Category: Door County Festivals
2023 Door County Festivals
Door County festivals offer great opportunities to sample food from the area’s amazing restaurants, find beautiful arts and crafts, pick up fine artwork from more than 100 galleries, or just enjoy a day strolling with friends in the sun.
Door County Festival of Nature: May 26-28 
Join the Ridges Sanctuary for the 21st Annual Door County Festival of Nature May 26-28. Discover all Door County’s nature has to offer through guided field trips with titles ranging from Birding by Ear and The Sex Life of Plants.
Jacksonport Maifest: May 27 & 28
Celebrate the 5oth anniversary of Jacksonport Maifest May 27 and 28. The weekend kicks off with an art fair and parade Saturday morning, and will feature face-painting, games, and a memorial day ceremony. Fireworks on the beach and a performance by the Sevastopol Senior Choir end the day. Sunday, May 28, the festival opens with the 40th annual Maifest 10k run, and continues with more live music, and a horse stunt performance.
Door County Lighthouse Fest: June 9-11
Discover Door County’s 11 lighthouses by land, air, and boat June 9-11. Visitors will have access to unique excursions and exclusive access to lighthouses that aren’t typically open to the public, including Chambers Island, Plum Island and Sherwood Point lighthouses. A portion of proceeds will go to the Door County Maritime Museum & Lighthouse Preservation Society.
Roofing of the Goats & Goat Fest: June 10
Welcome the famous goats back to the roof of Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant with a parade! Saturday, June 10, watch the goat’s trip down Highway 42 and up onto the roof. This year’s Parade will be followed by the 6th Annual Goat Fest next store at Stabbur with live music and a Swedish Pancake-Eating Contest.
Fyr Bal Festival: June 17
Ephraim Fyr Bal festival is set for June 17 – but the celebration will kick off with three June 16 concerts at the Ephraim Moravian Church. Festivities will include a yoga class at Anderson Dock, a pancake breakfast at Ephraim Village Hall and a pet parade. The highlight of the festival is the chieftain ceremony, fireworks and the lighting of the Fyr Bal pyr.
Door County Beer Festival: June 17
Celebrate father’s day weekend with craft beer, culinary artisans, and live music on the shores of Baileys Harbor. Sample over 150 beers from dozens of Door County, Wisconsin, Michigan and Midwest breweries, enjoy food from some of the best restaurants on the peninsula, and enjoy live music at the Maxwelton Braes grounds. The Peninsula Century Spring Classic bike ride takes place in conjunction with the festival.
Door County Wine Fest: June 24
The Door County Wine Fest, located on the grounds of Maxwelton Braes, showcases the eight wineries on the Door County Wine Trail. Tickets include unlimited tasting of up to 58 different kinds of wine. There will be food trucks and live music throughout the event, from 12pm – 4pm.
Fourth of July Celebrations
Egg Harbor 4th of July Parade and Celebration: July 3 & 4
Enjoy live music (5-9pm), food & refreshments (4-9pm), and fireworks (dusk) on July 3. On the 4th, come watch the Parade, which runs south along Hwy 42 from the north end of Church Street to Hwy T at 1:30. Food and Refreshments all day.
Baileys Harbor Celebrates the 4th: July 4
Celebrate our country’s birthday the Baileys Harbor way! The day starts with a Fire Department pancake breakfast from 7:30 am – 10 am at 2404 Park Road. The Independence Day Parade starts at 10 am, and runs from Ridges Road to Summit Road on Hwy 42. Stick around for an arts and crafts fair, food, and music all day at Kendall Park. Enjoy fireworks, live music, beer and food vendors at Anclam Park at dusk to end the fun-filled day!
Sturgeon Bay Independence Day Celebration: July 4
Sturgeon Bay Celebrates presented with Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding —Join the 4th of July fun and festivities at Sunset Park! Food and drinks available beginning at 5 pm along with live reggae music by Unity leading up to a spectacular firework display at dusk!
Gills Rock Celebrates: July 4
Celebrate the 4th with music, food & drink, a fish fry fundraiser for the Deaths Door Maritime Museum and of course FIREWORKS! The celebration begins around 5pm. The boat parade is typically about an hour or so before sunset and the fireworks begin at dusk.
Door County Plein Air Festival: July 23-29
Watch artists from across the country paint Door County from July 23 to 29. Artists will be on location 11am – 2pm at Edgewood Orchard Galleries, Fish Creek and The Hardy Gallery, Ephraim July 24, July 25 at Jacksonport Farmer’s Market, Downtown Jacksonport and Downtown Baileys Harbor, July 26 at Horseshoe Bay Farm, Egg Harbor and The Garden Door – UW Extension, Sturgeon Bay, and July 27 at Downtown Ellison Bay and Hidden Acres Farm, Beach Rd, Sister Bay. End the weekend with a quick paint from 9am – 11am in Fish Creek, and live auction at 12:30.
