Lanette's Lazy Unstuffed Peppers
I’ve always found stuffed peppers to be annoying to eat. This One-Pot Unstuffed Pepper recipe delivers all the cozy, classic flavors of stuffed peppers without the extra work. Savory ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and tender rice come together in one skillet for an easy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a casual family dinner. Simple, hearty, and full of flavor, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again.
Get the recipe here.
Waterpark Weekend, On Us
Win an overnight stay at Chula Vista Resort and Waterpark in Wisconsin Dells which is basically a ticket to splashy fun! Slide, splash, and unwind in comfy rooms. It’s a mini getaway your family won’t forget. Log into your Circle of Friends account now to win - or become a member - here.
Festivals, Family Fun & Fall Magic
Fall festivals in Madison and across Southern Wisconsin are full of fun, color, and cozy vibes. You can pick pumpkins, sip hot cider, and get lost in a corn maze. The music of local bands and kids laughter fill the air while everyone enjoys the crisp autumn air. Here are a bunch of great ways to celebrate the season with friends and family.
OCTOBER
3 Fall Fest – Monona/Aldo Leopold Nature Center
3 Oktoberfest - Madison/Edgewater Hotel Grand Plaza
3-5 Oktoberfest – Milwaukee/Summerfest Grounds
4 Candlelight Hike – Blue Mounds/Blue Mounds State Park
4 Harvest Folk Festival – Madison/Allen Centennial Garden (620 Babcock Dr.)
4 Madison Vegan Fest – Madison/Lake Farm Park
4 Oktoberfest – Madison/Westmorland Park
4 Fall Wine Walk – Wisconsin Dells/downtown
4-5 Fall Village Market - Mt. Horeb/Main St.
4-5 Fall Festival of Color - Lake Mills/Commons Park
5 Autumn Fest - Broadhead/Veteran’s Park
10 Oktoberfest Festival – Monroe/Minhas Brewery (1408 13th St.)
11 Fall Fair on the Square - Baraboo/downtown square
11 Fall Wine Walk - Beloit/downtown
11 Main Street Monroe Art Walk – Monroe/Courthouse Square
11 Monona Fall Festival – Monona/Winnequah Park
11 Parktoberfest – Prairie du Sac/Culver Community Park
11 Pumpkin Phest – Verona/Wisconsin Brewing Company
11-12 Harvest Fest – New Glarus/Swiss Historical Village
11-12 Oktoberfest - Lake Geneva/200 Broad St.
16 Madison Night Market – Madison/State St. & Capitol Square
16 Wisconsin Science Festival - Madison/various locations
16 Witches Night Out - Mt. Horeb/downtown
17 Craft Beer Walk - Wisconsin Dells/downtown
18 Dells on Tap – Wisconsin Dells/downtown
18 Halloween at the Farm – Waunakee/Schumacher Farm Park
23-26 Wisconsin Book Festival - Madison/201 W Mifflin St.
25 Autumn Artisan Faire - Middleton/The Bruce Company
25 Fall Downtown Fest - Beaver Dam/downtown
25 Trick or Treat at the Ballpark – Madison/Duck Pond
25 Tricks and Treats Scramble (Madison Parks event) – Madison/Odana Hills Golf Course
26 Boo at the Zoo – Madison/Henry Vilas Zoo
29 Downtown Family Halloween - Madison/State St. & Capitol Square
NOVEMBER
1-8 Driftless Film Festival - Mineral Point/Opera House
Fall Fun Guide: Corn Mazes & Pumpkin Patches
During the Fall season, many farms around the Madison offer a delightful blend of seasonal adventures. Corn mazes transform fields into thrilling labyrinths where every twist and turn presents a challenge, and the excitement of finding your way out is an experience best shared with family and friends. Meanwhile, pumpkin patches capture the essence of fall, offering far more than just a place to pick your perfect pumpkin. They’re charming places to create lasting memories. Whether you’re seeking a thrilling challenge in a corn maze or a picturesque day filled with family fun at a pumpkin patch, these locations provide the ideal setting for embracing the spirit of the season.
Anderson’s Pleasant Patch Pumpkins - Cottage Grove/2313 Koshkonong Rd.
Pleasant Patch features a traditional pumpkin patch and corn maze, complemented by a haunted house for those seeking a spooky adventure. It’s a good mix of family-friendly and thrilling fall experiences.
Phone: (608) 839-3005
Enchanted Valley Acres - Cross Plains/5047 Enchanted Valley Rd.
This farm offers a unique experience with its massive corn maze, pumpkin patch, wagon rides through picturesque landscapes, and a chilling haunted forest at night. They also host special events like flashlight nights and bonfires, adding to the fall fun.
Phone: (608) 798-4769
Eplegaarden Orchard - Fitchburg/2227 Fitchburg Rd.
Opens with a limited schedule in mid-August with a bountiful farm store including Dutchess and other heirloom varieties of goodies. Pick your own flowers, fruit and firewood.
Phone: (608)845-5966
Eugster’s Farm Market - Stoughton/3865 Hwy 138
Eugster’s provides a charming fall experience with a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, and a variety of farm animals to interact with. They also have a farm market offering fresh produce and fall treats.
Phone: (608) 873-3795
Heise Pumpkin Patch - Middleton/4950 High Rd.
Family owned and operated pumpkin patch. Open early September through Halloween. Go for seasonal decorations or family photo-ops.
Hermanson Pumpkin Patch - Edgerton/127 Hwy N
This family-friendly farm offers a simple and enjoyable fall experience with its pumpkin patch, corn maze, and hayrides. It’s a relaxed setting perfect for a leisurely autumn outing.
Phone: (608) 751-9706
Schuster’s Farm - Deerfield/1326 Hwy 12
Schuster’s is a classic fall destination with a wide variety of attractions. You’ll find a corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, apple cannons, farm animals, a haunted forest (for those seeking thrills), and various fall-themed games and activities. It’s a great place for families and groups.
Phone: (608) 764-8488
Skelly’s Farm Market - Janesville/2713 S Hayner Rd.
Situated in Janesville, Skelly’s has a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, and a petting zoo. They also offer a farm market with fresh produce, baked goods, and fall decorations.
Phone: (608) 752-8042
Sutter’s Ridge Farm - Mt Horeb/2074 Sutter Dr.
Sutter’s Ridge combines the joys of apple picking and pumpkin picking with a fun corn maze and a dedicated activity area for kids. It’s a picturesque spot for enjoying fall flavors and family time.
Phone: (608) 437-5318
Treinen Farm Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch - Lodi/W12420 Hwy 60
Treinen Farm boasts a sprawling 15-acre corn maze, offering a challenging and exciting adventure.Their pumpkin patch is also extensive, ensuring you’ll find the perfect gourd. Hayrides and other fall activities round out the experience.
Phone: (608) 622-7407
Warm Belly Farm-Cottage Grove - Cottage Grove/4311 Vilas Hope Rd.
Great place for both adults and kids! includes a beer garden, lots of kids activities and garden center. Stay tuned for their Fall Festival!
Phone: (608)669-9901
* It’s always best to check the individual farm’s website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information on hours, admission prices, and special events. Fall is a busy time, so plan your visit accordingly and enjoy the autumn festivities!