As summer approaches, so do many beloved Madison-area celebrations. Dance to Irish jigs, sip local wines, or wolf down brats at one of these 12 upcoming festivals.
Cross Plains Trout Days
Warm up with a 5K run/walk or opt for the wine walk, a sip-by-sip tour of Cross Plains’ local restaurants and bars. The most popular event of the weekend is the KenDucky Derby, where 100 plastic ducks race to the finish in the Black Earth Creek. May 1-3, Main Street, Cross Plains
Uncork Me Wisconsin
This annual festival at Breese Stevens Field brings together more than 100 local wines, meads and ciders — all free to sample with the purchase of a ticket. Attendees can enjoy live music, a drag performance and several giant yard games as they sip. May 10, 3-7 p.m., 917 E. Mifflin St.
Syttende Mai
Celebrate Norwegian heritage at Stoughton’s annual festival. Visit art exhibits, spectate at the Viking Games (a sanctioned Strongman competition) and enjoy a parade on May 18. Live music, dance performances and festival fare will be available throughout the weekend. May 16-18, Stoughton
Spring Bash
Mad Farm Moto & Music will host rock, metal and alternative music groups from around the state at this farmhouse music festival. No alcohol will be sold at the venue, but attendees can order food from an assortment of food trucks. May 17, noon-11:30 p.m., 221 US-14, Brooklyn, Wisconsin
Trans Joy 2025
This event, organized by Madison Area Transgender Association and OutReach LGBTQ Community Center, is a day of fun and celebration in Warner Park. Details and activities not yet announced. May 17, 1-4 p.m., 2930 N. Sherman Ave.
Brat Fest
Live music, carnival games and, of course, brats will be available throughout the weekend. Bucky Badger and the University of Madison–Wisconsin Marching Band will also be in attendance. May 23-25, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way
Vegan Sausage Fest
For the third year, local food vendors (including Green Owl Cafe, The Vibrant Veg, The Deliciouser and JustVeggiez) will come together for a vegan-friendly celebration in Warner Park. May 24, noon-4 p.m., 2930 N. Sherman Ave.
Sugarland Memorial Day Festival
Sugarland’s Memorial Day celebration includes a euchre tournament, face-painting stations, food trucks and more family-friendly fun. May 26, 2-9 p.m., 8637 Linley Road, Arena
Madison Irish Fest
20 local and national Irish music and dance performers will perform over three days. The festival changes location each day — Friday at Awildan Distilling ( 5353 Maly Road, Sun Prairie ), Saturday at Four Winds Farm ( 5735 Adams Road, Fitchburg ) and Sunday at Garver Feed Mill ( 3241 Garver Green ). May 30-June 1, various locations
Festa Italia
The Italian Workmen’s Club’s annual Festa Italia brings live Italian music and dance performances, cooking demonstrations by local Italian chefs, and all-day-long pasta dinners to McKee Farms Park. May 31, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and June 1, 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m., 2930 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg
LunART Festival
The nonprofit’s annual festival celebrating women in the arts is filled with artist panels, gala concerts and musical collaborations. There are a mix of free and ticketed events. May 28-31, hours and locations vary
Distill America …