Only in Door County could one weekend feature Nordic fiddles, pig wrestling, professional kite flyers, island adventures, incredible live music and more. There are plenty of activities to keep busy, whether you’re craving an outdoor adventure, an indoor activity or some delicious eats. The events listed below are just a sampling of happenings on the peninsula this weekend. If you don’t see something that sparks your interest, visit this weekend’s full event calendar here.  

Festivals and Celebrations 

Thresheree and Antique Machinery Show (August 16-18)

Festivities start at 6 pm on Friday evening, with live music from Noah John and Ringing Iron Bluegrass until 11 pm. On Saturday, stop by for a pancake breakfast (7-10 am), a chainsaw competition (9:30 am) and antique tractor pull starting at 11:30 am. Stick around for an afternoon barn dance (2-5 pm), evening polka mass celebrated by Rev. Tony Birdsall and live music from Modern Day Drifters from 8 pm – 12 am. Festivities wrap up on Sunday with a Lutheran service at 8:30 am, kid’s pedal tractor pull (10 am), parade of antique machines (12 pm) and mud pig wrestling (3:30 pm). Visit valmythresheree.org for more information. 

Washington Island Fair (August 17)

Located on the Washington Island School Grounds on Main Rd, the Island Fair opens with a parade at noon. Other highlights include bingo at 2 pm and a raffle at 4:30 pm. Plus, live music, classic cars, food stands, beverage stands, games and exhibits all day. Admission is $1/person. Read more>>

Soar on the Shore Kite Festival (August 17)

Watch professionals as they soar giant kites above Crescent Beach in Algoma from 11 am – 4 pm. You can join in the fun too! Concessions, demonstrations and more will be available to attendees. Admission is free. Rain date: August 18. Read more>>

Food Trucks and Floaties (August 17) 

Stop by Anclam Park and Beach in Baileys Harbor from 11 am – 5 pm for delicious eats and fun in the water. Participating food trucks include Chives, Harbor Pizza, Harbor Grille & Griddle, Lumberjack Taco Shack, Wally’s Weenie Wagon, Bearded Heart Coffee and Ohana Hospitality. Paddle in kayaks provided by Lakeshore Adventures and play on the 18-ft fun pad. Read more>>

Door-Tran Annual FUNdraiser at Egg Harbor Fun Park (August 17) 

From 2-5 pm, swing by Egg Harbor Fun Park for unlimited go-kart rides, mini-golf, silent auction and many other indoor and outdoor activities. Concessions will also be available. Tickets are $20/person at the door and all proceeds support Door-Tran. Read more>>

EGGstravaganza Live Auction (August 17) 

At 6 pm, twenty-eight egg sculptures created by artists in different media will be auctioned off at the Donald and Carol Kress Pavilion to benefit the Egg Harbor Public Arts Initiative. Read more>>

Belgian Kermiss (August 18) 

Come celebrate the harvest with the Beligan Heritage Center from 11 am – 4 pm. A kermiss is a traditional harvest celebration that is open to the whole community. Sunday’s kermiss will feature Belgian food, beer and live music from the Mad Cats (11 am – 3 pm). There will also be an antique farm implement display, guided tours of the historic former schoolhouse and convent venue, as well as area craft vendors, a bucket raffle and silent auction. Read more>>

Nordic Fiddle Fest (August 18) 

The 8th Annual Nordic Fiddle Fest will take place at 7 pm at Bjorklunden. The fest will feature Liz Carroll, singer/bouzouki player Pat Broaders, and multi-instrumentalists Vidar Skrede and Patrik Ahlberg. Reserve tickets in advance by calling 920.839.2399. Tickets at the door are first come, first serve. $20/person.  Read more>>

Outdoor Activities 

Explore Plum Island (August 17) 

The U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and FOPPI will offer guided, interpretive tours of the island’s natural habitat and historic maritime structures. Hike the trails, climb the rear range light, kayak around the island and snorkel the wreck ‘Grape Shot.’ Shoreline Scenic Cruises and Charters will take two trips to the Plum Island for the day. Call 920.421.0922 to reserve a spot. Read more>>

Sensational Sandhill Cranes (August 16) 

Visit Peninsula State Park from 10:30 – 11 am to learn about the amazing Sandhill Crane. The program is interactive and designed for all ages. Read more>>

Whitefish Dunes Programs (August 16) 

Learn how to identify trees of the park from 11 am – 1 pm. Learn about the Great Lakes and interact with a cool watershed model from 2 – 3 pm. Read more>>

Potawatomi Programs (August 17) 

Join a park naturalist for a 1.25 mile loop on the shores of Sturgeon Bay from 3 – 4:15 pm. Along the way, learn about shipwrecks, native history, wildflowers and trees. Read more>>

Full Moon Campfire at Newport State Park (August 16) 

Gather around the campfire (9 pm) with a park naturalist for an evening of stories, park history and s’mores. Bring a chair or blanket. Read more>>

Live Music 

This weekend, live music is available indoors, outdoors, while enjoying a meal or while sipping on a drink. Get your groove on across the peninsula! Listed below are just a few live music highlights to look out for. To view the full schedule of this weekend’s live music, check out the live music listings here. 

The Most Terrible Ball of Them All (August 16) 

Celebrate the release of Make Keene’s EP with a free night of music at the Sister Bay Townhall from 8 -11 pm. The celebration will feature performances by other Door County artists including (the Peninsula Pulse’s own!) Celeste Benzschawel, Ballistic Biscuit, and Make and the Makeouts. Free but donations encouraged. Read more>>

Krista Detor at Woodwalk Gallery (August 16) 

Doors open at 5:30 pm and the show starts at 7 pm. Picnics welcome! Krista Detor will play elegant balladry and piano. Call 920.495.2928 or 920.629.4877 for tickets and picnic table reservations. $20/person, cash. Read more>>

Bassel and the Supernaturals at Door County Brewing Co. and Music Hall (August 16)

Starting at 8 pm, groove to neo-soul and funk from a band with Syrian heart and Chicago soul. Read more>>

Chris Kroeze (August 18) 

NBC’s The Voice season 15 runner-up from Team Blake Shelton will play a free show at the Peg Egan Performing Arts Center from 7 – 9 pm. Lawn chairs and carry-ins allowed. Held in Calvary Methodist Church if raining. Read more>>

Janet Planet (August 18) 

Janet Planet, jazz artist, will perform as part of the Fishstock Concert Series in Fish Creek. Call 414-659-1521 or visit fishstockmusic.com for more information. $15/general admission. $20/reserved seating.