EXPLORE DOOR COUNTY
Turn your festival trip into a complete Labor Day weekend in Sturgeon Bay and across the peninsula. Discover historic streets, waterfront views, local dining, and coastal adventures.
FOUR PILLARS OF YOUR FESTIVAL GETAWAY
Experience everything that makes a Labor Day weekend trip to Sturgeon Bay special.
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
Brick-lined streets, local shops, cafes, and festival stages along Jefferson Street.
WORKING WATERFRONT
Active shipyards, tugboats, drawbridges, and canal walks along the harbor.
PENINSULA ARTS
Local art galleries, creative studios, specialty shops, and public murals.
STATE PARKS
Limestone cliffs, sandy beaches, hiking trails, and shoreline views nearby.
REGIONAL TRAVEL CONTEXT
Located in Sturgeon Bay at the entrance to Door County, Jazz on Jefferson is an easy drive from across Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest.
~45 MIN
Direct north along Highway 57 / 42 straight into downtown Sturgeon Bay.
~1 HOUR
Easy highway connection via US-41 North and WI-57 North.
~2.5 HOURS
A scenic drive northbound via I-43 and Highway 57.
~4 HOURS
Cross-state travel via US-151 North and I-43 North.
~4.5 HOURS
Northward journey via I-94 to I-43 North into Door County.
~5 HOURS
Eastbound travel across Wisconsin via I-94 East and WI-29 East.
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN STURGEON BAY
Jefferson Street forms the vibrant commercial and cultural corridor of downtown Sturgeon Bay. Defined by classic brick architecture, walkable sidewalks, and locally owned shops, downtown is the hub of the festival weekend.
Visitors can park once and explore independent boutiques, coffee spots, art galleries, and restaurants within easy walking distance of festival stages.
- Walkable brick-lined sidewalks and historic architecture
- Independent retail shops and specialty boutiques
- Art galleries, creative studios, and public murals
- Local coffee stops, bakeries, and casual dining
- Direct access to the Sturgeon Bay waterfront and canal path
MARITIME CHARACTER
Sturgeon Bay is built around its active shipping canal and deep-water harbor. The city's maritime story includes historic shipyards, tugboat docks, and iconic structures like the Michigan Street Steel Bridge.
A walk along the waterfront promenade offers views of passing vessels, harbor activity, and open water connecting Green Bay with Lake Michigan.
WATERFRONT & MARITIME HERITAGE
The maritime presence gives Sturgeon Bay a distinct character unlike any other community on the peninsula. It combines a real, working harbor with scenic public waterfront access.
STAY
Hotels, inns, and lodging in and around Sturgeon Bay. Book early — Labor Day weekend is popular in Door County.
Holiday Music Motel
Music-themed motel in the heart of historic downtown Sturgeon Bay, walking distance to festival stages.
30 N 1st Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235Stone Harbor Resort
Waterfront resort and conference center on the Sturgeon Bay harbor, next to the Michigan Street Steel Bridge.
107 N 1st Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235Bridgeport Waterfront Resort
Condominium resort in the heart of historic downtown Sturgeon Bay with water views and modern amenities.
50 W Larch St, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235Inn at Cedar Crossing
Historic inn and restaurant at the corner of downtown Sturgeon Bay, with the Cedar Crossing Restaurant & Bar on site.
336 Louisiana St, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235Bay Shore Inn
Waterfront resort on the shores of Sturgeon Bay, offering relaxed lodging with harbor views.
4205 Bay Shore Dr, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235Note: Labor Day weekend is a popular travel period across Door County. Early booking is highly recommended.
EAT + DRINK
Restaurants, cafes, and tasting rooms in Sturgeon Bay and nearby. From Irish pub fare to house-roasted coffee to Door County wine.
Door County Coffee
House-roasted coffee, espresso drinks, and drive-thru on Highway 42 between Sturgeon Bay and Egg Harbor.
5773 Hwy 42, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235Kitty O'Reillys Irish Pub
Irish pub serving classics, burgers, and seafood with live music in downtown Sturgeon Bay.
59 E Oak St, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235Door County Fire Company
Restaurant and gathering spot in Sturgeon Bay's historic fire station on Third Avenue.
38 S 3rd Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235Cedar Crossing Restaurant & Bar
Full-service restaurant and bar in downtown Sturgeon Bay, serving as the cornerstone of the local dining scene.
336 Louisiana St, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235Scaturo's Baking Co & Cafe
Family-owned bakery and cafe serving breakfast, lunch, and Door County cherry pastries for over 20 years.
19 Green Bay Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235Door Peninsula Winery
Winery and tasting room offering fruit wines, ciders, and hourly tours on Highway 42 in Carlsville.
