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Events In South Central Wisconsin
Find the food happenings, culture, live performances, festivals and life style events of Southern Wisconsin right here in Lakes Edition's Events section. Discover the latest on area events, and read featured stories about must visit festivals, venues or celebrations.
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find the schedule Southern Wisconsin events here
Featured Events
The Madison Camper and RV Show
10AM, Fri 30 | Alliant Energy Center, Madison
Join area camper and RV vendors at the Alliant Energy Exhibition Hall. Attendees will discover over 200,000 square feet of campers, RVs, and related vendors for the Madison Camper and RV Show & Sale. Hourly door prizes - must be 18 years old to enter. Need not be present to win.
9AM, Sat 31 | Downtown Sun Prairie
Frozen Fest technically kicks off on Wednesday, January 28th with a free open gym for kids at the Prairie Athletic club. But the heart of the festival celebrating Winter takes place Saturday, January 31st through Sunday, February 1st, with free sled dog demonstration, a Winter and Craft Market, brisk 5K run, an ice carving demonstration at Cannery Square, and various family friendly activities, like the pancake breakfast, Ground Hog Beer Crawl, and movie night featuring Ground Hog Day, and a guest appearance by the legend, Jimmy the Ground hog. All events are free, please visit the city of Sun Prairie website's event section for more details.
7PM, Fri 23 | Memorial Union, Madison
The weekend long, family friendly festival is a joyous ode to Eastern European dance and music. Beginners are encouraged to join in the traditional dancing lines. The event is free and takes place on the 3rd floor of the UW's Memorial Union.
Build & Remodel Expo
12 PM, Sat 24 | Madison Marriott West, Middleton
The Spring will be here soon enough. Get a jump on home remodelling project ideas and contractors. Find vendors from builders, to kitchen remodelling, and window, flooring suppliers. Then take the family to Greenway Station for some shopping and dining. $5 to get in kids under 12 are free. The Expo takes place Saturday, January 24, 9-5, and Sunday, January 25, 10-4pm.
Beloit's Winterfest Celebrate Ice, Snow, and Hot Chocolate
Beloit
The family friendly festival is a joyous ode to Winter indoors and outside. From Bingo at Grinnell Hall and the Indoor Winter Market to ice skating and sleigh rides Visit
www.beloitrecreation.com/winterfest for details.
The 2026 Bald Eagle Watching Days
Sauk Prairie
Flock with fellow birders this Saturday, January 17 - Sunday, January 18th in Sauk Prairies for an up close personal look America's iconic bird of prey. Bald Eagle Watching Days provides visitors with a chance to see Bald Eagles hunting along the open waters of the Wisconsin River and roosting in trees among the bluffs. Visitors can choose to purchase tickets up at the River Arts Center for a bus tour to Ferry Bluff or park at the Overlook at 490 Water Street for optimal viewing from 8-4 on the 17th and 8-2 on the 18th. Also enjoy eagle themed activities for kids at the Ruth Culver Library, and “Native American History and the Spirit of the Bald Eagle” by Art and Dawn Shegonee at the Tripp Museum.
The Beer & Cheese Fest Returns to the Alliant Energy Center
Madison
Madison- For visitors to this year's Beer & Cheese Fest in Madison the brewery and cheese maker product lines might look vastly different than when the one day festival began in 2010. According to a 2025 Gallup poll the consuming of alcoholic beverages in the U.S. reached the lowest point in the survey's 90 history showing that only 54% of Americans saying they drink regularly. READ MORE
Madison
On Saturday, January 18 from noon to 4 p.m., Milwaukee Record will host the second annual Madison edition of N/A Day at The Bur Oak. The “Dry January Beverage Festival”—which is sponsored by Athletic Brewing Company, Clausthaler, Visitor, and Gruber Law Offices—will give people an opportunity to enjoy unlimited samples of more than 50 products in the wide-ranging, ever-evolving, and rapidly-growing non-alcoholic drink market. $20 in advance and $30 at the door.
Madison
Raise your hand if you acquired a new skill or hobby back in either 2020 or 2021? Chances are there are many of you out there now that know how to use a planer or chop saw thanks to COVID-19. Think of those hours you logged on YouTube learning how to install a tile splash guard or crown moulding. You are not alone according to the
Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies.
