Great spring festivals
It's a good time to indulge in brews, birding and blooms.
© Beth Gauper
In Pella, Iowa, the Tulip Time festival attracts more than 100,000 visitors.
In the Upper Midwest, it's hard to know when spring starts.
On St. Patrick's Day, revelers may parade in sun or sleet; you have to be prepared for both. In the north woods, ski slopes hold spring luaus, carnivals and egg hunts, and skiers had better slather on the sun block or they'll burn.
March is the month for expos — antiques, autos, gardens, golf, pets and sports — and for tastings of beer, wine and cheese. Birding festivals start in April, and in May the flowers start popping out and festival season starts in earnest.
Here are the best festivals for spring 2012.
St. Patrick's Day is on a Saturday this year; for more, see Toasting St. Pat.
For more on birding festivals, see Birding in
spring.
For maple-syrup festivals, see Sugarbush safari.
For ethnic festivals, see Celebrating
roots. For beer festivals, see Best brew
fests.
For events year-round, see the Events Calendar.
First weekend of March
International Festival of Owls in Houston, MN This southeast Minnesota town offers owl prowls, hooting contests, pellet dissection, live-owl programs and children's activities. March 2–4.
Winter Carnival in Bayfield, WI The Lake Superior festival features the Run on Water to Madeline Island and back, human-pulled dog-sled races, sledding down Manypenny Avenue and a Polar Bear Plunge with prizes Saturday. March 2–4.
Klondike Days in Eagle River, WI There's a lot to see: a fur-trade encampment, powwow, dog weight pull, lumberjack show and chainsaw-carving contest, plus snowshoe races and sleigh rides. March 3–4.
Sock Monkey Madness Festival in Rockford, IL This town in northern Illinois made the red-heeled socks from which the famous stuffed toys were created during the Depression; make your own sock money or elephant and watch the Miss Sockford pageant and film fest. March 3–4.
Sleeping Giant Loppet in Thunder Bay, ON Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is the setting for this tour and race, which includes live entertainment, food and a choice of four distances, 10, 20, 35 and 50 kilometers. March 3.
International Festival in Madison, WI Dancers, musicians, storytellers and puppeteers representing traditions from around the world converge on the Overture Center for the Arts on State Street for this free festival. There's also food and a global bazaar. March 3.
World's Longest Weenie Roast in Cable, WI Lakewoods Resorts hosts this benefit on Lake Namekagon, which includes snowmobile speed runs, ice bowling and a frozen weenie polar plunge. March 3.
© Beth Gauper
Watching prairie-chicken courtship from blinds is the highlight of the Prairie Chicken Festival in central Wisconsin.
Second weekend in March
In traditionally Irish St. Paul, the annual noon parade runs along Fourth Street to Rice Park on March 17; the parade in Madison is at 1:30 p.m. and runs from Capitol Square.
In Milwaukee, the big St. Pat's parade starts at noon March 10, starting at Third and Wisconsin downtown and followed by music, dancing and pipes and drums at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center.
In Chicago, they really do dye the river green. Watch the dye job at 10:45 p.m. from the Michigan Avenue or Columbus Drive bridges, then watch the noon St. Pat's Day parade through Grant Park.
In Wisconsin, there are also parades in Siren March 10 and Prairie du Chien, Manitowoc, Racine, Sturgeon Bay, Plymouth and the usually Swiss capital of Monroe March 17.
In Minnesota, there are parades in Crosslake and St. Peter.
Canoecopia in Madison, WI It's the world's largest paddlesports expo, according to host Rutabaga, with dozens of demonstrations, workshops and presentations plus discounts on boats and gear. Bike-O-Rama, with discounts on bicycles and gear, is next door. At Alliant Energy Center. March 9–11.
Mush for a Cure in Gunflint Trail, MN This event on Gunflint Lake begins with a "sourdough start'' -- mushers wait inside sleeping bags for a shotgun blast, then race to put on boots and hook up teams for a 24-mile fun run. Everyone wears pink, including the dogs, and a party follows. March 9–11.
Artigras in Green Bay, WI This fine arts festival in Shopko Hall includes artist demonstrations, children's activities, dance, jazz and classical music. March 10–11.
St. Patrick's Day parade in Milwaukee, WI The big parade starts at noon, starting at Third and Wisconsin downtown and followed by music, dancing and pipes and drums at the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center. March 10.
Winter Powwow in West Allis, WI This traditional powwow with drumming, singing and food is the winter version of Indian Summer Festival. At Wisconsin State Fair Park. Grand entries are 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. March 10–11.
