Guide to the Cedarburg Wine & Harvest Fest 2025

September 20-21, 2025

The Cedarburg Wine & Harvest Festival is one of Wisconsin's premier fall celebrations, transforming the charming historic downtown of Cedarburg into a festive autumn wonderland. Held annually during the third full weekend of September, this beloved event showcases local wines, seasonal produce, and artisan goods, bringing together locals and visitors to celebrate the beauty of fall.

Cedarburg's historic downtown provides a picturesque backdrop for this festival, with its well-preserved 19th-century limestone buildings and tree-lined streets creating an authentic small-town atmosphere. The festival celebrates both Wisconsin's growing wine industry and the traditional harvest season, making it a uniquely local experience that highlights the region's agricultural heritage.

Wine & Beverage Options

The festival features wines from local Wisconsin wineries alongside craft beers and non-alcoholic options. Wine enthusiasts can sample varieties from across the state, while designated drivers and non-drinkers can enjoy fresh apple cider, specialty sodas, and other seasonal beverages. Many vendors offer wine by the glass or bottle for those who want to enjoy their favorites throughout the day. The focus on local wines gives visitors a true taste of Wisconsin's emerging wine scene.

Family Activities & Entertainment

The festival shines when it comes to family-friendly entertainment. One of the most popular attractions is the grape stomping activity, where kids and adults can experience this traditional harvest practice firsthand. Children can also enjoy face painting, balloon artists, and interactive craft stations where they can create autumn-themed keepsakes.

Live music performances throughout the weekend feature everything from folk and bluegrass to classic rock, providing entertainment for all ages on multiple stages. A highlight for families is the harvest-themed activities, including pumpkin decorating stations and seasonal games. Many local artisans set up booths where kids can watch demonstrations of traditional crafts like pottery and woodworking.

Giant Pumpkin Regatta

Get ready for one of the festival's most unique and entertaining events: the Giant Pumpkin Regatta! This thrilling competition takes place at 2pm on Sunday, just north of the Cedar Creek Settlement, where four brave paddlers will race across Cedar Creek in massive hollowed-out pumpkins. Dubbed "the fastest sport on four pumpkins," this quirky race combines athleticism, balance, and plenty of laughs as participants navigate their orange vessels through the water. The competition isn't just about bragging rights – the winner gets to choose a favorite charity to receive a cash prize, making this fun spectacle a meaningful community event. Families will love watching this one-of-a-kind race that perfectly captures the festival's playful harvest spirit, and it's sure to be a highlight that kids will be talking about long after the festival ends

Food & Dining

Food vendors offer a mix of festival favorites and local specialties, with an emphasis on seasonal produce that celebrates the harvest theme. You'll find everything from traditional bratwurst and cheese curds to kettle corn and caramel apples. Many vendors focus on harvest-themed treats, including fresh apple cider donuts, pumpkin-flavored items, and dishes featuring locally grown seasonal ingredients.

Local restaurants often extend their outdoor seating during the festival weekend, making it easy to grab a sit-down meal between activities. Some establishments create special festival menus featuring seasonal ingredients and wine pairings from participating local wineries.

Shopping & Local Vendors

The marketplace features dozens of artisan vendors selling handcrafted goods, from jewelry and pottery to home décor and seasonal items. This is an excellent opportunity to find unique gifts or add to your own collection of locally-made treasures. Many vendors offer items perfect for fall decorating or upcoming holiday gift-giving, with a special focus on harvest-themed and autumn-inspired pieces.

Cedarburg's regular shops and boutiques also participate, often offering special festival discounts and extended hours. The historic downtown area is known for its antique shops, specialty stores, and art galleries, all of which contribute to the festival's artisan marketplace atmosphere.

Planning Your Visit

The festival runs Saturday and Sunday, September 20-21, 2025, with activities starting mid-morning and continuing into early evening. Parking can be challenging, so consider arriving early or using shuttle services that are sometimes available from satellite parking areas.

Dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes, as you'll be spending most of your time outdoors on sidewalks and streets. The weather can be unpredictable in late September, so bringing a light jacket is always wise.

Tips for Families

Strollers are manageable on most streets, though some areas may be crowded. Many families bring wagons for easier navigation and to carry purchases and supplies. The festival grounds are generally very walkable, and most activities are concentrated in a compact downtown area.

Consider bringing a reusable bag for purchases and a refillable water bottle, as staying hydrated is important during a day of walking and activities. Many families make this an all-day outing, so planning for meals and snacks is recommended.

The festival offers a wonderful opportunity to experience Wisconsin's wine culture while enjoying quality family time in one of the state's most charming communities. Whether you're interested in wine tasting, grape stomping, local crafts, or simply enjoying the festive autumn atmosphere, the Cedarburg Wine & Harvest Festival provides something memorable for everyone.