Read more
Silversterchlausen in New Glarus
Downtown New Glarus
The Zuckerfluss Schuppel of New Glarus presents Silvesterchlausen
New Glarus, WI on Saturday, January 10th, 2026 — The Zuckerfluss Schuppel, in partnership with the Swiss Center of North America, will be celebrating the centuries-old Swiss festival Silvesterchlausen on Saturday, January 10th, 2026. This is the sixth annual Silvesterchlausen performance in New Glarus and has been featured in the Wisconsin State Journal, Our Wisconsin magazine, and on the Appenzeller Late Night Show in Switzerland.
Silversterchlausen is an ancient New Year’s celebration from Appenzell, Switzerland. It is a procession of costumed performers carrying large cowbells and yodeling, making stops throughout downtown New Glarus. New Glarus is proud to have the first and only group from outside of Switzerland to celebrate this festive custom.
This free, family-friendly event will begin at 2:00pm at the Swiss Center of North America (507 Durst Road, New Glarus, WI 53574) and move throughout downtown New Glarus, stopping on street corners to perform so all can enjoy the music throughout the village. The procession will last roughly two hours. An evening of Swiss musical entertainment hosted by the New Glarus Jodlerklub will begin at 6:00pm at The Alpine (130 5th Ave, New Glarus, WI 53574).
Downtown Stoughton
Sons of Norway- Mandt Lodge will go julebukking on Saturday, December 27. We will meet at the lodge at 5:00 to get organized and will head out to sing to members and others! If any non-members are interested in joining the members for this fun evening of song and socializing, you are welcome to do so. We also have a social event planned afterwards. The Scandinavian tradition of Julebukking is the tradition of people wearing face masks and costumes would go Christmas caroling. For more information, contact Darlene Arneson at 873-7209 or arnesonfamily5@gmail.com.
Garver Last Minute Market 2025
Madison
Its all challenging to find that perfect gifts for loved ones during the holidays, luckily there is one last weekend to support local crafters and vendors this Sunday. The Garver last Minute Market 2025 takes place Sunday, December 21st at the Garver Feed Mill, from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Last Minute Local Children's & Youth Book Faire
Cottage Grove
The book fair takes place December 21, 2025
at Doundrins Distilling, 300 Progress Dr., Ste.
Cottage Grove from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Downtown Marshall
This Saturday the Marshall Farm Toy Show and Crafts Looking for new tradition for a holiday event, come to downtown Cuba City for the 3rd annual glow parade featuring wide array of floats and acts decked out in neon lights. The parade promptly begins at 6pm at Presidential Square. Dress warmly, there will be hot chocolate, hot dogs, popcorn, and cheese curds on sale on the square.
Downtown Cuba City
Looking for new tradition for a holiday event, come to downtown Cuba City for the 3rd annual glow parade featuring wide array of floats and acts decked out in neon lights. The parade promptly begins at 6pm at Presidential Square. Dress warmly, there will be hot chocolate, hot dogs, popcorn, and cheese curds on sale on the square.
Downtown Janesville
Ring in the holiday season with this fun family weekend in Janesville, Wisconsin, featuring a wide variety of activities for all ages including ice skating, a lighted parade, live theater, fireworks, a tree lighting, fun run, family entertainment, kids activities and more. Most activities are free or low cost.
Downtown Jefferson
The 29th Annual Holiday Parade of Lights
this Saturday, December 6th at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Jefferson for the 29th Annual Parade of Lights, proudly presented by Generac and “Let Your Light Shine.” Celebrate the magic of the season as dazzling floats, music, and holiday spirit fill Main Street. And take inGallery Night takes place from 5–9 PM, though some participating venues set their own hours. All venues participating in Gallery Night are open free of charge..
Skip Black Friday and Support Local Businesses
Southern Wisconsin Towns
November 30th this year is that much needed counter weight to "Black Friday," that big box media blitz, and videos of shoppers behaving badly we endure during the holiday season. From Grants Pass Oregon to Vermillion Ohio towns across the U.S. recognize small businesses are the community glue, the essential economic heft of the their entire existence.
