Get ready to enjoy some of the best winter festivals and experiences across the state! From indoor educational experiences to events that signal the start of spring, there’s something for everyone!
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Photo courtesy of Hudson Hot Air Affair
BADGER STATE WINTER GAMES
VARIOUS DATES NOW THROUGH APRIL 6, WAUSAU
Olympic-style sporting competitions for people of all ages and skill levels. Watch competitors compete for medals in various indoor and outdoor events. Dates vary by sport and are subject to change; events run through April 6.
visitwausau.com/badger-state-games/winter-games
WINTERFEST
JAN. 29-FEB. 2, LAKE GENEVA
The 30th annual Winterfest, home to America’s Snow Sculpting Invitational, will welcome back past champions from across the country for an epic skill and artistry competition. See 15 sculpting teams along the shore of Geneva Lake. Winterfest also includes the Downtown Ice Sculpture Walk, beach bonfires, live entertainment and more.
visitlakegeneva.com/winterfest/
GROUNDHOG DAY & FROZEN FEST
FEBRUARY 2, SUN PRAIRIE
Sun Prairie, which proudly holds the title of Groundhog Capital of the World, is the ultimate destination to celebrate Groundhog Day. Legendary groundhog “Jimmy” is known for his perfect record for predicting impending weather. The moment is all part of Frozen Fest, a multi-day celebration from Jan. 26-Feb. 2 that includes several activities and attractions, including sled dog demonstrations, an ice-carving contest, a cardboard sled contest and much more.
cityofsunprairie.com/1472/Frozen-Fest
HUDSON HOT AIR AFFAIR
FEBRUARY 7-9, HUDSON
The 2025 theme for the annual Hudson Hot Air Affair is “Staying Alive in 2025.” This hot air balloon rally and winter festival includes outdoor activities. Visit the website for updated information.
AMERICAN BIRKEBEINER SKI WEEK
FEBRUARY 19-23, HAYWARD
Hayward is home to the largest and most prestigious cross-country ski race with week-long activities to celebrate. Ski your way through the forest on the amazing Birkie Trail, glide across Lake Hayward, cross over the American Birkebeiner International Bridge and hit the finish line on Hayward’s Main Street. More than 40,000 skiers and spectators are expected!
FLANNELFEST
FEBRUARY 22, JANESVILLE
Immerse yourself in spirited, flannel-loving fun at this craft beer festival that also includes games, a cornhole tournament, the quirky lazy man run and a homebrew competition — plus entertainment and food vendors.
downtownjanesville.com/event/flannelfest/
WISCONSIN KIDWIND CHALLENGE
MARCH 1, MADISON
This hands-on renewable energy competition engages students in STEM by bringing small-scale wind turbines or solar devices they’ve built to be tested for power output. Open to the public.
energy.wisc.edu/education/kidwind-challenge
BOCKFEST
MARCH 1, MIDDLETON
This outdoor event, now in its 28th year, celebrates the release of Capital Brewing’s award-winning Blonde Doppelbock and Maibock and features live music, fish toss, 1K Running of the Blondes and food for sale from local vendors.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
MARCH 15, MILWAUKEE
This annual parade, now in its 57th year, is organized by the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin and is the largest St. Patrick’s celebration in the state. It typically attracts between 40,000 and 80,000 spectators who gather to enjoy the festivities, which include numerous floats, Irish performances, live music, Irish wolfhounds and more.
MUTTS GONE NUTS
APRIL 5, OSHKOSH
Back by popular demand, see a dozen of the world’s most talented four-legged performers, in an uproariously funny, comedy dog spectacular that features a Guinness World Record holder and a host of amazing rescue dogs that will dance and perform, leaving you howling for more!
thegrandoshkosh.org/events/2024-2025-events/mutts-gone-nuts-unleashed
MIDWEST HORSE FAIR
APRIL 11-13, MADISON
One of the largest three-day horse fairs in the country, the 44th annual Midwest Horse Fair will welcome over 60,000 equine enthusiasts as they “Journey Home” to the epicenter for the equine community at Alliant Energy Center in Madison. The fair will feature more than 750 horses, 400 exhibitors, 30+ clinicians, 35+ breed and discipline groups and host the largest attended PRCA Rodeo in Wisconsin!
WISCONSIN GRILLED CHEESE CHAMPIONSHIP
APRIL 26, DODGEVILLE
Fun for the whole family, this competition highlights the tasty cheese industry around the state. Enjoy samples, vendors, live music, food trucks and more.
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