Photo by Visit Milwaukee
SUMMERFEST, MILWAUKEE
June 23-25, June 30-July 2, July 7-8
An event that takes place over three consecutive weekends in downtown Milwaukee, Summerfest is an explosion of live music, fun activities, food and celebration. Musical artists include Jason Aldean, Justin Bieber, Halsey, Machine Gun Kelly and more. Aside from the impressive line-up, you will not want to miss the food of Milwaukee’s best restaurants, including Pitch’s BBQ and Miss Katie’s Diner. summerfest.com
CHEESE CURD FESTIVAL, ELLSWORTH
June 24-25
Dubbed the Cheese Curd capital of Wisconsin, Ellsworth proudly hosts this annual event where it boasts serving 6,000 pounds of curds! Enjoy a variety of dishes where the headlining ingredient is … cheese curds, of course! In addition, you’ll find music, a car show, a vendor marketplace, a cheese curd eating contest, fun run (to help burn off some of those curds) and more than 30 craft beers. cheesecurdfestival.com
RIVERFEST, LA CROSSE
June 30-July 4
A Fourth of July tradition since 1984, this festival is a family friendly celebration featuring the area’s largest fireworks display, a parade, food and entertainment. Self-funded and volunteer-run, the event donates proceeds back to local groups and charities. Musician Sawyer Brown headlines the 2022 event. riverfestlacrosse.com
WISCONSIN STATE FAIR, WEST ALLIS
Aug. 4-14
You’ll find everything from pig races to an 11-story ferris wheel at this annual celebration dating back to 1851. A variety of entertainment, including national acts such as Toby Keith, will take the stage this year. Enjoy all of the classic midway rides, interact with baby farm animals at the Discovery Barn, explore a variety of agricultural exhibits, and indulge in just about anything that can be either deep fried or eaten on a stick. wistatefair.com
EAA AIR VENTURE, OSHKOSH
July 25-31
Aviation enthusiasts from across the globe converge on Oshkosh the last week of July, where they are treated to daily air shows (including two evening shows this year), exhibits and get to peruse the hundreds of aircraft flown in for this annual convention. Special in 2022, the festival celebrates the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force. eaa.org
ART IN THE PARK, LAKE GENEVA
Aug. 13-14
View and purchase beautiful art at this serene setting along Geneva Lake for this 42nd annual event featuring more than 80 artists specializing in a variety of mediums and techniques. Budding young artists can create their own masterpieces to take home. Enjoy a variety of entertainment and refreshments across from Geneva Lake. genevalakeartsfoundation.org
LUMBERJACK WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, HAYWARD
July 28-30
This international competition displays the best of log rolling, sawing, chopping, boom running, speed climbing and more. Watch in awe as amateurs demonstrate such skills in precision, strength, agility and balance needed to pull off these seemingly super-human feats. lumberjackworldchampionships.com