Below you will find Indie on the Move's compiled listing of annual music festivals and conferences in the state of Wisconsin, helping bands and musicians increase their industry knowledge, broaden their networking reach, and better promote and showcase their music, shows, and tours.
From Rock Fest to Summerfest, we did our best to include a thorough and comprehensive index, but if for some reason we've overlooked a specific event, please let us know through the contact page located HERE so that we can add it to the site ASAP.
With regards to any larger festivals, be sure to think outside of the box. While many of them do not regularly book independent acts as part of their official showcases, the national and international bands that do perform often draw some of the biggest built-in crowds imaginable, and provide a huge influx of music lovers and enthusiasts to each respective event location.
So try booking a show at one or several of that city's smaller local venues/bars/restaurants during the festival itself and take advantage of the vast number of music fans located in one place at one time. Even playing an ad-lib acoustic set in the event parking lot can go a long way in gaining you new fans and selling some merch.
-Mile of Music Festival - Dates: Early August
"Mile of Music is a non-profit, free to attend four-day multi-set, multi-genre boutique music festival happening in Downtown Appleton, WI each August. Over 70,000 attendees come together to celebrate diversity in music, art and community. Mile of Music features 800 live original music sets, by 200+ artists in over 70 music first venues over the course of 4 days."
-Rock Fest - Dates: Mid July - Submit to Perform
-Voices of Peace Gospel Music Festival - Dates: Mid August - Submit to Perform via bud.mcatee@gmail.com (Bud McAtee)
-Revelry Music and Arts Festival - Dates: Early May
"We envision a huge, open-air music festival where UW-Madison students can come together in Badger camaraderie and celebrate the end of another school year with music and art. We strive to create an event that’s vibrant and of a professional-quality while being culturally inclusive and safe, featuring nationally recognized artists." - Submit to Perform
-Fox Jazz Fest - Dates: Early September
"This incredible event, now dubbed The Fox Jazz Fest, was spawned over 20 years ago by the region's best known jazz guru, mentor to dozens, and respected pianist / composer / educator John Harmon, and his desire to give the gift of 100% free world-class music to the community that has supported him for so many years."
-Pride Fest - Dates: Early June
-Summerfest - Dates: Early July
"Each year for 11 days, Henry Maier Festival Park comes alive with music from today’s hottest stars, regional favorites and emerging talent. The 23,000 capacity Marcus Amphitheater and 10 additional stages host over 700 bands, while fans can also enjoy over 40 diverse food and beverage vendors and four unique marketplaces. Set against the scenic Lake Michigan and downtown Milwaukee backdrops, Summerfest delivers a setting and experience like no other!" - Submit to Perform