Door County Fair: August 9-13
The 151st Door County Fair is an experience the entire family will love, with old-school, small-town fun. Enjoy carnival rides, food stands, 40H animal barns, and grandstand events. Grandstand attractions include stock car races, a demolition derby, and motorcycle racing. Carnival rides, concession stands & exceptional bands fill the fair midway. Hundreds of art, crafts, and animal entries showcase the talents of Door County exhibitors.
Sturgeon Bay Maritime Week: August
The City of Sturgeon Bay honors its rich maritime heritage.
Attend the Door County Classic & Wooden Boat show August 5 & 6 at the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay.
Celebrate Lake Michigan with the city of Algoma August 11 through 13. Enjoy live music Friday, August 11 from 4pm – 8pm, before the Shanty Days 5k run/walk Saturday, August 12. Enjoy a parade, car cruise and show, 150+ arts and crafts & street fair vendors, a beach volleyball tourney, fireworks, kid’s area, fishing contest, book sale and entertainment for the entire family all day Saturday and Sunday.
Sister Bay Marina Fest: September 2-4
Highlights of the Sister Bay Marina Fest are a vintage boat show and performance by Jerry Voelker and the Jolly Gents Saturday, September 2 at the Sister Bay Marina. This Labor Day celebration includes live music at the Marina, a kids carnival and boatbuilding, and a food court at the Sister Bay Village hall pavilion.
Sturgeon Bay Harvest Fest & Street Art Auction: September 16
Usher in the spirit of autumn on Third Avenue in Sturgeon Bay starting at 8 am. Features include a classic car show, craft show, food booths, in-store specials, the “Tapping of the Firkin” stein holding contest, and live entertainment. Preview the “Bass Around the Bay” Street Art Project at Martin Park before the virtual auction closes at 5 pm.
Baileys Harbor AutumnFest: September 23
Celebrate fall in Baileys Harbor with live music, food and drinks, and and arts and crafts fair. Highlights of Pin-Ups and Pistons day include a Classic Auto and Motorcycle Show and pin-up photoshoot, plus the Hey Hey 5k Run at Door County Brewing Co. Remember to bring your classic car or motorcycle to when you visit Autumnfest!
Autumn Lighthouse Festival: September 29-October 1
Discover Door County’s 11 lighthouses by land, air, and boat again this Columbus Day weekend. Visitors will have access to unique excursions and exclusive access to lighthouses that aren’t typically open to the public, including Chambers Island, Plum Island and Sherwood Point lighthouses. A portion of proceeds will go to the Door County Maritime Museum & Lighthouse Preservation Society.
Egg Harbor Pumpkin Patch Festival: October 7 & 8
Egg Harbor celebrates fall with one of the year’s largest festivals. Fall food favorites, carnival rides, arts and crafts vendors, silent auction, live music, scarecrow and pumpkin displays, magicians, food, refreshments and more at the Kress Pavilion Lawn and Harbor View Park.
Sister Bay Fall Festival: October 13-15
Close out the season with Sister Bay’s annual fall bash! Featuring live music all over the village, a huge arts and crafts fair, games and activities for kids, and food, including the Lion’s Club Fish Boil and Pancake Breakfast. Join the Fall Fest Parade Saturday morning, and don’t miss Sunday’s annual Ping Pong Ball Drop and Derby Race.
Jack O’Lantern Days: October 28-30
This festival puts the “eek!” in Fish Creek! A true, hometown Halloween festival at Fish Creek’s Top of the Hill Shops, Jack O’ Lantern Days will entertain little witches and goblins of all ages. Highlights include a festive costume contest, town hall games, town-wide trick-or-treating, a costume parade, live owls, mask making and so much more! This festival is full of surprises and will give your family a Halloween filled with good memories they’ll remember forever.
Thrills and Chills: October 28
A day of festive Halloween fun for the entire family! Start the holiday with a Costume Parade begins at 10 am from the Old Bell Tower and concludes at Martin Park in Sturgeon Bay. Activities include making your own trick-or-treat bags, costume parade, haunted house, pumpkin carving, and trick-or-treating throughout downtown Sturgeon Bay from 10 am-3 pm.
Sturgeon Bay Christmas by the Bay: November 17-19
Unwrap Sturgeon Bay with Christmas by the Bay Weekend presented in partnership with Door County Daily News. Join in the community car parade as Sturgeon Bay stores “unwrap” their festive storefronts to kick off the holiday season followed by the annual tree lighting ceremony near the Old Bell Tower on Third Avenue on Friday, Nov. 17! The fun continues Saturday, with a parade and meet and greet with Santa. The weekend comes to a close during brunch with Santa at Stone Harbor Resort on Sunday.
