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
Miller Lite Oasis 1:15pm IDKCONUNDRUM 2:45pm American Progress 4:30pm Colin Bracewell 6:30pm The Juliana Theory 8:30pm Braid 10:30pm The Academy Is…
Generac Power Stage 12:30pm The Band Solstice 2:00pm Tobacco Road 3:30pm Old Mervs 5:30pm Winyah 7:30pm Penelope Road 9:30pm Flipturn
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard 1:00pm TBA 2:30pm Noah Richardson 4:00pm SM6 6:00pm GRAHAM 8:00pm Weston Estate 10:00pm Connor Price
T-Mobile Stage 12:45pm Lauren Gottshall 2:30pm Will Terry 4:15pm Rhys Rutherford 6:15pm Scott Wolverton 8:15pm McCoy Moore 10:15pm Nate Smith
Uline Warehouse 12:30pm Milly & The Mayhem 2:00pm Kenneth Brian Band 3:30pm A.J. Croce 5:30pm Trapper Schoepp 7:30pm Don Felder 9:30pm Christopher Cross
Aurora Pavilion 3:15pm Cigarettes @ Sunset 4:30pm Altered By Mom 5:45pm Red Leather 7:00pm Dexter and the Moonrocks
BMO Pavilion 5:30pm Big Daddy Kane 7:15pm Gabriel Jacoby 9:00pm Common
Miller Lite Oasis 1:15pm OUTDrejas 2:45pm Chrystal Gales 4:30pm Vertical Horizon 6:30pm Porch Light 8:30pm Hazlett 10:30pm Kaleo
Generac Power Stage 12:00pm School of Rock 2:00pm School of Rock 4:30pm Booker T. Jones 6:30pm Pat McCurdy 7:30pm Grabbitz 10:00pm Subtronics
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard 12:00pm School of Rock 2:00pm School of Rock 4:30pm Robert Randolph & The Family Band 6:30pm The Handcuffs 8:30pm Sincere Engineer 10:30pm Kim Gordon
T-Mobile Stage 12:00pm School of Rock 2:00pm School of Rock 4:15pm Wire & Nail 5:15pm Old 97’s 6:15pm Elijah Scott 8:15pm Lanie Gardner 10:15pm Tucker Wetmore
Uline Warehouse 12:00pm School of Rock 2:00pm School of Rock 4:15pm 10,000 Maniacs 5:45pm Lisa Loeb 7:30pm Walk Off the Earth 9:30pm Halestorm
Aurora Pavilion 12:00pm School of Rock 2:00pm School of Rock 3:15pm School of Rock 4:30pm Abby Moeller 5:45pm Boy Golden 7:00pm The Mountain Goats
Friday, June 26th
American Family Insurance Amphitheather 7:30 pm – Cody Johnson with special guest Jesse Murph
BMO Pavilion 5:30pm Alex Sampson 7:15pm The Aces 9:00pmLouis Tomlinson
Miller Lite Oasis 1:15pm Guardrail 2:45pm Harrison Gordon 4:30pm Lake Drive 6:30pm Showoff 8:30pm Lucky Boys Confusion 10:30pm Goldfinger
Generac Power Stage 12:00pm School of Rock 2:00pm School of Rock 4:30pm 7th Heaven 6:30pm Bobby Friss 8:30pm Big Wild 10:00pm Elderbrook
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard 12:00pm School of Rock 2:00pm School of Rock 4:30pm Blonde 6:15pm KSP 8:00pm Henrik 10:00pm Petey USA
T-Mobile Stage 12:00pm School of Rock 2:00pm School of Rock 4:15pm Sugo 6:15pm Greg Koch & The Koch Marshall Trio 8:15pm Tha Band Loula 10:15pm Marcus King Band
Uline Warehouse 12:00pm School of Rock 2:00pm School of Rock 4:15pm Sons of the Silent Age 5:45pm Two Feet 7:30pm Grouplove 9:30pm The Revivalists
Aurora Pavilion 12:00pm School of Rock 2:00pm School of Rock 3:15pm School of Rock 4:30pm Siobahn Bodrug 5:45pm Harper O’Neill 7:00pm Sudan Archives
Saturday, June 27th
American Family Insurance Amphitheater 7:30 p.m. – Post Malone with special guest Carter Faith
Miller Lite Oasis 1:15pm In The Know 2:45pm King Solomon 4:30pm Left On Sunset 6:30pm The Expendables 8:30pm The Movement 10:30pm Pepper
Generac Power Stage 12:30pm Alley Eyes 5:30pm Jean Dawson 9:30pm Wolfmother
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard 2:30pm Fuzzysurf 4:00pm Modern Alibi 6:00pm Taz 8:00pm Paw Paw Rod 10:00pm BØRNS
T-Mobile Stage 6:15pm Maris 10:15pm Audrey Nuna
Uline Warehouse 12:30pm The Noize 2:00pm Haley Johnsen 3:30pm Tracy Bonham 5:30pm Hank Azaria and the EZ Street Band 7:30pm Freddy Jones Band 9:30pm Little Feat
Aurora Pavilion 7:00pm Mariachi Sol De Mexico
Thursday, July 2nd
American Family Insurance Amphitheater 7:00 p.m. – Muse
Miller Lite Oasis 4:30pm Scout Speer 6:30pm Adam Warner 8:30pm Chase McDaniel 10:30pm Whiskey Myers
Generac Power Stage 3:30pm Yaya Biggs 5:30pm Edgehill 7:30pm Ax and the Hatchetmen 9:30pm Spoon
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard 8:00pm DJ Jazzy Jeff 10:00pm Rev Run
T-Mobile Stage 10:15pm Flo Rida
Uline Warehouse 12:30pm Bob Mittnacht & The Crowning Gables 2:00pm Juliana Joy 3:30pm Radio Radio 5:30pm Ken Pomeroy 7:30pm St. Paul & the Broken Bones 9:30pm Gene Simmons Band
Aurora Pavilion 3:15pm Ask Carol 4:30pm Six Foot Blonde 5:45pm The Heavy Heavy 7:00pm Neal Francis
Saturday, July 4th
American Family Insurance Amphitheater 7:30 pm – Jelly Roll with special guest Tyler Hubbard
Miller Lite Oasis 4:30pm The Maiden Voyage 6:30pm Siin 10:30pm Megadeth
Generac Power Stage 3:30pm Nicole Lawrence 5:30pm Soul Asylum 7:30pm The Jayhawks 9:30pm The BoDeans
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard 8:00pm John Vincent III 10:00pm Jonah Kagen
T-Mobile Stage 4:15pm Carolina Liar 6:15pm Pure Hex 8:15pm Joywave 10:15pm The Temper Trap
Uline Warehouse 12:30pm Victor Jones 2:00pm Porcupine 3:30pm Poi Dog Pondering 5:30pm Jerry Harrison’s TH 50 – “50 Years of Talking Heads” 7:30pm Mindi Abair 9:30pm Straight No Chaser
Aurora Pavilion 5:45pm Tag Team 7:00pm Baha Men
Part of Milwaukee’s skyline hovering above the northern part of the Summerfest Grounds, including the US Cellular Connection Stage, which will now the the T-Mobile Stage for 2026.
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
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
It’s Milwaukee’s annual French festival, one of the largest French celebrations in the United States, and it’s tres magnifique! This FREE four-day bash attracts over 250,000 visitors each year. In 2026, Bastille Days runs Thursday, July 9th through Sunday, July 12th. Set around Cathedral Square on the east side of downtown, Bastille Days begins with a 5K “Storm the Bastille” run on Thursday night and then plenty of live music, an international marketplace, chef and wine demos, French and Cajun cuisine, roaming busker entertainment and a signature 43-foot Eiffel Tower replica offering hourly light shows.
The event is known for the impromptu street performers, roaming minstrels, and a variety of interactive and musical entertainment. Bastille Days also boasts a wide variety of some of the best restaurant vendors in Milwaukee!
Check out Bastille Days wine tastings where you can let your taste buds explore and compare delicious wines from around the world! A wine specialist will guide you through the taste test with selected wines from 5 countries. A separate ticket is needed for each tasting, and seating is limited to 76 per tasting. You’ll find all these tastings at the NE corner of Cathedral Square Park along Jackson Street – look for the tent!
The festival covers the blocks around Cathedral Square, including along Wells, Kilbourn, Jefferson, and Jackson Streets. U.S. 18 and Highway 32 actually detour around the festival, which is one of the largest French festivals in the nation. I-43/94, I-794, and Highways 38, 59, and 145 all bring you close. Grab your beret and check it out!
Thousands line up for the “Storm the Bastille” 5K Run & Walk at Bastille Days in Milwaukee
Bastille Days Hours:
Thursday July 9- 11am-11:30pm
Friday July 10- 11am-11:30pm
Saturday July 11- 10am-11:30pm
(Kid’s Day Activities 10am – 3pm)
Sunday July 12- 11am-8pm
Bastille Days Address:
825 N. Jefferson Street/Cathedral Square
Milwaukee, WI 53202 Website
Racine’s annual Salmon-A-Rama is a popular tournament open to all anglers on Lake Michigan, with nine days of entertainment for the whole family! Now one of the largest freshwater salmon and trout tournaments in the world, Salmon-A-Rama features participation categories like the off shore/Boat division, on shore, youth, kayak, Two-In-A-Boat and Super Sweepstakes.
The Grand Prize is a combination of $25,000 cash and a 9.9-horsepower Yamaha outboard motor or the choice of a GMC Canyon, Buick Encore or Chevrolet Camaro. There’s an additional $70,000 in cash and prizes in several categories. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Lake Michigan fishery for future generations to enjoy.
Salmon-A-Rama is not only a fishing tournament, it’s also a festival. There will be something for everyone. There will be bands, raffles, a bags tournament, pig roast, smelt fry, fish boil, kids entertainment and so much more.
Salmon-A-Rama kicks off at 12:01 am Saturday, July 11th (so you might also say late Friday night) and it runs through 11 am on Sunday, July 19th. Tournament headquarters are at Pershing Park, 500 Pershing Drive, on Racine’s lakefront. You can stop by the tent every day to check on the leaderboards and/or explore the variety of vendors, the fish weigh-in, and numerous fish cooking and smoking demonstrations.
Salmon-A-Rama is presented by Salmon Unlimited of Wisconsin. You can get tournament updates on their website, including ticket information.
Pershing Park and the Racine lakefront is accessible via Highways 11, 20, 32, and 38, all about 8 miles east of I-41/94.
Salmon-A-Rama Address:
Pershing Park
500 Pershing Drive
Racine, WI 53043
(262) 995-3459 Website
Festa Italiana is “your ticket to Italy” once again when it hits Milwaukee’s lakefront July 10th-12th, 2026! Amazing Italian food, great entertainment, and the loudest fireworks around. This year, Festa Italiana celebrates 48 years along Milwaukee’s beautiful lakefront.
Check out Flag-Throwers of the Florentine, direct from Italy. For music, check out great acts across six stages, including the Children’s Stage. Headliners include Anthony Crivello, George Busateri’s Spider George and the Web, Louis Vanaria, The Sicilian Tenors featuring Aaron Caruso, Sam Vitale, and Vincent Riccardi, Agne, Tre Bella, Cory Pesaturo, Graziana Maria Lazzaro, and FLEMT – straight from Italy. Longtime favorite Rick D’Amore makes his return, too!
Magic tricks, food demonstrations, comedians Vince Carone and Carmen Vallone, singers from the Florentine Opera, and more are all performing each day. The UW Marching Band will perform on Sunday, and the Children’s Stage will have all kinds of entertainment throughout the day.
You can also enjoy a romantic gondola ride on the cove, play bocce ball, watch the Copa Festa Italiana Futsal tournament, or compete in Italian Idol. Classic Italian fare and wine tastings, Kids Pizza Making Contest and annual Cannoli Eating Contest. There’s also a traditional Sunday Mass at 11am.
The fireworks go off every Festa evening around 10pm, and they’re a blast! (No pun intended. Okay, fine, pun intended.)
Admission tickets are $13 in advance, $15 at the door; Children 12 and under are admitted free all three days when accompanied by an adult. Festa Italiana is a cashless festival – no cash will be accepted at the box office, ticket windows, or on the grounds.
You can find the grounds under (literally, under) I-794 along Milwaukee’s lakefront. U.S. 18 ends right by the North Gate, and swinging nearby are I-43, I-94, and Highways 32, 38, 57, 59, and 145.
Festa Italiana Address:
Henry Maier Festival Park
200 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-223-2808 Website
Start:
July 10, 2026 5:00 pm
End:
July 12, 2026 9:00 pm
Venue:
Henry Maier Festival Park
Phone:
414-223-2808
Address:
200 N. Harbor Drive, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Along the Wisconsin-Illinois border you can go back to the 16th century at the Bristol Renaissance Faire. A plethora of entertainment, great food, performances, and a marketplace filled with crafts, art, musical instruments, clothes, jewelry, and more await. You’ll find plenty of colorful characters in period costumery, performers twirling fire, people mashing their mouths into giant turkey legs, wandering minstrels, swordfights, jousting… the list goes on and on. It’s a great summer weekend activity just west of Kenosha on the Illinois border!
Bristol Renaissance Faire runs Saturdays and Sundays July 5th though Labor Day, September 1st (yes, it runs that Monday and that’s the only Monday.)
The Kid’s Kingdom features the Castle Stage where children can get knighted, a face-painting area (don’t worry, it washes off eventually), hobbit houses, an entrance area with five huge thrones that provide great photo opportunities, and an air-conditioned rest area.
A giant turkey leg slathered in barbecue sauce is an essential part of the Bristol Renaissance Faire experience, but they also offer everything from Cornish pasties and bakery goods to vegan items and gelato. The number of entertainment stages now totals sixteen. Comedic sword-fighting, ropewalking, juggling, fire-whipping, acrobatics, chalk art, a variety of musicians, and more. The Marketplace offers the work of nearly 175 artisans and crafters; you can find Scottish kilts, leather masks, bamboo flutes, jester socks, stage-combat-approved swords, steampunkery, and much more. Glass blowing and blacksmithing activities frequently happen in the Marketplace as well as a variety of other crafting.
Tickets range from $40 for adults to $15 for children ages 5-12. Seniors (62+) and Military with ID are $38. Kids 4 and under are free. Season passes can be purchased for $225. You can also get discounted tickets at Menard’s and if you join Friends of the Faire you can also get discounts. U.S. 41, I-41/94, Highway 165, and the state line border the “Fairegrounds,” with U.S. 45 and Highway 50 also getting you close!
Bristol Renaissance Faire Location:
12550 120th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53142
(877) 395-7773 Website
Hayward hosts the 66th annual Lumberjack World Championships July 15-18, 2026! The Lumberjack World Championships began in 1960 as a way to acknowledge the rich history of the logging industry across the United States. Once again, over 21 events will offer international competition showcasing the best sawing, chopping, speed climbing, log rolling, boom-running & more! It’s great family fun.
More than 100 lumberjacks and lumberjills vie for more than $50,000 in prize money, making this one of the largest paybacks for lumberjack competition in the world – and of course, world records in these events could be set – they often have!
Up to 12,000 spectators enjoy the action in Hayward.
Opening night – Thursday, July 15th – is Mountain Dew Family Night, with special family pricing for admission ($45 for two adults and up to four children) and other specials. Other ticket packages run around $53 for three days’ worth of admission.
Getting to Hayward means a beautiful drive through the North Woods – just what we like! Hayward is along U.S. 63 on the drive from Spooner to Ashland; it’s also where Highways 27 and 77 meet up. While in town, check out the great trails, shopping, the World’s Largest Musky at the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, the Angry Minnow Brewpub, and more!
Hayward Lumberjack World Championships Address:
15670 West County Road B
Hayward, WI 54843
(715) 634-2484 Website
Lumberjack World Championships Schedule of Events
Thursday, July 16
Quarterfinal Competition
8:00 – 11:00am – Amateur Log Rolling
11:30am – LWC Festival Grounds Open to Ticket Holders, Swinging Axe Beer Tent open, Food & Unique Vendors, All Day Family Fun, Try Log Rolling!
