Activities & Classes
Brunch & Blossoms Stroll
Friday, June 12 | 10 AM – 3 PM and Saturday, June 13 | 10 AM – 3 PM
Beaver Dam Chamber & Visitor Center
127 S. Spring Street
Embark on a fun-filled adventure “strolling” throughout Beaver Dam. Just follow these simple steps and get stamping:
1. Dine Out Delight: Grab a stamp from any participating restaurant or bar.
2. Organization Exploration: Collect two stamps from two different participating organizations.
3. Retail Therapy: Snag three stamps from three different participating retailers.
4. Spend and Save: Keep a $10 or more receipt from any of our fantastic participating retailers, restaurants, or organizations. Be sure that it’s dated June 12th or June 13th!
5. Redeem: Once you’ve got all your stamps and receipt, head over to the Beaver Dam Chamber & Visitor Center to receive your free pair of gardening gloves- while supplies last!
– Important Note: Maps must be redeemed while supplies last. One map with receipt = one free pair of gardening gloves per participant. Click the button/link below for more information and map.
Happy strolling and stamping!
Artistic Adventures & Historic Discoveries
Immerse yourself in a weekend of creativity at the Wisconsin Arts and Peony Festival with a diverse array of art and sewing classes and exhibits hosted by Art on the Town, Nancy Zieman Sewing Studio, and Dodge County Center for the Arts. Throughout the festival, attendees can participate in a variety of engaging workshops at Art on the Town, including peony and natured themed classes that are designed to ignite your artistic spirit. Additionally, the Nancy Zieman Sewing Studio & Quilt Shop invites enthusiasts to join their Patchwork Posey Prairie Quilt Seeds Flower #4 Quilt Block Sewing Class on Friday, offering an opportunity to create a beautiful quilt inspired by the festival’s floral theme or a Peony Tote Bag Sewing Class on Saturday. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a novice crafter, there’s something for everyone to discover and create at the Wisconsin Arts and Peony Festival. Be sure to download a schedule of events to plan your visit today!
New This Year! Live Chalk Art Competition
Rotary Riverwalk Park/Wisconsin Heritage Peony Garden
110 West Mill Street
Saturday, June 13 | 10 AM – 3 PM
Judging: 3:45 PM | Awards: 4 PM
Watch creativity come to life at the Rotary Riverwalk and Wisconsin Heritage Peony Garden during the Wisconsin Arts & Peony Festival! More than 20 talented artists will transform the pavement into stunning works of art using nothing but chalk and imagination. Stroll the riverwalk, chat with the artists, and experience the creative process as colorful masterpieces take shape throughout the day. This free, family-friendly attraction offers a unique opportunity to see art created before your eyes while enjoying one of Beaver Dam’s most beautiful outdoor spaces.
Portrait of a Hero Community Mural Painting
Dodge County Center for the Arts
130 West Maple Avenue
At the Dodge County Center for the Arts and led by world renowned portrait artist, Stephen Bennett is the annual Community Portrait of a Hero Paint-A-Tile event on Saturday, June 13th from 10 am – 4 pm, this year spotlighting Robert Rompre, Olympic Silver Medalist. Renowned portrait artist Stephen Bennett leads the gathering, inviting attendees to paint one-foot square aluminum tiles for free. Together, they contribute to a 12-foot by 12-foot mosaic mural commemorating Rompre’s legacy. Guided by Bennett’s expertise, participants of all ages infuse their creativity into the mural, fostering community spirit amidst the vibrant celebration of art and local pride.
Previous Community Portrait of a Hero paintings have celebrated esteemed figures, who had ties to Beaver Dam such as Nancy Zieman, renowned for her contributions to sewing and broadcasting, Eric Kalkhurst, a performer on Broadway, regional theater, Shakespearean theater and movies, Fred MacMurray, the iconic actor who appeared in more than one hundred films, Lois Ehlert, the acclaimed children’s book author and illustrator and John McKinstry, woodworker, furniture maker and owner of the oldest furniture store in Wisconsin.
Each mural, guided by artist Stephen Bennett, captures the essence of these individuals, honoring their unique legacies and enduring impact on the community.
Yarn Bombing: A Community Powered Fiber Arts Experience
Back for its third year, Yarn Bombing returns to the Wisconsin Arts & Peony Festival — bigger, brighter, and more inspiring than ever. What started as a creative community initiative has grown into a beloved festival tradition, led by passionate volunteers and embraced by makers of all ages. From fences and benches to unexpected corners of downtown, handcrafted yarn installations once again transform everyday spaces into whimsical works of art, celebrating creativity, collaboration, and community pride.