Read More
Fire & Lights Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
Downtown Sun Prairie
Fire & Lights Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
Saturday, November 25, 2023 Join us in Downtown Sun Prairie for the annual Fire and Lights Holiday Parade followed by the tree lighting in front of the Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museum (SPHL&M)! And special guest appearance from Santa Clause! This event is a partnership between the Sun Prairie Fire & Rescue and the Historical Library & Museum.
Downtown Jefferson
29th Annual Holiday Parade of Lights this Saturday, December 6th at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Jefferson for the 29th Annual Parade of Lights, proudly presented by Generac and “Let Your Light Shine.” Celebrate the magic of the season as dazzling floats, music, and holiday spirit fill Main Street. And take inGallery Night takes place from 5–9 PM, though some participating venues set their own hours. All venues participating in Gallery Night are open free of charge..
Start The Holiday Buying Season Early at The 2nd Makers Market
Edgerton Hospital, Edgerton
Join The Edgerton Hospital this Sunday, November 9 from 9am - 1pm for their 2nd Annual Makers Market! 🎉✨ Dive into a world of creativity where everything on display is proudly handcrafted. We’re excited to showcase the unique creations of local makers at Edgerton Hospital. So, bring your family and friends, join in the celebration, and see what our local crafters have to offer for Holiday gifts and more!
PREVIOUS EVENTS
Freeze Fest Plunges into the Icey Depths On Craveth Lake
Make a final splash farewell to Winter this Saturday in downtown Whitewater. Freeze Fest is back after two years off thanks to COVID-19. Special Olympics will again benefit with both the Polar Plunge and a Chili Cook Off proceeds helping the non-profit out.
What better a combination than a plunge in a frigid lake followed by piping hot chili?
..
The Wisconsin Fishing Expo Returns To The Alliant Energy Center
Anglers and first-timers the Wisconsin Fishing Expo is back in Madison this weekend February 24th - 26th. The two day event takes place in 150,000 sq ft of exhibit space with over 350 booths of fishing supply vendors, to lure manufacturers, antique lure displays, tackle supplies, flying fishing basics, vacation promotions, fishing guides, educational displays and seminars to attend.
..
Red Hat Wearing Strongly Encouraged at Scandihoovian Winter Festival
One Garden Gnomes, brownies, vacation spokes gnomes, DIY gnomes, trolls, smurfs and aspiring elves this is the weekend to shine in Mt. Horeb. Scandihoovian Winter Festival celebrates the best of winter with a red pointy hat nod to the town's Scandinavian culture.
The Mad City Model Railroad Show & Sale Rolls Into Madison
One of the largest model railroad show in the Midwest the Mad City Model Railroad Show & Sale returns to the Alliant Energy Exhibition Hall in Madison for its' 55th year. The annual, weekend long event is put on by the South Central Wisconsin Division (SCWD) a regional member of the National Model Rail Association..
Enjoy Locally Grown and Crafted Goods Indoors At the Whitewater City Market
The weekend weather is cold and cloudy why venture indoors and support local crafters and farms at the Whitewater City Market. The seven year old indoor market features 14 local vendors. .
ICE CASTLES INC. RETURNS TO GENEVA NATIONAL FOR THE 2023 SEASON
Why should the celebration of winter have to end the day after Christmas? Ice Castles Inc. doesn't think the celebrating should stop. 4000 hours of ice craftsmanship, 10,000 handmade icicles the Ice Castles are a labor of detail and passion first brought to fruition in Utah by this event's founder Brent Christensen. Ice Castles is held in four locations across the U.S.
MITCHELL PARK DOMES HOLIDAY SHOW
The Holiday season is one of the best time to take in the domes. The Floral Show Dome is the setting for many seasonal events and themes, and right now the monumental glass-enclosed space is a wonderland of holiday bedazzled, pine trees, chrysanthemums, amaryllis, other plants and hundreds of poinsettias of all shades and sizes.
DETAILS:
W&F: 9am-5pmTh: 9am-8pmSa-Su: 9am-4pm. Last admission one hour before close. Mitchell Park Domes, Milwaukee.
