Taste of Madison
Wisconsin is a trailblazer in attracting national-level events, creating new festivals and exhibits and just showing our visitors a good time. On any given weekend, there are so many options for something to do that we like to think of our state as the “origin of fun.” Below is just a sampling of some summer events you can enjoy with friends and family in 2010.
Travelers looking for year round travel ideas, tips and events can discover their own fun at TravelWisconsin.com. Or become a fan on Facebook at Facebook.com/TravelWisconsin or follow along on Twitter at Twitter.com/TravelWI.
JUNE EVENTS
Verge Music Festival – Milwaukee, June 4-5, 2010
Outta Sight Kite Flight – Kenosha, June 5-6, 2010
Milwaukee Air & Water Show – Milwaukee, June 11-13, 2010
Walleye Weekend Festival – Fond du Lac, June 11-13, 2010
25th Annual Strawberry Festival – Cedarburg, June 26-27, 2010
JULY EVENTS
Beloit Riverfest – Beloit, July 9-11, 2010
Art Fair on the Square – Madison, July 10-11, 2010
Bristol Renaissance Faire – Kenosha, July 10 – Sept. 6, 2010
46th Annual Port Washington Fish Day – Port Washington, July 17, 2010
Midsummer Festival of the Arts – Sheboygan, July 17, 2010
2nd Annual Taste of Wisconsin – Kenosha, July 30-Aug. 1, 2010
African World Festival – Milwaukee, July 31, 2010
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER EVENTS
Great River Jazz Fest – La Crosse, Aug. 5-8, 2010
Sweet Corn Festival – Sun Prairie, Aug. 19-22, 2010
Artstreet – Green Bay, Aug. 27-29, 2010
Taste of Madison – Madison, Sept. 4-5, 2010
Lake Geneva Wine Festival – Lake Geneva, Sept. 10-11, 2010
2010 Summer Events and Activities Detailed Descriptions
Verge Music Festival, Milwaukee Verge Music Festival, Wisconsin’s newest music fest, will be held on the Summerfest grounds in Milwaukee. This two day festival targets alternative music fans and will feature Three Days Grace, AFI and Weezer, among others. 1-800-745-3000; www.yourmusicfest.com June 4-5, 2010
Outta Sight Kite Flight, Kenosha – This unique festival offers stunt kite demonstrations by professional fliers, giant show kites, stunt kite flying lessons, kite contests, kitemaking workshops and kite flying fun for all ages. Bring your own kite or purchase one at the festival. Admission is free. 262-653-4005; www.kenoshaevents.com June 5-6, 2010
Milwaukee Air & Water Show, Milwaukee – The 2010 Milwaukee Air & Water Show takes place at Bradford Beach on the shores of Lake Michigan. This free show will treat the Greater Milwaukee area to the high-flying action of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Golden Knights as well as other military and civilian aircraft. Water acts also will thrill the crowds as they gather with friends and family near show center, Bradford Beach. 414-727- 5820; www.milwaukeeairshow.com Jun 11-13, 2010
Walleye Weekend Festival, Fond du Lac – Walleye Weekend, Fond du Lac’s signature family event, has been luring more than 100,000 people to Lakeside Park for the past 33 years. The familyland area features a children’s entertainment stage, balloon artists and much more. The festival also features five music stages with live performances from regional and national acts, and more than eight sporting events including the featured Mercury Marine National Fishing Tournament. Admission, parking, shuttles, attractions and entertainment at Walleye Weekend are free to the public. Through its efforts, Walleye Weekend benefits more than 100 non-profit organizations. 920-923-6555; www.fdlfest.com June 11-13, 2010
25th Annual Strawberry Festival, Cedarburg – The sweet smells of strawberries fill the streets of historic Cedarburg, as the city takes to the street to celebrate the delicious fruit. This strolling festival includes live music, hayrides, a strawberry pancake breakfast, a “Strawberry Bob” contest, Plein Air Painting Competition and everybody’s favorite, the strawberry pie and sundae eating contests. Arts and crafts shows and strolling clowns and magicians make this event a family favorite. 1-800-CDR-BURG/237-2874; www.cedarburgfestivals.org June 26-27, 2010
Beloit Riverfest, Beloit – More than 65,000 people are expected to attend this annual four-day music festival, featuring three stages and a wide variety of bands and performers. A classic rock fest, featuring more contemporary rock groups, takes place Saturday night. National acts perform each evening. 608-313-1200; www.beloitriverfest.com July 9-11, 2010
