Wisconsin has a long history with brewing beer that's as synonymous with our identity as cheese is at this point. Home to Miller and some of the oldest and most well-known craft breweries in the country, we have a sudsy reputation - and we're pretty ok with that. One way we celebrate the many, many local breweries is with beer festivals across the state. All our local brewers, plus some from around the country, show up to share their delicious brews in a fun setting. From small local spots to one of the biggest beer festivals in the country, Wisconsin hosts a wide array of these events that you'll want to get on your calendar ASAP.
1. Great Lakes Brewfest - Racine
On September 15, head to the Racine Zoological Gardens to sample more than 450 different brews from 100 different breweries. There's also a home brew competition, live music and food. Open from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., general admission tickets are $50. Find all the information about this awesome event at their website here.
2. Wisconsin Beer Lovers Festival - Glendale
This festival takes over the outdoor Bayshore Mall in Glendale on June 16. It's a beautiful setting for more than 30 breweries. General admission tickets are just $40. Find all the information about this awesome event at their website here.
3. Thirsty Troll Brew Fest - Mount Horeb
Head to Mount Horeb, home of the trolls, on September 8 for a beer fest unlike any other. There's live music, food, trolls and a Masskrugstemmen stein holding competition. General admission tickets are $45 and get you more than 100 different beers from 25 different breweries. It takes place at Grundahl Park in Mount Horeb. Find all the information about this awesome event at their website here.
4. Firkin Fest - Milwaukee
A firkin is a small cask, equal to about a 1/4 of a barrel, used to condition or age beer or cider. Milwaukee's Firkin Fest will include more than 40 brewers serving not only their usual range of brews, but also special, made-just-for-this-event brews that have been flavored, aged and cask-conditioned. They're unique, one-of-a-kind brews you won't find anywhere else. It's a competition for the brewers and they take it seriously. This one takes place at Cathedral Square Park on July 21. General admission tickets are $50. Find all the information about this awesome event at their website here.
5. Door County Beer Festival - Bailey's Harbor
On June 16 at Brann Field, behind Cornerstone Pub in Bailey's Harbor, prepare to sample from more than 55 breweries in a gorgeous location. Food and live music accompany the fun. General admission tickets are $40. Find all the information about this awesome event at their website here.
6. Lac du Flamebeau Lions Brewfest - Minocqua
This festival is not only a great time, but a fundraiser as well. On July 28 head to Torpy Park in Minocqua for a wonderful day of sampling and live music. General admission tickets are just $35. Designated drivers are free with a paid admission. Find all the information about this awesome event at their website here.
7. Border War BeerFest - Kenosha
A unique take on the beer festival, this one down near the Wisconsin/Illinois state line pits the two states against each other in a beer border war. On August 4, Kenosha Harbor Park is the home of this battle. General admission tickets are $45. There's also a 5K race beforehand, live music and food trucks. Fest-goers vote for the best brew and the winning state gets a trophy. Find all the information about this awesome event at their website here.
8. Great Taste of the Midwest - Madison
Really, the Granddaddy of them all. The second-longest running brew fest in the US, this behemouth in Olin Park has more than 190 breweries serving up 1400 different brews. It's a massive, amazing festival that celebrates the Midwest. General admission tickets are $60. There is no parking on site, but lots of walking and shuttle options. This one takes place on August 11 and there's no onsite ticket purchase - everything has to be bought ahead of time. Find all the information about this awesome event at their website here.
9. Egg Harbor Ale Fest - Egg Harbor
Maybe the most beautiful setting for a Wisconsin beer festival, this one is right in Harbor View Park on Sept 15. General Admission tickets are $45 and that gets you access to more than 100 beers from 40 different breweries, plus live music and trolley shuttling. Find all the information about this awesome event at their website here.
10. Taste of Wisconsin - Beaver Dam
What's more Wisconsin than a beer festival combined with a cheese tasting? On June 16, downtown Beaver Dam is blocked off on Spring Street and all the Wisconsin beer and cheese you could want is at your disposal for just $35. More than 100 local beers and 60 local cheese make this a place you're going to want to be. Find all the information about this awesome event at their website here.
11. Milwaukee Brewfest - Milwaukee
A beer tasting event with Lake Michigan views, on July 28 head to the Old Guard Pavillion on Lincoln Memorial Drive to sample beer from 100 different breweries. The proceeds from this event go toward the creation of a beer and brewing museum. General admission tickets are $55. Find all the information about this awesome event at their website here.
12. Potosi Brewfest - Potosi
If you've never visited this adorable little town in the southwest part of the state, this is a good reason to put it on your calendar. On August 25, $35 gets you access to 60 different vendors right there at the Potosi Brewery. Live music, masskrugstemmen, other games and food will also be available. Plan a weekend in this beautiful part of the state for this one. Find all the information about this awesome event at their website here.
13. Up North Beer Fest - Eagle River
More than 40 breweries with 100 different beers are available on June 9 at this event at Hi-Pines Eagle River Campground. General admission tickets are $40. Food is sold by the local rotary club. Shuttles run from numerous local locations. Find all the information about this awesome event at their website here.
Make sure you drink responsibly, plan for transportation and know that every beer festival has designated driver options. What beer festival is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Looking to enjoy a summer brew without the festival? Check out these awesome Wisconsin beer gardens across the state!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!