IN THE LOOP
Walworth County is packed this weekend with fall festivals, family fun, and big community moments. Oktoberfest brings steins, German food, and all‑day music in several locations, while Lake Geneva turns into a fantasy playground for Dragon Days. Saturday is loaded with local favorites — massive craft fairs, car shows, costume swaps, hands‑on kids’ activities, duck raffles, pumpkin painting, and even a nighttime corn‑maze‑under‑the‑stars farm party. Sunday keeps the energy going with Cars & Coffee, the Burlington Fly‑In, and the Geneva Outdoor Market.
This week’s spotlight shines on the Delavan Public Library, offering free programs, STEAM kits, museum passes, and a huge perk: check out anything by October 3 and keep it until their November 14 grand reopening. Plus, families score big with free admission at the Milwaukee County Zoo this Saturday.
ALL WEEKEND
Oktoberfest 2026! - Celebrate the 7th Annual Oktoberfest at Duesterbeck's Brewing Company with incredible beer, authentic German food, live music all day, German dancing, family activities, artisan vendors, and limited edition merch. Add to Calendar
• Sat Oct 3: 10am-10pm
• Sun Oct 4: 10am-6pm
• N5543 County Road O, Elkhorn, WI
Dragon Days™ Fall Fantasy Festival 2026 - A fall fantasy festival celebrating Lake Geneva as the Birthplace of Dungeons & Dragons®. Family friendly with activities for kids, fantasy fans, and gamers. Kids 12 and under are FREE. Add to Calendar
• Sat Oct 3 & Sun Oct 4: 10am-8pm
• 1000 W Main St, Lake Geneva, WI
SATURDAY
WAHA Fall Colors Open Horse Show - Annual open all breed horse show, Border Run approved, held in the back draft covered arena at the Walworth County Fairgrounds. Add to Calendar
• Sat Oct 3: 8:30-11:30am
• Walworth County Fairgrounds
THE BASH – Annual Elkhorn Holiday Craft Bash - Over 300 indoor/outdoor crafters, artisans, and vendors across the Fairgrounds. Admission $5; free parking. Add to Calendar
• Sat Oct 3: 9am-4pm
• Walworth County Fairgrounds
East Troy Lions Car Show - Community car show benefiting the local Lions Club. Add to Calendar
• Sat Oct 3: 9am-12pm
• 3072 Graydon Ave, East Troy
Costume Swap! - Tons of free costumes for all ages. Grab a costume and visit Dragon Days in Library Park. Add to Calendar
• Sat Oct 3: 9am-3pm
• Lake Geneva Public Library
Community Construction Zone - Free family friendly event with hands on activities, carpentry skills competition, and career exploration. Add to Calendar
• Sat Oct 3: 10am-2pm
• Ironworks Campus, 4th St, Beloit
Duck Raffle Make Up - Make up duck raffle with live duck pulls from the fountain starting at 11am. Duck tickets still available. Add to Calendar
• Sat Oct 3: 11am-2pm
• Water Tower Park
Town of Delavan Oktoberfest – Free Event! - Live music, German dancing, food, drinks, kids’ pumpkin painting, Porsche club display, contests, and more. Add to Calendar
• Sat Oct 3: 12pm-6pm
• Waters Edge on Delavan Lake
Fall Night on the Farm - Evening farm event with live music, food trucks, corn maze under the stars, hayrides, and local beer. Add to Calendar
• Sat Oct 3: 5pm-10pm
• Green Meadows Petting Farm Wisconsin
Movie Night – Mean Girls - Free outdoor movie night hosted by Elkhorn Rec Department at the Sunset Park Bandshell. Add to Calendar
• Sat Oct 3: 7pm-9pm
• Sunset Park, Elkhorn
SUNDAY
Cars and Coffee - Enjoy coffee, food trucks, and show off your ride. Then take it all on a drive or hike on the Kettle Moraine Scenic Path. Add to Calendar
• Sun Oct 4: 9am-12pm
• Alberts Dog Lounge, Whitewater
2026 Burlington Airport – KBUU Fly-In - Midwest fly-in featuring vintage planes and vintage German cars, pancake breakfast, lunch offerings, vendors, and family fun. Add to Calendar
• Sun Oct 4: 10am-2pm
• Airport Dr, Burlington, WI
Geneva Outdoor Market - Weekly outdoor market with farm goods, art, live music, coffeehouse, beer garden, indoor/outdoor seating, and free parking. Add to Calendar
• Sun Oct 4: 10am-2pm
• Lake Geneva House of Music
SPOTLIGHT
LIGHT IT UP
Delavan Public Library
