2018 Downtown Baraboo Events
Click the event buttons on the left to see more information.
- Downtown Baraboo Farmers Market
- Wednesdays & Saturdays, May - October
- Downtown Baraboo Sunday Market
- May 27th, June 10th, July 8th, August 5th, Sept 2nd, and October 7th
- Spring Wine Walk
- Friday, May 4, 2018
- Spring Fair on the Square
- Saturday, May 11, 2019
- Concerts on the Square
- Thursday Evenings, June - August, 7pm
- ArtJune
- Saturday, June 16, 2018
- Summer Brew Ha-Ha
- Friday, June 22, 2018
- Big Top Parade
- July 21, 2018
- Fall Fair on the Square
- Saturday, October 12, 2019
- Fall Art Tour
- October 19 - 21, 2018
- Winter Wine Walk
- Friday, November 16, 2018
- Christmas Light Parade
- Saturday, November 17, 2018, 6pm
- Experience the Magic of Christmas
- Nov. 23 - Dec. 31, 2018
- The Very Merry Holiday Fair
- December 7 - 8, 2018
Spring Fair on the Square
Saturday, May 11, 2019 • 9am to 4pm
FAQ about being a crafter/artists at the FOS
- Dates for the 2019 Fair on the Square are May 11 and October 12, 2019
- Booth Fee is $85 for a 10'x10' Space. $170.00 for (2) 10'x10' Spaces. Electricity is an additional $10
- The is a juried show. Jury fee is $5.00 (non refundable). You must submit 2 photos of your work and 1 picture of your booth to be considered.
- This event takes place in Downtown Baraboo on 3rd and 4th Street/Avenue between Broadway and Ash Streets. All booths are setup on street level.
- Setup is on Saturday morning between 6am and 8am. All vendors should enter the downtown on Oak Street via 2nd Street and check in before setting up.
- The vendor parking lot is location two blocks south of the setup area and parking is FREE.
- This event runs from 9am - 4pm, rain or shine. No early take down.
- Approximate attendance for this event varies from 5000 - 8000 people depending on weather conditions.
- Average number of participating vendors per event is 150.
- Deadline for signup is 1 month prior to the event. Late submissions will incur a $20 late fee.
- How do you signup to be a vendor?
- Vendor Website: vendors.downtownbaraboo.com
- You may also request a PDF of the application be sent to you via email. The email address is: events@downtownbaraboo.com
- Download the Artist and Crafter Application
- Contact the event coordinator:
- Phone Number: 608-448-3490
- Email: event@downtownbaraboo.com
- Mailing Address: DBI, P.O. Box 216, Baraboo, WI 53913
Winter Wine Walk
Friday, November 16th • 6pm to 9pm
Join Downtown Baraboo merchants for a Wine Tasting Tour! Each location will have two wines (1 ounce each). A note pad with a map will be provided for note taking. A taste of wine, some delicious treats and a leisurely stroll around downtown with your friends. Tickets go on sale at 9am exactly one month prior to the event at Bekah Kate's. This event sells out quickly, so be sure to purchase your tickets right away!
- Tickets for the 2018 Winter Wine Walk go on sale October 16th at Bekah Kates
- Follow all the event details at Baraboo Wine Walk on Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When are the Wine Walks?
- The Downtown Baraboo Wine Walks are typically held the First Friday in May and the Friday before Thanksgiving.
- When do tickets go on sale?
- Tickets generally go on sale exactly one month before the event. There is usually a large line to buy tickets and at times there have been more people in line than tickets available.We would suggest that you get in line early!
- Can I call or email to reserve tickets?
- No, requests for tickets will not be taken by phone or email.
- What if I lose my Wine Walk ticket?
- Your Wine Walk ticket is just like cash. Lost tickets can not be replaced.
- What if I can't come to the Wine Walk at the last minute? What can I do with my tickets?
