Experience the Midwest

Events and Festivals in the Midwest

STARTING AUGUST 11, 2023

Green Bay Packers Football

Green Bay, WI

 

Get in season with the Green Bay Packers Football team. Visit Lambeau Field, the home of the Green Bay Packers football team and the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame. It's the oldest and most beautiful stadium with an NFL team in continuous residence and has been expanded since it opened in 1957. Get your gear on, enjoy some food or drinks and cheer on the home team at the stadium.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Green Bay, WI (GBY)

NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 28, 2023

Summer Farmers Market

Oshkosh, WI

 

Join us for the excitement of the recurring Summer Farmers Market. This market features approximately 130 vendors per week with live music and themed events. Shop the market and check out the area’s best of locally grown, raised and handmade items.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Oshkosh, WI (OSU)

NOW THROUGH NOVEMBER 20, 2023

Miniature Moments: A Journey Through Hallmark® Keepsake Ornaments

Dearborn, MI

 

Explore our extensive collection of nearly 7,000 Hallmark ornaments made between 1973 and 2009. Relive holiday memories, remember special people and events, and find new inspiration for your own holiday traditions as you experience the artistry and creativity that went into creating each Keepsake ornament.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Dearborn, MI (DER)

NOW THROUGH NOVEMBER 25, 2023

West Allis Farmers Market

Milwaukee, WI

 

It’s fall o’ clock which means fall festivities. West Allis Farmers Market offers a wide variety of seasonal produce, fresh meats, eggs, honey, maple syrup, fresh-cut flowers, annual plants and prepared delicious foods. Come down to get a sweet taste of your own.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Milwaukee, WI (MKE)

NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 3, 2023

Full Body Flow @ The Walk

Green Bay, WI

 

It’s time to experience a full-bodied flow yoga class that takes place on the first Sunday of every month. The Walk's very own Wine Poet, Amanda, teaches this class inside the historic building. All skill levels are welcome and encouraged to attend. Grab your friends to get a healthy start to the week.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Green Bay, WI (GBY)

SEPTEMBER 1 - JANUARY 1, 2024

GEARUP: The Science of Bikes

Jackson, MI

 

Visitors of GEAR UP will learn how bikes work, the science and technology behind the machine as well as the history and evolution of the bike and how bikes have impacted our culture. Like the bicycle itself, this exhibition has been designed to appeal to people of all ages with diverse interests, from STEM to design to history and art.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Jackson, MI (JXN)

SEPTEMBER 2 - NOVEMBER 11, 2023

ISU Redbirds Football

Normal, IL

 

Redbird football is ready for 2023 — are you? Visit the schedule for all upcoming games.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Bloomington-Normal, IL (BNL)

SEPTEMBER 2 - NOVEMBER 18, 2023

SIU Saluki Football

Carbondale, IL

 

Come and cheer on the Salukis during their 2023 season.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Carbondale, IL (CDL)

SEPTEMBER 2 - NOVEMBER 25, 2023

Fighting Illini Football

Champaign, IL

 

The University of Illinois' football team is excited to welcome fans back inside Memorial Stadium for another thrilling season. Don't forget to wear orange to cheer on the Fighting Illini to victory.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Champaign, IL (CHM)

SEPTEMBER 14 - OCTOBER 1, 2023

ArtPrize

Grand Rapids, MI

 

ArtPrize is the largest public art competition in the world. For eighteen days, art is exhibited in galleries, storefronts, parks, museums, speakeasies and in public spaces. From the world premiere performance of SQUONK during the opening ceremony to the massive Merchants and Makers Artisan Market, ArtPrize is free and open to the public.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Grand Rapids, MI (GRR)

SEPTEMBER 17 - DECEMBER 30, 2023

Detroit Lions 2023 - 2024 Season

Detroit, MI

 

The Detroit Lions play their home games at Ford Field in downtown Detroit. Ford Field is the premier family entertainment destination and is committed to providing unparalleled service to each guest. The stadium is surrounded by fantastic restaurants, bars, shopping, hotels, nightlife, theaters, clubs and Comerica Park.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Detroit, MI (DET)

SEPTEMBER 28 - OCTOBER 29, 2023

Jack-O’-Lantern Nights at Racine Zoo

Milwaukee, WI

 

Join us for a stroll through the Racine Zoo for over 1,000 Jack-O’-Lanterns that will light up the night. The zoo will host a decorating contest that businesses and organizations can participate in, and guests will vote on their favorite space with the winner announced at the end of the event. Bring family and friends to enjoy seasonal foods and beverages while watching the designed jack-o’-lanterns in the daytime come to life at night.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Milwaukee, WI (MKE)

SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

Bruegala: A Festival of Beer

Bloomington, IL

 

Enjoy great local food, music, and beer all while supporting two great local charities. Join the Bloomington-Normal Jaycees and the City of Bloomington for a fun beer festival. Brüegala is back again, bigger and better than ever. Sample cups and glasses are back, and this year’s theme is Camp Bruegala. The event will feature craft beers from local and regional breweries, as well as food trucks, live music and games. It’s the perfect event for beer lovers of all ages.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Bloomington-Normal, IL (BNL)

SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 1, 2023

40th Annual Sugar Creek Arts Festival

Normal, IL

 

The Sugar Creek Arts Festival is a free community event featuring more than 100 locally and nationally acclaimed artists, two live music stages, food trucks and more. The festival was first held in 1983 by the Town of Normal as a way to drive traffic uptown while the students were away for the summer. What started as 16 artists selling from the trunks of their cars in 1983 has now been ranked as one of the nation’s top 100 arts festivals and draws upwards of 20,000 attendees each year. The Sugar Creek Arts Festival has also won the Pantagraph’s Readers Choice Award for Best Community Event two years in a row.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Bloomington-Normal, IL (BNL)

OCTOBER 5 - 12, 2023

Cultures & Communities Festival

Milwaukee, WI

 

Join us for an eight-day stroll through the Cultures and Communities Festival. Each day includes a convergence of groundbreaking films, distinguished speakers and public forums designed to amplify diverse expressions and celebrate community, multicultural and intergenerational audiences across southeastern Wisconsin. Come enjoy a wide range of artistic and cultural experiences that promote collective expressions of joy, and experience Cultures and Communities access to cultural creativity, inclusive platforms and more.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Milwaukee, WI (MKE)

OCTOBER 5 - 29, 2023

Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village

Dearborn, MI

 

The Henry Ford’s Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village is the most enchanting, nostalgic and fantastical Halloween adventure. From harvest markets and fall themes to costumed storybook characters and ghostly performances, this Hallowe’en tradition, showcased within the bewitching setting of Greenfield Village after hours, is one of a kind. Hosted over 16 evenings in October, Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village is formatted for guests to stroll through the village at their own pace, picking and choosing their own festive or frightful experience. Harvest-themed activities from the 18th and 19th centuries are included in the program's daytime hours for a family-friendly fall atmosphere that transitions to traditional Hallowe’en spookiness as twilight falls.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Dearborn, MI (DER)

OCTOBER 7 - 31, 2023

Halloween Ghosts & Goodies 2023

Flint, MI

 

Find treats and tricks, cider and doughnuts, little monsters and big fun for the whole family. From the magic show at the Colwell Opera House to the straw maze and the 20 treat stops throughout the Crossroads Village, it’s sure to put you in the spirit of the season. Top off your visit with a 40-minute ride through the autumn countryside on the famous Huckleberry Ghost Train Express.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Flint, MI (FLN)

OCTOBER 9 - 15, 2023

Illinois State Homecoming: Redbirds Reign

Normal, IL

 

Get hyped for Illinois State Homecoming 2023.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Bloomington-Normal, IL (BNL)

OCTOBER 11 - DECEMBER 2, 2023

5th Annual Fall & Holiday Craft Show

Green Bay, WI

 

Please join us at the West De Pere High School for a fun-filled day of shopping for handmade crafts. This event will be held from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and is hosted by the Green Bay Area Girls’ High School Hockey Team. Admission is $2 and free for those 12 and under. Bring your friends and family for a wonderful time and great food.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Green Bay, WI (GBY)

OCTOBER 13 - 14, 2023

Western Illinois University Homecoming 2023

Macomb, IL

 

Rocky’s Got Game: Let’s Win Together. Enjoy the Alumni Cookout, 5k and Reunion Recognition Brunch October 13 and 14.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Macomb, IL (MAC)

OCTOBER 14 - 15, 2023

Flannel Fest

Champaign, IL

 

Enjoy live music, beer, food, games, contests, Lumberjack Enterprises Shows and much more at this free fall event. Live music by Modern Drugs, a mustache contest, a Chili cookoff, a hot pepper eating contest, and other activities are jam-packed into this two-day event.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Champaign, IL (CHM)

OCTOBER 16 - 21, 2023

Southern Illinois University Homecoming

Carbondale, IL

 

Join us for a week of fun and excitement as we paint the town maroon with our Saluki strong pride. Parades, tailgates and football games are just a few of the activities that join Saluki fans and alumni from near and far for a memorable occasion.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Carbondale, IL (CDL)

