This Labor Day weekend in Wisconsin calls for live jazz, food festivals and endless fireworks displays. Read on for 10 events to check out throughout the state this holiday weekend.
Taste of Madison
Madison
Since 1983, Taste of Madison has been a Labor Day weekend must-attend in Wisconsin. The annual festival in Madison features over 80 local restaurants, offering a little taste of just about every cuisine, including Ben’s Soft Pretzels, Bob’s BBQ Emporium, Common Pasta and Thailand in a Truck, taking place Sept. 2 and Sept. 3 at Capitol Square. Wash these yummy bites down with ice-cold suds from the beer garden while jamming out to entertainment from one of the three stages. Taste of Madison isn’t just for the 21-plus crowd and offers activities for all ages. Children can enjoy face painting and games. Admission is free, and food and drinks are purchased with tickets.
For more information: tatesofmadison.com.
Lake Lawn Resort Labor Day Weekend Getaway
Delavan
Memories that last a lifetime will be made during Lake Lawn’s Resort in Delavan Labor Day Weekend Getaway. Enjoy splish-splashing at the pool and gather the family for game night around a fireplace. On Sept. 2, don’t miss the build-your-own ice cream social, and it’s the weekend so go ahead and take the occasion to enjoy all the fixings, even the cherry on top. Lake Lawn’s Labor Day Pig Roast Cookout on Sunday features a whole spit-roasted hog, jalapeno-cornbread muffins with maple butter, beer-braised bone-in chicken and more. Paired with family-friendly lawn games and live entertainment, it’s a weekend to remember.
To book: www.lakelawnresort.com.
Riverfront Jazz Fest
Stevens Point
A beloved Labor Day weekend tradition returns in Stevens Point at Pfiffner Park. Recognized as central Wisconsin’s largest free jazz festival, Riverfront Jazz Fest kicks off Saturday, Sept. 2, at 2 p.m. with John Greiner’s Four Brothers, followed by Tony Castañeda Latin Jazz Sextet and Ben Wendel Group. Settle in with a comfy blanket or in chairs on Sunday when UWSP Faculty Jazz Sextet starts at 3 p.m., followed by Daddio and Ryan Keberle and Catharsis. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic or enjoy food for purchase on-site.
For more information: www.riverfrontjazzfestival.org.
H-D Q: End-of-Summer Sale & Picnic
Milwaukee
Rev the engines: Harley-Davidson is hosting a four-day Labor Day celebration in Milwaukee that you’ll be racing to get to. Live music from Screamin’ Cucumbers on Bike Night on Thursday, Aug. 31, kicks off a jam-packed weekend of festivities, including a pig roast from MOTOR Bar & Restaurant, a pancake breakfast and Bloody Mary bar, model year ‘23 motorcycle demos, tattoo demos by artists The Skin Museum, Flat Out Friday Boonie Bike Races and Division BMX Stunt Shows. The H-D Museum will be open for 120th Anniversary merchandise, gifts and apparel. The event is free to attend.
For more information: www.harley-davidson.com.
Kites Over Lake
Two Rivers
Soar your way through Labor Day weekend in Wisconsin at Kites Over Lake in Two Rivers, a free annual event that raises money for local nonprofit service clubs, local scholarships and community projects. Expect incredible displays of giant kites, precision stunt teams performing awe-inspiring aerial ballet with kites, and on-ground activities. Activities are wind-dependent so be sure to check the forecast morning of Sept. 2 and Sept. 3 For the kiddos, be sure to earmark the free kids’ kite-making on Sunday from 9 to 11 a.m. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
For more information: manitowoc.info.
MLB: Brewers vs. Phillies
Milwaukee
If hot dogs, cold beers and the good-ole American pastime baseball are calling your name, you are in luck! Batter up at home for the Milwaukee Brewers this Labor Day weekend against the Philadelphia Phillies at American Family Field. On Saturday, Sept. 1, the first 30,000 ticketed guests that enter will get a Brewer’s fleece vest. On Sunday, Sept. 2, enjoy the Sunday Fun-Day bundle with four Terrace Outfield Tickets, four Jr. hot dogs, four Jr. sodas and one general parking pass for only $59.
Tickets: www.mlb.com/brewers/schedule/2023-09.
Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark
Lake Geneva
Bid adieu to summer with a bang at Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark’s last fireworks show of the summer on Sunday, Sept. 3. During the day, enjoy the 50,000-sq.-ft. indoor/outdoor water park with 35-ft.-high slides and 500 feet of Lazy River for those who prefer to float their way through Labor Day weekend in Wisconsin. The Sunday Fireworks Package includes an overnight stay in a one- or two-bedroom suite, four waterpark passes, fireworks display lakeside of the resort at Grand Geneva, a fireworks gift basket with goodies like light-up toys and candy, and 2-for-1 indoor rock climbing.
To book: www.timberridgelodge.com.
Walworth County Fair
Elkhorn
Close out summer at one of Wisconsin’s oldest and largest county fairs. Established in 1849, the Walworth County Fair in Elkhorn offers fun for the whole family. Savor classic fair foods corn dogs, funnel cakes and more. Catch thrills and chills at the carnival midway, featuring carousel rides, roller coasters, ring toss games and more. Music fans can jam the nights away at Chris Young on Friday, Sept. 1; Styx on Saturday, Sept. 2; and Casting Crowns on Sunday, Sept. 3. Revel in adrenaline-soaring fun at the Walworth County Fair’s Demolition Derby on Monday, Sept. 4. Day tickets start at $10 for adults and $5 for juniors.
Tickets: www.walworthcountyfairgrounds.com.
Balsam Lake Water Ski Show Team
Balsam Lake
Awe-inspiring jumps, human pyramids, barefooting, swivel skiing and various aerial acts performed by the Balsam Lake Water Ski Show Team are sure to delight all ages this Labor Day weekend in Wisconsin. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own blanket or chair, settle in on the lawn in front of Reed’s Sunnyside Marina and Balsam Lake Lodge and Superclub on Sept. 2, and watch the show unfold at 6 p.m. before their eyes. The event is free.
For more information: www.travelwisconsin.com.
Lake Geneva Gems!
Lake Geneva
Why enjoy one weekend, when you can enjoy a week celebrating Labor Day in Wisconsin? Kicking off Monday, Sept. 4, Lake Geneva Gems! is a four-day, three-night tour that will surround you with natural beauty, crystal-clear waters and inspiring stops along Lake Geneva. First up is Old Wisconsin, featuring village shops, historic farms, heirloom gardens and more, followed by Black Point Mansion, a scenic US Mailboat Cruise, and dinner at The Tristan Crist Magic Theatre, where a grand illusionist will perform magic. Double occupancy starts at $899.
To book: gocroswell.com.