11:35am – Qualifying Competitions for Chopping and Sawing Events; ongoing
Noon – Professional Log Rolling Preliminaries
3:00pm-5:00pm – Happy Hour & Live Music in Swinging Axe Beer Garden by Steve Beguhn, American Idol Finalist
3:45pm – Boom Running Qualifiers
5:30pm – Opening Ceremonies and Professional Quaterfinal Competition
Hot Saw
60-Foot Speed Climb
Women’s Underhand Chop
Men’s Log Roll
60-Foot Speed Climb
Men’s Standing Block Chop
Jill & Jill Cross Cut Sawing
Women’s Boom Run
Springboard Chop
90-Foot Speed Climb
Master’s Underhand Chop
Intermission
90-Foot Speed Climb
Women’s Standing Block Chop
Men’s Single Buck Saw
Women’s Log Roll
Jack & Jill Double Buck Saw
90-Foot Speed Climb
Men’s Log Roll
Women’s Single Buck Saw
Men’s Underhand Chop
Men’s Boom Run
Team Relay
Friday, July 17
Semifinal Competition
8:00 – 11:00am – Amateur Log Rolling
11:30am – LWC Festival Grounds Open to Ticket Holders, Swinging Axe Beer Tent open, Food & Unique Vendors, All Day Family Fun, Try Log Rolling!
11:35am – Qualifying Competitions for chopping and sawing; ongoing
Noon – Professional Log Rolling Competitions
3:00pm – 5:00pm – Happy Hour & Live Music – Swinging Axe Beer Garden Music by Molly & the Danger Band
5:30pm – Opening Ceremonies and Professional Semi-Final Competition
Hot Saw
60-Foot Speed Climb
Men’s Log Roll
60-Foot Speed Climb
Women’s Underhand Chop
Women’s Boom Run
Men’s Standing Block Chop
Jill & Jill Double Buck Saw
Springboard Chop
Master’s Underhand Chop
Intermission
90-Foot Speed Climb
Men’s Single Buck Saw
Women’s Standing Block Chop
Women’s Log Roll
90-Foot Speed Climb
Jack & Jill Double Buck Saw
90-Foot Speed Climb
Men’s Log Roll
Women’s Single Buck Saw
Men’s Underhand Chop
Men’s Boom Run
Team Relay
Saturday, July 18
Final World Championship Competition
8:00am – Lumberjack Run 5K Run/Walk – Start and Finish at the Lumberjack Bowl (15670 W County Road B, Hayward, WI 54843)
11:30am – LWC Festival Grounds Open to Ticket Holders, Swinging Axe Beer Tent open, Food & Unique Vendors, All Day Family Fun, Try Log Rolling!
Noon – Professional Log Rolling Competitions and Small Finals Wood Chopping Competitions
1:30pm – Axe Throwing Competition
3:00pm – 5:00pm – Happy Hour & Live Music – Swinging Axe Beer Garden with Live Music by Little Way
5:30pm – Opening Ceremonies and World Championships Finals Competition
Elkhorn hosts Wisconsin’s largest BBQ Festival with Ribfest, which take place on the Walworth County Fairgrounds July 15-19, 2026!
Check out FIVE days of unbelievably delicious, mouth-watering barbecue and entertainment on the beautiful Walworth County Fairgrounds. This event features world-renowned professional BBQ champions, great entertainment, backyard grillers, an artisan village, and a ton of great live entertainment. Not only will you experience some of the best grillers and BBQers in the country, but plenty of other fun including beer and live music with plenty of family fun, including carnival rides and other kids’ activities!
FREE Admission and parking! Even free Wi-Fi, courtesy of Edge Broadband.
Music headliners include (the list will be growing, too!):
Wednesday, July 15th:
Cherry Pie
Thursday, July 16th:
Bella Cain
Friday, July 17th:
Madison County
Saturday, July 18th:
Rival 5
Kashmir: The Led Zeppelin Show
Buster Daizy
Sunday, July 19th:
TBA
Ribfest Hours are 3 pm – 11pm Wednesday, 11 am – 11 pm Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 11am – 9pm Sunday.
You’ll find the Walworth County Fairgrounds just east of downtown Elkhorn, the seat of Walworth County. The grounds can be accessed off Court Street (Highway 11) just west of the U.S. 12 freeway and just northwest of the U.S. 12/I-43 interchange. Highway 67 is just to the west.
Elkhorn Ribfest Address:
411 East Court Street (Highway 11)
Elkhorn, WI 53121
(262) 723-3228 Website
EAA AirVenture is the World’s Largest Fly-In! What CAN’T you experience here? It’s rolling for 2026 and better than ever, July 20th-26th.
EAA stands for Experimental Aircraft Association. It was founded in 1953 by Paul Poberezny for a community of passionate aviation enthusiasts that promote and support recreational flying. Today, EAA has over 200,000 members throughout the world. EAA AirVenture is their biggest event, welcoming members and other flight enthusiasts to Oshkosh for a week every year… and it’s a total blast! Over 670,000 people from 92 countries attended EAA AirVenture in 2025 as over 10,000 aircraft flew in and out of Oshkosh.
Whether you come to fly or just watch, you experience the world’s greatest aviation celebration. Warbirds. Vintage. Homebuilts, Ultralights, even the Blue Angels! Enjoy all kinds of planes, aerobatics, hands-on workshops, and celebrations. AirVenture draws flight enthusiasts from across the globe, briefly turning Oshkosh’s Wittman Regional Airport into the busiest airport in the world in terms of takeoffs and landings.
EAA AirVenture runs a full week, from Monday, July 20th – Sunday, July 26th, 2026. Regular features and attractions include air shows and aircraft neighborhoods where you can check out full assortments of plane types and styles. Some of the planes and their pilots offer rides for unbelievable views of the Oshkosh area, Lake Winnebago, and more! Plus, there’s KidVenture for the young ones, the Aviators Club, Aviation Gateway Park, the Pathways Pavilion, and more.
Here’s an example of some of the air show performances you’ll see at EAA AirVenture:
Be sure to check out the EAA AirVenture Museum while you’re there. Hit I-41, U.S. 45, or Highways 21, 26, 44, 76, or 91 to get you to Oshkosh to take in all the fun of EAA’s AirVenture!
Marshfield is known as “Hub City” and its 20th annual Hub City Days celebrates the city’s heritage, present, and future. Check out a weekend of fun July 23-25, 2026, including a big screen movie shown right on Central Avenue and Wenzel Family Plaza!
The massive Car & Bike Show, Family Zone with bounce houses and kids’ games, the Craft Show, the Brew Fest and Beer Garden, tons of live music and more are all ready!
The Hub City Brew Fest will feature craft beers from all over Wisconsin and the Midwest! The Car Show will be right on Central Avenue (Historic Highway 13).
You can reach Marshfield via U.S. 10 or Highways 13, 80, and 97. It’s right in the center of Wisconsin, hence the name “Hub City”!
Hub City Days Schedule:
Thursday, July 23rd
DOWNTOWN BUSINESS AFTER 5
5 – 7 PM | Elk’s Club
Main Street welcomes MACCI’s monthly business networking event downtown to kick off Hub City Days! Enjoy live music with Curtis Samuel, appetizers, and drinks.
Questions? Contact MACCI: (715) 384-3454
MOVIE IN THE PLAZA
Dusk | Wenzel Family Plaza
Grab some fundraiser concessions alfresco in the Wenzel Family Plaza. Don’t forget your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and your fam! Movie hint: “Smile, Smile,”, Rated PG
Books will be given to kids in attendance thanks to the generosity of the Friends of Marshfield Public Library. (One per household while supplies last.)
Friday, July 24th
SHOP HOP
5 – 7 PM | Downtown Marshfield
Streets will be closed to traffic Central Ave – Veteran’s to 4th St. for pedestrians to enjoy evening shopping and dining downtown.
+ Wander the streets to discover more!
Win Hub City Brew Fest tickets! *Shop downtown this evening and bring your receipt to the Main Street Marshfield tent at Wenzel Family Plaza between 7-9 p.m. You’ll receive an entry for each receipt you show with your 21+ ID. Winners will be announced at 9 p.m. Tickets will be held at Hub City Brew Fest for those not present for the announcement.*
BIKE CRUISE & BIKE ACTIVITIES
5:30-7 PM | Downtown Marshfield
Enjoy a group bicycle ride into downtown from a predetermined Marshfield trail location (TBD). Once downtown, park your bike to shop & dine or enjoy a variety of bike activities set up on Central Ave, including a safety station, local trail updates, summer community ride info, and the bikeshare program. All group ride participants earn a free ice cream at Hiller’s Ice Cream Bike, located near Northside Cycle.
HUB CITY CONCERT SERIES FEATURING ADAM GRUEL AND THE SPACE BURRITOS
7 – 10 PM | Wenzel Family Plaza
Grab your picnic blanket or lawn chairs for a leisurely night out on the grass. Main Street Marshfield will be selling beer, seltzer, and soft drinks to raise funds for downtown events and programming!
Saturday, July 25th
CAR SHOW
10 AM – 3 PM | Downtown Marshfield
The Hub City Days Car Show spans over 10 city blocks, features 500+ car/bike entries, a live DJ, kids games, tons of door prizes, free t-shirts for veterans, veteran appreciation raffle (2 PM), and kids-only raffle (2 PM). It’s the car show you can’t miss! Car show vehicle awards are presented at 3 PM. Car show vehicle registration is free with a suggested donation of a non-perishable food item.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT & BEER GARDEN
11 AM – 11 PM | Wenzel Family Plaza
Enjoy live music with no cover charge! Bands will play 11 AM to 11 PM thanks to our day stage sponsor, Prevail Bank, and main stage sponsors, Marshfield Insurance & West Bend.
11 AM – 3 PM Live Music: Modern Throwback
3 – 7 PM Live Music: Tim Dorsey
7 – 11 PM Live Music: Shirts and Skins
Rain location: Central WI Fairgrounds Expo Building
HUB CITY BREW FEST
12 – 3 PM | Wenzel Family Plaza
Participants receive a souvenir pint glass. Enjoy seating and beer tasting exclusive to Brew Fest attendees. $30/ticket. Tickets on sale here: eventbrite.com
Rain location: Central WI Fairgrounds Expo Building
HORSE POWER SHOW
10 AM – 3 PM | Upham Mansion
Visit the Governor Upham House and walk through an exhibit of horse-drawn carriages dating from the early 1900s.
FAMILY ZONE
10 AM – 3 PM | Veteran’s Park
Find family fun at the Family Zone! Kiddie Cars, Marshfield Fire Dept, Hiller’s Bounce Houses, face painting, and more all in the relaxing shade of Veteran’s Park. Reis Martial Arts’ demonstrations will begin at 11AM. Performances by Main Street Conservatory of Dance will begin at 12PM and 1PM.
NEW: HUB CITY DAYS CRAFT SHOW
10 AM – 3 PM | 100 Block of South Central Avenue Peruse local craft vendors conveniently located near live music and the start of the car show. Wander through the sidewalks to see what local shops have in store for the day and take something home to commemorate the event.
You can easily reach Marshfield via U.S. 10 or Highways 13, 80, and 97. Head to the Hub!
Check out our State Trunk Tour Marshfield Podcast with Matt McLean from VISIT Marshfield, where we talk Hub City Days, the city and all the things to do and see in it, here or stream it below!
All over Kenosha’s beautiful harbor area, you’ll find the Taste of Wisconsin July 24th-26th this year. There’s plenty to eat, drink, and do with over 40 food vendors, four beverage gardens, 75+ musical artists playing across four different stages, and a Kid Zone. The Demonstration Center offers a look at all kinds of foods and products for making awesome culinary delights – or just quick, tasty meals – from a number of chefs and others who show you how to make magic in the kitchen… or on the grill, at the campsite – wherever you want to prepare food.
Admission is FREE for everybody! And while you can enjoy great food, music, and more, you can also explore the HarborPark area, the Kenosha Public Museum, the Civil War Museum, the Dinosaur Discovery Museum, the Southport Light Station & Museum, take rides on the Kenosha Trolley, and more! Taste of Wisconsin happens in Kenosha’s HarborPark area on the edge of downtown. You’ll find it just east of Highway 32 between the east ends of Highways 50 and 158. Enjoy!
Taste of Wisconsin covers a lot of ground in Kenosha’s HarborPark area, right downtown. They need a lot of room for all that food and music! Photo courtesy of the Kenosha News.
Taste of Wisconsin Address:
HarborPark
5400 6th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 496-9400 Website
Get Your Deutsch On! Celebrating over 45 years, German Fest returns to Milwaukee’s lakefront the weekend of July 24th-26th. Plenty of great German food and live music, bier (of course) and a lot of fun events. The 19th annual Dachshund Derby runs – literally – at 1pm Saturday.
Dachshunds get competitive in their races.
Check out United for Kids, where you can visit with The MACC Fund, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Make-A-Wish® Wisconsin and Ronald McDonald House of Eastern Wisconsin, Inc. on Saturday, July 25th and Sunday, July 26th inside of the Sports Area. They’ll have games, prizes, information and fun for the whole family! A portion of Sunday’s ticket sales will benefit these four charities.
You can also check out Carousel Organ Association of America’s providing some of the “happy” instrumentation as you dance to music. Children can participate in the Fairy Tale Parade Sunday at 3:30pm and Dance Showcase at 4pm on the Sprecher Oktoberfest Stage. Fireworks will fill the sky Friday and Saturday night starting around 10:30pm.
TICKETS for German Fest are only $3 Friday! General Admission Saturday & Sunday run tickets run $12 in advance and $15 at the gate; children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult. Find out more admission specials here.
German Fest takes place on the Summerfest Grounds in Milwaukee – also known as Henry Maier Festival Park. The grounds are in close proximity to U.S. 18, I-43/94, and Highways 32, 38, 57, 59, 145, and 190.
Prosit!
Milwaukee German Fest Address:
Henry Maier Festival Grounds
200 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 464-9444 Website
Start:
July 24, 2026 3:00 pm
End:
July 26, 2026 11:00 pm
Venue:
Henry Maier Festival Park
Phone:
414-464-9444
Address:
200 N. Harbor Drive, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
Appleton’s “Mile of Music” Festival (X/Twitter: @MileofMusicFest) serves up original singer-songwriters, combos and multi-piece bands showcasing Americana music at both its most colorful and its very best. Genres include roots and indie rock, country, gospel, soul, R&B, jazz and folk. This year’s Mile of Music 11 takes place July 30 – August 2, 2026.
This grassroots festival was co-founded by Appleton marketing executive Dave Willems and Appleton/Nashville-based national recording artist and Grammy nominee Cory Chisel in 2013. Willems Marketing & Events continues to run Mile of Music, with the support of over 100 community organizations and sponsors. Presenting sponsor Fox Communities Credit Union and other major sponsors have allowed this event to be FREE.
Mile of Music is noted as a “handcrafted artisan festival” with over 200 artists and acts across 40 venues spanning a mile… of music (hence the name!)
Brett Newski performs at Mile of Music in Appleton.
Venues vary and include coffee shops, bars, parks, restaurants, museums and other public spaces. with more of them outdoors in the wake of the pandemic we all had to deal with. Some of Mile 13’s biggest artists will perform at the Main Stage in Houdini Plaza, one of the festival’s most popular venues. Remember, Harry Houdini spent time in Appleton and claimed it as his hometown!
Local brewpub Stone Arch will offer up its artisan Mile of Music Americana Pale Ale to add to the flavor of the festival. Music fans who love bicycling can work off those beer calories and indulge their music passions with Bike to the Beat. Added fun includes the Tub of Tunes giveaway, where one lucky attendee will win a bathtub full of CDs and vinyl from Mile 10 artists.
Check it out all weekend in Appleton. Their website has the complete lineup, and you can also download their special app for updates, details on all the events, and more. You can also get the full schedule here – it’s a busy one!
Appleton is easily accessible via I-41, U.S. 10, Highways 15, 47, 96, or, of course 125 – because if you’re on Highway 125, you’re in Appleton already. Highway 441 provides a bypass around the city that allows you to enter from points east and south.
Sheboygan is the “Bratwurst Capital of the World” so it’s only fitting that Brat Days is one of their biggest celebrations! Taking place the first Saturday of August, Brat Days dates back to 1953. It’s back again for 2026, and this year it’s back to a TWO-DAY festival! Admission is still free and the activities are plentiful.
Check out a wide variety of tasty brats served up in buns, on sticks, in tacos, on pizza, egg rolls, jambalaya, even as a corn dog. Dance or rock out with plenty of live music. The Brat Days Parade kicks off at 9am Saturday and runs through downtown Sheboygan. The famous Brat-Eating Contest, featured on channels like ESPN, takes place Saturday at 1pm. Games are available for adults and kids alike; kids’ activities include a petting zoo and carnival.
