Celebrating its 40th anniversary, this iron-willed event features a 2.4-mile swim race, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile marathon. The Madison course is often pegged as a competitor favorite, and spectators can watch and cheer on the participants all day along the race route. ironman.com
Celebrate fall with great food (harvest apple brats, cranberry turkey wraps, gyros, grilled corn), the wines of hometown Cedar Creek Winery and The Fermentorium craft brews (also made locally). Also see more than 250 juried artists in Art on the Avenue, check out the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, participate in Cedar Creek Winery’s Grape Stomp, listen
Take behind-the-scenes tours of over 170 of Milwaukee’s coolest commercial buildings, breweries, apartments buildings, art galleries, community gardens and more during this fun, mostly free event. Many tours have no charge, while others have a nominal fee that detail Milwaukee’s fascinating history and architectural delights in historic neighborhoods. doorsopenmilwaukee.org
Get ready for a celebration of the state’s fruit at this fun fest. Experience three miles of shopping, a huge Sunday parade and cranberry marsh tours. Also nibble on Cranberries Jubilee, pancakes with cranberry syrup, cranberry cream puffs and even deep-fried cranberries on a stick. cranfest.com
The World Dairy Expo serves as a forum for dairy producers, companies, organizations and other dairy enthusiasts to come together to show animals, exchange ideas, knowledge, technology and commerce. Watch animal competitions, sample dairy delights and meet animals in person. worlddairyexpo.com
Billing itself as “an annual celebration of live culture in all its forms, from dance to yogurt, poetry to sauerkraut” this festival is an eclectic mix of art events, demonstrations, cooking classes and more. Listen to talks on Native American medicines and foods, the future of farming in Wisconsin, kombucha and home brewing, pretzel and cheesemaking,
The town of Shullsburg welcomes visitors to try a variety of Wisconsin’s local cheeses in an event that offers fun for the whole family. Enjoy cheese tasting events, entertainment, craft and food vendors, and other autumn-themed activities. shullsburgwisconsin.org
This free fest has live music, carnival rides, arts and crafts fair and autumn-themed activities available for the whole family to enjoy. eggharbordoorcounty.org/events/pumpkin-patch
This four-day statewide event celebrates science, technology, arts and culture, the natural world and more. Challenge the mind to various science, technology, engineering and math related activities that are fun for adults and children alike. wisconsinsciencefest.org
Every fall, thousands of people gather for this celebrated literary event that connects the active Midwest literary community with the great authors of today. Check out discussions, readings and activities based on the books themselves. wisconsinbookfestival.org