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10 Festivals You Must Visit While Vacationing in the Northwoods


Minocqua, Wisconsin and the Northwoods of Wisconsin are home to many unique, quaint and off-beat businesses. Catering to every crowd, our resort is in the perfect location to experience all that Northern Wisconsin has to offer from outdoor recreation to indoor amusement.

While many events and activities are available year-round, there are some that only happen once a year. Below, we've compiled a list of 10 festivals and events you may not know about, but definitely need to visit while vacationing in the Northwoods. When you're ready to plan your trip around a festival, give us a call at 715-356-7795 to secure lodging. You won't be dissappointed!

1. MANITOWISH WATERS BOAT & CAR SHOW

"The 4th Annual Manitowish Waters Boat & Car Show will be held on the grounds of Little Bohemia.We invite you to check out the many boats, displays and booths along with the classic cars on dry land. If you own a wooden boat or classic car and would like to display it at our show, please ...call the Chamber for more information." Caption from Travel Wisconsin

old school car interior

2. ONLY FOOLS RUN AT MIDNIGHT

"Join us for the Only Fools Run at Midnight 5K Run/Walk... Come in Costume! Special awards given to the Best Dressed Fool and Best Dressed Groups of Fools... Music, snacks and beverages will be available to all those that register for the event. The 5k begins at Lakeland High School and takes racers along the east shore of Lake Minocqua to the back roads of the island, past the famous Little Brown Jug and ultimately to the Bearskin Trail, and passing Torpy Park downtown Minocqua." Caption from Minocqua.org

3. JUNE BLOOM ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL

"More than 75 exhibitors at June Bloom will display and sell a wide variety of unique handcrafted items. The artisans and craftsmen featured at the show are selected for their handmade craftsmanship and artistic talents. You will see original artwork, pottery, jewelry, tapestries, clothing, photography, wood creations and more. Live music, artistic demonstrations and food concessions add to the festival atmosphere." Caption from Travel Wisconsin

people at festival on street

4. TASTE OF TOMAHAWK

"Join us for Tomahawk’s microbrew, premiere wine and food tasting event. Visit with area restaurants, state-wide and regional breweries and wine-makers. Tickets are $35 and may be purchased at the Tomahawk Chamber office and at the door the day of the event. The theme this year is “Black & White”. Wear your best black and white outfit and you may win Chamber Bucks!" Caption from Tomahawk Chamber of Commerce

5. PAWS IN THE PARK

"Paws in The Park is bringing tons of four-legged fun for the whole family to Torpy Park in Minocqua. The event will feature dog agility demonstrations, a pet expo, and Dock Dogs of Wisconsin. Dock jumping also known as dock diving is a dog sport in which dogs compete in jumping for distance or height from a dock into a body of water. Included: Extreme Vertical: Extreme Vertical is the high jump for dogs. Big Air: Big Air is the long jump for dogs. Speed Retrieve. Speed retrieve is a drag race for dogs. Public will be invited to participate in these events." Caption from Minocqua Chamber of Commerce

cute dog

6. MINOCQUA DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

"Energy pulses. Drums pound. People-powered dragons race across Lake Minocqua and crowds cheer. Is this a dream? No. It's the Minocqua Dragon Boat Festival... From the opening ceremony to awaken the spirits of the dragon boats, to the races to the awards ceremony - this is definitely a fun and family friendly day! Culturally themed, hands-on children's activities, Forbidden City Food Court, Dragon Breath Beer Garden and live music on the WXPR Music Stage ensure there is something for everyone. Gather 20 paddles and 1 drummer from your friends, family, or co-workers and you can make up one of our 48 teams." Caption from Minocqua.org

7. HODAG COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

"It’s the party of the summer – the Annual Hodag Country Festival! Each year this amazing 4-day country music festival brings some of the biggest names in country music to the Northwoods. For full line-ups, ticket information, camping info, and festival contacts, please visit the Hodag Country Festival website." Caption from Travel Wisconsin

girl with guitar

8. MINOCQUA TURKEY TROT

"Join us for the first Annual 2019 Minocqua Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk on Thanksgiving. The area's only Turkey Trot welcomes friends and families to trot through the streets and trails of Minocqua before the Thanksgiving fest begins. The 5k begins in Minocqua's beautiful Torpy Park and takes racers along the west to the Bearskin Trail, along the shore of Lake Minocqua to the back roads of the island, past the famous Little Brown Jug and ultimately back to Torpy Park ." Caption from Blue Raven Productions

9. ANNUAL GEM & MINERAL SHOW

Featuring gems, beads, minerals, fossils, jewelry, silent auctions, door prizes and demonstrations. Every year is a new exciting theme with different demonstrations to help educate about gems, minerals and fossils. Admision is always free and shopping is always welcomed! View website for more details.

old fossil

10. ISLAND ART WALK

"The show is open to both amateur and professional artists whose work is original in concept and design, Staged in beautiful Torpy Park. 40–50 vendors display their arts and crafts. Music from a local artist fills the air. Food." Caption from Travel Wisconsin

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