History of Walleye Weekend
Walleye Weekend was born in 1978 as a way of creating a Fond du Lac community identity
by promoting the 140-acre Lakeside Park and the Lake Winnebago fishery during the
Mercury Marine National Walleye Tournament. The first event drew statewide and
national media attention, as well as anglers and visitors from the United States
and Canada. A core of 800 community volunteers stepped forward to help assure a
successful event, and many of those volunteers still work Walleye Weekend each year.
The family atmosphere of the event has attributed to the success and growth of Walleye
Weekend which attracts over 100,000 visitors each year, making Walleye Weekend the
second largest festival in Wisconsin. Held the second Sunday in June each year,
the three-day, free family festival features sporting events, national musical acts,
fishing tournaments, attractions for all ages – and of course – walleye!
The large variety food and beverages available at Walleye Weekend are sold by local
civic organizations and the money stays in the Fond du Lac community. Festival proceeds
are also used to make improvements to the community.