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Things to do in Stoughton, WI: Syttende Mai, the Opera House and Norwegian heritage

Stoughton, on the Yahara River southeast of Madison, wears its Norwegian heritage proudly: its chamber calls its Syttende Mai the largest in the United States. It also has one of the area's best concert halls, a restored 1901 opera house. Checked with the City of Stoughton, the Stoughton Chamber and each venue's own site in November 2026.

Checked against official sources · Updated November 2, 2026

Norwegian heritage

  • Syttende Mai, May 14 to 16, 2027: the celebration of Norway's Constitution Day (May 17), held the weekend closest to it, with two parades, arts, food, kids' activities and the Stoughton High School Norwegian Dancers. Some events need a $5 Booster Button.
  • Livsreise Norwegian Heritage Center, 277 W. Main St.: "Life's Journey," a free museum telling the story of Norwegian emigrants, open Tuesday to Saturday (closed for lunch 12 to 12:30).

The Stoughton Opera House

The Stoughton Opera House, 381 E. Main St., opened in 1901 as part of City Hall and was restored starting in the 1980s. It hosts more than 80 shows this season, including The Wood Brothers (November 19), Sarah Jarosz (December 4), the Festival Choir and City Band holiday concert (December 6), Richard Thompson (February 1) and Kathy Mattea (February 18). Box office: 608-877-4400.

The community theater, the Stoughton Village Players, stages shows at 255 E. Main St. See our live music guide for more venues.

Parks and the river

  • Mandt Park: a few blocks from downtown, home of the Stoughton Junior Fair the week of July 4. The city's Yahara River Park project is adding a trail underpass at the Fourth Street bridge to link Mandt Park, Riverside Park and downtown; the river below the Stoughton dam is drawn down about 3 feet during construction, through July 2027 (Lake Kegonsa isn't affected).
  • Rotary Park: home of the free Catfish River Music Festival in early July.
  • Lake Kegonsa State Park: a beach, camping, fishing and trails through oak woods and prairie on a 3,200-acre lake nearby (vehicle sticker required).

Events

  • Victorian Holiday Weekend: the first weekend of December, including the Stoughton Holiday Show on December 4 and 5, 2026.
  • Community Expo, April 8, 2027; Coffee Break Festival, August 21, 2027; Wine Walk, October 14, 2027.

For more nearby, see our day trips and lakes guides.

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Sources

Rules and dates can change. Check the official source before you rely on them, and suggest a correction if something is out of date.