thursday evening with music Friday afternoon into the evening by Nate Horlache.
Saturday is the busy day – it begins with a nice calorie burn in the form of the Coal Dock Park Portal Run/Walk/Roll at 8am. Starting at 10am, the Beer Garden, Arts & Crafts Show, and Family Zone activities fire up at Upper Lake Park. Coal Dock and Upper Lake Park essentially flank downtown Port Washington, with all of their shops, restaurants, and marina activities in between.
Live music starts up in Lower Lake Park with performances from Zach Steinbach, Letter 8, and headliners The Love Monkeys – get more details here. It all caps off at 7pm in Rotary Park along the water with the Fireworks Watch Party.
Port Fish Day is focused around the beautiful harbor area in downtown Port Washington. Highways 32 and 33 bring you right into downtown Port, just east of I-43 and Highway 57, a few miles north of Highway 60.
Further details are on their website. While in Port Washington, be sure to check out Coal Dock Park, raise a glass at Inventors Brewpub, trace the history of the Blues, shop Duluth Trading Company or any of the local stores downtown, and enjoy the lakefront! Of course you can check out Allen Edmonds Shoe Outlet on the north side of town or get some exercise on the Interurban Trail, which cuts right through town.
Port Fish Day Address:
Port Washington Harbor
100 N. Franklin Street (Highway 32)
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 284-0900
Website
July 1, 2023
Freedom Music Fest Wisconsin
Long known as the Spooner Block Party and now known as Freedom Music Fest Wisconsin, this incredible music event is designed to celebrate and benefit those who keep us and our country safe and free. While offering a great lineup of rock and country acts, Freedom Music Fest is focused on giving back to regional military, law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS teams. It’s a celebration and a fund raiser that offers plenty to enjoy in the beautiful North Woods at the height of summer.
Freedom Music Fest takes place Saturday, July 1st, 2023 on the Washburn County Fairgrounds on the south side of the city of Spooner. Doors open at 4pm with a lineup that includes The Smokin’ Loons at 4:15, GB Leighton at 5:30, BlackHawk at 7:30, and headliner .38 Special at 9:30pm! Food and beverage vendors from the area will be there, including local craft brewery Round Man Brewing Company, Big Daddy’s Diner in Spooner, Lamoureux Concessions from Hayward, Lucky 8’s Grill, B & D’s BBQ, and more. Check out this podcast episode to find out more in detail.
Tickets range from $40 for general admission to $90 for reserved seating. VIP tickets are available in a variety of packages from $120 to $1,200 for a front row table for four. Compare and Buy Tickets Here.
Also in Spooner you can check out the Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum, Round Man Brewing Company, Spooner Railroad Park, and more in this city and seat of Washburn County that they call “Crossroads of the North” since U.S. 53, U.S. 63, and Highways 70 and 253 converge there.
Freedom Music Fest Wisconsin Address:
Washburn County Fairgrounds
8000 W. Beaver Brooke Avenue (just off U.S. 63)
Spooner, WI 54801
Email for more info
Back to StateTrunkTour.com
June 16, 2023 – June 17, 2023
Metro Jam Music Festival, Manitowoc
Metro Jam is an annual two-day festival of FREE music in downtown Manitowoc, bringing national, regional, and local acts to the city’s Washington Park. Metro Jam, now in its 43rd year, brings a very diverse lineup of music to the MetroStage including original and classic rock, Americana, alt-country, roots, folk, blues, jazz, reggae, ska, bluegrass, indie, alternative, pop and much more. The featured headliner for this year’s Metro Jam is The Producers who will be taking the stage (and bring you back to the ’80s) at 8:30pm on Saturday evening, June 17th.
The lineup will be as follows:
FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2023
“European Music Tribute Night”
5:15PM LLOYD GOSZ & THE MYSTIC MOODS (Polka)
6:35PM ATHAS (Traditional Irish)
8:00PM CREAM CITY HOTCLUB (Gypsy Jazz)
SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 2023
12:00PM ALMOST.CERTAIN
1:15PM FRYIN’KIELBASA BROTHERS
2:30PM LADYBIRD
4:00PM THE KEYSTONES
5:30PM XPOSED 4HEADS
7:00PM TURN TURN TURN
8:30PM THE PRODUCERS
You’ll find MetroJam action right along what is once again Highway 42 (it was Business 42 until they re-did the routes in town) a few miles after the east end of U.S. 151 at I-43. The road brings you right to Washington Park! U.S. 10 also brings you within two blocks.
MetroJam Address:
Washington Park
1115 Washington Street
Manitowoc, WI 54220
Website
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June 9, 2023 – June 11, 2023
Polish Fest
Polish Fest is the largest Polish cultural festival in America, and it’s right on Milwaukee’s lakefront! Authentic dancing, food, music, family activities, and plenty of other entertainment (accordions may be involved.)
Some of that extra entertainment includes vodka tastings, the annual Chopin Youth Piano Competition, folk arts and crafts, and plenty of children’s activities.
Polish Fest runs Friday, June 9th and Saturday, June 10th from noon until midnight; Sunday the 11th from noon to 8pm. A Sunday Mass will also take place, with free admission. Gates open at 9:30am Sunday for the Mass.
Tickets are $7 in advance, $12 at the Summerfest Gate. Military personnel, both active and retired, are admitted FREE with military ID.
Check out these event highlights:
Sukiennice Marketplace
Filled by over forty different vendors, our Sukiennice Marketplace gives you a chance to buy Polish items, from traditional Polish toys for children to a new piece of pottery. The Sukiennice Marketplace is also your source for massage & acupuncture, home improvement, and genealogy research. Find everything from relaxation to the knowledge of your Polish roots.
