The “Birkie” returns to Hayward, providing year-round, healthy, active lifestyle events for thousands of adventurous spirits of all ages and abilities. Their slogan is SKI . RUN . BIKE . LIVE! It all began in 1973, when 35 determined skiers gathered on the starting line for the American Birkebeiner. Little did they know…they were about to change everything. Today, the Birkie provides year-round, healthy, active lifestyle events for thousands of adventurous spirits of all ages and abilities. In 2026, it’s back for Birkie Week February 18th through the 22nd!
The official name of this main event is the Slumberland American Birkebeiner Cross-Country Ski Event. It’s North America’s largest and most prestigious X-C ski marathon; 12,000 skiers of all ages, genders and nationalities participate in the 51K Birkebeiner, the 24K Kortelopet, Prince Haakon 13K, the children’s Barnebirkie, Junior Birkie, Elite Sprints, and Family Fun Ski.
The Barkebirkie in Hayward, where people line the streets, big-time.
Other fun events include the Barkie Birkie Skijor and Thursday’s Giant Ski Competition (six people on one pair of skis. What-what?? Find out more here.) The Birkie is a year-round lifestyle choice for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts of all levels. From its signature ski race, the legendary American Birkebeiner–Title Sponsor, Slumberland Furniture–the Birkie has grown into an exciting array of fitness and recreational opportunities. The 107-kilometer Birkie Trail system attracts skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from casual day-trippers to elite superstars.
The Slumberland American Birkebeiner®:
Spans 50 kilometers from Cable to Hayward for Skaters, and 55K for Classic Skiers
North America’s largest cross-country ski marathon
Attracts over 10,000 Birkie/Korte skiers
Part of the Worldloppet circuit of 20 international ski marathons and part of the American Ski Marathon series of 13 races.
American Birkebeiner (the Birkie) Event Address:
10527 Main Street
Hayward, WI 54843
(715) 634-5025 Website
U.S. 63 and Highways 27 and 77 bring you to Hayward! From U.S. 53 at Trego, follow U.S. 63 north about 25 minutes.
Battle on Bago is the Midwest’s largest ice fishing tournament and the family and fishing event of the year! The 19th annual Battle on Bago (winter version, there’s a summer one in June) takes place on Lake Winnebago February 20th-21st, 2026. There’s a Friday Fish Fry on the ice – weather permitting – with live music. Saturday’s Ice Fishing Tournament features over $275,000 in cash and prizes!
The Tournament starts Friday, February 20th at 6:00 am; scales will be open from 4pm to 8pm. On Saturday February 21st, scales will open at 9am; the tournament ends at 2:00pm. Tournament ticket sales END at 6am Friday. You must be in line by 2:00 pm at Menominee Park in Oshkosh.
Contestants will be allowed to fish Lake Winnebago and the Upper River Lakes: Lake Poygan, Lake Winneconne, and Lake Butte des Morts. Ice Fishing Permitted ONLY. You can weigh 1 fish per fishing ticket of any of the following species: Walleye (minimum length 14”), panfish (perch, bluegills, crappies), or whitebass. Any other fish not listed here will not be eligible for registration. Fish may be taken with tip-ups or by rod and reel. There is no age requirement on tournament participation.
Along with fishing, check out the heated tent and enjoy a great fish fry and other food from 5-10pm, plus live music from 7:30pm-11pm Friday night. The Raffle will be held on Saturday at 5pm. FREE Admission to all non-fishing events!
You can get tickets here. Fishing tickets are $40. You can also buy tickets are various locales in the Oshkosh area, as well as Fleet Farm stores statewide. You also need a valid fishing license from the Wisconsin DNR (888-936-7463).
More info on tickets, tournaments, entertainment, and more can be found on their website, BattleonBago.org.
You can get to Menominee Park in Oshkosh by hitting I-41 and heading into town or accessing downtown Oshkosh using Highways 21, 26, 44, 76, 91, or U.S. 45. A lot of roads lead to Oshkosh… by gosh.
Battle on Bago Address:
Menominee Park/Millers Bay
Irving Avenue & Hazel Street
Oshkosh, WI 54901
(920) 303-9200 Website
Start:
February 20, 2026
End:
February 21, 2026
Venue:
Menominee Park
Phone:
920-303-9200
Address:
East Irving Avenue at Hazel Street, Oshkosh, WI, 54903, United States
Kenosha Restaurant Week is a nine-day celebration of the city’s and area’s delicious and diverse dining scene. It’s a way to show some LOVE to our locally owned, small restaurants, pubs, eateries, and food shops. It’s also the perfect opportunity to explore new places to dine, return to a favorite place, try something new at your go-to restaurant, or just show your support to our local restaurants.
It runs Saturday, February 21st through Sunday, March 1st this year. Over 80 restaurants are participating in Kenosha Restaurant Week – the most yet – offering special menus with special pricing for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts, even snacks. Here’s a video showcasing it all!
Details on participating restaurants and links to their menus are coming soon!
The annual Cedarburg Winter Festival hits the heart of Cedarburg’s ridiculously beautiful and historic downtown along Washington Avenue (Historic Highway 57) Saturday, February 21st & Sunday, February 22nd, 2026. It’s a weekend full of fun across this beautiful city!
Activities run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, followed by a Saturday Night “Luau” that runs 6pm-9pm, and then 8:30am to 4pm on Sunday. The popular Ice Carving Contest, which runs from 8:30am – 2pm on Saturday, sets the stage along the city’s main street. Multiple 300-pound blocks of ice will be transformed into glistening pieces of Superhero-inspired art by talented ice carvers.
Explore the Vendor Market from 10am to 4pm inside the Community Gym or the Foxtown BBQ during that same time. Enjoy food trucks, parked up and down next to the gym from 10am to 5pm.
A tractor-drawn hay wagon provides a great view, but fest-goers who opt to stroll along Washington Avenue and prefer being outside can test their endurance by enjoying camel rides, egg hunts, sledding, ice skating or watching an old-fashioned dog pull. Bed Races take place Saturday afternoon at 1:30, too!
Sunday will dawn with the popular Pancake Breakfast at the Community Center from 8:30am to 11:00am. There’s a Soup Contest from Noon – 3pm too, if you want things to be… soupier.
On Sunday from 10:00am – 4:00pm, top dogs will compete in the Dog Weight Pull Competition sponsored by the Alaskan Malamute Club of Wisconsin and Fromm Foods.
Check out Granny Impersonator Bingo at the Community Gym Sunday from Noon – 2pm, and the Scavenger Hunt continues on Sunday from 10am – 4pm.
The Wisconsin Fishing Expo arrives at Exhibition Hall in Madison’s Alliant Energy Center February 27 – March 1, 2026 and continues to offer more than 125,000 square feet of exhibits!
You can still expect mom-and-pop fishing vendors with gear that anglers can’t find at box stores. There will also be a tremendous presence from some of the leading national brands in the fishing industry, including Clam, Berkley, Beaver Dam, ACME, Fenwick, Okuma, Gamakatsu, Ray Marine, Garmin, St. Croix, Fishing Hot Spots, Stren, and many, many more. Check out and meet
For boats, over 20 brands will be ready to sell from top bets like Crestliner, Alumacraft, Bass Cat, Yar Craft, Tracker, Ranger, Triton, Smoker Craft, Bennington, and others.
Plenty of Youth Activities will be available, bigger and better than ever. Check it out!
Kids mock Fishing Pond (brown bags .50 a try)
Free Face Painting
Free Balloon Animals
Free Rods, Reels and Gear at Youth Fishing Seminars (limited supply!)
Free Bow Fishing (Shoot at Fish Targets)
Minnow Races
Trout Pond with Tagged Fish for EXTRA PRIZES!
Kids Casting Competition
The Alliant Energy Center is easily accessed via Madison’s Beltline (U.S. 12/18) off John Nolen Drive (Exit 263) or Rimrock Road (Exit 262). U.S. 14 & 151 are close by. You can also come through downtown via U.S. 151 and follow John Nolen Drive down the causeway. There’s so much else to see and do in Madison, too!
Show Hours:
Friday – 1:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Saturday – 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Sunday – 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Admission:
$12.00 for Adults, $10.00 for Military & First Responders, Kids 12 and under are FREE.
A parking fee is charged per car by Dane County. (fee subject to change by Dane County, it’s usually $7 cash.)
Here’s a previous ad for the Wisconsin Fishing Expo:
Wisconsin Fishing Expo Address:
Exhibition Hall at Alliant Energy Center
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
Madison, WI 53703
(262) 305-1907 Website
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show runs March 6-8 at the Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center, where State Trunk Tour Highways 59 and 181 meet just south of I-94 in West Allis, Wisconsin. Hundreds of vendors, displays, showcases, special events, and more are available for the outdoor sports lovers across the entire family!
