Photo by: Josh Lieberthal
By: Josh Lieberthal
Reedsburg Fermentation Fest
Reedsburg, Wis.
This “live cultural convergence” celebrates all things fermented: chocolate, beer, kombucha and hard cider, just to name a few. Over the course of 10 days, Reedsburg offers seminars and demos to excite fermentation foodies. Event organizer Donna Neuwirth explained in a statement that “fermentation is transformation: from grain to beer, milk to yogurt, cabbage to Kimchee, hayfield to stage and from one kind of community to another. During the transformational process, nutrients and flavor develop and energy is released–the perfect ingredients for an annual festival.”
The Slimey Crud Café Racer Run
Southern Wisconsin
A popular motorcycle trek, the Slimey Crud Run roars through southern Wisconsin twice a year. Beginning in Pine Bluff, motorcycle enthusiasts mount bikes spanning eras and genres and venture to Leland. There’s never a predetermined route–participants are left to explore the rambling roads of southern Wisconsin.
Green County Cheese Days
Green County, Wis.
Green County proudly showcases their world-class cheesemakers at this delightful dairy celebration, considered to be the oldest food festival in the Midwest. Annual activities include a cow-milking contest, yodeling instructions and a parade honoring Wisconsin’s Swiss roots and the local dairy industry.
Fyr Ball Festival
Ephraim, Wis.
No midsummer celebration is complete without burning the winter witch, right? Of course, no witch is actually set aflame during Ephraim’s annual Fyr Ball Festival in Door County though iconic bonfires along the Eagle Harbor shore burn to greet summer’s start. The three-day affair honors early Norwegian culture by recreating traditions associated with Midsummer’s Eve.
Summer Set – Somerset, Wis.
Music festival
Over 40 artists
Since 2012
3 days, 3 stages
2012 attendance: 13,000
Summerfest – Milwaukee
“World’s largest music festival”
Since 1968
11 days, 11 stages
2012 attendance: 1,000,000+
Freakfest – Madison
Music/Halloween festival
One night, three stages
Since 1977
2012 attendance: 33,000+
Strawberry Festival – Cedarburg, Wis.
Food festival
Two days
Since 1985
2012 attendance: 100,000+
Wisconsin Original Cheese Festival – Madison
Cheese celebration
Two days
Since 2009
2011 attendance: 1,000
Trainfest – West Allis, Wis.
Model train enthusiast gathering
Two days
Since 1972
2011 attendance: 23,764
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