Things to Do
Welcome to Oconomowoc, a thriving community with a charming, small-town vibe.
Are you outdoorsy? Do you love music or performing arts? Are you a foodie or love to shop? With fantastic dining, quaint coffee shops, unique boutiques, great walking and biking trails, fun events throughout the year, vibrant nightlife, and of course our beautiful lakes, Oconomowoc is alive with energy and is a great place to live, work, and visit.
Shopping
Art, clothing, jewelry, toys, antiques and so much more, the choices are endless. Find the latest fashions, unique gifts, fun accessories, and beautiful decor among the seventeen shopping districts in the Oconomowoc area.
Places to Eat & Drink
Casual or fine dining, wine bar or microbrewery, coffeeshops, ice cream shops, bakeries and more, Oconomowoc has no shortage of tasty bites and beverages.
Festivals & Events
There is never a dull moment when you are in Oconomowoc! From festivals to farmers markets, parades to concerts you will never be bored! And Oconomowoc knows how to have fun in any season. We’ve given a short-list of events below – keep an eye on our calendar throughout the year for details about these and other great events!
FESTIVALS
- Chili Fest
- Kids Fest
- Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts
- Fall Festival
- German Christmas Market
CONCERTS
- Bands at the Beach at City Beach
- Oconomowoc American Legion Band Concert Series
- Magic Mansion on the Porch
- Twilight Concerts at Fowler Park
PARADES
- Memorial Day Parade
- Independence Day Parade
- Light up the Lake
- Halloween Parade
- Christmas Parade
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
- Oconomowoc Summer Farmers’ Market
- Ladies Night Out
- Spring Gallery Night
- Memorial Day Remembrance
- Yellow Brick Road 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run
- Downtown Oconomowoc Beer Garden
- Independence Day Celebration
- Midwest Paddlefest
- Lake Country Triathlon
- Kids Day
- Moonlit Movies
- Badgerland Waterski Show
- German Market Oktoberfest
- Witches Night Out
Other Activities
Golfing
Spend the morning (or entire day) golfing with a group of friends on a beautifully landscaped course. Whether you want a private or public option, Oconomowoc has excellent choices to enjoy the game in the great outdoors.
Fishing
Looking for fishing off the beaten path? Cast a line in one of the area’s beautiful lakes. Our friends over at Visit Oconomowoc have a great guide for all things fishing in the Oconomowoc area.
Kid Friendly
Parks, beaches, petting farms, play galleries, dancing, horseback riding, and more! Oconomowoc has numerous places to entertain the young (and the young-at-heart). Check out our Arts, Culture & Entertainment and our Recreation & Sports pages for the great businesses and organizations that offer kid activities and places for fun! For a list of beaches and parks, visit the City of Oconomowoc’s Parks, Playgrounds, and Trails page.
Hiking, Biking & Trails
You can find a variety of hiking and biking trails right here in Oconomowoc or within a few miles. Here are links to get you the information you need to explore the great outdoors.
Arts & Culture
The arts spirit is alive in Oconomowoc with many artistic and cultural opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy. Take a walk in our downtown area to view murals, sculptures and our most recent addition, a Wizard of Oz Plaza featuring a beautiful mural of the Yellow Brick Road to Emerald City overlooking statues of the movie’s iconic characters. A visit would not be complete without walking through Veterans Memorial Park with its memorial walls, fountain, and an impressive twenty-eight high steel arch with five points connecting tributes to each branch of the military.
Looking for unique gift or a beautiful piece to add to your own home décor? Oconomowoc has several art and craft boutiques and galleries, (and fun antiques and vintage items!) in the area. Visit our Art/Studio Gallery and Antiques/Crafts pages for a list of places to find your new favorite treasure.
And if arts and cultural events are your passion, art festivals, theatrical productions, and musical celebrations are plentiful in the Oconomowoc area throughout the year. Check out our Arts, Culture & Entertainment page and be sure to visit our Event Calendar often for announcements of these and other events.
History
Oconomowoc’s downtown has retained most of its historic 19th-century architecture, and numerous grand Victorian homes still grace area lakeshores. Many city homes and businesses are listed on the state and national Register of Historic Places. Self-explore with a walking tour guide produced by the Oconomowoc Historical Society. Pick up a copy at the Oconomowoc Chamber of Commerce office and get ready to explore.
If you want to learn more about what you can find in our community, check out our community guide online or come visit us at our office at 175 E Wisconsin Ave, say hi, and grab a printed copy for yourself!