Start:
March 6, 2026 12:00 pm
End:
March 8, 2026 6:00 pm
Venue:
Wisconsin State Fair Exposition Center
Phone:
888-488-4286
Address:
640 S. 84th Street, West Allis, WI, 53214, United States
Canoecopia is the largest paddlesports consumer event in the world. More than 250,000 square feet of kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, outdoor equipment and clothing, all at the best prices of the season, make Canoecopia a “must go” place for gear! Over 100 seminars and clinics make Canoecopia an educational event where you can learn about the perfect gear for your style of paddling, develop skills to get you where you want to go, and discover some of the many places to paddle, both near and far.
If you’re interested in experiencing life on the water, Canoecopia is the best place to spend the weekend! Learn about gear for your style of paddling, develop skills to get you where you want to go, and discover many wonderful places to paddle, both near and far. The hard part may be deciding which to see.
“Meet the folks who make the boats!” Kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, outdoor equipment and clothing, all at the best prices of the season. See what’s new in paddlesports and outdoor equipment, chat with experts about destinations in the Midwest and beyond, discover what’s newest, best and coolest! Admission is $17 for one day, $35 for a three-day pass. Children 17 and under are free. No credit cards; cash or check only at admission. Parking is $8/day, you can save on multiple days here.
You can reach the Alliant Energy Center easily from the Beltline (U.S. 12/18) via John Nolen Drive from the south, from John Nolen Drive from downtown (U.S. 151) or Park Street & Olin Avenues. Of course, U.S. 14, U.S. 151, and Highways 30 and 113 also bring you to Madison, where there’s plenty else to check out!
The 3rd annual Balloon Adventure is BACK at Pier 290 in Williams Bay, Thursday, March 19th through Sunday, March 29th, 2026!
This amazing display and show features over 100,000 balloons from 14 balloon artists who craft dazzling displays that are literally “full of hot air.” This years theme is “Bug Out!”
The Boat Showroom at PIER 290 in Williams Bay transforms into a magical marine adventure for the 2026 Balloon Adventure. The “Bug Out!” theme lets you get ready to shrink down and bug out in a balloon-filled world where butterflies, beetles, and bumblebees take over. From dazzling balloon artistry to interactive experiences, photo ops, themed nights, and family fun—this whimsical event is for all ages! It’s all in support of the 531 Fund’s charitable mission.
In addition, a variety of special events take place on select days. They include the Glow Waves Adventure, Rave Under the Wave, the Deep Sea Shuffle, Tales of the Sea (a family movie night), and more. Get the full list here.
Tickets for Balloon Adventure
General Admission tickets are available online here as well as at the door during the event. In advance tickets are $20, $25 at the door. Kids 2 and under are free. Special events have separate pricing.
The Balloon Adventure is a unique and fun stop while in the Lake Geneva area. Check it out at Pier 290 when you’re road tripping on Highway 67! You’ll find Williams Bay just south of Highway 50 and northeast of U.S. 14, just minutes off I-43.
Afterwards – or before if you prefer – check out the nearby Yerkes Observatory. It’s the birthplace of astrophysics, after all. They offer tours on occasion, too! Meanwhile, more adventures and fun await in Lake Geneva, just a few minutes once you head east on Highway 50.
The Balloon Adventure Address:
The Boat Showroom at PIER 290
1 Liechty Drive
Williams Bay, WI 53191 Website
The 21st annual Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) runs from March 20th – 29th, 2026! Run in conjunction with Beloit College, the BIFF draws thousands upon thousands of film lovers, and writers and directors from around the world for viewing, workshops, and more. The “International” in the title isn’t just for show, after all.
The Beloit International Film Festival celebrates the power of independent film from around the globe. Local residents and visitors from across the nation fill venues ranging in size from 40 to 400 seats to view more than 150 films and meet scores of filmmakers who come from throughout the U.S. and around the world. This unique festival continues to grow and has caught national attention with the New York Times calling BIFF, “a festival with a unique goal of returning the spirit of film festivals’ golden era, when guests talked film all night with directors and writers who were on hand and available for questions.” The New York Times also listed the festival as a unique alternative to other big international film festivals such as Sundance and Tribeca.
BIFF celebrates filmmakers in all genres—features, documentaries, shorts— who enjoy the Beloit setting as much as the attendees do. BIFF promises crowds of interested viewers filling venues, questioning them at the films, and stopping them on the street to talk about their shared passions and projects in independent filmmaking.
Getting to Beloit is easy! Just follow I-43 from Milwaukee, I-90 from Madison or Janesville, or Highway 81 from Monroe and points west. Highway 213 also brings you in from points northwest. Then just follow the roads to the Rock River and the downtown area. Guide signs will help you find the way downtown. And be sure to check out all the amazing new developments in downtown Beloit and throughout the area!
Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) Address:
Various locations in Beloit, mostly downtown
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 312-4256 Website
The 18th Annual Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival returns to the legendary Brat Stop in Kenosha on Saturday, April 18th! This fun-filled event features a variety of Wisconsin cheeses, some of the most sought after beers from Wisconsin and beyond and awesome live music!. This is a “don’t miss event” for anybody who likes beer, cheese and music!
The festival typically draws over 900 attendees and features over 100 different styles of beer, a home brew competition, and local breweries with unlimited beer and cheese samples. Additionally, live music plays all afternoon with the Empty Bottle Boys and One Shot Jane performing. They play in the Parkway Chateau, adjacent to the Brat Stop.
Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival Tickets
The Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival has a rather extensive VIP ticket package. For $80 in advance or $85 at the door, VIP fest goers receive a lunch buffet courtesy of Festival Foods, specialty cheese and beers, a VIP beer stein and an extra hour of festing! The food buffet is available for the duration of the fest from noon until 5 p.m.
General admission ticketsare $55 in advance and $60 at the door. All tickets include a commemorative glass, live music and four hours of unlimited beer and cheese samples. Designated driver tickets are $15. This is a 21+ only event.
Last time we checked over 50 different brewers will be there. They include large brewers like Miller and Coors to small craft brewers including Lakefront, Bell’s, Toppling Goliath, Bare Bones, Alaskan, and more. Local home brew societies also represent at the festival. All will be pouring samples and providing info about their beers and brewing processes. Also, great food – including brats – will be part of the sustenance as the bands serenade your eating, drinking, talking, and enjoying.
Enjoy some Friday night fun during First Fridays Racine, taking place along Main Street in Downtown Racine from May – December from 4-9pm! It happens throughout the downtown area, centered on Monument Square where Highways 20 and 38 cap the ends of a main thoroughfare that is Highway 32.
Friday, May 1st is next for First Fridays Racine
The first First Fridays in 2026 will take place Friday (of course), May 1st from 4 pm to 9 pm. The theme is Creative Crawl!
The Creative Crawl will be a citywide celebration of art, creativity, and community. Enjoy hands-on activities, artist demos, local author readings, pop-up exhibits, and more throughout Downtown Racine. More details to come!
As always, Downtown Racine’s merchants, restaurants, and bars are rolling out the red carpet with shopping and dining deals that are too good to pass up. Live music will fill the air at hotspots like Brickhouse, The Ivanhoe, Marci’s on Main, Reefpoint Brew House, Dimples, Chartroom, and Uncorkt, keeping the party going all night long.
Parking is conveniently available at the Lake Avenue Ramp (300 Lake Avenue), Civic Centre Ramp (501 Lake Avenue), and the McMynn Ramp (120 7th Street) or Shoop (Main & State) for an all-day rate of only $4.00.
In addition to First Fridays, check out the rest of downtown Racine. Right along the shores of Lake Michigan you can explore Reefpoint Marina, North Beach, the Racine Zoo, the new boutique Hotel Verdant, Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and SC Johnson sites.
Take the drive to where Highways 11, 20, 32, and 38 come together in downtown Racine. Enjoy happy people taking in the best of what downtown Racine has to offer! Check out the First Fridays Racine website for more details.
First Fridays Racine Address:
Monument Square
100 Main Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 634-4287 Website
Check out the newest models of car, trucks, and while admiring the finest classics at the Milwaukee Auto Show! It’s back to Wisconsin State Fair Park Expo Center in West Allis May 14th-17th, 2026 showcasing the latest models, vintage antiques, muscle cars, and more. Over 350 vehicles will be on display; you can take some for test drives!
Cars, trucks, SUVs. Crossovers, Alternate Fuel Vehicles and more will be available to see, touch, sit in, and even test drive. Enjoy the Luxury Lineup, the Exotic Vehicles display, the Bennett Coachworks Showcase, and have some family fun with the Tricky Trails Golf Links right inside the show!
Details on everything available can be found on their website. It’s presented by ADAMM, the Automobile Dealers Association of Mega Milwaukee.
Tickets are $15 for adults 13 and over if they are pre-ordered online ($15 at the gate), Children ages 7-12 are $7.50, Senior Citizens (62+ are $13 . Children under 7 are admitted free. All ticket details are available here. Parking is accessible on area streets and garages, including the Clark Garage at 623 W. Wisconsin Avenue, one block from the Baird Center. Parking is $12 but you can save 40% when you pay in advance. All the details here.
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 2026, the festivities run through the weekend of May 15th through the 17th. 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!