Soar With Eagles in Wabasha, MN The National Eagle Center holds live-bird programs, nature presentations and tours each weekend in March, when bald eagles migrate northward along the Mississippi. March 10–11.
St. Patrick's Day Parade and Irish Fest in New London, WI This town west of Appleton becomes "New Dublin'' for the week, with festivities that include a big Grand Parade at 1 p.m. Saturday, followed with Irish music, food and marketplace under a heated big-top tent. March 12–17.
© Beth Gauper
Trolls wave in Westby's Syttende Mai parade.
Third weekend in March
St. Patrick's Day Parade and Irish Fest in New London, WI This town west of Appleton becomes "New Dublin'' for the week, with festivities that include a big Grand Parade at 1 p.m. Saturday, followed with Irish music, food and marketplace under a heated big-top tent. March 12–17.
St. Patrick's Day Festival in Emmetsburg, IA In northwest Iowa, this is the state's Irish capital, and it celebrates with many festivities, including a parade at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. March 15–17.
St. Patrick's Day parade in St. Paul, MN In this traditionally Irish city, the noon parade runs along Fourth Street to Rice Park. March 17.
St. Patrick's Day parade in Madison, WI The parade is at 1:30 p.m. and runs from Capitol Square. March 17.
St. Patrick's Day Parade in Chicago, IL In Chicago, they really do dye the river green. Watch the dye job at 10:45 p.m. from the Michigan Avenue or Columbus Drive bridges, then watch the noon parade through Grant Park. March 17.
Celtic Fest in Moorhead, MN This free festival at the Hjemkomst Center includes two entertainment stages, heritage programs, arts and crafts, interactive booths and Celtic food and treats. March 17.
Soar With Eagles in Wabasha, MN The National Eagle Center holds live-bird programs, nature presentations and tours each weekend in March, when bald eagles migrate northward along the Mississippi. March 17–18.
Fourth weekend in March
Soar With Eagles in Wabasha, MN The National Eagle Center holds live-bird programs, nature presentations and tours each weekend in March, when bald eagles migrate northward along the Mississippi. March 24–25.
First weekend in April
Soar With Eagles in Wabasha, MN The National Eagle Center holds live-bird programs, nature presentations and tours each weekend in March, when bald eagles migrate northward along the Mississippi. March 31–April 1.
International Tongue Twister Contest in Burlington, WI Spit out a peck of pickled peppers at this event at the downtown Logic Puzzle Museum. Prizes for winners and door prizes for everyone. April 1.
© Torsten Muller
A Viking ship is part of the Syttende Mai parade in Spring Grove, Minn.
Second weekend in April
Easter Cache Hunt in Boulder Junction, WI An introduction to geocaching, with a hunt, free lunch, prizes and wagon rides. April 7.
Egg Day in Milwaukee, WI There will be crafts, face-painting, bubble art and treats at the Hop-to-it Bunny Hunt, plus a parade at the Milwaukee County Zoo. April 7.
Maple Syrup Festival in Poynette, WI The MacKenzie Environmental Center, between the Wisconsin Dells and Madison, offers a pancake breakfast, guided tours of the sugarbush, demonstrations of tapping and syrup-making, intrepretive talks about how Indians and pioneers made syrup, old-time music and horse-drawn wagon rides. April 7.
Third weekend in April
Minneapolis/St. Paul International Film Festival in Minneapolis, MN More than 170 films from 50 countries are shown at St. Anthony Main Theatre on the Minneapolis riverfront. April 12–May 3.
Ghost Ships Festival in Milwaukee, WI This trade show, at the Wyndham Hotel across from the airport, is devoted to Great Lakes maritime history and scuba diving. The exhibit hall is free and open to the public. April 13–14.
Ibsen Festival in Lanesboro, MN Festivities in this southeast Minnesota hamlet revolve around Commonweal Theatre and its production of Ibsen's "The Pillars of Society.'' There will be Scandinavian food, art, film, music and walking tours. April 13–15.
Prairie Chicken Festival in Wisconsin Rapids, WI There's pre-dawn viewing of prairie-chicken courtship from blinds in three wildlife areas, plus Dutch-oven outdoor breakfasts, guided birding tours, nature walks and a prairie-chicken calling contest. April 13–15.
Wisconsin Film Festival in Madison, WI Nearly 200 independent films from Wisconsin and around the world play in nine theaters in and around State Street. April 18–22.
