Weyauwega's Horse and Buggy Days Celebrating Cheese-O-Wega This Weekend

Taylor Berndt
Oct 8, 2025
2 min read

Weyauwega, WI — October 11, 2025

Main Street in Weyauwega will once again come alive this Saturday as the community gathers for its annual Horse and Buggy Days, a long-standing tradition that celebrates the city’s history and small-town spirit.

Horse pulling cheese-laden wagon in a street festival. Text: “Horse and Buggy Days, Cheese-O-Wega, October 11, Weyauwega.” Vintage vibe.

This year’s event carries a special “Cheese-O-Wega” theme, honoring Weyauwega’s rich heritage in Wisconsin’s cheese industry and the many local businesses that helped earn the town its flavorful reputation.

A Tradition Rooted in History

Horse and Buggy Days first began in 1960, when a group of local business leaders came together to create a festival that honored the “days of old” and gave the community a reason to celebrate together.

Over the decades, the event has grown into one of the most anticipated weekends of the year, featuring parades, contests, music, and heritage displays.

In earlier years, organizers even issued wooden nickels as souvenirs — one from 1970 reads “10th Annual Horse and Buggy Days, Oct. 2-3, 1970, Weyauwega, Wis.”

Round wooden token with red text: 10th Annual Horse & Buggy Days, Oct. 2-3, 1970, Weyauwega, Wis. Souvenir. Rustic look.

The celebration continues to evolve, blending tradition with new attractions, while always keeping its nostalgic charm.

2025 “Cheese-O-Wega” Schedule — Saturday, October 11

9–10 a.m. — 5K Fun Walk/Run hosted by Silverback Strength

10 a.m. — Scavenger Hunt registration at City Hall (awards at 4 p.m.)

10 a.m. — Grain Silo Rededication – recently repainted landmark

11:30 a.m. — Kiddie Parade on Main Street

12 p.m. — Main Parade featuring cheese-themed floats and awards

12–3 p.m. — Wega Fire Department Open House – raffle drawing at 2 p.m.

1–4 p.m. — Cheesecake, Pie & Ice Cream Social – City Hall

1:30 p.m. — Children’s Games on Main Street

1:30–3 p.m. — Bingo – Dahlke Funeral Home

1:30 p.m. — Mousehole Tourney – Main Street Taverns

1:30–4 p.m. — Old-Fashioned Photo Booth – Gerold Opera House

2:30 p.m. — Beard & Mustache Contest – Main Street Klippers

3 p.m. — History of Cheese in Weyauwega Presentation – Gerold Opera House

4–5 p.m. — Karaoke – Gerold Opera House

5 p.m. — Cheese Curd Eating & Cheese Tasting Contests – City Hall

6:30 p.m. — Bluegrass Concert featuring Chicken Wire Empire – Gerold Opera HouseTickets $10 in advance, $15 at the door

Band performing on stage with string instruments under colorful lights. Text: "CHICKEN WIRE EMPIRE, Gerold Opera House, Weyauwega, October 11."

A Full Day of Family Fun

The day will also feature a “bank robbery” reenactment, bounce houses, and live street performances by Professor Pinkerton Xyloma of Deadman’s Carnival fame.

Downtown businesses will offer cheese-themed menu items and specials throughout the day, while the Weyauwega Fire Department welcomes guests for its open house and raffle.

Whether you come for the parade, contests, or live music, there’s something for everyone at this year’s celebration.

Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present

From its small-town beginnings to its modern-day revival, Horse and Buggy Days continues to embody what makes Weyauwega special — community pride, creativity, and a sense of togetherness.

To register for the parade or learn more about event details, visit hbdays.org.

Tickets for Chicken Wire Empire can be purchased online at weyauwegaartsorganization.tickettailor.com.

Horse and Buggy Days is presented by the Weyauwega Area Historical Society, with support from Events at the Gerold Opera House and WEGA Arts.