Brat Days is held in Kiwanis Park on the west bank of the Sheboygan River. The park is accessible just west of Highway 28 via New Jersey Avenue. You can also reach Kiwanis Park by heading south from the ends of Highways 23 and 42 via 17th Street. It’s all about three miles east of I-43.
For more details on bands, events, activities and more, check out the Brat Days website. Brat Days is sponsored by Johnsonville, which of course has its headquarters just west of town.
While in Sheboygan, check out the downtown area along 8th Street, theJohn Michael Kohler Arts Center, 3 Sheeps Brewing, City Green, South Pier with all of its activities, the World’s Tallest American Flagpole (along I-43 at Acuity Insurance headquarters), nearby Kohler, the marina and lovely lakefront, nearby Kohler-Andrae State Park, and more.
Brat Days Address:
Kiwanis Park
726 N. 17th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 893-8980 Website
One of the nation’s great fairs, the Wisconsin State Fair runs August 6-16, 2026 on the Wisconsin State Fair Park grounds in West Allis. Everything from the animals to rides, concerts, exhibits, and tasty food and beverages are yours for the taking!
Updates to the Central Mall area include with a new look and ample seating. The rides and games at SpinCity are in full swing, and they include a super assortment of over 40 rides and 25 games with chances to win plenty of prizes!
The Fairgrounds will have plenty of street performers and entertainers, but of course the excellent live music is a huge draw. There are two primary performance stages at Wisconsin State Fair: the Main Stage, which uses the Milwaukee Mile track and bleachers for seating, and the Bank Five Nine Amphitheater, which is near the Central Mall.
Thursday, Aug. 6: Sixteen Candles, 8:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 7: Here Come the Mummies, 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 8: Here Come the Mummies, 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 9: So Good: The Neil Diamond Experience with Claire Sardina, 8 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 10: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 11: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 12: Hairbangers Ball, 8 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 13: Too Hype Crew, 8:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 14: The Gufs, 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 15: Let’s Sing Taylor — An Unofficial Live Tribute Show, 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 16: Pat McCurdy, 5:30 p.m.
As always, the State Fair will feature a huge variety of animals from farms all across the state, letting you learn more about and even interact with some – from cows to chickens and rabbits to llamas, ostrich, goats, and more! Check out prize-winning exhibits, including art competitions, farming competitions, even one for the best alcohol-infused pie. Other exhibits include those for barn quilts, horticulture, textile, craft, and culinary exhibits, and even the Young People’s Art Exhibit.
ALL. THE. FOOD.
You will not go hungry: favorite foods at the Fair include the roasted corn, corn dogs, flavored milks, all kinds of creative deep-fried foods, sausages, as much as you can imagine on a stick, and the legendary Wisconsin cream puffs that become a “must have” for attendees needing their true dairy (and carb) fix! They get more eclectic with things like deep-fried bull testicles (listed as “Rocky Mountain Oysters” on the menu at Big Sky Country Bar & Grill), ants on a stick (literally), and earthworm and cricket jerky. But hey, it’s up to you. Last year’s “Sporkies” winner was the Deep Fried Lemonade Bites from Saz’s BBQ.
OTHER FOODS at State Fair include an Apple Crunch Cheesecake Quesadilla from the Mexican Grill, BBQ Mac Tater Tots from Jayme’s Chipstix, the Caramel Turtle Pretzel at Gertrude’s Fresh Pretzels, Loaded Baked Potato with Bacon Pizza from Pistol Pete’s, Prime Rib Sliders at Leadfoots Race Bar & Grill, the Unicorn Beer Float at Slim McGinn’s Irish Pub, and about 60 other choices!
The Milwaukee Mile race track, which hosts races, auto testing, and more throughout the year is just one of the places you can park – which is cool, since you can walk on and check out this legendary oval, the oldest continuously operating raceway in the world.
Get more details here. This is definitely one of the best State Fairs in the nation!
Check out this map of Wisconsin State Fair… you can enlarge it by clicking on it or get a printable .pdf HERE.
Wisconsin State Fair Park is in West Allis, less than ten minutes from downtown Milwaukee. Bordered on the south by Highway 59/Greenfield Ave., on the west by Highway 181/84th Street, on the north by I-94, and on the east by 76th Street. U.S. 18/Bluemound Road comes close to the north, I-41/U.S. 45 and then Highway 100 skim by 2 miles to the west, and Highway 175 is about 2 miles east as it passes Miller Park. There are a lot of great ways to get to the Park!
Wisconsin State Fair Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park
640 S. 84th Street (Highway 181 at Highway 59)
West Allis, WI 53214
(414) 266-7000 Website
Experience art in the heart of the city at ArtFest Green Bay! The streets of Downtown Green Bay will come alive with an art fair, musical performances, food, demonstrations, and interactive activities.
Discover works from a wide variety of local, regional, and national artists at the Art Fair, in partnership with NWTC Artisan and Business Center. Artists will showcase their diverse range of mediums and shoppers are sure to find something that captures their imagination. From paintings to sculptures, photography to mixed media, artists will inspire attendees with their creativity and talent.
You can step into the Experience Zone at ArtFest, a vibrant space where creativity comes to life. Engage in interactive art activities, watch live demonstrations, enjoy performances, and connect with arts non-profits. It’s a perfect space for kids and families. Whether you’re an artist or just curious, this is your chance to engage, explore, and create, so feel free to dive in and get your hands dirty in a beautiful way.
Live music Saturday by FBI & The Untouchable Horns, Sunday by Copper Box!
ArtFest activities take place August 22nd & 23rd, 2026 along Cherry and Jefferson Streets in downtown Green Bay, wedged in by Walnut Street (Highway 29) and Pine Street. Parking in the area is FREE!
One of three “State Fairs” in Wisconsin, the Central Wisconsin State Fair takes place in Marshfield August 25-30, 2026 on the grounds that also feature the “World’s Largest Round Barn.” The Central Wisconsin State Fair has also been refreshing its equipment with new rides and games to enhance the experience!
Headliners include:
TBA Wednesday night, August 26th
TBA Thursday night, August 27th
TBA Friday night, August 28th
TBA Saturday night, August 29th
Rice Rodeo, Sunday, August 30th at 3pm
This Fair also features 4-H and open class exhibits, free grandstand entertainment with gate admission, the Round Barn Express train, Junior Fair Market Animal Sale, 13th annual Kiss a Critter Contest, the Dress-A-Cow Contest, midway carnival rides, commercial exhibits and special programs, food and beer gardens, and more. This six-day extravaganza is definitely worth checking out if you want to hit the lovely city of Marshfield in the central part of the state (hence, the event’s name).
Central Wisconsin State Fair’s Round Barn Express Train
U.S. 10 and Highways 13, 80, and 97 all hit Marshfield, Wisconsin (“Hub City”) and the Central Wisconsin State Fair grounds are on the south side of town, a few blocks east of Central Avenue (Bus. Hwy 13) and the Wildwood Zoo. Also check out Central Avenue and the downtown district, the Blue Heron Brewpub, and a plenty of other things and to see and do around Hub City. Get more ideas from Visit Marshfield here!
Check their website for the complete entertainment lineup, ticket specials, and more!
Central Wisconsin State Fair Address:
Wood County Fairgrounds
513 E. 17th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 387-1261 Website
It’s an annual Labor Day weekend tradition in Prairie du Sac to toss cow “chips” at this annual Cow Chip Throw & Festival, which happens Friday & Saturday, September 4th & 5th this year. Dried out and surprisingly unoffensive to the nose, these nuggets of nastiness get hurled into the air by kids and adults alike with the goal of the most distance as possible – with a crowd of onlookers often in the sights where they land. The current record is 248 feet, but records were made to be broken!
Of course, that’s the main event; there’s also music with plenty of bands, a “Tournament of Chips” parade Saturday morning, kids’ activities including a pedal pull, a Fine Arts & Crafts Fair, a run/walk, and much more. So whether you want to throw cow chips, dodge them, or just watch from a safe distance, there’s plenty of bovine-related fun to be had at the annual Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival!
Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival Schedule of Events:
Friday • September 4th
• West on 12: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Corporate Throw: 5:30 PM
Saturday • September 5th
• Food Court: Open all day – See vendor list here
• 5K Run/Walk & 10K Run: 8:00 AM (registration at 6:30)
See race page for details and to sign up.
• Children’s Game Tent: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Children’s Chip Chucking: 9:00 AM – Noon ($2.00)
• Cow Chip Breakfast: 8:00am
• Volleyball Tournament: 8:30am Registration, 9:00am Start. Download 2022 registration form here.
• Arts & Crafts Fair: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (over 125 exhibits)
• Tony Rocker 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• Mixed Nuts: 10:00 & 11:00 AM (Kids Area)
• Angela Puerta: 9:30 – 11:30 AM
• Tournament of Chips Parade: 12:00 PM
• Adult & Team Cow Chip Throw: 1:00 PM
• Aran Arms of James Jaxin Productions (DJ) 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
• German Wheel, Tight Rope, Trapeze: 1:30 – 3:30 PM (Kids Stage)
• Truly Remarkable Loon Comedy Juggler: 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 PM (Kids Stage)
• Best Practice: 1:30 – 4:30 PM
• Kid’s Pedal Pull: 2:30 PM
• High Mileage 5:00 – 9:00 PM
You’ll find the festival just off U.S. 12 and Highways 60 and 78 in Marion Park at 1st & Grand in Prairie du Sac.
Here’s a video short from when we first visited the Wisconsin State Cow Chip Toss in Prairie du Sac back in 2009:
And here’s how it went in 2016, produced by the Festival itself with better equipment:
Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival Address:
Marion Park
145 1st Street
Prairie du Sac, WI 53578
(608) 643-4317 Website
Monroe is an epicenter of cheesemaking in the heart of Green County – even their high school team name is the “Cheesemakers.” The city and county celebrates every other year Green County Cheese Days, a three-day hullabaloo filled with food, music, dancing, contests, crafts, cheesemaking, cow milking, yodeling, and even Wisconsin’s only parade led by Brown Swiss Cows. Green County Cheese Days is ready for 2026, happening September 18th through the 20th.
Monroe’s beautiful town square centers around the gorgeous Green County Courthouse and fills up with all the fun. From a beer and Limburger sandwich at Baumgartner’s to the 5K & 10K Cheese Days Chase, from arts & crafts to actual cow milking, Cheese Days is a blast.
Get the schedule and details on all of their events at the Cheese Days website, or below reprinted from their site. Scroll down for more details, including the schedule for the Main Stage lineup!
Highways 11, 59, 69, and 81 all bring you to Monroe. The three days of festivities are also right next to the Minhas Craft Brewery, Winery & Distillery, which is worth a tour, and the lovely trappings of Green County, including New Glarus just up Highway 69. Make a weekend of it!
Green County Cheese Days Address:
1016 16th Avenue
Monroe, WI 53566
(608) 325-7771 Website
Green County Cheese Days Schedule of Events
FRIDAY, SEPT 18
PARK & RIDE SHUTTLE BUS – $1 each trip. Park off site at Orchid (350 – 21st St.) & ride bus downtown. 5–10 pm
INFO TRAILER – SW Corner (near Baumgartner’s) – maps, schedules, ask questions, lost and found. 9 am – 7:30 pm
FOOD STANDS – Eat your way around the Courthouse Square! Menu/maps at INFO BOOTH. (10 am–9 pm)
CHEESE DAYS STORE – SOUVENIR TENT (Adenke Zält) – t-shirts & sweatshirts, collector buttons, International Harvester toy tractor, logo pint glasses, “udderly good time” drawstring backpacks, Wedgie bobbleheads, canvas tote bags, Swiss cheese earrings. SW corner cross from Baumgartner’s Cheese Store. (9 am–8:30 pm)
BEER and WINE STAND – SW Corner – near INFO TRAILER. (10 am–midnight) ****Proceeds from sales at the Cheese Days Beer & Wine Stand go toward the costs of tents, porta potties, electricity, stage entertainment and more – thank you for your support.****
HOSPITALITY TENT (Zält zum Höckle) Sponsored by Colony Brands. NORTH SIDE. Dining area with tables & chairs. Musical entertainment throughout the weekend. Open all weekend.
BIG RADIO DINING TENT – NORTHWEST CORNER. Dining area with tables and chairs. Open all weekend.
CARNIVAL in Spring Square Parking Lot (behind JoAnne’s Dress Shop) – all weekend.
NATIONAL HISTORIC CHEESEMAKING CENTER – Guided tours showcasing the history of cheesemaking. The past comes alive at the century-old Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory. 2018 6th Ave, at intersection of Hwy 69 south and 21st St. (9 am–4 pm)
CHEESE TENT (Chäs Zält) – Cheese for sale. EAST SIDE of the Square. Presented by Foreign Type Cheesemakers Assn. Vendors: Emmi Roth USA, Edelweiss Creamery, Landmark Creamery, Klondike Cheese Company, Valley View Cheese, Chula Vista (V&V Supremo), Brunkow Cheese and Decatur Dairy. (9 am–8 pm)
MINHAS CRAFT BREWERY – guided tours and tasting – “Oldest in the Midwest” with brewing excellence since 1845. Visitor Center and gift shop. Beer & root beer samples. Herb & Helen Haydock’s Collection of Brewery Memorabilia. $12 admission includes guided tour and gift pack ($15 retail value). Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS MICRO DISTILLERY GUIDED TASTING– Hand–crafted, small–batch distilled spirits using old world methods & traditions. Guided Distillery and Liqueur Tasting $12 admission includes 2 cocktails, branded whisky tasting glass & gift bottle to take home. Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS WINERY WINE TASTING & FOOD PAIRING: Guided by Executive Chef Trisha Coughlin and her team, wines paired with different types of artisanal cheeses and other small bites. $12 admission includes guided tasting and food pairing and take home a branded wine glass. ($5 retail value). (10 am–6 pm)
COLONY BRANDS TENT – Celebrating more than 90 years in Monroe. Buy cheesecake-on-a-stick – made exclusively for Cheese Days! Stop in to learn more about the Colony Brands team, our 10 retail brands, door prizes and more! NE CORNER (10 am – 9 pm)
BARN QUILT and DAIRY FARM TOUR – Board a bus for a guided tour to one of Green County’s most beautiful family-operated dairy farms. You’ll meet members of the family and their Holstein herd, along with calves, a donkey, rabbit, chickens, guineas, peacocks, ducks, pigs, goats, dogs, and cats. On the way to the farm and back, you’ll see some of Green County’s barn quilts. We guarantee you’ll be entertained along the way by stories from tour guides Lynn Lokken & Kris Winkler – the volunteers who developed the Barn Quilt project. Admission of $5 charged for those 6 and older; ages 5 and under are free. (This is a 2-hour tour. You’ll be back downtown at the festival grounds at 1 pm, so you may want to eat lunch prior to departing.) TODAY – PURCHASE TICKETS AT INFO TRAILER NEAR THE BEER STAND – limited seating 50 tickets will be sold. (Saturday – tickets for sale at Family Farm Adventure Tent) (11 am)
MAIN STAGE (Grossi Bühni) – Yodeling, alphorns, polka bands, & Swiss heritage music during the day. Tonight’s street dance – BOOGIE AND THE YO-YO’Z. (Live music today on the main stage from noon til midnight)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen – Master Yodeler (Noon)
GREEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM – Housed in a Civil War era church. Donations suggested. One block north of Square. (Noon–5 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – John Waelti and Bobbie Edler Accordion Duo (1 pm)
GREENWOODS CEMETERY WALK – sponsored by Green County Genealogical Society and Green County Historical Society – led by local historians. Info: 608.328.7436 or 608.426.1796. (Registration 1 pm; walk at 1:30 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Keith Zweifel Band (1:30 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorn Entertainment (3 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Green County Harmony Chorus (2 pm)
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT – Sponsored by Green Co. Farm Bureau, in partnership with 4–H, FFA & other ag groups. Check out a number of educational activities about agriculture; including milking a “cow”, AG Trivia Wheel, coloring station, crop boxes and “Cow Races” back by popular demand! On NORTHEAST corner of Square by First National Bank. (2–8 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Alphorns led by Heinz and George (2:45 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorns led by Heinz and George (3 pm)
OPENING CEREMONY – MAIN STAGE – MC – Scott Thompson of BIG RADIO. Presentation of Colors with Green County Sheriff Dept., ceremonial blowing of Alphorns, presentation of royalty, “Procession of Cheesemakers” (6 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Mascot Theory (Americana, Alt-Folk Rock) (7 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Monroe Swiss Singers (7:15 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorns led by Heinz and George (8:15 pm)
STREET DANCE (uf der Strass Tanze) – MAIN STAGE – Boogie and the Yo-Yo’z (8:30 pm–midnight)
SATURDAY, SEPT 19
PARK & RIDE SHUTTLE BUS – $1 each trip. Park offsite at Orchid (350 – 21st St.) and ride the bus downtown. Other stops today include **Historic Cheese Center** and Green County Fairgrounds. (**Historic Cheese Center closes at 4 pm). (Shuttle runs 10 am–10 pm)
INFO TRAILER – SW Corner (near Baumgartner’s) – maps, schedules, ask questions, lost and found. 8:30 am – 7:30 pm
FOOD STANDS – Eat your way around the Courthouse Square! Menu/maps at INFO BOOTH. (9 am–9 pm)
CHEESE DAYS STORE – SOUVENIR TENT (Adenke Zält) – t-shirts & sweatshirts, collector buttons, International Harvester toy tractor, logo pint glasses, “udderly good time” drawstring backpacks, Wedgie bobbleheads, canvas tote bags, Swiss cheese earrings. SW corner cross from Baumgartner’s Cheese Store. (9 am–8:30 pm)
BEER and WINE STAND – SW Corner – near INFO TRAILER. (10 am–midnight) ****Proceeds from sales at the Cheese Days Beer & Wine Stand go toward the costs of tents, porta potties, electricity, stage entertainment and more – thank you for your support.****
HOSPITALITY TENT (Zält zum Höckle) Sponsored by Colony Brands. NORTH SIDE. Dining area with tables & chairs. Musical entertainment throughout the weekend. Open all weekend.
