Independence Day Weekend at Old World Wisconsin

Celebrate the stars and stripes at Old World Wisconsin during a weekend jam-packed with food, games, music, performances and other patriotic festivities! Suit up in your best red, white and blue gear and head to the Crossroads Village to celebrate Independence Day in style: take part in historic games, join a spelling bee, churn your own butter, watch (or deck out your stroller and take part in) a children’s parade, and enter the famous pie-eating event for a little healthy—and sweet—competition. Take part in a special picnic menu in the cool shade of the Village Grove while listening to rousing tunes played by seasoned brass musicians, and cap things off with an inspirational reading of the document that started it all: the Declaration of Independence. As you explore, signature Time Travel Tokens will be available for purchase and can be redeemed for souvenirs, gifts, treats and more. Don’t forget to meet and shake hands with the village mayor before you go!

Old World Wisconsin is a 600-acre living history attraction that comes alive with the sights and sounds of the holiday. Enjoy live brass band performances, join a stroller-friendly participant parade, cheer on (or compete in!) the always-popular pie-eating contest, and listen to a stirring reading of the Declaration of Independence.

And that’s just the beginning of a weekend filled with fun for everyone!

Special activities take place throughout the grounds. Guests can pitch and catch in a historic baseball game, enter a tug-of-war contest, play hoop and stick at Raspberry School, or visit the recently opened Wittnebel’s Tavern—a historic tribute to the post-Prohibition era.

The historical attraction also offers several new food and beverage offerings. Stop by Caldwell Hall, where a tent-covered outdoor dining area serves hot dogs, veggie dogs and beer-infused brats fresh off the grill along with pulled-pork sandwiches. At the Creamery, guests can enjoy a red, white, and blue strawberry shortcake—made with fresh strawberries, topped with blueberries and a dollop of cream—as well as a variety of ice cream specialties.

Wittnebel’s Tavern will serve its exclusive Kettle Brau brew, a refreshing blonde lager inspired by 20th-century recipes, along with a special Duesterbeck’s Two Red Barns American ale.

The new Biergarten, decked out in red, white and blue for the holiday, overlooks the scenic Kettle Moraine State Forest, and offers a relaxing setting to enjoy the view, a beverage or sample a special charcuterie cup—a historic nod to Wisconsin classics like cheese curds, sausage sticks, pickles, cranberries, and even a pickled egg for those interested in a taste of the past. The nearby Ramsey Barn, with enticing gifts for the whole family, will feature a special Independence Day Hawaiian shirt.

The Independence Day event is sponsored by the Old World Foundation and this special program is included in the cost of general admission. Tickets are $20 for adults and teens, $18 for senior citizens, $13 for children, and admission is free for children under 5. Old World Wisconsin will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, July 4-5, 2025.

COST for Independence Day Weekend at Old World Wisconsin

Adult (18-64): $20
Teen (13-17): $20
Senior (65+): $18
Children (5-12): $13
Child Under 5: Free

Purchase your tickets in advance.

Wisconsin Historical Society members receive FREE general admission to Old World Wisconsin and a 10% discount on ticketed events.

Find more 4th of July festivities, fireworks, and parades in our 4th of July Guide.

Find more FREE SUMMER FUN and our Bucket List: 77 THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER!

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