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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!

  • Beers and Bikes in Baileys Harbor June 18

    Baileys Harbor will be a mecca for bike and beer lovers Saturday, June 18, as the Door County Beer Festival and Peninsula Century Spring Classic bike ride come to town. More than 800 cyclists are expected to take part in routes of 25, 50, 62, and 100 miles, starting and ending at the Cornerstone Pub. […]

  • 2016 Fyr Bal Schedule of Events

    Ephraim celebrates its 52nd Annual Fyr Bal Festival on Saturday, June 18. Steeped in Scandinavian tradition, Fyr Bal (pronounced fear ball) is Norwegian for bonfire. The festival re-creates customs of early Scandinavian settlers celebrating the Summer Solstice. Friday, June 17 10:30am: Free Historic Walking Tour, depart Anderson Barn 11am-4pm: Ephraim Culture Day (Bethany Lutheran Church, […]

  • Heritage Village Hosts Germanfest and Demonstrations

    The Door County Historical Society’s interpretive site, Heritage Village at Big Creek, begins its season on June 18 with a salute to German Heritage at Germanfest. Guests will “Prost” (toast) everything German. Wear your dirndl or lederhosen or come and learn what they are. The festival will be held from 11 am – 2 pm, […]

  • Peninsula Century Spring Classic, Beer Fest & More Weekend Plans

    This weekend offers chances to get active and enjoy the county’s natural beauty. Hike through the woods by Clark Lake, hop on your bike, or walk through the peninsula’s storied past. Friday, June 17 Ephraim Heritage Day See into Ephraim’s past with free walking tours and free admission into Ephraim’s cultural sites, including Bethany Lutheran […]

  • Trotting Into Goat Fest

    The Door Peninsula grows bright green in May and June, signaling the start of another summer. In the Town of Sister Bay, the return of green grass – particularly that found on the roof of a particular Swedish restaurant – means it’s time for one of the county’s most unique festivals. On June 11, Al […]

  • Framed: Kids at Maifest

    Children decorate a Maypole at Maifest in Jacksonport last month. Photo by Sue Jarosh.

  • Uncork Summer Showcases Food, Wine, and Music

    Door County North, the business association for far northern Door County, has announced that the third annual Uncork Summer Food, Wine & Music Festival is scheduled for June 25, 10 am – 5 pm, on the outdoor grounds of Wickman House. The event will feature 20 food vendor booths, plus wines, local ciders, craft beers […]

  • Sister Bay Kicks Off Summer with Beach Bash

    The Village of Sister Bay has undergone a dramatic transformation and can’t wait to show it off with Beach Bash, a community-wide celebration on June 25. Experience Paddlefest, the first annual co-ed volleyball tournament, music at the Waterfront Park Performance Pavilion, and fireworks over the bay. Sister Bay has plenty to celebrate this summer. The […]

  • 2016 Festivities at Olde Ellison Bay Days

    The 2016 Olde Ellison Bay Days festival will feature attractions for folks of all ages and interests. The weekend will begin officially on June 23 with an olde-fashioned fish boil, 4 – 8 pm, at the Viking Grill. The fish boil will be hosted by Dan Peterson and Wendy Smith, 2016 Co-Marshals of the Grande […]

  • Festival Tours Showcase Peninsula’s Lighthouses

    The Door County Lighthouse Festival will take place June 10-12, and tickets remain for a variety of the land-based and boat excursion offerings. This year marks the 23rd annual event in which the Door County Maritime Museum (DCMM) spotlights perhaps the heaviest concentration of lighthouses in the country. Two different daylong, land-based tours visit the […]

  • Steel Bridge Songfest, Pork Fest & More Weekend Plans

    This weekend there are plenty of opportunities to learn about the various elements that make Door County so special. Explore historic lighthouses, interact with artists, and get up close and personal with the peninsula’s diverse flora and fauna. Friday, June 10 Steel Bridge Songfest Kick off the summer music fest scene with the 12th annual […]

  • JEM Grants Awarded to Door County Wine Fest, Uncork Summer, and Maritime Museum

    Three events in Door County are expanding their marketing efforts with the help of Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) Grants from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. The Egg Harbor Business Association is receiving a $20,000 grant for the inaugural Door County Wine Fest, Door County North is receiving an $8,000 grant for Uncork Summer/Door County Food, […]

  • Run, Recite And Remember This Memorial Day Weekend

    This busy weekend offers opportunities to explore and learn about the artists, history, and natural beauty that make Door County unique. Friday, May 27 Poetry Slam The 6th grade students at Gibraltar Schools have put together an afternoon of poetry and friendly competition. Matt Burress will perform live music for the event. Admission is five […]

  • Scholarship Funds Available to Door County Renaissance Faire Student Volunteers

    The Door County Renaissance Development Group (DCRDG) is pleased to announce they will award $2,500 in scholarship funds this year. These funds in the amount of $500 each will be awarded to four individual students who are continuing their education. The final $500 award will go directly to the Door County school from which the […]

  • Cana Island Lighthouse. Cathy Glasnap.

    Cana Island Tours Offered during Blessing of the Fleet Fest

    The Door County Maritime Museum will participate in the Blessing of the Fleet event in Baileys Harbor on May 21, highlighted by special restoration tours of Cana Island. “Tours of Cana Island Light Station include admission to the island, a climb up the historic lighthouse tower and a special detailed overview of our current and […]

  • Parade, Arts & Crafts and Modern Day Drifters at Maifest

    A weekend of fun and excitement is on tap in Jacksonport over Memorial Day weekend as the community prepares for the 44th annual Maifest celebration, scheduled for May 28 & 29. Since 1973, the lakeshore community has hosted Door County’s unofficial summer kick off festival at Lakeside Park, located at the intersection of County V […]

  • Blessing of the Fleet: Baileys Harbor Debuts Maritime Fest

    Baileys Harbor will host the very first Blessing of the Fleet Festival this weekend, May 21-22. The town seeks to celebrate its maritime heritage with festivities located at or near the marina, including a traditional blessing ceremony, maritime tours, historic programs, music and food. The maritime industry has played a crucial role in the establishment […]

  • Sturgeon Bay Fine Art Fair is Full of Fun

    Bring family and friends to Sunset Park May 28 and 29 and browse some of the best art in Door County and the Midwest. The 18th annual Sturgeon Bay Fine Art Fair will host more than 100 fine artists displaying and selling their original pieces of art in such forms as sculpture, glass, paintings, jewelry, […]

  • Maifest Book Signing with Local Author Phyllis Zatlin

    During the Maifest celebration on May 28 & 29, the Jacksonport Historical Society (JHS) will sell their celebrated book series in the JHS booth next to the Erskine Root Cellar, on the west side of Highway 57 at County V. Of special interest for commemorating American veterans is a small volume, published late last summer, […]

  • A Film From the County in Cannes

    A bit of Door County is keeping some mighty rich company this month at the world-famous Cannes Film Festival. Drew Britton, who has spent much of his life here, submitted Richard’s 32nd, an eight-minute film he wrote, directed, produced and edited. A month later he received an email saying it had been accepted for screening […]