BIG RADIO DINING TENT – NORTHWEST CORNER. Dining area with tables and chairs. Open all weekend.
CARNIVAL in Spring Square Parking Lot (behind JoAnne’s Dress Shop) – all weekend.
FARMER’S MARKET – South of Middle School (8 am–4 pm)
“STREETS OF SWITZERLAND” European Sidewalk Café & Biergarten – Swiss specialties at Turner Hall. (8:30 am–7:30 pm)
CHEESE DAYS CHASE – 5 & 10 k run, & 2-mile fun walk. Presented by Monroe Youth Hockey with sponsor Klondike Cheese Factory. Check in 7:30 am. Race starts PROMPTLY at 9 am. (Kid’s Race at 8:30 am) Click for more info.
NATIONAL HISTORIC CHEESEMAKING CENTER – Guided tours showcasing the history of cheesemaking. The past comes alive at the century-old Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory. 2018 6th Ave, at intersection of Hwy 69 south and 21st St. (9 am–4 pm) PARK AND RIDE SHUTTLE STOP TIL 4 PM
VINTAGE TRACTOR DISPLAY – Courtesy of Monroe area antique tractor owners. Take a step back in time and learn how farmers and their tractors played an important role in shaping the agricultural and cheese industry in Green County. You’ll see various “colors” (brands) – meet the owners & talk about their favorite toys! On 17th Avenue between banks and also in First National Bank parking lot. (9 am–5 pm)
MAKER’S MARKET – Just west of the Square; right behind Baumgartner’s Cheese Store and Tavern. Shop the booths of creators, fiber artists, hobbyists, wood crafters, photographers, painters, etc, who personally design and make what they sell. (9 am–8 pm)
VENDOR MARKETPLACE – Booths in Library Parking Lot – Commercial vendors, merchandise for sale, businesses & groups promoting products & services. (9 am–8 pm)
CHEESE TENT (Chäs Zält) – Cheese for sale. EAST SIDE of the Square. Presented by Foreign Type Cheesemakers Assn. Vendors: Emmi Roth USA, Edelweiss Creamery, Landmark Creamery, Klondike Cheese Company, Valley View Cheese, Chula Vista (V&V Supremo), Brunkow Cheese and Decatur Dairy. (9 am–8 pm)
COLONY BRANDS TENT – Celebrating more than 90 years in Monroe. Buy cheesecake-on-a-stick – made exclusively for Cheese Days! Stop in to learn more about the Colony Brands team, our 10 retail brands, door prizes and more! NE CORNER (9 am–9 pm)
HEART OF CHEESE DAYS – Exhibit & Sales – Meet artisans who create traditional Swiss folk art and view exhibits of Swiss artifacts and memorabilia brought to Green County by some of the area’s Swiss immigrants. Presented by Monroe Swiss Singers at Turner Hall. Free admission with 2020 CHEESE DAYS BUTTON (or $2 at the door). (10 am–4 pm)
GREEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM – Housed in a Civil War era church. Donations suggested. One block north of Square. (10 am–5 pm)
MINHAS CRAFT BREWERY – guided tours and tasting – “Oldest in the Midwest” with brewing excellence since 1845. Visitor Center and gift shop. Beer & root beer samples. Herb & Helen Haydock’s Collection of Brewery Memorabilia. $12 admission includes guided tour and gift pack ($15 retail value). Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS MICRO DISTILLERY GUIDED TASTING– Hand–crafted, small–batch distilled spirits using old world methods & traditions. Guided Distillery and Liqueur Tasting $12 admission includes 2 cocktails, branded whisky tasting glass & gift bottle to take home. Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS WINERY WINE TASTING & FOOD PAIRING – Guided by Executive Chef Trisha Coughlin and her team, wines paired with different types of artisanal cheeses and other small bites. $12 admission includes guided tasting and food pairing and take home a branded wine glass. ($5 retail value). (10 am–6 pm)
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT – Sponsored by Green Co. Farm Bureau, in partnership with 4–H, FFA & other ag groups. Check out a number of educational activities about agriculture; including milking a “cow”, AG Trivia Wheel, coloring station, crop boxes and “Cow Races” back by popular demand! On NORTHEAST corner of Square by First National Bank. (10 am–8 pm)
CARNIVAL (Rummel Platz) – “Spring Square” south of the Courthouse Square (10 am–11 pm)
KIDS’ STREET (Chinder Schpil Strass) SPONSORED BY TDS – On 16th Avenue by Library. Demonstrations, activities and fun for kids – all free! (Kid’s Street Schedule)
MAIN STAGE (Grossi Bühni) – Yodeling, alphorns, polka bands, & Swiss heritage music during the day. Tonight’s Street Dance – Bella Cain! (Live music today from 10:30 am–midnight)
DAIRY FARM TOURS – Board a bus for a guided tour into Green County countryside to visit a family run dairy farm, and to see cows and calves and gain a better understanding of where cheese gets started. $5 admission charged for those 10 and older; under 10 are free. Tickets available in FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT. Length of tour ranges from 1 to 1 1/2 hours. (10:30 am til last bus departs at 3 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (10:30 am)
BARN QUILT and DAIRY FARM TOUR – Board a bus for a guided tour to one of Green County’s most beautiful family-operated dairy farms. You’ll meet members of the family and their Holstein herd, along with calves, a donkey, rabbit, chickens, guineas, peacocks, ducks, pigs, goats, dogs, and cats. On the way to the farm and back, you’ll see some of Green County’s barn quilts. We guarantee you’ll be entertained along the way by stories from tour guides Lynn Lokken & Kris Winkler – the volunteers who developed the Barn Quilt project. Special guest Alice in Dairyland will also be along for the tour! Admission of $5 charged for those 6 and older; ages 5 and under are free. (This is a 2-hour tour. You’ll be back downtown at the festival grounds at 1 pm, so you may want to eat lunch prior to departing.) PURCHASE TICKETS AT FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT ON NE CORNER – limited seating 49 tickets will be sold. (11 am)
MAIN STAGE – Meet the Cheese Days Royalty (11:20 am)
MAIN STAGE – Monroe City Band (Noon)
OLD WORLD CHEESEMAKING DEMONSTRATION (DIE ALT KASEREI “the old cheese factory”) Watch and learn as members of The Foreign Type Cheesemaker’s Association create a 200-pound wheel of Swiss cheese the old fashioned way, in a giant copper kettle. You’ll meet Wisconsin Master Cheesemakers Jeff Wideman and Gary Grossen, who will explain the process and demonstrate the steps. Spectators will have the opportunity to take a turn stirring the kettle with the “Swiss harp” (great photo opp!) After the cheese is “hooped” the cheesemakers will “plug” a block of cheese and demonstrate the grading and judging process using the criteria of the USA and World Championship Cheese Competitions. North of Courthouse. (Noon–4 pm)
COW MILKING CONTEST (Chueh Mälche Wettstriett) – An “udderly” good time thanks to area dairy farmers & their happy herds! Watch as teams compete for prizes – may the most milk win! Located by post office. (1 pm)
MAIN STAGE – David Austin Band (1:15 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – John and Bobbie Accordion Duo (2 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Accordion Four – John, Bobbie, Barb and Mary ( 4 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorn entertainment (4:30 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Cheesemaker Dancers (4:45 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Andy Yaun Ensemble (5 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (5:30 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – The Decade (Rock hits from the 70’s thru 90’s) (6:15 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Wheelhouse (7 pm)
STREET DANCE (uf der Strass Tanze) – MAIN STAGE – To Be Announced. (8:30 pm–midnight)
SUNDAY, SEPT 20
PARK & RIDE SHUTTLE BUS – $1 each trip. Park offsite at Orchid (350 – 21st St.) & ride the bus downtown. Shuttle also stops at Historic Cheese Center until 4 pm. (Shuttle runs 10 am–5 pm)
INFO TRAILER – SW Corner (near Baumgartner’s) – maps, schedules, ask questions, lost and found. (9 am – 5 pm)
FOOD STANDS – Eat your way around the Courthouse Square! Menu/maps at INFO BOOTH. (9 am–6 pm)
CHEESE DAYS STORE – SOUVENIR TENT (Adenke Zält) – t-shirts & sweatshirts, collector buttons, International Harvester toy tractor, logo pint glasses, “udderly good time” drawstring backpacks, Wedgie bobbleheads, canvas tote bags, Swiss cheese earrings. SW corner cross from Baumgartner’s Cheese Store. (9 am–6 pm)
BEER and WINE STAND – SW Corner – near INFO TRAILER. (10 am–6 pm) ****Proceeds from sales at the Cheese Days Beer & Wine Stand go toward the costs of tents, porta potties, electricity, stage entertainment and more – thank you for your support.****
HOSPITALITY TENT (Zält zum Höckle) Sponsored by Colony Brands. NORTH SIDE. Dining area with tables & chairs. Open today til 6 pm.
BIG RADIO DINING TENT – NORTHWEST CORNER. Dining area with tables and chairs. Open today til 6 pm.
CARNIVAL in Spring Square Parking Lot (behind JoAnne’s Dress Shop) – all weekend.
NATIONAL HISTORIC CHEESEMAKING CENTER – Guided tours showcasing the history of cheesemaking. The past comes alive at the century-old Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory. 2018 6th Ave, at intersection of Hwy 69 south and 21st St. (9 am–4 pm) PARK AND RIDE BUS SHUTTLE STOP.
VENDOR MARKETPLACE – Booths in Library Parking Lot – Commercial vendors, merchandise for sale, businesses & groups promoting products & services. (9 am–5 pm)
MAKER’S MARKET – Just west of the Square; right behind Baumgartner’s Cheese Store and Tavern. Shop the booths of creators, fiber artists, hobbyists, wood crafters, photographers, painters, etc, who personally design and make what they sell. (9 am-5 pm)
CHEESE TENT (Chäs Zält) – Cheese for sale. EAST side of Square. Presented by Foreign Type Cheesemakers Assn. Vendors: Emmi Roth USA, Edelweiss Creamery, Landmark Creamery, Klondike Cheese Company, Valley View Cheese, Chula Vista (V&V Supremo), Brunkow Cheese and Decatur Dairy. (9 am–5 pm)
COLONY BRANDS TENT – Celebrating more than 90 years in Monroe! Buy cheesecake-on-a-stick; made exclusively for Cheese Days. Stop in to learn more about the Colony Brands team, our 10 retail brands, door prizes and more! NE Corner. (9 am–6 pm)
MAIN STAGE (Grossi Bühni) – Yodeling, alphorns, polka bands, & Swiss heritage music. Daily schedule at INFO BOOTH. (Entertainment today 10 am–6 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Swiss Canton Fashion Show by Wilhelm Tell Usherettes (10 am)
GREEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM – Housed in a Civil War era church. Donations suggested. One block north of Square. (10 am–1 pm)
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT – Sponsored by Green Co. Farm Bureau, in partnership with 4–H, FFA & other ag groups. Check out a number of educational activities about agriculture; including milking a “cow”, AG Trivia Wheel, coloring station, crop boxes and “Cow Races” back by popular demand! On NORTHEAST corner of Square by First National Bank. (10 am–5 pm; closed during parade)
MINHAS CRAFT BREWERY – guided tours and tasting – “Oldest in the Midwest” with brewing excellence since 1845. Visitor Center and gift shop. Beer & root beer samples. Herb & Helen Haydock’s Collection of Brewery Memorabilia. $12 admission includes guided tour and gift pack ($15 retail value). Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–5 pm)
MINHAS MICRO DISTILLERY GUIDED TASTING– Hand–crafted, small–batch distilled spirits using old world methods & traditions. Guided Distillery and Liqueur Tasting $12 admission includes 2 cocktails, branded whisky tasting glass & gift bottle to take home. Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–5 pm)
MINHAS WINERY WINE TASTING & FOOD PAIRING: Guided by Executive Chef Trisha Coughlin and her team, wines paired with different types of artisanal cheeses and other small bites. $12 admission includes guided tasting and food pairing and take home a branded wine glass. ($5 retail value). (10 am–5 pm)
CARNIVAL (Rummel Platz) – “Spring Square” parking lot – south of the Courthouse Square (10 am–6 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (10:30 am)
MAIN STAGE – Goodtime Dutchmen – 3rd Generation Family Polka Band (11:30 am)
THE SWISS COLONY CHEESE DAYS PARADE (Chäs Tag Umzug) – Steps off from fairgrounds at 12:30 pm, arrives downtown approximately 12:45 pm.
MAIN STAGE – UW Marching Band 5th Quarter! (after parade)
MAIN STAGE – Goodtime Dutchmen – 3rd Generation Family Polka Band (3:15 pm)
MAIN STAGE – New Glarus Mannerchor (Men’s Choir) (4:10 pm)
MAIN STAGE – New Glarus Jodlerklub (Yodel Club) (5 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (5:45 pm-6:15 pm)
Wisconsin’s “Hub City” of Marshfield embraces autumn with Maple Fall Fest, happening Saturday, September 19th and Sunday, September 20h this year. 2026 marks 34 years of Maple Fall Fest, and there’s plenty to see, do, buy, eat, drink, and enjoy.
Maple Fall Fest has been known by many as “the” place to find some of the best original artwork and handmade craft items in the Midwest. Over 150 vendors showcase their wares with original artwork, handmade arts and crafts, Amish specialties, The Maple Village, great food vendors, and their beer garden. The festival will also bring back favorites Mad Dog and Merrill “Grillin’ Buddies,” and family-focused fun for all ages. The legendary Potato Pancake Breakfast is also served each day!
The Kid’s Zone ensures that the younger ones have plenty to do. There’s a petting zoo, inflatable rides and of course all of the treats from the food court.
You won’t end up hungry, with that special pancake breakfast and a huge assortment of food vendors ready to serve pizza, brats, cheese curds, egg rolls, fried pasta, hot dogs, hamburgers, gyros, cream puffs, ice cream, kettlecorn, mouse ears, tacos, and a whole lot more.
Marshfield’s “Hub City” status relates to its location close to the exact center of Wisconsin, and many railroads always converged here. Today, you can take U.S. 10, Highway 13, Highway 80, or Highway 97 to reach Marshfield – it truly is in the center of everything.
