Home >  Plan a trip >  Touring >  Festivals >  Great spring festivals

Other stories in "Festivals"

• So many festivals, so little fall
  When time is short, go power tripping.
• Great fall festivals
  Here are the best of the fests in 2010.
• Great grape stomps
  At harvest festivals, compete with your feet.
• A feast of festivals
  At small-town shindigs, get your fill of strawberries and sauerkraut, kolacky and sweet corn.
• Great summer festivals
  Here are the best of the fests in the Upper Midwest.
• Bash on a bike trail
  Kick up your wheels at a small-town fall festival.
• Toasting Oktoberfest
  Festive tributes to Bavarian tradition put the oompah into fall.
• Jolly Cedarburg
  In southeastern Wisconsin, a historic village has perfected the art of the party.
• Throwing a party
  At these festivals, all kinds of things fly through the air with the greatest of ease.
• Nordic nirvana
  Every July, Decorah puts on one of the best fests in the Midwest.
• Celebrating roots
  No matter where you're from, there's a festival for you.
• Critter races
  In Minnesota resort towns, creatures great and small run for the money.
• Agate stampede
  Every year, Moose Lake introduces budding rockhounds to the thrill of the hunt.
• Home of the eelpout
  In February, a Minnesota fishing town lets loose.
• Syttende Mai in Stoughton
  In May, everyone turns Norwegian in this southern Wisconsin town.
• Birding in spring
  When the birds return, festivals follow.
• Big apples
  In Bayfield, a fall festival has grown to jumbo proportions.
• Waking the dragon
  A sport inspired by ancient Chinese legend takes off on local waters.
• Great winter festivals
  Enjoy the chilly season with snow sculptures, ice castles, sleigh rides and lots of hot chocolate.
• Great holiday festivals
  In November and December, check out Santa, Scrooge and shopping markets.
• A German Mardi Gras
  At New Ulm's Bock Fest, the good times roll in on a tide of beer.
• Owl aboard
  In southeast Minnesota, a live-wire named Alice is the star of a late-winter festival.
• Tulip Time in Pella
  In central Iowa, the Dutch celebrate colorful origins.
• Polish for a day
  At Milwaukee's lakefront festivals, visitors get a big helping of another culture.
• The coolest days of winter
  Ditch the indoors to watch ski-jumpers, dog-mushers and snow-sculptors.
• Horror around the corner
  Spoiling for a fright? In October, ghouls lurk at historic forts, boats, mills and lighthouses.
• Cozying up to the Cornish
  A fall festival honors the miners who left their mark on Mineral Point.
• Everyone loves a parade
  When a town marches, its entire history unrolls before your eyes.
• Dancing on the Yellow Medicine
  In history-filled river valley, a wacipi celebrates Dakota culture.

Great spring festivals

It's a good time to indulge in brews, birding and blooms.

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.

Below are some of the best spring festivals. 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.

Here are the best festivals for spring 2010. For events year-round, see the Events Calendar.

First weekend of March

Spring Flower Show at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison. Get an early taste of spring amid hyacinths, daffodils and azaleas. March 6-21.

Second weekend in March

Canoecopia in Madison. 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 12-14.

Celtic Festival in Moorhead, Minn. This free festival at the Hjemkomst Center includes two entertainment stages, heritage programs, arts and crafts, interactive booths and Celtic food and treats. March 13.

St. Patrick's Day events

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. March 14 and runs from Capitol Square.

In Milwaukee, the big St. Pat's parade starts at noon March 13, 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. March 13 from the Michigan Avenue or Columbus Drive bridges, then watch the noon St. Pat's Day parade through Grant Park.

In Kansas City, Mo., the 37th edition of the St. Pat's parade will wind through the historic Westport district at 11 a.m. March 17, with Shamrocks & Shenanigans music and contests later in the Power & Light District.

In Wisconsin, there are also parades in Prairie du Chien, Racine, Sturgeon Bay, Shawano, Siren on March 13 and in Plymouth and the usually Swiss capital of Monroe March 17.

In Minnesota, there are parades in Crosslake and St. Peter on March 13.

Third weekend in March

St. Patrick's Day Parade and Irish Fest in New London, Wis. 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 15-20.

St. Patrick's Day Festival in Emmetsburg, Iowa. 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 17-21.

Taste of Tomahawk in Tomahawk, Wis. A tasting of wines, microbrews and food at Inshalla Country Club in this north-woods town, $30. March 20.

Roar on the Shore Craft Beer & Wine Festival in Kewaunee, Wis. A tasting on the shores of Lake Michigan, east of Green Bay, $20-$25. March 20.