Muscoda celebrates the Morel Mushroom Festival every May, which is only fitting because that’s prime growing season in this “Morel Mushroom Capital of Wisconsin.” These unique mushrooms are considered quite a delicacy by top chefs everywhere; there are message boards and recipes and all kinds of resources for morel lovers. The soil in the Muscoda area is particularly suited for the growth of morels and they fully embrace this fungi. In 2026, the festival takes place Friday, May 15th and Saturday, May 16th.
This year’s event starts Friday evening with the 5th Annual Car Cruise Drive-In – all modes of transportation encouraged to attend. Join them at the paved parking lot next to the Riverdale bus garage in the 500 block of North Wisconsin. Jose’s Mexican Food Truck and Jovita’s Kitchen will be there serving their specialties and Udder Brothers Creamery will have their delicious ice cream. Two blocks south, at Mushroom Headquarters along Highway 80, the grills will be going with American Legion burgers. There’s also the 1st annual Antique Farm & Tractor Pull, a Little League Baseball Tournament, and Thunder Showers Bounce Houses will be there for kids’ fun.
On Saturday, May 16th starting at 9:00am, the whole Village bursts with events. The bounce house and pedal tractor pulls are back, you can check out the Tiny Acres Farms Petting Zoo, beer samples from 11am-3pm, and a parade. The awesome arts and crafts vendors, (many new ones!) and chainsaw carving are at Railroad Park as well as Food Vendors there and along the streets.
At Mushroom Headquarters, there are tastings, grilling with mushroom brats and Legion burgers (and fried morels if they’re are available). The Food and Beverage tasting area will include Meister Cheese, Moore Eggs, Studnicka Cattle Company, Wild Hills Winery, Dirftless Gold Organic Maple Syrup, Gillingham Meads, and Spurgeon Winery. And for your listening pleasure and maybe dancing, live music by Donnie Reyzek.
You can also catch tours of Effigy mounds, which start at 1pm, and baseball with the Muscoda Mudcats also at 1pm.
A big feature is the “Spring Mystery” Parade down main street (AKA Wisconsin Avenue), which starts at 3:00. Members of the UW Band will also perform starting around 3:45.
When you want a sit-down meal, there is pancake breakfast until noon, a chili cookoff with judging and tasting at 1:00 and the famous Firemen’s Steak Feed at the firehouse beginning at 4:00 until the steaks are gone! Enjoy the river views as the evening concludes with fireworks at dusk.
The Morel Mushroom Festival Schedule is coming soon!
You’ll find Muscoda along Highway 80 between the Wisconsin River and Highway 133. Highway 60 is just across the river. And this town comes to party for its Morel Mushroom Festival! Check their website for updates and full schedules.
Morel Mushroom Festival Address:
Muscoda Village Hall
206 N. Wisconsin Avenue (Highway 80)
Muscoda, WI 53573
(608) 739-3182 Website
The SVRA Spring Vintage Festival Weekend at Road America, May 15-17, celebrates automotive racing’s glorious past. This vintage racing event brings the past back to life with the sights, sounds and smells from motorsport’s pioneering age both on and off the track.
The SVRA (SportsCar Vintage Racing Association) weekend at Road America includes a packed vintage race car schedule featuring classic race cars covering several decades. Many of the entries have previously competed at classic events like Le Mans and the Indy 500. SVRA is one of the oldest organizations in vintage racing, and the only one with a national presence, committed to presenting the best possible experience for competitors and fans. From 200 MPH INDY and Formula 1 cars to classic Jaguars and Porsches, SVRA races provide a rolling history of motorsport where the cars are the stars at legendary tracks across the country.
The SVRA Spring Vintage Festival Weekend lineup includes race groups for all twelve SVRA classes including Formula 5000, Formula Ford, sports racing, and production sports cars. The classes feature the best classic sportscars from prestigious marques such as Lotus, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Porsche and Corvette with models from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. The Formula 4 United States Championship (F4 U.S.), Formula Regional Americas Championship (FR Americas) series, Mazda Miata Heritage Cup Series, OPTIMA’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car championship and the Hagerty Cars & Caffeine vintage car rally will bolster the SVRA schedule for the weekend.
New this season is the opportunity to upgrade admission tickets to include access to the Finish Line Tower suites. The Finish Line Tower is located right at the Start/Finish line on the front straight across from the Main Paddock. Suites are furnished, climate-controlled, staffed with an attendant, and have restrooms conveniently located on the same floor. Two high-definition screens feature timing and scoring and a live feed of the races.
You’ll find Road America along Highway 67, just north of Plymouth and Highway 23 and a few miles west of Highway 57 in Sheboygan County, right by the beautiful resort town of Elkhart Lake.
Road America Address for Spring Vintage Weekend:
N7390 Highway 67
Plymouth, WI 53073
(800) 365-7223 Website
Copperfest celebrates Wisconsin’s “Copper Country” in Oconto with tons of fun activities, history, food, a big lineup of live music, and more. Come join the fun on June 5th, 6th, and 7th, 2026. It’s easy access off U.S. 41 and Highway 22! This year’s theme is “Disney.”
Enjoy tons of live music , the Artist Village all days, the Grand Parade Saturday morning at 10am, and the Car Show Saturday from 10am-2pm featuring makes and models from a wide variety of eras.
Most events will take place at the American Legion Post 74 Park, 709 Madison Street in Oconto.
Entertainers include David Malmberg and Casaday’s Critters. Saturday and Sunday kids and grown-up alike can enjoy the Trout Pond, racing pigs and ducks, the pie and ice cream social, the crafters and vendors, bounce houses (alright, that’s for kids only), face painting, caricatures, and much more!!
UTL Wrestling will also be on display Sunday afternoon!
Hours for the Artist Village are Friday 5PM-9PM, Saturday 10AM-5PM, Sunday 10AM-3PM. Explore over 120 artists and crafters from all over the state!
U.S. 41 and Highway 22 bring you there! You’ll find Oconto at the eastern end of Highway 22, right at U.S. 41. It’s about eight miles east of U.S. 141 and 10 miles south of Highway 64. Copperfest is in town, and just east past downtown is the shores of Green Bay, with lakeside parks and piers and a view across the bay to Door County. It’s only about half an hour from the city of Green Bay and twenty minutes from Marinette.
Oconto Copperfest Address:
American Legion Post 74 Park
709 Madison Street
Oconto, WI 54153
(920) 604-3636 Website
Summerfest 2026 brings the “World’s Largest Music Festival” back to Milwaukee’s lakefront in the middle of summer! We’re talking 9 days across three long weekends packed with concerts and fun with over half a million of your closest friends. Choose from over 600 acts across 12 stages on the 75-acre Maier Festival Park grounds. The dates this year, all Thursdays – Saturdays, are June 18-20, June 25-27, and July 2-4, 2026.
Summerfest dates back to 1968 and has since become a key venue for the music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites to create unforgettable live music experiences in a world-class festival setting. Running along Milwaukee’s lakefront nestled within downtown, the Historic Third Ward, Discovery World, I-794, and Lake Michigan, Summerfest offers not only music but over 45 food and beverage vendors, four marketplaces offering crafts and wares from all over the world, interactive exhibits, and just cool general fun. Northwestern Mutual Community Park includes a Children’s Stage and play area that offers a fun experience for the kids. Regular shows involving magic, singalongs, and other activities are complemented with plenty of equipment kids can run, swing, climb, and play on. During the day, Summerfest is designed to be very family-friendly. Many of the food and beverage vendors are classic and popular restaurants and bars from around the Milwaukee area, and selections range widely from ethnic food options to a wide variety of craft and classic beers. Several stands also have a full bar with wine and spirits. Check out the latest music and stage lineups below!
Announced Summerfest 2026 lineups by Date, Stage & Time:
Tuesday, June 16th
American Family Insurance Amphitheater 7:30pm – Garth Brooks
Wednesday, June 17th
American Family Insurance Amphitheater 7:30pm – Garth Brooks
Thursday, June 18th
American Family Insurance Amphitheater 7:00pm – Megan Moroney
Watch for new announcements, see Summerfest.com/lineup for more lineups the timeliest way possible!
Summerfest Tickets
Single Day General Admission Ticketsrun $30 per day, you can print them at home or put them on your mobile. These tickets are good for the entire grounds and any show with the exception of the American Family Insurance Amphitheater shows. Seniors 62 and over and Children 3-10 can get discount tickets at the gate. Children 2 and under are admitted free. Multi-Day Ticket options include:
A US Cellular Power Pass, which runs $125 and gets you in ALL 9 DAYS of the festival, with the exception of the American Family Insurance Amphitheater shows.
A 6-Day Pass, which gets you in for 6 of 9 days of Summerfest – you choose your 6 days. It runs $105.
A US Cellular 3-Day Pass, which for $60 gets you in to 3 of 9 days of Summerfest, you choose which three.
