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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!

  • Harbor Holiday in Baileys Harbor (Dec. 3-4)

    Join us for a great community event including a Christmas parade, arts & crafts and a tree lighting ceremony! Saturday, December 3 1 – 3pm: Cookies and hot chocolate at the Toft House 3pm: Parade and caroling from visitor’s center to town hall 4 – 6pm: Harbor Holiday Party at town hall; arts and crafts […]

  • Ephraim’s Christmas In the Village 2016

    Featuring fun family crafts, soup and chili, and a meet-and-greet with Santa and his sled dogs. Saturday, December 3 11am – 2pm: ADVENTure and sweets sale at Ephraim Moravian Church 11:30am – 12:30pm: Children’s holiday stories at Ephraim library 12:30 – 3:30pm: Holiday craft, cookie decorating and heritage games inside Ephraim Village Hall 1 – […]

  • Christmas by the Bay Events Return to Sturgeon Bay

    Come to Sturgeon Bay for sparkling, holiday fun Nov. 18-20. Sturgeon Bay Visitor Center (SBVC) turns on the holiday charm during the annual Christmas by the Bay celebration with a weekend of family friendly activities. Join friends and neighbors at the tree lighting ceremony Nov. 18, 6-8 pm, at the Clock Tower on Third Avenue. […]

  • Holly Days in Egg Harbor (Nov. 25-26, 2016)

    A celebration of the holiday season with Breakfast with Santa, a children’s Elf Hunt, Mistle Dough shopping contest, horse -drawn wagon rides, caroling, old-fashioned tree lighting and more! Schedule below, subject to change. All activities (Breakfast with Santa & Reindeer Drop excluded) are free. Donations are welcome to keep the tradition alive! Friday, November 25 […]

  • Sturgeon Bay’s Christmas by the Bay (Nov. 18-20, 2016)

    Join Sturgeon Bay as they usher in the holiday season during the annual Christmas by the Bay Celebration! All the fun begins at 6 pm on Friday, Nov. 18  with a tree lighting ceremony at the clock tower on historic Third Avenue at 7 pm.  Enjoy complimentary horse drawn wagon rides compliments of Nicolet National […]

  • Jack O’Lantern Days, Dark Songs & More Halloween Weekend Happenings

    October’s final weekend is nearly upon us and with it comes Halloween celebrations and the final days of some of the peninsula’s seasonal galleries and shops. Head out to enjoy these businesses while the lights are on and when the sun begins to set, enjoy one of the haunted Halloween offerings with our guide to […]

  • Framed: Cherries at Fall Fest

    (Left to right) Anders Seaquist, Cassidy Moore and Levi Seaquist as cheery cherries in the Sister Bay Fall Festival parade on Oct. 15. Photo by Len Villano.

  • Framed: Egg Harbor’s Pumpkin Patch

    Another weekend of fall family fun at Egg Harbor’s Pumpkin Patch has come and gone. Photo by Len Villano.

  • Something Fishy Celebrates Pumpkin Patch with Open Door Bird Sanctuary & Giveaway

    Something Fishy celebrates Pumpkin Patch Weekend by hosting the Open Door Bird Sanctuary and drawing a winner for their $1,000 prize basket giveaway. Meet the resident raptors from Open Door Bird Sanctuary at Something Fishy on Oct. 8, 10 am to 4 pm, during Egg Harbor’s annual Pumpkin Patch Weekend. Volunteers and staff from the […]

  • 50/50 Raffle Added to Sister Bay Fall Fest Line-up

    In a town with a reputation for great food, Fall Festers will have plenty to eat and drink as businesses and nonprofits offer up the best festival fare on the peninsula. Bowlers can try to throw a spare at pumpkin bowling, and arts and crafts enthusiasts will have plenty to keep them busy at Arts […]

  • Pumpkin Patch, Iron Pour & More Weekend Plans

    Take in the sights, sounds and tastes of autumn during one of the busiest weekends on the Door Peninsula! From Apple Fest to Pumpkin Patch, we’ve got you covered for a memorable, fun-filled weekend in the county. Friday, October 7 Reiki & Readings Explore the world of energy work with JenMarie Stevens, a medical intuitive, […]

  • Autumnfest, Election Theater & More Weekend Plans

    It’s the first weekend of autumn in Door County! Head to one of this weekend’s fall festivals, prep your cold-weather reading lists, or help Door Community Auditorium celebrate its first major anniversary. Friday, September 23 DCA’s Silver Anniversary Twenty-five years ago, the Door Community Auditorium in Fish Creek opened its doors. In the years since, […]

  • Mandolin Orange, Harvest and Ale Fests, & More Weekend Plans

    Cooler weather and shorter days have done little to slow the onslaught of entertaining events on the Door Peninsula! Take in a variety of thought-provoking and downright fun music, get crafty with Mother Nature’s bountiful mushrooms, or hop on your bike for a scenic ride through the county. Friday, September 16 Chasing Ice Join Crossroads […]

  • Sturgeon Bay’s Harvest Fest and Street Art Auction of Benches is Sept. 17

    Sturgeon Bay kicks off fall festivities in the county with the Harvest Festival and Street Art Auction, Sept. 17, 9 am – 5pm. All the fun begins on Third Avenue with a variety of art and craft vendors, fall store specials citywide, live music, lots of food and more. The Old Bolts Car Club will […]

  • “The 39 Steps,” Door County Century & More Weekend Plans

    This weekend, take some time to celebrate the upcoming fall season. Get lost in a corn maze, squish some grapes, or bike across the county.   Friday, Sept. 9 Art/Speaks Come to write and to share work. This writing lab is for those interested in writing in response to art. 11:30 am – 1 pm. […]

  • Open Call for Fall Fest Parade Float Entries

    With more activities throughout Fall Fest weekend, the Saturday parade will become a greater focus for this, the festival’s 71st year. This is an open call for any and all parade floats. Participation is free, and there will be a trophy awarded for best float. The parade will take place Oct. 15 at 11 am. […]

  • The Sharrows, Marina Fest & More Weekend Plans

    Labor Day Weekend is upon us, and with it comes incredible chances to take in Door County’s vibrant art, music and people. Guffaw your way through a hilarious fall comedy, gear up for some outrageous karaoke, or get your hands on some beautifully quilted pieces. Friday, Sept. 2 Opening Reception Step into The Hardy Gallery, […]

  • Blues on the Bay Returns for Third Year

    Door County’s only blues festival, Blues on the Bay, is scheduled for Aug. 27, with performances by well-known national and regional blues musicians from 3 to 9 pm. The third annual music festival will once again be held at the Ellison Bay Community Park, 11953 Hwy 42. This year’s Blues on the Bay features a […]

  • 2016 Sister Bay Capture the Spirit (Nov. 25 and 26)

    Warm up your holiday spirit, tune up your caroling voice, bundle up the kids and join the festivities at the Sister Bay Capture the Spirit event, November 25-26! Friday, Nov. 25 beginning at 4:30 p.m. the village lights will glow brightly with the lighting of luminaries around downtown and the Village Christmas tree and decorations […]

  • 2017 Fish Creek Winter Festival (Feb. 3 – 5)

    The 29th annual Fish Creek Winter Festival features a kickball tournament, fireworks, games and much more. Full schedule and details here.