Festivals Provide Outdoor Fun
When you don’t know where to begin sightseeing on the Door Peninsula, head to a festival. Door County has some unique ones, but these kind of Peninsula parties provide opportunities to spend time outdoors in scenic areas while soaking up the local culture. (More...)
Events Calendar |
• Long-Run Calendar |
JUNE 2011 |
JULY 2011 |
AUGUST 2011 |
SEPTEMBER 2011 |
OCTOBER 2011
NOVEMBER 2011 |
DECEMBER 2011 |
2012 EVENTS |
JUNE 2011 |
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| SIDE PORK FEST June 4 | • | Brussels Town Park. All day festival, 5k run, motorcycle ride, car show, kids play area, craft fair, volleyball tournament, side pork and other food vendors. Music all day with a concert at night featuring the Kentucky Headhunters. 800-856-1651. |
| HERITAGE DAYS June 5-11 | • | Throughout Fish Creek. The history of Gibraltar Township and Fish Creek is celebrated. Historic walking tours, Noble House tours, music programs and events. 800-577-1880. |
| STATE PARK OPEN HOUSE DAY June 5 | • | All five state parks. Admission to all state parks is free. Info: Whitefish Dunes 920-823-2400, Newport 920-854-2500, Potawatomi 920-746-2890, Peninsula 920-868-3258. |
| STEEL BRIDGE SONGFEST June 9-12 | • | Downtown Sturgeon Bay. International songwriter showcase, 3 nights and a day with over 100 bands, and soloists on 10 stages. 920-743-5605. |
| LIGHTHOUSE FESTIVAL June 10-12 | • | County-wide. Assortment of guided mainland and boat trips to outlying lights to give the enthusiast an assortment of experiences from which to choose. Preceded by Friday evening Keepers’ Kin Social cruise. 920-743-5958. |
| SISTER BAY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL June 11 | • | Downtown in Sister Bay. Norwegian dancers, maypole raising, children’s parade, bonfire in Waterfront Park at sunset. Parade at 11:30 a.m. 920-854-2812. |
| PADDLE FEST June 11 | • | Nicolet Beach in Peninsula State Park. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Demo new kayaks, no experience necessary. Park sticker required to enter park. 920-854-7598. |
| FYR BAL June 17-19 | • | Village-wide in Ephraim. Annual festival re-creates traditions of Norwegians celebrating midsummer. Live music, art and craft show, alpacas and llamas, a raffle, silent auction, regatta, children’s activities and crafts. 920-854-4989. |
| WASHINGTON ISLAND CANOE AND KAYAK EVENT June 17-19 | • | Washington Island. Third annual Washington Island Canoe and Kayak Race, Exposition and Symposium. 877-942-5737. |
| RIDGES RIDE FOR NATURE June 18 | • | County-wide. 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Bicycle the back roads of Door County and support the education programs of the Ridges Sanctuary. New this year is a Century Ride! Pasta lunch. Register online or call. Info: 920-839-2802. |
| TABLESCAPES: ARTFUL SETTINGS June 23 | • | Peninsula School of Art, Fish Creek. Noon-3 p.m. Top decorators create lavish tabletop displays to be raffled to benefit the school. |
| OLDE ELLISON BAY DAYS June 24-26 | • | Community Park. Arts, crafts, food, fun and games. Saturday 11 a.m. parade. 920-854-5448. |
| RENAISSANCE FANTASY FAIRE June 24-25 | • | Monument Point Rd. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Cheer for your champion knight at Joust Arena. Feast like a king. Street performers, belly dancers and musicians. Demonstrations of time-honored arts and crafts. 920-973-8233. |
| PARADE OF PONDS June 25 | • | County-wide. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Self-guided tour of water gardens throughout Door County. 920-856-1561. |
| LITTLE STURGEON DAYS June 25-26 | • | County Hwy CC. Community-wide rummage sale, arts and crafts, music, kids’ activities, food and refreshments. Parade at 11a.m. on Sunday. 920-824-5222. |
JULY 2011 |
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| WISCONSIN’S FLAGSHIP DENIS SULLIVAN July 1-5 | • | moors adjacent to the Door County Maritime Museum for tours and cruises. Contact 920-743-5958 for information. |
| INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION - FISH CREEK July 2 | • | Display of fireworks at dusk. 800-577-1880. |
| RENAISSANCE FANTASY FAIRE July 2-3 | • | Monument Point Rd. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Joust Arena. Feast like a king. Street performers, belly dancers and musicians. Demonstrations of time-honored arts and crafts. 920-973-8233. |