- You are welcome to turn the tickets in to Bekah Kate's, but they are non-refundable. Find some friends who didn't get tickets or have never been on the Wine Walk and give them a call! Or become a friend of the Downtown Baraboo Wine Walk on Facebook and let everyone know you have tickets available! You can also post there if you need tickets!
- When can I pick up my glass?
- You can pick up your glass starting at 9am at Bekah Kate's on the day of the wine walk. You must bring all of your tickets with you to pick up your glasses. You will receive one glass, one wristband and wine glass ring per ticket.
- Where do I start the evening?
- Once you have picked up your glass at Bekah Kate's, you can start at any location on the wine walk starting at 6pm!
- What should I do if I have had too much to drink?
- Please don't drive!! You can call a cab, we will provide several numbers you can call in your wine walk booklet.
- Where can I buy the wines that are featured on the Wine Walk?
- The majority of the wines featured on the Wine Walk are available at Bekah Kate's.
- What are the rules I need to be aware of?
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- You must be 21 to attend the Wine Walk.
- You must rinse and empty your wine glass before leaving each and every stop.
- If you need a drink of water, drink it inside one of the locations. You may not have any liquid in your glass while on the city sidewalks in between stops!
- Please...no strollers
- What if I have questions while on the wine walk?
- You can ask any of the staff at the participating businesses or one of our wine walk ambassadors who will be strolling around throughout the evening.
Some tips for making your evening more enjoyable...
- Avoid waiting in line by picking up your glass and wristband anytime before 6:00 pm the day of the walk.
- Write your name on the back of your booklet and wine glass ring, when there are lots of booklets and glasses floating around that look the same, if you set yours down you may not be able to find it.
- Make a plan, sit down with your group and make a plan of the locations that you would like to visit. With over 25 locations on the Wine Walk it will be impossible to visit all of them in 3 hours, so choose locations that you have never been to or that have wines you are interested in tasting.
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress weather appropriate, there is a good deal of walking outside during this event.
- Choose a meeting location or route in case you get separated from your group.
- If you make purchases (There are some GREAT sales on the route), ask the business to keep your bag behind the counter and pick it up at the end of the Wine Walk or the next day.
- Come hungry, every location has fabulous food pairings to match their wines.
- Provided you have your glass and wristband, you may start at any location at 6:00pm. Lots of groups start at the end or the beginning, so you can avoid crowded locations by starting somewhere in the middle.
- Follow traffic pedestrian rules. Please only cross the streets at crosswalks.
- Bring your ID. We will refuse to serve you if you cannot prove you are 21 years of age.
- We will refuse to serve anyone who appears to be intoxicated.
Christmas Light Parade
Saturday, November 17 2018 • 6pm
See glittering lighted floats, reindeer and equestrian units, marching bands, and novelty units. Witness Santa as he lights the Official Downtown Baraboo Holiday Tree. After the parade, children and families are invited to visit with Santa and have their pictures taken. Get more ideas for enjoying the day on our blog.
The theme of this year's parade is : Favorite Christmas Carol
Join the Parade
Everyone loves a parade, but only a select few get to be in it! Here's your chance. Download the Parade Guidelines and Entry Form Package and get busy on your float!
Click here for theParade Entry Form
Parade Tips
Here are some tips to make watching the Downtown Baraboo Christmas Parade a bit more enjoyable:
- Dress warmly. Temperatures can range from a mild 50 degrees F down to a chilly 20 degrees. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and get cozy for a spectacular show!
- There will be food booths in the downtown business district offering hot drinks and snack items to help keep you warm!
- If you have small children you'll want to plan on being downtown about one hour before the parade starts for pre-parade entertainment.
- The parade lasts about 45 minutes and will not be canceled unless there are extreme weather conditions. Check this site for any cancellation notice.
- There are many free public parking lots within one block of the parade route. Check the map for locations.
- Make a Day of It! Come early and start your holiday gift shopping. Downtown retailers kick off the Christmas season with an open house starting at 10:00 a.m. serving free refreshments.
