This year's Halloween Extravaganza at Devil’s Lake State Park is coming up on Saturday, October…
Summer may be winding down, but the calendar around Devil’s Lake, Baraboo, and Sauk County is just getting busy. From powwows and parades to trail runs and art tours, fall brings a mix of traditions, community gatherings, and unique outdoor experiences. Here’s a look ahead at some of the events happening as the seasons change, kicking off this weekend!
Neesh-La Powwow | August 22–24
E10793 Reedsburg Rd., Baraboo (near the casino)
The Neesh-La Powwow brings three days of dance, song, and community. Grand Entries are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 1 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at noon. Expect dance contests for all ages, a $10,000 singing competition, and specials like Women’s Fancy Shawl and Men’s Chicken Dance. Food and craft vendors will be on site.
Admission: $10/day or $15 weekend pass. Open to the public and family-friendly.
Ho-Chunk Dance with Elliott Funmaker Sr. | August 29
Devil’s Lake State Park, North Shore – behind Rock Elm Shelter
Elliott Funmaker Sr. (Ho-Chunk) and his group will share traditional Ho-Chunk music and dance in a family-friendly performance. Alongside the dancing, Elliott will explain the meaning behind the regalia, drum, and symbols used. Bring a blanket or chair for seating.
Admission: Free with a Wisconsin State Park sticker.
More: Visit our Events Calendar for more info.
Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw | August 29–30
Prairie du Sac
Labor Day weekend kicks off with a Wisconsin tradition. Friday evening features the Optimists’ Fish Fry, live country music from West on 12, and the corporate throw. Saturday fills the day with a 5K/10K run, parade at noon, and the main chip-throwing contests at 1 p.m. Add in kids’ shows, a huge arts & crafts fair, and plenty of local food.
More Info: wiscowchip.com
Baraboo River Rendezvous | August 30–September 1
Spirit Point, Mill Race Drive, Baraboo (behind Circus World)
Step back to the pre-1840 fur trade era with food, games, competitions, and demonstrations hosted by the Spirit Lake Mountain Men. The event runs daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: $2 (kids 5 and under free).
More:
Devil’s Challenge Triathlon | September 14
Devil’s Lake State Park, North Shore – Rock Elm Shelter
Athletes take on swimming, biking, and running across the park’s rugged and scenic landscape. The race begins at 8 a.m.
More: https://devilschallengetri.com/
S’more Fun Trail Run | October 4
Mirror Lake State Park
This fun trail event includes a Mini Marshmallow 1-mile kids’ run (11 & under), 5K run & walk, 10K trail, and a half marathon. The course winds past sandstone cliffs and around Mirror Lake before ending with s’mores by the campfire. Proceeds support the Friends of Mirror Lake State Park and their projects for trails, programs, and accessibility improvements.
Registration: Online only, closes September 29. No same-day sign-up.
More: https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/Baraboo/SmoreFunTrailRun
Quartzite Classic | October 10–12
Devil’s Lake State Park
A grassroots climbing festival dedicated to celebrating the past, present, and future of climbing at Devil’s Lake. Expect clinics, community connection, and stewardship projects. Hosted by the Wisconsin Climbers Association.
More: https://www.wiclimbers.com/quartzite-classic
Fall Fair on the Square | October 11
Downtown Baraboo, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Downtown Baraboo fills with over 200 artists and crafters showing and selling their work. Food trucks, live music, kids’ activities, and a farmers market round out this fall tradition.
More: https://www.downtownbaraboo.com/fair-on-the-square/
Fall Art Tour | October 17–19
Baraboo • Spring Green • Dodgeville • Mineral Point
The annual Fall Art Tour invites you into the working studios of painters, sculptors, potters, weavers, jewelers, glass artists, woodworkers, and more. Artists open their doors for three days of conversation, demonstrations, and new work on display. Maps and signs make the self-guided drive easy, and the timing couldn’t be better—autumn colors are often at their peak.
On a personal note: Skillet Creek will be Stop #11 in Baraboo.
More: https://fallarttour.com/
Halloween Candlelight Hikes | Dates TBD
Devil’s Lake & Mirror Lake State Parks
We’re still waiting on firm dates, but both parks traditionally host candlelight hikes in mid to late October. Always a favorite for families, these evenings feature candlelit trails, crisp air, and the glow of autumn nights.
Looking Ahead
Autumn in the Baraboo Hills is all about fall colors and more! It’s a season of gathering, tradition, and community. Whether you’re watching a powwow grand entry, running trails, exploring art studios, or strolling candlelit paths, there’s something here for everyone.
For nearly 2 decades the Skillet Creek blog has focused on 3 main goals; To inspire you to visit and explore the Devil’s Lake region, to help you get the most your visit by sharing tips, events, and other helpful information. Lastly to advocate for our environment & wildlife and talk about how we can keep our natural areas amazing now and into the future! That last goal can sometimes cause controversy, but it’s the only way we can accomplish the first two. – Derrick Mayoleth, Owner.
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