©
Dancers circle the maypole during Maifest in the Amana Colonies.
Fourth weekend in April
Minneapolis/St. Paul International Film Festival in Minneapolis, MN More than 170 films from 50 countries are shown at St. Anthony Main Theatre on the Minneapolis riverfront. April 12–May 3.
Wisconsin Film Festival in Madison, WI Nearly 200 independent films from Wisconsin and around the world play in nine theaters in and around State Street. April 18–22.
Mid West Music Fest in Winona, MN More than 75 musical groups in all genres play in museums, galleries, cafes and arts centers across town. There are arts workshops for children, too. April 19–21.
Midwest Horse Fair in Madison, WI There's a Friday-night rodeo, blacksmith championships, stagecoach rides, Texas trick riders, music and performances, including the Wisconsin Mounted Police Team. At Alliant Energy Center. April 20–22.
U.S. Grant's Birthday Celebration in Galena, IL There's a lamplight tour of Grant's home with Gen. and Mrs. Grant, strolling Civil War reenactors, a deserter chase down Main Street and a pie auction. April 21–22.
Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival in Kenosha, WI A tasting of cheese and microbrews at the Brat Stop, $40-$45. April 21.
Fifth weekend in April
Minneapolis/St. Paul International Film Festival in Minneapolis, MN More than 170 films from 50 countries are shown at St. Anthony Main Theatre on the Minneapolis riverfront. April 12–May 3.
Spring Outdoor Adventure Expo in Minneapolis, MN An annual spring kickoff event Expo for outdoor enthusiasts, with presentations on outdoor adventure techniques and destinations as well as gear sale. April 27–29.
Minnesota Horse Expo in St. Paul, MN There's a parade of breeds daily at noon, free horse, pony and carriage rides and a rodeo Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoon. At the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. April 27–29.
Bluff Country Studio Art Tour in Northeast IA/Southeast, MN Take a spring drive through southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa and visit artists in 29 locations in Winona, Lanesboro, Spring Grove, Harmony and Decorah, Iowa. April 27–29.
Between the Bluffs Beer, Wine and Cheese Festival in La Crosse, WI Sample beers from 20 to 25 breweries. Tickets go on sale in March. It's 2-6 p.m. at the Oktoberfest grounds. April 28.
Homegrown Music Festival in Duluth, MN More than 100 musical acts will perform in venues around the Twin Ports, plus film, visual arts and beer. April 29–May 6.
© Donald S. Abrams
Milwaukee's big St. Patrick's Day parade draws revelers from around the region.
First weekend in May
Minneapolis/St. Paul International Film Festival in Minneapolis, MN More than 170 films from 50 countries are shown at St. Anthony Main Theatre on the Minneapolis riverfront. April 12–May 3.
Homegrown Music Festival in Duluth, MN More than 100 musical acts will perform in venues around the Twin Ports, plus film, visual arts and beer. April 29–May 6.
Festival of Nations in St. Paul, MN Food, music, crafts and dance from 90 different ethnic groups at the downtown RiverCentre. May 3–6.
Pella Tulip Time in Pella, IA This Dutch heritage fest in central Iowa draws more than 100,000 tourists. May 3–5.
Gunflint Green Up in Gunflint Trail, MN Help plant pine seedlings to replace trees charred in the May 2007 wildfires. On Friday, there are Walks and Talks, a dinner with music and a history talk. On Saturday, participants get a box lunch and thank-you dinner with dance. May 4–6.
Kettle River Paddle Festival in Sandstone, MN Watch a kayak whitewater rodeo, learn to paddle in a clinic, see fireworks. In Sandstone's Robinson Park and Banning State Park. May 4–6.
Dutch Days Festival in Fulton, IL This Mississippi town, across from Clinton, Iowa, celebrates its heritage with Dutch dancing, windmill tours, street scrubbing and a 3 p.m. Saturday parade. May 4–5.
Kids & Kites Festival in Chicago, IL Free kite kits for kids, with crafts, storytelling, entertainment and two candy drops from kites. At Montrose Harbor in Lincoln Park, on the Lakefront Trail. May 5.
Tulip Time in Holland, MI More than 6 million tulips bloom during this festival, which features a Dutch market, dancers, trolley tours, big-name performers and three parades, ending with the Meijer Muziekparade, with 40 bands and 40 floats, at 2 p.m. Saturday. May 5–12.
