Annual Summertime Events You Can’t Miss
Published
Summertime and all the high-energy, high-thrill events and festivals that it brings are just about here!
In addition to ongoing event series like local farmers markets, live music and concerts, and plays and theatrical performances, Door County hosts some of Wisconsin’s most popular events and favorite festivals.
The dates and details of each year’s events may vary, but these classic, must-do, simply-can’t-miss summertime events in Door County are held annually and make great centerpieces for a trip of any style or length. Just find the one that calls to you or choose a weekend with multiple events and do some fest-hopping.
June Events
Lighthouse Festival
This twice-a-year festival allows travelers to tour Door County’s 11 lighthouses, including many not generally open to the public. Enjoy a walking or hiking tour or take it to the next level with a boat or airplane tour.
Sól Grass Music Festival
Washington Island’s bluegrass festival hosts both big-name bands and local singer-songwriters for two days of music, outdoor exploration, camping, and local food and drink.
Door County Beer Festival
Fest-goers will have the chance to sample more than 150 beers from 45 Midwestern breweries. The festival also offers live music and food from local restaurants and vendors.
Fyr Bal
Fyr Bal (pronounced “fear ball”) is a celebration of Scandinavian heritage and the transition from spring to summer. The festival offers music, dancing, food, arts and crafts for sale, fireworks, and the iconic beach bonfire that represents the burning of the “Winter Witch.”
Crossroads Trail Run
Participate in a 2k, 5k, or 10k run or walk at the Crossroads at Big Creek Nature Preserve. Proceeds benefit the learning center and the preserve.
Peninsula Century Spring Classic Bike Race
The annual bike race offers riders the chance to compete in a 25, 50, 62, or 100-mile race that weaves throughout the upper peninsula.
Northern Door Pride Celebration
Northern Door County’s pride celebration takes place in Sister Bay this year and offers a “pride walk,” music and DJs, a raffle, and more. The Tuesday night event is a great prelude to Open Door Pride’s event the following Saturday.
Open Door Pride
Keep the pride going at the peninsula-wide Open Door Pride festival this summer. The event celebrates diversity in the Door County community and will have live music, family and kids activities, art, and local vendors.
Door County Wine Fest
Sample wines from eight local wineries, enjoy top-notch food from local vendors, and listen to live music in a beautiful setting in Baileys Harbor.
July Events
Independence Day Celebrations
Independence Day celebrations can be found across the peninsula and islands this year, including Fish Creek, Rock Island, Egg Harbor, Baileys Harbor, Gills Rock, Sturgeon Bay, and Washington Island. Expect fireworks, parades, food and drink, kids’ activities, and plenty of patriotic merriment.
Hairpin Run/Walk
For more than 40 years, the Hairpin Run/Walk has been a fundraiser for the local school district. The 5k is open to runners and walkers of all ages and experience levels and takes place in Fish Creek.
Door County Sea Kayak Symposium
Each year, Rowleys Bay Resort and Rutabaga Paddlesports host kayakers from all around Wisconsin and the Midwest for a weekend of paddling, skills development, kayak tours, and community building.
Door County Triathlon
Run, swim, and bike your way across Door County—or maybe just come and marvel at the athletic prowess of the racers from behind the barriers. The event also has a Half Iron, kids’ events, awards, and plenty of triathlon-community camaraderie.
Door County Plein Air Festival
This painting and arts festival is a celebration of outdoor and landscape painting. More than 30 artists will set up their canvases and paints and paint, live and outdoors, for fest-goers to observe the artistic process.
August Events
Cherry Fest
Celebrate Door County’s favorite export at Jacksonport’s annual Cherry Fest, complete with historical displays, arts and crafts, live music, car show, and of course plenty of cherry-filled food and drink.
Door County Fair
The county fair is timeless, old-fashioned American fun. Enjoy classic fair rides, stock car races, carnival concessions, local vendors, special exhibits, and live music in Sturgeon Bay.
Door County Festival of Fine Arts
Head to Sister Bay for the only art festival exclusively featuring local Door County artists. Wander the town to find artist demos, activities, and art for sale.
Washington Island Fair
For a fair with island vibes, check out the Washington Island Fair, which has food and drink, exhibits, a parade, activities and games, bingo, and a raffle.
Belgian Kermiss
Celebrate the coming harvest season with Belgian food, beer, music, and festivities at the Belgian Heritage Center. Check out the center’s historical exhibits, see a demonstration of antique farming equipment, and tour the grounds.
Death's Door BBQ
Close out the summer season with the local favorite Death’s Door BBQ on Washington Island. Enjoy live music, kids activities, food vendors, and all the barbecued meats you can handle during this late-summer event.
Summer Theater Events
Door County is known for its small-yet-mighty theater scene and has four well-known theater groups. Each offers multiple shows this summer with plenty of performances so that no matter when the theater bug hits you, you’ll have plenty of options.
Peninsula Players
This summer, the Peninsula Players will perform The Rainmaker, Write Me a Murder, Ripcord, I and You, and Murder for Two.
More on Peninsula Players Shows
Northern Sky Theater
Northern Sky Theater’s iconic outdoor theater will play host to Fishing for the Moon and Love Stings this summer, and the indoor Gould Theater will be home to Dad’s Season Tickets.
Third Avenue PlayWorks
TAP’s season includes three summer shows as well as additional shows in fall and winter.
Door Shakespeare
Door County’s own Shakespearean theater group is putting on two shows this summer: The Tempest and The Three Musketeers.
More on Door Shakespeare Shows
Headed to Door County this summer? Now’s a good time to brush up on outdoor etiquette and the Door County Leave No Trace 7 Principles.
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