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Music Festivals in Wisconsin

Wisconsin summers sizzle with live music festivals held all over the Badger State. Both state residents and tourists join the fun, as the festivals accommodate almost every musical taste including jazz, folk, rock and country. The events host some of the biggest touring acts on the planet as well as top-notch homegrown local talent.
  1. Summerfest

    • Milwaukee hosts the annual Summerfest eleven-day music festival from late June into early July. Billed as the world's largest music festival, Summerfest features a diverse mix of chart-topping pop, rock and country artists performing across 11 stages. The event also hosts top local and regional talent and upcoming national acts. The biggest acts perform at the 23,000-seat Marcus Amphitheater overlooking Lake Michigan.

      Summerfest

      200 North Harbor Dr.

      Milwaukee, WI 53202

      414-273-2680

      summerfest.com

    Hodag Country Music Festival

    • The Hodag Country Music Festival is a well-known Wisconsin country music festival. Held annually in July since 1978 in Rhinelander, the festival brings together a "who's who" of national touring acts. Since 1981, Hodag has also hosted its annual Wisconsin State Country Band Contest that features award-winning country musicians from Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

      Hodag Country Music Festival

      4270 River Rd.

      Rhinelander, WI 54501

      715-369-1300

      hodag.com

    Great River Jazz Fest

    • The Great River Jazz Fest in Lacrosse brings together an eclectic mix of musical talent every August. The four-day festival hosts both world-renowned and local jazz artists in both Riverside Park and the La Crosse Center along the Mississippi River. The event also features after-hours jam sessions and a Sunday morning jazz service.

      Great River Jazz Fest

      Riverside Park

      100 Block, State St.

      La Crosse, WI 54602

      608-791-1190

      lacrossejazz.com

    Country USA Music Festival

    • The Country USA Music Festival in Oshkosh is another big country music festival. The five-day event in June showcases the biggest stars in country music. Since it began in 1996, the event has brought together big-name talents like Travis Tritt, Toby Keith and Gretchen Wilson. The festival also has a campsite and a marketplace.

      Country USA Music Festival

      2065 American Dr. A

      Neenah, WI 54956

      920-882-4949 or 800-326-SHOW

      countryusaoshkosh.com

    Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival

    • Madison hosts the annual Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival in August. The two-day outdoor festival spotlights a wide variety of traditional music styles including folk, bluegrass, Creole and old-time string music. The event is held at Lake Farm County Park and offers live music and dance performances, jam sessions and workshops.

      Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival

      Lake Farm County Park

      3101 Lake Farm Rd.

      Madison, WI 53711

      608-227-8685

      sugarmaplefest.org

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