Photo: Wisconsin State Fair
Looking for great outdoor entertainment this summer? Check out these dozen summer fairs and festivals scattered around our great state.
ROOFING OF THE GOATS PARADE AND FESTIVAL,
JUNE 14 | AL JOHNSON’S, SISTER BAY
This parade begins in downtown Sister Bay in Door County, and heads to Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant. It culminates with the roofing of the first goats of the season at Al Johnson’s. The Goat Parade is followed by Al Johnson’s Annual Goat Fest, located at Stabbur Beer Garden next door. Goat Fest features live music, kid’s games, beverages, food and a Swedish Pancake Eating contest. Other local businesses will also be celebrating with specials.
CEDARBURG STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
JUNE 28-29 | DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT, CEDARBURG
Enjoy everything strawberry, from strawberry shortcake to strawberry wine. Festival goers can stroll along the historic main street and find that perfect treasure at the arts and crafts fair called “Art on the Avenue.” There is so much to do: live music on stages all over town, unique shopping, children’s activities, demonstrations, fun-filled contests, festival food and much more, all weekend long.
SUMMERFEST
JUNE 19-21, JUNE 28-28, JULY 3-5 | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK, MILWAUKEE
This affordable music festival presents more than 160 artists across 12 stages, taking place three weekends in a row. Since its inception in 1968, Summerfest continues to distinguish itself as a premier national music festival. The festival kicks off with its Big Bang fireworks show on Thursday evening, June 19. Daily tickets at $30 each, three-day and nine-day passes also available for purchase.
LA CROSSE RIVERFEST
JULY 2-5 | RIVERSIDE PARK, LA CROSSE
Riverfest was established in 1983 to create and hold a family festival with “something for everyone.” Held annually in Riverside Park over the 4th of July weekend, Riverfest invites everyone to enjoy the fireworks (July 4), live entertainment, arts and crafts, food and festivities and realize the beauty of this area’s parks and rivers.
IOLA CAR SHOW
JULY 10-12 | IOLA CAR SHOW GROUNDS, IOLA
What started in 1972 as an afternoon with about 20 cars has grown into an annual event featuring 2,500 show cars, 4,000 swap spaces, 1,600 campsites, 350 for sale car corral spaces and fantastic food vendors. The event offers free parking, free admission for children 12 and under and daily tickets for $20. Be sure to check out the line-up of special guests, concerts, pin-up contest, unveilings and other ceremonies.
HODAG COUNTRY FESTIVAL
JULY 10-13 | RHINELANDER
The Hodag Country Festival has been proud to host some of the best country music artists since its inception in 1978, “Bringing live country music to the North.” Campsites open Saturday, July 5, for nine days of up-north camping on the festival grounds. The hodag was originally described as a “fearsome critter,” claimed to have been discovered in Rhinelander in the late 1800s, but later admitted as a hoax.
COUNTRY THUNDER MUSIC FESTIVAL
JULY 17-20 | TWIN LAKES, WISCONSIN
This annual country music festival takes over the fields in rural Kenosha County for a four-day outdoor celebration. Dierks Bentley, Jelly Roll, Cole Swindell and Hardy headline this year’s stages along with more than two dozen other performers. Stay all weekend at the campground or purchase single day tickets.
EAA AIRVENTURE
JULY 21-27 | EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH
For one week each summer, EAA members and aviation enthusiasts totaling more than 500,000 from 80 countries attend EAA AirVenture, where they rekindle friendships and celebrate the past, present and future in the world of flight. From daily air shows, aerobatics and pyrotechnics to forums, workshops, and demonstrations, AirVenture has something for everyone, from aviation novice to enthusiast.
APPLETON MILE OF MUSIC
JULY 31-AUGUST 3 | DOWNTOWN APPLETON
Mile of Music isn’t quite like any other festival you’ve experienced before. More than 200 artists take the stage on one of over 40 indoor and outdoor stages throughout downtown Appleton. This free event covers a mile-long stretch in downtown Appleton, with plenty of food options from restaurants, bars and food trucks.
WISCONSIN STATE FAIR
JULY 31-AUGUST 10 | WISCONSIN STATE FAIR PARK, MILWAUKEE
The 174th annual State Fair features everything iconic about a fair – rides, animals and musical entertainment… and then there’s the food. From cream puffs to food on a stick, fairgoers can graze their way through the grounds, opting for selections from some of the hundreds of vendors serving up traditional fair food along with new, more adventurous options.
GREEN LAKE FINE ART SHOW
AUGUST 9-10 | GREEN LAKE TOWN SQUARE COMMUNITY CENTER
This fine art show has been a staple in the community since 1973. As a juried show, it features over 70 accomplished artists presenting works in a variety of media, including clay and pottery, fiber, glass, printmaking, jewelry, metal, mixed media, oil and acrylic painting, pastel, photography, sculpture, watercolor, and wood. The event also includes live music and food and drink vendors.
TASTE OF MADISON
AUGUST 30-31 | CAPITOL SQUARE, MADISON
This free event features 80+ food vendors, a variety of beverage options, and live music entertainment all day. Vendors are situated on all four sides of the Capitol and offer almost every cuisine imaginable, along with wine, beer and seltzers. Festival hours are 2-9 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday.
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