By Jonathan Eckelberg
Staff Writer
Things don't slow down in February. Whether you're more into staying cozy inside, or jumping headfirst into the snow, do we have some exciting Wisconsin events for you!
Stay In and Out of the Cold
In Celebration of Chocolate – Kohler
Calling all chocolate-lovers! The American Club in Kohler is dedicating an entire weekend to celebrate chocolate! For three delicious days guests can satisfy their sweet tooth by taking part in the chocolate and wine dinner, chocolate pairings and, of course, tastings.
Winter Wine and Cherry Fest – Fish Creek
Celebrating the Winter Wine and Cherry Fest is the perfect winter escape to Door County. Celebrate National Cherry Month with complimentary wine and product tasting from Orchard Country Winery & Market. Activities include a cherry pit spit competition, live music, paint-your-own wine glass, horse-drawn sleigh rides and more.
Downtown Kenosha Restaurant Week – Kenosha
This event is sure to please foodies everywhere. Check out Kenosha’s unique dining scene and sample cuisine from a broad selection of restaurants. The ‘prix-fixe,’ or fixed price, menu format gives visitors a chance to sample several items at an affordable price. Non-restaurant businesses in Kenosha’s downtown will also serve specialty items such as ice cream, popcorn and cupcakes.
The Open Road: Photography and the American Road Trip – Milwaukee
This exhibit at the Milwaukee Art Museum offers an impressive view of the evolution of the American road trip. The photography collection begins in the 1950s and ends in present day, taking visitors through the lens of eighteen different photographers who have captured America’s changing landscape and car culture.
Beloit International Film Festival – Beloit
Film buffs everywhere will love the Beloit International Film Festival, which features more than 100 films from across the world. Those looking for something local are also in luck. This film festival highlights some of the great work done right here in Wisconsin. Film venues range in size from 40 to 700 seats and films represent all genres including features, documentaries and shorts.
Bring On Old Man Winter…I Want to Play
The Hudson Hot Air Affair takes winter festivals to new heights. Join in the fun and celebrate Hudson’s spectacular winter ballooning event. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, try your hand at smooshboarding, or maybe volleyball in the snow is more your style. Whatever you fancy, this is one uplifting event!
Fish Creek Winter Festival – Fish Creek
Don’t let the winter weather keep you inside, come to Fish Creek for a weekend of wacky activities. Fish Creek’s Winter Festival, offers fun for everyone. From kooky outdoor competitions like the bike toss, minnow racing and a kickball tournament, to the toasty warm space inside the large heated tent and the popular chili cook-off, this Winter Festival is just the family-friendly event you need this time of year.
Winter Festival/Three Bear Winter Sled Dog Races – Land O’ Lakes
Bringing back the Northwoods tradition of sled dog racing, this Three Bear Sled Dog Race is one of the premier spectator races in the Midwest. In addition to great sled dog racing, mutt races are a fun event to check out, or visit the craft sale and flea market. Up for some dancing? Show off your dance moves at the traditional ‘Musher’s Ball’ Saturday evening.
Sturgeon Spectacular – Fond du Lac
Head to Fond du Lac for a quirky celebration of the oldest species of fish around—the Sturgeon! There will be a wide variety of family-friendly entertainment including live music, ice and snow sculpting competitions, fat bike races, and kite flying.
Barstool Races & Chili Feed – Drummond
“If you can put skis on it, you can race it,” says the organizers of the Drummond Barstool Races. This year features Drummond’s annual barstool competition, plus a Powder Puff division and an open class to race anything they can put on skis across the snow. Food and drink – and trophies – await the participants at the end of the competition, so make a day of it and see who wins big during this year’s competition.
Madison Winter Festival – Madison
Madison brings truckloads of snow (90 truckloads to be exact!) to Elver Park for a winter wonderland of family fun at the annual Winter Festival. Each year, more than 20,000 spectators, athletes and winter enthusiasts take part in the festival’s outdoor activities including: cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice sculpting, snow carving and sledding.
Battle on 'Bago Ice Fishing Tournament – Oshkosh
This two-day fishing extravaganza has awarded $130,000 in cash and prizes and donated more than $500,000 in proceeds since originating in 2007. This year, the prizes have only gotten bigger and better. So cast a line, but don’t try too hard, because this competition is dedicated to fishing and fun. Afterward, join them in the heated tent for good music, food and a great time!
Bald Eagle Appreciation Days – Prairie du Chien
Check out some of Wisconsin’s most beautiful birds during this two-day event. Watch as the birds settle into their normal wintering area in the Mississippi River Valley and learn more about eagles and other birds during the free programs offered throughout the event.
