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Events Around Our Lakes
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 New Glarus Beer, Bacon & Cheese Fest
Downtown, New Glarus, WI
”BBCF” is set in the heart of beautiful downtown New Glarus, WI, with our fantastic vendors lining the streets. While you're here, be sure to explore the many amazing shops in the area. Or better yet, plan to come back and spend a long weekend with us—there's so much to see and do!
Oompa Oompa And Lots Of Accordians At The Return of New Glarus' Polkafest
Downtown, New Glarus, WI
Get ready to dance, sip, and celebrate at Polkafest! This lively two-day festival brings free polka music and dancing to downtown New Glarus, inviting everyone to kick up their heels under the big tent. Enjoy local beer, great company, and nonstop entertainment as we honor the legacy of Roger Bright, a beloved local musician and bandleader who made a lasting impact on the polka world. Whether you're a lifelong polka fan or just looking for a fun way to spend the weekend, Polkafest is the place to be! And event better, it’s all totally FREE!
Celebrate and Support Our Chain of Lakes Participating
In Loop The Lake
Downtown, Madison, WI
Support clean, healthy lakes with Clean Lakes Alliance’s 13th Annual Loop the Lake Bike Ride, presented by Lake Ridge Bank. Loop the Lake is an at-your-own-pace bike ride around Lake Monona on Saturday, June 14th that raises funds to protect and preserve Greater Madison’s lakes. Make a day of it while you enjoy entertaining and educational activities at many parks along the route. Join us on the official Monona Lake Loop by starting and ending at Olbrich Park (3527 Atwood Avenue, Madison) on Saturday, June 14th, 2025. The course will be open from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. so that riders can ride at their own convenience. An optional group start will take place at 9 a.m. Riders will travel 13.8 miles clockwise around Lake Monona. Most recreational bikers will finish in around two hours.
Celebrate The Lake At The Marquette Waterfront Festival
Downtown, Madison, WI
Join Madison Eastsiders in celebrating the 36th annual, Marquette Waterfront Festival. The two day fete (Saturday, June 14 to Sunday, June 15) will feature two stages of music, a terrific array of vendors from local businesses, artists and restaurants, as well as craft beer and wine tents. Kids games, the Dandelion Dash (Saturday, 11:30 a.m.) will return as well. On Sunday morning, join or watch the River Alliance’s Fools’ Flotilla! The zany boat parade takes off from Tenney Park locks at 10:30 a.m. down the Yahara River toward the park.
Put A Little Bacon On Your Weekend
Downtown, Elkhorn, WI
Join the bacon enthusiasts from across the state at the 2025 Bacon Fest, Friday, June 6 - Sunday, June 8th. Bacon donuts, bacon ice cream, bacon costumed fest attendees, bacon cheese spreads (courtesy Glas All Naturals), Peanut butter bacon (from the Peanut Butter Pig), The Lumpia Lady, LLC will be serving up smoked bacon wrapped sausage jalapeño with cream cheese, and many other vendors will be serving their bacon inspired creations. There will be also
live music and of course more bacon.
Bacon Fest takes place at the Walworth County Fairgrounds in Elkhorn Friday, June 6, 3PM - 10PM, Saturday, June 7, 11AM - 10PM, and Sunday, June 8, 11 AM to 5PM to close out the pig fete, for more information visit the official,
Bacon Fest website.
VERONA HOMETOWN DAYS
Enjoy thrilling carnival rides and delicious food to live music, games and children’s entertainment taking place Friday, June 6 - Sunday, June 8 at Hometown USA Festival Park behind the Verona Ice Arena at 451 E Verona Ave. For More information visit their website at https://veronahometowndays.com/
Cars On The Square Returns To Monroe
Downtown, Monroe, WI
Join the Cars on the Square CLASSIC cars show featuring classic American cars around all four sides of the historic downtown square. Multiple food vendors will be stationed on the north side of the square selling hotdogs, ribeye sandwiches, snow cones, and more!
