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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Up, Up and Away for Sister Bay’s Kite Day
Go fly a kite during Sister Bay’s second annual Kite Day! Join the Wisconsin Kiters Club on July 1, 10 am – 3 pm, for kite creation and a demonstration at the Sister Bay Sports Complex, 2155 Autumn Court. Kite kits for kids to build and decorate will be provided for free, according to Ellie […]
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There are festivals in Door County that celebrate the natural beauty of the land, the history of the county, the ethnic background of the people who made that history, and the changing of each season. There is even a festival for the roofing of the goats and a parade specifically for Scottish terriers. But by […]
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Can You Visit Every Door County July Fourth Event?
Independence Day is one of Door County’s busiest holidays, and with so many events surrounding it, I wondered, is it possible to visit every holiday celebration in the county? Saturday, July 1: The hypothetical July Fourth journey starts on this day at the most remote site on the list – Rock Island – for food, a […]
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Open Door Pride will host its seventh Pride Festival on June 24, 10 am – 5 pm, at Sturgeon Bay’s Martin Park, 207 S. 3rd Ave. The festival includes vendors, food, beverages, music, games, art activities, 50/50 raffle and more. Admission is free. To start the festival, Coleen Bins of Chief Oshkosh in Egg Harbor […]
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Beer Fest Celebrates County’s Growing Beer Scene
When the gates opened for the first Door County Beer Festival in 2012, the peninsula boasted just one local brewery. When the 11th edition of the festival sprawls across the grounds of Maxwelton Braes in 2023, Door County will be able to claim eight local breweries, plus two more in Kewaunee County. Though it took […]
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Although the temperature has warmed and visitors have returned to Door County, you could say summer doesn’t officially begin on the peninsula until Ephraim lights the night with its Fyr Bal festival, this year taking place June 16-17. The highlight of the festival is the crowning of the Fyr Bal chieftain – an Ephraim resident […]
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Past and Future Collide at Kewaunee Fantasy Fair
History and fantasy will come together for the third Times of Future Past festival June 10-11, 10 am – 5 pm, at Kewaunee’s Winter Park, N3787 Ransom Moore Lane. Produced and managed by an all-female steering committee, this event combines historical figures such as Mark Twain, Mary Todd Lincoln and Sarge’s Heroes from WWII, alongside […]
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Farmers Market In Downtown Sturgeon Bay
The Sturgeon Bay farmers market started June 3 and is open Saturdays, 8 am – 12 pm, through Oct. 14. This year, visitors can expect to find even more variety among the 80-plus annual vendors and the additional visiting vendors, who change weekly. The market runs along 3rd Avenue from Michigan Street to Nebraska Street, […]
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Celebrate the start of summer at Ephraim’s 57th Fyr Bal (pronounced “feer ball”), held June 17 along the shoreline of Eagle Harbor. Three June 16 concerts – at 2, 4 and 7 pm – at the Ephraim Moravian Church will kick off the festival. They’ll feature Colin & Friends performing works that celebrate Ephraim’s Nordic and […]
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Vintage Market Sets Up At Cherry Hut
The Rusty Coop Vintage Barn Market will be held June 2, 3-8 pm, and June 3, 9 am – 4 pm, at the Door County Cherry Hut, 8813 Hwy 42 in Fish Creek. The pet-friendly market – presented by SilverWear by Misty – will feature 75-plus artisans who specialize in handmade, upcycled, curated vintage goods, clothing and more. […]
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Some go for the 10K. Some go for the kolaches. And some go for a combination of the two. (We’d recommend the run first, then the pastries, but we’re not your mom.) Wherever you lie on the Maifest spectrum, we’ve got you covered with this year’s schedule of events. It all takes place at Lakeside […]
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The season of festivals is just around the corner, with three big ones highlighting Memorial Day weekend. Here’s a rundown of upcoming May and June festivals. Door County Festival of Nature May 25-28 doorcountyfestivalofnature.org Enjoy a slate of field trips, events and experiences to help you explore that unique natural systems found throughout Door County. […]
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Your Guide to Fire & Ice Weekend in Sturgeon Bay
Cabin fever got you down? Head out to Sturgeon Bay’s annual Fire & Ice Festival to melt those winter blues away this weekend. Friday, Feb. 17 5-7 pm: Luminary-lit hike at Crossroads at Big Creek, 2041 Michigan St. Saturday, Feb. 18 Starting at 9 am: Watch snow and ice carvers work throughout downtown Sturgeon Bay. […]
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Fish Creek Winterfest 2023 Schedule of Events
It’s time to get bundled up and get a little weird this weekend as Fish Creek breaks up the off-season with Winterfest. You can take on the competition in the Fruit Loop Run, show off your stumpf fiddle skills or hunt down a sasquatch. Or you can just warm up under the tent while mowing […]
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Dropping into 2023 It’s time to put a bow on 2022 and look forward to 2023! Sister Bay will be the place to be Saturday night. If weather allows, the Teresa K. Hilander Community Ice Rink will be open for skating, with bonfires, concessions and fun at the rink, plus a big fireworks display at […]
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Final Weekend for Christkindlmarkt
This weekend is your last chance to stroll the grounds and taste the flavors of the Christkindlmarkt at Corner of the Past in Sister Bay. Fill up on hot comfort food from McEvoy’s Culinaria, Fika Bakery and Cafe, Thyme Restaurant and Walter’s Wurst Wagon as you hunt for gifts, listen to music and enjoy the […]
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2024 Door County Runs and Rides
We’ve made your planning easy with this guide to getting active with 2023 Door County runs and rides to check out. If you want plan to take on many runs, consider signing up for the Run the Door race series. Door County has become a hotbed for silent sports competition and experiences. Whether you want […]
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Harbor Holiday in Baileys This Weekend
A young boy shares his wish list with Santa at last year’s Harbor Holiday. In addition to visiting Santa, Harbor Holiday attendees can say hello to his elves and reindeer. They can also enjoy seasonal crafts, family activities, snacks and a tree lighting at 7:30. Harbor Holiday takes place at the Baileys Harbor Town Hall […]
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Lighting the community Christmas tree in Ellison Bay on Nov. 20. Photo by Liz Mahoney.
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Tree Lighting, Caroling in Fish Creek
The Gibraltar Historical Association will bring back the charm of yesteryear when it hosts the annual lighting of the village’s Christmas tree in Noble Square. Door County Carolers will also lead guests in a candlelight sing-along at the event Dec. 3, 5 pm. Following the celebration, enjoy hot cocoa and homemade cookies, and take a […]