Things to Do in Dodge County
The events and places that come around every year.
I was born and raised here. If you are moving to the area and wondering what a year looks like, this is it.
The Dodge County Fair
Held at the Dodge County Fairgrounds on High Point Road in Beaver Dam, just off Highway 33, on 75 acres.
It runs five days, starting the third Wednesday of August. More than 50,000 people come every year, which makes it the biggest thing on the county calendar.
The fair has been running since 1853, when it was first held in Juneau. It moved to the current fairgrounds in 1961.
It centers on 4-H and FFA youth exhibits and livestock competitions, with carnival rides, a demolition derby, tractor pulls, and grandstand concerts. Children nine and under get in free and parking is free.
Through the year in Beaver Dam
Beaver Dam runs events through most of the year. These are the ones that come back annually.
- Wisconsin Arts and Peony Festival early summer
- Taste of Wisconsin Beer, Cheese and Wine Fest
- Beaver Dam Corn Roast late summer, a Chamber fundraiser with corn, brats and live music
- Pepper Fest
- Oktoberfest autumn
- Wine Tour
- Fall Downtown Fest and Casket Races autumn
- Holiday events downtown winter
Every Saturday, May to October
The Beaver Dam farmers market runs every Saturday from May through October.
Horicon Marsh
The marsh sits minutes from Beaver Dam and is the reason a lot of people find Dodge County in the first place. Birdwatching, hiking the nature trails, and paddling. The Horicon National Wildlife Refuge is part of it, and candlelight walks run through the cooler months.
HoriconOn the water
Beaver Dam Lake sits in the middle of town. The Beaverland Must-Skis put on waterski shows through the summer.
Arts and music
The Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre runs musicals, comedies, tribute acts and concerts through the year. There is community band and orchestra, murals and mosaics downtown, and live music at venues, parks, restaurants and bars around town. A lot of it is free.
Where to check dates
Dates move each year, so this page names what happens rather than when. For current dates, check those sites.
Thinking about moving to the area?
Start with the towns I serve, or get in touch.
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