Get ready to cozy up at some of the best seasonal festivals and experiences across the state! From Oktoberfests, pumpkin picking and cranberry bogging this fall, to wintery light shows and Santa cruises this holiday, there’s something for everyone!
Pictured: Ginormous Pumpkin Festival
- SCARECROW FEST | SEPT. 14, DELAVAN
Enjoy Scarecrow building, pumpkin decorating, food and live music throughout downtown Delavan. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - HARLEY-DAVIDSON MUSEUM BIKE NIGHTS | STARTING SEPT. 19, MILWAUKEE
Every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., grab your bike and join fellow riders (and non-riders) for free live music, fun, drool- worthy rolling sculptures and outdoor food and beverage. All wheels welcome. - FALL FESTIVAL | SEPT. 21, HAYWARD
An annual tradition that celebrates the changing of the seasons with fine art & craft booths, sidewalk sales, food vendors, brat & beer tent, kids’ activities, scarecrow contest and live music downtown. - GINORMOUS PUMPKIN FESTIVAL | SEPT. 28, RIVER PRAIRIE
Free event showcasing giant pumpkins and the artistry and passion of participating growers. Immerse yourself in the biggest pumpkins you’ve ever seen, crisp autumn air, fall flavors and fall colors. - WORLD DAIRY EXPO | OCT. 1-4, MADISON
The world’s only event focused strictly on the dairy industry, offering elite commercial exhibits and dairy cattle. North America’s top dairy cattle compete in seven breed shows for the title of World Dairy Expo’s Supreme Champion. - LEDGE GAMES | OCT. 5, FOND DU LAC
Show off your timber skills and compete in a day filled with beards, flannels, beer, with 100% of event proceeds benefiting education access for students focusing on engineering, manufacturing and technology in the Lake Winnebago Region. - LIGHTHOUSE FESTIVAL | OCT. 4-6, DOOR COUNTY
Air, land-based, boat and adventure tours that offer access to all 11 of the treasured lighthouses in Door County not typically open to the public, including Chambers Island, Plum Island and Sherwood Point Lighthouses. - WISCONSIN SCIENCE FESTIVAL | OCT. 14-20, MADISON
Unleash your curiosity and explore science from every possible angle – 2024’s focus is on agriculture. Staged in venues across Wisconsin, the event welcomes people of all ages to look, listen, feel, touch, taste and discover the wonders of all aspects of the sciences, arts and more through interactive exhibits, hands-on workshops, lectures, demonstrations and conversations with leading researchers and creative thinkers. - GOTHIC HISTORY TOURS | OCT. 18, 19, 25, CEDARBURG
Get immersed in the dark side of Cedarburg’s history with stories and live performances representing hauntings and atrocities from bygone days. More than just ghost stories, the past comes alive in encounters with the ghostly citizens of old Cedarburg through costumed actors, historic photos and a walking tour that includes stops at notorious crime scenes. - OLD FASHIONEDS UP NORTH | NOV. 9, EAGLE RIVER
Northwoods bartenders test their skills for an Old Fashioned- making competition; multiple restaurants participate, with live entertainment in a supper-club feel event. - HOLIDAY FOLK FAIR | NOV. 22-24, WEST ALLIS
Holiday Folk Fair International, America’s premier multicultural festival and a program of the International Institute of Wisconsin, celebrates the cultural heritage of the people living in southeastern Wisconsin. You can explore the ways music, food, dance and art weave together a message of welcome. - THE DOMES HOLIDAY SHOW | NOV. 23-JAN. 5, MILWAUKEE
Stay warm while you’re wowed by the Mitchell Park Domes’ “A Holiday Snow Globe” – a stunning display of winter beauty for all to experience that sits amid a field of hundreds of poinsettias, decorated spruce trees and a polar paradise of playful animals. - SANTA CRUISE | NOV. 29-DEC. 31, LAKE GENEVA
Embark on a magical Christmas cruise to Santa’s North Pole Hideaway. Along your lake tour, enjoy the twinkling lights and displays along the shoreline of Geneva Lake. Cruises run every evening with the exception of Dec. 24 and Dec. 25. - CHRISTMAS CARD TOWN PARADE | DEC. 7, ELKHORN
Elkhorn, also known as Christmas Card Town, will celebrate its 43rd annual holiday parade. Families, local organizations and business groups bring their festive gear and floats and caravan through town to welcome Santa Claus to Elkhorn. - HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS | DEC. 7-15, EAGLE
Stroll through a picturesque Victorian village full of bustling shops, scenic stops and endless good cheer at Old World Wisconsin. Create ornaments, find your family Christmas tree in an old-fashioned pine lot and dash through the snow on a horse- drawn wagon complete with jingling bells. Plus, visit Victorian Santa in his magical toy workshop. - CHRISTMAS TRAINS | DEC. 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21, EAST TROY
Take a magical ride from the East Troy Depot to Santa’s workshop located at Elegant Farmer. Children can visit Santa and take a photo with the jolly elf himself! The trolleys will be heated and bathrooms are available in our East Troy Depot.
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