After a not-so-long winter, spring has sprung in Wisconsin! To help usher in the warm weather and longer days, check out these nine Wisconsin spring festivals and events whether you’re seeking beer, baseball or blues.
April 2: Milwaukee Brewers Home Opening
Milwaukee
Celebrate the return of baseball and tailgating as the Milwaukee Brewers take on the Minnesota Twins for the season home opener at American Family Field. All ticketed fans who enter will also receive a 2024 magnetic schedule. Pro tip: Want to avoid parking? Check out the local shuttles in the area that will drop and pick up at the stadium. Click here for additional information.
Cost: Tickets vary from $145 to $22, plus parking.
For more information: www.mlb.com/brewers.
April 7: 22nd Annual WMSE Rockabilly Chili Fundraiser
Milwaukee
Heat up your Sunday with this annual family-friendly event sponsored by Milwaukee’s Lakefront Brewery. Attendees will join thousands of chili connoisseurs tasting more than 40 different varieties from various Milwaukee establishments and caterers and voting on their favorites. Categories include meat, heat, veggie, unique and who has the hottest display. Rockabilly Chili is held at the MSOE Kern Center and also features kid’s activities and DJs spinning tunes all day.
Cost: $15 in advance; $20 day-of tickets; and kids 10 and under have free admission.
For more information: www.wmse.org/chili/.
April 13: Dairy State Beer & Cheese Festival
Kenosha
Supporting the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha after-school programs with this 21-plus event, the Dairy Beer & Cheese Festival oozes Wisconsin pride. Held at the world-famous Brat Stop’s Parkway Chateau, event-goers can sample more than 45 national and local beers and a plethora of cheeses as well as enjoy live music. The event offers general admission, which includes four hours of sampling more than 150 beers. VIP admission includes a VIP lunch buffet, access to specialty beers and cheeses and one extra hour at the festival. Designated driver admission includes unlimited soda, water and cheese samples.
Cost: General admission is $55 in advance and $60 at the door. VIP admission is $80 in advance and $85 at the door. Designated driver tickets are $15.
For more information: www.kenoshabeerfest.com.
May 11: Uncork Me Wisconsin ’24
Madison
Spend a Saturday late afternoon at Breese Stevens Field in Madison sampling wine, cider and mead from nearly 30 wineries. Various ticket options are available including general admission tickets with unlimited wine sampling from 4 to 7 p.m. and a commemorative glass or VIP, which allows one-hour early admission, exclusive access to a private climate-controlled area and chocolate pairings. The event also features entertainment including DJs, a drag performance and an aerial performance. Food is available for purchase. The event is 21-plus.
Cost: VIP is $95; early access is $65; general admission is $55; and designated drivers tickets are $10.
For more information: www.brothersmolloyevents.com.
May 12: Mother’s Day Brunch at Racine Zoo
Racine
Celebrate Mom at the Racine Zoo’s Mother’s Day Brunch on May 12 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event includes a catered brunch buffet, commemorative photo, crafts for kids, a giraffe encounter and a flower for Mom set along the gorgeous lakeshore backdrop. Pre-registration is required and includes general zoo admission.
Cost: Adult non-member tickets are $45; child non-member tickets are $35; and children 2 and under have free admission. (Tickets for zoo members are $10 less.)
For more information: racinezoo.org.
May 17 to May 19: Blues and Wine Festival at The Blind Horse Winery
Kohler
Kick off patio season with a three-day festival full of wine, cocktails, themed food and fantastic blues music on The Blind Horse Winery’s extensive outdoor patio. The 2024 lineup for this Wisconsin spring festival includes Alex Wilson, The Blues Disciples, Robert Allen Jr. Blues Band, Little Cisco Band and local Sheboygan group, Tonic Roots Quartet.
Cost: Free admission (wine and food sold separately).
For more information: theblindhorse.com.
May 17 to May 19: Maifest
Germantown
Celebrate all things Deutsch and the arrival of spring at Germantown’s annual Maifest. This three-day family-friendly Wisconsin spring festival features live music, traditional dancing, a Friday-night fish fry and, of course, delicious German eats and cold drinks throughout the weekend. The event is held under a traditional Germanfest tent at the Germantown Marketplace Shopping Center.
Cost: Free admission (with $10 cover charge Friday night after 6:30 p.m. for live music of Bella Cain).
For more information: www.facebook.com/maifest.germantown.
May 25 and May 26: Sturgeon Bay Fine Art Fair
Sturgeon Bay
Kick off Memorial Day weekend at the 26th-annual Sturgeon Bay Fine Arts Festival. Shop art from all around the United States and enjoy live entertainment, food, drinks, children’s activities and much more. This Wisconsin spring festival is open Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Downtown Sturgeon Bay’s Martin Park.
Cost: Free admission.
For more information: www.sturgeonbay.net.
June 1: Milwaukee Highland Games
Franklin
Revel in Scottish traditions at the annual Milwaukee Highland Games held at Croatia Park in Franklin. This one-day, family-friendly event features bagpipe bands, Highland dancing, singing, athletic events, vendors, working sheepdogs and, of course, great Scottish food. There is also a separate area for children’s mini Highland games.
Cost: $15 for adults; free admission for children 12 and under and active military in uniform.
For more information: www.milwaukeehighlandgames.org.