OCTOBER 20 - 22, 2023

Hunting Moon Pow Wow 2023

Milwaukee, WI

 

It’s powwow time. The Hunting Moon Pow Wow is a celebration of Native American culture and traditions. It includes a gathering in which Native American people come together to dance, sing and drum. But above all, it is a wonderful opportunity to socialize and strengthen the bonds between Native people. Join us for a weekend event at the Potawatomi Hotel and Casino that will be full of ceremonies, dances, drums and singing, food, crafts and more.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Milwaukee, WI (MKE)

OCTOBER 21, 2023

Zooloween Boo at Menominee Park Zoo

Oshkosh, WI

 

Bring your little boo’s down to trick-or-treat at the Zooloween Boo at Menominee Park Zoo. Community volunteers and businesses will line the zoo with treat stations and games for attendees. The event will run from 11 am to 3 pm.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Oshkosh, WI (OSU)

OCTOBER 28, 2023

Día de los Muertos Festival

Milwaukee, WI

 

Come celebrate the Día de los Muertos Festival, a free family-friendly event aiming to bring together the southside community to celebrate traditions and enjoy the Forest Home Cemetery and Arboretum. The festival will kick off in the morning with a 5k run/walk through the grounds of the cemetery. After the run, feast and relax with food trucks, local vendors, arts and crafts for kids, traditional music, dance and so much more.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Milwaukee, WI (MKE)

OCTOBER 28, 2023

Happy Haunts Trick-or-Treat Family Bash

Green Bay, WI

 

Boo. It’s spooky season. This Halloween season we are inviting the Green Bay community to spend the day frolicking through the park for a holiday family bash. The businesses of the Green Bay community have come together to create our trick-or-treat trail. Families are welcome to spend the day enjoying local food trucks, children’s readings, trick-or-treating, candy scrambles and more.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Green Bay, WI (GBY)

OCTOBER 31, 2023

Alton Halloween Parade 2023

Alton, IL

 

Ghosts and goblins beware, the "Most Haunted Small Town in America" will be out in full force at this year's annual Halloween Parade. See Alton's scariest costumes and comical characters with over 40 participants including floats, bands and costumed marchers. Alton Illinois boasts one of the oldest Halloween parades in the United States — you don't want to miss one of the spookiest parades in one of America's most haunted towns. The parade will begin at the corner of Washington Avenue and Broadway and continue on Broadway to Piasa Street. From there, it will then turn right onto Piasa to 9th Street and end near Tony's Steakhouse.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Alton, IL (ALN)

NOVEMBER 3 - 4, 2023

Hobnob Holiday Market 2023

Springfield, IL

 

A festive holiday shopping wonderland awaits at the Hobnob Holiday Market at the Illinois State Fairgrounds on November 3 and 4. Check those gifts off your list as you shop 120+ vintage, handmade and boutique vendors (and don't forget some goodies just for you). The Hobnob Holiday Market is an indoor market and protected from bad weather.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Springfield, IL (SPI)

NOVEMBER 4, 2023

Wisconsin Veterans Day Festival

Milwaukee, WI

 

Attend, support or join us at the Wisconsin Veterans Day Festival at the Peck Pavilion. This special festival features live entertainment, food, drinks, exhibitors, vendors and resources for Wisconsin veterans and their families at the plaza of the iconic Marcus Performing Arts Center. There will be a ceremony, a veterans business marketplace, a veterans health and wellness area and an array of vendors. Make the most out of your day by enjoying everything Milwaukee has to offer.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Milwaukee, WI (MKE)

NOVEMBER 11, 2O23

A Helping of Hope

Oshkosh, WI

 

In this wonderful time of giving, stop by the Oshkosh Masonic Lodge where they'll be hosting a 5-course plated dinner with delicious beverages on Veteran’s Day. Dinner will be sponsored by the Hangar Bar and Grill, raffle baskets will be available to bid on and donations will be accepted at the door on the night of the event. Proceeds from the event will be donated to local veterans. Please join us for A Helping of Hope this Veteran’s Day.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Oshkosh, WI (OSU)

NOVEMBER 16 - JANUARY 1, 2024

Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival

Milwaukee, WI

 

Mark your calendars for the return of the Milwaukee Holiday Light Festival presented by Johnson Financial Group. There will be the best of downtown’s holiday offerings and an enchanting evening full of dazzling decorations in our parks, glittering chandeliers on Wisconsin Avenue and a brand-new Ornament Trail.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Milwaukee, WI (MKE)

