Raise a Glass to the Past at the 11th Annual Root Beer Festival

Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (June 23, 2025) – The Door County Historical Society invites the public to take a flavorful trip back in time at the 11th Annual Root Beer Festival, held Saturday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Heritage Village in Sturgeon Bay.

Admission is $5 per adult, with free entry for youth 17 and under. Tickets are available for purchase onsite and are required for root beer floats, flights, and cookies.

This event isn’t just about great taste—it’s about history in a glass. Root beer has deep roots in American tradition. Originally brewed at home in the 1800s using herbs like sassafras, wintergreen, and licorice, root beer was one of the earliest soft drinks in the country. It became especially popular during Prohibition as a non-alcoholic alternative. The drink’s evolution reflects changes in taste, industry, and American life—exactly the kind of everyday history the Door County Historical Society works to preserve and share.

At the Root Beer Festival, guests can:

• Sample Root Beer Flights and explore the wide variety of flavors different brands offer
• Enjoy old-fashioned Root Beer Floats and Root Beer Cookies
• Learn about the drink’s history in a special presentation
• Experience hands-on historic games, crafts, and activities for all ages
• Discover what it takes to brew root beer
• Watch live demonstrations and take tours of the Village’s historic buildings
• Dance to live music by Jerry Voelker and the Jolly Gents, and join in on free polka lessons
• Tour our eight historic buildings, featuring costumed interpreters.

“Root beer is a perfect fit for our mission—it’s a fun, flavorful link to the past that people of all ages can enjoy,” says Amy Frank, Executive Director of the Door County Historical Society. “By celebrating this iconic drink, we’re also celebrating the stories, traditions, and ingenuity that have shaped everyday life in Wisconsin and across the country.”

All proceeds support the Historical Society’s ongoing work at Heritage Village and Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. Donations help maintain historic buildings, provide educational programs, and preserve the stories that make Door County unique.

Bring your appetite, your dancing shoes, and your curiosity. The 11th Annual Root Beer Festival is a celebration of history, flavor, and family fun!