Featuring over 150 arts & crafts vendors, potato pancake breakfast, children’s area, Amish specialties, beer garden, and food court. Inflatable rides for the kids and fun for the whole family. More details on visitmarshfield.com.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19th
7am-Noon | Breakfast: Regular and potato pancakes with maple sausage & coffee bar by Biggby Coffee Admission $11
9am-4pm | Family Activities including Kids’ Zone with Inflatables, Arts & Crafts by Discovery Education Station & Chestnut Center for the Arts
9am-5pm | 150+ Handmade Arts & Crafts Vendors, Amish Specialties, Maple Syrup Products, Food Court & Beer Garden
10am | Performance by Main Street Conservatory of Dance: Jazz Dance Company and Ballet Company
11:30am | Mad Dog & Merrill Midwest Grill’n
1pm | Performance & dance lessons by the Country Style Dancers
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20th
7am-Noon | Breakfast: Regular and potato pancakes with maple sausage & coffee bar by Biggby Coffee Admission $11
10am-4pm | Family Activities including Kids’ Zone with Inflatables, Arts & Crafts by Discovery Education Station & Chestnut Center for the Arts
10am-4pm | 150+ Handmade Arts & Crafts Vendors, Amish Specialties, Maple Syrup Products, Food Court & Beer Garden
11:30am | Mad Dog & Merrill Midwest Grill’n
2:30pm | Marshfield Monarch Butterfly Release on Main Stage
Marshfield Maple Fall Fest Address:
Wildwood Park & Zoo
1800 S. Roddis Avenue
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 384-4314 Website
Related to Maple Fall Fest is Blue Heron Oktoberfest, which takes place from Noon – 10pm at Blue Heron Brewpub on 14th Street, just up the road from Wildwood Park. Enjoy Hammerschlagen, Yard Jenga, Corn Hole games, a Stein Hoisting Contest, and live music from Modern Throwback Saturday evening starting at 7pm!
Calendar of Events
Upcoming Events
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
7:15pm Dannyboy
9:00pm Charlie Wilson
Miller Lite Oasis
1:15pm From Ashes To Embers
2:45pm Current Comfort
4:30pm Vial
6:30pm Nicholas Tremulis & The Prodigals
10:30pm Tash Sultana
Generac Power Stage
5:30pm The Dream Syndicate
7:30pm Modern English
9:30pm Echo & The Bunnymen
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
6:00pm Morgan St. Jean
8:00pm Dora Jar
10:00pm Holly Humberstone
T-Mobile Stage
6:15pm Venus & the Flytraps
8:15pm Marlon Funaki
10:15pm Passion Pit
Uline Warehouse
2:00pm Supertaste
3:30pm Post Sex Nachos
5:30pm Taylor Acorn
7:30pm The Bends
9:30pm Third Eye Blind
Aurora Pavilion
7:00pm Alejandro Escovedo
Friday, June 19th
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
7:30pm – Don Toliver with special guests Shababii & Che
BMO Pavilion
5:30pm The Love Monkeys
7:15pm Aldo Nova
9:00pm STYX
Miller Lite Oasis
1:15pm From Ashes To Embers
2:45pm Current Comfort
4:30pm Vial
6:30pm Panic Shack
8:30pm Enter Shikari
10:30pm Amyl and the Sniffers
Generac Power Stage
5:30pm Deer Tick
7:30pm Evan Honer
9:30pm Father John Misty
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
4:00pm Todd Cameron
6:00pm Steph Strings
8:00pm Adrian Nunez
T-Mobile Stage
6:15pm Emmitt James
10:15pm Jeremiah
Uline Warehouse
12:30pm Koyo
2:00pm Field Hockey
3:30pm Tiny Voices
5:30pm Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
7:30pm State Champs
9:30pm Hot Mulligan
Aurora Pavilion
5:45pm Chris Crain
7:00pm The Family Stone
Saturday, June 20th
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
7:00pm – Carin Leon
BMO Pavilion
5:30pm Substitute: Tales from The Who
7:15pm Kirstie Kraus
9:00pm David Lee Roth
Miller Lite Oasis
1:15pm IDKCONUNDRUM
2:45pm American Progress
4:30pm Colin Bracewell
6:30pm The Juliana Theory
8:30pm Braid
10:30pm The Academy Is…
Generac Power Stage
12:30pm The Band Solstice
2:00pm Tobacco Road
3:30pm Old Mervs
5:30pm Winyah
7:30pm Penelope Road
9:30pm Flipturn
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
1:00pm TBA
2:30pm Noah Richardson
4:00pm SM6
6:00pm GRAHAM
8:00pm Weston Estate
10:00pm Connor Price
T-Mobile Stage
12:45pm Lauren Gottshall
2:30pm Will Terry
4:15pm Rhys Rutherford
6:15pm Scott Wolverton
8:15pm McCoy Moore
10:15pm Nate Smith
Uline Warehouse
12:30pm Milly & The Mayhem
2:00pm Kenneth Brian Band
3:30pm A.J. Croce
5:30pm Trapper Schoepp
7:30pm Don Felder
9:30pm Christopher Cross
Aurora Pavilion
3:15pm Cigarettes @ Sunset
4:30pm Altered By Mom
5:45pm Red Leather
7:00pm Dexter and the Moonrocks
Thursday, June 25th
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
7:30pm – Ed Sheeran with special guest Myles Smith and Aaron Rowe
BMO Pavilion
5:30pm Big Daddy Kane
7:15pm Gabriel Jacoby
9:00pm Common
Miller Lite Oasis
1:15pm OUTDrejas
2:45pm Chrystal Gales
4:30pm Vertical Horizon
6:30pm Porch Light
8:30pm Hazlett
10:30pm Kaleo
Generac Power Stage
12:00pm School of Rock
2:00pm School of Rock
4:30pm Booker T. Jones
6:30pm Pat McCurdy
7:30pm Grabbitz
10:00pm Subtronics
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
12:00pm School of Rock
2:00pm School of Rock
4:30pm Robert Randolph & The Family Band
6:30pm The Handcuffs
8:30pm Sincere Engineer
10:30pm Kim Gordon
T-Mobile Stage
12:00pm School of Rock
2:00pm School of Rock
4:15pm Wire & Nail
5:15pm Old 97’s
6:15pm Elijah Scott
8:15pm Lanie Gardner
10:15pm Tucker Wetmore
Uline Warehouse
12:00pm School of Rock
2:00pm School of Rock
4:15pm 10,000 Maniacs
5:45pm Lisa Loeb
7:30pm Walk Off the Earth
9:30pm Halestorm
Aurora Pavilion
12:00pm School of Rock
2:00pm School of Rock
3:15pm School of Rock
4:30pm Abby Moeller
5:45pm Boy Golden
7:00pm The Mountain Goats
Friday, June 26th
American Family Insurance Amphitheather
7:30 pm – Cody Johnson with special guest Jesse Murph
BMO Pavilion
5:30pm Alex Sampson
7:15pm The Aces
9:00pm Louis Tomlinson
Miller Lite Oasis
1:15pm Guardrail
2:45pm Harrison Gordon
4:30pm Lake Drive
6:30pm Showoff
8:30pm Lucky Boys Confusion
10:30pm Goldfinger
Generac Power Stage
12:00pm School of Rock
2:00pm School of Rock
4:30pm 7th Heaven
6:30pm Bobby Friss
8:30pm Big Wild
10:00pm Elderbrook
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
12:00pm School of Rock
2:00pm School of Rock
4:30pm Blonde
6:15pm KSP
8:00pm Henrik
10:00pm Petey USA
T-Mobile Stage
12:00pm School of Rock
2:00pm School of Rock
4:15pm Sugo
6:15pm Greg Koch & The Koch Marshall Trio
8:15pm Tha Band Loula
10:15pm Marcus King Band
Uline Warehouse
12:00pm School of Rock
2:00pm School of Rock
4:15pm Sons of the Silent Age
5:45pm Two Feet
7:30pm Grouplove
9:30pm The Revivalists
Aurora Pavilion
12:00pm School of Rock
2:00pm School of Rock
3:15pm School of Rock
4:30pm Siobahn Bodrug
5:45pm Harper O’Neill
7:00pm Sudan Archives
Saturday, June 27th
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
7:30 p.m. – Post Malone with special guest Carter Faith
BMO Pavilion
6:30pm Alannah McCready
8:15pm Dylan Schneider
10:00pm Russell Dickerson
Miller Lite Oasis
1:15pm In The Know
2:45pm King Solomon
4:30pm Left On Sunset
6:30pm The Expendables
8:30pm The Movement
10:30pm Pepper
Generac Power Stage
12:30pm Alley Eyes
5:30pm Jean Dawson
9:30pm Wolfmother
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
2:30pm Fuzzysurf
4:00pm Modern Alibi
6:00pm Taz
8:00pm Paw Paw Rod
10:00pm BØRNS
T-Mobile Stage
6:15pm Maris
10:15pm Audrey Nuna
Uline Warehouse
12:30pm The Noize
2:00pm Haley Johnsen
3:30pm Tracy Bonham
5:30pm Hank Azaria and the EZ Street Band
7:30pm Freddy Jones Band
9:30pm Little Feat
Aurora Pavilion
7:00pm Mariachi Sol De Mexico
Thursday, July 2nd
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
7:00 p.m. – Muse
BMO Pavilion
7:15pm Absolutely
9:00pm Ella Mai
Miller Lite Oasis
8:30pm Anees
10:30pm Sean Paul
Generac Power Stage
2:00pm Munroe
5:30pm Living Colour
7:30pm Buckcherry
9:30pm Candlebox
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
2:30pm Hell On Heels
4:00pm Hotel Fiction
6:00pm Sunflower Bean
8:00pm Blondshell
10:00pm The Beths
T-Mobile Stage
12:45pm Pretty Pity
2:30pm Gold Steps
4:15pm Fluorescents
6:15pm Girlfriends
8:15pm Kennyhoopla
10:15pm All-Time Low
Uline Warehouse
12:30pm Palm Ghosts
2:00pm Outranaut
3:30pm The Ocean Blue
5:30pm Sister Hazel
7:30pm Spin Doctors
9:30pm Gin Blossoms
Aurora Pavilion
12:45pm Florentine Opera Company
2:00pm Florentine Opera Company
4:30pm Case Oas
5:45pm Jobi Riccio
7:00pm Matthew Hansen
Friday, July 3rd
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
7:30pm – Alex Warren
BMO Pavilion
7:15pm Stephen Marley
9:00pm Buju Banton with Stephen Marley
Miller Lite Oasis
4:30pm Scout Speer
6:30pm Adam Warner
8:30pm Chase McDaniel
10:30pm Whiskey Myers
Generac Power Stage
3:30pm Yaya Biggs
5:30pm Edgehill
7:30pm Ax and the Hatchetmen
9:30pm Spoon
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
8:00pm DJ Jazzy Jeff
10:00pm Rev Run
T-Mobile Stage
10:15pm Flo Rida
Uline Warehouse
12:30pm Bob Mittnacht & The Crowning Gables
2:00pm Juliana Joy
3:30pm Radio Radio
5:30pm Ken Pomeroy
7:30pm St. Paul & the Broken Bones
9:30pm Gene Simmons Band
Aurora Pavilion
3:15pm Ask Carol
4:30pm Six Foot Blonde
5:45pm The Heavy Heavy
7:00pm Neal Francis
Saturday, July 4th
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
7:30 pm – Jelly Roll with special guest Tyler Hubbard
BMO Pavilion
7:15pm Preston Cooper
9:00 pm Sam Barber
Miller Lite Oasis
4:30pm The Maiden Voyage
6:30pm Siin
10:30pm Megadeth
Generac Power Stage
3:30pm Nicole Lawrence
5:30pm Soul Asylum
7:30pm The Jayhawks
9:30pm The BoDeans
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
8:00pm John Vincent III
10:00pm Jonah Kagen
T-Mobile Stage
4:15pm Carolina Liar
6:15pm Pure Hex
8:15pm Joywave
10:15pm The Temper Trap
Uline Warehouse
12:30pm Victor Jones
2:00pm Porcupine
3:30pm Poi Dog Pondering
5:30pm Jerry Harrison’s TH 50 – “50 Years of Talking Heads”
7:30pm Mindi Abair
9:30pm Straight No Chaser
Aurora Pavilion
5:45pm Tag Team
7:00pm Baha Men
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
Back to StateTrunkTour.com
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 11th: .38 Special, 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:
Back to StateTrunkTour.com
July 9, 2026 – July 12, 2026
Bastille Days
It’s Milwaukee’s annual French festival, one of the largest French celebrations in the United States, and it’s tres magnifique! This FREE four-day bash attracts over 250,000 visitors each year. In 2026, Bastille Days runs Thursday, July 9th through Sunday, July 12th. Set around Cathedral Square on the east side of downtown, Bastille Days begins with a 5K “Storm the Bastille” run on Thursday night and then plenty of live music, an international marketplace, chef and wine demos, French and Cajun cuisine, roaming busker entertainment and a signature 43-foot Eiffel Tower replica offering hourly light shows.
The event is known for the impromptu street performers, roaming minstrels, and a variety of interactive and musical entertainment. Bastille Days also boasts a wide variety of some of the best restaurant vendors in Milwaukee!
Check out Bastille Days wine tastings where you can let your taste buds explore and compare delicious wines from around the world! A wine specialist will guide you through the taste test with selected wines from 5 countries. A separate ticket is needed for each tasting, and seating is limited to 76 per tasting. You’ll find all these tastings at the NE corner of Cathedral Square Park along Jackson Street – look for the tent!
The festival covers the blocks around Cathedral Square, including along Wells, Kilbourn, Jefferson, and Jackson Streets. U.S. 18 and Highway 32 actually detour around the festival, which is one of the largest French festivals in the nation. I-43/94, I-794, and Highways 38, 59, and 145 all bring you close. Grab your beret and check it out!
Bastille Days Hours:
Thursday July 9- 11am-11:30pm
Friday July 10- 11am-11:30pm
Saturday July 11- 10am-11:30pm
(Kid’s Day Activities 10am – 3pm)
Sunday July 12- 11am-8pm
Bastille Days Address:
825 N. Jefferson Street/Cathedral Square
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Website
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July 10, 2026 – July 19, 2026
Salmon-A-Rama
Racine’s annual Salmon-A-Rama is a popular tournament open to all anglers on Lake Michigan, with nine days of entertainment for the whole family! Now one of the largest freshwater salmon and trout tournaments in the world, Salmon-A-Rama features participation categories like the off shore/Boat division, on shore, youth, kayak, Two-In-A-Boat and Super Sweepstakes.
The Grand Prize is a combination of $25,000 cash and a 9.9-horsepower Yamaha outboard motor or the choice of a GMC Canyon, Buick Encore or Chevrolet Camaro. There’s an additional $70,000 in cash and prizes in several categories. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Lake Michigan fishery for future generations to enjoy.
Salmon-A-Rama is not only a fishing tournament, it’s also a festival. There will be something for everyone. There will be bands, raffles, a bags tournament, pig roast, smelt fry, fish boil, kids entertainment and so much more.
Salmon-A-Rama kicks off at 12:01 am Saturday, July 11th (so you might also say late Friday night) and it runs through 11 am on Sunday, July 19th. Tournament headquarters are at Pershing Park, 500 Pershing Drive, on Racine’s lakefront. You can stop by the tent every day to check on the leaderboards and/or explore the variety of vendors, the fish weigh-in, and numerous fish cooking and smoking demonstrations.
Salmon-A-Rama is presented by Salmon Unlimited of Wisconsin. You can get tournament updates on their website, including ticket information.
Pershing Park and the Racine lakefront is accessible via Highways 11, 20, 32, and 38, all about 8 miles east of I-41/94.
Salmon-A-Rama Address:
Pershing Park
500 Pershing Drive
Racine, WI 53043
(262) 995-3459
Website
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July 10, 2026 – July 12, 2026
Festa Italiana
Check out Flag-Throwers of the Florentine, direct from Italy. For music, check out great acts across six stages, including the Children’s Stage. Headliners include Anthony Crivello, George Busateri’s Spider George and the Web, Louis Vanaria, The Sicilian Tenors featuring Aaron Caruso, Sam Vitale, and Vincent Riccardi, Agne, Tre Bella, Cory Pesaturo, Graziana Maria Lazzaro, and FLEMT – straight from Italy. Longtime favorite Rick D’Amore makes his return, too!
Magic tricks, food demonstrations, comedians Vince Carone and Carmen Vallone, singers from the Florentine Opera, and more are all performing each day. The UW Marching Band will perform on Sunday, and the Children’s Stage will have all kinds of entertainment throughout the day.
You can also enjoy a romantic gondola ride on the cove, play bocce ball, watch the Copa Festa Italiana Futsal tournament, or compete in Italian Idol. Classic Italian fare and wine tastings, Kids Pizza Making Contest and annual Cannoli Eating Contest. There’s also a traditional Sunday Mass at 11am.
