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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“All Things Lavender” Festival Returns July 22-24
Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm & Shop will host its second annual “All Things Lavender” Festival July 22-24. Festival hours are 10 am – 5 pm Friday and Saturday, and 11 am – 3 pm Sunday. Festival highlights include daily seminars presented by lavender industry experts, daily tours of the barn to see and learn first-hand […]
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Classic & Wooden Boat Fest Makes Call for Entries
The Door County Classic & Wooden Boat Festival is making its annual call for entries for the various events associated with the festival, Aug. 12 & 13. The call includes boats to be exhibited, teams to compete in the Sikaflex Challenge boat building competition and artwork for the new Art Mart Sale. The Door County […]
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Comedic Nuns, Ben Folds & More Weekend Plans
This weekend has plenty to offer in events both in and out of doors. Become a kayaking expert, bust a gut at Rogue Theater, or bring home the win at the Belgian Days volleyball tournament. Friday, July 8 Rutabaga Door County Sea Kayak Symposium Paddlers of all skill levels are welcome to participate in […]
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Burning Cow Music Festival Returns July 21 – 23
It started with a vision and ended with a burning cow. And this summer, for three days, it will once again transform the grounds of the Door Devils Motorcycle Club into an eclectic showcase of original music and tantalizing food. The second annual Burning Cow Music Festival will return to Sturgeon Bay from July 21 […]
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By the Numbers: Independence Day
1 Number of signers of the Declaration of Independence who recanted the signing (Richard Stockton of New Jersey, who did so while being held a prisoner of the British). 26 Age of the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence (Edward Rutledge of South Carolina). 56 Number of signers of the Declaration […]
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Independence Day 2016 Weekend Schedules
Egg Harbor All activities take place in Harbor View Park, 7809 Hwy. 42 in Egg Harbor Sunday, July 3 4 – 10 pm: Food and refreshments 5 – 9:30 pm: Modern Day Drifters perform 9:30 pm: Fireworks Monday, July 4 1:30 pm: Independence Day Parade on Hwy. 42, runs south from County E […]
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Keep It Safe This Independence Day Weekend
I have always loved Independence Day weekend and everything leading up to it: the anticipation of what fireworks my mom would buy, the hour of sparkler usage before dusk, and the explosions of vibrant colors when the sky is finally dark enough to set a magnificent backdrop. But there have always been the inevitable news […]
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Door County Brewing Co. Present WIFEE and the HUZz BAND
Door County Brewing Co. is taking part in Baileys Harbor’s annual Fourth of July Festival and Parade, in a day that guarantees a good time for attendees of all ages. “The Fourth is really the kick-off to summer in Door County, and we go all out,” said Door County Brewing Co. co-owner Angie McMahon. “We […]
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Renaissance Faire, Lumberjacks & More Weekend Plans
This busy holiday weekend is chock-full of activities for adventurers of all types. Delve into the county’s geographic past, dance the night away at Fishstock or discover some of the best beers on the peninsula. Curious about Fourth of July firework and parade schedules? Find them here. Friday, July 1 Beer & Burger Trolley Tour […]
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Sink or Swim in Little Sturgeon Days’ Cardboard Boat Regatta
A new event will be included in the schedule for Little Sturgeon Days this weekend: cardboard boat races. Little Sturgeon Area Property Owners Association puts on the festival each year. The association’s new president, Mike Martin, suggested the addition of the boat races after learning about other festivals with similar competitions. Celebrate De Pere, which […]
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Raffle Part of Olde Ellison Bay Days Attractions
Among the attractions at the 50th annual Olde Ellison Bay Days festival on the last weekend in June is a bevy of raffle prizes. Thirty-three prizes, totaling more than $3,000 in value, will be awarded on June 26 at Ellison Bay’s Community Park on Hwy. 42. Grande Raffle prizes include a 14-foot Hobie One sailboat […]
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Seven Fest Weekend: June 25 – 26, 2016
Tis the weekend of festivals in Door County! Whether you’re a wino, lover of olde things or new, cardboard boat connoisseur, Renaissance re-enactor or stand-up paddleboard yogi, there’s a festival for you on the peninsula. Olde Ellison Bay Days Friday, June 24 – Sunday, June 26 The 50th annual festival offers fun for the whole […]
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Sturgeon Bay Celebrates Fourth of July
Shake out your patriotic clothes and come to Sturgeon Bay to celebrate and make memories on the Fourth of July. Join friends and neighbors in Sunset Park on July 4 for an old-fashioned ice cream social, food, drinks, music and fabulous fireworks. Dirty Deuce & Friends will play on the music stage at Sunset Park […]
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Fireworks, Music & More at Summer Fest
Put on your dancing shoes and come on down to Clark Park on July 2 for Fish Creek’s annual Summer Fest concert and fireworks. This fun, festive, family-friendly festival kicks off at 4 pm with concessions and beer sales benefitting local nonprofit organizations, followed by a concert by Big Mouth & the Power Tool Horns […]
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Baileys Harbor Hosts Fourth of July Celebrations
Baileys Harbor is a top spot for Fourth of July fun in Door County. Start out the day at the Baileys Harbor Fire Department’s Pancake Breakfast from 7:30 to 10 am on July 4. Local firemen will serve breakfast at this annual fundraiser that helps support the volunteer fire department. The parade starts at 10 […]
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Kreutzer/Dvořák Program at Midsummer Music Festival
As Door County’s Midsummer’s Music Festival continues its 2016 season with a program featuring music by Conradin Kreutzer and Antonín Dvořák. Kreutzer studied under one of Beethoven’s teachers and was highly thought of during his day for his chamber music pieces, including the Septet for Winds and Strings in E-flat Major, Op. 62. He was, […]
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Uncork Summer Returns to Wickman House June 25
The grounds of the Wickman House in Ellison Bay will transform into a foodie’s paradise when it hosts the Uncork Summer Food, Wine and Musical Festival on Saturday, June 25. In its third year, Uncork celebrates Door County’s growing reputation as a culinary destination by showcasing the county’s top chefs in a single location. This […]
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Beer Fest 2016: Homebrew Championship Winners Announced
After a one-year hiatus, the Door County Homebrewing Championships returned as part of the Door County Beer Festival in 2016. More than 95 beers were entered in the contest, organized by brewing enthusiast Justin Minikel. “The focus of this competition is to provide good feedback to all entrants and reward talented brewers making great beer,” […]
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Volunteers Needed for Cherry Fest
Volunteers are needed for vendor coordination and kolache baking at Jacksonport’s Cherry Fest. “The volunteers make Cherry Fest work,” states Vicki Bley as the Jacksonport Historical Society (JHS) prepares for their 22nd annual fundraising event to be held Aug. 6 in Lakeside Park and the Erskine Rest Area on Hwy. 57. Bley adds that one […]
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Belgian Days Festival Held July 9 & 10
Belgian Days, a festival sponsored by the Brussels Lions Club, will be held July 9 & 10 at the Brussels Town Park in southern Door County. Belgian pies, Belgian trippe, Belgian jutt, booyah and burgers will be served both days. Other events include: youth baseball tournament on both days; a coed volleyball tournament on Saturday […]