Discover the best fall festivals in Wisconsin for 2026! From Door County to the Dells, explore top events celebrating fall, food, and local culture.
Fall in Wisconsin is extra special. Whether it’s the flaming display of colors, the comforting aroma of sizzling bratwursts and apple pie, the much-needed reprieve from the August humidity—or a combination of all three—it’s easy to see why autumn is a favorite season for many. This is especially evident in the wide variety of harvest celebrations that dot the state.
Whether you are looking to tap into your German heritage at a traditional Oktoberfest, sip fresh cider straight from an orchard, or indulge in a slice of pumpkin pie, there is a festival in Wisconsin waiting for you.
1. Wo-Zha-Wa Fall Festival
When: September 18–20, 2026
Where: Wisconsin Dells, WI
“Wo-Zha-Wa” means “fun time” in the native Ho-Chunk language. An apt name for this three-day fall festival in downtown Wisconsin Dells. The event includes a large parade complete with marching bands, classic cars, horses, floats, and more. There’s also a 5K and 10K run/walk, live music, a carnival, and lots of delicious food. Shoppers will also be happy to know that each day includes some combination of sidewalk sales, an arts and crafts fair, an antique market, and a farmers’ market.
2. Wine & Harvest Festival
When: September 19–20, 2026
Where: Cedarburg, WI
Cedarburg in the fall is worth the trip even without a festival. There’s something about walking through the picturesque downtown that makes you feel like you are living in an episode of “Gilmore Girls.” But add in an event like the Wine & Harvest Festival, and it’s undoubtedly worth a spot on your list. This year’s festival includes a giant pumpkin regatta, grape-stomp competitions, glass-making workshops, giant pumpkin carving, and so much more.
If you can’t make the Wine & Harvest Festival, consider attending Cedarburg’s Oktoberfest, which takes place Oct. 2 through 4 this year.
3. A Mile of Fun
When: September 25–26, 2026
Where: Appleton, WI
Appleton’s A Mile of Fun, also known as Oktoberfest Weekend, is a two-day event that kicks off with License to Cruise, a classic car show on Friday, Sept. 25 at 3 p.m. The show features around 400 cars, live music, and plenty of good food.
The second day is the Oktoberfest celebration, which starts with a traditional Spaten beer toast at the Houdini Plaza stage at 9 a.m. The day is filled with plenty of activities and fun for the whole family. There’s an arts and crafts area with hundreds of local and regional artisans, five stages for live music, kids’ activities, food like fan-favorite brats and funnel cake, and of course, plenty of beer to sample.
4. Warrens Cranberry Festival
When: September 25–27, 2026
Where: Warrens, WI
Celebrate the official state fruit at Warrens Cranberry Festival. Considered by many to be one of the best festivals in the Midwest, the three-day event welcomes more than 100,000 people each year. Some unique activities include a self-guided cranberry marsh walking tour, several contests, and a pancake breakfast featuring cranberry syrup. There are lots of opportunities to shop, eat, and support the local community, with a lineup of 800 arts and crafts vendors, 300 flea market booths, over 100 food booths, and 100 farm market booths.
5. Bayfield Apple Festival
When: October 2–4, 2026
Where: Bayfield, WI
Nothing says fall quite like an apple pie. Or maybe apple cider. Or, wait, caramel apples. No matter what form it takes, I think we can agree that apples and fall go hand in hand. Bayfield Apple Festival is the perfect event to celebrate this pairing. The weekend is filled with fun events for the whole family, including an apple pie and dessert contest, an apple peeling contest, a parade, a carnival, a craft fair, live music, and more.
If you can’t make it to the Apple Festival, but still want to celebrate fall in the Apostle Islands, consider nearby Madeline Island Family Fall Fest. This event takes place Oct. 17 and features art, food, vintage cars, and other free fall activities.
6. Nekoosa Giant Pumpkin Fest
When: October 3–4, 2026
Where: Nekoosa, WI
Have you ever seen a giant pumpkin? And I mean giant, like 500, 1,000, or even 2,000 pounds. If not, the Nekoosa Giant Pumpkin Fest may be your chance. The two-day festival is a celebration of all things pumpkin. The schedule features a weigh-off, a pumpkin pie-eating contest, a pumpkin-rolling contest, and the famous giant pumpkin drop—because who doesn’t want to see a massive squash plunge from a 100-foot crane?
If you need a break from the pumpkins, there are plenty of other events and activities to celebrate the season, including a tractor show, a car show, carnival rides, a flea and craft market, and of course, lots of food.
7. Sister Bay Fall Fest
When: October 16–18, 2026
Where: Sister Bay, WI
I’m not sure there is a more beautiful spot to enjoy fall than in Door County, WI. The foliage, the lake, the views—it can’t be beat. That said, if you want an extra dose of fun, Sister Bay Fall Fest is a three-day celebration in October. It features favorite fall festival staples like delicious food and drinks, live music, and an arts and crafts fair. There’s also a parade, a kids’ carnival, a derby race, and plenty of other activities to participate in.
If you can’t make Fall Fest, but still want to celebrate autumn in Door County, you’re in luck. There are several festivals to choose from across the peninsula, including Egg Harbor’s Pumpkin Patch Festival, Fish Creek’s Jack O’Lantern Days, and Sturgeon Bay’s Thrills and Chills Festival.
Please note: Dates and locations for all events listed are subject to change. Always check the event organizer’s website before planning your trip.