Fourth weekend in March

Festival of Fools in Winnipeg. Clowning, acrobatics, juggling, magic and other foolishness at The Forks Market, presented by the International Children's Festival. March 27-April 3.

Sipping on Sheboygan's Shores in Sheboygan, Wis. A tasting of wines, microbrews and appetizers from local restaurants at Blue Harbor Conference Center, $35-$40 or $60-$70 per couple. March 27.

Spring Flower Show under The Domes at Mitchell Park Conservatory in Milwaukee. March 27 through June 6.

Spring Flower Show at the Como Zoo Conservatory in St. Paul. Get a preview of spring's daffodils, tulips and lilies. March 27-May 2.

First weekend in April

Egg Day at the Milwaukee County Zoo. There will be crafts, face-painting, bubble art and treats at the Hop-to-it Bunny Hunt, plus a parade. April 3.

Easter Cache Hunt in Boulder Junction, Wis. This town in the woods north of Minocqua is hosting an introduction to geocaching, with a hunt, free lunch, prizes and wagon rides. April 3.

Pony Express Sesquicentennial in St. Joseph, Mo. The Pony Express National Museum in this Missouri River town just north of Kansas City celebrates the 150th anniversary of the first overland mail service to Sacramento with train-robbery reenactments, a Buffalo Bill look-alike contest, a concert and a parade. April 1-3.

Second weekend in April

World Festival in Rochester, Minn. There's a Parade of Nations, music, food, dance, ethnic food and children's activities, all at Mayo High School. April 9-10.

Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival in Kenosha, Wis. A tasting of cheese and microbrews at the Brat Stop, $25-$30. April 10.

International Festival in Mankato, Minn. There will be flag parade, style show, music, dance and children's crafts, at East High School. April 11.

Third weekend in April

Prairie Chicken Festival in and around Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. 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 16-18. For more, see Playing the field in Wisconsin.

U.S. Grant's Birthday Celebration in Galena, Ill. There are lamplight tours of Grant's home and log cabin, a pie auction, costumed interpreters playing historical characters and a spy chase and capture on Main Street, followed by a trial. April 16-18.

Ibsen Festival in Lanesboro, Minn. Festivities in this southeast Minnesota hamlet revolve around Commonweal Theatre and its production of Ibsen's "John Gabriel Borkman''; there will be Scandinavian folk art, concerts, film and music. April 16-18.

Midwest Horse Fair in Madison. 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 16-18.

Minneapolis/St. Paul International Film Festival: More than 100 films from around the globe are shown at St. Anthony Main Theatre on the Minneapolis riverfront. April 15-30.

Fourth weekend in April

Midwest Mountaineering Outdoor Adventure Expo in Minneapolis. This is a good place to get travel ideas and see adventure films; there are 70 exhibitors, 100 presentations. Be sure to stop by the MidwestWeekends booth and say hello. Everything is on sale. April 23-25.

Bluff Country Studio Art Tourin southeast Minnesota and northeast Iowa. Take a spring drive and visit artists in 29 locations in Winona, Lanesboro, Spring Grove, Harmony and Decorah, Iowa. April 23-25.

Minnesota Horse Expo in St. Paul. 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 23-25.

Between the Bluffs Beer, Wine and Cheese Festival in La Crosse. Beers from 20 to 25 breweries. Tickets go on sale in March 13. It's 2-6 p.m. at the Oktoberfest grounds. April 24.

First weekend in May

Maifest in Iowa's Amana Colonies. 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 a swing dance. May 1-2.

Festival of Nations in St. Paul. Food, music, crafts and dance from 90 different ethnic groups at the downtown RiverCentre. April 29-May 2.

Homegrown Music Festival in Duluth and Superior. More than 100 musical acts will perform in venues around the Twin Ports, supplemented by film, visual arts and beer. May 2-9.

Kettle River Paddle Festival in Sandstone in eastern Minnesota. Watch a kayak rodeo, go on a flat-water float, try out boats and take a paddling clinic. Fireworks are Saturday in the town square. April 30-May 2.

100-Mile Garage Sale around Lake Pepin, Minnesota and Wisconsin. It's a good excuse to make the scenic, 70-mile drive around this wide spot in the Mississippi (the sales extend south to Winona). April 30-May 1.

May Day Parade and Festival in south Minneapolis' Powderhorn Park. This earthy, lighthearted Sunday-afternoon event features the giant puppets of Heart of the Beast Theatre and a people's parade to the park. May 2.

Kids & Kites Festival in Chicago. 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 1.

