WISCONSIN — There’s nothing quite like a summer in Wisconsin, with the smell of burgers on a far off grill, emerald green grass and a warm breeze.
And there are plenty of events happening around the Badger State to make the summer even more special.
Here’s your ultimate Wisconsin summer guide.
Milwaukee Area
PrideFest
Dates: June 6-8
Times: Thursday: 4 p.m.-midnight; Friday: 3 p.m.-midnight; Saturday: noon-midnight
Location: Henry Maier Festival Park, 200 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Cost: $18-$25 for single-day ticket
Returning for another year, Pridefest is Wisconsin’s largest LGBTQ+ festival and features a variety of different acts, such as drag performances, dance groups, acrobatics and more. Some of the performers across five stages include Mya, David Archuleta, Icona Pop, Cupcakke, Dixon Dallas and more.
Summerfest
Dates: June 20-22, June 27-29, July 4-6
Times: Noon to midnight
Location: Henry Maier Festival Park, 200 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Cost: Tickets start at $28
Celebrating its 56th year in 2024, Summerfest will take place over three weekends this summer. At the festival, there are 12 stages for live music. But music isn’t the only thing visitors can enjoy. Food, drink, markets, immersive experiences and more are all a part of the Big Gig.
You can read about the festival lineup here.
Cedarburg Strawberry Festival
Dates: June 22-23
Times: Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Historic Downtown Cedarburg, Wis.
Cost: Free
From plain old strawberries to strawberry wine, the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival takes visitors on a stroll along the historic main street. The family friendly festival features artists, shopping, children’s activities, contests, festival food, live music and more.
Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival
Dates: July 25-28
Times: Depends on venue, Veterans Park gates are open July 26, 2-11 p.m. and July 27, 2-11 p.m.
Location: Milwaukee, WI various locations
Cost: $125 and up for Veterans Park, free-$24 for museum, starting at $15 for tours of operations facility
This four-day festival will come with live performances by headliners Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jelly Roll and HARDY as well as interactive exhibits, tours of operations facilities and more. The event will take place over four main areas: Veterans Park, the Harley-Davidson Museum, Harley-Davidson Powertrain Operations and Harley-Davidson Headquarters. Six local dealerships will also host activities at their locations.
Bristol Renaissance Faire
Dates: July 6-Sept. 2
Times: Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Location: 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha, WI 53142
Cost: $16.90-$42.90
A sprawling 30 acres of fun, the Faire offers 16 different areas for performances. That includes an armored joust, the Queen and her Court, amazing arts and crafts, fine spirits, food, dances, parades and entertainers in the street. Many guests come in costume, though that’s not required.
Country Thunder
Dates: July 18-21
Times: Front Gate open Wednesday-Sunday 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Location: 2305 Richmond Road, Twin Lakes, WI 53181
Cost: General Admission $175
Held every year in Twin Lakes, Wis., this country music festival is a weekend experience. Eric Church, Nickelback and Lainey Wilson are some of this year’s big headliners. The festival has several vendors that provide food and beverage for guests.
Jazz in the Park
Dates: June 6-27, July 25, Aug. 1-29
Times: Thursdays: 5-9 p.m.
Location: Cathedral Square, 520 E Wells St., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Cost: Free
This live music event has been around for over 30 years. As the largest weekly free music venue downtown, it attracts up to 5,000 people per week. Those attending can come for Happy Hour, which is from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Music goes from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Shakespeare in the City
Dates: June 15-July 21
Times: 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. depending on the location
Location: Various parks around Milwaukee; check online schedule for more details
Cost: Free
This year’s Shakespeare in the Park will feature nearly 50 performances of four different shows, including “Hamlet,” “Another Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “The Comedy of Romeo and Juliet: Kinda Sorta,” and “Macbeth.” Shows will take place in 14 outdoor locations surrounding Milwaukee, with some having more than one show per day. There will also be structure theatre game sessions.
Wisconsin State Fair
Dates: Aug. 1-11
Times: Sunday–Wednesday: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Thursday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–Midnight.
