Summer 2025 in Wisconsin: Fairs, Festivals & Family Fun
Summer in Wisconsin is jam-packed with events that celebrate music, food, local traditions, and community pride. Whether you're looking for something to enjoy with the kids, a date night with live music and brews, or a quirky celebration of all things cheese, the Badger State has it all. Here’s your guide to some of this summer’s biggest and best events—including a few right here in central Wisconsin.
🎡 Can’t-Miss County Fairs (Local Favorites!)
🐄 Portage County Fair – Rosholt
Dates: August 30 – September 2, 2025 (Labor Day Weekend)
Why Go: A true small-town gem! Enjoy livestock shows, a full midway, tractor pulls, pie contests, live music, and a lively beer tent. Families will love the friendly atmosphere and traditional fair treats like funnel cakes and cheese curds.
🎠 Wisconsin Valley Fair – Wausau
Dates: July 29- August 3rd
Highlights: A bigger fair with a full slate of events—live concerts, demolition derby, carnival rides, petting zoo, and 4-H exhibits. Great for all ages!
🐖 Waupaca County Fair – Weyauwega
Dates: August 20–24, 2025
Highlights: This long-standing fair features agriculture exhibits, games, grandstand shows, and classic Wisconsin fair food. Expect tractor pulls, live music, and a fireworks show.
🐓 Shawano County Fair – Shawano
Dates: August 27 – September 1, 2025
Highlights: Carnival rides, a large animal show, demo derby, rodeo night, and local vendors galore. Great for family day trips or a fun evening out.
🎡 Oconto County Fair – Gillett
Dates: August 21–24, 2025
Why Go: Held at Zippel Park in Gillett, the Oconto County Fair offers classic fair experiences with livestock shows, a carnival, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. Highlights include the AG Olympics, truck and tractor pulls, magic shows, and the Sale of Champions livestock auction. It's a celebration of community and agriculture in the heart of Oconto County.
🎡 Central Wisconsin State Fair – Marshfield
Dates: August 19–24, 2025
Why Go: Celebrate the end of summer at the Central Wisconsin State Fair in Marshfield. Enjoy 4-H and open class exhibits, thrilling carnival rides, live music, and delicious fair food. Highlights include grandstand performances by artists like Justin Moore and Halestorm, as well as the Bulls-N-Barrels rodeo event. Don't miss the historic World's Largest Round Barn on the fairgrounds.
🎶 Major Music & Culture Events
Dates: June 19-21, June 26-28 & July 3-5
Headliners: Hozier, James Taylor, Megan Thee Stallion, Def Leppard
Why Go: It’s the world’s largest music festival, right on Lake Michigan. One ticket gives access to dozens of stages and performers in one day.
🎶 Hodag Country Festival – Rhinelander
Dates: July 10–13, 2025
Why Go: Experience four days of top-tier country music at one of Wisconsin's premier festivals. The 2025 lineup features headliners like Jordan Davis, Carly Pearce, LOCASH, and Gretchen Wilson, along with performances by Neal McCoy, Warren Zeiders, and Three Dog Night. Set in the scenic Northwoods, the festival offers camping, contests, and a vibrant community atmosphere
🏍️ Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival – Milwaukee
Dates: July 10–13, 2025
Why Go: A four-day celebration of music and moto-culture, the festival includes concerts at Veterans Park featuring headliners like Chris Stapleton (July 12) and Hank Williams Jr. (July 11). Explore activities at the Harley-Davidson Museum, headquarters, and Powertrain Operations facility.
🎤 Country Jam USA – Eau Claire
Dates: July 17–19, 2025
Why Go: Country Jam USA is one of Wisconsin’s premier country music festivals, offering three days of performances from top artists. The 2025 lineup features headliners like Bailey Zimmerman, Cole Swindell, and Sam Hunt, along with acts such as Chase Rice, Sara Evans, Jake Owen, and Craig Morgan. Held at the Eau Claire Event District, the festival provides a full experience with camping options, food vendors, and a vibrant atmosphere
Dates: July 17–19, 2025
Why Go: Rock Fest is the largest rock and camping event in the U.S., featuring over 80 bands across five stages. The 2025 lineup includes headliners Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, and Bad Omens, along with artists like Marilyn Manson, In This Moment, and Three Days Grace. Set on 360 acres in Cadott, the festival offers various camping options, food vendors, and unique experiences like helicopter rides and vow renewals. A Bonus Bash on July 16 is exclusive to 3-day ticket holders.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Approved Summer Fun
🏁 Iola Car Show & Swap Meet – Iola
Dates: July 10–12, 2025
Why Go: One of America’s largest auto events, the Iola Car Show features over 2,500 show cars, 4,000 swap spaces, and 1,600 campsites. This year’s theme is “4x4Fun,” celebrating off-road vehicles. Enjoy concerts, special exhibits, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Dates: July 24–26, 2025
Why Go: Hub City Days is Marshfield’s signature summer celebration, featuring a massive 500+ car and bike show, live music, a family zone with bounce houses and games, a craft fair, and the popular Brew Fest. Enjoy downtown shopping during the Shop Hop, catch a movie under the stars at Wenzel Plaza, and savor local flavors at the BBQ Cook-Off. With activities for all ages, it's a weekend that brings the community together in the heart of Marshfield.
🌸 Cranberry Blossom Festival – Wisconsin Rapids
Dates: June 19–22, 2025
Why Go: Celebrate Wisconsin Rapids' cranberry heritage with a weekend of family-friendly events, including a carnival, arts and crafts fair, live music, a parade, and delicious cranberry-themed treats.
Date: June 14
Why Go: Fun and education rolled into one! Crafts, fossils, reptiles, and a live snake show for dino-loving kiddos.
Dates: July 21–27
Why Go: The biggest aviation event in the world! Incredible daily airshows, interactive exhibits, and aircraft tours the whole family will enjoy.
🎈 Dairyland Balloon Jubilee – Marshfield
Dates: July 11–12
Why Go: Hot air balloon launches, tethered rides, food trucks, and family games in a beautiful small-town setting.
Date: July 12, 2025
Why Go: ShawanoFest transforms downtown Shawano into a vibrant celebration with a classic car show, craft vendors, live music, kids' activities, a farmers market, and a food truck rally. Highlights include performances by the Adam Trask Band and Amelia Ford, as well as open houses at the fire and ambulance departments. The festivities continue with a Shawano Ski Sharks waterski show at 4 p.m. in Smalley Park.
🧀 Only-in-Wisconsin Food Festivals
Dates: May 23-25
Why Go: Brats, beers, and bands. A Memorial Day tradition with charity fundraisers and family activities.
Dates: May 30–31, 2025
Why Go: Celebrate Marshfield’s dairy roots with a weekend of family fun—featuring a parade, live music, local food, kids’ games, a craft fair, and community events that showcase small-town charm at its best
🧀 Great Wisconsin Cheese Festival – Little Chute
Dates: June 6–8
Why Go: Cheese samples, cheese curd-eating contests, carving demos, and kids’ games—cheeseheads unite!
🌽 Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival
Dates: August 13-17
Why Go: 80 tons of buttery sweet corn, a carnival, and plenty of fun for all ages.
🎉 Plan Your Wisconsin Summer Adventure
Whether you're a fair food fanatic, music lover, or just looking to spend more time outdoors with family, there's no shortage of things to do this summer across Wisconsin—and especially right here in our local communities. Add a few of these dates to your calendar and support the fairs, events, and festivals that make our state unique!
