Stars Hollow Days 2026

Flannel, fedoras, fierce trivia, and a concert to close out the weekend.

Your Sunday plans are officially settled. Join us October 11 in Downtown Middleton for more Stars Hollow Days fun: a look alike contest, a one hour dance marathon, and trivia for the truly devoted. Fans can show off everything they know. Newcomers can enjoy every minute without any homework, because you don't need to know who Paris is to love a great costume, tap your toes to a swing band, or cheer for a team with an excellent pun for a name. Wander the shops, grab a coffee, and stay for a concert to close out the weekend. It's free, it's friendly, and your seat on the Green is waiting.

See Saturday's events →

Sunday's Events

Gilmore Girls Character Look Alike Contest

1:00 to 2:00pm | Near the Stone Horse Green stage

Whether you plan your week around Friday night dinners or maintain that coffee is a food group, there's a Gilmore Girls character for you. Come as Rory in her Chilton uniform, Lorelai with a coffee cup, Kirk in whatever his current business venture requires, Taylor with a clipboard and a town ordinance, or Paris with a color coded binder. Miss Patty, Babette, Emily Gilmore, Sookie, Lane, Mrs. Kim, Jackson, Michel, Dean, Jess, Logan, and Luke are all fair game, as is the townie who appeared in exactly one town meeting. Duos and groups are welcome, as long as you don't all try to be Kirk.

What the judges look for: Creativity (a character we didn't expect, or a fresh take on one we love), accuracy (from wardrobe to signature accessories), and bonus points for the walk, the talk, the rapid fire delivery, and the dramatic sigh.

How to enter: Gather near the Stone Horse Green stage at 1:00pm. Entry is free, with prizes for winners.

1st Annual 1hr Dance Marathon

2:00 to 3:00pm | The Green

Dust off your dancing shoes, because the Green is about to become an outdoor ballroom. The DJ will spin big band, swing, and jazz for one full hour.

Dress the part: Vintage 1930s and 1940s clothing is encouraged but optional. Think swingy skirts, victory curls, suspenders, two tone shoes, and a hat that makes a statement. Come as you are if you'd rather.

Prizes: Awarded for both dancing and fashion. Keep moving for the entire hour to stay in the running.

Who can dance: Everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, swing experts to "I'll just sway over here" dancers. When the DJ blows the airhorn, everyone who is able is encouraged to take an optional lap around the Green. We won't say when, or how often.

Gilmore Girls Trivia

3:00 to 4:30pm | Stone Horse Green

You've seen every episode, probably more than once. Now test your knowledge against some of the show's biggest fans in ninety minutes of rapid fire trivia.

The rules: Teams of 1 to 6 people. Free to play. Prizes go to first and second place, plus a special prize for Best Team Name. Puns, references, and dramatic flair are expected. Tie breakers will be handled with the seriousness of a town meeting.

How to prepare: Rewatch the early seasons, brush up on the town's quirks, and argue about it over coffee.

Bid on a Basket Announcement & Pickup

4:30pm

Find out if you've won, collect your winning baskets, and support local charities!

Charlieboy on the Hep Alien Stage

5:00 to 6:30pm | Stone Horse Green

Close out the weekend with indie rock band Charlieboy from La Crosse, Sunday's Loralai Gilmore approved concert.

The Full Weekend Schedule

Saturday, October 10 (see full details)

• 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

• 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 pickup

• 5:00pm: Hep Alien Stage presents Charlieboy

Explore Stars Hollow Between Events

Stars Hollow Days fills all of Downtown Middleton. Check out books on Rory's reading list at the library, shop Le Chat Club, Kim's Antiques, and Stars Hollow Books, and grab Luke's Diner coffee, a shake from Taylor's Olde Fashioned Soda Shoppe, or a drink from KC's Tavern. Watch for Troubadour Sean Michael Dargan popping up around downtown in the afternoon.

Plan Your Visit

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.