Sister Bay's 79th Fall Fest 2025: Your Ultimate Family Adventure Guide

Mark your calendars: October 17-19, 2025 for Wisconsin's most beloved autumn celebration! Sister Bay's Fall Fest delivers the ultimate Door County family experience with over 100 craft vendors, completely free admission, and nearly eight decades of cherished tradition.

• When: October 17-19, 2025 (Friday-Sunday)

• Where: Downtown Sister Bay, 10693 N. Bay Shore Dr/Highway 42

• Cost: FREE admission to everything

• Transportation: FREE shuttle service all weekend

• Parking: FREE at official locations

• Best for: All ages - toddlers to grandparents!

🎪 Festival Highlights You Can't Miss

The Famous Ping Pong Ball Drop

Sunday at 2 PM - Over 10,000 colorful balls cascade from above with prizes hidden inside! Kids' version at 2 PM, adult drop at 2:15 PM.

Saturday Morning Parade

11 AM sharp - Colorful floats, marching bands, and candy distribution delight crowds along Main Street. New for 2025: All parade participants must register by October 3rd.

100+ Arts & Crafts Vendors

Browse handmade treasures from local artisans - pottery, jewelry, woodwork, photography, and unique Door County specialties.

Lions Club Fish Boil

Experience Door County's signature culinary tradition with fresh-caught fish, potatoes, and dramatic open-flame cooking.

👶 Perfect Activities by Age Group

Toddlers & Preschoolers (Ages 2-5)

• Kids' carnival area with bounce houses and inflatables (9 AM-4 PM)

• Saturday parade with music, floats, and candy

• Pumpkin bowling between The Bowl and CHOP restaurant

• Face painting and balloon artists roaming the festival

• Family-friendly food vendors with easy options

Elementary Kids (Ages 6-11)

• Interactive play areas with games and prizes

• Kids' ping pong ball drop with age-appropriate prizes

• Goat toss games and fishing activities

• Educational browsing through craft demonstrations

• Classic car show running all three days

Tweens & Teens (Ages 12-18)

• Fall Fest Derby Race (Sunday 10 AM, ages 7-13)

• Live music performances at multiple venues

• Adult ping pong ball drop competition

• Photography opportunities throughout downtown

• Classic car appreciation with automotive enthusiasts

Multi-Generational Fun

• Saturday Fall Fest Parade - arrive early for best spots

• Arts and crafts browsing appeals to every interest

• Live music at Husby's and Sister Bay Bowl

• Waterfront park activities with 1,900 feet of shoreline

🍽️ Food & Dining Guide

Festival Food Vendors (9 AM-5 PM daily)

• Price range: $5-15 per item

• Options: Pumpkin pie cups, caramel apples, corn on the cob, local specialties

• Payment: Cash recommended for faster service

Must-Try Festival Experiences

Saturday Pancake Breakfast (8:00-10:30 AM)

• Location: Sister Bay Fire Station

• Price: $8 cash only

• Includes: Pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee, juice

• Why go: Community atmosphere, great value, fuel up for parade

Lions Club Fish Boil

• Price: $27-35 for adults

• Experience: Fresh-caught fish, potatoes, onions cooked over open flame

• Bonus: Dramatic "boil-over" finale with spectacular flames

Local Restaurant Recommendations (Reserve Early!)

🐐 Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant

• Famous for: Goats on the roof, Swedish pancakes

• Price: $12-25 per person

• Kid-friendly: Yes, with children's menu

🍕 Wild Tomato Wood-Fired Pizza

• Specialties: Artisan pizzas, gluten-free options

• Price: $15-30 per person

• Perfect for: Casual family dining

🍽️ LURE Restaurant

• Special: Early bird 3-course dinner $29.95 (5:00-5:30 PM)

• Happy hour: $5 Wisconsin Old Fashioneds (4:30-6 PM)

• Atmosphere: Upscale casual with lake views

🏈 Husby's Food and Spirits

• Vibe: Door County's original sports bar

• Features: 14 flat-screen TVs, full kids' menu

• Good for: Families wanting casual atmosphere

🚗 Transportation & Parking Made Easy

FREE Shuttle Service

• Saturday: 9 AM-5 PM (every 30 minutes)

• Friday & Saturday evenings: 5 PM-2 AM (every 30 minutes)

• Track in real-time: trackmyshuttle.com/a/sbshuttle

Official Parking Areas (All FREE)

• Sister Bay Sports Complex (2155 Autumn Court)

• Former Shopko site (2541 S. Bay Shore Dr.)

