15 Door County Events That You Absolutely Must Attend
In Door County, the best memories are made when the community comes together to celebrate the peninsula’s beauty and unique culture. That’s why the local calendar here is always filled with exciting Door County events and festivals. During your stay at The Ashbrooke Hotel, we encourage you to check out these awesome recurring events and make memories that will last a lifetime.
If you’re interested in more Door County events and things to do, then take a look at our free Vacation Guide! This vacation-planning tool is filled with the best recommendations for things to see and do in our area, including local hiking trails, parks, shopping, dining, entertainment, and more.
Door County Events You’ll Love
The Ashbrooke Hotel in Egg Harbor is open during the spring, summer, and fall. These seasons are when the peninsula comes to life and is thriving with fun things to do.
Spring/Summer Door County Events
1. Steel Bridge Songfest
The Steel Bridge Songfest showcases support for the old steel bridge in Sturgeon Bay and brings together songwriters, musicians, and music fans from across the country for a two-day fun-filled festival. It was invented when a grassroots band called “Save Our Bridge” was formed to save the historic Sturgeon Bay Bridge from demolition in 1996. Today, artists and bands from all over the nation come to play their music just for you.
2. Door County Spring Lighthouse Festival
Door County is home to many stunning, historic lighthouses. Each year, visitors will have the opportunity to see them up close by land, air, and boat at the Door County Lighthouse Festival. You can learn the fascinating stories of these beacons and see some locations that are usually closed to the public.
3. Door County Beer Festival
Good times are always brewing during the Door County Beer Festival! Over 200 breweries attend this exciting event and grant you the opportunity to meet the brewers and taste top-notch beers. Plus, amazing chefs from local Door County restaurants will be in attendance to share their most delicious street-style creations with you.
4. Door County Wine Festival
We’re calling all wine lovers! The Door County Wine Festival is one of the peninsula’s largest celebrations and the most anticipated event of the summer. The festival exclusively features products crafted in Door County. Attendees can try delectable local Door County wines, cheeses, a surplus of food, and enjoy fantastic live entertainment.
5. Egg Harbor Independence Day Celebration
Celebrate our nation’s independence with a patriotic parade, marching band performances, refreshments, and a dazzling firework display during the Egg Harbor Independence Day Celebration! The party is held over two days, so even if you miss some of the fun, you can always come back for more.
6. Door County Fair
The Door County Fair is a highly anticipated event full of classic carnival fun. You can ride on the Ferris wheel, get up close and personal with a wide array of farm animals, and watch a concert with talented local artists. It’s the perfect option for a memorable date night or a fun day out with your friends!
7. Cherry Fest
Door County is known for its deliciously sweet cherries, and the annual Cherry Fest celebrates the harvest of Wisconsin’s famous, beloved fruit. You can get your hands on anything cherry at this event—kolaches, cherry brats, pie, ice cream, jams, and more! There’s also a penny hunt for kids, a classic car show, a raffle, and various musical performances.
Fall Door County Events
8. Marina Fest
Whether you’re a boat enthusiast or appreciate an outdoor festival by the water, Sister Bay Marina Fest is perfect for you. The top event here is the classic wooden boat show, but you can also enjoy live music, mouthwatering food, refreshing beverages, and a fantastic firework display.
9. Harvest Fest and Street Art Auction
The best way to celebrate the bountiful beauty of fall is to attend the Harvest Fest and Street Art Auction in Sturgeon Bay. Besides enjoying stunning autumn views, you can see a classic car show, explore a craft fair, attend an art auction, and shop for local in-store specials. Food vendors and live entertainment will also be available for guests.
10. Sister Bay Fall Fest
Known as the “Grandaddy” of all Door County Festivals, the Sister Bay Fall Fest is a beloved fall event by locals and visitors alike. For over 70 years, this event has featured a classic car show, arts and crafts, a parade, and the famous Ping Pong Ball Drop!
11. Pumpkin Patch Festival
The Pumpkin Patch Festival is an annual carnival that celebrates the autumn spirit! Unleash your inner child on carnival rides, browse the creative pumpkin and scarecrow displays, be wowed by a roaming magician, or participate in a silent auction!
12. Jack-O-Lantern Days
Put the “eek” in Fish Creek during Jack O’ Lantern Days—a local Halloween celebration in Door County! Although this is a family-friendly event, adults will find plenty of fun things to do. You can enjoy an Adults-Only Art Night at the Hands–On Art Studio, a trolley ghost tour, an interactive owl demonstration, and a contest costume. Plus, children will have a blast as they trick-or-treat through the town.
Winter Door County Events
13. Merry-Time Festival of Trees
Kick off the holiday season at the Door County Maritime Museum! Throughout the year, this popular museum attracts visitors to learn about the Great Lakes’ maritime history, but in early November, the Maritime Museum starts the festivities by decorating their property and hosting a mixer gala at which the decorations are raffled off!
14. Christkindlmarkt
In early December, gather with the locals to enjoy a European-style Christmas market! It takes place at an outdoor venue, so dress warmly, and it’s featuring Nordic foods, fine artisan goods, holiday music. If you’ve never been to a Christkindlmarkt before, its the perfect way to to get in the holiday mood as the season ramps up!
15. Birch Creek Fall Christmas Show
Enjoy some local performing arts at the Birch Creek Music Performance center in early December. The Music Performance Center helps provide instruction to you musicians throughout the year, so this is the perfect opportunity to experience the hard work of these young local artists!
The Best Place To Stay For Door County Events
After spending your day at one of the many fun-filled Door County events, we invite you to stay with us and relax at The Ashbrooke Hotel. Our luxurious adults-only hotel is the best spot for couples looking to get away from their day-to-day schedules. Our prime location places you just minutes from all the incredible things this area has to offer.
Our guests will enjoy comfortable rooms and suites adorned with the best amenities. Our impeccable guest services will ensure that you are enjoying your stay from the moment you arrive. Check our availability and book your stay today. We look forward to hosting you here at The Ashbrooke Hotel very soon!