It may still feel like summer, but fall is upon us. To help you get in the autumnal mood, check out these upcoming festivals throughout Dane County. Whether you want to drink apple cider, pick out pumpkins, or take a wagon ride over crunchy leaves through city streets, there's no shortage of fun activities for the whole family this month.
Great Pumpkin Give Away
When: 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, October 7
Where: Oak Bank, 5951 McKee Road, Fitchburg
What: Bring the family to pick out a pumpkin to take home; suggested donation of $5 benefits Summer Teaching to Advance Reading Success.
Activities: Kids games, local mascots, bounce house, horse and carriage rides, refreshments.
Monona Fall Festival
When: October 7-8
Where: Winnequah Park, 5301 Healy Lane, Monona
What: Sample chili and pies, listen to music, and play games with the family during this two-day festival.
Activities: Live music, craft fair, kids activities, run/walk fundraiser, library book and bake sale, family fun day with face painting, petting zoo, pony and hay wagon rides, climbing wall, juggling, arts and crafts, bounce house, and cow milking contest. Saturday chili cook-off and pie party; Sunday concessions with grilled cheese, hot dogs, caramel apples, apple cider, cocoa.
Fall Heritage Festival
When: October 7-8
Where: Historic Main Street, Mount Horeb
What: From lefse to rosemaling, celebrate Norwegian heritage during this two-day festival featuring life-sized mythical creatures along "The Trollway."
Activities: Arts and crafts, live music, dancers, buggy and hay rides, farmers market, heritage demonstrations, pumpkin decorating contest, silent auction, library book sale, painting demonstration, kid and dog costume contest, and parade. Authentic Norwegian breakfast, popcorn, brats, hot dogs, burgers, apple cider, nuts, chocolate, doughnuts, cheese curds, and deep fried foods on a stick.
Harvest Moon Festival
When: 6-9 p.m. Friday, October 13
Where: Lussier Family Heritage Center, 3101 Lake Farm Road, Madison
What: Follow a torch-lit trail under the moonlight and learn about live creatures; admission is $5 to benefit Friends of Capital Springs Recreation Area educational programming and park improvements.
Activities: Hands-on exhibits along the trail, games, tree climbing, bonfire, live music, silent auction. Chili hot dogs, pies, cider, and s'mores.
Looking for more fall activities? Click here to check out these local farms and orchards.