Location: 640 S 84th St., West Allis, WI 53214
Cost: Free-$18
Wisconsin State Fair this year will celebrate 173 years of tradition. Guests can enjoy everything from the signature Original Cream Puff, free entertainment stages, agriculture exhibits, the iconic Giant Slide, rides in SpinCity, shopping and more.
Madison Area
Madison Farmers’ Market
Dates: April 13-Nov. 9
Times: Saturdays: 6:15 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
Location: Capitol Square, 2 E Main St., Madison, WI 53703
Cost: Free
A tradition in the city, the Dane County Farmers’ Market on the Square features cheeses, flowers, meats and about 275 vendors throughout the year. More than 150 people attend every Saturday. It’s reported to be the largest producer-only farmers’ market in the country.
Madison Jazz Festival
Dates: June 7-16
Times: Varies by concert
Location: Greater Madison
Cost: Varies by concert
The 2024 Madison Jazz Festival kicks off on June 7, with 10 days of jazz across the city. It wraps up with two days at the Memorial Union Terrace. Artists include We Exist! Dee Dee Bridgewater Quartet, B.I.T. Duo, Mr. Chair’s Strings & Things and more.
Concerts on the Square
Dates: June 26-July 31
Times: Wednesdays: 7 p.m.
Location: Capitol Square, 2 E Main St., Madison, WI 53703
Cost: Free
This year’s concerts mark the 25th season with Andrew Sewell as the conductor. It will feature three-time Grammy nominated Latin band Tiempo Libre, Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra’s own concertmaster Suzanne Beia, a collaboration with Kanopy Dance and more. Note that concerts are not rain or shine, so make sure to tune into the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra’s Facebook page for announcements.
Art Fair on the Square
Dates: July 13-14
Times: Saturday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Capitol Square, 2 E Main St., Madison, WI 53703
Cost: Free
Art Fair on the Square is one of the Midwest’s most popular outdoor celebration of the arts. Going into its 66th year, the event will feature music, entertainment, outdoor dining and over 500 artists exhibiting their art. It draws close to 200,000 visitors to Madison’s Captiol Square.
Sun Praire Sweet Corn Festival
Dates: Aug. 14-18
Times: Aug. 14, 6 p.m.; Aug. 15, 6-10 p.m.; Aug. 16, 6-10 p.m.; Aug. 17, noon-11:30 p.m.; Aug. 18, noon-6 p.m.
Location: Angell Park, 200 Park St, Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Cost: Free
The festival is held every third full weekend in August and features 80 tons of Wisconsin grown sweet corn. Note that steamed corn is only sold on Saturday and Sunday while supplies last. There are lots of family-friendly events, regional bands and more.
Taste of Madison
Dates: Aug. 31-Sept. 1
Times: Saturday: 2 p.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-7p.m.
Location: Capitol Square, 2 E Main St., Madison, WI 53703
Cost: Free
An annual labor day weekend event, Taste of Madison is the largest picnic on Capitol Square. It features over 80 food vendors with more than 200 menu items, 27 beverage stands and three live music entertainment stages. All food is priced between $1 and $6. Close to 275,000 people come during the weekend.
The Biergarten at Oblrich Park
Dates: Spring-fall
Times: Monday-Thursday: 4-10 p.m.; Friday: 3-10 p.m.; Saturday/Sunday: noon-10 p.m.
Location: Oblrich Park, 3527 Atwood Ave., Monona, WI 53714
Cost: Free
This Biergarten opened in 2017 to bring new activities and attract more people to Oblrich Park. Within the park, it serves Wisconsin craft beers and ciders as well as food from local farmers, butchers and cheese-makers.
Fox Valley Area
Lifest
Dates: July 11-14
Times: Gates open at 8 a.m. daily
Location: Sunnyview Expo Center, 500 E County Rd Y, Oshkosh, WI 54901
Cost: Full event tickets for youth ages 8-15 are $44.50; for adults ages 16 and up it’s $89
A “Party With a Purpose,” Lifest is one of the largest Christian music festivals in the nation. It features over 100 acts across seven stages. It’s a family-friendly event with activities for all ages. We The Kingdom, Zach Williams, For King & Country and Ben Fuller are some headliners this year.
