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12 Must-Visit Festivals across Wisconsin

Wisconsin is home to hundreds of popular summer events and festivals that celebrate everything from homegrown foods to local musicians and artists. Beyond your favorites like Summerfest in Milwaukee, The EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh and the Bristol Renaissance Faire, we encourage you to visit these unique and quirky fests that are summer road trip worthy!

Pictured: Wisconsin Arts & Peony Fest

COWS ON THE CONCOURSE | JUNE 1

MADISON

Get up close to Wisconsin dairy cows and calves in downtown Madison to kick off National Dairy Month. Enjoy grilled cheese sandwiches, events and visit with dairy farmers.

danecountydairy.com/cows-on-the-concourse-2/

WISCONSIN ARTS & PEONY FESTIVAL | JUNE 7-9

BEAVER DAM

A photographer’s dream with beautiful blooms abounding at Ovans Peony Farm — the largest stem-cut peony farm in the state with more than 1,500 plants and 100+ peony varieties. Be sure to visit the Art Market on Saturday, June 8, featuring 80+ vendors in the Arts District.

ovanspeonyfarm.com/arts-%26-peony-festival

CHEESE CURD FESTIVAL | JUNE 21-24

ELLSWORTH

Held in the Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin, this fest serves up 6,000 pounds of cheese curds created by the world-renowned Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery. You can even take your shot at winning a cheese curd eating contest!

cheesecurdfestival.com

WATER LANTERN FESTIVAL | JUNE 8, JULY 13, AUG. 24

MILWAUKEE, GREEN BAY, MADISON

Thousands of lanterns light up the night in a community event designed to bring people together with love, hope and happiness. Tickets available at waterlanternfestival.com. @waterlanternfestival.

waterlanternfestival.com

IOLA CAR SHOW | JULY 11-13

IOLA

Often touted as one of the nation’s best car shows, it features celebrity appearances and thousands of show cars and swap spaces. In 2024, the 52nd Annual event spotlights “The Meeting of Muscle.”

iolaoldcarshow.com

REV-UP WEEKEND | JULY 12-14

DELAVAN

A full weekend for car enthusiasts; enjoy the Cars Time Forgot Show, parade and rally, music, food and more.

carstimeforgot.com

SALMON-A-RAMA | JULY 13-14

RACINE

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, Salmon-A-Rama is the world’s largest freshwater fishing tournament over the entirety of Lake Michigan and features large grand prizes, food trucks and more.

salmon-a-rama.com

WISCONSIN SAND SCULPTING FESTIVAL | JULY 19-20

MANITOWOC

A three-day celebration of sand-sculpting with professional artists, amateur competitions and more at Red Arrow Beach on Lake Michigan. It’s the only event of its kind statewide!

https://www.visitmanitowoc.com/event/wisconsin-sand-sculpting-festival/

APPLETON MILE OF MUSIC FESTIVAL | AUG. 1-4

APPLETON

Featuring 200 artists performing free shows at 40 venues downtown, “Mile 11” celebrates this festival’s 11th year and also hosts artist-led songwriting workshops and interactive drum circles.

mileofmusic.com

LUMBERJACK WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS | AUG. 1-4

HAYWARD

This international competition celebrates the skills of the world’s greatest lumberjacks and lumberjills — competing in sawing, chopping, speed climbing, log rolling, axe- throwing and more.

lumberjackworldchampionships.com

JOHNSONVILLE BRAT DAYS | AUG. 2-3

SHEBOYGAN

This popular event returns in summer 2024, with expanded family and carnival areas, and the brat-eating competition.

brat-days.com

JAYCEES VENETIAN FESTIVAL | AUG. 14-18

LAKE GENEVA

In its 62nd year, this five-day festival celebrates the end of summer with a lighted boat parade, fireworks, carnival rides, music, food and more.

venetianfest.com

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