11 Wisconsin Events to Fall for This Autumn
September 25, 2018
Football, crisp breezes, and leaves underfoot as crunchy as fresh caramel apples … it’s fall, and we couldn’t be happier about it. Are you looking to make the most of the season without breaking the bank? You’re in luck because there are so many events happening in the area that you won’t need to leave Wisconsin to have a great time.
Here are our picks—get your calendar out …
1. Movies at Titletown
Images via Titletown.com and FOX11 News
Where: Ariens Hill, Green Bay
When: September 28, 7:00 p.m.
You know that huge sledding hill in Green Bay’s Titletown district? That’s Ariens Hill, and it’s in operation during the warmer months, too! Climb up on Fridays in late September for FREE flicks outdoors. Food is available on-site for purchase, so all you need is a blanket to sit on.
2. Warrens Cranberry Festival
Image via Travel Wisconsin
Where: 402 Pine Street, Warrens
When: September 28 – 30, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
We’re berry pumped for this — can you believe that the “World’s Largest Cranberry Festival” is just a few hours west of the Fox Valley? Warrens’ berry blowout is packed with sweet activities like arts and crafts, antique and farm market booths, cranberry harvest tours, and a “gigantic” parade on Sunday, September 30.
3. Appleton’s Octoberfest
Image via Appleton’s Octoberfest Facebook page
Where: College Avenue, Appleton
When: September 28, 6:00 – 9:30 p.m., September 29, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Imagine a full mile of local vendors and 400 classic cars … that’s a reality in late September at Appleton’s Octoberfest. The “Mile of Fun” kicks off with License to Cruise, with Octoberfest proper starting Saturday morning. Head down to College Avenue for your fill of music, food, family fun, and more. Best yet, Octoberfest profits go back to the community to support charities, projects, and events through the Octoberfest grant fund.
4. Toys for Joy Charity Ride
Image via Travel Wisconsin
Where: Prospect Lodge, Lakewood
When: September 28, 11:00 a.m.
Hitch up your hog and head to lush Lakewood for a ride that benefits needy kids in NEW. The ride, which can be taken via car or motorcycle, is followed by food, raffles, and music. The ride is hosted by Prospect Lodge, where registration starts at 11:00 a.m. Bring a new, unwrapped toy as your entry fee, or you can become a sponsor for $25!
5. Annual Midwest Musky Classic
Image via Phelps on the Lake
Where: Phelps Area Lakes
When: October 5, 8:00 a.m. – October 7:00, 11 a.m.
Wisconsin fishermen and women, you know that the muskellunge is a prize fish worth mounting and bragging about, so grab your gear and get to Phelps for October 5. Fishing takes place on North and South Twin, Big Sand, and Lac Vieux Desert lakes and offers over $2,400 in cash prizes. If you’re new to the sport, no worries—you’re welcome here. There’s even a New Angler drawing for free registration.
6. Door County Pumpkin Patch Festival
Image via Door County Lodging
Where: Harbor View Park, Egg Harbor
When: October 6, 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., October 7, 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
We don’t know about you, but we’re always hankering for brats, roasted corn, caramel apple sundaes, chili, and pulled pork … and you can find all that at Egg Harbor’s Pumpkin Patch Festival. You’ll be further entertained by arts and crafts, live music, rides, pumpkins, scarecrow displays, and Door County’s fall colors.
7. The Avett Brothers
Image via Fox Cities PAC
Where: Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, Appleton
When: October 9, 7:30 p.m.
With big hits “I And Love And You” and “Ain’t No Man,” The Avett Brothers have put other modern folk rock groups to “Shame.” They’ll be at Appleton’s PAC sharing their unique blend of bluegrass- and rock-rooted wisdom, and they’re a great introductory band for budding young musicians and music fans.
8. Pumpkin Carving at the NEW Zoo
“Mmm, pumpkins!” | Photo via NEW Zoo & Adventure Park
Where: NEW Zoo & Adventure Park, Green Bay
When: October 10, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Lions, red pandas, and jack-o’-lanterns … oh my! The NEW Zoo and Adventure Park is hosting a free pumpkin carving party on October 10. Your spooky-cool designs will decorate the zoo! RSVPs are encouraged, and keep your eyes peeled for more details closer to the event.
9. Sister Bay Fall Fest
Image via Sister Bay Advancement Association
Where: 10693 North Bay Shore Drive, Sister Bay
When: October 12 – 14, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily
There’s no place prettier in Wisconsin for fall colors than Sister Bay. Head up to the peninsula for the Fest’s arts and crafts booths, kiddo-friendly activities, live entertainment, and a parade. When you’re not at the Fest, enjoy craft brews and wine at local breweries and vineyards, stop for cheese at Door County Creamery, or head to Stabbur Beer Garden at Al Johnson’s … don’t forget to say hi to the goats on the roof.
10. NEW Zoo Boo
Image via Travel Wisconsin
Where: NEW Zoo & Adventure Park, Green Bay
When: October 12 and 13, 19 and 20, 26 and 27, 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. each day
Trick-or-treating among the zoo animals, haunted hayrides, and GIANT INFLATABLES. We know what you’re up to in October. Start planning your costumes now!
11. Great Pumpkin Train
Where: National Railroad Museum, Green Bay
When: October 13 and 20, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Yes, we’re biased, but The NRM’s Great Pumpkin Train is one of the best fall festivities around. Young conductors will ride a train to the pumpkin patch for pickin’ time, and the train ride is rounded out by games, live entertainment, and candy — what else do you need?
Stay entertained close to home, save $$$
When you treat the family to affordable local events, you’ll have extra funds for that big trip to Florida for Spring Break. If you’d like a little help growing your family fun fund, we have six varieties of savings accounts for kids and parents alike. Our Member Advisors are on-hand to help you make your hard-earned dollar go a lot further … while you fall for autumn events a little closer to home.