Arts and sports lovers will rejoice in August with plenty of events to choose from! We’ve rounded up nine of our favorite fests happening in August throughout Wisconsin.
By Kristen Rouse | Photo by Holly Leitner; pictured: Venetian Festival in Lake Geneva
Saluting Heroes Balloon Rally
August 1-2 | Rhinelander
Join us at the Saluting Heroes Balloon Rally on August 1-2 at the Hodag Country Fest Grounds in Rhinelander, WI. This spectacular event honors our nation’s and community’s heroes, featuring over 20 vibrant hot air balloons lighting up the night sky. Experience the magic of tethered balloon rides, walk inside an actual hot air balloon, and enjoy live music from local bands. With a variety of food vendors and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone.
salutingheroesballoonrally.com
Neon Nights
August 1-2 | Walworth County Fairgrounds, Elkhorn
Get ready to turn up the excitement again because the Walworth County Fairgrounds is thrilled to announce the return of Neon Nights Wisconsin, presented by Kunes Auto Group!
Mark your calendars for August 1-2 as this electrifying festival lights up the night with another unforgettable weekend of country music magic. After a wildly successful debut, Neon Nights Wisconsin is back and better than ever, promising an experience you won’t want to miss.
National Mustard Day
August 2 | Middleton
Each year on the first Saturday in August, we paint the town yellow. This family-oriented, fun-filled, sun-splashed outdoor food festival features hot dogs, brats, mustard sampling, live music, face-painting, as well as games & prizes for a one-of-a-kind mustard experience.
mustardmuseum.org/mustard-day/
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.
greenlaketownsquare.org/greenlakeartshow
Beloit Kubb Open
August 9 | Pohlman Field, Beloit
Visit Beloit hosts the annual Beloit Kubb Open at Pohlman Field on August 9, 2025. The Kubb Open will have every pitch painted, active referees, Swiss style qualification rounds and cash payouts! Spectators are welcome to spend the day with us and cheer on the teams.
Great Lakes Watercross at North Beach
August 9-10 | North Beach, Racine
Come down to North Beach on August 9 and 10 to see the most exciting event on the water this year! Racers from across the U.S. will bring their best jetskis and fastest times to race on our Lake Michigan closed course. There are race classes from juniors (children) all the way to masters (age 50+), and racing happens all day Saturday and Sunday.
Venetian Festival
August 13-17 | Lake Geneva
Venetian Festival features a weekend of great family entertainment including a craft fair, carnival, water ski show, traditional festival food and a beer tent featuring live music. This is all capped off on Sunday with a traditional Venetian style lighted boat parade followed by the area’s largest fireworks display over Geneva Lake.
Great River Folk Festival
August 22-24 | Riverside Park, La Crosse
Since 1976, the Great River Folk Festival has celebrated the folk arts in the Driftless Region, including music, dance, original artwork, crafts and performance. We recruit talents from across the Midwest and throughout the country to create an exceptional experience in a relaxed atmosphere in beautiful Riverside Park.
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, August 30 and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday, August 31.
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