A Step Back in Time at the Dodge County Historical Society
Dodge County Historical Society & Museum
105 Park Avenue, Beaver Dam
The Dodge County Historical Society hosts an annual Ghost Storytelling Festival on Friday and Lawn Party on Saturday, in conjunction of the Wisconsin Arts and Peony Festival. Free Events!
Friday, June 12th | 7:30 PM – 9 PM: Bring your lawn chair and get ready for a thrill! The sandstone, Romanesque-style building of the Dodge County Historical Society serves as a fittingly spooky backdrop as six storytellers share some hair-raising real-life ghost tales including Ghost Stories from the Museum, Children’s Ghost Story “Creepy Carrots” by Mary Kahler,
“The Lady of Epperson House” by Ben Johnson, “The Ghost of Promise” by Jessica Schulz and “Getting Rid of George” by the Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre All Stars. Joining us again for the second year in a row, special guest, Chad Lewis, researcher, author, and lecturer who has spent the past 30 years searching out unique and bizarre stories and histories from around the world, will share with us paranormal tales. Some of those stories take place right here in Wisconsin! Adding to the suspense of the evening, the Dodge County Historical Society has had real-life ghostly encounters in their building. Maybe you’ll even experience one for yourself!
Saturday, June 13th | 10 AM – 3 PM: Bring your lawn chairs (some bench seating provided) and join us for Dodge County Historical Society’s annual Lawn Party with live music featuring The Characters (1pm – 3 pm). There will be root beer floats, antique cars, antique 1936 Beaver Dam fire truck, horse cart racing demonstration with Amber Sawyer and her horse, Derek Bromac N and more! Enjoy caboose tours from 10 am – 3 pm and psychic readings by Madame Adela Seer. Help celebrate Eli the Mammoth’s 16,371st Birthday with games and prizes! Make sure you don’t miss the Historic Downtown Walking Tour at 1 pm. Free and open to the public!
Tea Party Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary
Beaver Dam Community Library
311 North Spring Street, Beaver Dam
Saturday, June 13 | 10 AM – Noon – Free Event!
The Beaver Dam Community Library, will again be hosting their ever-popular Peony Tea Party.
The Peony Tea Party is free and open to all ages and abilities. Dress up and join them for America’s 250th Anniversary-inspired tea party with peony tea, sweet treats, and colonial flair. You can also pick up Brunch and Blossom Stroll Maps here too!
Create, Explore & Celebrate with Art on the Town
Art on the Town
127 Front Street, Beaver Dam
Celebrate the Wisconsin Arts and Peony Festival with Art on the Town WI: The Studio in downtown Beaver Dam! From June 12-14, immerse yourself in a variety of peony and natured-inspired art classes designed for all ages and skill levels. Offerings include Raku Peony, Garden Stake, Wall Hanging and Sgraffito Pottery, Stained Glass Peony and Mosaic Peony, Painting, Coaster, Earrings or Bookmark Resin, Dried Flower Art, Peony Pillow or Welcome Mat.
Don’t miss the Art Market on Saturday, June 13, from 9 AM to 4 PM, where Art on the Town will feature live pottery wheel demonstrations and a booth showcasing a variety of handcrafted art pieces. It’s a perfect opportunity to witness artistry in action and take home a unique creation.
For more details including dates/times for classes (walk-ins welcome too), visit Art on the Town WI: The Studio. You can also find their classes on our schedule of events.
Sew, Quilt and Create Something Memorable at Nancy Zieman Sewing Studio
Patchwork Posey Prairie Quilt Seeds Flower #4 Quilt Block Sewing Class with Cory Krueger – One Day Only
Nancy Zieman Sewing Studio & Quilt Shop
116 Front Street
Friday, June 12: 9 AM – 12 PM
Join Cory for his NEW! Prairie Quilt Seeds™ Flower #4 Quilt Block Sewing Class and learn his patchwork piecing process for sewing Lori Holt’s stunning 10″ x 20″ Flower Quilt Block!
🧵 Friday, June 12, 2026
🧵 What’s Included: Each Seed Packet Pattern includes instructions to make 1 flower quilt block, and use of classroom tools and machines. A paper pattern is included in each packet. No templates are required. Optional: Collect all 6 of these beautiful seed packets in their keepsake packaging.
Register here: Patchwork Posey Quilt
Optional: Collect all 6 of these beautiful seed packets in their keepsake packaging.
