What’s the best way to make the most of the fresh air and fleeting colors of autumn in Wisconsin? By celebrating, of course! Join us for these unique festivals special to the state and spend some quality time making memories with the people you love. Whether you’re looking for something to snack on, a one-of-a-kind art piece, live music or a hand-crafted drink, we’ve got you covered with these unforgettable fall fests.
Wo-Zha-Wa Days Fall Festival – Wisconsin Dells
Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall with one of the largest festivals in the state. The three-day celebration of Wo-Zha-Wa Days, whose name means “fun time” in Ho-Chunk, stays true to its name by offering a host of free activities including an arts and crafts fair, live entertainment, an classic flea market, and a Sunday parade with over 100 floats. Kids will love the carnival rides and everyone will love grabbing a bite from the dozens of food vendors. Don’t worry, you can work off the funnel cake with the Wo-Zha-Wa 10k Run or 5k Walk and experience the Wisconsin Dells in a whole recent way.
Wine & Harvest Festival – Cedarburg
Cedarburg’s popular festival is sure to get you in the autumn spirit. Taste the flavors of fall with seasonal foods like harvest apple brats and cranberry turkey wraps, best enjoyed with a glass of wine from local Cedar Creek Winery. Check out the giant pumpkin regatta with 600-pound pumpkin boats, “Art on the Avenue” juried art fair, a classic car show, or the fan-favorite grape stomp competition – bonus point if you roll up your pantlegs and join in!
Octoberfest – Appleton
Join the fun at Appleton’s largest block party! You’ll hear live music on five different stages, taste original German food and take a trip back in time at the License to Cruise car show, featuring over 400 classic cars. And don’t forget to check out the Family Fun area with a whole stage for kids’ entertainment.
Warrens Cranberry Festival – Warrens
What better place to host the World’s Largest Cranberry Festival than the “Cranberry Capital of Wisconsin”? Visit Warrens to celebrate all things cranberry at this favorite fest, where you’ll find arts and crafts, over 100 farm market vendors and a variety of food stands serving unique and delicious cranberry treats. Get an up-close look at how cranberries are made on a guided marsh tour, offered Friday and Saturday. If someone in your group has a competitive streak, enter one of the many themed contests including Biggest Berry, the Marsh Medallion Hunt, or the deliciously messy Cranberry Chiffon Pie Eating Contest.
Gays Mills Apple Festival – Gays Mills
Head to charming Gays Mills in the temperate Kickapoo Valley for this annual fall festival to enjoy all there is to love about apples in autumn. Taste every apple product under the sun, browse the flea market, take a spin at the carnival and be sure to stick around for the large event – Sunday’s Apple Festival parade! And don’t forget to get a selfie with the annual Apple Queen.
Audubon Days Fall Family Festival – Mayville
Audubon Days kicks off with an annual crowd-pleaser – bed races (that’s right – mobile mattresses!) down Main Street Mayville. Kids and teens each get their own dance party to attend on Friday night, while adults can relax over beer and wine tasting and live music. Keep the fun going all weekend with a bags tournament, chicken and pig roast, and the Rock River Rubber Duck Race, where over 4,000 rubber ducks will float down the river to compete for a $2,500 grand prize.
Autumn Fest – St. Croix Falls
See the St. Croix River Valley ablaze with fall color at Autumn Fest, featuring an art fair, food trucks, live music, a pie-eating contest, and a fresh farmer’s market with local favorites. Autumn Fest is all about capturing St. Croix Falls’ unique sense of place and highlighting the natural northern beauty found right in their own backyard – you won’t want to miss it!
Keep the good times rolling at these 6 Great Fall Beer and Wine Festivals, or browse our trip ideas for more tips on getting out and about this autumn!