| ART ON THE SCENIC SIDE July 2-3 | • | Lakeside Park, Jacksonport. Fair, refreshments and family fun. 920-854-9372. |
| 30th ANNUAL FFA ALUMNI DAIRY BREAKFAST July 3 | • | Country View Farm. 6-11:30 a.m. 920-743-4956. |
| INDEPENENCE DAY CELEBRATION-EGG HARBOR July 3-4 | • | Harborview Park and Downtown Egg Harbor. Starts on the 3rd of July with live music, family fun and fireworks over Green Bay at dusk. On the 4th, celebrate with a parade at 1:30 p.m. 920-868-3717. |
| HAIRPIN 5K RUN/WALK July 4 | • | Gibraltar Town Hall. 8:30 a.m. annual run/walk up the Fish Creek bluff and back down Cottage Row. Online registration available. 920-868-3284, ext. 205 or hairpinrun.com |
| INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION - GILLS ROCK July 4 | • | Food and live music start at 5 p.m. Boat regatta at 6:30 p.m. in the harbor. Fireworks at dusk. 920-854-2972. |
| INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS - WASHINGTON ISLAND July 4 | • | Ball Park. Fireworks at dusk. 920-847-2179. |
| INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION-STURGEON BAY July 4 | • | Sunset Park. An old-fashioned ice cream social, Peninsula Symphonic Band performance at 8 p.m. followed by fireworks. 800-301-6695. |
| INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION-BAILEYS HARBOR July 4 | • | Parade at 10 a.m., arts and crafts, live entertainment and children’s games. Fireworks at dusk. 920-839-2366. |
| DOOR COUNTY FOLK FESTIVAL July 6-10 | • | Sister Bay, Ephraim, Baileys Harbor. Celebrating ethnic folk dancing and music from many countries. Featuring dancing and music workshops, concerts, children’s program, fish boil dinner. 920-421-2986. |
| DRAGONFLY WORKSHOP July 8 | • | Ridges Sanctuary, Baileys Harbor. View up-close many different species, possibly including the endangered Hines Emerald dragonfly. All ages welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. $10/family. 920-839-2802 or RidgesSanctuary.org |
| GARDEN WALK July 7 | • | Throughout Northern Door County. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Benefits Sister Bay Historical Society’s Old Anderson House Museum and Corner of the Past. 920-854-7680. |
| BELGIAN DAYS July 9-10 | • | Brussels Town Park. Includes a tractor pull on Saturday, Big Dawg softball tournament, fireman’s challenge, country and polka music. Saturday noon to midnight, Sunday 10 a.m.-5p.m. 920-825-1450. |
| JEFFERSON STREET FESTIVAL July 9 | • | Sturgeon Bay. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Annual celebration featuring live music, strolling entertainers, children’s activities, food and beverages. 800-301-6695. |
| DOOR COUNTY TRIATHLON July 16-17 | • | Murphy Park, Egg Harbor. 8 a.m. One of the most popular and scenic triathlons in the Midwest. Sprint (1/4-mile swim, 18-mile bike, 3.1-mile run) on Saturday, Half Iron (1.2-mile swim,56-mile bike, 13.1-mile run) on Sunday. Advance registration required. 920-606-2458. |
| KIDS TRIATHLON July 16 | • | Door County YMCA. In conjunction with the Door County Triathlon. Offering an intermediate level triathlon for boys and girls ages 4-14 at the Sturgeon Bay Program Center. 920-743-4949. |
| THE GARDEN DOOR OPEN HOUSE July 16 | • | UW Peninsular Research Station, Sturgeon Bay. 1-4 p.m. Tour the educational demonstration garden maintained by the Door County Master Gardeners and the UW Research Station staff. Master Gardeners will also be there to answer questions and interact in activities during the open house. Refreshments will be served. 920-746-7952. |
| PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL July 18-24 | • | County-wide. Free and ticketed events. Artists have 6 days to paint Door County. Collector’s preview party and gala auction July 22. Watch over 100 artists paint during the Dockside Quick-Paint competition in Clark Park July 23. Painting begins at 9 a.m. 920-868-3455. |
| OLD-FASHIONED ICE CREAM SOCIAL July 19 | • | Corner of the Past/Old Anderson House Museum, Sister Bay. 6-8 p.m. Enjoy do-it-yourself sundaes and a variety of delicious homemade cupcakes in the unique setting of the Koessl Barn and surrounding farm yard. 920-868-7680. |
| K/D SALMON TOURNAMENT July 23-31 | • | County-wide. Participating ports include Sturgeon Bay, Baileys Harbor, Washington Island, Algoma and Kewaunee. More than $40,000 in cash and prizes. 920-883-9792. |
