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Wisconsin's Best Fall Festivals

wi fall festivals

It’s time to celebrate the fall in Wisconsin! Festivals are an excellent way to welcome the season. From seasonal favorite foods, to scarecrow building, to memorable harvest festivals known specifically to Wisconsin—you’ll find it in the Badger State. Here are our favorites.


Wine & Harvest Festival, Cedarburg, WI

Wine & Harvest Festival in Cedarburg is a staple for Wisconsinites. There are tons of events going on throughout the weekend. Listen to live bands, buy from local vendors, and best of all—stock up on wine and other fall favorites. 

Warrens Cranberry Festival, Warrens, WI

Over the years, Warrens Cranberry Festival has skyrocketed in popularity and attendance. Always the last full weekend in September. You'll find tons to do, including marsh tours, an array contests to participate in, a flea market, a parade on Sunday, and much more. The festival was rated “Top 100 Event” last year. Join in on over 40 years of fun at Warrens Cranberry Festival. 

Annual Milwaukee Oktoberfest, Milwaukee, WI

Come to Wisconsin's largest Oktoberfest right here in Milwaukee.  Wisconsin is known to have a large German population as well as a large beer loving population. So naturally we've brought the epic festival to Milwaukee. Enjoy tons of free events, tasty food, and cold beer at Oktoberfest.

Zoo Brew, Milwaukee, WI

Zoo Brew is a relatively new event, held each fall at the Milwaukee County Zoo. It’s the perfect opportunity sample new brews, try a wide variety of foods, and meet new people. You’ll try beers from both micro and macro breweries across the state. It’s the perfect beer enthusiast festival! 

Sister Bay Fall Fest, Sister Bay, WI

Sister Bay Fall Festival first started as a festival celebrating the tourist town workers for a successful end of the “busy summer season.” Open for the public this October weekend celebrating is the largest on the peninsula.  Enjoy an arts and crafts fair, food booth, live entertainment, and their notorious parade. Welcome in the fall season with the Door County residents at the Sister Bay Fall Festival.

Maple Fall Fest, Marshfield, WI

Maples Fall Fest might just be the tastiest festival you travel to this fall. Find some of the best treasures at their arts and crafts festival, bring the kids to Kid's Zone, and let's not forget about the Maple Syrup Contest. Purchase some of the best homemade maple syrup and try them on their featured pancake breakfast. 

Big Water Film Festival, Ashland, WI

If you love film, you’ll love the Big Water Film Festival. The Big Water Film Festival has been bringing in film enthusiasts to the Ashland area for years. Be sure to check their website for the schedule details!

Bayfield Apple Festival, Bayfield, WI

Bayfield Apple Festival has been a Wisconsin staple for over five decades. It’s been dubbed within the top “10 Best Fall Festivals in the Nation” by USA Today. This festival was designed to celebrate the coming of autumn harvest. While attending you’ll find countless booths of fresh apples, apple desserts, cider, fall treats, and craft vendors. If you love apples—stop by!

Greendale Oktoberfest, Greendale, WI

Nothing compares to a classic Oktoberfest! Greendale's version of this traditional fall event features a biergarten, food trucks, scarecrow contest, kettle corn, antique motorcycles, pumpkin decorating, and of course...plenty of beer! You won't want to miss this one. 

Wo-Zha-Wa Days, Wisconsin Dells, WI

There are countless free, family fun activities all weekend long. Enjoy an arts and crafts fair, antique market, live entertainment, Maxwell Street Days, and their special street carnival. All activities take place down town Wisconsin Dells in Bowman Park. 

Key Insights at a Glance

  • Wisconsin fall festivals are a great way to celebrate the season.
  • Popular festivals include Wine & Harvest Festival in Cedarburg, Warrens Cranberry Festival, and Milwaukee Oktoberfest.
  • Other notable festivals include Zoo Brew, Sister Bay Fall Festival, Maple Fall Fest, Big Water Film Festival, Bayfield Apple Festival, Greendale Oktoberfest, and Wo-Zha-Wa Days.
  • Activities at these festivals include live music, food vendors, beer tastings, arts and crafts, and more.
  • Wisconsin fall festivals offer something for everyone to enjoy.

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