Photo courtesy Travel Wisconsin
Summer may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end. From late August through mid-September, communities across Wisconsin are squeezing every last drop out of the season with food, music, cultural celebrations and a few quirky traditions.
Before you start thinking about pumpkin patches and falling leaves, add one or more of these late summer Wisconsin events to your calendar.
Mexican Fiesta in Milwaukee
The sights, sounds and flavors of Mexico come alive at the annual Mexican Fiesta held Aug 21-23 at the Summerfest grounds along Lake Michigan in downtown Milwaukee. This three-day celebration features authentic Mexican food, mariachi music, folklorico dancing, cultural exhibits, artisan vendors and family activities. The festival is open from noon to midnight.
Wilhelm Tell Festival
The small southern Wisconsin town of New Glarus celebrates its Swiss heritage with the Wilhelm Tell Festival on Aug. 22-23. The weekend is centered around a colorful outdoor Wilhelm Tell pageant, complete with costumes, live animals, yodeling, alphorns, an art fair and a Swiss flag-throwing contest.
West Bend GERMANfest
Raise a stein and celebrate German heritage at the West Bend GERMANfest at Regner Park Aug. 27-30. Celebrating its 40th year, this lively festival serves up German food, cold beer, live music, polka dancing, sheepshead tournaments and activities for the kids.
Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival
Only in Wisconsin would tossing cow manure have its own annual event! The Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival is held in Prairie du Sac Sept 4-5. You and your family can enjoy live music, tasty food, arts and crafts, a parade and even try your hand at chuckin’ cow chips. Each contestant gets two chances to throw the chip as far as they can.
Taste of Madison
Come hungry to the Taste of Madison, Sept. 5-6, when the Capitol Square transforms into one of the city’s biggest food festivals. Try a Dubai chocolate cheesecake, Matcha crepe, duck fat French fries and more at this free, family-friendly event. The Labor Day weekend event also features two live music stages and a fun zone.
Sputnikfest
If you love sci-fi, aliens and all things space-related, you’ll want to check out Sputnikfest, held Sept. 12 in Manitowoc. This weird and wacky festival is held annually to commemorate the historic 1962 event when a 20 lb. piece of Russian Sputnik IV landed in the middle of a Manitowoc street. The free event features alien costume contests, a 5K run/Walk, kids’ activities and other space-themed fun.
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