The fireworks go off every Festa evening around 10pm, and they’re a blast! (No pun intended. Okay, fine, pun intended.)
Admission tickets are $13 in advance, $15 at the door; Children 12 and under are admitted free all three days when accompanied by an adult. Festa Italiana is a cashless festival – no cash will be accepted at the box office, ticket windows, or on the grounds.
You can find the grounds under (literally, under) I-794 along Milwaukee’s lakefront. U.S. 18 ends right by the North Gate, and swinging nearby are I-43, I-94, and Highways 32, 38, 57, 59, and 145.
Festa Italiana Address:
Henry Maier Festival Park
200 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-223-2808
Website
July 11, 2026 – September 6, 2026
Bristol Renaissance Faire
Bristol Renaissance Faire runs Saturdays and Sundays July 5th though Labor Day, September 1st (yes, it runs that Monday and that’s the only Monday.)
The Kid’s Kingdom features the Castle Stage where children can get knighted, a face-painting area (don’t worry, it washes off eventually), hobbit houses, an entrance area with five huge thrones that provide great photo opportunities, and an air-conditioned rest area.
A giant turkey leg slathered in barbecue sauce is an essential part of the Bristol Renaissance Faire experience, but they also offer everything from Cornish pasties and bakery goods to vegan items and gelato. The number of entertainment stages now totals sixteen. Comedic sword-fighting, ropewalking, juggling, fire-whipping, acrobatics, chalk art, a variety of musicians, and more. The Marketplace offers the work of nearly 175 artisans and crafters; you can find Scottish kilts, leather masks, bamboo flutes, jester socks, stage-combat-approved swords, steampunkery, and much more. Glass blowing and blacksmithing activities frequently happen in the Marketplace as well as a variety of other crafting.
Tickets range from $40 for adults to $15 for children ages 5-12. Seniors (62+) and Military with ID are $38. Kids 4 and under are free. Season passes can be purchased for $225. You can also get discounted tickets at Menard’s and if you join Friends of the Faire you can also get discounts. U.S. 41, I-41/94, Highway 165, and the state line border the “Fairegrounds,” with U.S. 45 and Highway 50 also getting you close!
Bristol Renaissance Faire Location:
12550 120th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53142
(877) 395-7773
Website
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July 15, 2026 – July 18, 2026
Lumberjack World Championships
Hayward hosts the 66th annual Lumberjack World Championships July 15-18, 2026! The Lumberjack World Championships began in 1960 as a way to acknowledge the rich history of the logging industry across the United States. Once again, over 21 events will offer international competition showcasing the best sawing, chopping, speed climbing, log rolling, boom-running & more! It’s great family fun.
More than 100 lumberjacks and lumberjills vie for more than $50,000 in prize money, making this one of the largest paybacks for lumberjack competition in the world – and of course, world records in these events could be set – they often have!
Opening night – Thursday, July 15th – is Mountain Dew Family Night, with special family pricing for admission ($45 for two adults and up to four children) and other specials. Other ticket packages run around $53 for three days’ worth of admission.
Tickets can be purchased online here!
Getting to Hayward means a beautiful drive through the North Woods – just what we like! Hayward is along U.S. 63 on the drive from Spooner to Ashland; it’s also where Highways 27 and 77 meet up. While in town, check out the great trails, shopping, the World’s Largest Musky at the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, the Angry Minnow Brewpub, and more!
Hayward Lumberjack World Championships Address:
15670 West County Road B
Hayward, WI 54843
(715) 634-2484
Website
Lumberjack World Championships Schedule of Events
Thursday, July 16
Quarterfinal Competition
Friday, July 17
Semifinal Competition
Saturday, July 18
Final World Championship Competition
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July 15, 2026 – July 19, 2026
Elkhorn Ribfest
Check out FIVE days of unbelievably delicious, mouth-watering barbecue and entertainment on the beautiful Walworth County Fairgrounds. This event features world-renowned professional BBQ champions, great entertainment, backyard grillers, an artisan village, and a ton of great live entertainment. Not only will you experience some of the best grillers and BBQers in the country, but plenty of other fun including beer and live music with plenty of family fun, including carnival rides and other kids’ activities!
FREE Admission and parking! Even free Wi-Fi, courtesy of Edge Broadband.
Music headliners include (the list will be growing, too!):
Cherry Pie
Thursday, July 16th:
Bella Cain
Friday, July 17th:
Madison County
Saturday, July 18th:
Rival 5
Kashmir: The Led Zeppelin Show
Buster Daizy
Sunday, July 19th:
TBA
Ribfest Hours are 3 pm – 11pm Wednesday, 11 am – 11 pm Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 11am – 9pm Sunday.
You’ll find the Walworth County Fairgrounds just east of downtown Elkhorn, the seat of Walworth County. The grounds can be accessed off Court Street (Highway 11) just west of the U.S. 12 freeway and just northwest of the U.S. 12/I-43 interchange. Highway 67 is just to the west.
411 East Court Street (Highway 11)
Elkhorn, WI 53121
(262) 723-3228
Website
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July 20, 2026 – July 26, 2026
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
EAA AirVenture is the World’s Largest Fly-In! What CAN’T you experience here? It’s rolling for 2026 and better than ever, July 20th-26th.
EAA stands for Experimental Aircraft Association. It was founded in 1953 by Paul Poberezny for a community of passionate aviation enthusiasts that promote and support recreational flying. Today, EAA has over 200,000 members throughout the world. EAA AirVenture is their biggest event, welcoming members and other flight enthusiasts to Oshkosh for a week every year… and it’s a total blast! Over 670,000 people from 92 countries attended EAA AirVenture in 2025 as over 10,000 aircraft flew in and out of Oshkosh.
Whether you come to fly or just watch, you experience the world’s greatest aviation celebration. Warbirds. Vintage. Homebuilts, Ultralights, even the Blue Angels! Enjoy all kinds of planes, aerobatics, hands-on workshops, and celebrations. AirVenture draws flight enthusiasts from across the globe, briefly turning Oshkosh’s Wittman Regional Airport into the busiest airport in the world in terms of takeoffs and landings.
EAA AirVenture runs a full week, from Monday, July 20th – Sunday, July 26th, 2026. Regular features and attractions include air shows and aircraft neighborhoods where you can check out full assortments of plane types and styles. Some of the planes and their pilots offer rides for unbelievable views of the Oshkosh area, Lake Winnebago, and more! Plus, there’s KidVenture for the young ones, the Aviators Club, Aviation Gateway Park, the Pathways Pavilion, and more.
Plenty of activities run all day. But into the evening, concerts, feature films, and special programs take place to keep the fun going. It’s a full week of camaraderie. Here’s an “insider guide” (their words) on some what’s happening all week.
Here’s an example of some of the air show performances you’ll see at EAA AirVenture:
Be sure to check out the EAA AirVenture Museum while you’re there. Hit I-41, U.S. 45, or Highways 21, 26, 44, 76, or 91 to get you to Oshkosh to take in all the fun of EAA’s AirVenture!
Ticket prices vary, check this out for all the details. Kids 18 and under are admitted FREE, courtesy of Boeing!
EAA AirVenture Address:
Wittman Regional Airport
525 W. 20th Avenue
Oshkosh, WI 54902
Website
Fly over to AirVenture.org for all the info!
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July 23, 2026 – July 25, 2026
Hub City Days
The massive Car & Bike Show, Family Zone with bounce houses and kids’ games, the Craft Show, the Brew Fest and Beer Garden, tons of live music and more are all ready!
The Hub City Brew Fest will feature craft beers from all over Wisconsin and the Midwest! The Car Show will be right on Central Avenue (Historic Highway 13).
You can reach Marshfield via U.S. 10 or Highways 13, 80, and 97. It’s right in the center of Wisconsin, hence the name “Hub City”!
Hub City Days Schedule:
Thursday, July 23rd
DOWNTOWN BUSINESS AFTER 5
Friday, July 24th
Saturday, July 25th
Find out more here from Visit Marshfield.
You can easily reach Marshfield via U.S. 10 or Highways 13, 80, and 97. Head to the Hub!
Check out our State Trunk Tour Marshfield Podcast with Matt McLean from VISIT Marshfield, where we talk Hub City Days, the city and all the things to do and see in it, here or stream it below!
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July 24, 2026 – July 26, 2026
Taste of Wisconsin
Admission is FREE for everybody! And while you can enjoy great food, music, and more, you can also explore the HarborPark area, the Kenosha Public Museum, the Civil War Museum, the Dinosaur Discovery Museum, the Southport Light Station & Museum, take rides on the Kenosha Trolley, and more! Taste of Wisconsin happens in Kenosha’s HarborPark area on the edge of downtown. You’ll find it just east of Highway 32 between the east ends of Highways 50 and 158. Enjoy!
Taste of Wisconsin Address:
HarborPark
5400 6th Avenue
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 496-9400
Website
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July 24, 2026 – July 26, 2026
German Fest
Check out United for Kids, where you can visit with The MACC Fund, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Make-A-Wish® Wisconsin and Ronald McDonald House of Eastern Wisconsin, Inc. on Saturday, July 25th and Sunday, July 26th inside of the Sports Area. They’ll have games, prizes, information and fun for the whole family! A portion of Sunday’s ticket sales will benefit these four charities.
You can also check out Carousel Organ Association of America’s providing some of the “happy” instrumentation as you dance to music. Children can participate in the Fairy Tale Parade Sunday at 3:30pm and Dance Showcase at 4pm on the Sprecher Oktoberfest Stage. Fireworks will fill the sky Friday and Saturday night starting around 10:30pm.
TICKETS for German Fest are only $3 Friday! General Admission Saturday & Sunday run tickets run $12 in advance and $15 at the gate; children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult. Find out more admission specials here.
German Fest takes place on the Summerfest Grounds in Milwaukee – also known as Henry Maier Festival Park. The grounds are in close proximity to U.S. 18, I-43/94, and Highways 32, 38, 57, 59, 145, and 190.
Prosit!
Milwaukee German Fest Address:
Henry Maier Festival Grounds
200 N. Harbor Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 464-9444
Website
July 30, 2026 – August 2, 2026
Mile of Music
Appleton’s “Mile of Music” Festival (X/Twitter: @MileofMusicFest) serves up original singer-songwriters, combos and multi-piece bands showcasing Americana music at both its most colorful and its very best. Genres include roots and indie rock, country, gospel, soul, R&B, jazz and folk. This year’s Mile of Music 11 takes place July 30 – August 2, 2026.
This grassroots festival was co-founded by Appleton marketing executive Dave Willems and Appleton/Nashville-based national recording artist and Grammy nominee Cory Chisel in 2013. Willems Marketing & Events continues to run Mile of Music, with the support of over 100 community organizations and sponsors. Presenting sponsor Fox Communities Credit Union and other major sponsors have allowed this event to be FREE.
Mile of Music is noted as a “handcrafted artisan festival” with over 200 artists and acts across 40 venues spanning a mile… of music (hence the name!)
Venues vary and include coffee shops, bars, parks, restaurants, museums and other public spaces. with more of them outdoors in the wake of the pandemic we all had to deal with. Some of Mile 13’s biggest artists will perform at the Main Stage in Houdini Plaza, one of the festival’s most popular venues. Remember, Harry Houdini spent time in Appleton and claimed it as his hometown!
Local brewpub Stone Arch will offer up its artisan Mile of Music Americana Pale Ale to add to the flavor of the festival. Music fans who love bicycling can work off those beer calories and indulge their music passions with Bike to the Beat. Added fun includes the Tub of Tunes giveaway, where one lucky attendee will win a bathtub full of CDs and vinyl from Mile 10 artists.
They even have their own radio station, Mile of Music Radio. Listen to it here!
Check it out all weekend in Appleton. Their website has the complete lineup, and you can also download their special app for updates, details on all the events, and more. You can also get the full schedule here – it’s a busy one!
Appleton is easily accessible via I-41, U.S. 10, Highways 15, 47, 96, or, of course 125 – because if you’re on Highway 125, you’re in Appleton already. Highway 441 provides a bypass around the city that allows you to enter from points east and south.
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July 31, 2026 – August 1, 2026
Johnsonville Brat Days
Sheboygan is the “Bratwurst Capital of the World” so it’s only fitting that Brat Days is one of their biggest celebrations! Taking place the first Saturday of August, Brat Days dates back to 1953. It’s back again for 2026, and this year it’s back to a TWO-DAY festival! Admission is still free and the activities are plentiful.
Check out a wide variety of tasty brats served up in buns, on sticks, in tacos, on pizza, egg rolls, jambalaya, even as a corn dog. Dance or rock out with plenty of live music. The Brat Days Parade kicks off at 9am Saturday and runs through downtown Sheboygan. The famous Brat-Eating Contest, featured on channels like ESPN, takes place Saturday at 1pm. Games are available for adults and kids alike; kids’ activities include a petting zoo and carnival.
Bands this year include:
Friday, July 31st
TBA
Saturday, August 1st
Johnsonville Main Stage:
11:00am – 1:00 pm TBA
1:30pm – 4:00pm TBA
4:30pm – 5:45 pm TBA
6:15pm – 7:30pm TBA
8:00pm – 9:15pm TBA
9:45pm – 11:00 pm TBA
The Brat Eating Contest is at 1pm!
Entertainment stages are free!
Brat Days is held in Kiwanis Park on the west bank of the Sheboygan River. The park is accessible just west of Highway 28 via New Jersey Avenue. You can also reach Kiwanis Park by heading south from the ends of Highways 23 and 42 via 17th Street. It’s all about three miles east of I-43.
For more details on bands, events, activities and more, check out the Brat Days website. Brat Days is sponsored by Johnsonville, which of course has its headquarters just west of town.
While in Sheboygan, check out the downtown area along 8th Street, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, 3 Sheeps Brewing, City Green, South Pier with all of its activities, the World’s Tallest American Flagpole (along I-43 at Acuity Insurance headquarters), nearby Kohler, the marina and lovely lakefront, nearby Kohler-Andrae State Park, and more.
Brat Days Address:
Kiwanis Park
726 N. 17th Street
Sheboygan, WI 53081
(920) 893-8980
Website
And check out our State Trunk Tour Podcast about Sheboygan!
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August 6, 2026 – August 16, 2026
Wisconsin State Fair
One of the nation’s great fairs, the Wisconsin State Fair runs August 6-16, 2026 on the Wisconsin State Fair Park grounds in West Allis. Everything from the animals to rides, concerts, exhibits, and tasty food and beverages are yours for the taking!
Updates to the Central Mall area include with a new look and ample seating. The rides and games at SpinCity are in full swing, and they include a super assortment of over 40 rides and 25 games with chances to win plenty of prizes!
The Fairgrounds will have plenty of street performers and entertainers, but of course the excellent live music is a huge draw. There are two primary performance stages at Wisconsin State Fair: the Main Stage, which uses the Milwaukee Mile track and bleachers for seating, and the Bank Five Nine Amphitheater, which is near the Central Mall.
Bank Five Nine Main Stage headliners at Wisconsin State Fair include:
Thursday, August 6th: Hairball
Friday, August 7th: Nelly
Saturday, August 8th: Bailey Zimmerman with Chandler Walters
Sunday, August 9th: Wynonna Judd & Melissa Etheridge
Monday, August 10th: For King + Country with Rachel Lampa
Tuesday, August 11th: The Isley Brothers & The Commodores
Wednesday, August 12th: John Mulaney
Thursday, August 13th: The All-American Rejects with Joyce Manor
Friday, August 14th: Lindsey Stirling with PVRIS
Saturday, August 15th: AJR with Em Beihold
Sunday, August 16th: The Beach Boys
Bank Five Nine Amphitheater headliners include:
Thursday, Aug. 6: Sixteen Candles, 8:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 7: Here Come the Mummies, 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 8: Here Come the Mummies, 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 9: So Good: The Neil Diamond Experience with Claire Sardina, 8 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 10: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 11: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 12: Hairbangers Ball, 8 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 13: Too Hype Crew, 8:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 14: The Gufs, 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 15: Let’s Sing Taylor — An Unofficial Live Tribute Show, 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 16: Pat McCurdy, 5:30 p.m.
You will not go hungry: favorite foods at the Fair include the roasted corn, corn dogs, flavored milks, all kinds of creative deep-fried foods, sausages, as much as you can imagine on a stick, and the legendary Wisconsin cream puffs that become a “must have” for attendees needing their true dairy (and carb) fix! They get more eclectic with things like deep-fried bull testicles (listed as “Rocky Mountain Oysters” on the menu at Big Sky Country Bar & Grill), ants on a stick (literally), and earthworm and cricket jerky. But hey, it’s up to you. Last year’s “Sporkies” winner was the Deep Fried Lemonade Bites from Saz’s BBQ.
