Fall Food Festivals

by Rose Brookins

Fall has a way of opening our eyes to how lucky we are to live in southern Wisconsin. It’s the perfect time of year to get outta Dane to appreciate the natural splendor of our state—and what’s better than an autumn road trip? A road trip that culminates in a delicious destination, of course! While we could fill an entire issue talking about all the unique, weird and wonderful food festivals happening every weekend, here are two that are especially road-trip-worthy for 2023. Both are celebrating landmark years and both have deep roots in their respective places as they highlight local history and industry while investing in the future of their communities.

(September 22-24. Free.)

A hundred miles northwest of Madison lies the tiny village of Warrens. With a year-round population of less than 400, for one weekend every September this village opens its collective arms to welcome over 145,000 visitors to the World’s Largest Cranberry Festival. From its inception in 1973, the festival has been designed and led by Warrens locals who share a passion for celebrating their part in making Wisconsin the numberone producer of cranberries in the nation. They are dedicated to channeling the proceeds from the festival into their local economy too—donating millions over the years to scout organizations and youth groups, schools, fire departments, and scholarships for local students.

“What makes us so unique is that we’re not a gated event,” says Kim Schroeder. Schroeder has been the director of the festival for 27 years and says there’s something special about how the whole town works together to create an open, welcoming atmosphere that draws people to the festival year after year. “We’re a town of just 380, so we’re on everybody’s lawns, we’re in the ballpark, we close down the street and it’s a very good atmosphere.” The themed costume contest is very popular, she says, and it’s always a lot of fun to see groups of costumed people wandering the festival. “A lot of the people who come are there for family reunions, girls’ trips.…It’s a gathering place for them.”

As far as gathering places go, Warrens has created an exceptional one. There is something for everyone, whether you are looking to relax and enjoy the Sunday parade or are feeling a little competitive and join the cranberry chiffon pie-eating contest. Throughout the weekend volunteers lead free cranberry marsh walking tours, inviting visitors to learn about cranberry production and area history while simultaneously working up an appetite for the signature desserts of the festival: cranberry cream puffs, deep-fried cranberries on a stick, and of course, the famous cranberries jubilee prepared in the open air in a gigantic aluminum skillet.

The festival is also a destination for makers, creators, collectors and shoppers, so bring your walking shoes and be sure to make time for the unparalleled three-mile-long marketplace of over 1,000 booths: arts and crafts, antiques and pottery, farm market stalls with fresh fall produce, and food vendors serving up American, Greek, Chinese, Italian and Mexican cuisine. Whether this quirky festival has been a staple of your family’s autumn tradition for years or you’ve never made it further up I-94 than Wisconsin Dells, 2023 is a year you won’t want to miss: the 50th anniversary of the very first Cranberry Festival.

Potosi Brewfest (August 26. Tickets $10-$65.)

& Other Wisconsin Beer Festivals

Potosi, another tiny village with an outsized fall festival, is fondly known as Beer’s Hometown. Since 1852, the village has been home to Potosi Brewing Company. Known for their craft beers (and root beer!), Potosi Brewing Company has a brewpub and beer garden where they serve their brews with a variety of pub fare. In 2009, they hosted their very first Potosi Brewfest to celebrate the end of summer and the long history of brewing excellence at Potosi.

“In my opinion, and not just because I work here, this is the best brew fest I’ve ever attended,” says Rick Kruser, Potosi Brewing Company vice president and general manager. “This is our 15th year and there are people who’ve been coming since day one. The atmosphere is just amazing.”

Bringing together artisans of all kinds, the festival hosts more than 60 vendors, including craft breweries, wineries and distilleries, as well as specialty meat and cheese makers. There’s live music, games, and of course, the famous beer-stein holding contest.

Following Potosi Brewfest is a fall season packed with celebrations of all things brewed. In southern Wisconsin, an Oktoberfest can be found nearly every weekend in September and October. The last full weekend in September, head to New Glarus (September 21-24) or Germantown (September 23-24) for Oktoberfest celebrations filled with cold beers and free live music.

The following weekend, Oktoberfest USA (September 2830) kicks off in La Crosse. The Midwest’s longest-running Oktoberfest features craft beer nights, multiple parades, carnival, the Lederhosen Games, and much more. The nearly 150,000 people in attendance at Oktoberfest USA are treated to a host of family-friendly events as well as a lengthy list of beers from near and far.

If you’re searching for a slightly smaller celebration, Oktoberfest in downtown historic Cedarburg (October 7-8) might be more your style. In addition to a plethora of German food and beer from local vendors and breweries, guests are also treated to a live glockenspiel show and plenty of polka.

These autumnal festivities offer a glimpse into Wisconsin’s brewing heritage and communities across the state. Whether in a rural town of 600 like Potosi or city of over 50,000 like La Crosse, it’s easy to see why so many flock to these beer festivals ready to raise a glass in celebration.

Top: Guests enjoy a wide selection of beers while wearing their salty snacks. Bottom: Steins and spirits are high during the famous beer-stein holding contest.