By Tegan Beese | Photo by Travel Wisconsin – Derrick Zimmerman
Winter weather doesn’t stop Wisconsin from celebrating! Outdoor festivals and celebrations are a seasonal staple from January through April. From ice festivals to hot air balloons to maple fests, fun abounds for all ages.
WINTER FESTIVALS
Freeze Fest
February 2-7, 2026, Tomah, WI
travelwisconsin.com/events/winter-activities/freeze-fest-2026-105274
A weeklong event, purchase a button for $1 and participate in a variety of activities, including a weeklong medallion hunt! Event times vary depending on the activity.
Hudson Hot Air Affair
February 2-6, 2026 – 7:35 a.m., Hudson, WI
hudsonhotairaffair.com
Watch hot air balloons take to the sky! Once balloons are launched, attendees can participate in a variety of other outdoor activities, so be sure to bundle up.
Fire & Ice Festival
February 13-14, 2026, Sturgeon Bay, WI
sturgeonbay.net/special-events/fire-ice-festival
This two day festival celebrates all things winter. Enter to compete as an ice sculptor, or view these works of art. Event times vary depending on the activity.
Winter Festival
February 21-22, 2026, Cedarburg, WI
cedarburgfestivals.org/winter
Fun for everyone, Cedarburg’s Winter Festival has receipt raffles, bed races, a dog sled pull and more! Vote for your favorite ice carving, enjoy a warm beverage in their Après “Ski Lodge” and participate in winter Ice-Burg golf. Event times vary depending on the activity.
Flannelfest
February 28, 2026 – 11 a.m., Janesville, WI
janesvilleflannelfest.com
Channel your inner-lumberjack at Flannelfest, where you can compete in the Lazy Man Run, vote on home brewed beer and try over 90 craft beers. Both VIP and general tickets are available for purchase for this 21 and over event.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVALS
35th Annual Pickerel-Pearson St. Patrick’s Day Day Parade
March 14, 2026 – 12 p.m., Pickerel, WI
travelwisconsin.com/events/fairs-festivals/35th-annual-pickerel-pearson-st-patricks-day-parade-230226
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by enjoying a variety of floats in this parade. Food will be available at a local restaurant, as well as food trucks, and enjoy a beverage from the Bloody Mary tent!
Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 14, 2026 – 11 a.m., Sturgeon Bay, WI
sturgeonbay.net/special-events/st-patricks-day
Start off your celebration at Kitty O’Reillys Pub with breakfast, then take in the parade and find live entertainment throughout the city. Visit their last 2026 Indoor Winter Market and enjoy a meal of traditional corned beef and cabbage!
58th Shamrock Club of Wisconsin St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 14, 2026, Milwaukee, WI
saintpatricksparade.org
Starting the Friday evening before with a kick-off party, Milwaukee celebrates St. Patrick’s Day like no other. Inspired by two Irish movements, the city has hosted this parade since 1843. Restaurants and businesses throughout the city will join in on the fun! Event times vary depending on activity.
New Dublin Parade and Irish Fest
March 16-21, 2026, New London
newdublin.com
For a week in March, New London becomes New Dublin, where leprechauns find their way to schools, businesses and others in the community. Activities include Irish caroling, a traditional Irish Céili and meals of corned beef and cabbage, culminating in the parade and outdoor festival. Event times vary depending on activity.
MAPLE FESTIVALS
Maple Fest at Covenant Harbor
March 15, 2026 – 7:30 a.m., Lake Geneva, WI
covenantharbor.org/maple-fest
Complete with oatmeal pancakes (and maple syrup), vendors and fun activities, everyone will enjoy this family-friendly event. Play carpet ball and learn some maple recipes!
MapleFest at Glenna Farms
March 28-29, 2026 – 10 a.m., Amery, WI
glennafarms.com/events.html
This free event celebrates all things maple! Attendees can partake in a free pancake breakfast, horse-drawn hayrides, a farm tour and cooking demonstrations.
Plymouth Maple Festival
April 4, 2026 – 9 a.m., Plymouth, WI
plymouthmaplefestival.com
With activities for everyone, this is a great family event. Taste a variety of syrups and maple flavored foods, learn about sap collection and syrup production, visit local vendors and enjoy a pancake breakfast!
Phelps Maple Syrup Fest
April 11, 2026 – 9 a.m., Phelps, WI
phelpswi.us/event/maple-syrup-fest
Come enjoy sweet treats, like maple taffy on snow; try tapping your own sap; browse the craft show and more! Activities and sugarbush tours are free for attendees.