Cars on the Square takes place Friday 6/6/2025. 1016 16th Ave, Monroe. Parking starts @ 4:30 Enter from the northwest corner of the square at the corner of 9th St & 16th Ave.
Memorial Day Celebrations Around Southern Wisconsin Fest
Warner Park, Madison, WI
Parades, flag raisings, flyovers and solemn services across Southern Wisconsin mark this year's tribute our heroes. After the outdoor grilling, consider taking time to honor our veterans this Monday.
Locally scheduled observations.
1st Annual, Farm To School Aid
Troy Gardens, Madison, WI
Farm to School Aid is a music festival featuring several local bands, food vendors, and activities for children to support our farm to school work.
Savor from local food vendors, Cafe Costa Rica, Mango Man, Delicious Lassis, radishes and salads grown by local students, brownies from Graze. Music starts at 2 PM, family friendly kids activities, high school students leading sewing activities for kids. Jumbo Connect Four, large yard games. Local bands include: Tani Diakite & the AfroFunkstars, Cris Plata and Extra Hot, Free Dirt, and Dan Walkner Band with Teresa Marie of the People Brothers Band.
Spring Into Summer Fest
Wet Bottoms Marina, Edgerton, WI
Come out for the annual Spring Into Summer music festival, a full day of live music sponsored by the Arts Council of Edgerton. Enjoy local and regional talent while relaxing outdoors with friends. Line up includes: Rollin’ Whiskey, Some Friends of Mine, Floyd & Associates, and That 70s Band. 50:50 raffles will take place as well. Donations made at this festival will benefit local arts scholarships in the Edgerton community. Spring Into Summer Fest takes place Wet Bottoms Marina, 723 E Ellendale Rd, from Noon to 11 pm.
The Midwest Madison's Alternative To The Bigger Sausage Fest
Warner Park, Madison, WI
Vegan Sausage Fest is finally back. Find great locally made vegan sausage based dishes, a welcome alternative to the high caloric fest that is Memorial Day weekend. Local vendors participating this year include: 1146 Vegan, Aztec Kitchen, Chef at Large, Chunky Scones, Fresh For Life Organics, Green Owl Cafe, Libby's Corner Kitchen, Pig Minds Brewing Co, and The Vibrant Veg. Vegan Sausage Fest takes place May 24 from 1 - 4 pm at Warner Park. The festival also features live entertainment, vendors selling vegan and related products and special education focus on vegetarian lifestyle topics and sustainability.
The World Series Of Euchre
New Glarus, Wisconsin
A rare card game where two players join forces to compete a team of two other players as you play through a deck of cards looking for "tricks" to play. "tricks" are combinations of aces, kings, queens, jacks or 10s and nines with the goal of being the first to score a total of 10 points. If you know the game then then New Glarus is Valhalla this weekend, Saturday May 17 to Sunday, May 18.
The 2025 Synttende Mai Kicks Off the Summer Festival Season
Downtown Stoughton, Wisconsin
On 17 May, 1814 Norway’s constitution (the third oldest in the world) was signed into law. The document created aimed to declare independence for the Norwegian people even though at this point in the country’s tumultuous history they were bound by political maneuverings to a joint alliance with Sweden ruled by King Oscar. Every year since 1951 descendants of Stoughton’s Norwegian immigrants and the larger community get together and celebrate the 17th of May or Synttende Mai.
UnCork Me Wisconsin
Breese Stevens Field, 917 East Mifflin Street, Madison, WI
Stop playing wine roulette. Instead of gambling on a $20 bottle of wine just to find out you actually HATE zinfandels, grab your Uncork Me Wisconsin tickets and sample over 100 locally crafted Wisconsin wines, meads, and ciders. Round up your friends, find your new favorites, and never get wine aisle anxiety ever again. Uncork Me Wisconsin is your opportunity to discover your new favorite wine, mead, or cider. Featuring over 100 varieties, all crafted by local Wisconsin producers, this event celebrates the best of what the state has to offer. Whether you prefer bold reds, crisp whites, sweet meads, or refreshing ciders, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This event is for guests 21 and older.