| HOUSE AND GARDEN WALK July 26 | • | Five Homes and Gardens. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Showcase of five homes and gardens. Benefits the Door County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. 920-746-1071. |
| DOOR COUNTY ANTIQUE SHOW AND SALE July 18-30 | • | Gibraltar High School. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Features 35 professional dealers plus crystal and china repair on site. Sponsored by the Sister Bay Lions Club. Benefits the Leader Dog for the Blind Program. 715-355-5144. |
| SAND SCULPTURE CONTEST. Whitefish Dunes State Park July 30 | • | 11 a.m. Sand creations on the beach. Prizes in three categories awarded. State park sticker required to participate. 920-823-2400. |
| CARLSVILLE DAY July 30 | • | Downtown Carlsville. Parade at 10 a.m., food, live music, art and craft vendors, free trolley rides at Dairy View Country Store, Door County Coffee and Tea, Door Peninsula Winery and Pet Expressions. 920-743-2228. |
AUGUST 2011 |
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| WASHINGTON ISLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL Aug. 1-12 | • | Various locations. A series of concerts led by Artistic Director Stephen Colburn, principal oboist of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. 920-847-3434. |
| PENINSULA MUSIC FESTIVAL Aug. 2-20 | • | Door Community Auditorium. 58th season of the Peninsula Music Festival, a professional symphony orchestra presenting nine concerts in three weeks. Opens under the baton of Victor Yampolsky. 920-854-4060. |
| DOOR COUNTY FAIR Aug. 3-7 | • | John Miles County Park, Sturgeon Bay. Carnival rides, food stands, 4-H animal barns, grandstand events, kids and family tents. 920-746-2261. |
| CLASSIC & WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL Aug. 5-7 | • | Door County Maritime Museum, Sturgeon Bay. Features dozens of vintage vessels on display including the 149-ft tug John Purves. Demonstrations and popular 2-day Sikaflex quick and dirty boat building contest. Entertainment, raffle, Paint the Bay plein air art event, maritime author sessions and children’s activities. 920-743-5958. |
| SCANDINAVIAN FESTIVAL Aug. 5-6 | • | Washington Island. Scandinavian Kaffe and Stavkirke open house at Trinity Lutheran Church, Scandinavian brunch at Bethel Church, Scandinavian Dance festival. 920-847-2179. |
| CHERRY FEST Aug. 6 | • | Lakeside Park, Jacksonport. Historical display, fine arts and crafts, food, music, family fun and more. 920-823-2316. |
| PERSEID METEOR SHOWER Aug. 12 | • | Newport State Park. View the spectacular shower in the darkest place in Door County. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. 920-854-2500. |
| DOOR COUNTY FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS Aug. 13 | • | Waterfront Park. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Day-long festival featuring artists’ demonstrations, live music, cultural tours, culinary delights, children’s activities, and narrated trolley tours of Sister Bay Anderson House Museum and Corner of the Past. 920-854-2812. |
| THRESHEREE AND ANTIQUE MACHINERY SHOW Aug. 19-21 | • | Northeast Wisconsin Antique Power Assoc Grounds, Valmy. Friday night gate opens 6 p.m. Horse and tractor pull, entertainment, games, arts and crafts, great music, food and refreshments. 5505 Country View Rd. (off of Hwy 57). 920-743-4859. |
| WEST FEST Aug. 20 | • | Madison Avenue, Sturgeon Bay. Celebrate a Wild West day along with a craft show, chili cook off, showdown at high noon, live entertainment, plus food and beverages. 800-301-6695. |
| TUG FEST Aug. 20 | • | Door County Maritime Museum, Sturgeon Bay. Fourth annual event held in conjunction with West Fest celebration. Hosted by the Door County Maritime Museum with activities centered on the tug John Purves. Includes tours of the tug and children’s activities. 920-743-5958. |
| CANDLELIGHT BEACH WALK Aug. 20 | • | Whitefish Dunes State Park. 7:30-9:30 p.m. A beach grid makes part of the trail handicapped accessible. Stroll along with family and friends on this quiet one mile walk. 920-823-2400. |
| WASHINGTON ISLAND FAIR Aug. 20 | • | Community Center. Crafts booths, food booths, exhibits and bingo. 920-847-2179. |
| MONARCH BUTTERFLY WORKSHOP Aug. 26-27 | • | Ridges Sanctuary, Baileys Harbor, 10 a.m. Learn about the amazing migration of the Monarch butterfly and then go afield with a naturalist to capture and tag these delicate creatures. All ages welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. $10/family. 920-839-2802 orwww.RidgesSanctuary.org |