NOVEMBER 17 - 19, 2023

Holiday Folk Fair International

Milwaukee, WI

 

It’s the 80th annual Holiday Folk Fair International. Join our wonderful celebration of America’s premier multicultural festival by traveling around the world of music, food, dance, arts and more. The Holiday Folk Fair International will be held at the State Fair Park Exposition Center and we’re eager to start. Bring your family and friends to enjoy a weekend you’ll never forget.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Milwaukee, WI (MKE)

NOVEMBER 17 - DECEMBER 23, 2023

Annual Wonderland of Lights

Lansing, MI

 

Thousands of lights create an extraordinary holiday display at the 30th Annual Wonderland of Lights. Take a stroll around the zoo, enjoy holiday music and marvel at the twinkling light displays during this series of magical Michigan winter evenings. Stop by the Savanna Grill for a bite to eat and as you leave, grab a goodie bag for children to take home and enjoy.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Lansing, MI (LNS)

NOVEMBER 17 - JANUARY 8, 2024

Nutracker in The Castle

Oshkosh, WI

 

The beloved Nutcracker fairy tale returns to the Paine “castle” with a mesmerizing array of sights, sounds and surprises. This holiday season guests are invited to explore the settings of the story through self-guided tours. Along the way, the tale will be revealed within each elaborately decorated room in the historic Paine Mansion.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Oshkosh, WI (OSU)

NOVEMBER 21 - JANUARY 5, 2024

Christmas & Holiday Traditions

Grand Rapids, MI

 

This exhibition — honoring cultures and holiday traditions from around the world — has grown to 46 unique displays depicting fact and folklore, past and present. University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions is a hallmark Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park exhibition. Dedicate time to appreciate the stunning presentations of winter plantings, the artistry of our adorned Christmas trees, intriguing cultural displays and the beloved Railway Garden. Venture outdoors and discover the beauty of nature with wintertime walks. Indoors and out, our magnificent grounds sparkle with 350,000 lights.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Grand Rapids, MI (GRR)

NOVEMBER 24 & 25 - DECEMBER 1 & 2, 2O23

Christmas Village & Craft Fair

Oshkosh, WI

 

Join us for the most wonderful time of the year with our second annual, fun-filled Christmas Village and Craft Fair. This event includes a shop around Christmas Craft Fair, elf academy, tractor and horse-drawn carriage rides, delicious treats and much more. Tickets will be available to purchase at the door. We look forward to starting out the Christmas spirit with you this year.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Oshkosh, WI (OSU)

NOVEMBER 24 - DECEMBER 30, 2023

Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic 2023

Flint, MI

 

Make memories to last all year when the spirit of the season fills the streets and shops of Crossroads Village, with thousands of lights sparkling. Join friends and family for an evening ride on the Huckleberry Railroad and watch Village artisans make vintage crafts. You’re sure to find gifts for everyone on your list. A family tradition for over 30 years continues in Flint, Michigan. 

Nearest Amtrak Station: Flint, MI (FLN)

NOVEMBER 24 - DECEMBER 31, 2023

Enchant Christmas in Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI

 

Join us on a magical trip to Enchant Christmas in Milwaukee at Franklin Field. Enchant is an immersive experience that weaves magic into every corner, making it perfect for joyful seasonal celebrations. Adventure through The Great Search, a larger-than-life maze that is a cornerstone to the Enchant experience. Explore the storefronts, a visit with Santa, ice skating and don’t miss out on special events for both kids and adults.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Milwaukee, WI (MKE)

DECEMBER 1 - 16, 2023

Magic at the Mill

Holland, MI

 

During the first three weekends in December, Holland's DeZwaan windmill is set aglow for Magic at the Mill. Imagine a hundreds-year-old windmill glittering with lights and surrounded by thousands of LED tulips. Then add in Sinterklaas and a musically synced light show and you have a seasonal spectacle worthy of Holland, Michigan. This new event will feature 1,000 LED tulip blossoms displaying a synchronized light and music show. The park and shops will be open, snacks and beverages will be available for purchase and there will even be an opportunity for children to greet Sinterklaas.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Holland, MI (HOM)

DECEMBER 7 - 10, 2023

WPS Garden Of Lights

Green Bay, WI

 

Bright lights and fun nights are back. Discover a beautiful array of nature-inspired light displays, featuring an enchanted icicle forest, glistening flowers, a 60-foot walk-through caterpillar, glow necklaces and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Come spend a magical night with your loved ones with hot beverages, cookies and more.

Nearest Amtrak Station: Green Bay, WI (GBY)