Whether it’s the joyous spirit, the lively atmosphere, or the shared sense of community, a fall festival captures the heart of the season, offering a delightful mix of activities, food, and camaraderie that makes everyone feel connected and welcomed. All of the local festivals listed below are easy day trips you can take with family and friends around southern Wisconsin.

Madison Area Fall Festivals

9/26-9/29
Gays Mills Apple Fest: Main Street Downtown Gays Mills 54631; Located in the charming Kickapoo Valley, enjoy all there is to love about apples; http://www.gaysmills.org/applefest.html

New Glarus Oktoberfest: 513 1st Street, New Glarus 53574; Great beer and spirited activities fill the downtown streets in pure Swiss fashion; https://www.swisstown.com/events-ng/oktoberfest
9/27
Verona Fall Fest: Hometown USA Festival Park, Verona 53593; 4pm-7pm; People of all ages will love Fall Fest with live music in the beer tent and a variety of tasty foods & treats in Food Truck Alley; https://www.veronawi.com/verona-fall-fest/
9/27-9/29
Warren’s Cranberry Festival: 402 Pine Street Warrens WI 54666; The Cranberry Capital of Wisconsin celebrates all things cranberry; https://www.cranfest.com/
9/28
Lion’s Chili Fest: Fireman’s Park, Deerfield 53531; Bands, chili tasting, kids activities and more make for a fun fall day in the park; https://lionschilifest.com/
10/5
Autumn Fest: Veteran’s Park, Broadhead 53520; 
Baraboo Fall Fair on the Square: Downtown Square, Baraboo 53913; 9am-4pm; A tradition for the fall season, you’re invited to explore elegantly handcrafted arts and crafts that take over the streets of Downtown Baraboo; https://www.downtownbaraboo.com/event/fall-fair-on-the-square/
10/5-10/6
Mount Horeb Fall Village Market: Main Street Downtown, Mount Horeb 53572; Stroll Mount Horeb’s historic downtown and discover handmade goods, vintage finds, food trucks, and live music; https://www.mounthorebchamber.com/events/details/fall-village-market-7271
10/6
Legendary Lake Mills Fall Festival of Color: Commons Park, 100N Main Street, Lake Mills 53551; 9am-3pm; Food, music and shopping is the perfect way to kick off the season; https://legendarylakemills.com/event/legendary-lake-mills-fall-festival-of-color/ 
10/12
Monona Fall Festival: Winnequah Park, Monona 53716;  Enjoy a sweet start to the fall season with pie tasting, arts and crafts, and plenty of kid friendly fun;  https://www.mymonona.com/443/Fall-Festival
Parktoberfest: Culver Community Park, Prairie du Sac 53578; A beer garden, meat raffle, food trucks, live music and kids games make for the perfect fall evening; https://www.facebook.com/events/420757506987200
10/12-10/23
Lake Geneva Oktoberfest: 200 Broad Street, Lake Geneva 53147; Celebrate traditional German festivities at Lake Geneva’s Oktoberfest; https://www.gowalco.com/event/lake-geneva-oktoberfest-2/
10/13
Swiss Historical Village Harvest Fest: 612 7th Avenue, New Glarus 53574; Connect with 19th century Swiss immigrant life at our annual Harvest Fest where daily routines and responsibilities of the past are recreated; https://www.swisstown.com/events-ng/harvestfest
10/17-10/20
Wisconsin Book Festival: 201 W Mifflin St, Madison 53703; Wisconsin’s premier literary event of the year helps to promote literacy and spark conversation; https://www.wisconsinbookfestival.org/