Raise a Glass to Summer at the 12th Annual Root Beer Festival

Door County Historical Society invites families to Heritage Village for a day of history, music, and plenty of root beer!

Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (June 29, 2026) – The Door County Historical Society invites visitors of all ages to its 12th Annual Root Beer Festival on Saturday, July 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Heritage Village. This family-friendly event blends history, hands-on activities, live entertainment, and, of course, plenty of delicious root beer.

Admission is $10 per adult and children 17 and under are admitted free. Every paid admission includes a Root Beer Flight, allowing guests to sample a variety of unique root beers and vote for their favorites.

Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy refreshing root beer floats, ice-cold root beer, and freshly baked root beer cookies, while exploring one of Door County’s most unique historic attractions.

Every historic building throughout Heritage Village will be open and filled with root beer-themed activities and demonstrations. Guests can discover the fascinating history of root beer during presentations in the Vignes School, watch a live root beer-making demonstration, and learn how this classic American beverage has evolved from a medicinal tonic into a beloved summertime treat.

The festival also features demonstrations at the Madden Tool Museum and the Blacksmith Shop, giving visitors a chance to experience traditional trades in action. Families are encouraged to participate in the popular Community Quilt Project, creating a keepsake that represents the day’s visitors, and capture memories with a photo at the beautifully restored Studebaker carriage.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Eddie Larsen Orchestra will perform live throughout the day, and guests are invited to join in the fun with polka lessons—whether they’re experienced dancers or complete beginners.

Children will enjoy a variety of hands-on activities, games, and opportunities to explore the Village while learning about Door County’s rich heritage in an engaging and entertaining way.

“We’re excited to welcome families back for one of our favorite traditions of the summer,” said Amy Frank, Executive Director of the Door County Historical Society. “The Root Beer Festival is a wonderful way to experience Heritage Village. Whether you’re sampling root beers, learning to polka, watching the blacksmith at work, or touring our historic buildings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

Lunch will be available from The Sabor de la Door Hispanic Heritage committee. Their menu includes:

Hot Dogs w/ toppings = $2

Pulled Pork w/ sauces = $6

Loaded Baked Beans = $4

Pasta Salad = $4

PLATE (bundled pork, salad, and beans) = $12

Heritage Village features nine historic buildings representing Door County’s early settlement years, including a church, schoolhouse, barns, log cabin, granary, and the Madden Tool Museum. During the festival, costumed interpreters and volunteers help bring these buildings—and the stories they tell—to life.

The Root Beer Festival serves as one of the Door County Historical Society’s signature summer fundraisers, helping support the preservation of Heritage Village and the Society’s mission to collect, preserve, and share the history of Door County for future generations.

For more information, visit doorcountyhistoricalsociety.org or call (920) 421-2332.