Visit Beloit in January to Ring in the New Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 30, 2025

Kick Off 2026 with Events in Beloit and the Stateline Area!

BELOIT, Wis. – Beloit and the Stateline Area are ringing in 2026 with an exciting lineup of events. From the return of the American Cornhole Organization – Beloit Major to Beloit Winterfest and showtimes of Beloit Civic Theatre’s newest production, there are many ways to kick off the new year.

“2025 was an incredible year, full of unique events,” says Savannah Schindler, Director of Communications with Visit Beloit. “We ended the year on a high note with plenty of holiday-themed activities and are starting 2026 with a wide range of events for both adults and families.” Be sure to visit our website calendar for details on January events and other exciting community happenings throughout the year.

Home Run Holiday Lights | November 14 – January 4, 5-9 p.m. | ABC Supply Stadium

There’s still time to check out the new attraction at ABC Supply Stadium, home of the Beloit Sky Carp. The Home Run Holiday Light Show, a family-friendly ongoing event, features more than one million lights synchronized to holiday music, a walk-through display, kids’ train rides, crafts, a Santa letter station, themed nights, character appearances, and a digital scavenger hunt. On-field igloos and fire pits are available to rent, with food and drinks available for purchase. The attraction is open nightly from 5-9 p.m., and tickets can be purchased online or at the stadium.

Open Ice Skating | Every Friday & Saturday, 7-9 p.m. & Sunday, 2-4 p.m. | Edwards Ice Arena

Stop by Edwards Ice Arena throughout the winter for ice skating fun! Public skating sessions are offered Friday through Sunday until early spring. If you don’t have your own skates, rentals are available for just $3 per pair. For those who need extra help on the ice, skate aids are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. A small fee applies to participate in the skate sessions.

Winter Crafter & Farmers’ Market | Every Saturday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., November – April | Downtown Beloit Association

The Beloit Farmers’ Market continues year-round, even though the open-air market is over for the season! Visit to purchase produce, cheese, eggs, honey, meat, crafts, soaps, and other miscellaneous items. Grab lunch from the food truck while you are there and look for free, family-friendly activities in the market.

BIFF Year-Round Movie Screenings | Every Thursday in January, 6-7:45 p.m. | Irontek

Help choose films for the Beloit International Film Festival in 2026. Stop by the Capital Room inside Irontek for a weekly secret screening series featuring films under consideration for the upcoming festival. Admission is $10 and includes the film screening and complimentary refreshments. There will be no screening on New Year’s Day.

First Friday Gallery Reception | Friday, January 2, 5-7 p.m. | Beloit Art Center

Visit the Beloit Art Center on the first Friday of each month for the Opening Reception of new exhibits. Local and regional artists will have their artwork featured in both the Bell and Sveum Galleries. This event is free and open to the public, with refreshments available.

Cornhole After Hours Charity Tournament | Thursday, January 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Eclipse Event Center

Visit Beloit is welcoming the American Cornhole Organization back for the sixth year of the Beloit Major tournament, taking place January 9-10, 2026. The excitement kicks off the night before with the Cornhole After Hours Charity Tournament, where the community is invited to play on professional tournament boards for $10 per person or $20 per team, with proceeds and donations benefitting Beloit Meals on Wheels. Spectators are welcome to attend for free to network and cheer on the teams. Advance online registration is required for those who want to compete.

American Cornhole Organization – Beloit Major | Friday, January 9 – Saturday, January 10 | Eclipse Event Center

The American Cornhole Organization (ACO) is returning to Beloit for the sixth year of the Beloit Major tournament. More than 100 players from 10 states across the U.S. will compete. Spectators can watch the professionals play for free, with food and beverages available for purchase. Tournament play will start early Friday and Saturday, with matches continuing into the evening on both days.

Beloit Winterfest | Friday, January 23 – Sunday, January 25 | Various Venues in Beloit

The winter fun continues after the holiday season with the annual Beloit Winterfest! This event transforms the city into a winter wonderland, featuring a weekend of family-friendly activities. The City of Beloit Parks and Recreation Division collaborates with local businesses and organizations to host a variety of winter-themed events including ice skating, bingo, craft-making, horse-drawn carriage rides, and more throughout the weekend.

Beloit Civic Theatre Production: The 39 Steps | See showtimes below | Elizabeth Reinholz Theatre

Join for a murder mystery production, presented by Beloit Civic Theatre. An unsuspecting man finds himself caught in a spy plot after a shocking crime and must outrun spies and the police to clear his name. The result is a fun, fast-paced story with comedy and adventure. Showtimes: January 29, 30, and 31, and February 5, 6, and 7 at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on January 31 and February 1 and 7 at 3 p.m., at the Elizabeth Reinholz Theatre. Purchase tickets online or at the door.

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About Visit Beloit

Visit Beloit, established in 1987, is greater Beloit’s official destination marketing organization (DMO). An accredited DMO through Destinations International’s Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP), Visit Beloit’s mission is to be greater Beloit’s tourism champion, using our expertise to generate positive economic impact and to create a vibrant community for residents and visitors. For information, visit www.visitbeloit.com.

About Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP)

The globally recognized Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) serves as a visible industry distinction that defines quality and performance standards in destination marketing and management. With nearly 200 accredited organizations worldwide, DMAP is an internationally recognized program that is essential to the success of destinations. See the full list of accredited organizations, including Visit Beloit, at www.destinationsinternational.org.

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