10 Kid-Friendly Fall Festivals in Wisconsin

Fall in Wisconsin means colorful leaves, seasonal treats and iconic autumn fests throughout the state. From pumpkin-themed celebrations to art tours, cultural days to carnivals, there’s the perfect autumn event for everyone in your family. Read on to discover your next Wisconsin adventure together.

Sputnikfest - Manitowoc

Start the season off with one of the funkiest fests around: Sputnikfest in Manitowoc. Commemorating the September day in 1962 when a 20-pound piece of the Russian Sputnik IV landed in the heart of the city, this event celebrates everything out of this world. Dress up as a family for the costume contest with parades for pets, kids and adults! With art-making and kids' games outside the Rahr West Art Museum, your group is in for a full day of festive fun.

Audubon Days - Mayville

Audubon Days begin with the spectacular annual bed races (that’s right – mobile mattresses!) down Main Street Mayville. Kids and teens each get their own dance party to attend on Friday night, while adults can relax over beer and wine tasting and live music. Keep the fun going all weekend with a bags tournament, chicken and pig roast and the Rock River Rubber Duck Race, where over 4,000 rubber ducks will float down the river to compete for a $2,500 grand prize.

Chequamegon Mountain Bike Festival - Cable

Enjoy the fresh fall air together at the Chequamegon Mountain Bike Festival in Wisconsin’s Northwoods ablaze with color. Watch the thrilling off-road races and register the kids for the Little Loggers race which is free and includes a T-shirt, medal and race plate for each child. With tasty food trucks and live music, this is one fall fest the whole family is sure to love.

Farm Art DTour - Sauk County

This fall fest is especially unique because it’s spread out over an entire county. Take a self-guided excursion through Sauk County in South Central Wisconsin to discover larger-than-life art installations, roadside poetry and local food markets. Designed to highlight the farmland that feeds Wisconsin and beyond, the kids will love roaming from one interactive art piece to another at this autumn event. 

River Falls Bacon Bash - River Falls

Red Cliff Cultural Days - Red Cliff Reservation

Have fun together while learning about one of Wisconsin’s 11 federally recognized tribes at Red Cliff Cultural Days three miles north of Bayfield. Beyond a carnival with games, chartered sailboat rides and a fireworks show, your family can also attend a mini powwow and explore educational booths about the Tribe’s culture for an unforgettable outing.

Nekoosa Giant Pumpkin Festival - Nekoosa

Supersize your pumpkin-themed fun at the Nekoosa Giant Pumpkin Festival in Central Wisconsin. The giant pumpkin contest is just the beginning here–there’s also a giant pumpkin drop, pumpkin decorating, pumpkin rolling races, Farm and Flea Market and a classic carnival. Enjoy a full day of fall fun!

Madeline Island Family Fall Festival - La Pointe

Embrace fall to the fullest on beautiful Madeline Island at this family festival. Take the Madeline Island Ferry for a scenic ride to this event where your group can use a press to make fresh apple cider, get your faces painted, participate in the pumpkin pie eating contest and soak up the last flashes of fall color.

Bayfield Apple Festival - Bayfield

This fantastic fest spans three days of autumn and apple-centered activities. Look out for the local Apple Queen as you try apple-flavored treats and explore Bayfield in fall. Stick around until Sunday to watch the Grand Parade together.

Pumpkin Patch Festival - Egg Harbor

Another great place to get your family’s pumpkin fill this fall is at the Pumpkin Patch Festival in Egg Harbor. Road trip to this charming Door County village for face painting, a children’s magician, pumpkin and scarecrow displays perfect for photo-ops, carnival rides and much more. 

Looking for more fall fun the little ones will love? Hop aboard one of these 5 scenic fall train rides across the state.