This July, The Best Dam Fest is back and bigger than ever. The three-day-long community celebration will take over downtown Beaver Dam and Tahoe Park to amuse festivalgoers with performances by local bands, food, family-friendly activities, a cornhole tournament, a fireworks display and more.
Attendees of all ages will find something fun to do. Kids will love activities like face painting, a petting zoo, a scavenger hunt and the University of Wisconsin Marching Band. For adventurous children and teens, the Eurobungy trampoline, ski lessons and cardboard regatta are sure to be a hit. Additionally, a carnival, a fan favorite in years past, will be open all weekend in the downtown’s 100 Block of S. Center St.
On Friday night, July 8, adults can catch two live music performances. At 7 p.m., Sammy Ray 90s AF Band will perform at the Thirsty Beaver, an outdoor venue overlooking Beaver Dam Lake. Head to Stormy’s Music Venue bar to see Shotgun Jane take the stage around 9:30 p.m. The high-energy seven-piece country/rock cover band is sure to get your toes tapping.
There’s even a teen dance party from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday.
On Saturday, July 9, music lovers can check out six different musical acts, with shows scheduled from 2:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at an array of venues downtown.
In addition to live music, adult festivalgoers can enjoy an an array of food trucks, a boozy brunch, farmers market and fishing tournament at Waterworks Park.
Festival attendees compete in the Cardboard Regatta.
Although the event and activities at the festival are free, adults may purchase wristbands that allow them to purchase and carry alcoholic beverages within the dedicated event spaces. Guests can purchase wristbands at Ooga, Stormy’s, Riverfront Wine Bar, Thirsty Beaver and Tahoe Park on the Saturday of the festival.
The Best Dam Fest, previously known as Beaver Dam Lake Days and renamed in 2021, has been a summer favorite in Beaver Dam for 27 years. Mary Vogl-Rauscher, community development manager at Beaver Dam Chamber of Commerce and vice president of The Best Dam Fest committee, notes that the event is set to be larger than in years past. “We’ve more than doubled the number of bands and the number of activities, and we are working hard to double the number of food trucks and food truck offerings.”
Live fireworks display to cap off the festival.
Vogl-Rauscher notes that this event could not happen without the generosity, support and enthusiasm of the local sponsors. The organizations and individuals, as well as the city itself, that have financially contributed to the event are the reason the event is free to every guest who attends.
With so much to do at The Best Dam Fest, be sure to visit online to check out the events schedule as more details become available.
For the event and live music lineup at The Best Dam Fest, click here. The Best Dam Fest is free to attend and takes place from July 8 to 10, 2022, in downtown Beaver Dam and Tahoe Park.
