Discover Wisconsin’s Fall Festivals: A Celebration of Autumn
Wisconsin’s fall season is filled with colorful festivals highlighting the state’s natural beauty and rich local culture. From the lively Sister Bay Fall Fest to the famous Bayfield Apple Festival, these events offer a mix of family fun, delicious food, and unique crafts. Experience and explore the Warrens Cranberry Festival, known as “Cranfest.” Don’t miss the Bavarian charm of Milwaukee Oktoberfest or the family-friendly Pumpkin Patch Festival in Egg Harbor.
Here are our top picks for the best events happening this fall in Wisconsin.
Appleton’s Octoberfest
Location: Appleton
Date: September 28, 2024
Attendees: Over 100,000
Theme: Food and Beverage, Music, Family-Friendly
Appleton’s Octoberfest is one of Wisconsin’s largest fall festivals, featuring over 100 food booths, five stages of live music, and a massive arts and crafts fair. The event spans the city’s downtown, offering a variety of activities for all ages. From delicious local and international foods to lively musical performances, there’s something for everyone. Families can enjoy a special Family Fun Area with games, rides, and entertainment for children.
The festival also hosts a classic car show, where visitors can admire a stunning lineup of vintage vehicles. Featured cars include iconic models like the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Dodge Charger R/T, and Pontiac GTO. This vibrant celebration captures the spirit of autumn in Wisconsin and is a highlight of the season.
Charming Warrens Cranberry Festival
Location: Warrens, Central Wisconsin
Date: September 27-29, 2024
Attendees: Over 100,000
Theme: Food and Beverage, Arts & Crafts
As the “Cranberry Capital of Wisconsin,” Warrens hosts this beloved festival that draws visitors from all over. Explore over three miles of shopping with 850 arts and crafts booths, 350 flea market vendors, and 100 food booths offering cranberry-inspired dishes. The event also includes guided tours of local cranberry marshes, a Sunday parade, and a variety of cooking demonstrations. Don’t miss the chance to take a photo with the giant “Cranberry Guy” statue!
Milwaukee’s Oktoberfest
Location: Pere Marquette Park, Milwaukee
Date: September 27-29 and October 4-6, 2024
Attendees: Approx. 10,000+
Theme: Cultural, Food and Beverage, Music
Milwaukee’s Oktoberfest is one of the largest in the state, offering a lively celebration of German culture. Visitors can enjoy authentic German food, beer, and music, as well as traditional dances and games. The festival is known for its friendly atmosphere and vibrant energy, making it a must-visit for fans of Oktoberfest celebrations.
Door County’s Autumn Charm
Location: Egg Harbor & Bayfield, Door County
Date: October 4-6, 2024 (Bayfield Apple Festival) & October 5-6, 2024 (Pumpkin Patch Festival)
Attendees: Approx. 10,000+ (Bayfield), 3,000+ (Egg Harbor)
Theme: Food and Beverage, Family-Friendly
Door County comes alive with the colors of fall during these festivals. The Pumpkin Patch Festival in Egg Harbor offers pumpkin and scarecrow displays, live music, and carnival rides. Meanwhile, the Bayfield Apple Festival celebrates the region’s orchards with apple tastings, caramel apples, and local artisan crafts. Both festivals offer a delightful mix of seasonal flavors and family-friendly activities.
Pictorial Sister Bay Fall Fest
Location: Sister Bay, Door County
Date: October 11-13, 2024
Attendees: Approx. 5,000+
Theme: Food and Beverage, Music, Family-Friendly
The Sister Bay Fall Fest transforms this charming Door County village into a vibrant autumn celebration. Kick off the weekend with a traditional fish boil on Friday, followed by Saturday’s parade featuring festive fall-themed floats. The weekend is filled with live music on multiple stages, arts and crafts from local artisans, and delicious regional specialties at various food stands. Children will enjoy pony rides and games, while adults can partake in the unique ping pong ball drop.
Rustic Beauty of Hayward and Stone Lake
Location: Hayward & Stone Lake, Northwoods
Date: September 28, 2024 (Hayward Fall Festival) & October 4-6, 2024 (Stone Lake Cranberry Festival)
Attendees: Approx. 5,000+ (Stone Lake), 2,000+ (Hayward)
Theme: Arts & Crafts, Food and Beverage
The Northwoods comes alive during the Hayward Fall Festival, where Main Street becomes a bustling marketplace with over 100 arts and crafts booths. The Stone Lake Cranberry Festival offers tours of cranberry marshes, a craft fair, and a flea market. Both festivals feature live music, dance performances, and seasonal treats like apple fritters and pumpkin spice delights.
Majestic St. Croix Falls Autumnfest
Location: St. Croix Falls, St. Croix River Valley
Date: October 5, 2024
Attendees: Approx. 1,500+
Theme: Arts & Crafts, Family-Friendly
Set against the backdrop of the beautiful St. Croix River Valley, Autumnfest in St. Croix Falls is a one-day celebration of fall colors and local charm. The festival features an art fair with over 50 vendors, food trucks, live music, and a pie-eating contest. Children can enjoy face painting and pumpkin decorating, while the farmer’s market offers fresh local produce and homemade goods.
Planning Your Day at the Fair
Wisconsin’s fall festivals are packed with activities, so a little planning can go a long way in ensuring a memorable experience. Start by marking your calendar for these must-see events, from the Hayward Fall Festival to Milwaukee’s lively Oktoberfest. Whether you’re exploring cranberry marshes in Warrens or browsing local produce at Madison’s Dane County Farmers’ Market, be sure to plan ahead. Check event websites for ticket details, pack layers for the unpredictable autumn weather, and bring cash for local vendors.
To fully enjoy the festivities, consider staying overnight and making it a weekend getaway. Booking a vacation rental on Lake.com offers the perfect way to unwind after a fun-filled day. With a cozy lakeside retreat, you can relax and soak in the beauty of Wisconsin’s fall season, making your festival experience even more special.
