Cedarburg Wine & Harvest Fest 2026 Guide
Saturday, September 19, 2026: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday, September 20, 2026: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: Historic downtown Cedarburg
Admission: Free
The Cedarburg Wine & Harvest Festival returns September 19–20, 2026, bringing wine, food, live music and family-friendly fall fun to one of Wisconsin’s most charming downtowns.
The free festival stretches along Washington Avenue between Bridge Road and Western Avenue, with additional activities in Cedar Creek Park. Visitors can browse artisan booths, sample seasonal food and drinks, watch the festival’s famous grape stomp and enjoy Cedarburg’s locally owned shops and restaurants.
Before making the trip, check the official Wine & Harvest Festival website for the final 2026 entertainment schedule and activity times.
🍇 Cedarburg Wine & Harvest Festival 2026 Map
Every stop from our festival guide — the grape stomp, the Giant Pumpkin Regatta, Cedar Creek Park family fun, the winery, shuttle stops and more — plotted around historic downtown Cedarburg. Search a spot, filter by category, or tap "Pick My Next Stop!"
Cedarburg Wine & Harvest Festival at a Glance
Dates: Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2026
Hours:
Saturday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: Washington Avenue between Bridge Road and Western Avenue in downtown Cedarburg
Suggested GPS address: W63N643 Washington Avenue, Cedarburg, WI 53012
Admission: Free; food, drinks and some activities cost extra
Weather policy: The festival takes place rain or shine, although severe weather could delay or cancel individual activities.
Wine, Beer and Seasonal Drinks
Wine is naturally one of the main attractions. Festival beverage areas typically feature Wisconsin wines alongside craft beer and other seasonal drinks.
Cedar Creek Winery, located inside the historic Cedar Creek Settlement, makes a convenient stop during the festival. Visitors can explore the winery, browse the neighboring shops or purchase a favorite wine to take home. Learn more from Cedar Creek Winery.
Outside alcohol is not permitted within the festival grounds. Anyone purchasing or consuming alcoholic beverages should bring a valid photo ID and arrange for a designated driver when needed.
The Grape Stomp
The grape-stomping competition is one of the festival’s most popular traditions. Teams race against the clock to crush as many grapes as possible, creating a wonderfully messy spectacle for both participants and spectators.
The festival traditionally offers separate adult and children’s stomps on Saturday and Sunday. Registration is completed in person, and participating teams are selected at random.
The organizer has confirmed that grape stomping will be part of the 2026 festival, but the full competition schedule had not yet been published when this guide was updated. Check the official festival page closer to the event for registration times and other details.
Giant Pumpkin Regatta
The Giant Pumpkin Regatta may be the most unusual fall competition in Wisconsin.
During this signature Sunday event, competitors climb into hollowed-out pumpkins weighing hundreds of pounds and attempt to paddle across Cedar Creek. The race takes place near Riveredge Drive, just off Bridge Road and north of the Cedar Creek Settlement.
The spectacle is funny, unpredictable and especially entertaining for children. In previous years, the pumpkins were carved Sunday morning, judged shortly before the competition and launched at approximately 2 p.m.
The organizers had not yet posted a final 2026 regatta schedule when this article was updated, so confirm the time on the official Wine & Harvest Festival page before planning your day around it.
Mini Pumpkin Regatta
The Mini Pumpkin Regatta gives visitors another opportunity to watch pumpkins race down Cedar Creek. Guests can typically purchase a numbered miniature pumpkin, with proceeds supporting Habitat for Humanity.
Past festivals have held mini races in Cedar Creek Park on both Saturday and Sunday. This activity has required cash, so it is smart to bring a few small bills if it returns in the same format for 2026.
Family Activities in Cedar Creek Park
Families should make time for Cedar Creek Park, traditionally the center of the festival’s children’s programming and family amenities.
Depending on the final 2026 lineup, families may find games, entertainment, nonprofit activities and places to take a break from the busy streets. The park also typically includes a first-aid and child-safety station.
Free child-safety wristbands have been available at festival information booths near Bridge and Washington and Mill and Washington. Parents can write a phone number on the wristband in case a child becomes separated from the family.
A Family Oasis rest area has also been offered in Cedar Creek Park, providing a calmer place for feeding, diaper changes and breaks with babies or young children.
Live Music and Entertainment
Live music takes place throughout the weekend, adding to the festival atmosphere as visitors explore downtown. Performers generally appear on multiple stages, making it easy to catch part of a set while shopping or enjoying lunch.
The detailed 2026 music schedule had not yet been released at the time of publication. Look for the lineup, stage locations and performance times on the official festival website as September approaches.
Food and Dining
Festival food vendors offer a broad mix of Wisconsin favorites, street food and sweet treats. Selections vary each year, but visitors can generally expect plenty of hearty lunch options, snacks and harvest-inspired flavors.
