Stars Hollow Days 2026

Stars Hollow Days: Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11

Art, ballet, gossip by the fire, and karaoke under the town lights.

Come spend the weekend in Stars Hollow, or at least the closest thing to it. Kicking off on October 10, Downtown Middleton becomes the town you wish you lived in, with costumes, ballet, knitting by the fire, literature, and a night of karaoke, all free. Middleton has the walkable downtown, the local shops and cafés, and the town green to pull it off, so all it needs is YOU.

Longtime fans will spot nods to Miss Patty, the Festival of Living Art, and the Old Muddy River Bridge. Never watched an episode? Come anyway. There are creative contests, live music, a crackling fire, and a friendly crowd that will gladly explain the jokes. Grab a friend, bring a blanket, and be there by 2pm.

See Sunday's events →

Saturday's Events

Festival of Living Art Costume Contest

2:00 to 3:00pm | Behind the Stone Horse Green stage

Calling all art lovers, exhibitionists, and people who own a surprising amount of velvet. Recreate your favorite masterpiece, whether you're a soloist, a duo, or an entire posse, and compete for glory and prizes. The contest is inspired by the Festival of Living Art in Season 4, Episode 7, when Stars Hollow turned itself into famous paintings, including Renoir's Dance at Bougival and Da Vinci's The Last Supper. Any artist, era, or medium works. Kahlo, Warhol, and a Dutch still life with extremely ambitious fruit are all fair game.

How to enter: Register at 2:00pm behind the Stone Horse Green stage, right next to the Village Green. There is no entry fee. Winners receive prizes from local businesses.

Not competing? Join the audience, then take your photo inside one of the works of art posted around Downtown Middleton. And please turn off your pager.

Miss Patty's School of Ballet

3:00 to 4:00pm | Stone Horse Green

Put down the donut and join an outdoor ballet class inspired by the legendary Miss Patty's School of Ballet, led by instructors from Central Midwest Ballet Academy. All ages are welcome, no experience or tutu is required, and yes, there is an actual barre. Expect stretches, pliés, and possibly a twirl beneath the open sky.

What to wear: Comfortable clothes and shoes you can move in. Leotards, leg warmers, and dramatic scarves are welcome but optional.

Old Muddy River Bridge Knitathon

3:00 to 5:00pm | Stone Horse Green Fire Cauldron

Cast on and settle in around the crackling fire cauldron. Bring a knitting project, crochet, or other craft, or just bring yourself and something warm to sip. The only agenda is good company, good conversation, and the occasional gasp over a dropped stitch.

What to bring: Your project (or no project), a comfy lawn chair or a spot at a picnic table or bench, a blanket, and coffee.

Troubadour Sean Michael Dargan

4:00pm | Stone Horse Green

The Stars Hollow Troubadour is also popping up around downtown each afternoon all weekend, so keep your ears open. But this is your chance to catch him on stage at Stone Horse Green.

A Reading of Poe

5:00 to 6:00pm | Stone Horse Green

As the sun sinks and the air turns crisp, the Edgar Allan Poe Society brings an hour devoted to the master of the macabre. Expect ravens, restless hearts, and at least one narrator who swears he is perfectly calm.

Want the mic? Sign up to read your own favorite Poe poem or passage for up to ten minutes. Prefer to listen? Bring a friend and a blanket. Costumes and props are welcome but not required.

Maddie Batzli on the Hep Alien Stage

6:00 to 7:30pm | Stone Horse Green

Saturday's Loralai Gilmore approved concert features Brooklyn based singer songwriter Maddie Batzli, of LINE and the new synth pop solo project Milo McCray.

Gilmore Girls Karaoke

8:00pm | Indoors at the Village Green, next to Stone Horse Green

The sun has set, the lights are twinkling, and there's a microphone with your name on it. Sing a Stars Hollow classic, such as "Where You Lead" by Carole King, "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper, or "There She Goes" by The La's. Try something from Lorelai's '80s playlist or a Sam Phillips song, or sing anything you love. Not ready to perform? Be the audience and cheer a little too loudly.

The Full Weekend Schedule

Saturday, October 10

• 2:00pm: Festival of Living Art Costume Contest

• 3:00pm: Miss Patty's School of Ballet

• 3:00pm: Old Muddy River Bridge Knitathon

• 4:00pm: Stars Hollow Troubadour Sean Michael Dargan

• 5:00pm: A Reading of Poe

• 6:00pm: Hep Alien Stage presents Maddie Batzli

• 8:00pm: Gilmore Girls Karaoke

Sunday, October 11 (see full details)

• 1:00pm: Gilmore Girls Character Look Alike Contest

• 2:00pm: 1st Annual 1hr Dance Marathon

• 3:00pm: Gilmore Girls Trivia

• 4:30pm: Bid on a Basket Announcement and Pickup

• 5:00pm: Hep Alien Stage presents Charlieboy

Make a Day of It

Between events, explore Downtown Middleton. Browse Le Chat Club, Kim's Antiques, and Stars Hollow Books, and check out titles from Rory's reading list at the library. Grab Luke's Diner coffee, a shake from Taylor's Olde Fashioned Soda Shoppe, or a drink from KC's Tavern. Place a bid in Bid on a Basket to support local charities.

Plan Your Visit

Parking: Street parking and free city parking lots are available throughout Downtown Middleton. See the downtown parking guide →

Accessibility: Stone Horse Green has accessible pathways, seating, parking (on Elmwood Ave), and restrooms (behind the stage).

Weather plan: This event will take place rain or shine. Severe weather may cause schedule modifications or location changes, which will be posted here and on social media @stonehorsegreen.

Supporters

Stars Hollow Days is presented by the City of Middleton Community Development Authority with support from Spencer Real Estate Group, Visit Middleton, Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts, Dane Arts with additional funds from Diane Ballweg and the Endres Mfg. Company Foundation, Isthmus, Wisconsin Public Radio, Middleton Endowment, Town Bank, Fairfield Inn & Suites Madison West Middleton, Michelle Schreier, Restaino & Associates, Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Care, New Year Investments, Atterbury, Kammer & Haag, S.C., and PKK Lighting Inc.