With an annual attendance of more than 25,000 people, the 15th annual Fondue Fest comes in as the largest event in downtown. Three stages with all genres of music playing all day, a huge Kids Zone, art and craft vendors, Farmers Market vendors, cheese and chocolate fondue provided by MPTC Culinary students, car show and finale shows by Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts and Fat Joe’s Burgers and Brew.

Fondue Fest gives the downtown the opportunity to show their endurance, the strength of their friendships, and a chance to celebrate community in the downtown. Fondue Fest continues to be Fond du Lac’s largest one-day festival.

Fondue – Prepared by MPTC Culinary Arts Program
Cheese and chocolate fondue is prepared by the Moraine Park Technical College Culinary Arts program will be available at 10:00 in the intersection of Forest and Main.  The Culinary Arts program offers students many opportunities to enter and advance in the hospitality industry. Students receive hands-on, practical experience in all aspects of food preparation and production.

Every year, between 70-90 pounds of cheese is melted into a delicious fondue recipe which also features several other ingredients like apple cider. Funds raised helps students participate in culinary activities around the world!

Fondue – Prepared by The Melting Pot
We are happy to help the Melting Pot celebrate their 20th anniversary! They will be serving cheese and chocolate fondue on the corner of 3rd and Main Street in partnership with Brick House.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Fondue Brew – Prepared by Lakefront Brewery
Tapping of the Firkin will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Main Street Plaza by the Lakefront Brewery beer tent.

Fondue Brew – Brewed by Fox River Brewing Company
Fox River Brewing Company has teamed up with Fondue Fest to create their very own Fondue Brew! Their specialty Fondue Fest Vienna Lager will be in circulation beginning late summer.

Music Schedule:

North Music Stage
9:00 a.m. – Austin Skalecki
Austin Skalecki is a singer-songwriter based out of Wisconsin. He creates a unique blend of sound with influence from early folk and blues. Diving into Austin’s music, you will discover storytelling acoustic tracks with heartfelt lyrics, memorable guitar melodies, and wailing harmonica.
11: 30 – Milwaukee Blues Rock Collective
Milwaukee Blues Rock Collective offers solid grooves appeal to fans of high caliber blues and rock!
2:30 – Tuesday’s @ 5
Classic Rock cover band. We specialize in the songs you love that other bands don’t always play.

South Music Stage
9:00 a.m. – Hold em High
Hold’em High is southeastern Wisconsin’s premier music duo bringing you the greatest hits from the 70’s to today. What makes Hold’em High unique is their full band experience that makes you feel like you’re at a big concert but from your favorite little bar. Come experience Hold’em High for yourself and see what the hype is all about!
11: 30 a.m. – Seth James Trio
Coming to you fresh of their win of the Break Out Band Contest at Walleye Weekend, we are proud to host the Seth James Trio! The trio features wide ranging song selection and heavy soul influence.
2:30 p.m. – Time Machine Band
Time Machine covers a collection of high energy rock music from the 70’s to current songs.

Fat Joe’s Burgers & Brews
11:00 a.m. Until Dawn
2:00 p.m.  Infared
6:00 p.m.  The Love Monkeys

18 Hands Ale Haus & Biergarten
2:30 p.m. Kylar Kuzio
7:00 p.m. Jimmy Z

Top Shelf Bar & Grill
10:00 a.m. Kip Jones
1:30 p.m.   Julio Reyes
5:00 p.m.  Comin In Hot
8:30 p.m.  Brent Bel & The Boys

Kids Zone – Fondue Fleet Races!
Does your “little dipper” have what it takes to be the “big cheese?!” New to the Kid Zone this year is Fondue Fleet Races with Fond du Lac Cyclery! Register your child for one of five races by completing the registration form at https://forms.gle/t9q7jfESx2L53xjD9. The five races are:
9:00am – Balance Bikes
10:00am – Trikes and Training Wheels
11:00am – 2 wheels age 6 and under
12:00pm – 2 wheels ages 7-10
1:00pm – 2 wheels ages 11-13

Please arrive at the Kid Zone 10 minutes before your race with the child’s bike and helmet. We will provide a safety briefing and instructions for the race. The race may be broken down into smaller heats depending on participation. An awards podium presentation will follow each age bracket with custom prizes created by the Fond du Lac Public Library. All participants will receive a Fond du Lac Cyclery Water Bottle.

Community members are encouraged to come cheer on the racers and enjoy the show!

Fond du Lac Festivals Fondue Feast!
Do you have what it takes to win 4 rounds of speed-eating challenges, all within 1 hour? At Fondue Fest in Downtown Fond du Lac, we will be hosting the second annual Fondue Feast Challenge where contestants will compete for the trophy of fastest eater in Fond du Lac and other awesome prizes!

For your reference, the rounds will be a 5 oz pretzel with fondue, a German potato salad, a brat with sauerkraut, and some sort of dessert to finish. These selections are almost ready to be finalized.

Registration and full details can be found on the Fond du Lac Festivals website. 

Date: September 9th, 2023

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location:
Main Street from Merrill to Western, Fond du Lac, WI

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