Annual Fairs, Festivals & Events in the Lake Geneva Area
From outdoor concerts to lakeside art fairs and festive holiday parades, Lake Geneva is alive with events year-round. Whether you’re visiting in the chill of winter or the height of summer, there’s always something happening in our lakeside towns. Here’s a month-by-month guide to the events locals love and visitors keep coming back for.
January
Free Fishing Weekend
Bundle up and cast a line during Wisconsin’s Free Fishing Weekend — no license needed! Sponsored by the WI Dept. of Natural Resources, it’s the perfect way to experience winter on the lake.
Abominable Snow Race
Test your winter warrior spirit in this snowy obstacle course adventure that typically takes place at the end of January. It’s a frosty, fun-filled challenge that warms you up fast!
Winterfest and America’s Snow Sculpting Invitational
A Lake Geneva signature! Marvel at incredible snow sculptures, enjoy family activities, and soak up the wintry charm of downtown Lake Geneva. (Typically occurs at the end of January and early February, depending on how the calendar falls.)
February
Winterfest and America’s Snow Sculpting Invitational
A Lake Geneva signature! Marvel at incredible snow sculptures, enjoy family activities, and soak up the wintry charm of downtown Lake Geneva. (Typically occurs at the end of January and early February, depending on how the calendar falls.)
Winter Carnival
Held during Winterfest weekend, this lively celebration at The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva Resort brings snow sports, games, and winter fun for all ages.
March
The Balloon Adventure
This one-of-a-kind walk-through event features exciting themed balloon displays created by balloon artists from around the globe. It’s a colorful blend of imagination, artistry, and community spirit. Perfect for families and all in support of a great cause!
Gary Con
Gamers unite at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa! Celebrate the legacy of Dungeons & Dragons with tournaments, panels, and adventures in the city where it all began.
April
Lake Geneva Restaurant Week
Don’t miss nine delicious days of dining deals, chef specials, and foodie fun at local restaurants. (Typically occurs the third week of April.)
Lake Geneva Women’s Weekend
It’s a weekend of empowerment, inspiration, and connection for women — plus shopping, wine, and fun galore. (This event often overlaps with the end of Restaurant Week. So, plan accordingly, ladies!)
Wee Whiskey Fest
Sample fine whiskey and learn from the pros during this spirited celebration that often coincides with Restaurant Week.
May
Wisconsin Cheese Festival
Say cheese! This delicious festival brings cheesy delights, tastings, and artisan fun to the Lake Geneva area.
Spring Wine Walk
One of two wine walks sponsored by our Downtown Business Improvement District, this event invites you to sip and stroll through charming downtown Lake Geneva shops while sampling wines.
June
Free Fishing Weekend
During the first weekend in June (typically), you can enjoy another no-license-needed fishing opportunity as summer begins!
Walworth County Dairy Breakfast
The second weekend in June, join in the annual celebration of Wisconsin’s dairy heritage with a hearty breakfast on a working farm.
Lake Geneva Jazz & Blues Fest
Kick off the summer on the third weekend in June with this annual festival filled with great music, food trucks, a market, and fun for the whole family.
Concerts in the Park
Starting on the last Thursday of June and running for 7 weeks throughout the summer, enjoy free concerts in Flat Iron Park every Thursday night, featuring local and regional musicians.
July
Concerts in the Park
Keep the summer beats rolling every Thursday night with free concerts in Flat Iron Park.
Elkhorn Rib Fest
Barbecue lovers rejoice! This mouthwatering festival, held at Walworth County Fairgrounds, is a local favorite that’s been around for nine years and features ribs, music, and family fun.
Rev-Up Weekend & The Cars Time Forgot Show
Get ready for a weekend of wheels and vintage charm, capped off with a beloved car show at Lake Lawn Resort. (Dates may vary based on the resort’s availability.)
Williams Bay Fine Arts & Crafts Festival
Art and handmade treasures abound at this long-standing summer art fair that will be celebrating its 50th year in 2025.
EGG Con
EGG Con is a celebration of Role Playing Games (RPGs) and its history, set in the hometown and birthplace of E. Gary Gygax, the father of role-playing games. EGG Con event is a small, old school mini con held over the weekend of Gary's birthday, officially known in Lake Geneva as "Gary Gygax Day".
