Make the most out of the final three-day weekend of the summer and take a well-deserved break to celebrate your hard work. It’s not Labor Day weekend in Wisconsin without friends, family and fun things to do. Check out the following list to find something that everyone can enjoy.
Walworth County Fair
Elkhorn
If you still haven’t gotten your fix of fairs yet this summer then you’re in luck, Walworth County Fair will be open Friday through Monday, all Labor Day weekend long. The Walworth County Fairgrounds will be home to live music shows, amusement rides and food festivals galore. But this isn’t your typical county fair; the entertainment is extravagant. This family-friendly festival offers events like pickle-eating contests, live butterfly releases and horse races. Stop in for a crispy corn dog, stay for the show and spend your Labor Day weekend in Wisconsin under the shiny lights. Day pass tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for kids. For more information, visit walworthcountyfairgrounds.com.
Taste of Madison
Madison
There’s nothing better than kicking back on the grass with an ice-cold beer and some cheese curds, especially when celebrating Labor Day weekend in Wisconsin. Fortunately, Taste of Madison will be commemorating its 40th anniversary in style this holiday weekend by hosting the biggest picnic that Capitol Square has ever seen. This free event begins Saturday afternoon and lasts through Sunday evening, showcasing over 70 food vendors, an abundance of beverage options and live music all weekend long. So be sure to test out some tasty finds while showing support for your favorite Wisconsin small businesses. Whether you’re into Ben’s Soft Pretzels with cheese sauce or the Tipsy Cow’s PBR-battered fish tacos, it’ll be nearly impossible not to try out something new at this bottomless bash. For more information, visit tasteofmadison.com.
Third Ward Art Festival
Milwaukee
If you’ve been searching for another reason to visit Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward, Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to do so. The 11th-annual Third Ward Art Festival returns Sept. 3 and Sept. 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Without spending a dime, you can get to know the works of over 100 local artists who create everything from ceramics to paintings. On top of the amazing artwork, there will also be live music and delicious food. The surrounding area invites guests to explore the vast array of restaurants, bars and shops that make the Third Ward so unique. So if you’re longing for a holiday weekend filled with creativity, culture and cheer, stop by the Third Ward Art Festival. For more information, visit historicthirdward.org.
Labor Day at Lake Lawn Resort
Delavan
Send off the summer with a celebratory stay at Lake Lawn Resort. The holiday weekend festivities begin Friday and carry on through Sunday, including live entertainment, lakeside golf and lawn games. Make a splash at the pool or take to the lake to rent a paddleboard, Jet Ski or even a speedboat and watersports equipment. Or if you’re looking for something more large scale, be sure to look into Lake Lawn Resort’s double-decker boat tour, where you can voyage out to sea above the stunning Delavan Lake waves. And It’s not Labor Day weekend in Wisconsin without a grill out. Luckily, Lake Lawn Resort will be hosting a Pig Roast Lawn Party on Sunday evening, featuring beer-broiled chicken, mesquite-smoked Texas-style brisket and Tito’s sweet relish potato salad. For more information and pricing, visit lakelawnresort.com.
Riverfront Jazz Fest
Stevens Point
Feast your eyes and bless your ears at the annual Riverfront Jazz Fest this Labor Day weekend. Prepare to be immersed in heavenly jazz music, fabulous foods and a sunny outdoor atmosphere. Beginning on Saturday afternoon and ending Sunday evening, you can show your appreciation for local jazz musicians while listening to the sounds of summer beneath the stars. So bring your family and friends to the stunning Pfiffner Pioneer Park in Stevens Point for an unforgettable evening surrounded by scenery and songs. For more information, visit riverfrontjazzfestival.org.
Labor Day Water Ski Show
Pewaukee
Spend your Labor Day basking in sunshine and summer breeze at the charmingly colorful Pewaukee beachfront. Dip your toes in the water and take advantage of the of dishes, desserts and refreshments available at the variety of unique storefronts just across the street. Stop by The Chocolate Factory for a sub and a sweet scoop, or check out Beach Bum Bakery for freshly baked croissants, quiches and doughnuts. Top off your Monday evening by viewing the show-stopping Labor Day Water Ski Show put on by the Pewaukee Lake Water Ski Club at 6:30 p.m. Water skiers in colorful costumes perform a show of tricks and stunts, creating an entertainment-filled experience. For more information, visit plwsc.org.
St. Francis Days
St. Francis
Step right up! St. Francis Days is back and better than ever. The carnival begins Friday at 6 p.m., and the festival itself lasts until Sunday evening. Throughout the span of the weekend, you can expect plenty of live music, appetizing foods and thirst-quenching beverages served from beer and wine tents set up throughout the fairgrounds. In addition to fair fun, you can’t miss out on the St. Francis Days Parade, which teams up with Stars & Stripes Honor Flights and begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Afterwards, check out a classic car show before attending a concert at the main stage or taking a spin on the tilt-a-whirl. For more information, visit stfrancisdays.org.
Firemen’s Labor Day Celebration
Hillsboro
This patriotic event spans the entire holiday weekend and honors Labor Day by fundraising to support Hillsboro’s volunteer fire department. The celebration kicks off on Friday and offers plenty of fun activities all weekend long. You can support local farmers by browsing the farmer’s market for fresh Wisconsin produce and baked goods. Or you take a spin on the carnival rides to feel the carefree spirit of summer while you still can. There will be more than enough food and beverage options available inside the Firemen’s Beer Tent & Kitchen each day. This star-spangled extravaganza also offers live music and entertainment. And as the weekend comes to a close, you can complete your Labor Day weekend in Wisconsin by cheering on Vernon County’s largest Labor Day parade on Monday, the final day of the celebration. For more information, visit hillsborowi.com.
Laborfest
Milwaukee
End your weekend by helping support union members of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council by attending Laborfest, a massive festival on Milwaukee’s Lakefront. Free and open to the public, Laborfest begins Monday at 11 a.m. with a parade kickoff at Zeidler Union Square. The celebration then continues at the Summerfest Grounds, offering lakefront live music, a classic car show and even children’s entertainment, including science and magic shows. Laborfest is the perfect finale to Labor Day weekend in Wisconsin, as it allows for fun in the sun and the ability to show gratitude for union members’ generosity and sacrifices. For more information, visit milwaukeelabor.org.