Don’t miss these Vilas County events
Published: May 17, 2023The Northwoods of Wisconsin is home to some truly can’t-miss events, whether you want to see classic cars, take in some lumberjack competition, or celebrate Wisconsin’s state fish in the Musky Capital of the World®. Here’s a look at some of the top events you’ll find in Vilas County this summer and beyond.
Wheels, Wings, and Watercraft Show, Manitowish Waters – May 27
This classic car-plane-vintage boat show moves to a new location this year (the Manitowish Waters Community Center) but it will be the same great celebration of all things automotive, aquatic, and aerial. Little Bohemia will be on hand serving up food and beverages, and the event also features demonstrations, live music, free kids’ activities, and an awards presentation. Find more information here.
Presque Isle Days – June 25
Presque Isle Days returns to Main Street this year with vendors, food and beverages, live music, and games. And don’t miss the Timberworks Lumberjack Show, which also returns to downtown Presque Isle and features exciting events like speed carving, axe throwing, log rolling, and more. Learn more here.
Annual Fireman’s Picnic and Summerfest, Arbor Vitae – August 5-6
Join the Town of Arbor Vitae and the Arbor Vitae Fire and Rescue Department for their 46th Annual Fireman’s Picnic and Summerfest Festival at Fireman’s Park in beautiful Arbor Vitae. This fun family event features live music, kids’ activities, fireworks, and food and drink. Learn more here and find more events in the Minocqua Area here.
Phelps Twin Triathlon – August 5
Paddle, run, and bike through beautiful Northwoods scenery at this family-friendly annual race in Phelps. Participants can compete individually or as a relay team. The race features an 8K paddle on North Twin Lake, a 5K run through town and a 20K bike ride on the Conover-Phelps Trail. Learn more here.
Sayner Street Fair, Sayner-Star Lake – August 6
This fun-filled day in downtown Sayner features food and craft vendors, live music, children’s activities, and lots more fun, including a craft fair on Main Street from 10am to 4pm. Find more information and additional Sayner-Star Lake events here.
Musky Jamboree Weekend, Boulder Junction – August 11-13
Head to Boulder Junction, the Musky Capital of the World®, for this fun three-day event that’s been welcoming visitors to the Northwoods for nearly 70 years. The schedule includes lots of fun activities, including free musky fishing workshops, a fun run/5K/10K, Boulder Junction Historical Society events, an art & craft show, kids’ fishing contest, live entertainment, and the Musky Day Fly-In at Payzer Memorial Field. Learn more here.
Colorama, St. Germain – September 16
Visit St. Germain—the birthplace of Colorama—to experience beautiful fall colors and celebrate the harvest at this fun fall festival at St. Germain Community Park that features a craft fair, classic car show, fall color run, and farmers’ market, as well as live entertainment and concessions for sale throughout the day. Find more information here.
44th Annual Cranberry Fest, Eagle River – October 7-8
Come celebrate everything cranberry at this popular festival in Eagle River. Visitors will find fresh cranberries, beer, wine, delicious food, homemade goods, arts & crafts, live music, and much more. Head to the Northwoods this fall—Cranberry Fest often comes during the peak fall color season in Vilas County. Find more information here.
Zombie Crawl, Land O’ Lakes – October 28
Land O’ Lake’s Zombie Crawl has become a can’t-miss event in the Vilas County’s late-fall calendar. This fun event encourages creative costumes and Halloween-themed fun and features a pub crawl (buses provided), live bands, DJs, and the “Zombie Ball” at the end of the night. Professional artists from Land O’ Lakes Arts (LOLA) will be on hand to help participants with their “zombified” makeup. Find more information here.
Northwoods Blizzard Blast, Conover – February 17, 2024
Celebrate everything the Northwoods of Wisconsin has to offer at this fun community festival in Conover. Outdoor activities include ice bowling, slap shot hockey, a dogsled dash, skating, and sledding—plus there’s an artisan bazaar and children’s carnival. Proceeds benefit area fire and EMS departments. Find more information here.