SEPTEMBER 2011 |
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| LABOR DAY WEEKEND RUN AND DUATHLON Sept. 3 | • | Northern Door YMCA, Fish Creek. 5k run/walk, 1/4 mile Children’s Run and a Duathlon with a 2-mile run and 12-mile bike. 920-868-3660. |
| MARINA FEST Sept. 3 | • | Sister Bay Marina. Pancake breakfast, food and beverage booths, live music and dancing under the big tent, children’s boat building, craft tent, championship Water Board Warriors ski show and fireworks. Info: 920-854-2812 or sisterbaytourism.org |
| WILDERNESS DAY Sept. 4 | • | Newport State Park. A day of hikes and programs to celebrate Wisconsin’s only formally designated Wilderness State Park. 920-854-2500. |
| CORN FEST Sept. 10 | • | Schopf’s Hilltop Dairy. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Events feature a walk through the 20-acre corn maze, children’s games, bakery items, food, raffle, silent auction, plus corn and pie eating contests. Proceeds benefit Sunshine House. 920-743-7943. |
| JAZZ ON JEFFERSON Sept. 10 | • | Jefferson Street, Sturgeon Bay. 1-8 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon into evening of live jazz, special events featured in stores plus food and beverages. 800-301-6695. |
| TASTE OF THE DOOR Sept. 10 | • | Peninsular Research Station, Sturgeon Bay. 1-4 p.m. Hwy 42 just north of the 42/57 split. Join Master Gardeners to taste foods made from ingredients harvested in Door County. Samples available throughout the day. Pesto Festo contest with visitors tasting and judging for the people’s choice award. 920-746-9026. |
| BELGIAN KERMISS CELEBRATION Sept. 11 | • | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Old time celebration of the harvest. Authentic Belgian food, historical presentation, live music. 920-856-1651. |
| DOOR COUNTY CENTURY RIDE Sept. 11 | • | John Miles County Park, Sturgeon Bay. Ride offers cyclists 30 mile routes, 62 miles (Metric Century), 76 miles and 100 (Century) miles. Well-stocked food and fluid stations with a post-ride barbeque. 920-606-2458. |
| AUTUMNFEST Sept. 17 | • | Downtown Baileys Harbor. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Arts and crafts, entertainment, food. 920-839-2366. |
| RIDGES RECYCLE EXTAVAGANZA-FLEA MARKET Sept. 17 | • | Ridges Sanctuary, Baileys Harbor. To benefit The Ridges Sanctuary. 920-839-2802. |
| HARVEST FESTIVAL AND HARVEST MOON CELEBRATION Sept. 17 | • | Sturgeon Bay city-wide. 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Celebration of autumn featuring a craft and car show, food booths, music and entertainment plus children’s activities. Preview the decorated sturgeons before the live auction at 6 p.m. followed by the Harvest Moon Celebration. 800-301-6695. |
| KINGDOM SO DELICIOUS Sept. 22-25 | • | County-wide. Door County hosts a culinary tour from Southern Door to Washington Island. Celebrate an exploration of local producers and food preparers. 800-527-3529. |
| INSIDE/OUTSIDE SALE Sept. 23-25 | • | Fish Creek village-wide. Deals on gifts and merchandise in Fish Creek’s shops, galleries and boutiques. Beautiful fall colors and festivities. 800-577-1880. |
OCTOBER 2011 |
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| RUN WILD Oct. 1 | • | Potawatomi State Park. 10k run, 3-mile run/walk and 1/3- mile Smokey Bear run. Refreshments, door prizes and trophies. Childcare available. 920-743-6866. |
| AMISH QUILT SHOW AND SALE Oct. 6-9 | • | Mr. G’s Banquet Hall, Jacksonport. 920-823-2288. |
| FALL FUN FEST AND CIDER PRESSING PARTY Oct. 8-9 | • | Washington Island Farm Museum. 920-847-2179. |
| PUMPKIN PATCH FESTIVAL Oct. 8-9 | • | Egg Harbor, village-wide. Fall colors and family fun. One of Door County’s largest festivals. Entertainment, art and crafts, rides, live music, and lots of treats to eat. Restaurants are open and street vendors offer, roasted sweet corn, caramel apple sundaes, chili, turkey legs and more. 920-868-3717. |
| TOWNLINE ART FAIR Oct. 8-9 | • | Fine Line Designs Gallery. The 38th annual juried art fair on Ephraim’s north end. Visual arts and fine crafts. Featuring over 80 professional artists from across the Midwest. 920-854-4343. |