Parade Route
Thank you 2018 Christmas Light Parade Sponsors
| Platinum Level | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| Silver Level | |||
| Baraboo State Bank | St. Clare Hospital | Alliant Energy | Hometown Pharmacy - Corner Drug Store |
| Bronze Level | |||
| Summit Credit Union | Red Shed | Coffee Bean Connection | Don Rick Insurance |
| Supreme Awards | Oak Park Place | ||
| Individual Level | |||
| BMO Harris | |||
Christmas Festival
Mid November to Christmas
Nestled in the Baraboo Bluffs just 45 minutes north of Madison on Hwy 12, and only 10 minutes south of Wisconsin Dells, the vibrant community of Baraboo offers 5 weekends of Family Fun and Holiday Shopping for young and old alike. Visit Downtown Baraboo for holiday activities each weekend from the Saturday before Thanksgiving until New Years. A beautiful courthouse square is surrounded by cheerful storefronts, enthusiastic shopkeepers, and a thriving assembly of artists. Downtown Baraboo offers all of the amenities that create a wonderful day-trip for family or friends any time of year, but especially during the holiday season!
Free Horse and Wagon Rides and visits with Santa
Saturdays, Thanksgiving through Christmas • 11am to 2pm
Visit our beautiful community and climb aboard the horse-drawn wagon for a nostalgic holiday ride through Downtown Baraboo. Rides are available every Saturday from Thanksgiving to Christmas between 11:00 am to 2:00pm. Pick up and drop off is the corner of 3rd and Oak Street. What a great way to check out all that Downtown Baraboo has to offer. Don't worry if it's cold. Warm up with some hot chocolate from one of the wonderful specialty food merchants. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to experience a visit from the strolling carolers as they serenade Santa at the Historic Al Ringling Theatre.
Santa is welcomed to Downtown Baraboo during Christmas Light Parade and lights the Official Downtown Baraboo Christmas Tree near the new renovated Al Ringling Theatre! Immediately after the parade children and families are invited to come Inside the Al Ringling Theater to visit with Santa and have their pictures taken. Every Saturday through the Holiday Season Santa invites you to visit him at the Al Ringling Theatre, 136 4th Avenue, from 11am to 2pm. Bring your camera! Sponsored by the Baraboo Burger CompanyBlack Friday
Friday, November 23 8-10am Only
Black Friday in Downtown Baraboo is the best version of Black Friday shopping. Grab a cup of hot coffee or breakfast and shop select downtown Baraboo Shops for some of the deepest Discounts of the YEAR! Specific shop promotions will be released at 12 noon on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Special Prices only 8am to 10am at select Shops in Downtown Baraboo.
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 24
Shop Small Business Saturday in Downtown Baraboo, support your local retailers who support your community all year long.
Holiday Open House
Saturday, December 1
Downtown merchants will host their Annual Downtown Christmas Open House on Saturday, December 1st, 2018. Shoppers can catch up on their holiday gift-buying in the many specialty stores located throughout the historic downtown and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the fabulous cafes, taverns or restaurants.
Artisan Weekend
Saturday, December 8
The Shops of Downtown Baraboo invite local artists in to their stores to sell and sometimes demonstrate their crafts. 11-2 on Saturday December 8th. Also on Artisan weekend our very own Char from Helen's Daughters hosts The Very Merry Holiday Fair at the Baraboo Art Center on Water Street Friday and Saturday. This is a show not to miss! Saturday is also the Sauk County Historical Society Open House.
Santa is Coming to Town
Saturday, December 15
Bring the whole family to Downtown Baraboo for a day of old fashion Family Fun. Horse drawn Wagon Rides, visits with Santa, carolers & Shopping! On Saturday, December 15th select Shops will feature a special $10 or less kids shopping table so all the children can shop for their loved ones.