The Midwest Vintage Flea
3241 Garver Green, Madison, WI
Midwest Vintage Flea is Wisconsin’s premier vintage fashion trade show since its founding in 2016. The free event happens twice a year, Spring and Fall, and has made residency at Garver Feed Mill since 2021. The show selects a mix of 45 prominent and emerging applicants in the field, and facilitates a 2-day indoor elevated shopping event on Saturday and Sunday with music, courtesy staff, and food & beverage. The event is a production of Good Style Shop, LLC, a vintage clothing store on Madison’s isthmus.
The Midwest Vintage Flea Spring 2025 is Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11, 2025 at Garver Feed Mill. General admission is free. Doors open to the public on Saturday at 11AM til 6PM, and again on Sunday 10AM til 4PM.
The North American Grand Nationals Martial Arts Championship
The North American Grand Nationals Martial Arts Championship brings together top competitors to showcase their skills in an electrifying tournament. Open to children and adults, this tournament features a wide range of divisions and styles, with trophies for the top competitors. Competitor check-in begins at 10 AM, with the tournament beginning at 11 AM. Concessions will be available for purchase.
$20 for spectators at the door; $80 for competitors registering before May 2; $100 at the door (Free Parking)
The North American Grand Nationals Martial Arts Championship takes place at the
Holiday Inn Express/Janesville Conference Center - 3100 Wellington Place - Janesville Saturday May 3 - Sunday May 4 beginning at 10:00 AM.
Madison's Print & Resist Zine Fest Is Back This Weekend
Madison Print & Resist Zine Fest is a day-long festival of political print media, zines, experimental publications, and prints related to the world of art, do-it-yourself culture, and political action. The event brings together subversively creative print/media artists including zine makers, printers, poster-makers, and other self-published artists and writers to share their work with the Madison area community.
More
Rock County Mega Sale
Rock County Fairgrounds, Craig Center, Janesville
Bouncy house, face painting, essential oils, vintage photos, rummage, 3D printed items, crafts, stained glass, pies, bird feeders, crafts, handmade soaps, jewelry, crafts, photos, sticker and pins, books, toys and more. The Rock County Mega Sale takes place 1300 Craig Avenue at the Craig Center on the Rock County Fairgrounds this Saturday, April 12th.
The 2025 Midwest Horse Fair
Alliant Energy Center, Madison
The largest three day event in the nation returns for the 45th year. The Midwest Horse Fair put on by the Wisconsin Horse Council features over 400 vendors, a rodeo, horse judging event for the FFA, Working Equitation Challenge, International Liberty Horse Association competitions and Canadian actress
Amber Marshall of the popular and long-running TV series
Heartland on CBC. A one day pass is $25 while a 3-day pass will set you back $55. The Alliant Energy Center is located at 1919 Alliant Energy Way, Madison. The 3 day event takes place Friday, April 11 through Sunday, April 13th. Have a feisty horse? Ride the trails at
Gibbs Lake County Park minutes from the Alliant Energy Center, or
Magnolia Bluff
just south of Evansville.
The 2025 Wisconsin Film Festival
Downtown Madison
Thursday, April 3rd is the first day of this popular 10 day, Madison festival devoted to international, independent, shorts and locally-made films. The WFF has again expanded its' footprint this year's venues include (no-Frank Productions/Live Nation sites thankfully) the Barrymore Theater, the Bartell Theater, and on the UW campus, the Cinematheque and Music Hall. The only venue outside of downtown is the Flix Brewhouse on Madison's far east side (Eastown Mall) which will feature the later in the calendar events. For more information visit
https://wifilmfest.org/
The Spring Craft and Vendor Fair
Monona
Find local crafters and vendors selling their latest wares at the East Side Club. Discover hand knitted items, soaps, leather products, t-shirt designs, candles, photographs, pottery and more. The East Side Club is a great place to visit for its panoramic views of the Madison skyline and the Capitol along the shores of Lake Monona, the East Side Club offers a wide range of choices for any banquet, corporate meeting, wedding, anniversary, fundraiser, business or social event upstairs from the event. The Spring Craft and Vendor Fair is free and takes place Saturday, Apr 5, 2025, 9:00am to 3:00pm at 3735 Monona Drive in Madison.
