FIRST WEEKEND IN MAY
42nd Annual
Cross Plains Trout Days
Presented by Cross Plains Lions Club & the Cross Plains Area Chamber of Commerce
Thursday, April 30 - Saturday, May 2
Welcome to the 42nd Annual Trout Days, a beloved Cross Plains Lions tradition celebrating the traditional opening day of the trout season along the serene banks of Black Earth Creek. This year promises to be our biggest event yet - with days of new activities including an art fair, more food and drink options, extended live music in the new Lions Legacy Pavilion, and experiences for all ages to enjoy.
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!
Wine Walk
5th Annual Wine Walk
Registration for the May 2 event is from 2:30-3:00pm at Endres Insurance Agency, with the wine flowing from 3:00-6:00 pm. 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 over 25 artisans, creators, nonprofits and small businesses whose work aligns with the Driftless Area’s natural beauty through organic, handmade, and eco-friendly goods.
Kids Trot, 1 mile & 5K Run/Walk
4th Annual Trout Days 5k
Saturday morning races start and finish on new routes this year near Zander Park and Mill Creek Parkway. Choose from a 1 mile run/walk, 5k run/walk or the short Troutlet Trot race for children (~1/4 mile). Proceeds will go towards Park safety projects.
Registration is open through the Cross Plains Village Parks and Rec department.
ATTENTION KIDS!
It’s time to update our t-shirt design! We are looking for two original designs, one for the Run/Walk and one for the Troutlet Trot.
Designs should consider the focus of both events as the celebration of spring and the opening day of fishing season, our community, and the local natural assets of Cross Plains. Learn more now!
Creekside Music Fest
Free Admission all Day!
A roaring local music fest on May 2 performed for the first time this year in the new Lions Legacy Pavilion!
11:00 am-12:15 pm
Armchair Boogie
1:00-2:30 pm
The People Brothers Band
3:30-5:00 pm
DJ Camm Kids Dance Party at The Creekside Scoop from 9:00 - 11:00 am
2026 Music sponsored by:
Town of Middleton, Cross Plains Chamber of Commerce, Plastic Ingenuity, Zuern Lumber, Vintage Brewing, Esser’s Square, Lawncare Plus
Kenducky Derby
Adopt a duck now for the race down Black Earth Creek and you might be a lucky winner! $20 tickets are available online or at Crossroads Coffeehouse, Remington’s Tavern and Vessel Cafe! Prizes of $300, $200 and $100 are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. (Odds of winning 3/100).
Garage Sales
Garage sales run Thursday-Saturday. Want to participate? $5 registration gets your house a spot on the virtual map and a yard sign placed in your driveway.
Other Saturday Events
Legacy Legacy Pavilion Ribbon Cutting
10:30 am at the Pavilion
Lions train rides, face painting, environmental and educational activities about the Black Earth Creek, fly fishing and more!
2026 Music Line Up
11:00 am - 12:15 pm
A high-energy Wisconsin cover band known for fun, crowd-pleasing rock and pop favorites that get the day started right.
1:00 - 2:30 pm
Madison-based bluegrass powerhouse blending lightning-fast picking, tight harmonies, and a modern jam-grass sound that keeps crowds moving.
3:30 - 5:00 pm
A dynamic funk, soul, and brass-driven collective delivering big grooves, positive energy, and a festival-style finale you won’t want to miss.
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
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Library Book Sale
@ Rosemary Garfoot Library.
8:30 am
Annual Trout Day 5k Run/Walk
@ Zander Park
8:30 am Troutlet Trot
9:00 am 5k Run/Walk
Register With the Village Coming Soon
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
@ 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 - Cross Plains 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 Some Assembly Required
1:00 pm Armchair Boogie
3:30 pm The Peoples Brothers Band
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