• Sister Bay Marina (2279 Scandia Road)

• Handicap parking available at all locations

Road Closures to Know

• Saturday: Highway 42 downtown closed 12 PM-5 PM

• Sunday: Highway 42 downtown closed 9 AM-3 PM

• Saturday morning: Additional parade detours 9 AM-12 PM

🚨 Pro tip: Use Highway 57 through Baileys Harbor, turn right on County Q, then left on Woodcrest to avoid main traffic.

🏨 Where to Stay

Book Early!

January-March offers best rates. Fall Fest weekend requires 3-night minimum stays at most properties.

Budget Options ($147-186/night)

• Scandinavian Lodge

• Birchwood Lodge (indoor pool)

Mid-Range Properties ($186-250/night)

• Open Hearth Lodge - Family & pet-friendly, indoor pool

• Coachlite Inn - Continental breakfast included

Luxury Accommodations ($250+/night)

• The DöRR Hotel - Scandinavian-inspired modern amenities

• Country House Resort - Adults-only with 1,100 feet shoreline

Nearby Alternatives (15-30 minutes away)

• Egg Harbor: The Ashbrooke Hotel, Eagle Harbor Inn

• Sturgeon Bay: Westwood Shores Waterfront Resort

• Potential 20-40% savings with short drive

🌤️ October Weather Essentials

Expected Conditions

• Highs: 52-56°F

• Lows: 39-47°F

• Rain chance: 35% any given day

• Wind: Average 17.6 mph (feels colder!)

• Daylight: 11 hours (7:03 AM - 6:03 PM)

What to Pack ✅

Essential Layers

• Moisture-wicking long-sleeve base layers

• Fleece or hoodie mid-layers

• Waterproof outer shells

• Footwear: Waterproof boots with good traction (NO heels!)

Weather Contingency Kit

• Compact umbrellas & rain ponchos

• Waterproof phone cases

• Sunglasses & baseball caps

• SPF 30+ sunscreen

• Hand warmers for kids

Family-Specific Prep

• Kids: Extra layers, waterproof mittens, warm hats, extra socks

• Toddlers: Complete outfit changes, snacks, sippy cups, small blankets

• Everyone: Portable phone chargers, small backpacks

👶 Baby & Stroller Guide

Stroller Reality Check

• Ground conditions: Grass and some paved areas

• Best choice: All-terrain or jogging strollers

• Alternative: Baby carriers work better for mobility

• Consider: Wagons navigate grass better than traditional strollers

Baby-Friendly Facilities

• Public restrooms with changing stations

• Sister Bay Village facilities

• Local restaurants and cafes

• Bring: Portable changing pads, extra supplies

Professional Baby Gear Rentals

• BabyQuip providers: Carrie Tjernagel & Renee Sauer

• Available: Cribs, strollers, car seats, high chairs

• Service: Delivery and setup to your accommodation

🍎 Beyond the Festival: Door County Adventures

Sister Bay Year-Round Attractions

• 🏖️ Sister Bay Waterfront Park - 1,900 feet shoreline, sand beach, playground

• 🐐 Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant - Famous roof goats & Swedish specialties

• 🏛️ Corner of the Past Museum - Local heritage in historic Anderson House

• ⛪ Holy Transfiguration Chapel - Hidden Orthodox chapel experience

Door County State Parks (Perfect for Fall!)

