20 Music Festivals To Check Out This Summer

Summertime in Wisconsin offers many opportunities to explore new music and revisit old favorites all over the state. Although the festivals vary in size and content, they all feature great music in memorable settings. This is merely a sampling of this summer’s music festivals, so be on the lookout for more as the season progresses!

Midsummer’s Music Festival

Sister Bay hosts this popular series from June through September. It features chamber music in intimate settings around Door County, including art galleries, churches, and private homes. Performances have featured a broad range of music, from classical standards to contemporary works. You can learn more here.

Green Lake Festival of Music

This festival provides a variety of concerts through June and July. Concerts range from classical to jazz, cabaret and world music. Most concerts are in the historic Thrasher Opera House in Green Lake. The festival also hosts a summer camp for students, master classes and other educational activities. More information can be found here.

Concerts on the square

Enjoy classical and popular music with a picnic around the State Capitol building. This Wednesday series of free concerts each July attracts thousands of people. Click here for more information.

Peninsula Music Festival

This August orchestral concert series marks its 64th season this year with concerts at the Door County Auditorium in Fish Creek. More information here

Madison Early Music Festival

This year’s festival, Shakespeare 400: An Elizabethan Celebration, honors the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death as well as the 45-year reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Join the University of Wisconsin Arts Institute for a week in July of workshops and performances. Learn more on their website. Here’s a look at last year’s festival:

Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society

Always innovative and fun, The Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society celebrates its 25th anniversary with chamber music concerts in June. Learn more here.

Mile of Music

If you are looking for a great time, then this festival is for you. With 800 diverse performances along one mile, Appleton hosts a free, fun-filled weekend in August. For more information, visit their website.

National Women’s Music Festival

Middleton hosts this four-day festival at the beginning of July celebrating women in music. There are a variety of musical and cultural performances and activities planned. Find out more here.

Summer Soulstice Music Festival

From an egg roll eating contest to morning yoga to three stages featuring Milwaukee’s local musicians, this festival is a great way to celebrate the solstice! More information here

Madison World Music Festival

The University of Wisconsin Memorial Union and the Willy Street Fair host this world music festival in September. There are a variety of performances to attend at two venues. More information here. Here’s a sample of just one performance you may see at this festival.

Pulaski Polka Days

For 38 years, Pulaski Polka Days has been bringing the best Polka music to Wisconsin! Lots of fun and dancing are sure to be had during this weekend in July. Find more information here.

Harbor Park Jazz, Rhythm, and Blues Festival

This popular one-day festival in August keeps jazz, rhythm and blues alive on Kenosha’s lakeshore. To learn more, click here.

Big Bull Falls Blues Fest

The longest running blues festival in Wisconsin is celebrating its 25th year this August! Besides the music, food, and fun, this festival’s unique venue on Fern Island in Wausau adds an appealing element. Click here to find out more.

East Troy Bluegrass Festival

Join fellow bluegrass lovers in East Troy for two days in September filled with music, food and fun. Learn more here.

Northwoods Bluegrass Festival

Make the trek up to Ladysmith for a great June weekend of bluegrass and camping. Learn more here.

Blue Ox Music Festival

If you like bluegrass, roots, string band and American music then this is the festival is worth checking out. Only the second year running, this festival has already built a loyal following. Find more on their website.

Driftless Music Festival

Put on your dancing shoes and head to Viroqua for the Driftless Music Festival in July. This folk and roots music event is free. More information here. To learn about the bands you may hear, listen to this:

Great River Folk Festival

Food, crafts and musical performances: what’s not to love about this La Crosse folk music festival? Let your love of folk music and art shine this August. Learn more on their website.

Steel Bridge Songfest

This June, discover diverse musicians from around Wisconsin, the U.S. and beyond during a June weekend in Sturgeon Bay. Maybe you will find your new favorite band! Learn more by clicking here.

Eaux Claires

For diverse music and art performances, look no further. Although Eaux Claires is a new festival, it has proven to be fun for people of all ages. This two-day event in August is sure to be a hit again this year! Learn more here.