10 Family Festivals You Can't Miss This Summer

From warm days on the lake and summer sunsets, to cooking brats on the grill and enjoying an ice cream cone, summer in Wisconsin is something to celebrate. The state is dotted with all kinds of fun summer festivals—here are some kid-friendly kinds that the whole family can enjoy. 

Strawberry Festival – Cedarburg 

Cedarburg’s delicious Strawberry Festival draws thousands of strawberry lovers each year, gathering to taste all sorts of strawberry foods, browse art by hundreds of Midwest artisans and, of course, celebrate a favorite summer fruit.

For a real hoot—and some Instagram-worthy moments—enter your kids in the strawberry shortcake-eating contest or the strawberry bubble-gum-blowing contest. Live music, outdoor fun and plenty of fresh, delicious strawberries – what more could you ask from a summer weekend?

EAA Airventure - Oshkosh

Experience a legendary Wisconsin tradition by bringing the family to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture in late July. Visitors fly in from near and far for the world's largest gathering of recreational pilots and aviation enthusiasts. And while many attendees know and love aviation, everyone is welcome to join the celebration and be a part of the excitement. You’ll watch dazzling aerobatic displays, find hands-on workshops, tour vintage aircrafts and even take a ride of your own.

Ice Cream Sundae Thursday – Two Rivers

Did you know that Two Rivers is the birthplace of the Ice Cream Sundae? Visit this iconic town for 25-cent ice cream sundaes, live music and plenty of children’s entertainment at this annual event. Get in on the action by participating in the ice cream eating contest that’s open to both kids and adults! 

Riverfest – La Crosse

La Crosse goes all out when it comes to Riverfest, a volunteer-run festival that celebrates the beauty of Wisconsin’s Coulee Region over 4th of July weekend. New country artists are featured each year, as well as family-friendly activities, food and fireworks. Plus, proceeds go toward local groups and charities!  

Northern Wisconsin State Fair – Chippewa Falls

The Northern Wisconsin State Fair in Chippewa Falls always brings big-name performers along with plenty of other fun for your whole group like carnival rides, tasty food stands, livestock, educational exhibits and 4-H displays that kids will love. 

German Fest – Milwaukee

“Get Your Deutsch On” at this year’s German Fest in Milwaukee, which features five stages of entertainment along with German food favorites, family activities, polka music, Sheepshead lessons, a Dachshund Derby and, of course, fireworks. Put on your best lederhosen or a dirndl and head out the door to enjoy this special Wisconsin event. 

Sweet Corn Festival – Sun Prairie

Few things scream “summer in Wisconsin” more than sweet corn. This Sun Prairie festival kicks off with a downtown parade, and continues with a craft show, carnival rides, concessions, live music, a petting zoo and plenty of sweet corn throughout the five-day event.

Roofing of the Goats Parade and Festival – Sister Bay

You may know about the goats that hang out on top of Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant in Sister Bay, but have you ever been to the goat parade? Head up to Door County to celebrate this annual tradition by joining in the parade (fun costumes encouraged) and participate in the delicious pancake eating contest. After the parade, your family will love watching the goats be transported to the grassy roof for the summer season. This is one festival you can’t find anywhere else.

Dairy Days Celebration – Platteville

Wisconsin’s dairy industry is something to celebrate, and Platteville's Dairy Days Celebration features a parade, amusement park rides, an arts & crafts fair, live entertainment and truck and tractor pulls. And of course, you and the family are sure to get your fill of delicious dairy treats! 

Alpaca Odyssey – Two Rivers

Bring the kids to see adorable baby alpacas at this annual event in Two Rivers. Admission is one non-perishable food item for the local food pantry, so this cuteness is for a good cause! There will also be live music, llamas that the kids can feed, local vendors and even more animals from Wildlife of Wisconsin.

Do you love Wisconsin’s unique festivals? Test your knowledge with our Fest or Fiction game and keep up to date with events this weekend.