Parking lots are available just to the west of the grounds and throughout downtown Milwaukee and the Historic Third Ward. The Milwaukee County Transit System also offers “freeway flyer” express buses to and from the grounds from numerous Park & Ride lots in the metro area. The Summerfest Grounds can be accessed directly via I-794, U.S. 18, and Highway 32. I-43/94 and Highways 38, 59, and 145 also bring you within a mile of it – which is how far away some people park! Either way, it’s one of the greatest music festivals on the planet and a definite State Trunk Tour recommendation.
Summerfest 2026 Address:
Henry Maier Festival Park 200 N. Harbor Drive Milwaukee, WI 53202 (414) 273-2680 Website
Ephraim explodes with summer excitement as the Fyr Bal Festival (pronounced feer-ball) re-creates traditions of early Norwegians celebrating Midsummer’s Eve. Artists, food, dancing, musical entertainment and family activities along the picturesque shoreline of Eagle Harbor welcome the arrival of summer.
Featured activities include a boat regatta, a trolley and historic walking tours through the village, and a chance to explore numerous historic landmarks, shops, galleries and restaurants for which Ephraim is well-known. Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor, the popular spot along Highway 42 in Ephraim, has their annual Fyr Ball Firecracker Frenzy Ice Cream Eating Competition, too!
The signature Fyr Bal event is an evening bonfire, which represents the burning of the ‘Winter Witch’ to usher in the long days – and beautiful nights – of summer. Fireworks complete a perfect day. Stay and enjoy the Scandinavian atmosphere and hospitality.
Ephraim is right along Highway 42 on the Green Bay side of the Door County Peninsula, between Fish Creek and Sister Bay on the eastern edge of Eagle Harbor and the gorgeous Peninsula State Park. It’s a beautiful town and this event is literally a blast! The rest of the details can be found here on the Fyr Ball web page.
Ellsworth backs up its claim as the “Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin” with their annual Cheese Curd Festival this weekend, filled with flavor and fun! We’re talking over 6,000 pounds of curds here.
This free festival offers over 20 cheese curd dishes from Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery for sampling, super-fresh and available battered or not with a variety of pairings, dips, and more.
Also enjoy over 30 craft brews to choose from, along with hard ciders, wines, and other local and regional beverages to try with your curds.
You can also take in eclectic live music performances and other activities for the entire family, including a classic car show, antique tractor show, games, and more. U.S. 10, U.S. 63, and Highway 65 will bring you to town and ensure you don’t leave hungry – or short on calcium.
Ellsworth Cheese Curd Festival Schedule of Events:
FRIDAY, JUNE 27 – 4 – 10 pm
4pm- 7pm Artisan Marketplace
– Part arts and crafts, part farmers market. Browse regional specialties and locally grown, handmade and handcrafted goods.
4pm – 6pm: Craft & Curd, Paired: the ultimate brewery face-off! Five local breweries battle it out for best brew and cheese curd flavor pairing. Who will win? That’s up to you–You’re the judge for this intense (and tasty) competition! Happening at the Tasting Tent
4:30pm – 6:30pm: 3OTT, Point Stage
4:30pm – 7:30pm: Brad Marx, Broadway Street Stage
5pm – Dark: Classic Car Cruise-In & Show, Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery Lot
7:00pm-9:30pm, The Tucker Baker Band, Park Stage
7:00pm – 8:00pm: Corks & Kegs Tasting Event. Plan to take part in the tasting experiences offered during the festival. Kegs & Corks adult tasting experiences feature local and regional craft beer, wine and hard cider. A happy hour like no other, enjoy unlimited sampling and light appetizers while visiting with the brewers, crafters and reps. At the Tasting Tent.
SATURDAY, JUNE 28 – 10am – 10 pm
8am: 5K/10K Run
8am-10am: Pancake Breakfast
9:30am: Run Awards, Park Stage
10am-7pm: Artisan Marketplace. Part arts and crafts, part farmers market. Browse regional specialties and locally grown, handmade and handcrafted goods. Broadway Street
10:00am – 11:30am: Why Worry? & The Fret Band, Point Stage
10:30am-12:30pm: Dave Snyder, Broadway Street Stage
10:30am – 11:30am: Milk & Cookie Pairing (while supplies last) The Milk & Cookie Pairing and Farmer Meet & Greet is not to be missed! A great opportunity shake hands with a real farmer and learn about today’s agriculture and what it takes to put food on the tables of families across America. At the Tasting Tent.
11:00am-12:30pm: Oatmeal Band, Park Stage
12:00pm – 1:30pm: The Dairy Aires, Point Stage
12:30-1:30pm: Ice Cream Tasting, Tasting Tent. Families won’t want to miss the Ice Cream Tasting, a one-hour real dairy flavor celebration featuring creative combinations crafted by the innovative folks from UW-River Falls Food Sciences Department.
1:00pm-3:00pm Sarah Vanvelkenburg, Broadway Street Stage
1:00pm-3:00pm: Dave Snyder, Broadway Street Stage
1:30pm-3:30pm: Half Shebang, Park Stage
1:30pm-2:30pm: Block Party!, Park Stage. One of the largest cheese tastings in the area. Enjoy cheese right off the ‘block’!
2:00pm Cheese Curd Eating Contest
3:00pm – 4:00pm: Corks & Kegs Tasting Event
Plan to take part in the tasting experiences offered during the festival. Kegs & Corks adult tasting experiences feature local and regional craft beer, wine and hard cider. A happy hour like no other, enjoy unlimited sampling and light appetizers while visiting with the brewers, crafters and reps.
3:30pm-5:30pm: Thomas Michael, Broadway Street Stage
3:30pm – 5:30pm: Just Banned, Point Stage
5:00pm-6:30pm: Craft & Curd: Paired. Five regional craft breweries compete for your votes by pairing their favorite craft brew with a custom cheese curd flavor! Which craft and curd pairing will be the winner? That’s up to you when you cast your vote for your favorite. At the Tasting Tent.
4:30pm-6:30pm: L Bell & the Lazy Susan Band
6:00pm-8:00pm: Denny Menter, Broadway Street Stage
6:00pm-8:00pm: The Delta Papas, Point Stage
7:00pm-8:00pm: Corks & Kegs Tasting Event, Tasting Tent. Plan to take part in the tasting experiences offered during the festival. Kegs & Corks adult tasting experiences feature local and regional craft beer, wine and hard cider. A happy hour like no other, enjoy unlimited sampling and light appetizers while visiting with the brewers, crafters and reps.
7:30pm-9:30pm: Justin Barts & The Way Out, Park Stage
Ellsworth Cheese Curd Festival Address:
East End Park
U.S. Highways 10/63 at East Wall Street
Ellsworth, WI 54011
(715) 273-6442 Website
The Northern Wisconsin State Fair is always a fun-filled, family event that brings folks back year after year to Chippewa Falls, right along Historic U.S. 53 and today’s Highway 124. In 2026, it runs Wednesday July 8th through Sunday, July 12th!
The five days of the fair feature midway carnival excitement, numerous exhibits, animal judging, contests for milk drinking, pie eating, karaoke, animal shows including a draft horse show, a pedal tractor pull, and much more that you would expect from a fair like this. Furthermore, you can check out or participate in the Lego Pre-Build Contest, talent competitions, and of course, the food is always a highlight. A Schedule of Events is below!
The fairgrounds are indicated by this formation of stones right along Highway 124.
Adult 5 Day Admission: $25 (covers all five days)
One Day Admission: $10
Children 5 and Under: FREE
Parking: $5 per vehicle
Active/Retired Military and Veterans: Free with Active/Retired Military ID Card, DD214
The Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds are right along Highway 124 in Chippewa Falls, just a hop, skip, and a jump north of the Leinenkugel Brewery and across from beautiful Irvine Park and the Irvine Park Zoo. Highways 29 and U.S. 53 bring you close by.
Northern Wisconsin State Fair Schedule of Events coming soon!
Northern Wisconsin State Fair Address:
Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds
225 Edward Street (just off Highway 124)
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
(715) 723-2861 Website
Calendar of Events
Upcoming Events
February 18, 2026 – February 22, 2026
Slumberland American Birkebeiner
The “Birkie” returns to Hayward, providing year-round, healthy, active lifestyle events for thousands of adventurous spirits of all ages and abilities. Their slogan is SKI . RUN . BIKE . LIVE! It all began in 1973, when 35 determined skiers gathered on the starting line for the American Birkebeiner. Little did they know…they were about to change everything. Today, the Birkie provides year-round, healthy, active lifestyle events for thousands of adventurous spirits of all ages and abilities. In 2026, it’s back for Birkie Week February 18th through the 22nd!
The official name of this main event is the Slumberland American Birkebeiner Cross-Country Ski Event. It’s North America’s largest and most prestigious X-C ski marathon; 12,000 skiers of all ages, genders and nationalities participate in the 51K Birkebeiner, the 24K Kortelopet, Prince Haakon 13K, the children’s Barnebirkie, Junior Birkie, Elite Sprints, and Family Fun Ski.
