The Most Epic Annual Events in Wisconsin: Top 10 Must-Experience Festivals (Currently Open)
Wisconsin is a state that loves to celebrate. From the shores of Lake Michigan to the rolling hills of the Driftless Area, every season brings a reason to gather — often with music, food, and plenty of cheese curds. Whether you’re into beer, brats, music, or community pride, Wisconsin’s festivals showcase everything that makes the state unique: its warmth, creativity, and unshakable sense of fun.
This guide highlights the Top 10 Must-Experience Festivals in Wisconsin (Currently Open) — events that define local culture and attract visitors from all over. From small-town parades to world-famous music festivals, each one offers something unforgettable. So grab your calendar and get ready for a year’s worth of legendary Wisconsin experiences.
Summerfest in Milwaukee – The World’s Largest Music Festival
If there’s one event that defines Wisconsin summers, it’s Summerfest. Held along Milwaukee’s beautiful lakefront, this epic celebration of sound and community draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Why You’ll Love It:
Massive Music Lineup: Over 800 acts perform across 11 stages, featuring genres from rock and pop to country and hip-hop.
Scenic Location: The festival grounds stretch along Lake Michigan, offering incredible waterfront views.
Local Flavors: Sample Wisconsin classics like cheese curds, brats, and craft beer between performances.
Best Time to Go: Late June through early July.
Pro Tip: Purchase a multi-day pass to catch a variety of headliners and explore different stages.
Summerfest isn’t just a concert — it’s a cultural experience that captures the energy and diversity of Wisconsin’s music scene.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh – The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration
Every summer, the skies above Oshkosh come alive as the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) hosts AirVenture, the largest aviation event in the world.
Highlights Include:
Spectacular Airshows: Daily aerial demonstrations by vintage planes, fighter jets, and stunt pilots.
Aircraft Displays: Over 10,000 aircraft on display, from home-built planes to massive military transports.
Interactive Experiences: Workshops, pilot meetups, and family-friendly exhibits.
Why It’s Unmissable: This isn’t just for aviation buffs — it’s a one-of-a-kind event that combines innovation, history, and pure excitement.
Best Time to Go: Late July.
Oshkosh transforms into a global aviation hub for one week, offering an experience that’s both educational and exhilarating.
Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis – A True Midwest Tradition
Nothing captures Wisconsin pride quite like the Wisconsin State Fair, held annually in West Allis near Milwaukee. Since 1851, it’s been a showcase of local agriculture, entertainment, and — of course — incredible food.
Top Attractions:
Cream Puffs: The fair’s signature treat and a must-try for every visitor.
Livestock Competitions: See champion cows, horses, and pigs up close.
Rides and Games: The SpinCity amusement area is a hit for families.
Why It’s Special: The fair celebrates everything Wisconsin — from farmers and 4-H kids to local artists and musicians.
Best Time to Go: Early August.
Bring your appetite and your camera — the Wisconsin State Fair is equal parts nostalgic and delicious.
Oktoberfest USA in La Crosse – German Heritage on the Mississippi
When autumn arrives, La Crosse turns into a Bavarian paradise for Oktoberfest USA, one of the Midwest’s biggest and most spirited celebrations.
What to Expect:
Traditional Music: Polka bands and parades fill the streets with joyful energy.
Authentic Cuisine: Enjoy bratwursts, pretzels, schnitzel, and steins of local beer.
Family-Friendly Fun: Carnival rides, dancing, and cultural exhibits make it perfect for all ages.
Why It’s Legendary: La Crosse’s Oktoberfest dates back to 1961 and embodies Wisconsin’s love for community, culture, and craftsmanship.
Best Time to Go: Late September to early October.
Don your lederhosen or dirndl and raise a glass — this festival perfectly balances old-world tradition with Midwest friendliness.
Cranberry Festival in Warrens – Celebrating Wisconsin’s Ruby Red Harvest
Wisconsin produces more cranberries than any other state, and the Warrens Cranberry Festival pays tribute to that legacy with small-town pride and big flavor.
Festival Highlights:
Cranberry Marsh Tours: See the bright red fields in full harvest bloom.
Food Galore: Cranberry pies, jams, and even cranberry wine.
Craft Fair: Over 800 vendors offering handmade goods.
Why It’s a Must-See: It’s one of the largest harvest festivals in the country and a true celebration of Wisconsin’s agricultural heritage.
Best Time to Go: Late September.
Come for the cranberries, stay for the warmth and charm of one of Wisconsin’s friendliest communities.
Lumberjack World Championships in Hayward – Strength and Skill in the Northwoods
Held in the heart of the Wisconsin Northwoods, the Lumberjack World Championships in Hayward pay homage to the state’s logging roots in the most thrilling way imaginable.
