What’s a summer in Wisconsin without meat on the grill, corn on the cob, and a cold beer in hand? It’s no secret that food has the power to bring people together whether it be a backyard BBQ or the Largest BBQ Festival in the state of Wisconsin. Walworth County is home to several summertime food festivals that will fulfill your foodie fantasies.
Elkhorn Ribfest | Elkhorn, WI | Thursday, July 11 – Sunday, July 14, 2019
Part competition and part festival, Elkhorn Ribfest is a 4 day long barbecue lover’s dream. The Walworth County Fairgrounds hosts this enormous event that features world renowned BBQ professionals. These ribbers are competing for the title of Grand Champion and festival-goers even have the opportunity to cast a vote for their favorite! Once you’ve had your fill of mouth watering ribs, there’s still plenty of festival left to enjoy! You can take a stroll around artisan village and enjoy carnival rides. Not to mention, there’s no shortage of live entertainment. The festival features artists such as Bella Cain, Too White Crew, Cherry Pie, Hairbanger’s Ball and more. Free admission and free parking make this a fun, affordable event for all!
Steak Cookout | Elkhorn, WI | Wednesday, July 17, 2019
If you’re still hungry for more after Elkhorn Ribfest, the annual Steak Cookout at the Walworth County Fairgrounds shortly follows. Stop by for a delicious steak or burger hot off the grill from 4-7 pm and don’t forget to check out the bake sale! This event supports the Walworth County Junior Beef Members.
Big Foot Lions Club Lobster Boil & Steak Fry | Fontana, WI | Saturday, July 27, 2019
Indulge at the biggest social event in Fontana! The fun begins at noon in Reid Park with live music and lighter fare such as hamburgers and hot dogs. Lobster and steak dinners will be served from 2-9 pm and all meals include boiled red potatoes, peas, boiled onions, buttered rolls and a dessert! Yum! There will be a children’s area set up and live entertainment from Al’s Blues Band, Mr. Myers Band and The Eddie Butts Band. Lobster dinner tickets are $38 in advance/$40 at the door and steak dinner tickets are $24 in advance/$26 at the door. All proceeds from the fundraiser go back to the public through contributions from the Lions Club.
Corn & Brat Days | Elkhorn, WI | Friday, August 2 – Saturday, August 3, 2019
Formerly known as Festival of Summer, this event kicks off a big month for corn and brats in Walworth County. Downtown Elkhorn will host artisans, vendors, bounce houses, and performances from local groups. Some of this year’s performers include the martial arts group Elkhorn Flying Dragons, Walworth County Cloggers, Toe to Toe Ballet and live music by The Amazing Farm Boys.
Corn and Bratwurst Festival | Walworth, WI | Saturday, August 3, 2019
Join the Geneva Lake West Rotary Club for their 58th Annual Corn and Bratwurst festival! Held in Heyer Park, the fest will feature delicious roasted corn on the cob and beer brats from 11 am to 9 pm. Enjoy live entertainment all day and try your luck at the dunk tank for a chance to soak local celebrities! Tickets are $9 in advance or $13 day of.
Corn & Brat Fest | Williams Bay, WI | Friday, August 9 – Sunday, August 11, 2019
Sweet corn and Wisconsin brats…a match made in heaven. The Williams Bay Lions Club is hosting this massive, 3 day event at Edgewater Park. There will be multiple raffles and live music from The Andrew Gelles Band, Rebel Grace, Katie Mack, and the Big Al Wetzel Band. Don’t miss the fireworks show on Saturday night!
Darien Cornfest | Darien, WI | Friday, September 6 – Sunday, September 8, 2019
We hope you’re still hungry for corn because these ears are FREE! The 59th Annual Darien Cornfest returns this September with live entertainment, carnival rides, a craft fair, tournaments, tractor pulls, fireworks, a parade, and more corn than you could ever dream of. This festival has it all and you won’t want to miss it. Enjoy free corn from 11 am to 3 pm on Saturday & Sunday of the event!
Folks will be kicking off the winter celebration with a large creamy cup of hot chocolate at Burlington’s annual Hot ChocolateFest. Anything you could possibly associate with winter will be included in these three days. Break out your winter woolies to enjoy open skating on Echo Lake, ice bowling, snowman decorating contests, and broom ball. Then warm up with hot chocolate, storytelling around campfires, and a chili contest. This weekend will also include live music, a Winter Artisan Faire, and a scavenger hunt for the kids. Warm up those dancing shoes at the Old fashioned “Sock Hop”, then wrap up the weekend fun with a Pancake Breakfast on Sunday.
On the shore of frozen Delavan Lake, the Community Park pavilion will resonate with the sounds of hot jazz from the Elkhorn, Big Foot and Delavan-Darien High School Jazz Bands at the Town of Delavan’s Winterfest. Food and drinks will be available to satisfy you while you purchase your 50/50 raffle tickets to help support the Delavan-Darien Arts Booster Club and the Friends of the Park. Locals and visitors alike will be excited about the door prizes; this is your chance to win season boat passes or two season non-resident passes. Make sure you take advantage of the 
For nine days, Winterfest takes over the city and the shore line of Geneva Lake in downtown Lake Geneva. Walking down Wrigley Drive you will see the infamous sculptures created for the U.S. Snow Sculpting Competition and the Ice Castles decorating the shoreline. Throughout the city, you will find a plethora of events that make up this elaborate winter celebration. Events include, but are not limited to: Hovercraft Experiences, Dinner & Dance Party, Human Dog Sled races, Souper Family Fun Night, a Food and Wine Pairing, The Supper Club Experience, Kids’ Snow Sculpting Lessons, the Winterfest Showcase, Cocoa Crawl, Chilly Jiggers Ice Fishing Derby, Helicopter Rides, the Polar Bar, Chili Cook-Off, Live Music, and Candlelight Hike. Details for all of these events can be found on the Walworth County Visitors Bureau’s events calendar.
Grand Geneva’s Winter Carnival hosts skiing, snowboarding and fun snow activities for the whole family to enjoy! If you have got the skills, take part in their Ski Boarder Cross and Rail Jam competitions or just enjoy the festivities all over The Mountain Top. If you’re not a skier, relax in the Beer Tent and let the kids tackle free activities made just for them. The festivities will conclude with a beautiful fireworks display and the Torch Light Hillside Parade at 8:30 pm.
Sky Circus on Ice hosts professional kite teams from around the world to showcase their skills during this winter festival on the shore of Delavan Lake. You can only truly enjoy the awe and wonder in person. Expert snow sculptors and ice carvers will also demonstrate their skills along the shore of Lake Lawn Resort and the historic brick street in downtown Delavan.
Delavan hosts one of the largest train shows in the Midwest, featuring operating layouts in multiple scales. See some of the most exciting layouts from the ‘big’ shows as well as beautiful local layouts. This is a big train show with all the comforts of the small town atmosphere. Located in the center of historic downtown Delavan. This family-friendly event has loads of fun and free admission for all!
