By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published Jan 29, 2024 at 11:31 AM

Trigger Warning: Plaid, plaid and more plaid.

National Flannel Day is Saturday, Feb. 10, thus The Village of Wauwatosa is celebrating with Flannelpalooza. The new outdoor event features winter activities, food, beverages and vendors in the Village.

Flannelpalooza will take place in Root Common Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Designed to celebrate the fun and culture of flannel, the event will include axe throwing, an ice sculpture demonstration presented by Discover Wauwatosa, a pub crawl, a “Foxiest LiT Beard” Competition and a “Best Dressed Dog” contest.

Those interested in participating in the beard competition must register by Wednesday, Feb. 7. Go here to register. The entry fee is $10 and will be donated to a Veteran’s non-profit organization. Categories for the competition include Business, Full Beard Freestyle and The Lumber Snack.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase including take-and-make s’mores kits from Niemann’s Candies; a special tap car dispensing beer from Draft & Vessel; hot chocolate bar from Tabal Chocolate and offerings from Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club, Le Reve Patisserie & Café and The Village Cheese Shop.

In addition to the activities in Root Common Park, restaurants and boutiques throughout the Village will be open for business.

Here's the full Flannelpalooza schedule:

  • Best Dressed Dog Contest – 12 p.m.
  • Ice Carving Demonstration – 1-2:30 p.m.
  • Foxiest LiT Beard Contest – 2:30 p.m.; Winners Announced – 4 p.m.
  • Pub Crawl – throughout day/evening

Vendors participating in the event include Rustic Oak Craft Cocktails, Big Cock Candles, Burnt Pit BBQ, Hiawatha Woodworks and LiT Beard Company.

“We liked the idea of bringing people out during a time of year when it is hard to find fun things to do. What better reason than to celebrate flannel,” says Melyssa Bauer, co-owner of The Flannel Fox and event organizer.


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.