Last year we saw the cancellation of all the Madison-area community festivals (featuring beer tents, live music and carnivals). Many held on as long as they could before pulling the plug.
Fortunately, public health officials in Dane County are easing their restrictions, with currently no limits on outdoor gatherings. However, we all know things can change, and I’ll keep this list of the summer festivals updated. Updated May 24.
| Events | Dates | Status/Of note |
| Syttende Mai (Stoughton) | May 14-16 | It’s on. The Norwegian celebration features a 20-mile run from downtown Madison to Stoughton. In addition, check out the strongman competition called the “Viking Games” and the Norse costume show. |
| Festa Italia | May TBD | CANCELED. (This is not Fitchburg’s community festival, but since Fitchburg Days had its final event in 2018, Festa Italia is taking its place on this list.) Take part in the pasta eating contest, play some bocce ball and catch the Flags of Italy parade. |
| Fireman’s Festival (Cottage Grove) | June 17-20 | It’s on. This festival has a little bit of everything, from the Smokin’ Hot BBQ contest to a horse pull. Plus, Legion and Home Talent League baseball games take place all weekend, a parade runs on Saturday morning and 5th Gear performs on Saturday night. |
| Oregon Summer Fest | June TBD | CANCELED. See cars from all decades in the annual car show, and enjoy ribs and BBQ chicken at the Oregon-Brooklyn Lions Club “Thrilla on the Grilla.” Plus, take part in the volleyball, softball and cornhole tournaments. |
| DeForest Area 4th of July Celebration | July 2-4 | It’s on. Definitely the worst website of all the communities. The parade is the central event; others include live music (with the most crowded beer tent of all beer tents), a car show, a cornhole tournament and bingo. This year, the celebration starts one day earlier, on July 2. |
| Monona Community Festival | July 2-4 | It’s on. I’ve always enjoyed the hole-in-one challenge, which seems to be won with some frequency (by others). And believe it or not, the festival hosts the annual Wisconsin Wife Carry Championship, in addition to a keg toss, a strongman competition and an art & craft fair. One extra day added this year. |
| Waunafest | July 22-25 | It’s on. This festival has been shortened from the original five days down to four. It’s still got the largest beer tent, plus a parade, arts & crafts fair, a race and a huge grass volleyball tournament called WaunaSpike. Be warned that parking can be difficult. |
| Sweet Corn Festival (Sun Prairie) | Aug. 19-22 | It’s on. As the name implies, you can’t attend this event without eating some of the 75 tons of sweet corn. Since the event is at Angell Park, you will see midget car racing and a tractor pull. Last year, the event was held as a drive-thru. |
| Middleton Good Neighbor Festival | Aug. 27-29 | It’s on. Here we are at what used to be the end of the summer festival schedule (see Verona Hometown Days). Check out the huge craft fair and the parade on University Avenue. New is an open-campus concept, allowing you to drink throughout the grounds. |
| Verona Hometown Days | Sept. 3-5 | It’s on, with new dates. Hometown Days, traditionally held during the first weekend of June, has moved to Labor Day weekend. Fireworks on Friday, Kings of Radio on Saturday and the big parade on Sunday. |
Note: I didn’t include the McFarland Family Festival since it takes place in the fall.
Tags: Cottage Grove, DeForest, Fitchburg, Middleton, Monona, Oregon, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, Verona, Waunakee