Art Fair on the Square, Madison – With nearly 500 artists from across the United States, Art Fair on the Square is one of the largest and most popular juried art fairs in the Midwest. Visitors can browse among the sculptures, paintings, photographs and other creative works for sale. The fair, food vendors, live music, dancing and other entertainment, occupies eight blocks around the State Capitol building. 608-257-0158; www.mmoca.org July 10-11, 2010
Bristol Renaissance Faire, Kenosha – A magical 16th century village is re-created to celebrate the food, games and crafts of Elizabethan England. Hundreds of costumed performers offer continuous entertainment on 16 openair stages and in the village streets. Highlights include a joust on horseback, Queen Elizabeth I and her glittering court, Robin Hood, a festive kids’ kingdom and craft demonstrations. Open Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day. 847- 395-7773; www.renfair.com July 10-Sept. 6, 2010
46th Annual Port Washington Fish Day, Port Washington – Port Washington’s lakefront is the site of this family-oriented event billed as “The World’s Largest One-Day Outdoor Fish Fry.” The day includes a parade, live entertainment on the five stages, affordable family entertainment, a kid zone, arts and crafts, a classic car show and fireworks. 1-800-719-4881; http://www.portfishday.com July 17, 2010
Midsummer Festival of the Arts, Sheboygan – Join us for the John Michael Kohler Arts Center’s Midsummer Festival of the Arts. The festival supports artists by nurturing the connection between artists and the public. More than 135 artists from California to New York exhibit one-of-a-kind and limited-edition works of art on the tree-lined grounds. 920-458-6144; www.jmkac.org/artsfestival July 17, 2010
2nd Annual Taste of Wisconsin, Kenosha – One Great Lake…Countless Great Tastes. Taste of Wisconsin brings the tastes, flavors and cultures of Wisconsin together in one amazing three-day celebration on Kenosha’s breathtaking lakeshore. Savor the flavors of 50 specialty food and beverage vendors, all serving up true Wisconsin specialties. Also enjoy three stages of live music, culinary demonstrations, nutrition seminars, special exhibits and fun children’s activities. Taste of Wisconsin is produced by the Kiwanis Club of Western Kenosha to support local charities. Free admission. 1- 800-654-7309; www.tasteofwi.com July 30-Aug. 1, 2010
African World Festival, Milwaukee – This fest, held along the Lake Michigan shore, links the best of tradition with contemporary lifestyles. African artisans demonstrate heritage activities including tribal art and face painting. Vendors display an array of colorful clothing, art and souvenirs with an African and African-American twist, while the rhythms of gospel, R&B and blues music fill the air. And don’t forget the delicious variety of food. 414-372-4567; www.africanworldfestival-milwaukee.com August 1, 2010
Great River Jazz Fest, La Crosse – Jazz lovers won’t want to miss hearing some of the finest jazz in the Midwest played all weekend near the scenic Mississippi River. Nationally known musicians perform on the stage and in after-hours jam sessions. 608-791-1190; www.lacrossejazz.com Aug. 5-8, 2010
Sweet Corn Festival, Sun Prairie – The delicious smell of steamed sweet corn fills the air as more than 100,000 visitors take to Angell Park to celebrate one of America’s favorite summer treats. More than 70 tons of the mouthwatering corn is sold during the event, which also includes family entertainment, a kiddie korner, animal tent, live bands, carnival rides, midget auto racing and craft shows.1- 800-400-6162; www.sunprairiechamber.com Aug. 19-22, 2010
Artstreet, Green Bay – Artists from throughout the U.S. take to the streets of downtown Green Bay to celebrate the many aspects of art at this free community event. With visual and performing arts, fine arts, ethnic foods, entertainment and children’s activities, Artstreet is a fantastic family festival. 920-435-5220; www.artseventsinc.com Aug. 27- 29, 2010
Taste of Madison, Madison Held each year over Labor Day weekend, the event showcases more than 65 local restaurants, 20 beverage stands and four entertainment stages. Admission to the event – which includes hours of live entertainment – is free and open to the public.608- 226-4780; www.madisonfestivals.com Sept. 4-5, 2010
Lake Geneva Wine Festival, Lake Geneva – The Lake Geneva Wine Festival presents a spectacular schedule of events including seminars, a grand tasting, fine cuisine and a fine wine auction. Wine and culinary enthusiasts will enjoy the talents of nationally recognized vintners and chefs as they share their knowledge and expertise in a beautiful lakeside setting. 262-245-8635; www.lakegenevawinefestival.com Sept. 10-11, 2010