Events: Things to Do in WI | Travel Wisconsin

Embrace the Outdoors

No matter the season you visit Wisconsin, there’s something fun happening outdoors, and it’s worth celebrating.

Summertime in Wisconsin means sunshine, water and signature events. Get down and dance-y at the giant 11-stage Summerfest music festival, revel in all things Wisconsin at the State Fair in West Allis or feel the adrenaline rush at EAA AirVenture's airshow in Oshkosh.

When the leaves start to turn, we’re still outside, but now we’re among breathtaking fall colors. Join us at any local pumpkin patch or festival to fully experience Wisconsin’s autumn, like at the Nekoosa Giant Pumpkin Fest. With apples in season, orchards are open for picking and events like the Gays Mills Apple Festival are in full fall swing. And sports events are on full blast at venues like Lambeau Field, where the Green Bay Packers play.

Wisconsin winters may be cold, but that doesn’t stop us from enjoying the outdoors. Winters here are gorgeous, and they mean sports, dazzling holiday light shows and family-friendly festivals all across the state. And when the flowers bloom, shop with us at our many springtime farmers markets and arts & crafts fairs.

Delight in the Unexpected

You might think you’ve got Wisconsin figured out, but we promise there's something unexpected still waiting to be discovered. Sure, Wisconsin has the music and food events we all love, but we’re also home to some of the world’s most surprising fairs and festivals. In Wisconsin, we love an excuse to celebrate!

Where else can boast a festival that celebrates the crash-landing site of a chunk of the ‘60s Sputnik IV satellite? Answer: nowhere else. Manitowoc hosts the one-of-a-kind Sputnikfest, with alien-themed costume contests and out-of-this-world fun for the whole family.

Head to Hayward for the Lumberjack World Championships, where there’s more than just chopping wood. With axe throwing, log rolling, food vendors and live music, this event’s for both the seasoned competitor and the first timer, and the whole family is invited. If you see yourself as more of an artistic lumberjack, visit Eau Claire during the U.S Open Chainsaw Sculpture Championship to see stunningly crafted art made with, you guessed it, chainsaws.

Tantalize Your Taste Buds

Cheese may be king in Wisconsin, but it’s far from the only thing you’ll find at a Wisconsin festival revolving around food and drink.

For the sweet tooth: join us at the Rhubarb Fest in Osceola or the Warrens Cranberry Festival — the largest cranberry festival on the planet. If you’re still feeling hungry, there’s the annual Taste of Madison, which features the best dishes from dozens of local restaurants.

But you can’t leave Wisconsin without trying our award-winning cheese. Here, cheese is an art that goes beyond taste. Head to any cheese festival to learn all our cheesiest craft secrets. Like how a 12-hour fresh cheese curd squeaks when bitten. It’s true, and you can experience it at the Cheese Curd Festival in Ellsworth.

Aside from cheese, we’re also especially proud of our craft beer culture. You’ll see what we mean at our many beer festivals, like the Thirsty Troll Brew Fest in Mount Horeb and the Northeast Wisconsin Craft Beer Festival in Green Bay. For the wine drinkers: we have wine festivals too, like the Door County Wine Fest.

Our Wisconsin brewers and chefs are always finding innovative, local ways to elevate their craft. We like to highlight our homegrown produce, from cranberries to apples, and bring the farm right to the table. Join us anywhere in Wisconsin to experience just how we eat, treat and fine dine.

However long you stay, we know you’ll feel right at home in Wisconsin. Add an event or two to the itinerary, and when it’s time to leave, you’ll do so with memories made, a full stomach and a happy heart.