In Wisconsin, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for live music this summer. Here’s our selection of outdoor music festivals sure to satisfy any musical taste.
June
Porterfield Country Music Festival – Marinette
Bask in nine whole days of performances by top Nashville recording stars at Green’s Green Acres Campground, with camping and concessions available.
Blue Ox Music Festival – Eau Claire
The biggest concert of its kind in the upper Midwest features three days of the finest acoustic, bluegrass and string band groups touring the nation.
Steel Bridge Songfest- Sturgeon Bay
Hear artists from around the world perform musical collaborations written only days before the festival. Earlier in the week, artists are paired together to create new music to share with the public over a two-day span of live performances in downtown Sturgeon Bay—hear the music hot off the press!
National and regional acts with a variety of music styles will perform at this two-day, free-admission event.
This one’s indoors, but we couldn’t resist including some polka music! Enjoy three days of bands and dancing at the local community center, with campsites available nearby.
Camp in style at this four-day outdoor concert series, which features a natural amphitheater, superb sound system, jumbo screens, picture-taking line up to the stage, food, souvenirs and amenities.
The world’s largest music festival offers 11 days of top-notch musical entertainment on 13 stages, along with good food, comedians, a children’s play area, daily demonstrations and activities, and amusement park rides.
July
Returning in 2020, this two-day, multi-stage fest offers live music in several genres, both performance and visual art, food and camping.
Enjoy the best of rock music, food and camping over three days in northwestern Wisconsin’s Chippewa Valley.
Hodag Country Music Festival – Rhinelander
Come to the Northwoods for four days of top country music stars, on-site camping, vendors and a statewide band contest.
Wisconsin’s largest Christian music festival offers 150 acts on seven stages, entertainment, games, fireworks, worship services, swimming and pottery workshops.
Driftless Music Festival – Viroqua
A day of concerts in a local park will feature jazz, swing, bluegrass, zydeco and other genres.
Enjoy three days of country music’s top entertainers, along with vendors, food and camping.
Take in the biggest names in country music over four days, with helicopter and thrill rides, camping, food, specialty vendors and late-night entertainment available.
Spend the day in the park listening to a lineup of diverse and accomplished acoustic musicians, including local artists.
Prairie Dog Blues Festival – Prairie du Chien
Blues bands, from regional to internationally renowned acts, will perform at this two-day event offering concessions, on-site camping and a hotel shuttle.
Enjoy the sounds of Nashville right here in the Midwest at this three-day fest with camping on site.
August
Appleton's downtown, an amazing mile of walkable and hospitable experiences, is serving up Americana music at its very best, from roots and indie rock to country, soul, jazz and folk. And the best part? It's all free.
Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival - Madison
A two-day outdoor music festival featuring artists keeping traditional music alive! You’ll hear genres such as bluegrass, western swing, and Hawaiian slack, and kids 17 and under are admitted for free.
Blues on the Chippewa – Durand
Bring canned goods to donate locally at this free-admission event featuring three days of blues bands and camping.
Featuring a car show, a hot air balloon launch and, of course, great music, Ashley for the Arts festival is a can’t-miss this summer! This three-day fest will host both local talent and big-name headliners.
Big Bull Falls Blues Fest – Wausau
Not only is Big Bull Falls Wisconsin's longest-running blues fest, but its location – an island in the middle of the Wisconsin River – couldn't be groovier. See two days of regional and national acts.
Voices of Peace Gospel Music Fest – Hilbert
Nearly 20 performing groups will play two days of country, bluegrass and southern gospel music. Food and refreshments will be available.
HarborPark Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Festival – Kenosha
Enjoy distinguished jazz and blues groups performing along the shores of Lake Michigan at this one-day fest.
Check out even more festivals happening this summer in Wisconsin.
