FIRST WEEKEND IN MAY
42nd Annual
Cross Plains Trout Days
Presented by Cross Plains Lions Club & the Cross Plains Area Chamber of Commerce
Welcome to the 42nd Annual Trout Days, a beloved Cross Plains Lions tradition celebrating the opening day of the trout season along the serene banks of Black Earth Creek. This year promises to be our biggest event yet - with new activities including an art fair, more food options, extended live music in the new Lions Legacy Pavilion, and a myriad of experiences for all ages to enjoy.
As the gentle currents of Black Earth Creek glisten under the spring sun, the air is filled with the melodious tunes of live music drifting through the trees. Bands from the local area serenade visitors, creating a vibrant atmosphere that adds to the magic of the day.
For those looking to stretch their legs and soak in the beauty of the surroundings, the event kicks off with a spirited 5K run/walk. Participants of all levels lace up their sneakers to traverse scenic trails, breathing in the fresh, crisp air as they stride alongside the tranquil waters.
The Wine Walk beckons connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike to embark on a delightful journey of taste and discovery. Stroll along the picturesque path visiting local businesses while sampling a selection of exquisite wines and non-alcoholic drinks. Tickets available here.
The highlight of the festivities is the eagerly anticipated KenDucky Derby, where a flotilla of vibrant rubber ducks takes to the creek in a spirited competition. Cheer on your favorite duck as they bob and weave through the water, racing towards the finish line amidst cheers and laughter. Raffle Tickets/Duck Purchase available here.
But Trout Days isn't just about entertainment—it's also a celebration of learning and discovery. Educational activities abound, offering opportunities for visitors of all ages to engage with the natural world. From fly-fishing demonstrations to interactive exhibits showcasing the rich biodiversity of Black Earth Creek, there's something for everyone to explore and enjoy.
Wine Walk
5th Annual Wine Walk
Registration is from 2:30-3:00pm at Endres Insurance Agency, with the wine flowing from 3:00-6:00pm. Stop at over 20 places around Cross Plains to try different wines, non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks while supporting our small businesses!
Art Fair on the Creek
New for 2026, Main Street Market is debuting Art Fair on the Creek, focusing on the area's natural assets, local craftsmanship and outdoor/environmental themes. Visit artisans, creators and small businesses whose work aligns with:
The Driftless Area’s natural beauty (Black Earth Creek, Ice Age Trail, local hills)
Outdoor recreation (biking, hiking, trout fishing, camping)
Organic, handmade, and eco-friendly goods
Community and local pride
5K Run/Walk
4th Annual Trout Days 5k! It will start and finish in Zander Park near Mill Creek Parkway. There with be a 5k run and 2 mile walk. In addition, there will be a short Tots on the Run race for children (~1/4 mile). Proceeds will go towards Park safety projects. *Official timing will not be provided.
Register under SPECIAL EVENTS (Coming Soon)
Music Fest
A small town music fest performed in the new Lions Legacy Pavilion on the banks of the Black Earth Creek. 2026 LINEUP Coming Soon
Band 1 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Band 2 1:00 - 2:30pm
Short Break for the Kenducky Derby
Band 3 3:30 - 5:00 pm
DJ Camm Kids Dance Party at The Creekside Scoop 9-11:00 am
2025 Music sponsored by Zuern, Vintage Brewing Company, Cross Plains Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Middleton
Kenducky Derby
Tickets will be available soon for our annual Duck Race Fundraiser! Cost is $20 a duck, with prizes of $300, $200 and $100 for first, second and third place. (Odds of winning 3/100).
Garage Sales
Garage sales run Thursday-Saturday. Your $5 registration gets you a spot on the virtual map and a yard sign placed in your driveway.
Other Events
Legacy Legacy Pavilion Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
10:30 am at the Pavilion
Lions train rides, face painting, craft fair, environmental and educational activities about the Black Earth Creek, fly fishing clinics, expanded food menu for lunch.
2025 Creekside Music Fest Recap
Sponsored by Zuern, Vintage Brewing Company, Cross Plains Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Middleton
-
Some Assembly Required
11:00am
Some Assembly Required, based in Verona, Wisconsin, plays original songs and likes to create their own interpretation of a wide range of rock and roll covers.
-
Augie Dougherty Band
12:30pm
Exciting Trout Days collaboration of musical talent from Augie Dougherty (guitar, vocals, banjo) who will be joined by Eli Frieders (bass, back-up vocals), and Ernie Brusubardis IV (fiddle, back-up vocals). Augie and Eli are both from the incredible national touring WI bluegrass bandArmchair Boogie. Earnie is joining the duo from the Upper Midwest scene progressive bluegrass band from Milwaukee, Chicken Wire Empire.
-
Gin, Chocolate & Bottle Rockets
2:00pm
Based out of Madison, Wisconsin
Gin, Chocolate & Bottle Rockets is:Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin / Beth Kille
Vocals, Percussion / Jen Farley
Vocals, Keyboard / Shawndell Marks -
Host of Sparrows
3:30pm
Host of Sparrows is the folk songwriting duo of Lis Shea and Zachary Wyatt.
2026 Schedule of Events
Download full events schedule soon.
Thursday, April 30
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Food & Drink Stand by Cross Plains Lions Club
@ Glaciers Edge Square Shopping Center // Business delivery available here
All Day
Garage Sales by Cross Plains Area Chamber of Commerce. Village Maps and address registration available here.
Friday, May 1
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Library Book Sale
@ Rosemary Garfoot Library.
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Food & Drink Stand by Cross Plains Lions Club
@ Glaciers Edge Square
Business delivery available
Order Here.
All Day
Village of CP Garage Sales
by Cross Plains Area Chamber of Commerce.
Village Maps and address registration available here.
Saturday, May 2
8:00am-6:00pm
Library Book Sale
@ Rosemary Garfoot Library.
8:30am
Annual Trout Day 5k Run/Walk
@ Zander Park
8:30am Tot Trout Trot
9:00am 5k Run/Walk
Wayside Wanderers at Finish Line
Register Here
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Kids Disco Dance Party
@ The Creekside Scoop
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
New for 2026! Art Fair on the Creek
@ Zander Park
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Food & Drink Stand
by Cross Plains Lions Club
@ Esser Square & The Creekside Scoop
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Kids Activities & Community Education
Kids Train Rides – Cross Plains Lions Club - Free!
@ Zander Park, Black Earth Creek + Esser Square
Bugs on the Creek – Black Earth Creek Watershed Association (BECWA)
Cycling Without Age - Hosted by Northwest Dane Senior Services (NWDSS)
Fly Fishing Casting Clinic – Southern WI Trout Unlimited
FLOW the Paddlefish - Friends of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway
Educational Booths: Friends of Festge Park, Gateway to the Driftless, Lions Club, Ice Age Trail Alliance, Capital Area Regional Planning Commission
Kids Face Painting & Activities - Wondermakers 4H Club
10:30 am
Lions Legacy Pavilion Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
@ Zander Park + Pavilion
12:00 pm
KenDucky Derby Kids Duck Drop
@ Zander Park + Black Earth Creek
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Creekside Music Fest
11:00 am Line Up Coming Soon
1:00 pm Line Up Coming Soon
3:30 pm Line Up Coming Soon
3:00 pm
Official KenDucky Derby Duck Drop
@ Zander Park + Black Earth Creek
3:00 - 6:00 pm
5th Annual Wine Walk
presented by Lakeridge Bank
Free SafeRides provided from 6-9pm
Buy Tickets