Welcome to the Top 10 Events in Wisconsin
Explore the selection of the top 10 annual events and festivals, fairs and celebrations (listed in calendar priority) across the State of Wisconsin, including events in Eagle River, Milwaukee and La Crosse.World Championship Snowmobile Derby
January
Eagle River, Wisconsin
This annual event in northern Wisconsin is the most recognized professional snowmobile race and one of the largest gatherings of "sledders" in the world. More than 300 professional snowmobile racers, some from as far away as Japan, will compete for the world championship and prizes. In addition to the high-speed races, the expected 30,000 spectators can enjoy trail rides and the beautiful scenery of the Northwoods.
For more information visit: www.derbytrack.com
Flake Out Festival
January
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
The Flake Out Festival features Wisconsin's only state-sanctioned snow-sculpting competition - the winner goes on to compete in the national competition. There's also an ice-carving demonstration, horse-drawn sleigh rides, pony rides, children's entertainment, arts & crafts fair, fireworks, music and food.
For more information visit: www.wisdells.com
Subaru American Birkebeiner
January
Hayward/Cable, Wisconsin
The Subaru American Birkebeiner is the nation's largest and most prestigious cross-country ski marathon - approximately 51 kilometers from Cable to the city of Hayward - and draws thousands of cross-country skiers from all over the world.
Skiers interested in a shorter course can register for the Kortelopet, the 23-kilometer sister race with a finish line at the Telemark Resort. Other events include short distance sprints for both elite and citizen skiers, the Jr. Birkie, a competitive race for 10-15 year olds, a children's and a 12-kilometer noncompetitive ski event.
For more information visit: www.birkie.com
Summerfest
June
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Summerfest, The World's Largest Music Festival, is Milwaukee's cornerstone summer celebration, hosting an average of 900,000 patrons annually on the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan at Henry Maier Festival Park.
For 11 days each year, Summerfest attracts the music industry's hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites to its 11 permanent stage areas, including the 23,000 capacity Marcus Amphitheater, which hosts big name talent each night of Summerfest and throughout the summer and fall concert season. Summerfest is also home to nearly 50 diverse food & beverage vendors, offering a variety of local and ethnic fare, as well as four unique marketplaces and interactive exhibits for the whole family.
For more information visit: www.summerfest.com
Lumberjack World Championships
July
Hayward, Wisconsin
Professional male and female lumberjacks and logrollers from around the world compete for one of the largest purses in lumberjack competition. More than 12,000 spectators over the three-day event watch as participants compete in speed sawing, speed climbing, log rolling, and chopping events. Saw-carving demonstrations and displays add to the fun. Spectators can get into the fun and try their hand at pole climbing and logrolling at being a lumberjack with several interactive opportunities.
For more information visit: www.lumberjackworldchampionships.com
EAA AirVenture
July
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh is the home of the world's largest and most significant annual aviation event. More than 10,000 planes of every size, shape and description - home-built, antique and aerobatics planes, plus military and general aviation aircraft from all over the world - are on display along the site's flight line. Visitors can attend any of the more than 500 forums, workshops and seminars offered throughout the event. They also can inspect the planes close-up and watch daily formation and aerobatic flying exhibitions performed by an international crew of expert aerobatics pilots.
For more information visit: www.airventure.org
Irish Fest
August
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Celebrate the legend, as the largest Irish music and cultural gathering in the world celebrates with an eclectic concert of more than 100 entertainers on sixteen stages scattered along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Musicians ranging from tenors and fiddlers to rockers and rhymers, as well as dancers, athletes, artisans, poets and thespians, offer live shows and hands-on instruction. Delight children of all ages with parades, freckle contests, Celtic Canines, storytellers, crafts and genealogy tools. Shop two different marketplaces for jewelry, baskets, knits, art and other treasures.
For more information visit: www.irishfest.com
Cranberry Festival
September
Warrens, Wisconsin
Flooded cranberry marshes filled with a sea of bright crimson cranberries herald in the harvest as the “Cranberry Capital of Wisconsin” celebrates the tart fruit. Cranberry delights of every type imaginable are available to tickle the taste buds. Travelers can take a tour of the marshes Friday and Saturday; or enjoy the sights and sounds of the arts and crafts fair, cranberry parade and live entertainment.
For more information visit: www.cranfest.com
Oktoberfest
October
La Crosse, Wisconsin
One of Wisconsin’s largest autumn festivals, attracting 150,000 people annually, Oktoberfest is an authentic Old-World folk celebration steeped in German tradition. Held along the shores of the Mississippi River, this fall festival transports visitors’ spirits to Bavaria with music, entertainment, arts and crafts, ethnic food, carnival rides, Maple Leaf and Torchlight parades, the Festmaster Ball and the Miss La Crosse/Oktoberfest pageant.
For more information visit: www.oktoberfestusa.com
Apple Festival
October
Bayfield, Wisconsin
A festival featuring more than 40 orchard and food booths with traditional festival foods, as well as apple desserts is fun for all ages. More than 100 artists and crafters, and a grand parade with a band of over 500 musicians playing “On Wisconsin” will entertain. Visitors enjoy ongoing stage entertainment from Big Top Chautauqua, a traditional fish boil, carnival rides and games, and an evening dance in the historic Pavilion on the waterfront. Other attractions include orchard visits (free shuttle), apple pie and peeling contests, an evening boat parade, and the Apple Dumpling Gang prize drawing.
For more information visit: www.bayfield.org/visitor/applefestival
