Events in Door County
From the vibrant cherry blossoms of spring to the golden shoreline bonfires of summer, Door County is home to a wide variety of year-round celebrations. View some of the region’s top annual events below, and be sure to secure easy access to all the festivities with waterfront lodging at The Shallows Resort!
Spring Events
Door County Half Marathon & Nicolet Bay 5K
When: Early May
Where: Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek
This fun spring outing sees runners take over Peninsula State Park each May. Winding along limestone cliffs and past the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, these scenic courses offer a beautiful setting for entrants in both events. Even if you’re not competing, spectators can line sections of the route to cheer on participants before enjoying local food and drinks at the post-race celebration.
Cherry Blossom Experience
When: Mid to late May
Where: All across Door County
Late spring brings a wave of white and pink blossoms across Door County’s historic orchards. As thousands of cherry trees bloom, a peaceful drive or bike ride down a country road offers an up-close look at this stunning seasonal display. Peak bloom usually hits in late May, turning the peninsula into a vivid landscape just before the summer crowds arrive.
Summer Events
Fyr Bal Festival
When: Mid-June
Where: Eagle Harbor in Ephraim
Held in Ephraim each June, this traditional Scandinavian festival celebrates the summer solstice with bonfires along the waterfront. Attendees watch a ceremonial burning to banish winter spirits, while you’ll also find plenty of live music, artisan booths, and customary Scandinavian food. The evening caps off with a massive bonfire and fireworks display over Eagle Harbor.
Door County Plein Air Festival
When: Mid to late July
Where: All across Door County
Every July, dozens of top-tier landscape painters head to the peninsula to capture Door County’s summer scenery in real time. Visitors can watch the artists at work along rocky shores, historic farms, and town main streets during quick-paint events and public demonstrations. The week culminates in gallery exhibits, plus auctions where you can view and purchase canvases fresh off the easel.
Peninsula Music Festival
When: Throughout August
Where: Door Community Auditorium in Fish Creek
For three weeks every August, the Door Community Auditorium fills with world-class orchestral performances by musicians from top programs across the country. Concertgoers experience symphonic masterpieces in an intimate setting that feels worlds away from the typical massive metropolitan concert hall. It’s a regional staple of the late summer season, drawing classical music fans from all over the Midwest.
Sister Bay Marina Fest
When: Labor Day weekend
Where: Sister Bay Marina
Labor Day weekend in Sister Bay features a packed lineup of family-friendly fun right on the waterfront. Visitors gather each year along the shoreline to enjoy live music, browse craft booths, and sample local food trucks before a stunning fireworks display caps off the holiday.
Fall Events
Trails & Ales
When: Mid-September
Where: Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay
Hosted by Crossroads at Big Creek in Sturgeon Bay, this September event invites visitors to stroll a scenic woodland trail while sampling craft beers from regional breweries. You can expect an easygoing afternoon that pairs relaxed outdoor recreation with pours from the peninsula’s top brew specialists. Food trucks and live music round out the experience, making it a favorite for any craft beer enthusiast.
Egg Harbor Pumpkin Patch Festival
When: Columbus Day weekend
Where: Downtown Egg Harbor
Columbus Day weekend brings an autumn wonderland to Egg Harbor, with pumpkin carving, games, and arts-and-crafts vendors lining the street during the annual Pumpkin Patch Festival. Families and friends gather for live music and festival food, while the surrounding local fall foliage hits its peak color.
Sister Bay Fall Fest
When: Mid-October
Where: Downtown Sister Bay
This October weekend is one of the county’s biggest celebrations, featuring a massive parade, delicious street food, and plenty of live music. The famous derby race, car show, and carnival rides draw huge crowds to this unique late-autumn tradition. Many local businesses and restaurants are heavily involved as well, making it a true community-wide event.
Winter Events
Door County Christkindlmarkt
When: Late November – Mid December
Where: Corner of the Past Museum in Sister Bay
Spread across select weekends in late November and December, this European-style winter market brings open-air holiday shopping to Sister Bay’s historic Corner of the Past museum. Artisans showcase handcrafted gifts, pottery, and woodwork, while food booths serve mulled wine, hot cocoa, and traditional holiday eats. The venue’s twinkling lights and festive music create an incredible atmosphere for holiday shopping.
Christmas by the Bay Parade
When: Early December
Where: Downtown Sturgeon Bay
Sturgeon Bay rings in the holiday season with a festive downtown parade filled with illuminated floats, marching bands, and holiday cheer. Families line 3rd Avenue to catch candy and wait for the arrival of Santa Claus himself. The weekend also features seasonal events at local shops, plus family-friendly activities throughout the area.
Fire & Ice Festival
When: Mid-February
Where: Throughout Sturgeon Bay
February brings an annual winter weekend celebration to Sturgeon Bay, anchored by a community ice-carving competition. Visitors watch professionals turn massive blocks of ice into intricate sculptures displayed all around town. The chilly weekend wraps up with winter games and a gorgeous fireworks show over the bay.