EAA AirVenture
Dates: July 22-28
Times: Gates open each day at 7 a.m.
Location: EAA Aviation Center, 3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, WI 54902
Cost: $43-$60
For seven days, Oshkosh is home to the sound of roaring jets and planes. At EAA AirVenture, guests can experience aerobatic shows, informative programs, hands-on workshops and so much more. Many fly in for the aviation celebration and even camp on the grounds.
Mile of Music
Dates: Aug. 1-4
Times: Varies, but approximately 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
Location: Downtown Appleton
Cost: Free
Taking place on a one-mile stretch of Downtown Appleton, Mile of Music features more than 200 up-and-coming artists. The shows are free to attend. Now in its 11th year in 2024, the music festival will host artists such as Rainbow Girls, Tommy Prine, Sweet Lizzy Project and more.
Downtown Appleton Farm Market
Dates: June 1-Oct. 12
Times: Saturdays: 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: Downtown Appleton, College Ave.
Cost: Free
More than 100 local vendors sell along a four-block stretch of College Avenue (Appleton Street to Drew Street) during the Saturday markets. Products include produce, handcrafted items, baked goods, flowers and more.
Oshkosh Farmers Markets
Dates: June 1-Oct. 26
Times: Saturdays: 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: 400 & 500 Blocks of N Main St and 100 Block of Church Ave., Oshkosh, WI
Cost: Free
This market features around 130 vendors each week that sell everything from maple syrup to good ole’ Wisconsin cheese. It also includes a taste of live music. The market has been around for more than 20 years.
Waterfest
Dates: June 13, 20 & 27; July 11 & 18; Aug. 1, 8 & 15
Times: Varies by concert
Location: Leach Amphitheatre, 303 Ceape Avenue, Oshkosh WI 54901
Cost: Free for youth 12 and under and for U.S. veterans; ticket prices vary by artist
Taking place on the shores of the historic Fox River in Downtown Oshkosh, Waterfest celebrates the “quality of life” in the Fox Valley Area, according to the event website. Music ranges from Jazz, Pop, Rock, R&B, Blues and Roots.
Other Areas
Hodag Country Festival
Dates: July 11-14
Times: Varies by performance
Location: 4270 River Rd., Rhinelander, WI
Cost: $100-$200
Since its inception, this festival has hosted some of the best country music artists in the country. This year, they’ll host Ashley McBryde, Chris Young, Chris Janson, Bailey Zimmerman and more.
Elkhorn Ribfest
Dates: July 10-14
Times: Wednesday: 3-11 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Location: Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 East Court St., Elkhorn, WI 53121
Cost: Free
This annual event has ribs from professional BBQ champions and back yard grillers. Not only does it have mouthwatering barbeque but also entertainment, flat track racing, an artisan village and more. Armadillo’s BBQ, BBQ King Smokehouse, Howling Coyote BBQ and others are a part of this year’s lineup.
Country Jam USA
Dates: July 18-20
Times: Gates open at 1 p.m. each day
Location: 5775 20th Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54703
Cost: $109 and up
Hardy, Brothers Osborne and Thomas Rhett are this year’s big headliners for Country Jam USA. Now in its 34th year, the event includes over 1,000 onsite campsites at the event’s new home, Eau Claire Event District.
Pulaski Polka Days
Dates: July 18-21
Times: Thursday: gates open at 4 p.m.; Friday: gates open at 1 p.m.; Saturday: gates open at 11 a.m.; Sunday: gate open at 8 a.m.
Location: Pulaski, WI
Cost: Free-$20, depending on day
This annual polka festival last four days and brings thousands of visitors each year from all over the world. From The New Generation to Polish Connection and Chad Przybylski & Polka Rhythms, there are many bands to enjoy while attending the festival.
Venetian Festival
Dates: Aug. 14-18
Times: Varies by event/location
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Cost: Varies based on desired activities
The 62nd Lake Geneva Jaycees’ Venetian Festival is a five-day event that features a carnival, entertainment pavilion, a water ski show, a boat parade and fireworks, an art and craft fair and more.