5806 Hwy 42, Carlsville, WI 54235SHOP
Galleries, studios, and specialty shops along Sturgeon Bay's historic Third Avenue and beyond. Several are making the festival possible.
ARTicipation Studio & Gallery
Community art gallery and working studio in Sturgeon Bay's West Waterfront district.
10 E Oak St, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235Margaret Lockwood Gallery
Original impressionistic paintings in a historic 1870s building in the Steel Bridge Creative District.
7 S 2nd Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235T Simon Jewelers
Door County's premier jeweler featuring diamonds, gemstones, and custom designs on Sturgeon Bay's west side.
69 S Madison Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235Plum Bottom Gallery
Gallery featuring original paintings, sculptures, and fine crafts on Third Avenue in downtown Sturgeon Bay.
231 N 3rd Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235Door's Fleurs & Orchard
Door County's first commercial floriculture farm, offering fresh flowers for events, delivery, and walk-in purchases.
920 Egg Harbor Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235EXPLORE
Attractions and outdoor experiences around Sturgeon Bay — from maritime history to limestone cliffs to sandy shores.
MUSE
Cultural venue and festival partner hosting the Sunday Night Open Jam. A creative hub on Jefferson Street in downtown Sturgeon Bay.
330 Jefferson St, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235Door County Maritime Museum
Museum preserving Great Lakes maritime and shipbuilding history on Sturgeon Bay's working waterfront.
120 N Madison Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235Potawatomi State Park
1,225-acre state park with hiking and biking trails, an observation tower, and scenic shoreline along Sturgeon Bay.
3740 County Hwy PD, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235Whitefish Dunes State Park
Sandy Lake Michigan shoreline with nature trails and dunes on the eastern edge of the Door County peninsula.
3275 Clark Lake Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235Cave Point County Park
Dramatic limestone sea caves and crashing waves on Lake Michigan, adjacent to Whitefish Dunes State Park.
5360 Schauer Rd, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235SERVICES
Local businesses and organizations helping make Jazz on Jefferson possible — from healthcare to sanitation, these partners keep the festival running.
Door County Eye Associates
Comprehensive eye care and vision services serving the Door County community.
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235Door County Medical Centers
Full-service medical center providing healthcare to the Sturgeon Bay community and Door County.
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235Going Garbage & Recycling LLC
Waste collection and recycling services serving Door County homes and businesses.
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235Peninsula Privies
Portable restroom and sanitation services for events and gatherings across Door County.
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235OUTDOOR RECREATION
Door County is world-renowned for its dramatic limestone cliffs, forested trails, and miles of freshwater shoreline.
- Cave Point County Park (limestone bluffs and crashing waves)
- Whitefish Dunes State Park (sandy Lake Michigan shoreline)
- Potawatomi State Park (hiking trails, cycling, and tower vistas)
- Kayak rentals along coastal bluffs and protected bays
- Sailboat and charter boat excursions on Green Bay
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
A welcoming environment with activities and spaces designed for all generations to enjoy together.
- A welcoming, all-ages street-festival atmosphere
- Public parks, playgrounds, and waterfront picnic areas
- Maritime museum exhibits and lighthouse tours
- Local ice cream parlors and cherry sweet shops
- Open, accessible sidewalks suitable for strollers and families
SUGGESTED FESTIVAL-WEEKEND ITINERARY
Make the most of your Labor Day weekend trip to Sturgeon Bay with this recommended three-day schedule.
ARRIVAL & KICK-OFF
Arrive in Sturgeon Bay, check into your lodging, and take an afternoon stroll down historic Jefferson Street. Enjoy dinner at a local bistro, then head to drömhus for the official Saturday Kick-off Party to launch the festival weekend.
MORNING EXPLORATION
Start with fresh coffee and breakfast at a local cafe. Walk along the Sturgeon Bay canal promenade, explore shipyards and drawbridges, and visit independent stores before festival gates open.
JAZZ ON JEFFERSON
From noon to 9:15 PM, experience live jazz performances on Jefferson Street. Sample local food vendors, visit beverage tents, soak in the boutique street-festival atmosphere.
SUNDAY NIGHT OPEN JAM
After the Jefferson Stage music concludes, keep the celebration going at MUSE for the Sunday Night Open Jam, a ticketed event where festival performers and guest musicians gather for unforgettable late-night collaborations.
PENINSULA ADVENTURE
Before heading home, spend Labor Day exploring Cave Point County Park, hiking trails at Potawatomi State Park, or visiting a local winery. Wrap up a memorable holiday weekend in Door County.
ARE YOU A LOCAL DOOR COUNTY BUSINESS?
Jazz on Jefferson brings thousands of music lovers into downtown Sturgeon Bay. Founding Partnership starts at $250. Help build the next great Door County tradition.