Unearth The Voyage
Wisconsin is renowned for its vibrant fall festivals, where food enthusiasts gather to indulge in culinary delights. From apple-infused treats to cranberry delicacies, these festivals offer a mouthwatering experience. Whether savoring Bavarian comfort foods or sampling local wines, each festival provides a unique taste of Wisconsin’s rich culinary heritage. Mark your calendars for these must-visit events that celebrate the flavors of fall.
1. Bayfield Apple Festival — Bayfield (Oct 3–5, 2025)
In the charming town of Bayfield, apples take center stage at the Bayfield Apple Festival. This event is a paradise for apple enthusiasts, offering everything from apple pies to apple cider. Picture yourself savoring a caramel apple while wandering through orchards laden with fruit. The festival, set from October 3 to 5, 2025, also features a Sunday parade that draws crowds from all around. Apple brats add a savory twist to the predominantly sweet offerings, ensuring there’s something for every palate. It’s a celebration of all things apple in a picturesque setting.
2. Oktoberfest U.S.A. — La Crosse (Sept 25–28, 2025)
Oktoberfest in La Crosse is a time-honored tradition, where Bavarian charm meets culinary delight. From September 25 to 28, 2025, immerse yourself in the festive spirit with traditional pretzels and bratwurst. The grounds are alive with music and laughter, as vendors like Ben’s Soft Pretzels and “Das Food Haus” serve up classic Bavarian comfort foods. The festival is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds, with vibrant costumes and colorful tents setting the scene. It’s a celebration that brings a taste of Germany to Wisconsin.
3. Cedarburg Wine & Harvest Festival — Cedarburg (Sept 20–21, 2025)
In the quaint town of Cedarburg, the Wine & Harvest Festival offers a delightful weekend of flavors and fun. Taking place on September 20 and 21, 2025, visitors can sip on local wines and indulge in harvest-season bites. The festival’s centerpiece is the grape-stomping contest, a whimsical nod to winemaking traditions. Downtown Cedarburg transforms into a vibrant hub of activity, with the whimsical Giant Pumpkin Regatta adding a splash of humor and creativity. It’s an event that combines culinary delights with community spirit, making it a must-visit this fall.
4. Warrens Cranberry Festival — Warrens (Sept 26–28, 2025)
Cranberry lovers rejoice! At the Warrens Cranberry Festival, the air is filled with the sweet and tart aroma of cranberries in every imaginable form. Imagine biting into a cranberry cream puff, with its luscious filling bursting with flavor. The festival also boasts cranberry funnel cakes and deep-fried cranberries on a stick. Over 100 food booths ensure you’re never far from your next delicious bite. Happening from September 26 to 28, 2025, this festival promises a feast for the senses. A giant fry pan sizzles with “Cranberries Jubilee,” making it a must-try for food adventurers.
5. Sister Bay Fall Fest — Door County (Oct 17–19, 2025)
Sister Bay Fall Fest is a beloved tradition in Door County, offering a blend of flavors and festivities. From October 17 to 19, 2025, visitors can enjoy the iconic Lions Club fish boil, where fresh-caught fish is cooked over an open fire. A Saturday pancake breakfast sets the stage for a day of exploration, with vendors offering a variety of treats. The festival is filled with live music and a lively parade, creating a vibrant atmosphere that captures the essence of fall. It’s a festive gathering that showcases the community’s rich traditions.
6. Taste of Madison — Madison (Aug 30–31, 2025)
Labor Day weekend in Madison is synonymous with the Taste of Madison, a culinary extravaganza featuring over 80 food vendors around Capitol Square. Although it kicks off in late August, it heralds the unofficial start of fall with a diverse array of flavors. From local favorites to exotic cuisines, there’s something to tantalize every taste bud. The festive atmosphere is complemented by live music performances, turning the city into a vibrant celebration of food and community. It’s a free event that draws food lovers from near and far, making it a must-visit.
7. Eagle River Cranberry Fest — Eagle River (Oct 4–5, 2025)
Eagle River Cranberry Fest is a celebration of all things cranberry, set against the backdrop of Wisconsin’s stunning fall landscape. From October 4 to 5, 2025, visitors can indulge in fresh cranberries, cranberry pastries, and even cranberry-flavored beers and wines. The festival also offers crafts and live music, creating a lively atmosphere that embodies the spirit of fall. The rich colors of autumn provide the perfect setting for this festive gathering, where cranberry enthusiasts can sample a variety of delicious treats. It’s a weekend of fun and flavor in Eagle River.
8. Gays Mills Apple Festival — Gays Mills (Sept 26–28, 2025)
The Gays Mills Apple Festival is a vibrant celebration of the region’s apple orchards, taking place from September 26 to 28, 2025. Visitors can enjoy parades, carnival rides, and a plethora of apple-centric food vendors. Imagine the delightful taste of freshly baked apple pies and the refreshing sip of apple cider. The festival draws people with its lively atmosphere, where the community comes together to celebrate the apple harvest. It’s a charming event nestled in the heart of the Kickapoo Valley, offering a sweet taste of autumn.
9. Appleton’s Octoberfest — Appleton (Sept 27, 2025)
Appleton’s Octoberfest is a one-day extravaganza that transforms College Ave into a bustling hub of food and music on September 27, 2025. The festival features a mile-long stretch of nonprofit-run food booths, offering everything from grill classics to regional specialties. Five music stages ensure there’s entertainment for all tastes, while the lively crowd adds to the festive atmosphere. It’s a community-centric event that highlights the diverse culinary offerings of the area, making it a must-attend for both locals and visitors. Celebrate fall with flavors and fun in Appleton.
10. Harvest Fair — Wisconsin State Fair Park, West Allis (Sept 26–28, 2025)
Harvest Fair at Wisconsin State Fair Park is a family-friendly event that offers a delightful taste of autumn. From September 26 to 28, 2025, attendees can indulge in caramel apples, cinnamon sugar donuts, and hot cider. The fairgrounds are filled with autumn decorations, creating a festive backdrop for carnival games and family fun. Admission is affordable, making it an accessible outing for families. The fair captures the essence of fall with its warm and inviting atmosphere, providing a joyous weekend escape filled with seasonal treats and entertainment.