Tulip Time in Holland, Mich. 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 1-8.

Dutch Days Festival in Fulton, Ill. This Mississippi town, across from Clinton, Iowa, celebrates its heritage with Dutch dancing, windmill tours, street scrubbing and a 3 p.m. Saturday parade. April 30-May 1.

Second weekend in May

Pella Tulip Time in Pella, Iowa. This Dutch heritage fest in central Iowa draws more than 100,000 tourists. May 6-8. For more, see Tulip Time in Pella.

Cinco de Mayo on St. Paul's West Side. More than 100,000 people come to this fiesta, which features a parade, low-rider car show and lots of food, music and dancing. May 7-8.

Bluebell Festival in Carley State Park in southeast Minnesota. This park, 15 miles east of Rochester, is famous for its masses of Virginia bluebells. The festival features a guided wildflower hike, bald eagle presentation, kids' fishing clinic and geocaching with prizes and events in Plainview, four miles north. May 8.

Festival of Blossoms in Sister Bay, Wis. This Door County festival starts with a children's parade at 11:30 p.m., followed by Norwegian dancing, Maypole-raising,  restaurant-sampling and a bonfire. May 8.

Folk Festival of Music & Dance in Gays Mills, Wis. This Kickapoo Valley village in southwest Wisconsin offers Maypole dancing and crown-making, kids' concerts and square dancing. May 8-9.

Gunflint Green Up festival on the Gunflint Trail in northeast Minnesota. Help plant pine seedlings to replace trees charred in the May 2007 wildfires. There are guided walks and a picnic Friday and dinner dance after the planting Saturday. May 7-8.

The Past Passed Here in Chippewa Falls, Wis. This festival in Allen Park downtown features fur-trade and logging-era encampments with tepees, a saloon and games. May 6-9.

Celtic Fest in Chicago. This free festival in Millennium Park celebrates the music and traditions of the seven Celtic nations, including sheepherding and Scottish heavy athletics. May 8-9.

Horicon Marsh Bird Festival in east-central Wisconsin. This large festival 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 7-9.

For more, see Life on Horicon Marsh.

Spring Warbler Weekend in Frontenac State Park. The St. Paul Audubon Society hosts this festival from Villa Maria near Lake City, Minn., with beginner bird walks, speakers, birding games and evening owl walks. May 7-9.

Third weekend in May

Syttende Mai in Stoughton, Wis. 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 14-16.

Syttende Mai in Westby, Wis. This town, southeast of La Crosse, holds a bicycle tour, troll hunt, rommegrot-eating contest, old-time music, children's tractor pull and a big parade at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. May 14-16.

Syttende Mai in Spring Grove, Minn. In Minnesota, Norwegians settled first in this town in bluff country. It holds a nature walk, arts and crafts show, Norwegian food sampling and kids' activities that include Norwegian boot camp and sawdust-pile hunt.

The big parade is at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. May 14-16.

Morel Mushroom Festival in Muscoda, Wis. 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 15-16.

Reggae Fest in Trempealeau, Wis. This easygoing festival is on Saturday outside the Trempealeau Hotel, on the banks of the Mississippi. Take a side trip to adjoining Perrot State Park to see the spring ephemerals. May 15.

Rivertown Art Festival in Stillwater, Minn. Artists set up booths along the St. Croix riverfront for this juried show. May 15-16.

Stand Still Parade in Whalan, Minn., just east of Lanesboro on the Root River State Trail, with music, food and games 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 15.

Tulip Festival in Orange City, Iowa. 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 13-15.

Fresh Art Spring Tour on Lake Pepin in western Wisconsin. Artists' studios and gardens will be open along the Mississippi and in the bluffs between Maiden Rock and Pepin. May 14-16.

Birding Festival at the North Lakeland Discovery Center in Manitowish Waters, Wis. There will be bird-banding, field trips, workshops and a talk by Stan Tekiela at this festival in the northeast Wisconsin forests. May 14-15.

West Michigan Birding Festival around Ludington, Mich. This fest, based at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts and sponsored by the Sable Dunes Audubon Society, features guided field trips and presentations for beginning and advanced birders and children. May 14-16.

Fourth weekend in May

Birding festivals around the region. This is a big weekend, with fests in and around Detroit Lakes, Minn., and on Chequamegon Bay in northern Wisconsin.

Afton May Fair in Afton, Minn. This village on the St. Croix River offers a fine-arts show, Maypole celebration with Swedish folk dancers, music and wine sampling. May 22-23.

For events from Memorial Day weekend on, see Great summer festivals.

Last updated on May 6, 2010