Celebrate the season’s bounty with the following fall festivals in Wisconsin. From apple extravaganzas to maple fests, these events are sure to get you in the autumnal spirit.
Sept. 7: Crafty Apple Fest
Chilton
Grab your flannel and head to Hobart Park/Calumet County Fairgrounds for Crafty Apple Fest, taking place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. With its small-town charm and festival spirit, this event is the perfect way to kick off the fall season, featuring an assortment of seemingly endless autumnal fun. This includes the Bad Apple Car Show, chainsaw carving demonstrations, live music from Cahoots Band, apple pie-eating contests, a touch-the-truck event for kids, bounce houses, pumpkin bowling, and a fair with over 200 craft, food, and artist vendors. To eat, guests can indulge in apple pies, sundaes, caramel apples, and down apple and pumpkin beer from Rowland’s Calumet Brewing Co.
Cost: General admission and parking are free, but the event is subject to purchases.
For more information: chiltonchamber.com.
Sept. 14 to Sept. 15: Maple Fall Fest
Marshfield
Indulge in all things fall and maple during Maple Fall Fest at Wildwood Park & Zoo. This two-day annual event will feature over 150 art and craft vendors to browse, a potato pancake breakfast, a maple village with maple-infused treats, axe throwing, jazz and ballet performances, a beer garden, and more for all ages. The 32nd edition is a sweet way to experience fall flavors, taking place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: General admission is free, but the event is subject to purchases.
For more information: visitmarshfield.com.
Sept. 27 to Sept. 29: Warrens Cranberry Festival
Warrens
One of the largest celebrations to take place in Warrens, the highly-anticipated return of Warrens Cranberry Festival is set from Sept. 27 to Sept. 29 for its 51st edition. This exciting fall festival in Wisconsin celebrates all things cranberry with over 800 art and craft vendors, 300 flea market booths, 100 farmers market booths, a marsh walking tour, a pancake breakfast, a parade, and more to honor the tart berry.
Cost: General admission is free, but the event is subject to purchases.
For more information: cranfest.com.
Sept. 27 to Sept. 29: Gays Mills Apple Festival
Gays Mills
Gays Mills Apple Festival, held on the last weekend of September, is a charming event highlighting the region’s rich apple-growing heritage. The festival, in its 65th year, features an assortment of family-friendly fun, including parades, carnivals, arts and crafts, flea markets, live music, fun runs, an assortment of apple-infused goods to indulge in, and other festivities taking place daily.
Cost: General admission is free, but the event is subject to purchases.
For more information: gaysmills.org.
Sept. 27 to Sept. 29: Harvest Fair
West Allis
If you’re looking for a taste of fall at one of the state’s most iconic venues, Harvest Fair is the place to be this autumn, returning for its 31st year. Held annually at the Wisconsin State Fair Park, this event offers everything from pumpkin bowling to scarecrow-making contests. The Harvest Fair is a family-friendly event that includes a farmers market, a petting zoo, carnival rides, pony rides, and various delicious seasonal foods. Event-goers can also enjoy free live entertainment at this fall festival in Wisconsin, with performances by Hairbangers Ball, V Funk, Brewtown Beat, and more. Harvest Fair will take place on Friday, Sept. 27, from 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Most activities are free, though select rides are $1 per person.
For more information: wistatefair.com.
Oct. 3: Zoo Brew at Milwaukee County Zoo
Enjoy hops with hyenas at Zoo Brew at Milwaukee County Zoo, an autumnal event perfect for beer enthusiasts. This unique annual event will feature food and drink samplings from various beer gardens around the zoo, including U.S. Bank Gathering Place, Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country, and Peck Welcome Center. Live music will enhance the experience, taking place after hours from 7 to 10 p.m. This fall festival in Wisconsin is a great way to discover an assortment of local beers, all while supporting the zoo’s conservation efforts.
Cost: $75 per person or $20 for designated drivers. $60 per person for zoo members.
Tickets: zoosociety.org.
Oct. 18: Wisconsin Whiskey Festival
Milwaukee
Nothing says fall like a cozy glass of fiery whiskey from the Wisconsin Whiskey Festival, taking place at the Baird Center. This sophisticated fall festival in Wisconsin is sure to warm you up with over 150 whiskies from 35-plus local and national distillers to sample from. In addition to glasses of brown liquor, guests can enjoy an assortment of eats and educational sessions on distilling.
Cost: General admission starts at $135 per person.
Tickets: ticketsignup.io.
Oct. 18 to 20: Sister Bay Fall Fest
Door County
Celebrating its 78th year, Sister Bay Fall Fest is a beloved tradition in Door County. This fall extravaganza will feature three days of family-friendly fun, with an assortment of exciting activities like live music performances, a classic derby race, and a variety of food vendors offering seasonal delights, including the yearly favorite fish boil and pancake breakfast. The autumn festival also features a huge arts and crafts fair and the famous Fall Fest parade.
Cost: General admission is free, but the event is subject to purchases.
For more information: sisterbay.com.