Eagle River's 45th Annual Cranberry Fest: A Family Guide

October 4-5, 2025 | Vilas County Fairgrounds

Picture this: The crisp October air fills your lungs as you step off the shuttle at Eagle River's bustling fairgrounds. The sweet-tart aroma of cranberry treats wafts through the crowd, while laughter echoes from families discovering the magic of Wisconsin's ruby-red harvest. This is Cranberry Fest weekend—where 40,000 fellow festival-goers gather to celebrate 45 years of one of the Northwoods' most beloved traditions.

Whether you're watching cranberries bob like crimson jewels in flooded marsh fields or savoring your first sip of cranberry wine, you're about to experience the heart of Wisconsin's fall harvest season. From sunrise pancake breakfasts to sunset strolls through artisan booths, every moment promises that perfect blend of small-town charm and festival excitement that keeps visitors coming back year after year.

Ready to dive into the sweetest weekend of the season? Here's everything you need to make the most of your Cranberry Fest adventure.

Opening: Saturday 7 AM (pancake breakfast) | Main event starts 9 AM
Expected Attendance: 40,000+ visitors

Getting Around

Free Shuttle Service

• Runs every 30 minutes

• 9 AM - 5 PM Saturday

• Connects all festival locations

• No need to worry about parking!

🫐 Cranberry Marsh Tours (Oct 2-5)

The must-do experience before the main event

Tour Schedule:

• Pre-Festival: Thursday & Friday, October 2-3

• Festival Weekend: Saturday & Sunday, October 4-5

What to Expect:

• See cranberries floating in flooded fields

• Learn about cranberry harvesting

• 21+ can sample cranberry wine during tours

• Shuttles depart from Eagle River Chamber of Commerce

Pro Tip: Reservations strongly recommended! Call 715-479-6400

🍽️ Food & Drink Highlights

Cranberry Specialties

• 4+ tons of fresh cranberries and Craisins for sale

• Cranberry soup

• Cranberry bratwurst

• Cranberry baked goods

• Char-broiled chicken sandwiches

Cranberry Wine & Beer Garden (21+)

• Cranberry wines

• Cranberry cocktails

• Seasonal fall beers

• Cranberry juice for all ages

🎨 Beyond the Berries

At the Fairgrounds

• Arts & crafts fair

• Family entertainment

• Live music

• Food vendors (cranberry and traditional options)

Downtown Eagle River (9 AM - 4 PM Saturday)

• Open-air craft show

• Antiques & vintage items

• Farmers market

• Local shopping

⏰ Festival Schedule at a Glance

Thursday-Friday (Oct 2-3):

• Cranberry marsh tours begin

Saturday (Oct 4):

• 7 AM: Pancake breakfast opens

• 9 AM: Main festival begins

• 9 AM-4 PM: Downtown activities

• 9 AM-5 PM: Shuttle service running

Sunday (Oct 5):

• Festival continues

• Marsh tours available

🎯 Insider Tips

Plan Ahead:

• Book marsh tour reservations early

• Arrive early Saturday for pancake breakfast

• Use shuttle service to avoid parking hassles

What to Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Cash for vendors

• Appetite for cranberry everything!

• Camera for marsh tour photos

Family-Friendly:

• Activities for all ages

• Kid-friendly food options

• Educational marsh tours

Festival Headquarters: Vilas County Fairgrounds
Information: Available on-site at festival headquarters
Marsh Tours: Eagle River Chamber of Commerce (715-479-6400)

Where to Stay

The Eagle River area offers numerous lodging options from cozy resorts to RV parks. Book early as this popular event fills up area accommodations quickly!

Ready for a berry good time? The 45th Annual Cranberry Fest promises to be the sweetest celebration yet. Whether you're here for the cranberry wine, the marsh tours, or just the festive fall atmosphere, Eagle River has everything you need for an unforgettable weekend.

See you at the fest! 🍂