The 2025 Spring Crafty Fair
Madison's East Side
The Crafty Fair was created in 2009 by Rosy Hawbaker. The Crafty Fair's mission is to bring a different kind of craft show experience. To offer handmade items from artists across Wisconsin and surrounding states to Madison shoppers. This is a way to support local artists, and feel great about your purchases, and to meet the people who create it.​
The Crafty Fair takes place at Goodman Community Center, but
Rosy Hawbaker is the organizer. Please direct your questions to her.
Visit thecraftyfair.com for more information
The 2025 Badger State Nationals
Demolition Derby
This Friday, Friday, Friday, March 21st is the Championship day for the weeklong derby that started on Monday at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. Demolition categories include vans, compacts, super stock, trucks and bone stock full-size. Price: Tickets range from $15-$80. Seats are general admission. See website for more information. Smaller derbies are taking place at the Holland I and Holland II Pavilions. The Alliant Energy Center is located at 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison.

2025 WIAA Boys Basketball Tournament In Madison This Weekend
Planning on a weekend getaway in the Capitol City? Not this weekend, hotels are fully booked for the Boys Basketball tournament at the Kohl Center Friday, March 21 - Saturday, March 22. Restaurants, bars in the downtown will likely be crowded, it's best to avoid Madison's Isthmus entirely this weekend. Unless, you are big basketball fan, picking up a game at the KOHL Center, Division I basketball might afford you a glimpse of a future NCAA star, or the next Tyler Hero or Tyrese Halliburton.
Saint Patrick's Day Parade Downtown Monroe This Monday
Enjoy Green County's largest and oldest Saint Patrick's Day Parade, in downtown Monroe. Why is the parade on Monday? March 17th A.D. 493, is the official global celebration of Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick. The 17th is official death date of Saint Patrick and considered a religious and cultural holiday for Catholics worldwide. The parade kicks off at exactly 5:17 pm.
Paddle Into Canoecopia 2025 For The Weekend
Canoecopia is the largest consumer paddle sports show in the world. Over 250,000 square. feet of exhibits and more under the roof at Madison's Alliant Energy Center.. Name sake canoes, kayaks, stand up boards, clothing, camping and boating gear, paddles of course and many other outfitters from Wisconsin, the Midwest and beyond.
Southern Wisconsin's Largest Bicycle Sale Is Back
Join us on March 7th, 8th, and 9th 2025 for Southern Wisconsin's Largest Bicycle Sale in March. You can comparison shop, test ride, accessorize, and buy from all bicycle brands in one place! There is also entertainment for kids featuring face painting and TJ Howell Comedy Juggler & Unicyclist. BikeORama Takes place at the Alliant Energy Center's New Holland Pavillion #1, Madison.
The Wisconsin Art Hub In Downtown Cambridge Features Local Young Artists At First Friday
Mark the first Friday of each month down in your calendars and join us for an Opening Reception! Each month a NEW exhibit featuring a different Artist will be celebrated. Enjoy art, conversation, light hors d'oeuvres, laughs and of course sip on one of the delicious beverages Art Hub has available for purchase. The Opening Reception takes place MARCH 7th, 6PM-8PM Exhibit up through March 21st and features Cambridge School District students.
The Spring Vintage Shop Returns To Towns Across Southern Wisconsin
Spring is just around the corner. which for shopaholics and wannabees means the early March version of Vintage Shop Hop is here. The days are longer, the sun set later making a shopping junket weekend with the girlfriends all the more enjoyable. And with over 400 locally owned antique and vintage stores participating having a strategy is a good idea if you plan to shop until closing time..
promotions.
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.
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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