1. Bockfest
City: Middleton, WI
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (608) 836-7100
Address: 7734 Terrace Ave.
Description: The last Sat in Feb, beer fans don their mittens and mufflers and head to a beer garden for the day no matter what the temperature is. This is the release of Capital’s Blonde Doppelbock, and patrons line up for T-shirts and special drinking mugs. Live music entertains the crowd, and the event’s climax is when Brewmaster Kirby Nelson gets up on the roof of the brewery and throws mildly explosive smoked chub (fish) into the crowd below. Anyone recovering an intact fish head is rewarded with a beer. Admission is free but the beer isn’t.
2. Burgers And Brew
City: Middleton, WI
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (608) 217-2987
Address: 7734 Terrace Ave.
Description: Farmers and brewers get together for this celebration of local food and drink. Tickets cost around $25 and grant you three mini-burgers and a small glass of beer. Some popular area chefs contribute their culinary skills. The event raises money for REAP Food Group’s Buy Fresh Buy Local program, which connects area restaurants with area farmers. Besides the host brewery, several other area brewers are on hand as are some cheesemakers.
3. Good Neighbor Fest
City: Middleton, WI
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Address: 7400 Lee St.
Description: Since 1964 Middleton has been celebrating its small-town neighborly spirit and recognizing members of the community who have been “good neighbors.” The three-day Aug event includes a craft fair, 5k run, raffle, carnival rides, lots of games for the kids and families, and live music. A parade makes its way down University Avenue on Sun. The event is free.