Top Festivals in Wisconsin 2025: A Year of Culture, Food, and Music

Overview of Festivals in Wisconsin 2025

Wisconsin’s festivals are as diverse as its landscapes, with celebrations that range from food-centric gatherings to music festivals, arts and crafts fairs, and historical reenactments. The state’s unique identity shines through events like the Cheese Days Festival, which honors Wisconsin’s dairy legacy, and the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, a world-renowned aviation extravaganza.

Seasonal highlights include winter wonderlands filled with snow sculptures, spring tulip festivals, summer music concerts along Lake Michigan, and fall Oktoberfest celebrations. Whether you’re visiting Milwaukee, Madison, or the serene Door County, Wisconsin’s festivals offer unforgettable experiences all year round.

Learn more: Full List of Festivals in the US for 2025: Music, Food, Art, Film, Street and More

Four Seasons of Wisconsin Festivals

List of Festivals in Wisconsin 2025: Significance, Activities

Note: Festival dates and similar events in this state are updated frequently, and times may change. Please report any date errors in the article in the comments below.

January

Lake Geneva Winterfest

• Date: January 27–February 4, 2025
• Location: Lake Geneva, WI
• Significance: Wisconsin’s premier winter celebration and home to the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship.
• Activities:
  • Witness intricate snow sculptures created by master artists.
  • Ice skating, sledding, and horse-drawn carriage rides along the snowy lakeside.
  • Hot chocolate tastings and bonfires with live music performances.
  • Winter crafts markets featuring local artisans.
• Tickets: Free admission; some activities may require fees.
• Transportation: Parking available near the festival; shuttles provided from downtown hotels.

February

Cedarburg Winter Festival

• Date: February 10–11, 2025
• Location: Cedarburg, WI
• Significance: A charming winter event in a historic small town, blending outdoor fun with community spirit.
• Activities:
  • Ice carving contests and chili cook-offs.
  • Wagon rides and outdoor winter games.
  • Tastings of warm mulled wine and locally brewed beers.
  • Indoor arts and crafts fair with unique handmade items.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Parking available downtown; rideshare services recommended for convenience.

Madison Winter Festival

• Date: February 24–25, 2025
• Location: Madison, WI
• Significance: A celebration of winter sports and recreation in Wisconsin’s capital city.
• Activities:
  • Cross-country skiing and snowshoe races in Elver Park.
  • Ice skating rinks and snowboarding exhibitions.
  • Hot cider and food stalls offering Wisconsin classics like cheese curds.
• Tickets: Free admission; fees for race participation.
• Transportation: Public transit to Elver Park encouraged; parking available nearby.

Wisconsin Festival Collage

March

Milwaukee Film Festival

• Date: March 15–24, 2025
• Location: Milwaukee, WI
• Significance: A showcase of international and local films, celebrating the art of cinema in Wisconsin.
• Activities:
  • Screenings of independent films, documentaries, and classics.
  • Panel discussions with filmmakers and actors.
  • Workshops on film production and editing.
  • Evening social events and networking opportunities for cinephiles.
• Tickets: Available online and at the box office; early bird discounts offered.
• Transportation: Accessible via public transit; downtown parking available.

April

Tulip Festival at the Boerner Botanical Gardens

• Date: April 14–21, 2025
• Location: Hales Corners, WI
• Significance: A springtime celebration of blooming tulips and Wisconsin’s natural beauty.
• Activities:
  • Guided tours of the gardens, highlighting thousands of tulip varieties.
  • Photography workshops and art installations inspired by spring flowers.
  • Live classical music performances in the garden amphitheater.
  • Tea parties and picnics with local food vendors.
• Tickets: General admission available online and at the gate.
• Transportation: Parking available on-site; carpooling encouraged during peak hours.

May

Brat Fest

• Date: May 24–26, 2025
• Location: Madison, WI
• Significance: The world’s largest bratwurst festival, celebrating Wisconsin’s love for grilled sausages and community gatherings.
• Activities:
  • Brat-eating contests and grilling demonstrations.
  • Live performances by local and national bands.
  • Carnival rides and games for kids.
  • Charity events supporting local organizations.
• Tickets: Free admission; food and activities are pay-as-you-go.
• Transportation: Ample parking available at the venue; shuttle buses from downtown Madison.

June

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

• Date: June 24–30, 2025
• Location: Oshkosh, WI
• Significance: The world’s largest aviation event, bringing together aviation enthusiasts, pilots, and engineers from across the globe.
• Activities:
  • Aerial displays featuring historic and modern aircraft, including daily airshows.
  • Workshops and seminars on aviation technology and history.
  • Interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and aircraft tours.
  • Nightly fireworks and drone shows.
• Tickets: Available online and at the gate; family and multi-day passes available.
• Transportation: Parking on-site; shuttles provided from nearby cities, including Milwaukee and Green Bay.

Door County Lighthouse Festival

• Date: June 14–16, 2025
• Location: Various locations, Door County, WI
• Significance: A unique celebration of Wisconsin’s maritime heritage, focusing on its historic lighthouses.
• Activities:
  • Guided tours of lighthouses, some of which are rarely open to the public.
  • Boat cruises offering scenic views of the coastline.
  • Photography contests and maritime history exhibits.
  • Local food and drink tastings, including fresh fish and craft beers.
• Tickets: Tour and cruise tickets available online; early booking recommended.
• Transportation: Parking available at major sites; carpooling encouraged due to limited capacity.

July

Summerfest

• Date: July 3–7, 10–14, and 17–21, 2025
• Location: Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, WI
• Significance: The world’s largest music festival, featuring a diverse lineup of artists and drawing millions of attendees annually.
• Activities:
  • Performances by international superstars and local talent across multiple stages.
  • Food vendors offering everything from classic Wisconsin bratwursts to international cuisine.
  • Shopping booths featuring unique merchandise and festival memorabilia.
  • Family activities, including interactive zones and games.
• Tickets: Day passes and multi-day packages available online; children under 10 enter free.
• Transportation: Public transit and shuttle services available; bike racks provided near the venue.