Downtown Cedarburg’s restaurants, cafés and bakeries are also open during the festival. These can be a good alternative for families who want indoor seating or a break from the crowds.
Explore more than 40 local options in our guide to Cedarburg restaurants.
Popular restaurants can become extremely busy during festival weekends. If you are planning a sit-down meal, consider eating earlier than usual or calling ahead to ask whether the restaurant accepts reservations.
Shopping and Artisan Vendors
The festival marketplace brings artists, makers, small businesses and nonprofit organizations to Washington Avenue. Visitors can shop for jewelry, pottery, artwork, clothing, home décor, packaged foods and fall decorations.
New for 2026, festival organizers are planning a dedicated Youth Market along Washington Avenue for makers in 12th grade and younger. The young vendors will have an opportunity to display and sell their creations alongside the festival’s established artisans.
The Cedarburg Cultural Center also traditionally hosts Art Off the Avenue, featuring dozens of artist and craft booths adjacent to the center.
Don’t overlook Cedarburg’s permanent downtown businesses. The city is filled with boutiques, antique stores, galleries and specialty shops, many housed inside beautifully preserved limestone buildings.
Parking and Free Shuttles
Parking is one of the most important parts of planning a visit. Downtown street parking is limited, and the closest spaces tend to fill early.
Festival organizers list several paid parking lots, generally charging approximately $10 to $20. Prices and availability can change.
Free yellow school-bus shuttles are scheduled to operate continuously between the festival area and designated parking locations. Listed shuttle stops include:
Route 1:
Wilo
Circle B
Route 2:
Cedarburg High School
Webster Middle School
The shuttle ride is free, although some parking locations may charge a fee. Remember which route you used so you board the correct bus when returning to your vehicle.
Review the current lots, shuttle routes and accessible parking locations on the official Cedarburg festival parking page.
Important 2026 Construction Notice
Portions of Washington Avenue are under construction in 2026, which may create traffic detours and reduce available street parking.
For drivers arriving from Interstate 43, festival organizers recommend using Exit 89, taking Pioneer Road west to Wauwatosa Road and then heading north. This route provides easier access to several parking areas served by the free shuttles.
Check the City of Cedarburg website and the festival’s getting-here information shortly before leaving for the latest construction and detour updates.
Accessibility and Stroller Information
Much of the outdoor festival area is accessible, but Cedarburg’s historic buildings and some older sidewalks can be challenging for wheelchairs, mobility devices and strollers.
Accessible restrooms and portable toilets are available at several locations throughout the grounds. Designated accessible street parking is reserved for vehicles displaying a valid disability parking permit or license plate. The Cedarburg Post Office lot is also listed for accessible parking after 12:30 p.m. Saturday and throughout Sunday.
A stroller can still be useful, especially for younger children, but expect crowded sidewalks during peak afternoon hours. A compact stroller will generally be easier to maneuver than a large wagon.
What to Bring
A few simple items can make the day more comfortable:
Comfortable walking shoes
Layers for changing September weather
A refillable water bottle
A reusable shopping bag
Cash for activities or vendors that do not accept cards
Sunscreen and rain gear, depending on the forecast
A phone number card or festival safety wristband for children
Pets are not permitted within the festival footprint unless they are service animals. Outside alcohol and weapons are also prohibited.
Tips for Visiting With Kids
Arrive close to 10 a.m. if you want lighter crowds, easier parking and more room to explore with a stroller.
Start in the downtown marketplace, eat an early lunch and then head toward Cedar Creek Park for family activities. If the Giant Pumpkin Regatta returns at its traditional Sunday afternoon time, find a viewing spot early because the creek area becomes crowded.
Families with babies can use the designated Family Oasis in Cedar Creek Park or the feeding and changing area traditionally offered at Advent Lutheran Church, W63N642 Washington Avenue.
If your children love pumpkin farms, corn mazes and petting zoos, continue planning the season with our Milwaukee-area pumpkin-picking guide. You can also browse our complete collection of fall family guides.
Is the Wine & Harvest Festival Worth Visiting?
Yes, particularly for families who enjoy free community festivals but still want activities that appeal to adults.
Admission is free, the downtown setting is beautiful and there is enough variety to fill several hours. Adults can explore Wisconsin wines and artisan vendors, while children can enjoy the grape stomp, creek-side activities and the unforgettable sight of people attempting to paddle giant pumpkins.
The biggest challenges are traffic, parking and weekend crowds. Arriving early, using a shuttle and reviewing the construction updates before leaving home will make the experience considerably easier.
For last-minute schedule changes, maps and announcements, visit Festivals of Cedarburg.
Milwaukee and its surrounding communities transform into a pumpkin paradise each fall, offering more than festivals, farms, and celebrations where families can carve jack-o-lanterns, navigate corn mazes, and celebrate the harvest season.