If There’s One Fall Festival You Attend in Wisconsin, Make It the Sister Bay Fall Fest

In Wisconsin, fall is festival time—there are scores of awesome events to attend this time of year. These local events offer visitors and residents a chance to embrace the season fully: bite into a sweet and crisp caramel apple, catch some hard candy thrown from a parade float, or join the festivities in an outdoor beer garden. Door County has some of the best festivals in the state, and one of the biggest and oldest can be found in the little village of Sister Bay, Wisconsin. And you'll want to save the date, because this year's event is officially scheduled for October 17th - 19th, 2025.

Tucked away on the scenic shores of Green Bay, Sister Bay is a small town with a population of fewer than 900 people. But that changes on busy weekends as crowds of tourists roll in. On Fall Fest weekends, the village practically explodes!

The beloved Sister Bay Fall Fest has been taking place for a very long time; in fact, it's been going strong for more than 70 years! The festival represents the end of the busy summer season and the beginning of autumn. Sister Bay is located near the end of the peninsula, north of Ephraim. There’s plenty of parking, and shuttles can take you right to the heart of the action.

The festival is a weekend-long event, and it's perfect for visitors of all ages. It all kicks off on Friday, and people fill the streets for great food, drinks, live music, and a strong sense of community. The lively event draws locals as well as many tourists. The festival's calling card is the parade, which typically takes place around 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, complete with floats sponsored by local businesses. There's also a ping pong ball drop where kids scramble to grab the balls to win fun prizes. And don't miss out on the exciting derby race on Sunday morning!

Looking to do a little shopping? There's an arts and crafts showcase that runs throughout the weekend, and you won't want to miss the chance to peruse vendor booths for handmade jewelry, art, and more.

So many festivities are bound to work up an appetite, and fortunately, there will be no shortage of food to enjoy. Don't miss out on the Lions Club Fish Boil, an annual tradition showcasing regional culinary heritage. Fresh-caught fish, onions, and potatoes are slow-cooked over an open flame, and the result is delicious!

Sister Bay Fall Fest always takes place around the peak fall colors. While the foliage peak can be hard to predict, the fest takes place in October, so there will be lots of color on the trees and in the streets! If the weather doesn’t cooperate and there are some rain showers, the festival will still go on—just stake out a spot in one of the large festival tents. Learn more about the festival, including schedule updates and times, on the official Sister Bay Fall Fest website.

While you’re in Sister Bay, be sure to check out this iconic restaurant that has an unusual twist.