Other fun events include the Barkie Birkie Skijor and Thursday’s Giant Ski Competition (six people on one pair of skis. What-what?? Find out more here.) The Birkie is a year-round lifestyle choice for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts of all levels. From its signature ski race, the legendary American Birkebeiner–Title Sponsor, Slumberland Furniture–the Birkie has grown into an exciting array of fitness and recreational opportunities. The 107-kilometer Birkie Trail system attracts skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from casual day-trippers to elite superstars.
The Slumberland American Birkebeiner®:
American Birkebeiner (the Birkie) Event Address:
10527 Main Street
Hayward, WI 54843
(715) 634-5025
Website
U.S. 63 and Highways 27 and 77 bring you to Hayward! From U.S. 53 at Trego, follow U.S. 63 north about 25 minutes.
Check out a recent recap here!
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February 20, 2026 – February 21, 2026
Battle on Bago
The Tournament starts Friday, February 20th at 6:00 am; scales will be open from 4pm to 8pm. On Saturday February 21st, scales will open at 9am; the tournament ends at 2:00pm. Tournament ticket sales END at 6am Friday. You must be in line by 2:00 pm at Menominee Park in Oshkosh.
Contestants will be allowed to fish Lake Winnebago and the Upper River Lakes: Lake Poygan, Lake Winneconne, and Lake Butte des Morts. Ice Fishing Permitted ONLY. You can weigh 1 fish per fishing ticket of any of the following species: Walleye (minimum length 14”), panfish (perch, bluegills, crappies), or whitebass. Any other fish not listed here will not be eligible for registration. Fish may be taken with tip-ups or by rod and reel. There is no age requirement on tournament participation.
Along with fishing, check out the heated tent and enjoy a great fish fry and other food from 5-10pm, plus live music from 7:30pm-11pm Friday night. The Raffle will be held on Saturday at 5pm. FREE Admission to all non-fishing events!
You can get tickets here. Fishing tickets are $40. You can also buy tickets are various locales in the Oshkosh area, as well as Fleet Farm stores statewide. You also need a valid fishing license from the Wisconsin DNR (888-936-7463).
More info on tickets, tournaments, entertainment, and more can be found on their website, BattleonBago.org.
You can get to Menominee Park in Oshkosh by hitting I-41 and heading into town or accessing downtown Oshkosh using Highways 21, 26, 44, 76, 91, or U.S. 45. A lot of roads lead to Oshkosh… by gosh.
Battle on Bago Address:
Menominee Park/Millers Bay
Irving Avenue & Hazel Street
Oshkosh, WI 54901
(920) 303-9200
Website
February 21, 2026 – March 1, 2026
Kenosha Restaurant Week
Kenosha Restaurant Week is a nine-day celebration of the city’s and area’s delicious and diverse dining scene. It’s a way to show some LOVE to our locally owned, small restaurants, pubs, eateries, and food shops. It’s also the perfect opportunity to explore new places to dine, return to a favorite place, try something new at your go-to restaurant, or just show your support to our local restaurants.
It runs Saturday, February 21st through Sunday, March 1st this year. Over 80 restaurants are participating in Kenosha Restaurant Week – the most yet – offering special menus with special pricing for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts, even snacks. Here’s a video showcasing it all!
Details on participating restaurants and links to their menus are coming soon!
Kenosha Restaurant Week Locations (latest list here)
Kenosha Restaurant Week Website
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February 21, 2026 – February 22, 2026
Cedarburg Winter Festival
Activities run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, followed by a Saturday Night “Luau” that runs 6pm-9pm, and then 8:30am to 4pm on Sunday. The popular Ice Carving Contest, which runs from 8:30am – 2pm on Saturday, sets the stage along the city’s main street. Multiple 300-pound blocks of ice will be transformed into glistening pieces of Superhero-inspired art by talented ice carvers.
Explore the Vendor Market from 10am to 4pm inside the Community Gym or the Foxtown BBQ during that same time. Enjoy food trucks, parked up and down next to the gym from 10am to 5pm.
A tractor-drawn hay wagon provides a great view, but fest-goers who opt to stroll along Washington Avenue and prefer being outside can test their endurance by enjoying camel rides, egg hunts, sledding, ice skating or watching an old-fashioned dog pull. Bed Races take place Saturday afternoon at 1:30, too!
Sunday will dawn with the popular Pancake Breakfast at the Community Center from 8:30am to 11:00am. There’s a Soup Contest from Noon – 3pm too, if you want things to be… soupier.
On Sunday from 10:00am – 4:00pm, top dogs will compete in the Dog Weight Pull Competition sponsored by the Alaskan Malamute Club of Wisconsin and Fromm Foods.
Check out Granny Impersonator Bingo at the Community Gym Sunday from Noon – 2pm, and the Scavenger Hunt continues on Sunday from 10am – 4pm.
Plenty more events are happening at the Cedarburg Winter Festival, check their site for the full lineup!
Cedarburg Winter Festival Address:
Downtown Cedarburg
Washington Avenue
Cedarburg, WI 53012
(262) 377-9620
Website
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February 27, 2026 – March 1, 2026
Wisconsin Fishing Expo
You can still expect mom-and-pop fishing vendors with gear that anglers can’t find at box stores. There will also be a tremendous presence from some of the leading national brands in the fishing industry, including Clam, Berkley, Beaver Dam, ACME, Fenwick, Okuma, Gamakatsu, Ray Marine, Garmin, St. Croix, Fishing Hot Spots, Stren, and many, many more. Check out and meet
For boats, over 20 brands will be ready to sell from top bets like Crestliner, Alumacraft, Bass Cat, Yar Craft, Tracker, Ranger, Triton, Smoker Craft, Bennington, and others.
Plenty of Youth Activities will be available, bigger and better than ever. Check it out!
The Alliant Energy Center is easily accessed via Madison’s Beltline (U.S. 12/18) off John Nolen Drive (Exit 263) or Rimrock Road (Exit 262). U.S. 14 & 151 are close by. You can also come through downtown via U.S. 151 and follow John Nolen Drive down the causeway. There’s so much else to see and do in Madison, too!
Show Hours:
Friday – 1:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Saturday – 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Sunday – 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Admission:
$12.00 for Adults, $10.00 for Military & First Responders, Kids 12 and under are FREE.
A parking fee is charged per car by Dane County. (fee subject to change by Dane County, it’s usually $7 cash.)
Here’s a previous ad for the Wisconsin Fishing Expo:
Wisconsin Fishing Expo Address:
Exhibition Hall at Alliant Energy Center
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
Madison, WI 53703
(262) 305-1907
Website
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March 6, 2026 – March 8, 2026
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show runs March 6-8 at the Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center, where State Trunk Tour Highways 59 and 181 meet just south of I-94 in West Allis, Wisconsin. Hundreds of vendors, displays, showcases, special events, and more are available for the outdoor sports lovers across the entire family!
March 13, 2026 – March 15, 2026
Canoecopia
Canoecopia is the largest paddlesports consumer event in the world. More than 250,000 square feet of kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, outdoor equipment and clothing, all at the best prices of the season, make Canoecopia a “must go” place for gear! Over 100 seminars and clinics make Canoecopia an educational event where you can learn about the perfect gear for your style of paddling, develop skills to get you where you want to go, and discover some of the many places to paddle, both near and far.
If you’re interested in experiencing life on the water, Canoecopia is the best place to spend the weekend! Learn about gear for your style of paddling, develop skills to get you where you want to go, and discover many wonderful places to paddle, both near and far. The hard part may be deciding which to see.
“Meet the folks who make the boats!” Kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, outdoor equipment and clothing, all at the best prices of the season. See what’s new in paddlesports and outdoor equipment, chat with experts about destinations in the Midwest and beyond, discover what’s newest, best and coolest! Admission is $17 for one day, $35 for a three-day pass. Children 17 and under are free. No credit cards; cash or check only at admission. Parking is $8/day, you can save on multiple days here.
You can reach the Alliant Energy Center easily from the Beltline (U.S. 12/18) via John Nolen Drive from the south, from John Nolen Drive from downtown (U.S. 151) or Park Street & Olin Avenues. Of course, U.S. 14, U.S. 151, and Highways 30 and 113 also bring you to Madison, where there’s plenty else to check out!
Canoecopia Hours:
Friday: 4pm – 9pm
Saturday: 9am – 6pm
Sunday: 10am – 5pm
Canoecopia Address:
Alliant Energy Center
1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
Madison, WI 53713
(608) 267-3976
Website
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March 19, 2026 – March 29, 2026
The Balloon Adventure
The 3rd annual Balloon Adventure is BACK at Pier 290 in Williams Bay, Thursday, March 19th through Sunday, March 29th, 2026!
The Boat Showroom at PIER 290 in Williams Bay transforms into a magical marine adventure for the 2026 Balloon Adventure. The “Bug Out!” theme lets you get ready to shrink down and bug out in a balloon-filled world where butterflies, beetles, and bumblebees take over. From dazzling balloon artistry to interactive experiences, photo ops, themed nights, and family fun—this whimsical event is for all ages! It’s all in support of the 531 Fund’s charitable mission.
In addition, a variety of special events take place on select days. They include the Glow Waves Adventure, Rave Under the Wave, the Deep Sea Shuffle, Tales of the Sea (a family movie night), and more. Get the full list here.