Downtown Janesville Businesses Open Their Doors This Weekend For The Third Annual Shop The Rock Holiday Edition
Make Janesville's historic downtown a day trip destination this weekend for the Shop the Rock Holiday Edition. The event now in its' third year began as collective response from small businesses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Working from home, quarantining, events cancelled, the expansion of online shopping all took their toll on downtown Janesville's restaurants and boutiques.
More
Celebrate Fall in Brodhead This Saturday At AutumnFest
This Saturday is AutumnFest’s 1st year at Veterans’ Park. It is also the first year the fest takes place on the 2nd week of October, a date which ties in nicely with Vintage Shop Hop (VSH.) VSH is a weekend long, statewide event for shopaholics, supporting locally owned, retail. Brodhead’s Chamber of Commerce, the promoters, and organizers of AutumnFest, moved their daylong event from the historic square to Veterans’ Park to
More
Celebrate Southern Wisconsin's Bountiful-Fall Crop At Deerfield Apple Fest
Fall is finally here and for some apple aficionados a pilgrimage to Bayfield Apple Festival and Gays Mills Apple Festival is a worthy daytrip. But with over a dozen orchards within a 25 mile radius of Madison Southern Wisconsin is an equally prime location for a festival. Jeff Moerke, co-owner of the Bittersweet Blessings Farm, an apple orchard in Deerfield saw the potential..
More
Check out the Fall Jefferson Swap Meet & Car Show This Weekend
Over the decade the Fall Jefferson Swap Meet & Car Show has taken on more of a flea market atmosphere says Erick Esse. Erick, one of the event's organizers is the son of Madison Classics founder, Gary Esse.. More
Take Off Into the Night The Flight of Lights Arrives at Dane County Regional Airport
Now in its' Fourth year, the Flight of Lights is finally finding its' own as a free fun annual event for families in the Madison area. "It started as a creative response to the canceling of so many area events, and the stay at home order," says Michael Riechers, Dane County Regional Airport's Director of Marketing and Communications.
2023 Madison Home Expo
Begin the New Year with a new home office or wood flooring or at least a chance to dream about a future DIY home project in 2023 visit the Monona Terrace in downtown for the 2023 Madison Home Expo.
DETAILS:
Fri. Jan 7 2:00pm - 7pm
Sat. Jan. 8 10:00 am - 7pm
Sun. Jan. 9 10:00 am - 7:00pm
Monona Terrace, downtown Madison
The Beloit International Film Festival Returns In Person for Its' 18th Year
It is 2023, almost three years since the COVID-19 virus hit the American shores an ever present pandemic that pushed the organizers of BIFF in 2021 to go all virtual for the first time. This year, the always, well attended film festival returns to cinema screens in downtown Beloit.
PREVIOUS EVENTS
UFO DAY 2021
Harvest Fest
Dane Buy Local Car Show
Rock River Thresheree 2021
An Outdoor Tour Of Art 2021
Coffee Break Festival 2021
Cottage Grove Classics Car Show
Tobacco Heritage Days
Juneteenth Day Celebrations Recognize Historic Day in American History
Summer Festival Season Kicks Off with Synttendai Mai in Stoughton
Strength In Numbers: A Cambridge Area Potters Collective Thrives
Dane County Regional Airport Looks To Make Flight Of Lights An Annual Event
The Beloit International Film Festival: Bringing The World To Beloit And Beloit To The World
Winter Is Alive, A Truly Madison, Carnival For The Season
The Ice Castles Return to Geneva National Resort in Lake Geneva
ONGOING
CONCERTS IN THE PARK RETURN TO CENTRAL PARK IN EDGERTON FOR THE 2025 SEASON
The Arts Council of Edgerton is happy to bring back a musical summer filled with Concerts in the Park. Bring a lawn chair, relax, and listen to an evening of free music! All shows take place at the Menhall Pavilion in Central Park starting at 6:30 pm. Alternate rain dates are noted or will be scheduled at a later date. The Edgerton Band Boosters will provide concessions for sale. Concert attendees will be expected to follow current COVID-19 health and safety guidance such as social distancing and only attending if healthy.
The Arts Council relies on the generosity of many sponsors to make these wonderful events happen at no cost to the community. This year, a special thanks is due to the Wartmann Endowment for the Performing Arts for an especially generous contribution that allowed additional shows to be added.
This year's performers include (from upcoming to future dates) :
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