| ART DAY FOR ANIMALS Oct. 8 | • | Hands on Art Studio. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Benefits the Door County Humane Society. Hay rides, hay house, haunted treasure hunt, pumpkin painting, scarecrow making, games and prizes. 920-868-9311. |
| SPOOKTACULAR HIKE Oct. 8 | • | Peninsula State Park. 5-7:30 p.m. Self-guided hike. One-mile candlelit trail, fun for all. Refreshments. State Park sticker required. 920-868-3258. |
| SISTER BAY FALL FESTIVAL Oct. 14-16 | • | Village-wide. Arts and crafts, food booths and live music. Parade Saturday 11 a.m. Ping Pong Ball Shoot Sunday 2 p.m. 920-854-2812. |
| DOOR COUNTY FALL 50 Oct. 22 | • | County-wide. Described as the most scenic distance run in the Midwest. Point-to-point 50-mile run offers a challenge to solo or run in teams of 2-5 runners. Party at sunset. 920-606-2458. |
| JACK O’LANTERN DAYS Oct. 28-30 | • | Fish Creek, village-wide. Haunting Halloween Parade, decorations throughout town, discount coupons at participating merchants, trick or treating. Ghost Tour trolley rides. House in Mourning at Historic Noble House. Costume parties. 800-577-1880. |
NOVEMBER 2011 |
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| CHRISTMAS BY THE BAY Nov. 18-20 | • | Downtown Sturgeon Bay. This holiday weekend starts with the tree lighting on Friday night featuring musical entertainment. Parade on Saturday at 10 a.m. followed by children’s activities, hay and trolley rides. Photos and brunch with Santa on Sunday morning. 800-301-6695. |
| FOLK ART FAIR Nov. 20 | • | Door County YMCA. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Browse through displays of fine art, bid on silent auction items and enjoy a fabulous spread of food including baked goods, soups, sandwiches and more while supporting the Door County YMCA’s Youth in Government program. 920-743-4949. |
| THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE Nov. 24 | • | Downtown Jacksonport. Parade begins at noon. 920-823-2075. |
| HOLLY DAYS Nov. 25-26 | • | Village-wide. Take a walk in the past with old time caroling, breakfast with Santa, horse drawn wagon rides, Christmas Tree lighting and more! 920-868-3717. |
| CAPTURE THE SPIRIT Nov. 25-26 | • | Downtown Sister Bay. Tree lighting at Waterfront Park, St. Nick, music, art fair in the Village Hall. 920-854-2812. |
DECEMBER 2011 |
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| CHRISTMAS IN THE VILLAGE OF EPHRAIM Dec. 3 | • | Village-wide. Reindeer display. Children’s activities and crafts in the Village Hall. Holiday open houses and a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Harborside Park. 920-854-4989. |
| HOLIDAY HOME TOUR Dec. 3 | • | County-wide. 1:30-4 p.m. Tour five homes. Proceeds benefit Door CANcer. 920-743-8492. |
| BED & BREAKFAST WALK Dec. 4 | • | Sturgeon Bay. Visit historic inns and B&Bs festively decorated for the holidays. Proceeds benefit United Way of Door County. 920-743-4200. |
| RIDGES NATURAL CHRISTMAS Dec. 10 | • | Ridges Sanctuary, Baileys Harbor. 3-6 p.m. The log cabins at the Ridges Sanctuary are decorated with natural materials and open to visitors. Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, listen to live holiday music, and make simple nature crafts or a fresh wreath. Take a hike and check out the view of luminaries lighting the boardwalk between the rangelights. Event is free, small charge to make a wreath. 920-839-2802. |
2012 EVENTS |
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| POLAR BEAR PLUNGE Jan. 1 | • | Lakeside Park. The Jacksonport Polar Bear Club presents a refreshing dip in the icy waters of Lake Michigan on New Year’s Day! Noon sharp. 920-823-2288 or www.doorbell.net/pbc |
| FROSTY FEST Jan. 1 | • | Egg Harbor. New Year’s Day Parade, 1 p.m. One-mile Icy Fun Run. Snow sculptures. |
| WINTER HARBOR MADNESS Jan. 14 | • | Egg Harbor. Ice fishing tournament, snowmobile poker run and Sno Ball Dance. |
| FISH CREEK WINTER FESTIVAL February | • | Fish Creek. Annual celebration of winter fun featuring a goofy parade, free trolley rides, Kites Over the Bay, the Door County Idol, dog sled rides, live music, horse-drawn sleigh rides, family-friendly games and activities, great food, raffle prizes and so much more. 920-868-2316 for dates. |
| FIRE & ICE 2012 February | • | Sturgeon Bay. Novice and professional carvers will turn massive blocks of snow and ice into works of art throughout the city of Sturgeon Bay. Dinner dance at Stone Harbor Resort. 920-743-6246 for dates. |
