Top 10 Things to Do in Beloit, Wisconsin in August
If you are looking for things to do in Beloit in August, you’ve come to the right place. Summer is in full swing and August is chock-full of fun! Beloit is just north of Illinois and less than a two-hour drive from Chicago or Milwaukee. Beloit is known for it’s revitalized downtown, great food, outdoor recreation, and free summer concerts.
There’s tons of fun and events and festivals that make for perfect getaway for your family, group of friends, or romantic escape. Take a look through our top 10 things to do in Beloit in August.
1. Attend the state’s second-largest Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday (rain or shine) 8 am-1 pm
Beloit’s award-winning market has been drawing thousands of locals and visitors to the heart of Downtown Beloit since 1974!
The open-air market is held rain or shine and bursts at the seams! More than 100 vendors sell their products including fresh seafood, organics, produce, artisan crafts, gourmet popcorn, Amish baked goods, raw honey, fresh flowers, and more!
In addition, there is live music at the Gantry every other Saturday, and every Saturday at truk’t at noon. Click here for more information about the market.
2. Relax & “Unwine” at DC Estate Winery
DC Estate Winery, located just south of the state line has a beautiful outdoor pavilion, tranquil pond, and of course the grapevines. DC Estate is perfect for wine-tasting whether you prefer white, red, or premium dessert wine. You can sip your vino inside the gorgeous tasting room, or grab an Adirondack chair sit creek side. The Lone Canary will be performing live on August 4th from 1-4 pm and On August 10th, The Olive Branch food truck will be serving authentic Greek fare from 12-5 pm.
3. Watch or Compete in the U.S. Kubb Open Tournament
August 10
Registration at 7:30 am; play starts at 9 am
Kubb (pronounced koob) is a lawn game where the objective is to knock over wooden blocks (kubbs) by throwing wooden batons (kastpinnar) at them. This lawn game can be described as a combination of bowling and horseshoes. The tournament provides a place for people of all ages and skill levels to compete and have fun. Many players had t-shirts made, and there were also many custom-made drink holders!
For more information and to register for 2019 U.S. Kubb Open, click here!
4. Enjoy a Free Family-Friendly Outdoor Movie
August 23rd
Grab the family and a blanket and head to Riverside Park for a free outdoor movie! This year’s film will be Coco! Coco is about aspiring musician Miguel who is confronted with his family’s ancestral ban on music.
Movie on the Big Lawn is an annual event and one of Friends of Riverfront’s biggest events of the year! The movies are shown on a 50-ft inflatable big screen right located at the south side of Riverside Park at the Jones Pavilion.I n addition, there is always fun to be had before the movie, with games, snacks, and fun giveaways.
5. Bring Your Kids to the The Beloit Dirty Dash
Augst 24th at Big Hill Park
The 5th annual Dirty Dash is open to kids, ages 4-18, who are looking for a fun yet challenging obstacle course.
The kids WILL get dirty and sweaty, so be sure to wear comfortable clothing! There are be several obstacles and at least one mud pit on each course! There will be new obstacles this year, but they are top secret!
The course ranges from a half-mile to over one mile depending on the age group. But it’s rain or shine for everyone! In addition, costumes and groups are encouraged—and this year—parents will be allowed to run alongside kids that are between the ages of 4 and 6. Click here to register.
6. Celebrate Corn at the Firefighter’s Association Corn Boil
August 24th
The corn boil is an annual event that draws thousands of locals and visitors to South Beloit. The corn boil will be celebrating 11 years this year!
The festival features live music sweet corn, petting zoo, bounce houses, raffles, and fireworks! There are also volleyball and softball tournaments, and a flea market.
Be sure to come hungry, because there’s always plenty of food (corn, pork chops, hot dogs, bratwursts) and beverages (kid and adult). In addition, the junior firefighter challenge lets kids can dress up like a firefighter and rescue a simulated victim.
Admission is free, and proceeds from the corn boil benefit the South Beloit Firemen’s Association to be used for purposes such as: training, funding the building of the new training facility, and equipment purchases for the fire department. In the past the money has also been donated to various local organizations.
7. Show and Celebrate at Rock County PrideFest
August 24th from 9:45 am-8 pm
Enjoy food, music, and vendors at the second annual festival held in Telfer Park hosted by Yellow Brick Road Organization.
8. Tour Beckman Mill
Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 pm May-October
Beckman Mill is the oldest operating grist mill in Wisconsin and is located at Beckman Mill County Park, 6 miles west of Beloit. On the grounds of the 50-acre county park you will see the authentically restored 1868 mill, pond, fish ladder, foot bridge, saw mill display, 1840s cooperage, visitor center, gift shop, creamery, blacksmith shop, vintage garden, nature trail, and more. Tours are available every Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 pm May-October. Corn grinding demonstrations are held on the 1st Saturday of the month.
9. Get Lunch & Enjoy Live Music at Fridays in the Park
Fridays in the Park is an annual summer lunchtime concert series that has been held in the heart of downtown for three decades. It’s the perfect way to start your weekend!
Take a lunch break from 11:30 am-1:30 pm every Friday to enjoy fantastic free live musical performances at the First National Bank Plaza. In addition to the music, you can purchase lunch and a soft drink or water for just $7. There is a different band and restaurant featured each week. Click here for a printable list of Bands & Restaurants.
10. Rock Out to the Region’s Best Bands at Music at Harry’s Place
Music at Harry’s Place is put on by Friends of Riverfront and features jazz, blues, swing, and big band. There are some picnic tables on site, but many people bring their own your lawn chairs or blankets. Summer is about relaxing under the stars while enjoying awesome live bands! There are also several food truck vendors offering a variety of tasty treats, soft drinks, and beer for those of age. Click here to see a lineup of events.
The concerts take place on the bank of the beautiful Rock River in Riverside Park, offering breathtaking views at sunset. The park is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your well-behaved pup on a leash.
As you can see, there’s tons to do in August—we couldn’t list everything.