• 🌲 Peninsula State Park - Eagle Tower, Nicolet Bay, Ice Age Trail

• 🌊 Cave Point County Park - Dramatic cliffs, underground caves, wave action

• 🦎 The Ridges Sanctuary - Unique landscape, diverse wildlife viewing

Seasonal Fall Activities

🍎 Apple Picking Orchards

• Lautenbach's Orchard Country - 20+ varieties, wine tasting

• Seaquist Orchards - 30+ varieties, production tours

• Choice Orchards - 200 acres, historical buildings, tree maze

📸 Photography Hotspots

• Cave Point County Park - Sunrise shots with offshore sun

• Ephraim Beach - Village views with fall reflections

• Highway 42 near Northport - Wisconsin's most photographed road

🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

Festival Vendors (100+ booths)

• Handmade items: $5-50

• Fine art & jewelry: $25-200+

• Wood crafts & metal art: $15-100+

Local Sister Bay Shops

• Silver Birch - Upscale gifts & home décor

• kindgoods - Fair trade finds & unique gifts

• Al Johnson's Butik - Swedish specialties & Nordic housewares

• Bay Shore Outfitters - Outdoor gear & kayak rentals

Door County Signature Products

• 🍒 Cherry products - Pies, jams, jellies, wine

• 🍎 Apple specialties - Fresh fruit, cider, cider donuts

• 🍷 Local wines from fruit orchards

• 🧀 Artisan cheeses including Renard's flavored cheddars

• 🍯 Maple syrup & honey from local producers

💰 Budget Planning Guide

What's FREE ✅

• Festival admission & all entertainment

• Shuttle transportation

• Parking at official locations

• Parade viewing

• Arts & crafts browsing

• Most games & demonstrations

Sample Family Budgets (Family of 4, 3 days)

Budget-Conscious Approach ($569-872)

• Budget accommodations + festival food vendors + pancake breakfast + some grocery shopping

Mid-Range Experience ($892-1,440)

• Mid-range hotels + restaurant dining ($20-35/person) + selective activities

Upscale Weekend ($1,350-2,300+)

• Luxury accommodations + fine dining + premium experiences

💡 Money-Saving Tips

• Book January-March for best accommodation rates

• Use LURE's early bird special - 3-course dinner $29.95 (5:00-5:30 PM)

• Mix free activities with selective paid experiences

• Pack layers to avoid buying weather gear

• Consider Sturgeon Bay accommodations for 20-40% savings

🎯 Insider Tips for Success

Before You Go

• ✅ Make restaurant reservations NOW - Fall Fest is Door County's busiest weekend

• ✅ Register parade participants by October 3rd at sisterbay.com

• ✅ Download shuttle tracker - trackmyshuttle.com/a/sbshuttle

• ✅ Check weather forecast and pack accordingly

During the Festival

• 🕘 Arrive early Saturday for best parade viewing spots

• 📱 Take daily photos of kids in their outfits for identification

• 📍 Establish meeting points with children

• 💰 Bring cash for faster vendor transactions

• 🎒 Pack small backpacks for carrying layers

Don't Miss

• Saturday 8 AM: Pancake breakfast at fire station

• Saturday 11 AM: Fall Fest Parade on Main Street

• Sunday 10 AM: Kids' Derby Race (ages 7-13)

• Sunday 2 PM: Ping Pong Ball Drop finale

• All weekend: Live music at multiple venues

🏁 Ready for Your Fall Fest Adventure?

Sister Bay's 79th Annual Fall Fest represents the pinnacle of Door County's autumn celebration - where nearly eight decades of tradition meets modern family fun, all with completely free admission! This guide gives you everything needed to create lifelong memories during Wisconsin's most beloved fall festival.

Success starts with planning ahead: Book accommodations early, make restaurant reservations, prepare for October weather, and use the free shuttle system. Then simply enjoy the magic of small-town Wisconsin hospitality, stunning fall colors, and authentic community celebration that makes Fall Fest special.

Your family's perfect Door County weekend awaits - see you in Sister Bay! 🍂

For the most current festival information and updates, visit sisterbay.com or follow Sister Bay on social media.