SPORKIES AND DRINKIES FINALISTS THIS YEAR
The Sporkies and Drinkies competition finalists are among the best – or most unique – offerings (according to a crack team of judges) each year. In 2025, Sporkies finalists included A Hunk A Hunk Fat Elvis Donut Ice Cream Sandwich, Blueberry Breakfast Bratwurst, Brat Rangoon, the Gochujang Smashburger with Kimchi Bacon Jam, Mexican Street Corn Pizza, Pretzaroni Pizza Brat, S’mores Churro Fries, and the Ube Butter Banana French Toast Lumpia. Drinkies finalists include the Carnival Cooler, Dirty Pancakes, Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie, and a Purple Rain Refresher.
OTHER FOODS at State Fair include an Apple Crunch Cheesecake Quesadilla from the Mexican Grill, BBQ Mac Tater Tots from Jayme’s Chipstix, the Caramel Turtle Pretzel at Gertrude’s Fresh Pretzels, Loaded Baked Potato with Bacon Pizza from Pistol Pete’s, Prime Rib Sliders at Leadfoots Race Bar & Grill, the Unicorn Beer Float at Slim McGinn’s Irish Pub, and about 60 other choices!
The Milwaukee Mile race track, which hosts races, auto testing, and more throughout the year is just one of the places you can park – which is cool, since you can walk on and check out this legendary oval, the oldest continuously operating raceway in the world.
Get more details here. This is definitely one of the best State Fairs in the nation!
Check out this map of Wisconsin State Fair… you can enlarge it by clicking on it or get a printable .pdf HERE.
Wisconsin State Fair Park is in West Allis, less than ten minutes from downtown Milwaukee. Bordered on the south by Highway 59/Greenfield Ave., on the west by Highway 181/84th Street, on the north by I-94, and on the east by 76th Street. U.S. 18/Bluemound Road comes close to the north, I-41/U.S. 45 and then Highway 100 skim by 2 miles to the west, and Highway 175 is about 2 miles east as it passes Miller Park. There are a lot of great ways to get to the Park!
Wisconsin State Fair Address:
Wisconsin State Fair Park
640 S. 84th Street (Highway 181 at Highway 59)
West Allis, WI 53214
(414) 266-7000
Website
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August 22, 2026 – August 23, 2026
ArtFest, Green Bay
Experience art in the heart of the city at ArtFest Green Bay! The streets of Downtown Green Bay will come alive with an art fair, musical performances, food, demonstrations, and interactive activities.
Discover works from a wide variety of local, regional, and national artists at the Art Fair, in partnership with NWTC Artisan and Business Center. Artists will showcase their diverse range of mediums and shoppers are sure to find something that captures their imagination. From paintings to sculptures, photography to mixed media, artists will inspire attendees with their creativity and talent.
You can step into the Experience Zone at ArtFest, a vibrant space where creativity comes to life. Engage in interactive art activities, watch live demonstrations, enjoy performances, and connect with arts non-profits. It’s a perfect space for kids and families. Whether you’re an artist or just curious, this is your chance to engage, explore, and create, so feel free to dive in and get your hands dirty in a beautiful way.
Live music Saturday by FBI & The Untouchable Horns, Sunday by Copper Box!
ArtFest activities take place August 22nd & 23rd, 2026 along Cherry and Jefferson Streets in downtown Green Bay, wedged in by Walnut Street (Highway 29) and Pine Street. Parking in the area is FREE!
Find out on the ArtFest website here!
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August 25, 2026 – August 30, 2026
Central Wisconsin State Fair
One of three “State Fairs” in Wisconsin, the Central Wisconsin State Fair takes place in Marshfield August 25-30, 2026 on the grounds that also feature the “World’s Largest Round Barn.” The Central Wisconsin State Fair has also been refreshing its equipment with new rides and games to enhance the experience!
Headliners include:
This Fair also features 4-H and open class exhibits, free grandstand entertainment with gate admission, the Round Barn Express train, Junior Fair Market Animal Sale, 13th annual Kiss a Critter Contest, the Dress-A-Cow Contest, midway carnival rides, commercial exhibits and special programs, food and beer gardens, and more. This six-day extravaganza is definitely worth checking out if you want to hit the lovely city of Marshfield in the central part of the state (hence, the event’s name).
U.S. 10 and Highways 13, 80, and 97 all hit Marshfield, Wisconsin (“Hub City”) and the Central Wisconsin State Fair grounds are on the south side of town, a few blocks east of Central Avenue (Bus. Hwy 13) and the Wildwood Zoo. Also check out Central Avenue and the downtown district, the Blue Heron Brewpub, and a plenty of other things and to see and do around Hub City. Get more ideas from Visit Marshfield here!
Check their website for the complete entertainment lineup, ticket specials, and more!
Central Wisconsin State Fair Address:
Wood County Fairgrounds
513 E. 17th Street
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 387-1261
Website
Find out more about Marshfield in this episode of our State Trunk Tour Podcast!
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September 4, 2026 – September 5, 2026
Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival
It’s an annual Labor Day weekend tradition in Prairie du Sac to toss cow “chips” at this annual Cow Chip Throw & Festival, which happens Friday & Saturday, September 4th & 5th this year. Dried out and surprisingly unoffensive to the nose, these nuggets of nastiness get hurled into the air by kids and adults alike with the goal of the most distance as possible – with a crowd of onlookers often in the sights where they land. The current record is 248 feet, but records were made to be broken!
Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival Schedule of Events:
Friday • September 4th
• West on 12: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Corporate Throw: 5:30 PM
Saturday • September 5th
• Food Court: Open all day – See vendor list here
• 5K Run/Walk & 10K Run: 8:00 AM (registration at 6:30)
See race page for details and to sign up.
• Children’s Game Tent: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Children’s Chip Chucking: 9:00 AM – Noon ($2.00)
• Cow Chip Breakfast: 8:00am
• Volleyball Tournament: 8:30am Registration, 9:00am Start. Download 2022 registration form here.
• Arts & Crafts Fair: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (over 125 exhibits)
• Tony Rocker 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• Mixed Nuts: 10:00 & 11:00 AM (Kids Area)
• Angela Puerta: 9:30 – 11:30 AM
• Tournament of Chips Parade: 12:00 PM
• Adult & Team Cow Chip Throw: 1:00 PM
• Aran Arms of James Jaxin Productions (DJ) 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
• German Wheel, Tight Rope, Trapeze: 1:30 – 3:30 PM (Kids Stage)
• Truly Remarkable Loon Comedy Juggler: 1:30, 2:30, 3:30 PM (Kids Stage)
• Best Practice: 1:30 – 4:30 PM
• Kid’s Pedal Pull: 2:30 PM
• High Mileage 5:00 – 9:00 PM
You’ll find the festival just off U.S. 12 and Highways 60 and 78 in Marion Park at 1st & Grand in Prairie du Sac.
Here’s a video short from when we first visited the Wisconsin State Cow Chip Toss in Prairie du Sac back in 2009:
And here’s how it went in 2016, produced by the Festival itself with better equipment:
Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival Address:
Marion Park
145 1st Street
Prairie du Sac, WI 53578
(608) 643-4317
Website
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September 18, 2026 – September 20, 2026
Green County Cheese Days
Monroe is an epicenter of cheesemaking in the heart of Green County – even their high school team name is the “Cheesemakers.” The city and county celebrates every other year Green County Cheese Days, a three-day hullabaloo filled with food, music, dancing, contests, crafts, cheesemaking, cow milking, yodeling, and even Wisconsin’s only parade led by Brown Swiss Cows. Green County Cheese Days is ready for 2026, happening September 18th through the 20th.
Monroe’s beautiful town square centers around the gorgeous Green County Courthouse and fills up with all the fun. From a beer and Limburger sandwich at Baumgartner’s to the 5K & 10K Cheese Days Chase, from arts & crafts to actual cow milking, Cheese Days is a blast.
You can check out the Children’s Parade on Friday and the main Swiss Colony Cheese Days Parade on Sunday.
Get the schedule and details on all of their events at the Cheese Days website, or below reprinted from their site. Scroll down for more details, including the schedule for the Main Stage lineup!
Highways 11, 59, 69, and 81 all bring you to Monroe. The three days of festivities are also right next to the Minhas Craft Brewery, Winery & Distillery, which is worth a tour, and the lovely trappings of Green County, including New Glarus just up Highway 69. Make a weekend of it!
Green County Cheese Days Address:
1016 16th Avenue
Monroe, WI 53566
(608) 325-7771
Website
Green County Cheese Days Schedule of Events
FRIDAY, SEPT 18
PARK & RIDE SHUTTLE BUS – $1 each trip. Park off site at Orchid (350 – 21st St.) & ride bus downtown. 5–10 pm
INFO TRAILER – SW Corner (near Baumgartner’s) – maps, schedules, ask questions, lost and found. 9 am – 7:30 pm
FOOD STANDS – Eat your way around the Courthouse Square! Menu/maps at INFO BOOTH. (10 am–9 pm)
CHEESE DAYS STORE – SOUVENIR TENT (Adenke Zält) – t-shirts & sweatshirts, collector buttons, International Harvester toy tractor, logo pint glasses, “udderly good time” drawstring backpacks, Wedgie bobbleheads, canvas tote bags, Swiss cheese earrings. SW corner cross from Baumgartner’s Cheese Store. (9 am–8:30 pm)
BEER and WINE STAND – SW Corner – near INFO TRAILER. (10 am–midnight) ****Proceeds from sales at the Cheese Days Beer & Wine Stand go toward the costs of tents, porta potties, electricity, stage entertainment and more – thank you for your support.****
HOSPITALITY TENT (Zält zum Höckle) Sponsored by Colony Brands. NORTH SIDE. Dining area with tables & chairs. Musical entertainment throughout the weekend. Open all weekend.
BIG RADIO DINING TENT – NORTHWEST CORNER. Dining area with tables and chairs. Open all weekend.
CARNIVAL in Spring Square Parking Lot (behind JoAnne’s Dress Shop) – all weekend.
NATIONAL HISTORIC CHEESEMAKING CENTER – Guided tours showcasing the history of cheesemaking. The past comes alive at the century-old Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory. 2018 6th Ave, at intersection of Hwy 69 south and 21st St. (9 am–4 pm)
CHEESE TENT (Chäs Zält) – Cheese for sale. EAST SIDE of the Square. Presented by Foreign Type Cheesemakers Assn. Vendors: Emmi Roth USA, Edelweiss Creamery, Landmark Creamery, Klondike Cheese Company, Valley View Cheese, Chula Vista (V&V Supremo), Brunkow Cheese and Decatur Dairy. (9 am–8 pm)
MINHAS CRAFT BREWERY – guided tours and tasting – “Oldest in the Midwest” with brewing excellence since 1845. Visitor Center and gift shop. Beer & root beer samples. Herb & Helen Haydock’s Collection of Brewery Memorabilia. $12 admission includes guided tour and gift pack ($15 retail value). Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS MICRO DISTILLERY GUIDED TASTING– Hand–crafted, small–batch distilled spirits using old world methods & traditions. Guided Distillery and Liqueur Tasting $12 admission includes 2 cocktails, branded whisky tasting glass & gift bottle to take home. Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS WINERY WINE TASTING & FOOD PAIRING: Guided by Executive Chef Trisha Coughlin and her team, wines paired with different types of artisanal cheeses and other small bites. $12 admission includes guided tasting and food pairing and take home a branded wine glass. ($5 retail value). (10 am–6 pm)
COLONY BRANDS TENT – Celebrating more than 90 years in Monroe. Buy cheesecake-on-a-stick – made exclusively for Cheese Days! Stop in to learn more about the Colony Brands team, our 10 retail brands, door prizes and more! NE CORNER (10 am – 9 pm)
BARN QUILT and DAIRY FARM TOUR – Board a bus for a guided tour to one of Green County’s most beautiful family-operated dairy farms. You’ll meet members of the family and their Holstein herd, along with calves, a donkey, rabbit, chickens, guineas, peacocks, ducks, pigs, goats, dogs, and cats. On the way to the farm and back, you’ll see some of Green County’s barn quilts. We guarantee you’ll be entertained along the way by stories from tour guides Lynn Lokken & Kris Winkler – the volunteers who developed the Barn Quilt project. Admission of $5 charged for those 6 and older; ages 5 and under are free. (This is a 2-hour tour. You’ll be back downtown at the festival grounds at 1 pm, so you may want to eat lunch prior to departing.) TODAY – PURCHASE TICKETS AT INFO TRAILER NEAR THE BEER STAND – limited seating 50 tickets will be sold. (Saturday – tickets for sale at Family Farm Adventure Tent) (11 am)
MAIN STAGE (Grossi Bühni) – Yodeling, alphorns, polka bands, & Swiss heritage music during the day. Tonight’s street dance – BOOGIE AND THE YO-YO’Z. (Live music today on the main stage from noon til midnight)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen – Master Yodeler (Noon)
GREEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM – Housed in a Civil War era church. Donations suggested. One block north of Square. (Noon–5 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – John Waelti and Bobbie Edler Accordion Duo (1 pm)
GREENWOODS CEMETERY WALK – sponsored by Green County Genealogical Society and Green County Historical Society – led by local historians. Info: 608.328.7436 or 608.426.1796. (Registration 1 pm; walk at 1:30 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Keith Zweifel Band (1:30 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorn Entertainment (3 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Green County Harmony Chorus (2 pm)
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT – Sponsored by Green Co. Farm Bureau, in partnership with 4–H, FFA & other ag groups. Check out a number of educational activities about agriculture; including milking a “cow”, AG Trivia Wheel, coloring station, crop boxes and “Cow Races” back by popular demand! On NORTHEAST corner of Square by First National Bank. (2–8 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Alphorns led by Heinz and George (2:45 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorns led by Heinz and George (3 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (3:15 pm)
“STREETS OF SWITZERLAND” European Sidewalk Café & Biergarten – Swiss specialties at Turner Hall (3–7:30 pm)
CARNIVAL (Rummel Platz) – “Spring Square” parking lot – south of the Courthouse Square (4 – 11 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Children’s Swiss Music Concert (4:15 pm)
CHILDREN’S COSTUME PARADE (Chinder Trachte Umzug) – Prince & Princess lead the parade (5 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (5 pm)
OPENING CEREMONY – MAIN STAGE – MC – Scott Thompson of BIG RADIO. Presentation of Colors with Green County Sheriff Dept., ceremonial blowing of Alphorns, presentation of royalty, “Procession of Cheesemakers” (6 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Mascot Theory (Americana, Alt-Folk Rock) (7 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Monroe Swiss Singers (7:15 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorns led by Heinz and George (8:15 pm)
STREET DANCE (uf der Strass Tanze) – MAIN STAGE – Boogie and the Yo-Yo’z (8:30 pm–midnight)
SATURDAY, SEPT 19
PARK & RIDE SHUTTLE BUS – $1 each trip. Park offsite at Orchid (350 – 21st St.) and ride the bus downtown. Other stops today include **Historic Cheese Center** and Green County Fairgrounds. (**Historic Cheese Center closes at 4 pm). (Shuttle runs 10 am–10 pm)
INFO TRAILER – SW Corner (near Baumgartner’s) – maps, schedules, ask questions, lost and found. 8:30 am – 7:30 pm
FOOD STANDS – Eat your way around the Courthouse Square! Menu/maps at INFO BOOTH. (9 am–9 pm)
CHEESE DAYS STORE – SOUVENIR TENT (Adenke Zält) – t-shirts & sweatshirts, collector buttons, International Harvester toy tractor, logo pint glasses, “udderly good time” drawstring backpacks, Wedgie bobbleheads, canvas tote bags, Swiss cheese earrings. SW corner cross from Baumgartner’s Cheese Store. (9 am–8:30 pm)
BEER and WINE STAND – SW Corner – near INFO TRAILER. (10 am–midnight) ****Proceeds from sales at the Cheese Days Beer & Wine Stand go toward the costs of tents, porta potties, electricity, stage entertainment and more – thank you for your support.****
HOSPITALITY TENT (Zält zum Höckle) Sponsored by Colony Brands. NORTH SIDE. Dining area with tables & chairs. Musical entertainment throughout the weekend. Open all weekend.
