6 Hidden Gem Fall Festivals in Wisconsin

With crisp air and crunchy leaves, apple trees and pumpkin patches, hayrides and corn mazes, fall in Wisconsin is worth celebrating. And celebrate, we do. Here are some great fall festivals this season perfect for making memories with your favorite people. 

Eagle River Cranberry Fest – Eagle River

Did you know that Wisconsin produces more than 60 percent of the world’s cranberries? With peak cranberry season in late September and early October, there’s no better way to celebrate autumn in Wisconsin than with a festival all about the state fruit. While Warrens is home to the world’s largest cranberry festival, this smaller fest in Eagle River offers everything from fresh cranberries, marsh tours, delicious foods and warm autumn drinks to homemade goods, arts and crafts and plenty of music. Bring the family and go home with some sweet (and tart!) treats.

Fall Fun Fest & Cider Pressing Party – Washington Island

Washington Island is a favorite summer getaway, and the natural beauty of the area multiplies in fall. Bring your own apples on the trip, or buy a bucket there, and press them into a gallon of cider on an antique press at this Fall Fun Fest & Cider Pressing Party! With family wagon rides, caramel apples, brats, fresh-pressed cider and old-fashioned games, this fall fest is always one to remember.

Sister Bay Fall Fest – Sister Bay

Door County’s summer season comes to a close and welcomes autumn with the Sister Bay Fall Festival. Watch the parade, dance to live music throughout the town, taste fall-flavored food and join the fun at the traditional fish boil. 

With a huge arts and crafts fair, classic auto show and children’s activities including the annual Ping Pong Ball Drop, everyone in your group will have a blast at this autumn event.

Enchanted Forest and Hollywood Hayride – Janesville

If you’re up for celebrating Halloween but looking to avoid the spooky spots, this one's for you. The Enchanted Forest & Hollywood Hayride is a non-scary event for families with young children, and features The Enchanted Forest candlelit walk, with scenes from famous nursery rhymes and fairytales with live actors, beautifully constructed sets, costumes, props and extra games to play before and after.

Madeline Island Family Fall Fest – La Pointe

Fall is the locals’ favorite season on Madeline Island, and to top it off, the third weekend in October is always Family Fall Fest. Come take in the vivid fall colors as they light up the forests around Lake Superior and enjoy pumpkin decorating, a costume parade, cider pressing, face painting, tasty treats and more!

Jack O’ Lantern Days – Fish Creek

Jack O’ Lantern Days put the “eek” in Fish Creek. This family-friendly Halloween celebration offers mask-making for kids, pumpkin carving, a Halloween parade, trick-or-treating and costume parties for both kids and adults. For extra thrills, you can even take a hair-raising walk through a haunted trail in Fish Creek Park at dusk.

Discover more fun fall Wisconsin events happening this weekend!