Peony Tote Bag Sewing Class
Nancy Zieman Sewing Studio & Quilt Shop
116 Front Street
Saturday, June 13: 9 AM – 12 PM
NEW! Quilt As You Go Quilted Peony Tote Sewing Class with Cheryl Karl. Join Cheryl for this creative Quilt As You Go Class and sew a Quilted Tote on BERNINA B700 Sewing Machines.
The sewing is enjoyable and the finished bag provides a stylish tote-style handbag.
🧵 What’s Included: premium peony fabrics–different than shown in photo, June Tailor Alexandra Tote Batting, use of classroom tools & supplies, and everything you’ll need to make one quilted tote.
Register here: Peony Tote Bag
Discover the Horicon Marsh & Learn About Native Gardens
Beaver Dam Chamber & Visitor Center | 127 S. Spring Street
Friday, June 12 | 10AM – 3PM
Visit with the Friends of Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center at the Beaver Dam Chamber & Visitor Center and plan you next visit to Horicon Marsh! The Friends will be sharing information about the recreational and educational experiences for all ages, with special attention to 2026 summer programming.
The Friends will also be sharing information about the beautiful native wildflowers that bloom at the Horicon Marsh and how to start planning your own native garden!
Discover Marsh Haven & Meet the Critters Who Live There
Beaver Dam Chamber & Visitor Center | 127 S. Spring St.
Friday, June 12 | 10AM – 3PM
Saturday, June 13 | 12:30PM – 2:30PM
Visit with the Marsh Haven Nature Center at the Beaver Dam Chamber & Visitor Center. Located at the north end of the Horicon Marsh in Waupun, Marsh Haven is a nonprofit, volunteer supported center offering visitors and opportunity to learn more about the history and wildlife of the Horicon Marsh. Meet their live animal ambassadors (reptiles and birds of prey), discover artifacts, learn about their educational programs and special events, hiking trails and facility rentals.
Beaver Dam Area Community Choir Concert
Beaver Dam High School Auditorium | 500 Gould Street
Saturday, June 13 at 7 PM
Free Admission
The Beaver Dam Area Community Choir, under the direction of Judy Hein is a collection of over 70 talented local vocalists who will bring an unforgettable evening of harmony featuring:
Rock and Pop Legends: Queen, Guns N’Roses, Toto & ABBA
Folk & Harmony Greats: Simon & Garfunkel, Crosby, Stills & Nash and Loggins & Messina
Smooth Classics: Steely Dan, The Carpenters, and Jason Mraz
Get there early to secure a seat. Donations accepted at the door to help support future performances. Special thank you to their generous sponsors: Beaver Dam Area Community Foundation, David & Cori Drexler, Jerrold & Kristie Lunde and Marion Slovak
Live Music All Weekend
Free Admission
Thirsty Beaver | 500 Madison Street
Friday, June 12: Bad Mother Truckers at 7 PM
Saturday, June 13: Milwaukee’s Addiction at 7 PM
Sunday, June 14: Casey Carney at 2 PM
Ooga Brewing Company | 301 South Spring Street
Saturday, June 13: Jukebox Dave at 2 PM
Saturday, June 13: Lindsay Shanks at 7 PM
Sunday, June 14: Dr. Jim & the Junkyard Dawg
Ticketed Events:
Stormy’s Music Venue | 208 Front Street
Friday, June 12: Tantric 25th Anniversary Tour at 6 PM | Tickets
Sunday, June 14: Texas Hippie Coalition at 3 PM | Tickets
Civil War History Weekend
Civil War History Weekend at Edgewater Park
Off McKinley Beach Road on National Drive
Saturday, June 13: 9AM-5PM
Sunday, June 14: 9AM-4PM
Step back in time during Civil War History Weekend at Edgewater Park in Beaver Dam, happening the same weekend as the Wisconsin Arts and Peony Festival — offering visitors two unique ways to experience culture, history, and community.
While the Arts and Peony Festival highlights creativity, gardens, and artistry, this free educational event focuses on a pivotal era in U.S. history through immersive living history experiences.
- Watch infantry drills
- Explore authentic military and civilian camps
- See artillery demonstrations up close
- Experience live battle re-enactments daily at 1 PM
- Enjoy period music on Sunday
- Don’t miss the special artillery fire at dusk on Saturday
Visitors are encouraged to wander through camp, talk with re-enactors, and learn what life was truly like during the Civil War era.
Free admission + food vendors on site, including brats and burgers served by a local veterans club.
Two incredible events. One unforgettable weekend in Beaver Dam.