Sister Bay Capture the Spirit Festival: November 24 & 25
Celebrate the season with a holiday arts and craft fair and cookie decorating at Sister Bay Village Hall, visit with Santa’s elves and reindeer. Watch Santa arrive to turn on the holiday lights and read a wintertime story on Friday, November 24. Create holiday craft projects at Sister Bay Library, Saturday November 25.
Egg Harbor Holly Days: November 24 & 25
Enjoy an old-fashioned winter weekend with children’s activities, horse-draw wagon rides, caroling, tree-lighting, and more. Meet Santa and Egg Harbor’s Therapy Dogs Friday, November 24 for tree lighting and caroling. Saturday, November 25, meet Santa for breakfast and Bingo with the Egg Harbor Historical Society at Kress Pavillion. Join One Barrel Brewing for a fun run, before an elf-hunt, hot chocolate bar, and photos with Santa, and live music.
Ephraim Christmas in the Village: December 2
Celebrate with Santa and his reindeer with holiday crafts and snacks at the Village Hall December 2 from 3-5:30. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride through the village and join Santa at Harborside Park with his elves and reindeer to light the Christmas tree. Visit Ephraim business’s open-houses all day.
Baileys Harbor Holiday & Tree Lighting: December 3
Meet Santa and his elves and reindeer at Baileys Harbor Town Hall. Taking place from 6 – 8 pm Saturday, December 3, enjoy crafts, family activities, and tree lighting all with hot chocolate and cookies.
Christkindlmarkt: November 24-26, December 1-3, December 8-10
Located at the Corner of the Past Museum in Sister Bay, shop local weavers, knitters, potters, photographers, jewelers, painters, woodworkers, glass blowers and more! At Door County’s traditional European Christmas market, enjoy a warm, spicy mug of Glühwein and delicious winter food. The Market is open from 11am – 7pm Friday and Saturday of weekend’s one and two, and 11am – 6pm weekend three. Hours Sunday’s during the season are 11am – 3pm.
Sister Bay New Year’s Eve Celebration: December 31
Sister Bay celebrates New Year’s Eve with shopping, ice skating, dining specials, fireworks, and a bonfire. The FM 106.9 The Lodge Cherry Drop hosts the evening, with music and fun. Leading up to midnight, watch the giant sparkling cherry cherry drop to welcome the new year!
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This Weekend in Door County: Festivals Galore!
The summer season is upon us and there are too many different activities to keep track of. Good thing The Peninsula Pulse is here to help. Check out all the fun happening in Door County this weekend. Friday, August 10 Cabaret at the Kress Mary Reilly and accompanist, Joan Mead make their Door County debut in “Playing […]
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Weekend Primer Podcast: Live Music, Lavender Festival, LEGO Brick Party
Andrew and Matt are ramping up for this weekend with a list of live music performances happening all throughout the county. Other events include the Lavender Festival and Fly-in Fish Boil on Washington Island, and the LEGO Brick Party in Sister Bay.
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This Weekend in Door County: Lavender Days on the Island
The summer season is finally upon us and there are too many different activities to keep track of. Good thing The Peninsula Pulse is here to help. Check out all the fun happening in Door County this weekend. Friday, July 20 Live Music Throughout the entire county you will find a plethora of music choices. Baise, Miller […]
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The Story of Piano and a Three-Week Festival
by Sharon Grutzmacher, Peninsula Music Festival Executive Director In December of 1995 the Peninsula Music Festival purchased a nine-foot Steinway concert grand piano. Why, you might ask, would a three-week music festival need its own piano? How hard can it be to find a piano when you need one? Well, in the 44 seasons […]
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Weekend Primer Podcast: Cherry De-Lite Festival, Door County Triathlon
This week Andrew and Matt are getting ready for the Cherry De-Lite Festival, going stargazing with Universe in the Park, and gearing up for the Door County Triathlon.
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This Weekend in Door County: Triathlon and Folk Festival
The summer season is finally upon us and there are too many different activities to keep track of. Good thing The Peninsula Pulse is here to help. Check out all the fun happening in Door County this weekend. Friday, July 13 Door County Folk Festival Throughout the entire weekend and throughout all of northern Door County is the […]
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This Weekend in Door County: Summer Festivals & Buddy Guy
Still around after the Fourth? Door County’s myriad concert and performance series are all in full-swing. Take your pick as you enjoy the outdoors during the day. Check out all the fun happening in Door County this weekend. Friday, July 6 42 on 42 Art Show Clay Bay Pottery hosts an opening reception for their summer […]
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Weekend Primer Podcast: 4th of July Special
4th of July is a week long event in Door County, so Andrew and Matt have you covered a day early. This is your guide to food, live music, family fun, and fireworks, so you can get the most out of Independence Day 2018.
