FIRST WEEKEND IN MAY

41st Annual

Cross Plains Trout Days

Presented by Cross Plains Lions Club & the Cross Plains Area Chamber of Commerce

Welcome to the 41st 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 an unforgettable experience, brimming with excitement, live music, and a myriad of activities 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

4th 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!

5K Run/Walk

3rd 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

Music Fest

A small town music fest performed on the banks of the Black Earth Creek. 2025 LINEUP:
Some Assembly Required  - 11:00am
Augie Dougherty Band - 12:30pm
Gin, Chocolate & Bottle Rockets - 2:00pm
Host of Sparrows  - 3:30pm

DJ Camm Kids Dance Party at The Creekside Scoop 9-11am

Kenducky Derby

Tickets are still available 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 Groundbreaking Ceremony
12:15-12:45 - ceremony

Lions train rides, face painting, educational activities about the Black Earth Creek, fly fishing clinics, brats, hamburgers for lunch.

Creekside Music Fest Sponsored by 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.

Schedule of Events

Download full events schedule.

Thursday, May 1st

10:00am-2:00pm

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 2nd

8:00am-6:00pm

Library Book Sale
@ Rosemary Garfoot Library.

10:00am-2:00pm

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 3rd

8:00am-6:00pm

Library Book Sale
@ Rosemary Garfoot Library.

8:30am

2nd 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

9:00am-11:00am

Kids Disco Dance Party
@ The Creekside Scoop

10:00am-3:00pm

Food & Drink Stand
by Cross Plains Lions Club
@ Esser Square & The Creekside Scoop

10:00am-2:00pm

Kids Activities & Community Education
Kids Train Rides – Cross Plains Lions Club - Free!
@ Zander Park, Black Earth Creek + Esser Square

  • Human Foosball Game - Hosted by the Cross Plains Scouts @ Zander Park

  • 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

12:00pm

KenDucky Derby Kids Duck Drop

@ Zander Park + Black Earth Creek

10:00am-3:00pm

Creekside Music Fest

11:00a Some Assembly Required
12:30p Augie Dougherty Band
2:00p Gin, Chocolate & Bottle Rockets
3:30p Host of Sparrows

3:00pm

Official KenDucky Derby Duck Drop

@ Zander Park + Black Earth Creek

3:00-6:00pm

4th Annual Wine Walk
presented by Lakeridge Bank
Free SafeRides provided from 6-9pm
Buy Tickets