8 FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
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West Coast of Wisconsin Cultural Festivals & Events for 2023 The Great River Road corridor on the Wisconsin side of Lake Pepin on the Mississippi has a deep history in celebrating the arts and culture of our region. Celebrations and festivals fill the calendar with enticing reasons to join in the fun! This list looks at 8 of the most beloved annual events.
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1: 25th Spring Fresh Art Tour: June 2nd ,3rd and 4th, 2023
Explore scenic backroads and enjoy spring & exuberance on this self-guided tour of our home studios and galleries. Throughout the picturesque villages & countryside of Pepin, Pierce & Buffalo counties, the artists who call this area home welcome you. Come hear their stories and take home a bit of their inspiration. For more information check out
https://www.freshart.org.
2. Home at Laura’s Place! The second full weekend of the months of June, July and August There will be living history demonstrations at the Laura Ingalls Wilder wayside cabin near Pepin. These weekends will offer the public a taste of what life was like for people of the 1870’s. The cabin will be furnished, and demonstrators will be preparing period food and involved with period activities. See https://www.lauraingallspepin.com for more info as it becomes available.
3. Annual 4th of July Parade & Festivities: Tuesday, July 4th 1 P.M.
There is nothing purer Americana than celebrating the Fourth of July in a small town. Join in the celebration for the annual parade at 1 pm followed by music and happenings around town. Hang out till dark and enjoy fireworks just up the hill in Lund, up the road in Maiden Rock or down in Stockholm Park where you can see fireworks from Lake City, Wabasha, Maiden Rock, and Red Wing!
4. Stockholm Art Fair: Saturday, July 15th, 2023, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
A grand summertime tradition returns to the shores of Lake Pepin with the 49th
Stockholm Art Fair. More than ninety new and returning artists have been juried into the spectacular one-day festival in the beautiful Stockholm Village Park. They will be showcasing work in all media including pottery, metal sculpture, jewelry, painting, printmaking, photography, fiber, wood, and glass. Accompanying them is an equally talented and diverse line-up of musical performers gracing the stage throughout the day. Fine local food vendors will be providing eats and treats on-site. Visit www.stockholmartfair.org for details.
5. Laura Ingalls Wilder Days: September 9th & 10th
Laura Ingalls Wilder Days is a family-oriented event featuring arts & educational entertainment based on the early American pioneer experience of storybook author, Laura Ingalls Wilder. Laura Days is held annually during the second full weekend in September in the village and surrounding hillsides of Laura's birthplace - Pepin, Wisconsin.
6. Fall Fresh Art Tour: October 6th, 7th, & 8th, 2023 (The first full weekend in October every year.)
Join us on the 25th Fall Fresh Art Tour Explore scenic backroads and submerse yourself in nature’s autumn artistry on this self-guided tour of our home studios and galleries. Throughout the picturesque villages & countryside of Pepin & Pierce counties, the artists who call this area home welcome you. Come hear their stories and take home a bit of their inspiration. Grab a snack, pick up a tour map at any one of the 21 sites, and watch for Fresh Art Tour signs along the way. More info is available at www.freshart.org
7. Women’s Weekend: “West Coast Style” On the West Coast of Wisconsin. Friday, Saturday & Sunday,
November 3-5, 2023(The first full weekend in November every year) The annual event celebrates the glories of fall and friendship. You will find the Coast filled with special events, activities, food, fellowship, and fun! Visit our event page for full details as they are posted.
8: Christmas on The West Coast of Wisconsin.
Villa Bellezza Outdoor Christmas Market: Dates TBD
Experience the tradition of a European outdoor Christmas market on the Wisconsin Great River Road. The piazza is transformed into a beautiful and lighted market, welcoming guests to shop local artisans and retailers for the holiday season. Check out https://www.villabellezza.com for details.
God Jul: A Stockholm Christmas. Saturday Dec 2nd, 9th and 167th, 2023 (First three weekends in December every year)
A Three weekend long celebration of the Season! Each weekend is filled with beauty, creativity, and the true spirit of the Holiday.
Dec 2nd: A SWEDISH CHRISTMAS
A celebration filled with tradition! Visit with our very own Jultomte & Mini Tomte, Photo Ops, Gifts & Holiday Treats! Keep your eyes peeled for the “Jultomte,” a gnome-like
creature who generally makes an appearance around Christmastime, riding a horse-drawn wagon through the village. (Weather permitting) Santa Lucia and our mini-Tomte will be in the village for photo opportunities and visiting. Gifts, hot drinks, and holiday food throughout the day!
Dec 9th: Holiday Market
Fill your holiday with joy and your Wishlist with unique and lovely things from the merchants of the village. Visit a quaint holiday Jul Market at The Stockholm Opera Hall event center and explore the many shops, galleries, boutiques and eating establishments for one of a kind holiday gifts and beautiful holiday finds!
Dec 16th: Fire of Stockholm Celebrate the Winter Solstice!
See the village lit as if in a magic fairy tale as the streets are lined with luminaries, ice candles, torches, and bonfires as the sun wains, culminating in a Solstice Celebration. Come marvel at the beauty and creativity! It’s a holiday wonderland on the Coast. One of our little villages, Stockholm, was named the best holiday town in America under 500 people! Check out www.facebook.com/TheWestCoastofWisconsin for more local holiday events during November and December.