📚 If you haven’t stopped by the Delavan Public Library lately, you’re missing out on one of the most underrated treasures in Walworth County. This place is packed with free resources, programs, and perks that make life easier (and way more fun) for families, students, and anyone who loves learning or exploring. 🌟 What They Offer — All Free Story times & Early Literacy Programs STEAM Kits & Learning Tools Museum & Attraction Passes Public Computers, Printing, & Wi‑Fi Teen & Adult Programs A Massive Collection Delavan Public Library is one of those places where you walk in for one thing and leave with five new discoveries. 🎉 Huge Perk: Check Out ANYTHING by Oct 3 — Keep It Until Nov 14 Because the library is undergoing renovations, they’re offering a fantastic deal: 👉 If you check out ANY item by October 3, you can keep it until their Grand Reopening on November 14. - No renewals. Just a long, cozy stretch of fall reading, movie watching, and learning — all for free. For families, this is an incredible value. Load up on picture books, chapter books, DVDs, STEAM kits, and weekend boredom‑busters… and enjoy them for over a month. 🏗️ Grand Reopening — November 14 The library will reopen with refreshed spaces, updated features, and a renewed focus on community programming. Expect a celebration, new resources, and a beautifully improved environment. |
DEALS
LOW-COST LOCAL
Brookfield Zoo
FREE ZOO ADMISSION DAY
It’s genuinely one of the best times of year to drive a little and visit the Milwaukee County Zoo — cooler weather, active animals, and tons to see.
This Saturday, October 3, the Milwaukee County Zoo is offering FREE
admission for families, and honestly… it’s a huge deal. For a family of four, regular admission can easily hit $50–$60+, before parking. Getting in free is a massive savings — especially during a weekend packed with special animal activities and fall fun.
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect day to go, this is it. The Zoo is also offering two more free - admission days later this year:
November 7
December 5
CHECK OUT
The renovated Big Cat habitat is drawing crowds — more viewing angles, more enrichment, and more chances to see the lions and tigers up close.
The Gorilla Troop has been especially active with new climbing structures and daily keeper talks that kids love.
The Reptile & Amphibian House is showcasing several new species this season, including rare frogs and a massive reticulated python
Fall animal feedings (bears, otters, seals) are happening more frequently, and they’re always a hit with families
Seasonal treats — pumpkin enrichment for animals, fall‑themed snacks for humans, and warm drinks around the zoo grounds.
DATE NIGHT
LEAVE THE KIDS AT HOME
FRIDAY
TFI Friday Comedy - If your week needs a hard reset made of pizza, punchlines, and party lights, this is it. Loud laughs, electric vibes, and gloriously FREE admission. Add to Calendar
• Fri Oct 2: 5pm-9:30pm
• Lake Geneva House of Music
SATURDAY
Psychic Medium Show with Sheri Jewel - A spirit led evening where certified medium Sheri Jewel connects with loved ones on the other side. Warm, authentic, and unforgettable — though individual readings aren’t guaranteed. Add to Calendar
• Sat Oct 3: 7pm-10pm
• 111 Center St, Lake Geneva
Glow in the Dark Trail Ride - Ride your horse along luminary lit trails and rainbow colored light paths. Add battery powered lights for extra glow. Hot drinks available; pre registration encouraged. Add to Calendar
• Sat Oct 3: 7pm-9pm
• N5090 Bowers Road, Elkhorn
SUNDAY
Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert – 40th Anniversary - Watch the cult classic on a stunning HD screen while a live band performs the full soundtrack in sync with David Bowie’s iconic vocals. Costumes, sing alongs, and nostalgia welcome. Add to Calendar
• Sun Oct 4: 7:30pm-10:30pm
• Coronado Theatre, Rockford
LOOP US IN
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See you around town,
D, Your Local Loop Guide