NEW GLARUS — Come to New Glarus to enjoy free live music under the big tent downtown, including polka, rock, country and blues Sept. 26 to 29. Family friendly activities take place Saturday and Sunday, including horse drawn wagon rides, chain saw carving exhibition, antique tractor pull and tug of war competitions between the English Royal Air Force, Leo’s of Northern Ireland and Canadian national team, as well as teams from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois. 

The Oktoberfest King and Queen will be chosen and crowned Thursday night, and should wear their best dirndl and lederhosen outfits to compete. Cash prizes, free beer and bragging rights will be awarded to the winners. 

The traditional ceremonial tapping of the Staghorn Octoberfest wooden keg will be on Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m., hosted by New Glarus Brewing Company. To round out the weekend, the Glenda K Scott 5k/10k Run and 2 Mile Walk will take place on Saturday morning — for more details on the race and the full festival schedule, visit swisstown.com.

New Glarus is famous for its traditional Swiss alpine architecture, charming downtown and array of restaurants. Spend the day shopping at the unique boutiques for on-trend fashions, jewelry, furniture, antiques, home décor, garden supplies and more. Discover treasures at the Swiss Historical Village & Museum, Chalet of the Golden Fleece, or Swiss Center of North America, and then enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the traditional Swiss cuisine restaurants, where you can sample fondue, schnitzel and roesti. Explore one of the village wineries or take a tour of the famous New Glarus Brewing Company before enjoying a beer on their outdoor patio overlooking the valley. 

Contact New Glarus Chamber of Commerce with questions — info@swisstown.com, 608-527-2095.