farm fresh finds & local festivals
- Lorea Braschko
- May 8
- 4 min read
After a long Midwest winter, it’s time to put away those parkas and boots and head out to some festivals and farmers’ markets! We are ready for the season of fresh veggies from the market or an ear of corn and lemonade from the fair. WalCo has some of the best festivals and fairs in the state, and these are some of our recommendations!
Farmers' Markets:
While visiting Walworth County, be sure to stroll through a farmer’s market or two and support our local farmers, artisans, and small businesses. You’re sure to find the most delicious produce, beautiful flowers, and quality handcrafted goods.
THURSDAYS: Start your morning at the Lake Geneva Farmers' Market located at Horticultural Hall from 8 am-1 pm. Then head over to the Market at Tower Park in Delavan from 3-7 pm.
FRIDAYS: Grab a cup of coffee and stroll through the Williams Bay market from 8 am-1 pm. In the evening, choose between East Troy Farmer’s Market from 3-6 pm or Genoa City’s Farmer’s Market from 3-7 pm
SATURDAYS: Join the community of Elkhorn at Saturdays on the Square from 9 am-1 pm, or head over to the Historic Depot in downtown Whitewater from 8 am- noon.
SUNDAYS: Spend your Sunday morning at Lake Geneva House of Music for the Geneva Outdoor Market from 10-2 pm
Festivals:
The charming communities of WalCo come alive for festival season, offering vibrant culture, art, and community spirit that you just must experience firsthand. Whether you’re craving the smoky flavor of world-class barbecue, the enchanting energy of Dragon Days, or the soulful melodies of East Troy’s Bluegrass Festival, Walworth County is the go-to destination for fun festivals.
Cinco De Mayo Fest: 1st weekend in May in downtown Delavan
A celebration of culture with authentic food, live music, parade, and even a car show!
Elkhorn’s Spring Food Truck Festival: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10-4 pm in Veterans’ Square
Join us downtown for over 20 food trucks,
including Pina Mexican Eats, Happy Camper Coffee, Smoke Ring BBQ, and Perk N Pickle. Listen to the live music, play some games, and enjoy this day in downtown Elkhorn.
The Geneva Cheese Festival: May 15-17, 2026 at Lake Geneva House of Music
A true Wisconsin experience, enjoy this gathering of cheese makers, cheese lovers, farmers, and artisans to celebrate CHEESE.
Town of Delavan Lakefest and Fireworks: June 27th at Water’s Edge on Delavan Lake, 6-10 pm
A free family-friendly event with fireworks, food trucks, and fun! Listen to 96.1 for a fireworks and music synchronized experience!
Elkhorn Ribfest 2026: July 15th-19th 11 am-11 pm
The LARGEST BBQ Festival in Wisconsin! Head to the Walworth County Fairgrounds for FIVE days of world-class barbeque, great music and entertainment, and even a carnival for the kids.
Art in the Park: August 8th and 9th in Lake Geneva
“Art in the Park is a juried fine art show featuring more than 80 distinguished artists exhibiting a variety of media, including clay/pottery, fiber, glass, printmaking, jewelry, metal, mixed media, oil/acrylic painting, pastel, photography, sculpture, watercolor, and wood.”
Walworth County Fair: September 2nd- 7th in Elkhorn at the Walworth County Fairgrounds
“For the 177th year, the Walworth County Fair will dazzle with the theme, 'Glitter and Gold: A Fair to Behold.' This theme celebrates not only the timeless sparkle and magic of the Fair itself, but also has a nod to honor a milestone moment: the 60th Anniversary of the Fairest of the Fair contest.
2026 Fair Colors: Gold, Green, Red.”
Celebrate the end of summer at the Walworth County Fair! Enjoy amazing entertainment, delicious fair food, carnival rides, and agricultural exhibits.
East Troy Bluegrass Festival: September 12th and 13th, “on the square” in East Troy
Grab a lawn chair and take in the sounds of bluegrass music. Headliners Lonesome River Band and Nick Chandler & Delivered, along with many other bands, are ready to celebrate the heritage of bluegrass music at Wisconsin’s longest-running bluegrass festival.
Dragon Days Fall Fantasy Festival: Lake Geneva: October 3rd and 4th
“Attendees and children of all ages will be able to experience our Fantasy Faire in the local park along the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva. Here you may explore our Fantasy Village, enjoy trick-or-treating in our Enchanted Bazaar, adventure in our hay bale, Dragon Days™ Dungeon Maze, or dress up for our Fantastic Costume Contest! There will also be face painting, circus performers, Medieval musicians, demonstrations of Medieval craftsmanship, archery, and swordsmanship, and an Enchanted Bazaar with Medieval crafts, clothing, jewelry, and fantasy and gaming merchandise of all kinds!”
Whether you’re hunting for fresh finds at our vibrant farmers' markets or soaking in the electric atmosphere of our local festivals, Walworth County is a place where community spirit truly shines. We invite you to slow down, explore our beautiful landscapes, and discover firsthand why these cherished gatherings are the heartbeat of our region. We can’t wait to welcome you back for the next season of celebration.
Looking for more? Check out our EVENTS page or join our Facebook Group!
