Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer lakeside retreat, there’s no better way to experience the charm of northwest Wisconsin than through its lively local events. Balsam Lake and the surrounding Polk County area are home to an array of festivals, community celebrations, and family-friendly gatherings that reflect the spirit of our close-knit region.
To help you plan your stay, we’ve rounded up some of the top 2025 events you won’t want to miss — all within easy reach of Balsam Lake Lodge.
Spring & Early Summer Highlights
Earth Arts Spring Art Tour
May 2–4, 2025 – Across Polk County
Explore local galleries and artist studios during this self-guided tour featuring painters, potters, jewelers, and more. A perfect weekend for art lovers to discover one-of-a-kind creations and support local talent.
Music on the Overlook
Begins June 6, 2025 – St. Croix Falls
Enjoy live music with beautiful river views during this free outdoor concert series. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and relax under the stars.
City of Trails Marathon
June 7, 2025 – St. Croix Falls
Lace up your sneakers or come cheer on runners during this popular marathon celebrating the city’s scenic trail systems. Options include full and half marathons and a 5K.
Polk County Dairy Breakfast
June 14, 2025 – St. Croix Falls
Celebrate Wisconsin’s rich dairy heritage with farm-fresh breakfast, live music, and fun for the whole family on a working farm.
Summer Fun in Balsam Lake
Freedom Fest
July 3–6, 2025 – Balsam Lake
One of Balsam Lake’s signature events! Enjoy multiple days of live music, a parade, food vendors, a queen pageant, fireworks over the lake, and a car show. This small-town celebration brings big-time fun!
Bass Classic Fishing Tournament
July 19, 2025 – Balsam Lake
Calling all anglers! Compete for cash prizes and bragging rights in this annual bass fishing tournament, a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Corn-on-the-Curb Days
August 30, 2025 – Balsam Lake
Wrap up summer with this charming event featuring fresh corn, vendor booths, sidewalk sales, and live entertainment throughout downtown Balsam Lake.
Late Summer & Fall Festivities
Polk County Fair
July 24–27, 2025 – St. Croix Falls
A classic county fair complete with livestock shows, carnival rides, tractor pulls, 4-H exhibits, and your favorite fair food. Fun for all ages!
Moon Lake Threshing Bee
August 16, 2025 – Clayton
Step back in time with this vintage farming event. Enjoy demonstrations, antique machinery, tractor parades, and old-fashioned family fun.
Amery Fall Festival
September 11–13, 2025 – Amery
Celebrate autumn with a community parade, craft fair, live music, kids’ games, and food vendors in the nearby town of Amery.
Winter Wonderlands
Balsam Lake WinterFest
February 2025 (TBA) – Balsam Lake
Bundle up and head to town for this action-packed winter celebration! Events typically include pond hockey, 4×4 ice drag races, snowshoeing, minnow races, and more. Downtown turns festive with hot drinks and seasonal treats.
Miracle at Big Rock
Starts November 28, 2025 – St. Croix Falls
Experience the magic of the holidays at this dazzling light display featuring millions of twinkling lights, Santa visits, a holiday market, and s’mores by the fire.
Make Balsam Lake Lodge Your Home Base
Whether you’re here to fish, celebrate, relax, or explore, Balsam Lake Lodge offers the perfect place to stay. Our lakeside accommodations, on-site restaurant, and proximity to all the action make it easy to enjoy everything Polk County has to offer—year-round.
Ready to plan your trip? Book your stay with us and experience the events, community, and charm that make Balsam Lake unforgettable.