Wisconsin is famous for its colorful array of summer festivals. Although, regrettably, the summer sun is waning, a surprisingly large number of interesting festivals are still to come in the next month. A few of the upcoming festivities that the state offers.…
Little Bull Falls LogJam Festival, Aug. 8–10
Flannel and fireworks: Mosinee celebrates life on the Wisconsin River and the region’s rich logging history with three days of entertainment featuring the Drovers and Hillbilly Wild, re-enactments, chain-saw carving, fireworks and lumberjacks flexing some muscle. At River Park, 1101 Main St., Mosinee, 54455. Admission is free. For more, visit logjamfestival.org.
Rib Lake Ice Age Days, Aug. 8–10
Pebbles, Bamm-Bamm and bands: Rib Lake — population 910 — celebrates its place along the Ice Age Trail with Ice Age Days, a family-focused festival featuring a fish boil, a street dance, musical performances, a classic car show and a Sunday parade with marchers costumed as cavemen and cavewomen. Downtown, McComb Avenue, Rib Lake, 54470. Admission is free. For more, call 715-427-5404 or visit riblakewisconsin.com.
Perseid Meteor Showers Night Sky celebration, Aug. 12
Looking up in darkest park: Skygazers gather in the darkest park in northern Door County — with lawn chairs, blankets and coolers in tow — to picnic under meteor showers. An added attraction is the biggest and brightest supermoon of the year, coinciding with the biggest and brightest meteor shower. At Newport State Park, 475 County Road NP, Ellison Bay, 54210. No charge.
Big Bull Falls Blues Fest, Aug. 15–16
Tuning up: Wausau is warming up for the 23rd annual Big Bull Falls Blues Fest — the state’s longest-running blues fest. The stage lineup includes Aaron Williams and the Hoodoo, The Jimmys, Candye Kane, Quinn Sullivan, John Nemeth and the Royal Southern Brotherhood. At Fern Island Park, 500 River Drive, Wausau, 54403. Tickets are $15 on Aug. 15, $35 on Aug. 16 or $40 for two days. For more, call 715-843-0748 or visit wausauevents.org.
Mexican Fiesta, Aug. 22–24
Southern neighbors: Milwaukee’s Mexican community always turns out in force for Mexican Fiesta, a vibrant celebration of their culture. Mariachi is the musical style that takes center stage, but the rest of their lineup is strong too, including major norteño band Los Tigres del Norte. The festival also features a wide array of food options, as well as arts and crafts on display at their cultural pavilion. Admission is $15. Visit mexicanfiesta.org for more details.
Bluegrass in the Pines, Aug. 21–23
Summertime rag: Rosholt hosts a three-day jam session and camping event in conjunction with its fifth annual music festival. The host band is Art Stevenson and High Water. The lineup also includes Feller and Hill and the Bluegrass Buckaroos; Larry Gillis and Swampgrass Band; Tommy Brown and County Line Grass; the High 48s; Horseshoes and Hand Grenades; the Fish Heads; and Sloppy Joe. At Rosholt Fair Park, North Main Street, Rosholt, 54467. Tickets are $10–$15 and campsites are $5–$20 per person per night. Call 715-884-6996 or visit highwatermusic.com.
Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival, Aug. 22-23
“Ready, ready”: Dragon-boat racing is one of the world’s fastest growing water sports. The 13th annual Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival will draw 20-plus teams to compete in 450-meter races off Barker’s Island. Fans can watch and cheer from the shore, where organizers promise food, song and dance.
Barker’s Island, 300 Marina Drive, Superior, 54880. Admission is free. For more, call 715-395-6169 or visit
lakesuperiordragons.com.
Three Lakes Nicolet Wheel-A-Way, Aug. 30
Tour de Three Lakes: Bicycling enthusiasts on the 23rd annual Three Lakes Nicolet Wheel-A-Way can peddle an 18-mile or 36-mile route through the Nicolet Forest and through the three-lakes area. The ride begins at 9:20 a.m. and breaks for a picnic lunch at Franklin Lake. At Don Burnside Park, 6000 Stanzil St., Three Lakes, 54562. Registration is $35–$40 per individual, $70–$75 per family. For more, call 715-546-3344.
Potato Fest, Aug. 30
Spud-filled day: Of course there’s a potato-salad taste-off, a couch potato race, a French Fry Frenzy and a pancake breakfast, as well as live music. At Trig’s Green Space, 232 S. Courtney St., Rhinelander. Admission is free. For more, call 715-362-7374 or visit downtownrhinelander.com.
Indian Summer Festival, Sept. 5–7
Summer’s last hurrah: As the last big festival of the season, Indian Summer is already a hot ticket, and that’s before considering it’s the biggest American Indian celebration of its kind in the country. This year’s festival includes a concurrent Horse Nation Celebration, as well as a weekend-long contest pow wow, lacrosse matches and
Olympic amateur boxing. Tickets are $14, $10 for seniors. For more, visit indiansummer.org.
Are you missing out on our ticket giveaways and free discount coupons? Simply like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.