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PODCAST: 4th of July, Door County Living
Andrew Kleidon and Myles Dannhausen are preparing for the 4th of July. Talking points include Independence days of their youths, and the best locations to see the fireworks this year. For our feature this week, Andrew and Myles talk about the Door County Living Magazine, available throughout the county now.
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Summer is officially here and with it comes the third annual Door County Wine Fest on June 30 at Martin Park, located at 207 S. Third Ave. Enjoy the beautiful weather and waterfront view in downtown Sturgeon Bay. Savor unlimited tasting of award-winning Door County wines from eight local wineries, paired with complimentary cheese and […]
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Baileys Harbor Fourth of July Celebrations
July 3 8am-5pm: Arts & Crafts, Town Hall July 4 7:30am-10am: Baileys Harbor Fire Department Pancake Breakfast, Fire Station (2404 Park Rd) 7:45am-4:30pm: Shuttle rides pre-parade and post-parade to Baileys Harbor Rec Park & County EE/F South Field 8am-5pm: Arts & Crafts, Town Hall 9am til gone: Baileys Harbor Women’s Club Strawberry Fest, Town […]
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Egg Harbor Independence Day Celebration
July 3 2 pm: Beach closes for fireworks set-up 4-10pm: Food & refreshments 5-9:30pm: Live music by Modern Day Drifters Dusk: Fireworks, best viewed from the marina break wall July 4 1:30pm: Independence Day Parade, runs south along Hwy 42 from north end of Church Street to Hwy T Immediately after the parade: UW-Madison Marching […]
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PODCAST: Weekend Primer: Water and Wax, Wine Fest, The Emissary
Andrew Kleidon and Matthew Marcon discuss the events for the weekend of June 29th, 2018, including Water and Wax at Cappaert Contemporary Gallery, The Door County Wine Festival in Sturgeon Bay, and a special showing of The Emissary at Base Camp Coffee.
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This Weekend in Door County: Wine Festival & Football
It’s officially summer and it’s hard to keep track of all different activities to do in the county. Check out all the fun happening in Door County this weekend. Friday, June 29 ‘The Emissary’ Screening Stop at Base Camp Coffee in Sister Bay to check out the locally filmed sci-fi epic, The Emissary. When a lone space […]
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PODCAST: Door County Beer Fest, Peninsula Century, Open Door Pride Festival
Andrew Kleidon and Myles Dannhausen got soaked last weekend at the Door County Beer Fest and Peninsula Century ride, and we talk to Aleah Kidd, the Pulse resident foodie about Uncork Summer. For our feature this week, Andrew and Myles talk about Door County’s LGBTQIA+ community, and the Open Door Pride Festival.
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Sister Bay Hosts Paddlefest June 23
Check out the newest kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUP) at Sister Bay’s Paddlefest at Waterfront Park on Saturday, June 23, 9:30 am – 1 pm. Demonstrations and free use of kayaks and paddleboards will be provided by Bay Shore Outfitters. The beachfront rental site will be open from 1 – 5 pm. Start your day […]
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Pride Week Culminates in Open Door Pride Fest
Open Door Pride Week, June 19-23, culminates in the second annual Pride Fest at Martin Park in Sturgeon Bay. From 11 am to 5 pm on June 23, an array of entertainers and vendors will keep the crowd entertained and informed. Milwaukee natives Lex Allen and Taj Raiden, known for their alternative R&B sound and […]
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Weekend Primer: Uncork, New Restaurants, Outdoor Activities
Andrew Kleidon and Matthew Marcon discuss the events for the weekend of June 22nd, 2018, including Uncork Summer, new restaurants to try, and outdoor activities perfect for any summer weekend.
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Uncork Summer Festival Returns June 23
Door County’s only outdoor “foodie” festival celebrates its fifth running this year. Scheduled for June 23, Uncork Summer once again takes place on the grounds of Wickman House in Ellison Bay. Mickie Rasch, Door County North’s community coordinator, said the event’s hours have been tweaked a bit this year to reflect the realities of the […]
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This Weekend in Door County: Open Door Pride and Uncork Summer
As summer starts to heat up in Door County so do its weekend activities. Check out all the fun happening in Door County this weekend. Friday, June 22 New restaurants in Door County Before the summer season starts to pick up, right now is a perfect time to try one of Door County’s new restaurants. […]