Tickets for Balloon Adventure
General Admission tickets are available online here as well as at the door during the event. In advance tickets are $20, $25 at the door. Kids 2 and under are free. Special events have separate pricing.
The Balloon Adventure is a unique and fun stop while in the Lake Geneva area. Check it out at Pier 290 when you’re road tripping on Highway 67! You’ll find Williams Bay just south of Highway 50 and northeast of U.S. 14, just minutes off I-43.
Afterwards – or before if you prefer – check out the nearby Yerkes Observatory. It’s the birthplace of astrophysics, after all. They offer tours on occasion, too! Meanwhile, more adventures and fun await in Lake Geneva, just a few minutes once you head east on Highway 50.
The Balloon Adventure Address:
The Boat Showroom at PIER 290
1 Liechty Drive
Williams Bay, WI 53191
Website
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March 20, 2026 – March 29, 2026
Beloit International Film Festival
The 21st annual Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) runs from March 20th – 29th, 2026! Run in conjunction with Beloit College, the BIFF draws thousands upon thousands of film lovers, and writers and directors from around the world for viewing, workshops, and more. The “International” in the title isn’t just for show, after all.
The Beloit International Film Festival celebrates the power of independent film from around the globe. Local residents and visitors from across the nation fill venues ranging in size from 40 to 400 seats to view more than 150 films and meet scores of filmmakers who come from throughout the U.S. and around the world. This unique festival continues to grow and has caught national attention with the New York Times calling BIFF, “a festival with a unique goal of returning the spirit of film festivals’ golden era, when guests talked film all night with directors and writers who were on hand and available for questions.” The New York Times also listed the festival as a unique alternative to other big international film festivals such as Sundance and Tribeca.
BIFF celebrates filmmakers in all genres—features, documentaries, shorts— who enjoy the Beloit setting as much as the attendees do. BIFF promises crowds of interested viewers filling venues, questioning them at the films, and stopping them on the street to talk about their shared passions and projects in independent filmmaking.
Get the Beloit International Film Festival Film Lineup here
Getting to Beloit is easy! Just follow I-43 from Milwaukee, I-90 from Madison or Janesville, or Highway 81 from Monroe and points west. Highway 213 also brings you in from points northwest. Then just follow the roads to the Rock River and the downtown area. Guide signs will help you find the way downtown. And be sure to check out all the amazing new developments in downtown Beloit and throughout the area!
Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) Address:
Various locations in Beloit, mostly downtown
Beloit, WI 53511
(608) 312-4256
Website
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April 18, 2026
Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival
The festival typically draws over 900 attendees and features over 100 different styles of beer, a home brew competition, and local breweries with unlimited beer and cheese samples. Additionally, live music plays all afternoon with the Empty Bottle Boys and One Shot Jane performing. They play in the Parkway Chateau, adjacent to the Brat Stop.
Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival Tickets
General admission tickets are $55 in advance and $60 at the door. All tickets include a commemorative glass, live music and four hours of unlimited beer and cheese samples. Designated driver tickets are $15. This is a 21+ only event.
Last time we checked over 50 different brewers will be there. They include large brewers like Miller and Coors to small craft brewers including Lakefront, Bell’s, Toppling Goliath, Bare Bones, Alaskan, and more. Local home brew societies also represent at the festival. All will be pouring samples and providing info about their beers and brewing processes. Also, great food – including brats – will be part of the sustenance as the bands serenade your eating, drinking, talking, and enjoying.
Proceeds benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Kenosha. Check the Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival Website for tickets, continued updates, and other details!
You’ll find the Brat Stop right along Highway 50, just west of the I-41/94 interchange. It’s a Wisconsin staple, after all.
Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival Address:
The Brat Stop
12304 75th Street (Highway 50)
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 653-7304
Website
Buy Tickets Here
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May 1, 2026
First Fridays Racine
Enjoy some Friday night fun during First Fridays Racine, taking place along Main Street in Downtown Racine from May – December from 4-9pm! It happens throughout the downtown area, centered on Monument Square where Highways 20 and 38 cap the ends of a main thoroughfare that is Highway 32.
Friday, May 1st is next for First Fridays Racine
The first First Fridays in 2026 will take place Friday (of course), May 1st from 4 pm to 9 pm. The theme is Creative Crawl!
The Creative Crawl will be a citywide celebration of art, creativity, and community. Enjoy hands-on activities, artist demos, local author readings, pop-up exhibits, and more throughout Downtown Racine. More details to come!
As always, Downtown Racine’s merchants, restaurants, and bars are rolling out the red carpet with shopping and dining deals that are too good to pass up. Live music will fill the air at hotspots like Brickhouse, The Ivanhoe, Marci’s on Main, Reefpoint Brew House, Dimples, Chartroom, and Uncorkt, keeping the party going all night long.
Parking is conveniently available at the Lake Avenue Ramp (300 Lake Avenue), Civic Centre Ramp (501 Lake Avenue), and the McMynn Ramp (120 7th Street) or Shoop (Main & State) for an all-day rate of only $4.00.
In addition to First Fridays, check out the rest of downtown Racine. Right along the shores of Lake Michigan you can explore Reefpoint Marina, North Beach, the Racine Zoo, the new boutique Hotel Verdant, Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and SC Johnson sites.
Take the drive to where Highways 11, 20, 32, and 38 come together in downtown Racine. Enjoy happy people taking in the best of what downtown Racine has to offer! Check out the First Fridays Racine website for more details.
Monument Square
100 Main Street
Racine, WI 53403
(262) 634-4287
Website
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May 14, 2026 – May 17, 2026
Milwaukee Auto Show
Check out the newest models of car, trucks, and while admiring the finest classics at the Milwaukee Auto Show! It’s back to Wisconsin State Fair Park Expo Center in West Allis May 14th-17th, 2026 showcasing the latest models, vintage antiques, muscle cars, and more. Over 350 vehicles will be on display; you can take some for test drives!
Details on everything available can be found on their website. It’s presented by ADAMM, the Automobile Dealers Association of Mega Milwaukee.
Tickets are $15 for adults 13 and over if they are pre-ordered online ($15 at the gate), Children ages 7-12 are $7.50, Senior Citizens (62+ are $13 . Children under 7 are admitted free. All ticket details are available here.
Parking is accessible on area streets and garages, including the Clark Garage at 623 W. Wisconsin Avenue, one block from the Baird Center. Parking is $12 but you can save 40% when you pay in advance. All the details here.
Hours:
Thursday Noon – 9pm
Friday & Saturday 10am – 9pm
Sunday 10am – 6pm
It’s a great auto show and easily accessible via I-94 and Highways 59 and 181. U.S. 18, I-41/U.S. 45/I-894, and Highway 100 all bring you close!
Milwaukee Auto Show Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Expo Center
8200 W. Greenfield Avenue/Highway 59
West Allis, WI 53214
(414) 908-6000
Website
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May 15, 2026 – May 17, 2026
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 2026, the festivities run through the weekend of May 15th through the 17th. 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 15, 2026 – May 16, 2026
Morel Mushroom Festival
Muscoda celebrates the Morel Mushroom Festival every May, which is only fitting because that’s prime growing season in this “Morel Mushroom Capital of Wisconsin.” These unique mushrooms are considered quite a delicacy by top chefs everywhere; there are message boards and recipes and all kinds of resources for morel lovers. The soil in the Muscoda area is particularly suited for the growth of morels and they fully embrace this fungi. In 2026, the festival takes place Friday, May 15th and Saturday, May 16th.
This year’s event starts Friday evening with the 5th Annual Car Cruise Drive-In – all modes of transportation encouraged to attend. Join them at the paved parking lot next to the Riverdale bus garage in the 500 block of North Wisconsin. Jose’s Mexican Food Truck and Jovita’s Kitchen will be there serving their specialties and Udder Brothers Creamery will have their delicious ice cream. Two blocks south, at Mushroom Headquarters along Highway 80, the grills will be going with American Legion burgers. There’s also the 1st annual Antique Farm & Tractor Pull, a Little League Baseball Tournament, and Thunder Showers Bounce Houses will be there for kids’ fun.
On Saturday, May 16th starting at 9:00am, the whole Village bursts with events. The bounce house and pedal tractor pulls are back, you can check out the Tiny Acres Farms Petting Zoo, beer samples from 11am-3pm, and a parade. The awesome arts and crafts vendors, (many new ones!) and chainsaw carving are at Railroad Park as well as Food Vendors there and along the streets.
At Mushroom Headquarters, there are tastings, grilling with mushroom brats and Legion burgers (and fried morels if they’re are available). The Food and Beverage tasting area will include Meister Cheese, Moore Eggs, Studnicka Cattle Company, Wild Hills Winery, Dirftless Gold Organic Maple Syrup, Gillingham Meads, and Spurgeon Winery. And for your listening pleasure and maybe dancing, live music by Donnie Reyzek.
You can also catch tours of Effigy mounds, which start at 1pm, and baseball with the Muscoda Mudcats also at 1pm.
