Presented by Generac, the annual community festival features goat races, live music, a Maker Market, and new interactive fundraisers.
Get ready for the ultimate day of family fun, live music, and—of course—goats! The highly anticipated annual Goat Fest is returning to Rotary Park in Jefferson, WI. This year’s festival, proudly presented by Generac, promises a full day of entertainment, community spirit, and unique attractions for all ages.
The stars of the show, the famous local goats, will officially make their trek off Goat Island to spend the day at Rotary Park, giving attendees a rare opportunity to meet, pet, and take photos with them.
High-Stakes Racing & Non-Stop Music
One of the day’s biggest highlights will be the legendary Goat Races across the bridge, sponsored by Stable Rock Winery & Distillery. Watch these nimble competitors dash for glory in a spectacle you won’t see anywhere else.
The main stage will feature a stellar lineup of live music keeping the energy high all day long:
• 10:00 AM – Bryan Piper Music
• 12:30 PM – People With Strings
• 3:00 PM – Dry River Goats
• 5:30 PM – That Gurl Band
Shopping, Food, and Family Fun
From 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, visitors can shop at the vibrant Maker Market, featuring talented local artisans and crafters, alongside a variety of community and sponsor booths. A diverse lineup of food trucks will be on-site serving up delicious local eats, and the Kid Zone will keep the little ones entertained with games and face painting.
Attendees can also try their luck at the Sponsor Raffle, featuring over 40 incredible prize baskets, as well as a kayak giveaway run by the local Cub Scouts.
New for 2026: Fun Ways to Support the Community
Goat Fest is proud to partner with local organizations to give back to the Jefferson community this year through several exciting initiatives:
• Supporting the High School: Stop by the Merch Tent to pick up the official 2026 Goat Fest t-shirt, beautifully designed by Jefferson High School Art Students. For every shirt sold, $5 will be donated directly back to Jefferson High School.
• The “Kiss the Goat” Fundraiser: New this year, brave community members and leaders will face off in a hilarious fundraiser to benefit the Jefferson Public Library.
• Stuff the Pantry: The Jefferson Food Pantry will be on-site collecting donations. Attendees who bring at least two non-perishable food items will receive a special, limited-edition FOGI (Friends of Goat Island) sticker as a thank you.
Event Details
• What: Goat Fest 2026
• When: Saturday, August 1st, 2026 | Maker Market open 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Where: Rotary Park, Jefferson, WI
• Admission: Free to attend!
For more details, schedule updates, and a look back at past Goat Fest events, please follow us on social media.