Top Events Include:
Log Rolling and Boom Running: Watch pros balance and race across floating logs.
Tree Climbing and Axe Throwing: Tests of precision, strength, and agility.
Family Activities: Kids’ competitions and outdoor exhibits add to the fun.
Why It’s Epic: This event has been featured on ESPN and draws competitors from around the world. It’s a wild, high-energy display of Wisconsin grit and tradition.
Best Time to Go: Late July to early August.
For anyone who loves the outdoors or a good adrenaline rush, this is a quintessential Wisconsin summer experience.
Bayfield Apple Festival – Small-Town Charm with Big Flavor
Each fall, Bayfield — a scenic town on Lake Superior — bursts into color for its beloved Apple Festival. This event celebrates the region’s thriving orchards and close-knit community.
What You’ll Love:
Apple Everything: From caramel apples to apple cider donuts and pies.
Local Vendors: Artisans sell handmade crafts, jewelry, and home goods.
Parades and Live Music: Family fun with a lakeside backdrop.
Why It’s Memorable: The Bayfield Apple Festival has been named one of the “Top Ten Autumn Festivals in North America.”
Best Time to Go: Early October.
It’s wholesome, scenic, and sweet — the perfect fall weekend getaway.
Cheese Days in Monroe – Say Cheese and Celebrate Wisconsin’s Dairy Legacy
You can’t have Wisconsin without cheese, and Monroe’s Cheese Days Festival celebrates the state’s most iconic product with gusto.
Event Highlights:
Cheese Sampling: Taste award-winning local cheeses from master makers.
Swiss Heritage Parade: A nod to the town’s deep Swiss roots.
Alpine Music and Dancing: Authentic performances that make you feel like you’re in the Alps.
Why It’s Special: Monroe is known as the “Swiss Cheese Capital of the USA,” and this event keeps that heritage alive.
Best Time to Go: Mid-September (held every other year).
Between the cheese curds, fondue, and friendly faces, Cheese Days is the ultimate Wisconsin comfort celebration.
Milwaukee Irish Fest – The Largest Irish Festival in the World
Milwaukee’s Irish Fest brings together Celtic culture, community, and incredible music for a celebration that’s second to none.
What to Expect:
World-Class Performers: Over 100 Irish and Celtic acts performing across multiple stages.
Cultural Exhibits: Learn about Irish history, genealogy, and folklore.
Food and Drink: Shepherd’s pie, Guinness, and live Irish dancing all around.
Why It’s Unforgettable: It’s the largest Irish festival in the world — and it happens right in Wisconsin!
Best Time to Go: Mid-August.
If you love music, culture, and lively crowds, Irish Fest is pure joy from start to finish.
Brat Fest in Madison – The World’s Largest Bratwurst Festival
When Memorial Day weekend arrives, Madison becomes the ultimate destination for sausage lovers at Brat Fest, a community-driven event that celebrates Wisconsin’s culinary pride.
Top Features:
Thousands of Brats: Served by local volunteers with proceeds supporting local charities.
Live Music: Regional bands keep the atmosphere upbeat and festive.
Family Fun Zone: Rides, games, and entertainment for all ages.
Why It’s Iconic: Brat Fest combines good food, great music, and a spirit of giving — a perfect reflection of Wisconsin hospitality.
Best Time to Go: Memorial Day weekend in May.
Grab a brat, raise a toast, and join thousands of Wisconsinites in one of the state’s tastiest traditions.
Honorable Mentions – More Festivals Worth the Trip
Wisconsin’s calendar is packed year-round, so here are a few more events you’ll want to keep on your radar:
Lake Geneva Winterfest: Home to the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship.
Brewfest in Milwaukee: A paradise for craft beer lovers.
Door County Lighthouse Festival: Guided tours of the area’s historic lighthouses.
Sawdust Days in Oshkosh: A celebration of Independence Day with fireworks and family fun.
Madison On Tap: A craft beverage festival featuring Wisconsin’s best breweries and cideries.
Each of these adds its own flavor to the Wisconsin experience, ensuring there’s always something worth celebrating.
Conclusion: Celebrate Wisconsin’s Spirit All Year Long
From music lovers and foodies to families and adventurers, Wisconsin’s festivals offer something for everyone. Whether you’re dancing to live bands at Summerfest, watching planes soar over Oshkosh, or savoring fresh cranberries in Warrens, each event showcases the creativity, kindness, and craftsmanship that define this remarkable state.
So don’t just visit Wisconsin — experience it. Mark your calendar, pack your bags, and immerse yourself in the joy, flavor, and tradition of these Top 10 Must-Experience Festivals in Wisconsin. Wherever you go, you’ll find friendly faces, unforgettable moments, and memories that last a lifetime.