A big feature is the “Spring Mystery” Parade down main street (AKA Wisconsin Avenue), which starts at 3:00. Members of the UW Band will also perform starting around 3:45.
When you want a sit-down meal, there is pancake breakfast until noon, a chili cookoff with judging and tasting at 1:00 and the famous Firemen’s Steak Feed at the firehouse beginning at 4:00 until the steaks are gone! Enjoy the river views as the evening concludes with fireworks at dusk.
The Morel Mushroom Festival Schedule is coming soon!
You’ll find Muscoda along Highway 80 between the Wisconsin River and Highway 133. Highway 60 is just across the river. And this town comes to party for its Morel Mushroom Festival! Check their website for updates and full schedules.
Morel Mushroom Festival Address:
Muscoda Village Hall
206 N. Wisconsin Avenue (Highway 80)
Muscoda, WI 53573
(608) 739-3182
Website
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May 15, 2026 – May 17, 2026
SVRA Spring Vintage Weekend at Road America
The SVRA Spring Vintage Festival Weekend at Road America, May 15-17, celebrates automotive racing’s glorious past. This vintage racing event brings the past back to life with the sights, sounds and smells from motorsport’s pioneering age both on and off the track.
The SVRA (SportsCar Vintage Racing Association) weekend at Road America includes a packed vintage race car schedule featuring classic race cars covering several decades. Many of the entries have previously competed at classic events like Le Mans and the Indy 500. SVRA is one of the oldest organizations in vintage racing, and the only one with a national presence, committed to presenting the best possible experience for competitors and fans. From 200 MPH INDY and Formula 1 cars to classic Jaguars and Porsches, SVRA races provide a rolling history of motorsport where the cars are the stars at legendary tracks across the country.
The SVRA Spring Vintage Festival Weekend lineup includes race groups for all twelve SVRA classes including Formula 5000, Formula Ford, sports racing, and production sports cars. The classes feature the best classic sportscars from prestigious marques such as Lotus, Alfa Romeo, Jaguar, Porsche and Corvette with models from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. The Formula 4 United States Championship (F4 U.S.), Formula Regional Americas Championship (FR Americas) series, Mazda Miata Heritage Cup Series, OPTIMA’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car championship and the Hagerty Cars & Caffeine vintage car rally will bolster the SVRA schedule for the weekend.
New this season is the opportunity to upgrade admission tickets to include access to the Finish Line Tower suites. The Finish Line Tower is located right at the Start/Finish line on the front straight across from the Main Paddock. Suites are furnished, climate-controlled, staffed with an attendant, and have restrooms conveniently located on the same floor. Two high-definition screens feature timing and scoring and a live feed of the races.
Check their website for ticket and event details.
You’ll find Road America along Highway 67, just north of Plymouth and Highway 23 and a few miles west of Highway 57 in Sheboygan County, right by the beautiful resort town of Elkhart Lake.
Road America Address for Spring Vintage Weekend:
N7390 Highway 67
Plymouth, WI 53073
(800) 365-7223
Website
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June 5, 2026 – June 7, 2026
Copperfest
Copperfest is back, June 5-7, 2026!
Copperfest celebrates Wisconsin’s “Copper Country” in Oconto with tons of fun activities, history, food, a big lineup of live music, and more. Come join the fun on June 5th, 6th, and 7th, 2026. It’s easy access off U.S. 41 and Highway 22! This year’s theme is “Disney.”
Enjoy tons of live music , the Artist Village all days, the Grand Parade Saturday morning at 10am, and the Car Show Saturday from 10am-2pm featuring makes and models from a wide variety of eras.
Most events will take place at the American Legion Post 74 Park, 709 Madison Street in Oconto.
Copperfest Live Music Lineup
FRIDAY:
5:00-6:30pm TBA
7:00-11:00pm TBA
SATURDAY
11:30am-2:30pm TBA
3:30pm-6:30pm TBA
7:30pm-11:00pm TBA
SUNDAY
11:30am-2:15pm TBA
UTL Wrestling will also be on display Sunday afternoon!
Hours for the Artist Village are Friday 5PM-9PM, Saturday 10AM-5PM, Sunday 10AM-3PM. Explore over 120 artists and crafters from all over the state!
For all the latest, check their Facebook page.
U.S. 41 and Highway 22 bring you there! You’ll find Oconto at the eastern end of Highway 22, right at U.S. 41. It’s about eight miles east of U.S. 141 and 10 miles south of Highway 64. Copperfest is in town, and just east past downtown is the shores of Green Bay, with lakeside parks and piers and a view across the bay to Door County. It’s only about half an hour from the city of Green Bay and twenty minutes from Marinette.
Oconto Copperfest Address:
American Legion Post 74 Park
709 Madison Street
Oconto, WI 54153
(920) 604-3636
Website
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June 18, 2026 – July 4, 2026
Summerfest 2026
Summerfest 2026 brings the “World’s Largest Music Festival” back to Milwaukee’s lakefront in the middle of summer! We’re talking 9 days across three long weekends packed with concerts and fun with over half a million of your closest friends. Choose from over 600 acts across 12 stages on the 75-acre Maier Festival Park grounds. The dates this year, all Thursdays – Saturdays, are June 18-20, June 25-27, and July 2-4, 2026.
Summerfest dates back to 1968 and has since become a key venue for the music industry’s hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites to create unforgettable live music experiences in a world-class festival setting. Running along Milwaukee’s lakefront nestled within downtown, the Historic Third Ward, Discovery World, I-794, and Lake Michigan, Summerfest offers not only music but over 45 food and beverage vendors, four marketplaces offering crafts and wares from all over the world, interactive exhibits, and just cool general fun. Northwestern Mutual Community Park includes a Children’s Stage and play area that offers a fun experience for the kids. Regular shows involving magic, singalongs, and other activities are complemented with plenty of equipment kids can run, swing, climb, and play on. During the day, Summerfest is designed to be very family-friendly. Many of the food and beverage vendors are classic and popular restaurants and bars from around the Milwaukee area, and selections range widely from ethnic food options to a wide variety of craft and classic beers. Several stands also have a full bar with wine and spirits. Check out the latest music and stage lineups below!
Announced Summerfest 2026 lineups by Date, Stage & Time:
Tuesday, June 16th
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
7:30pm – Garth Brooks
Wednesday, June 17th
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
7:30pm – Garth Brooks
Thursday, June 18th
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
7:00pm – Megan Moroney
BMO Pavilion
TBA
Miller Lite Oasis
TBA
Generac Power Stage
TBA
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
TBA
US Cellular Connection Stage
TBA
Uline Warehouse
TBA
Aurora Pavilion
TBA
Friday, June 19th
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
7:30pm –
BMO Pavilion
9:00pm STYX
Miller Lite Oasis
TBA
Generac Power Stage
TBA
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
TBA
US Cellular Connection Stage
TBA
Uline Warehouse
TBA
Aurora Pavilion
TBA
Saturday, June 20th
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
7:00pm
BMO Pavilion
TBA
7:00pm David Lee Roth
Miller Lite Oasis
TBA
Generac Power Stage
TBA
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
TBA
US Cellular Connection Stage
TBA
Uline Warehouse
TBA
Aurora Pavilion
TBA
Thursday, June 25th
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
7:30pm – Ed Sheeran
BMO Pavilion
TBA
Miller Lite Oasis
TBA
Generac Power Stage
TBA
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
TBA
US Cellular Connection Stage
TBA
Uline Warehouse
TBA
Aurora Pavilion
TBA
Friday, June 26th
American Family Insurance Amphitheather
7:30 pm
BMO Pavilion
7:00pm Louis Tomlinson
Miller Lite Oasis
TBA
Generac Power Stage
TBA
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
TBA
US Cellular Connection Stage
TBA
Uline Warehouse
TBA
Aurora Pavilion
TBA
Saturday, June 27th
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
7:30 p.m. – Post Malone with special guest Carter Faith
BMO Pavilion
7:00pm Russell Dickerson
Miller Lite Oasis
TBA
Generac Power Stage
TBA
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
TBA
US Cellular Connection Stage
TBA
Uline Warehouse
TBA
Aurora Pavilion
TBA
Thursday, July 2nd
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
7:00 p.m. – Muse
BMO Pavilion
TBA
Miller Lite Oasis
TBA
Generac Power Stage
TBA
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
TBA
US Cellular Connection Stage
TBA
Uline Warehouse
TBA
Aurora Pavilion
TBA
Friday, July 3rd
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
7:30pm – Alex Warren
BMO Pavilion
TBA
Miller Lite Oasis
TBA
Generac Power Stage
TBA
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
TBA
US Cellular Connection Stage
TBA
Uline Warehouse
TBA
Aurora Pavilion
TBA
Saturday, July 4th
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
5:00 p.m. – Jelly Roll with special guest Tyler Hubbard
BMO Pavilion
TBA
Miller Lite Oasis
TBA
Generac Power Stage
TBA
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
TBA
US Cellular Connection Stage
TBA
Uline Warehouse
TBA
Aurora Pavilion
TBA
Gruber Law Offices Sportzone and Northwestern Mutual Community Park will have a variety of shows and performers too, to be announced soon.