Maifest in Amana, IA There's a lot going on in this former communal society in eastern Iowa — a 10 a.m. Saturday parade, polka music, keg-tapping, food-sampling, artisan demonstrations and pony rides. May 5–6.
Chocolate Fest in Long Grove, IL This village in the northern suburbs of Chicago celebrates spring with chocolate demonstrations and workshops, plus music and children's activities. May 5–6.
May Day Parade and Festival in Minneapolis, MN This earthy, lighthearted Sunday-afternoon event in south Minneapolis' Powderhorn Park features the giant puppets of Heart of the Beast Theatre and a people's parade to the park. May 6.
Second weekend in May
Tulip Time in Holland, MI More than 6 million tulips bloom during this festival, which features a Dutch market, dancers, trolley tours, big-name performers and three parades, ending with the Meijer Muziekparade, with 40 bands and 40 floats, at 2 p.m. Saturday. May 5–12.
Spring Festival in Gays Mills, WI This Kickapoo Valley village in southwest Wisconsin offers Maypole dancing and crown-making, kids' concerts and square dancing. There's a rodeo at the fairgrounds and an ice-cream social Sunday. May 11–13.
Mushroom Festival in Mesick, MI This northwest Michigan town is morel central in May, celebrating the spring hunt with a carnival, carriage rides, flea market, duck races and a parade at noon Saturday. May 11–13.
Horicon Marsh Bird Festival in Horicon, WI This large festival in east-central Wisconsin is around a large marsh often called the Everglades of the North. There are bird hikes, bird-banding demonstrations, pontoon-boat tours, canoe and kayak tours, bus tours and a round-the-clock Big Sit, in which participants try to identify as many birds as possible. May 11–14.
Bluebell Festival in Carley State Park, MN This park, 15 miles east of Rochester, is famous for its masses of Virginia bluebells. The festival features such activities as a guided wildflower hike, bald eagle presentation, kids' fishing clinic and geocaching with prizes and events in Plainview, four miles north. May 12. Event web site
© Hoskovec Photo
Guitarists play at Cinco de Mayo in St. Paul.
Third weekend in May
Tulip Festival in Orange City, IA The festival in this Dutch town in northwest Iowa draws 100,000 with dance, music, street scrubbing and parades at 2:15 and 6:30 p.m. daily. May 17–19.
Festival of Birds in Detroit Lakes, MN This festival in northwest Minnesota is near the convergence of prairie with northern pine forest and eastern hardwood forest. Space in field trips to local refuges fills quickly. May 17–20.
Chequamegon Bay Birding & Nature Festival in Ashland, WI Based out of the Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center, activities include bird-banding, hikes and expeditions, hatchery tours and kayaking tours of estuaries. May 17–19.
MorelFest in Boyne City, MI This town on the east end of Lake Charlevoix is all about morels in May, with a guided mushroom hunt, a competition with prizes, drawings for free morels and The Taste of Morels, with morsels provided by local restaurants. May 17–20.
Syttende Mai in Stoughton, WI The festival in this town south of Madison, which celebrates Norwegian constitution day, is the largest in North America and probably the world. The big Norwegian parade is at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. May 18–20.
Art-A-Whirl Studio and Gallery Tour in Minneapolis, MN More than 500 artists take part in this tour of the northeast Minneapolis arts district, around the old Grain Belt brewery at Broadway and Marshall avenues. May 18–20.
DubuqueFest in Dubuque, IA This downtown arts festival includes dance, music on two stages, storytelling, food, children's activities and an Old House Enthusiast's Old Home Tour. May 18–20.
Morel Mushroom Festival in Muscoda, WI This town along the Wisconsin River calls itself the Morel Mushroom Capital of Wisconsin. Fried morels are available from 10 a.m. till they're gone, and there's a parade. May 19–20.
Rivertown Art Festival in Stillwater, MN Artists set up booths along the St. Croix riverfront for this juried show. May 19–20.
Stand Still Parade in Whalan, MN In this village on the Root River State Trail, just east of Lanesboro, it's the spectators who do the parading. There's music, food and games. May 19.
Afton May Fair in Afton, MN This village on the St. Croix River offers a fine-arts show with music and a pie-baking contest. May 19–20.
ChocolateFest in Burlington, WI This big festival in southeast Wisconsin features a battle of the chefs, a geocache treasure hunt, Project Yum-way candy-wrapper design contest and Chocolate Olympics, plus a crafts fair and carnival. May 23–28.
For events from Memorial Day weekend on, see Great summer festivals.
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