La Crosse Interstate Fair

• Date: July 17–21, 2025
• Location: West Salem, WI
• Significance: A traditional county fair celebrating Wisconsin’s agricultural roots.
• Activities:
  • Livestock shows and 4-H exhibitions.
  • Carnival rides, games, and family-friendly entertainment.
  • Cooking demonstrations featuring Wisconsin’s famous dairy products.
  • Tractor pulls and other rural-themed contests.
• Tickets: General admission available at the gate; ride tickets sold separately.
• Transportation: Ample parking on-site; carpooling encouraged.

Wisconsin Festival Map

August

Wisconsin State Fair

• Date: August 1–11, 2025
• Location: State Fair Park, West Allis, WI
• Significance: Wisconsin’s largest fair, celebrating the state’s agriculture, food, and community spirit.
• Activities:
  • Livestock competitions and agricultural exhibits.
  • The iconic Cream Puff Pavilion, offering fresh pastries.
  • Rides, games, and nightly concerts featuring major acts.
  • Vendors showcasing Wisconsin-made products, from cheeses to craft beers.
• Tickets: Available online and at the gate; discounts for children, seniors, and military personnel.
• Transportation: Public transit to the fairgrounds is highly recommended; limited parking available.

Chequamegon Bay Balloon Rally

• Date: August 16–18, 2025
• Location: Ashland, WI
• Significance: A magical festival featuring vibrant hot air balloons soaring over Chequamegon Bay.
• Activities:
  • Morning and evening balloon launches with breathtaking views of Lake Superior.
  • Tethered balloon rides for attendees.
  • Food vendors offering regional specialties and local drinks.
  • Live music performances and craft markets.
• Tickets: General admission free; fees for tethered rides.
• Transportation: Parking available near the launch area; shuttles provided from downtown Ashland.

September

Cheese Days Festival

• Date: September 13–15, 2025
• Location: Monroe, WI
• Significance: A celebration of Wisconsin’s world-famous cheese-making heritage.
• Activities:
  • Cheese sampling and pairing workshops with local producers.
  • Tours of nearby creameries and dairy farms.
  • Live polka music and traditional Swiss dancing.
  • Cooking demonstrations featuring cheese-focused dishes.
• Tickets: Free admission; some workshops and tours require tickets.
• Transportation: Parking available near the festival grounds; carpooling recommended.

October

Oktoberfest USA

• Date: September 27–October 5, 2025
• Location: La Crosse, WI
• Significance: A vibrant German heritage festival filled with beer, food, and Bavarian traditions.
• Activities:
  • Parades, polka music, and dance performances.
  • Beer gardens featuring Wisconsin craft brews and imported German beers.
  • Bratwurst-eating contests and pretzel-making workshops.
  • Family-friendly carnival rides and games.
• Tickets: Available online and at the gate; discounts for early booking.
• Transportation: Shuttles and public transit options available; limited parking downtown.

November

Door County Fall Lighthouse Festival

• Date: November 1–3, 2025
• Location: Door County, WI
• Significance: A fall-themed extension of the summer lighthouse festival, celebrating the region’s maritime charm.
• Activities:
  • Fall foliage tours combined with lighthouse visits.
  • Seasonal food tastings, including apple cider and pumpkin pie.
  • Photography workshops capturing the autumn scenery.
• Tickets: Cruise and tour tickets available online; family packages offered.
• Transportation: Parking available at major sites; rideshare options limited.

December

Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival

• Date: December 1–31, 2025
• Location: Downtown Milwaukee, WI
• Significance: A dazzling display of holiday lights, bringing festive cheer to Wisconsin’s largest city.
• Activities:
  • Light displays and holiday-themed installations throughout downtown.
  • Ice skating and seasonal markets offering unique gifts.
  • Choir performances and visits from Santa Claus.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Public transit and rideshare services recommended; parking available in city lots.

Conclusion

Wisconsin’s festival calendar in 2025 offers a delightful mix of music, food, culture, and outdoor adventures. From the lively streets of Milwaukee during Summerfest to the serene shores of Door County during the Lighthouse Festivals, Wisconsin provides a year-round lineup of unique and unforgettable celebrations.

FAQs About Wisconsin Festivals 2025

1. What are the biggest festivals in Wisconsin?

• Top events include Summerfest, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, and the Wisconsin State Fair.

2. Are Wisconsin festivals suitable for kids?

• Yes! Festivals like Lake Geneva Winterfest and the Wisconsin State Fair are family-friendly with activities for all ages.

3. When is the best time to visit Wisconsin for festivals?

• Summer is peak festival season, but winter and fall also feature unique events like Lake Geneva Winterfest and Oktoberfest USA.

4. What should I eat at Wisconsin festivals?

• Wisconsin’s festivals are known for cheese curds, bratwursts, cream puffs, and locally brewed beers.

5. Are there free festivals in Wisconsin?

• Many festivals, including Brat Fest and the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival, offer free admission.

6. How can I buy tickets for major Wisconsin festivals?

• Tickets are typically available online; early booking is recommended for popular events like EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

7. What’s unique about Wisconsin festivals?

• Wisconsin festivals celebrate the state’s rich agricultural heritage, world-famous cheese, vibrant music scene, and strong community ties.

8. Are Wisconsin festivals accessible via public transit?

• Many larger festivals offer public transit access or shuttle services; check individual festival details for transportation options.

Plan your visit to Wisconsin in 2025 to experience the vibrant energy, delicious food, and cultural richness of its festivals!

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