Cultural Village
2022 Cultural Village Exhibits will feature folk artists demonstrating traditional Polish crafts, including wycinanki (paper cutting), pisanki (decorated eggs), wianki (floral head wreaths) and more. Polanki’s sales tent featuring handmade Polish pottery (Boleslawiec), Christmas ornaments, recipe books and other folk art are both located in the Cultural Village. The Polish Genealogical Society and the Milwaukee County Genealogical Society will again be at Polish Fest in a new location, east of the demonstrator tent.
There’s also the Polish Forum, click here for a schedule of speakers.
Cooking demonstrations will abound, too: check out this schedule of events.
Polish Fest Schedule:
As you enter the festival grounds, you will be entertained by:
Friday
Noon – 4:00 Jimmy Locke & Friends
4:30 – 8:30 Vern Tretow Band
Saturday
Noon – 4:00 Jimmy Locke & Friends
4:30 – 8:30 Bryan O’Donnel Band
Sunday
Noon – 3:30 Jimmy Locke & Friends
4:00 – 8:00 Roger Boll
Friday – June 9
Miller Stage
5:00 Shut the Front Door
6:00 Opening Ceremony
7:00 Shut the Front Door
9:00 The First Wave
Non-Stop Polka Stage
Noon Eddie Wojcik Tribute
3:20 I.P.A. Tribute Band
4:00 The Boys
4:40 I.P.A. Tribute Band
5:20 The Boys
6:00 I.P.A. Tribute Band
6:40 The Boys
7:20 Polka Country Musicians
8:00 Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push
8:40 Polka Country Musicians
9:20 Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push
10:00 Polka Country Musicians
10:40 Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push
11:20 Polka Country Musicians
Sobieski Cultural Stage
12:30 Larry Lynne – Decades
1:00 The Britins
2:00 Larry Lynne – Decades
3:00 The Britins
4:30 Syrena Polish Folk Dance Ensemble / Polonia Polish Folk Dance Ensemble Regina, Canada
6:00 Capuchins Walk For The Hungry
7:30 Syrena Polish Folk Dance Ensemble / Polonia Polish Folk Dance Regina, Canada
8:30 Korona Band From Canada
Sports Area
Polonia soccer club
Children’s Stage
1:00 Animated Illusionist Arden James
2:00 Julie Sobanski – Magicienne & Escape Artist
3:00 Animated Illusionist Arden James
4:00 Wayne & Wingnut
5:00 Julie Sobanski – Magicienne & Escape Artist
6:00 Accompany of Kids
7:00 David Seebach’s Wonders of Magic
Saturday – June 10
“The Big Boomski Fireworks” at 10:15pm
Miller Stage
Noon John Gora & Gorale
1:30 SqueezeBox with Mollie B & Ted Lange
2:30 John Gora & Gorale
3:30 SqueezeBox with Mollie B & Ted Lange
5:00 Brett Newski
9:00 Almighty Vinyl
Non-Stop Polka Stage
Noon The Maroszek Brothers
12:40 Keith Stras & Polka Confetti
1:20 The Maroszek Brothers
2:00 Keith Stras & Polka Confetti
2:40 The Maroszek Brothers
3:20 Keith Stras & Polka Confetti
4:00 Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push
4:40 Polka Family
5:20 Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push
6:00 Polka Family
6:40 Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push
7:20 Polka Family
8:00 Polka Country Musicians
8:40 The Boys
9:20 Polka Country Musicians
10:00 The Boys
10:40 Polka Country Musicians
11:20 The Boys
Sobieski Cultural Stage
Noon Song & Dance Ensemble Lajkonik
12:30 Polonia Dance Ensemble Regina, Canada / Song & Dance Ensemble Lajkonik
1:00 Whisper Center for Artistic Expression
2:00 Syrena Polish Folk Dance Ensemble
3:00 Dolina Polish Dancers / Polonia Dance Ensemble Regina, Canada
4:00 Wesloly Lud Polish Dance Company of P.R.C.U.A. Zakopane Polish Dance Ensemble / P.R.C.U.A and Southwest Center of Polish Dancing P.R.C.U.A.
5:00 Wawel Polish Dancers
5:30 Song & Dance Ensemble Lajkonik
6:00 PFDAA Polish Folk Dance Gala
8:30 The Silver Orkiestra
Sports Area
Polonia soccer club
Children’s Stage
1:00 Syenka Polish Folk Dance Ensemble
2:00 Julie Sobanski – Magicienne & Escape Artist
3:00 Juchasi Polish Highlaner Dance Group
5:00 Julie Sobanski – Magicienne & Escape Artist
6:00 Wayne & Wingnut
7:00 David Seebach’s Wonders of Magic
Sunday – June 11
Miller Stage
Noon The Music Connection
1:30 John Gora & Gorale
2:30 The Music Connection
3:30 John Gora & Gorale
5:00 Jessie Marie & The Rippers
Non-Stop Polka Stage
Noon Polka Family
12:40 Polka Generations
1:20 Polka Family
2:00 Polka Generations
2:40 Polka Family
3:20 Polka Generations
4:00 D Street Band
Sobieski Cultural Stage
10:00 Mass Prelude
10:15 Mass
1:00 Syrena Polish Folk Dance Ensemble
2:00 Stas Venglevski
3:30 Al White
6:00 Depot Express
Sports Area
Polonia soccer club
Children’s Stage
Noon Little, Jr., Teen & Teen Polish Fest Pageant
3:00 Julie Sobanski – Magicienne & Escape Artist
4:00 Wayne & Wingnut
5:00 Accompany of Kids
Get more info and complete schedules at PolishFest.org!
Polish Fest Milwaukee Address:
Henry Maier Festival Park
200 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Website
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