Date Night
Friday, December 21
Spend the evening with that special someone in Downtown Baraboo. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the Holiday season! Grab that special someone and make the trip to Downtown Baraboo for an evening. Take a moon lit horse and wagon Ride, tie up the loose ends of your holiday shopping ( or get started!), grab a cocktail, or catch a movie at the Al Ringling Theatre.
Extended Shopping
Friday, December 21
From mid December to Christmas most shops are open until 7:00pm with extended hours. Our downtown offers that unique gift, big surprise or special item that you just can't find anywhere but here. Come and enjoy the beautiful scenery, hospitality and uniqueness that is all Baraboo. Our merchants will make your last days of shopping enjoyable moments as you find that perfect something for that special someone.
Please Patronize Our Sponsors:
Our Downtown Baraboo Christmas sponsors make all the wonderful events listed above possible. Please help us thank them by visiting their stores and businesses this holiday season and throughout the year.| Downtown Baraboo's Holiday Promotions are sponsored by Magnum Media | The Christmas Light Parade is sponsored by Pizza Ranch of Baraboo |
Our Premium Business Sponsors:A Vintage CoopA Sense of Adventure Ardyth's Sew N Shoppe Baraboo Burger Co Baraboo Childrens Museum Baraboo State Bank Bekah Kates Brunker Realty Coffeebean Connection Hometown Pharmacy Corner Drug Cornerstone Gallery Contryside Refind Fetch 22 Helen's Daughter Studio/Very Merry Holiday Fair International Crane Foundation Jen's Alpine Cafe Just Imagine Toys Neato's Bake Shoppe Radio Shack Spa Serenity The Grainery The Jeweler's Edge The Village Booksmith Ya Ya Bear |
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Our Business Sponsors:Amber MoonEtcetera by BLH Eclectic Treasures Lillian Verrall Recycled Sallys Von Klaus Winery Urbanwood Studio |
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Farmer's Market
Wednesday and Saturday, May through October • 7:30am to 1:00pm
Started by local growers in the late-1980's, the Baraboo Farmers' Market has become a favorite feature of downtown life for Baraboo residents, who avail themselves of the wealth of locally produced agricultural products every Wednesday and Saturday morning from early May through October. Only Wisconsin-produced fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, eggs, bakery items, flowers and perennials, bedding plants, jams and jellies, maple syrup and honey, herbs and herbal products, and other commodities are allowed to be sold at the market. Not only does the market provide an outlet for local and regional growers, it offers consumers the opportunity to purchase products directly from the people who make or grow them, thus fostering an appreciation for the producer's labor and for Wisconsin's agricultural heritage.
The Baraboo Farmers' Market is held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm on the Courthouse Square on Oak Street between 3rd and 4th Streets. The market runs from May through October.
If you are a grower interested in participating in the 2017 market, please visit www.baraboofarmersmarket.com for more information and applications.
Art June
Saturday, June 16, 2018
Sunday Market
Select Sundays, May through October
The Downtown Baraboo Sunday Market includes Antique Dealers, Collectors, Artisans and Crafters selling their work on the streets of Downtown Baraboo. The Market will be open May 27th, June 10th, July 8th, August 5th, September 2nd, and October 7th from 9am - 3pm.
Stop by and check it out!
If you are interested in participating in the Sunday Market, please contact
Mary Hultman - Events CoordinatorP.O. Box 216, Baraboo,WI 53913
Ph. 608-448-3490
events@downtownbaraboo.com
Brew-Ha-Ha
Friday, June 21, 2019
Join us for a Beer Tasting Tour at Select Downtown Baraboo Businesses
Downtown Baraboo Inc. hosts a Beer Walk each year on the last Friday in June. Taste fabulous Wisconsin Craft beers as you wander through Downtown Baraboo. Participating merchants offer two unique beers to sample. Local breweries will also be onsite pouring featured selections.
Brew Ha Ha ticket will go on sale Tuesday, May 21st at Bekah Kates (117 3rd Street) at 9am. Tickets may also be purchased online at EventBright.com one hour later.