Fontana Lobster Boil/Steak Fry
This summer tradition on the west end of Geneva Lake features music, community vibes, and delicious food. Hosted by the Big Foot Lions Club, it is always held on the last Saturday of July.
August
Concerts in the Park
The summer series wraps up with more tunes and warm evening breezes in Flat Iron Park every Thursday night.
Art in the Park
Art on the lakefront! Don’t miss this favorite annual event held the second weekend of August. Hosted by the local arts foundation, it features work from talented artists on the shores of Geneva Lake and draws quite a crowd.
Williams Bay Corn & Brat Fest
Sweet corn, brats, fireworks — this family favorite has it all. Held in early August, this will be the festival’s 11th year. Join in the summer fun!
Venetian Festival
Over 60 years strong, this iconic celebration is a huge tradition in Lake Geneva. As the final summer celebration in mid-August, it features a carnival, great food, a craft show, live music, and a massive fireworks show to finish off on the last day.
Maxwell Street Days
Sponsored by our local downtown Business Improvement District, shop the annual end-of-summer sidewalk sales and find downtown treasures at the end of August.
Walworth County Fair (occurs the 5 days surrounding the Labor Day holiday weekend)
This county fair is one of the largest in the state and has been running for 176 years. For the 5 days surrounding the Labor Day holiday, you’ll get your fill of tradition, food, and fun!
September
Walworth County Fair
Keep the county fair fun rolling into September!
Lake Geneva Taco Fest
What could be better than tacos, tunes, and family-friendly fun in a festive outdoor setting?
Fat Tire Charity Ride
Pedal around Geneva Lake in costume, stopping for fun and fundraising all along the way in this long-standing (almost 30 years) fun fall charity bike ride!
Geneva Lakes Antique & Classic Boat Show
Admire beautifully restored boats at The Abbey Resort Marina in Fontana, WI — a dream weekend for boating enthusiasts from around the country.
October
Dragon Days™ Fall Fantasy Festival
Get ready for a whimsical celebration of fantasy and D&D roots with magic, games, and imagination at this event that honors the birthplace and home of Dungeons and Dragons creator Gary Gygax.
Lake Geneva Oktoberfest
Sponsored by our Downtown Business Improvement District, this annual Oktoberfest celebration is a local favorite with live entertainment, a beer garden, family fun, and more.
Elkhorn Oktoberfest
Head to one of the county’s biggest Oktoberfest festivals for brews, bands, and a bustling market each year in mid to late October.
November
Fall Wine Walk
Savor the season while strolling through local shops and sampling wine at the second of two annual wine walks sponsored by our Downtown Business Improvement District.
Christmas in the Country at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
Every year, the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa kicks off the holiday season by decorating their entire property with holiday lights, hosting a celebration with fireworks, offering tours of the outdoor lights throughout the holidays, and hosting a gingerbread contest.
Light Up Lake Geneva
Downtown Lake Geneva lights up with holiday cheer during the annual tree lighting and holiday open house the weekend after Thanksgiving.
Parade of Trees
Each year, from late November to early January, the local Geneva Lake Museum hosts a Christmas tree event where local businesses and organizations decorate trees and compete for the award of the best tree! The trees are on display for the community to vote.
Santa Cruise
Each year, beginning right after Thanksgiving, Lake Geneva Cruise Lines hosts its annual Santa Cruise in conjunction with The Christmas Festival held by a local charity group. This event has become a tradition for many families and is the last time the boats run on the lake for the season.
December
Lake Geneva Electric Christmas Parade
Celebrate 50 years of the annual Christmas parade for the City of Lake Geneva! This beloved tradition will see colorful, light-filled floats riding down Broad and Main Streets, bringing joy and cheer to everyone around.
Parade of Trees
Geneva Lake Museum’s Christmas tree event continues into December. Don’t forget to check out the decorations and vote for your favorite tree!
Santa Cruise
Lake Geneva Cruise Lines’ annual Santa Cruise is still going in December, along with The Christmas Festival, held by a local charity group. There’s still time to keep the tradition going and get in that last boat ride of the season.
World’s Tallest Glass Tree
Put on in partnership with Yerkes Observatory, this event has become a well-loved tradition in the Lake Geneva region. The festival technically occurs in early December over one weekend. But it takes a good week for the artisans to build the glass tree, and spectators are welcome to watch!