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EVENTS IN SOUTHERN WISCONSIN
Find the food, culture, live performances, festivals and life style events around Southern Wisconsin right here in Lakes Edition's Events section. Discover the latest on area events, and read featured stories about must visit festivals or celebrations.
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Find the schedule Southern Wisconsin events here
FEATURED EVENTS
June 19-27 | Across Madison
Get ready to get things started at the 2026 Madison Jazz Festival. With a mix of free and ticketed events across nine days, experience everything from cool bossa nova to colossal bop, from world fusion wonders to the future of funk, performed by international stars, best-kept-secret industry insiders, and local favorites. And don’t forget to come to the Terrace on June 26–27 for acts all afternoon and evening. Check out these highlights:
- Headlining on the Terrace, Nate Smith invites you to hang as friends jam, while trombone legend Wycliffe Gordon keeps golden age charts fresh and vital today.
- Stepping into her own after years in Stephen Colbert’s house band, Endea Owens & The Cookout make some of today’s most buzzworthy and versatile jazz.
- A collective of studio- and tour-band musicians from superstar acts in pop, R&B, hip hop, and more, Ghost-Note pushes the boundaries of funk.
- Hometown talent Canção performs breezy, sophisticated bossa nova with its own twist.
Monroe Balloon & Blues Festival
Monroe, WI
Monroe Balloon Rally is the longest running balloon event in Wisconsin. The event FREE and is held over Father’s Day Weekend (Fri-Sat). Hot air balloons, crafts, blues music, beer, entertainment and more
Monroe WI Balloon Rally Jun 20-21st balloons launch Fri 6pm and Sat 6am & 6pm. Balloon glows Fri & Sat at sunset. Parking on the Grounds $3 Admin FREE.
June 20 | Mandt Park, Stoughton
Now celebrating its 6th year is free to all including a kid friendly play zone. Discover local restaurants, vendors and music. Since 2019, the Taste of Stoughton has donated over $19,000 to Stoughton Non-Profit Organizations! Bring your blankets, chairs & kids to enjoy a day of local food, drink, music all while supporting the community! Officially a non-profit organization 501c3 Organization!
Swing & Wings Vintage Dance 2026
June 20 | Kelch Aviation Museum, Brodhead
The Kelch Aviation Museum's wildly popular Vintage Hangar Dance will whisk you back in time with the sights, sounds, and sweet swinging songs of the 1930s & 1940s!
- Live music from the Waunakee Big Band
- Themed drinks (non-alcoholic) and snacks
- Delicious food available from the Ding-A-Ling food truck
- 1940s style dance class and contest
- Costume contest
- Raffles for amazing local goods and aviation adventures
- And of course airplanes!
Hosted at the Kelch Aviation Museum in Brodhead, WI, at N2463 Airport Rd. For more information, please call 608-897-1175, or email info@kelchmuseum.org.
Every ticket purchase supports the museum nonprofit's mission of sharing the joy and science of aviation with one and all.
Marquette Beer, Bacon & Cheese Festival
June 13 | downtown New Glarus
It's the New Glarus Beer, Bacon & Cheese, June 13, 2026 from 1-5 PM! Enjoy live music and unlimited sample size portions of beers, bacons, sausages, and cheeses in beautiful downtown New Glarus, starting at 1:00 PM. All access wristbands are $60 in advance, and a limited number of non-drinker wristbands are available for $30. No wristbands will be available for purchase the day of the event. All attendees must be over 21. Due to the size of the event, we do not recommend strollers; kid slings tend to work better for everyone. For your pup's safety, please leave dogs at home! Water bottles are allowed, and bottled water will be available for purchase. Event takes place rain or shine.
June 13-14 | Yahara Place Park, Madison
The Marquette Waterfront Festival is the official curtain-raiser to the Eastside’s glorious season of summer music festivals. The festival celebrates its 37th year on June 13 and 14, mixing hot local talent with national touring acts on two stages. Here's what's in store for this year's Waterfront:
May 30 | Dodge County Fairgrounds | Beaver Dam
Get ready for a year of discovery at the 2026 Dodge County Flea Market & Craft Fair! Join us at the fairgrounds for a treasure hunt featuring vintage finds, handmade wonders, and unique creations on May 30, June 20, July 25, August 29, September 19, and October 10. We operate rain or shine with both outdoor and indoor shopping, and as always, admission and parking are free.
Kick Off Summer With Hometown Days
May 29-31 Veterans Park | Verona
Our festival has something for everyone, from thrilling carnival rides and delicious food to live music, games and children’s entertainment. With over 50 years of history, Hometown Days has become a beloved tradition and a highlight of the summer season in Verona.
Join us for a weekend you won’t forget, filled with laughter, friendship, and unforgettable memories.
BratFest Returns To Willow Island
May 22-25 | Alliant Energy Center (Willow Island) | Madison
Billed as the World's Largest Brat Festival, it might be the only brat festival on Earth. The Memorial weekend long event is less about celebrating the German sausage and more about selling bratwurst. The sales benefit local charities. Music is also featured at two stages on Willow Island.
Celebrate the Opening of Monroe's Newest Park
May 16 | Pocket Park downtown Monroe
Enjoy Monroe's Night Market this Saturday from 5:00-8:30 PM at the new Pocket Park located just of the historic square. Find a curated selection of local favorites and unique pop-ups:
Vevas Food Truck & Jose's Hot Dogs:
Gourmet eats to keep you fueled.
Cheese Days:
Grab a slice of Monroe's finest tradition.
Busy Bee Floral:
Pick up a "Grab & Go" bouquet to brighten your home.
Custom Trucker Hat Stations:
Design your new favorite accessory on the spot.
Dirty Sodas:
Beyond Crafty and Liquid Chaos.
Beer Garden:
Sip on a cold one while you enjoy the live music.
Be sure to also check out these great downtown, locally owned shops around the square:
Rickety Bridge Soap Emporium | JoAnne Leuenberger | Orange Kitten Yarns | A Lil Somethin | Crafts by Mindy | Facepainting | Daisy's Axe Throwing |
Deprez Cotton Candy | Angie's Kitchen | Main Street Apparel Booth |
Purveyor of Fine Yarns | ira | county b customs | The Pilates Studio | Morgyn's Cupcakes | Ten Dragon Apothecary |
Swing Around Into Stoughton For Synttende Mai
May 15-18 | various locations, Stoughton
Fire off the Summer festival season with Synttende Mai in downtown Stoughton. Synttende (17th) Mai (May) celebrates Norway's Independence and Constitution. Did you know Stoughton once had the largest Norwegian population in the Midwest? Find traditional Norwegian crafts, foods, dancing and much more. Don't forget to stop at Oscar's tent, those who know, know. More
Support Local Artists at the Middleton Art Walk
May 16 | Terrace St, Middleton
Join us for the 2026 Art Walk Middleton, a vibrant celebration of local art and culture hosted by the Middleton Arts Committee. This free, one-day event (10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, May 16) invites visitors to explore the works of dozens of talented artists in a variety of mediums. Enjoy live art demonstrations and music throughout the day as you immerse yourself in the creative energy of our community.
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.
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 Midwest Vintage Flea
The Garver Feed Mill, 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.
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 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
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?
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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.
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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
After a year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 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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