This year, we’re celebrating the 80th annual Fall Fest in Sister Bay. This long-standing tradition marks the end of the busy season, and it’s a fun way to usher out summer. Whether you’re attending for the first time or you’re a Fall Fest regular, this is your complete guide to everything you need to know heading into the weekend, from parking and logistics to a complete schedule of events.
Date: October 16–18, 2026
Location: Downtown Sister Bay
Fall Fest is one of those weekends that makes Sister Bay come alive in a whole new way. The village is filled with live music, family activities, delicious local food, shopping, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy one last big weekend together before the season winds down.
If you’re planning to join us for the 80th annual celebration, here’s everything you need to know before you arrive.
Road Closures & Detours
One of the biggest things to keep in mind when planning your Fall Fest weekend is the road closure through downtown Sister Bay.
Highway 42 will be closed from Highway 57 to Scandia Road during the following times:
- Saturday, October 17: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Sunday, October 18: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
If you’re driving into Sister Bay during these hours, plan ahead and allow some extra time for the detour. Downtown will be busy, and taking an alternate route can help make getting to and from the festival a little easier.
Parking & Transportation
With thousands of visitors expected in Sister Bay for Fall Fest, having a parking plan before you arrive can make your weekend much easier. There will be several parking options available, along with shuttles running throughout Saturday.
Park & Ride
A Park & Ride service will be available on Saturday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. at the Former Shopko Parking Lot, located at 2541 S Bay Shore Dr, Sister Bay, WI 54234.
After 5 p.m., the Former Shopko Parking Lot will become a stop on the full shuttle route, making it easy to continue using the shuttle later in the evening.
Additional parking areas include:
- Sister Bay Sports Complex
- Marina Trailer Parking Lot — 2272 Sunset Drive, Sister Bay
- East Mill Road — street parking is available on both sides. Please note that East Mill Road will be closed at Highway 42 during detour hours.
- Handicap parking — available at the Marina Parking Lot.
Shuttles
There will be three shuttles running on Saturday to help visitors get around during Fall Fest.
- Two shuttles will travel to nearby hotels.
- One Park & Ride shuttle will pick up and drop off passengers at the Former Shopko Parking Lot.
If you’re staying at a nearby hotel, check the shuttle schedule and route before heading out so you know where and when to catch your ride.
Parking Restrictions
Please pay close attention to temporary parking restrictions throughout the festival area. No parking will be permitted in the following locations:
- Both sides of Woodcrest Road from Mill Road to Scandia Road
- East side of Spring Road
- Scandia Road
- Highway 57
- Highway 42
Following these restrictions helps keep the detour routes clear and allows festival traffic, emergency vehicles, and shuttles to move safely through the area.
Our Parking Tip
If you’re coming into Sister Bay for the busiest parts of Fall Fest, consider using the Park & Ride rather than trying to find a parking spot downtown. Arriving early, following the posted signs, and using the shuttle system can save you time and make getting to the festival much easier.
Information Tent
Have a question while you’re at Fall Fest? Look for the blue Sister Bay information tents, located at the corner of Mill Road and Highway 42.
The information tent is your go-to spot for questions about the event and other Fall Fest essentials. You can:
- Get answers to your Fall Fest questions
- Purchase 50/50 raffle tickets
- Purchase official Fall Fest merchandise
Stop by the information tent if you need help navigating the weekend or want to take home a little piece of the 80th annual celebration.
Fall Fest Activities & Events
There is no shortage of things to see and do during Fall Fest! From browsing local makers and listening to live music to classic festival activities for the whole family, there is something happening throughout the village all weekend long.
Arts & Crafts Fair
Shop local and discover something new at the Fall Fest Arts & Crafts Fair, featuring approximately 100 vendors along West Mill Road.
The fair is open:
- Friday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Take your time browsing the booths and discover handmade goods, unique finds, gifts, artwork, and more.
Live Music
Music will be happening throughout the village all weekend, with stages located throughout Sister Bay.
The complete live music schedule will be available in the official Fall Fest Guide, published in the Peninsula Pulse, and shared on our social media channels. Be sure to check the schedule before you arrive so you can plan your weekend around your favorite performers.
Fall Fest Parade
One of the weekend’s can’t-miss traditions is the Fall Fest Parade, happening Saturday, October 17 at 11 a.m.
Find a spot along the parade route, bring the family, and get ready to enjoy one of the highlights of the weekend.
Family Fun in Marina Park
Looking for something for the kids? Head to Marina Park on Saturday and Sunday for a variety of family-friendly activities, including a bouncy house and games.
Ferris Wheel
Take in the sights of Fall Fest from above on the Ferris wheel, located in front of the DöRR Hotel. The Ferris wheel will be running Friday and Saturday.
Pancake Breakfast
Start your Saturday with a hearty breakfast at the Sister Bay Fire Station.
Saturday, October 17 | 7:30–10 a.m.
Grab some breakfast before heading out to enjoy the rest of the day’s Fall Fest activities.
Friday Night Fish Boil
Kick off the weekend with a classic Door County tradition at the Sister Bay Fire Station.
Friday, October 16 | 5–7 p.m.
Come hungry and enjoy the Friday night Fish Boil before exploring everything else Fall Fest has to offer.
Derby Race
Sunday morning brings the Derby Race, another fun Fall Fest tradition.
Sunday, October 18 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Come out and cheer on the participants as they race their way through this fun Sunday event.
Ping Pong Ball Drop
Don’t miss one of Sunday’s fun finale events!
Sunday, October 18 | 2 p.m.
Head out for the Ping Pong Ball Drop and see if you can be one of the lucky participants.
Tips for a Great Fall Fest Weekend
A little planning can go a long way when attending one of Sister Bay’s biggest weekends of the year.
- Check the schedule before you arrive. Pick out the events you don’t want to miss and plan the rest of your day around them.
- Give yourself extra travel time. Road closures, detours, and increased traffic are all part of the weekend.
- Arrive early. Especially if you’re coming for a popular Saturday event.
- Dress for fall weather. October in Door County can bring a mix of temperatures, so layers are always a good idea.
- Be flexible. With so much happening throughout the weekend, you may discover a new favorite event along the way.
We’ll See You at Fall Fest!
celebration is sure to be a memorable one.
Mark your calendar for October 16–18, 2026, plan your route, check the event schedule, and get ready for one of Sister Bay’s biggest weekends of the year.
We’ll see you in downtown Sister Bay for the 80th annual Fall Fest!