We will also have Designated Driver tickets available for sale online and at Bekah Kates. (All event attendees, including designated drivers must be 21 years old and be prepared to be carded)
Brew Ha Ha Frequently Asked Questions
- When will the Brew Ha Ha event be held?
- The next Downtown Baraboo Brew Ha Ha will be held on June 21, 2019.
- When do tickets go on sale?
- Tickets generally go on sale at Bekah Kate's exactly one month before the event. Remember:
- Limit of 4 tickets per person.
- Tickets are $25.00 each. Cash or Check only.
- 350 tickets available.
- There is usually a large line to buy tickets, so we suggest that you get in line early!
- Can I call or email to reserve tickets?
- Requests for tickets will not be taken by phone or email but you may be able to purchase them online (This page will have the link when it is available).
- Can I call or email to purchase tickets the day the tickets go on sale?
- On the day that the tickets go on sale, and after everyone that was in line has been served, in-person, phone, and e-mail orders will be taken until all tickets have been sold.
- What if I lose my Brew Ha Ha ticket?
- Your Brew Ha Ha ticket is just like cash. Lost tickets can not be replaced.
- What if I can't come to the Brew Ha Ha at the last minute? What can I do with my tickets?
- You are welcome to turn the tickets in to Bekah Kate's, but they are non-refundable. We suggest that you find some friends who didn't get tickets or have never been on the Brew Ha Ha and give them a call!
- When can I pick up my glass?
- You can pick up your glass starting at 9am at Bekah Kate's on the day of the Brew Ha Ha. Remember:
- You must bring all of your tickets with you to pick up your glasses.
- You will receive one glass, one wristband and one ticket lanyard per ticket.
- Where do I start the evening?
- Once you have picked up your glass at Bekah Kate's, you can start at any location on the Brew Ha Ha starting at 6pm!
- What should I do if I have had too much to drink?
- Please don't drive!! Please call a cab or friend to drive you home.
- Where can I buy the beers that are featured on the Brew Ha Ha?
- Many of the beers featured on the Brew Ha Ha are available at Monks and Bekah Kate's.
- What are the rules I need to be aware of?
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- You must be 21 to attend the Brew Ha Ha.
- You must rinse and empty your glass before leaving each and every stop.
- If you need a drink of water, drink it inside one of the locations. You may not have any liquid in your glass while on the city sidewalks in between stops!
- Please...no strollers
- What if I have questions while on the Brew Ha Ha?
- You can ask any of the staff at the participating businesses or one of our Brew Ha Ha ambassadors who will be strolling around throughout the evening.
Concerts on the Square
Thursdays, June 7th through August 30th • 7:00pm
Concerts on the Square in Downtown Baraboo are hosted every Thursday evening at 7pm, July through August on the lawn of Baraboo's Historic Courthouse. Bring your family, your blanket or lawn chairs and plan for an evening of entertainment and relaxation. Refreshments available for purchase and limited number of chairs are provided. In the event of rain please check Facebook for the alternate location.
If you are interested in preforming at Concert on the Square or Supporting the Concert season please email jstich@yahoo.com.
Big Top Parade and Circus Celebration
Saturday, July 20, 2019 • 8am to 3pm
Photo by Mike Johnsen
Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages!
July 20th, 2019 the Baraboo Community will be alive with events and activities as we celebrate the 7th Annual Big Top Parade and Circus Celebration in downtown Baraboo. This year, the parade theme will be “All You Need is Love” celebrating the 1960's era. The Big Top Parade & Circus Celebration will feature concerts, children's activities, carnival games, live performances, a concert on the Square and food vendors from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. The main event — the Big Top Parade — kicks off at 11:00 a.m. Along with our grand marshals, the parade features over 75 traditional circus parade units and circus-themed entries created by community groups and businesses.
For more information, visit BigTopParade.com or contact the Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce at (608) 356-8333.
Photos by Bill Johnsen
