Buttermilk Festival – Dorf Kapelle

Buttermilk Festival will bring in the 2026 season by bringing back old friends and new faces for their free outdoor concerts with different musical performers each week. Bring your lawn chair or blankets for seating and enjoy a beloved summer concert series featuring free weekly performances, primarily on Wednesday nights at 7:15 PM in Buttermilk Creek Park’s Wifler Performance Center.

Running through summer 2026, it showcases the Fond du Lac Symphonic Band, Kids From Wisconsin, and more, offering food concessions and a family-friendly outdoor atmosphere.

In case of rain, the concert will be held at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds. A concession stand, hosted by area non-profit groups, will be available at each concert. A limited number of lawn chairs are available at the park, but it is suggested that concertgoers bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. While all Buttermilk Festival concerts are free of charge, free-will offerings will be received to help defray costs. In the event of unsuitable weather, concerts will be moved to the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds. 

Now in its 39th year, the Dorf Kapelle duplicates the traditions and heritage of Europe, with vocals by Sam Broeniman and Abby Broeniman Kramer. Authentic folk music of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic is featured, plus a few favorites from the Great American Songbook. Dorf Kapelle was organized in 1988 and performed at the first Buttermilk Festival in 1989. They have thrilled audiences at major festivals, stage performances, dances, and concerts throughout Wisconsin.

The ensemble consists of one flute/piccolo, three clarinets, two flugelhorns, one trumpet, three trombones, two tubas, one tenor horn, one euphonium, and percussion. In addition, the band often splits into smaller combos using accordions, alphorns, and other Austrian-style instrumentation to provide a variety of musical styles and show its entertainment versatility.