There’s A Beef Festival In Wisconsin And It’s Just As Wacky And Wonderful As It Sounds

There are a lot of great festivals in Wisconsin, but just one that answers that old television question: "Where The Beef?" Delicious beef and so much more can be found every year in the Northwoods community of Minocqua. Beef-A-Rama is one of the quirkiest Wisconsin festivals, and thousands flock to this island city every year. Ready to join the herd? Here’s what you need to know about Beef-A-Rama.

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Minocqua is a charming vacation destination located in Oneida County, in the heart of northern Wisconsin. It’s surrounded by vast forests and glacial lakes, but there’s also a lot to do in town, including plenty of great shopping and dining.

Minocqua also knows how to throw a party, and one of the best ones takes place every September. Beef-A-Rama is a celebration of all things beef, and it’s a festival like no other.

Beef-A-Rama has been happening for more than 50 years, and while it celebrates the cow, it originally began as a fishing festival that took place on the fishing season opening weekend.

A lot has happened since these watery roots. Minocqua is still a big fishing town, but on one fall weekend, you’ll see a lot of cows appearing in the street.

People in cow costumes trot through town for the Rump Roast Run and Walk along Lake Minocqua. There’s also live music, a huge craft show, a beef-eating contest, and a cow pie plop!

If you plan to attend Beef-A-Rama, it's a good idea to arrive early, as the festival draws a large crowd – as many as 12,000 people. Remember to bring your appetite and be prepared to have a lot of fun!

Learn more about Beef-A-Rama, one of the quirkiest Wisconsin festivals, at the Let’s Minocqua Visitors Bureau website. Minocqua is one of my favorite towns in the Northwoods. I spend a lot of time here - maybe I’ll see you at this year’s Beef-A-Rama! This is just one of the great Wisconsin festivals that you’ll want to put on your calendar.

Don't forget to check out our official road trip packing list if you need help deciding what to bring on your journey to the festival. And if you need even more adventure, here are some of the best things to do in Wisconsin.