Watch for new announcements, see Summerfest.com/lineup for more lineups the timeliest way possible!
Summerfest Tickets
Single Day General Admission Tickets run $30 per day, you can print them at home or put them on your mobile. These tickets are good for the entire grounds and any show with the exception of the American Family Insurance Amphitheater shows. Seniors 62 and over and Children 3-10 can get discount tickets at the gate. Children 2 and under are admitted free. Multi-Day Ticket options include:
Parking lots are available just to the west of the grounds and throughout downtown Milwaukee and the Historic Third Ward. The Milwaukee County Transit System also offers “freeway flyer” express buses to and from the grounds from numerous Park & Ride lots in the metro area. The Summerfest Grounds can be accessed directly via I-794, U.S. 18, and Highway 32. I-43/94 and Highways 38, 59, and 145 also bring you within a mile of it – which is how far away some people park! Either way, it’s one of the greatest music festivals on the planet and a definite State Trunk Tour recommendation.
Summerfest 2026 Address:
Henry Maier Festival Park
200 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 273-2680
Website
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June 20, 2026
Fyr Ball Festival
Ephraim explodes with summer excitement as the Fyr Bal Festival (pronounced feer-ball) re-creates traditions of early Norwegians celebrating Midsummer’s Eve. Artists, food, dancing, musical entertainment and family activities along the picturesque shoreline of Eagle Harbor welcome the arrival of summer.
Featured activities include a boat regatta, a trolley and historic walking tours through the village, and a chance to explore numerous historic landmarks, shops, galleries and restaurants for which Ephraim is well-known. Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor, the popular spot along Highway 42 in Ephraim, has their annual Fyr Ball Firecracker Frenzy Ice Cream Eating Competition, too!
The signature Fyr Bal event is an evening bonfire, which represents the burning of the ‘Winter Witch’ to usher in the long days – and beautiful nights – of summer. Fireworks complete a perfect day. Stay and enjoy the Scandinavian atmosphere and hospitality.
Ephraim is right along Highway 42 on the Green Bay side of the Door County Peninsula, between Fish Creek and Sister Bay on the eastern edge of Eagle Harbor and the gorgeous Peninsula State Park. It’s a beautiful town and this event is literally a blast! The rest of the details can be found here on the Fyr Ball web page.
Fyr Ball Festival Address:
Eagle Harbor (Highway 42)
Ephraim, WI 54211
(920) 854-4989
Website
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June 27, 2026 – June 28, 2026
Ellsworth Cheese Curd Festival
This free festival offers over 20 cheese curd dishes from Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery for sampling, super-fresh and available battered or not with a variety of pairings, dips, and more.
Also enjoy over 30 craft brews to choose from, along with hard ciders, wines, and other local and regional beverages to try with your curds.
Ellsworth Cheese Curd Festival Schedule of Events:
FRIDAY, JUNE 27 – 4 – 10 pm
4pm- 7pm Artisan Marketplace
– Part arts and crafts, part farmers market. Browse regional specialties and locally grown, handmade and handcrafted goods.
4pm – 6pm: Craft & Curd, Paired: the ultimate brewery face-off! Five local breweries battle it out for best brew and cheese curd flavor pairing. Who will win? That’s up to you–You’re the judge for this intense (and tasty) competition! Happening at the Tasting Tent
4:30pm – 6:30pm: 3OTT, Point Stage
4:30pm – 7:30pm: Brad Marx, Broadway Street Stage
5pm – Dark: Classic Car Cruise-In & Show, Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery Lot
7:00pm-9:30pm, The Tucker Baker Band, Park Stage
7:00pm – 8:00pm: Corks & Kegs Tasting Event. Plan to take part in the tasting experiences offered during the festival. Kegs & Corks adult tasting experiences feature local and regional craft beer, wine and hard cider. A happy hour like no other, enjoy unlimited sampling and light appetizers while visiting with the brewers, crafters and reps. At the Tasting Tent.
SATURDAY, JUNE 28 – 10am – 10 pm
8am: 5K/10K Run
8am-10am: Pancake Breakfast
9:30am: Run Awards, Park Stage
10am-7pm: Artisan Marketplace. Part arts and crafts, part farmers market. Browse regional specialties and locally grown, handmade and handcrafted goods. Broadway Street
10:00am – 11:30am: Why Worry? & The Fret Band, Point Stage
10:30am-12:30pm: Dave Snyder, Broadway Street Stage
10:30am – 11:30am: Milk & Cookie Pairing (while supplies last) The Milk & Cookie Pairing and Farmer Meet & Greet is not to be missed! A great opportunity shake hands with a real farmer and learn about today’s agriculture and what it takes to put food on the tables of families across America. At the Tasting Tent.
11:00am-12:30pm: Oatmeal Band, Park Stage
12:00pm – 1:30pm: The Dairy Aires, Point Stage
12:30-1:30pm: Ice Cream Tasting, Tasting Tent. Families won’t want to miss the Ice Cream Tasting, a one-hour real dairy flavor celebration featuring creative combinations crafted by the innovative folks from UW-River Falls Food Sciences Department.
1:00pm-3:00pm Sarah Vanvelkenburg, Broadway Street Stage
1:00pm-3:00pm: Dave Snyder, Broadway Street Stage
1:30pm-3:30pm: Half Shebang, Park Stage
1:30pm-2:30pm: Block Party!, Park Stage. One of the largest cheese tastings in the area. Enjoy cheese right off the ‘block’!
2:00pm Cheese Curd Eating Contest
3:00pm – 4:00pm: Corks & Kegs Tasting Event
Plan to take part in the tasting experiences offered during the festival. Kegs & Corks adult tasting experiences feature local and regional craft beer, wine and hard cider. A happy hour like no other, enjoy unlimited sampling and light appetizers while visiting with the brewers, crafters and reps.
3:30pm-5:30pm: Thomas Michael, Broadway Street Stage
3:30pm – 5:30pm: Just Banned, Point Stage
5:00pm-6:30pm: Craft & Curd: Paired. Five regional craft breweries compete for your votes by pairing their favorite craft brew with a custom cheese curd flavor! Which craft and curd pairing will be the winner? That’s up to you when you cast your vote for your favorite. At the Tasting Tent.
4:30pm-6:30pm: L Bell & the Lazy Susan Band
6:00pm-8:00pm: Denny Menter, Broadway Street Stage
6:00pm-8:00pm: The Delta Papas, Point Stage
7:00pm-8:00pm: Corks & Kegs Tasting Event, Tasting Tent. Plan to take part in the tasting experiences offered during the festival. Kegs & Corks adult tasting experiences feature local and regional craft beer, wine and hard cider. A happy hour like no other, enjoy unlimited sampling and light appetizers while visiting with the brewers, crafters and reps.
7:30pm-9:30pm: Justin Barts & The Way Out, Park Stage
Ellsworth Cheese Curd Festival Address:
East End Park
U.S. Highways 10/63 at East Wall Street
Ellsworth, WI 54011
(715) 273-6442
Website
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July 8, 2026 – July 12, 2026
Northern Wisconsin State Fair
The Northern Wisconsin State Fair is always a fun-filled, family event that brings folks back year after year to Chippewa Falls, right along Historic U.S. 53 and today’s Highway 124. In 2026, it runs Wednesday July 8th through Sunday, July 12th!
The five days of the fair feature midway carnival excitement, numerous exhibits, animal judging, contests for milk drinking, pie eating, karaoke, animal shows including a draft horse show, a pedal tractor pull, and much more that you would expect from a fair like this. Furthermore, you can check out or participate in the Lego Pre-Build Contest, talent competitions, and of course, the food is always a highlight. A Schedule of Events is below!
Music Headliners on the Leinenkugel Main Stage include:
Wednesday, July 8th: Sawyer Brown
Thursday July 9th: Hairball with guests Rival 5
Friday, July 10th: Sugar Ray with special guest Uncle Kracker, 8pm (gates open at 7)
Saturday, July 12th: TBA 7pm (gates open at 6)
Tickets from VIP to Grandstand levels can be purchased here!
Northern Wisconsin State Fair Admission:
Adult 5 Day Admission: $25 (covers all five days)
One Day Admission: $10
Children 5 and Under: FREE
Parking: $5 per vehicle
Active/Retired Military and Veterans: Free with Active/Retired Military ID Card, DD214
The Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds are right along Highway 124 in Chippewa Falls, just a hop, skip, and a jump north of the Leinenkugel Brewery and across from beautiful Irvine Park and the Irvine Park Zoo. Highways 29 and U.S. 53 bring you close by.
Northern Wisconsin State Fair Schedule of Events coming soon!
Northern Wisconsin State Fair Address:
Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds
225 Edward Street (just off Highway 124)
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
(715) 723-2861
Website
A full Schedule of Events list is coming! For more on Chippewa Falls in general, check out our State Trunk Tour Chippewa Falls Podcast:
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