BIG RADIO DINING TENT – NORTHWEST CORNER. Dining area with tables and chairs. Open all weekend.
CARNIVAL in Spring Square Parking Lot (behind JoAnne’s Dress Shop) – all weekend.
FARMER’S MARKET – South of Middle School (8 am–4 pm)
“STREETS OF SWITZERLAND” European Sidewalk Café & Biergarten – Swiss specialties at Turner Hall. (8:30 am–7:30 pm)
CHEESE DAYS CHASE – 5 & 10 k run, & 2-mile fun walk. Presented by Monroe Youth Hockey with sponsor Klondike Cheese Factory. Check in 7:30 am. Race starts PROMPTLY at 9 am. (Kid’s Race at 8:30 am) Click for more info.
NATIONAL HISTORIC CHEESEMAKING CENTER – Guided tours showcasing the history of cheesemaking. The past comes alive at the century-old Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory. 2018 6th Ave, at intersection of Hwy 69 south and 21st St. (9 am–4 pm) PARK AND RIDE SHUTTLE STOP TIL 4 PM
VINTAGE TRACTOR DISPLAY – Courtesy of Monroe area antique tractor owners. Take a step back in time and learn how farmers and their tractors played an important role in shaping the agricultural and cheese industry in Green County. You’ll see various “colors” (brands) – meet the owners & talk about their favorite toys! On 17th Avenue between banks and also in First National Bank parking lot. (9 am–5 pm)
MAKER’S MARKET – Just west of the Square; right behind Baumgartner’s Cheese Store and Tavern. Shop the booths of creators, fiber artists, hobbyists, wood crafters, photographers, painters, etc, who personally design and make what they sell. (9 am–8 pm)
VENDOR MARKETPLACE – Booths in Library Parking Lot – Commercial vendors, merchandise for sale, businesses & groups promoting products & services. (9 am–8 pm)
CHEESE TENT (Chäs Zält) – Cheese for sale. EAST SIDE of the Square. Presented by Foreign Type Cheesemakers Assn. Vendors: Emmi Roth USA, Edelweiss Creamery, Landmark Creamery, Klondike Cheese Company, Valley View Cheese, Chula Vista (V&V Supremo), Brunkow Cheese and Decatur Dairy. (9 am–8 pm)
COLONY BRANDS TENT – Celebrating more than 90 years in Monroe. Buy cheesecake-on-a-stick – made exclusively for Cheese Days! Stop in to learn more about the Colony Brands team, our 10 retail brands, door prizes and more! NE CORNER (9 am–9 pm)
HEART OF CHEESE DAYS – Exhibit & Sales – Meet artisans who create traditional Swiss folk art and view exhibits of Swiss artifacts and memorabilia brought to Green County by some of the area’s Swiss immigrants. Presented by Monroe Swiss Singers at Turner Hall. Free admission with 2020 CHEESE DAYS BUTTON (or $2 at the door). (10 am–4 pm)
GREEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM – Housed in a Civil War era church. Donations suggested. One block north of Square. (10 am–5 pm)
MINHAS CRAFT BREWERY – guided tours and tasting – “Oldest in the Midwest” with brewing excellence since 1845. Visitor Center and gift shop. Beer & root beer samples. Herb & Helen Haydock’s Collection of Brewery Memorabilia. $12 admission includes guided tour and gift pack ($15 retail value). Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS MICRO DISTILLERY GUIDED TASTING– Hand–crafted, small–batch distilled spirits using old world methods & traditions. Guided Distillery and Liqueur Tasting $12 admission includes 2 cocktails, branded whisky tasting glass & gift bottle to take home. Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–6 pm)
MINHAS WINERY WINE TASTING & FOOD PAIRING – Guided by Executive Chef Trisha Coughlin and her team, wines paired with different types of artisanal cheeses and other small bites. $12 admission includes guided tasting and food pairing and take home a branded wine glass. ($5 retail value). (10 am–6 pm)
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT – Sponsored by Green Co. Farm Bureau, in partnership with 4–H, FFA & other ag groups. Check out a number of educational activities about agriculture; including milking a “cow”, AG Trivia Wheel, coloring station, crop boxes and “Cow Races” back by popular demand! On NORTHEAST corner of Square by First National Bank. (10 am–8 pm)
CARNIVAL (Rummel Platz) – “Spring Square” south of the Courthouse Square (10 am–11 pm)
KIDS’ STREET (Chinder Schpil Strass) SPONSORED BY TDS – On 16th Avenue by Library. Demonstrations, activities and fun for kids – all free! (Kid’s Street Schedule)
MAIN STAGE (Grossi Bühni) – Yodeling, alphorns, polka bands, & Swiss heritage music during the day. Tonight’s Street Dance – Bella Cain! (Live music today from 10:30 am–midnight)
DAIRY FARM TOURS – Board a bus for a guided tour into Green County countryside to visit a family run dairy farm, and to see cows and calves and gain a better understanding of where cheese gets started. $5 admission charged for those 10 and older; under 10 are free. Tickets available in FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT. Length of tour ranges from 1 to 1 1/2 hours. (10:30 am til last bus departs at 3 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (10:30 am)
BARN QUILT and DAIRY FARM TOUR – Board a bus for a guided tour to one of Green County’s most beautiful family-operated dairy farms. You’ll meet members of the family and their Holstein herd, along with calves, a donkey, rabbit, chickens, guineas, peacocks, ducks, pigs, goats, dogs, and cats. On the way to the farm and back, you’ll see some of Green County’s barn quilts. We guarantee you’ll be entertained along the way by stories from tour guides Lynn Lokken & Kris Winkler – the volunteers who developed the Barn Quilt project. Special guest Alice in Dairyland will also be along for the tour! Admission of $5 charged for those 6 and older; ages 5 and under are free. (This is a 2-hour tour. You’ll be back downtown at the festival grounds at 1 pm, so you may want to eat lunch prior to departing.) PURCHASE TICKETS AT FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT ON NE CORNER – limited seating 49 tickets will be sold. (11 am)
MAIN STAGE – Meet the Cheese Days Royalty (11:20 am)
MAIN STAGE – Monroe City Band (Noon)
OLD WORLD CHEESEMAKING DEMONSTRATION (DIE ALT KASEREI “the old cheese factory”) Watch and learn as members of The Foreign Type Cheesemaker’s Association create a 200-pound wheel of Swiss cheese the old fashioned way, in a giant copper kettle. You’ll meet Wisconsin Master Cheesemakers Jeff Wideman and Gary Grossen, who will explain the process and demonstrate the steps. Spectators will have the opportunity to take a turn stirring the kettle with the “Swiss harp” (great photo opp!) After the cheese is “hooped” the cheesemakers will “plug” a block of cheese and demonstrate the grading and judging process using the criteria of the USA and World Championship Cheese Competitions. North of Courthouse. (Noon–4 pm)
COW MILKING CONTEST (Chueh Mälche Wettstriett) – An “udderly” good time thanks to area dairy farmers & their happy herds! Watch as teams compete for prizes – may the most milk win! Located by post office. (1 pm)
MAIN STAGE – David Austin Band (1:15 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – John and Bobbie Accordion Duo (2 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Swiss Miss Dancers (2:30 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Doo Wop Daddies (3 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (3 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Accordion Four – John, Bobbie, Barb and Mary ( 4 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Alphorn entertainment (4:30 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Cheesemaker Dancers (4:45 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Andy Yaun Ensemble (5 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (5:30 pm)
HOSPITALITY TENT – The Decade (Rock hits from the 70’s thru 90’s) (6:15 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Wheelhouse (7 pm)
STREET DANCE (uf der Strass Tanze) – MAIN STAGE – To Be Announced. (8:30 pm–midnight)
SUNDAY, SEPT 20
PARK & RIDE SHUTTLE BUS – $1 each trip. Park offsite at Orchid (350 – 21st St.) & ride the bus downtown. Shuttle also stops at Historic Cheese Center until 4 pm. (Shuttle runs 10 am–5 pm)
INFO TRAILER – SW Corner (near Baumgartner’s) – maps, schedules, ask questions, lost and found. (9 am – 5 pm)
FOOD STANDS – Eat your way around the Courthouse Square! Menu/maps at INFO BOOTH. (9 am–6 pm)
CHEESE DAYS STORE – SOUVENIR TENT (Adenke Zält) – t-shirts & sweatshirts, collector buttons, International Harvester toy tractor, logo pint glasses, “udderly good time” drawstring backpacks, Wedgie bobbleheads, canvas tote bags, Swiss cheese earrings. SW corner cross from Baumgartner’s Cheese Store. (9 am–6 pm)
BEER and WINE STAND – SW Corner – near INFO TRAILER. (10 am–6 pm) ****Proceeds from sales at the Cheese Days Beer & Wine Stand go toward the costs of tents, porta potties, electricity, stage entertainment and more – thank you for your support.****
HOSPITALITY TENT (Zält zum Höckle) Sponsored by Colony Brands. NORTH SIDE. Dining area with tables & chairs. Open today til 6 pm.
BIG RADIO DINING TENT – NORTHWEST CORNER. Dining area with tables and chairs. Open today til 6 pm.
CARNIVAL in Spring Square Parking Lot (behind JoAnne’s Dress Shop) – all weekend.
NATIONAL HISTORIC CHEESEMAKING CENTER – Guided tours showcasing the history of cheesemaking. The past comes alive at the century-old Imobersteg Farmstead Cheese Factory. 2018 6th Ave, at intersection of Hwy 69 south and 21st St. (9 am–4 pm) PARK AND RIDE BUS SHUTTLE STOP.
VENDOR MARKETPLACE – Booths in Library Parking Lot – Commercial vendors, merchandise for sale, businesses & groups promoting products & services. (9 am–5 pm)
MAKER’S MARKET – Just west of the Square; right behind Baumgartner’s Cheese Store and Tavern. Shop the booths of creators, fiber artists, hobbyists, wood crafters, photographers, painters, etc, who personally design and make what they sell. (9 am-5 pm)
CHEESE TENT (Chäs Zält) – Cheese for sale. EAST side of Square. Presented by Foreign Type Cheesemakers Assn. Vendors: Emmi Roth USA, Edelweiss Creamery, Landmark Creamery, Klondike Cheese Company, Valley View Cheese, Chula Vista (V&V Supremo), Brunkow Cheese and Decatur Dairy. (9 am–5 pm)
COLONY BRANDS TENT – Celebrating more than 90 years in Monroe! Buy cheesecake-on-a-stick; made exclusively for Cheese Days. Stop in to learn more about the Colony Brands team, our 10 retail brands, door prizes and more! NE Corner. (9 am–6 pm)
MAIN STAGE (Grossi Bühni) – Yodeling, alphorns, polka bands, & Swiss heritage music. Daily schedule at INFO BOOTH. (Entertainment today 10 am–6 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Swiss Canton Fashion Show by Wilhelm Tell Usherettes (10 am)
HOSPITALITY TENT – Ecumenical Worship Serivice (10 am)
GREEN COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM – Housed in a Civil War era church. Donations suggested. One block north of Square. (10 am–1 pm)
FAMILY FARM ADVENTURE TENT – Sponsored by Green Co. Farm Bureau, in partnership with 4–H, FFA & other ag groups. Check out a number of educational activities about agriculture; including milking a “cow”, AG Trivia Wheel, coloring station, crop boxes and “Cow Races” back by popular demand! On NORTHEAST corner of Square by First National Bank. (10 am–5 pm; closed during parade)
MINHAS CRAFT BREWERY – guided tours and tasting – “Oldest in the Midwest” with brewing excellence since 1845. Visitor Center and gift shop. Beer & root beer samples. Herb & Helen Haydock’s Collection of Brewery Memorabilia. $12 admission includes guided tour and gift pack ($15 retail value). Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–5 pm)
MINHAS MICRO DISTILLERY GUIDED TASTING– Hand–crafted, small–batch distilled spirits using old world methods & traditions. Guided Distillery and Liqueur Tasting $12 admission includes 2 cocktails, branded whisky tasting glass & gift bottle to take home. Tours every 15 minutes. (10 am–5 pm)
MINHAS WINERY WINE TASTING & FOOD PAIRING: Guided by Executive Chef Trisha Coughlin and her team, wines paired with different types of artisanal cheeses and other small bites. $12 admission includes guided tasting and food pairing and take home a branded wine glass. ($5 retail value). (10 am–5 pm)
CARNIVAL (Rummel Platz) – “Spring Square” parking lot – south of the Courthouse Square (10 am–6 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (10:30 am)
MAIN STAGE – Goodtime Dutchmen – 3rd Generation Family Polka Band (11:30 am)
THE SWISS COLONY CHEESE DAYS PARADE (Chäs Tag Umzug) – Steps off from fairgrounds at 12:30 pm, arrives downtown approximately 12:45 pm.
MAIN STAGE – UW Marching Band 5th Quarter! (after parade)
MAIN STAGE – Goodtime Dutchmen – 3rd Generation Family Polka Band (3:15 pm)
MAIN STAGE – New Glarus Mannerchor (Men’s Choir) (4:10 pm)
MAIN STAGE – New Glarus Jodlerklub (Yodel Club) (5 pm)
MAIN STAGE – Kerry Christensen, Master Yodeler (5:45 pm-6:15 pm)
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September 19, 2026 – September 20, 2026
Marshfield Maple Fall Fest
Maple Fall Fest has been known by many as “the” place to find some of the best original artwork and handmade craft items in the Midwest. Over 150 vendors showcase their wares with original artwork, handmade arts and crafts, Amish specialties, The Maple Village, great food vendors, and their beer garden. The festival will also bring back favorites Mad Dog and Merrill “Grillin’ Buddies,” and family-focused fun for all ages. The legendary Potato Pancake Breakfast is also served each day!
The Kid’s Zone ensures that the younger ones have plenty to do. There’s a petting zoo, inflatable rides and of course all of the treats from the food court.
You won’t end up hungry, with that special pancake breakfast and a huge assortment of food vendors ready to serve pizza, brats, cheese curds, egg rolls, fried pasta, hot dogs, hamburgers, gyros, cream puffs, ice cream, kettlecorn, mouse ears, tacos, and a whole lot more.
Marshfield’s “Hub City” status relates to its location close to the exact center of Wisconsin, and many railroads always converged here. Today, you can take U.S. 10, Highway 13, Highway 80, or Highway 97 to reach Marshfield – it truly is in the center of everything.
Maple Fall Fest takes place at Marshfield’s beautiful Wildwood Zoo and Park, just off Central Avenue (Business 13). Check out some great places to stay in Marshfield, too!
Featuring over 150 arts & crafts vendors, potato pancake breakfast, children’s area, Amish specialties, beer garden, and food court. Inflatable rides for the kids and fun for the whole family. More details on visitmarshfield.com.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19th
7am-Noon | Breakfast: Regular and potato pancakes with maple sausage & coffee bar by Biggby Coffee Admission $11
9am-4pm | Family Activities including Kids’ Zone with Inflatables, Arts & Crafts by Discovery Education Station & Chestnut Center for the Arts
9am-5pm | 150+ Handmade Arts & Crafts Vendors, Amish Specialties, Maple Syrup Products, Food Court & Beer Garden
10am | Performance by Main Street Conservatory of Dance: Jazz Dance Company and Ballet Company
11:30am | Mad Dog & Merrill Midwest Grill’n
1pm | Performance & dance lessons by the Country Style Dancers
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20th
7am-Noon | Breakfast: Regular and potato pancakes with maple sausage & coffee bar by Biggby Coffee Admission $11
10am-4pm | Family Activities including Kids’ Zone with Inflatables, Arts & Crafts by Discovery Education Station & Chestnut Center for the Arts
10am-4pm | 150+ Handmade Arts & Crafts Vendors, Amish Specialties, Maple Syrup Products, Food Court & Beer Garden
11:30am | Mad Dog & Merrill Midwest Grill’n
2:30pm | Marshfield Monarch Butterfly Release on Main Stage
Marshfield Maple Fall Fest Address:
Wildwood Park & Zoo
1800 S. Roddis Avenue
Marshfield, WI 54449
(715) 384-4314
Website
Related to Maple Fall Fest is Blue Heron Oktoberfest, which takes place from Noon – 10pm at Blue Heron Brewpub on 14th Street, just up the road from Wildwood Park. Enjoy Hammerschlagen, Yard Jenga, Corn Hole games, a Stein Hoisting Contest, and live music from Modern Throwback Saturday evening starting at 7pm!
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