Sunset Soiree 2026
An enchanted evening celebrating the past, while creating the future at Old World Wisconsin
Sunset Soiree
For 50 years, Old World Wisconsin has brought Wisconsin’s history to life through immersive stories, historic buildings, heritage breeds, and hands-on experiences that connect generations. Now, we’re looking ahead to the NEXT 50 YEARS!
Together, we can make history unforgettable!
Old World Wisconsin does more than preserve history, it brings history to life through immersive experiences and stories. This year, our goal is to raise a minimum of $50,000 to improve community access to education and outreach programming, enhance the care and comfort of the endangered heritage livestock breeds on site, increase the amount and quality of interpretive tools like historic clothing, and so much more! In addition, YOUR generosity will help create the future of Old World Wisconsin as 20% of our net proceeds from this fundraiser will be placed in our general endowment fund to invest in the future of Old World Wisconsin.
If you are not familiar with our fundraiser, let us fill you in...
Each year since 2019, the Chair of the Old World Foundation Board of Trustees has chosen a project or program to highlight based on the needs of Old World Wisconsin. Our Chair then challenges our supporters to raise money to fund that project or program. Our Sunset Soiree is a night of celebration to thank those who donate $250 or more to the chosen project or program.
Thanks to the generosity of our Board of Trustees and several other Friends, every dollar donated will be matched at 100% up to $23,000! Those who donate $250 or more to our Chair’s Challenge, will receive an invitation for two people to join us at our Sunset Soiree celebration on the evening of Saturday, August 22 at Old World Wisconsin.
All donations will have an impact, but your donation of $250 or more will include the following:
- $250 Donation = Invitation for 2 people to attend this exclusive evening celebration complete with food, cocktails, mocktails, live music, hands-on activities, raffle and silent auction.
- $500 Donation = Invitation for 2 people to enjoy the evening PLUS a narrated tram ride around Old World Wisconsin.
- $1,000 Donation = Invitation for 4 people to enjoy the evening as outlined above with a narrated tram ride around Old World Wisconsin AND a 50th anniversary commemorative 16 oz OWW tumbler mug with lid for each guest.
- $5000 Donation = Guests who donate at this level are welcome to bring 8 people for the evening and will receive a reserved table with bottled wine and beer served at the table.
- $125 for a single guest or additional guests.
What to Expect
- 4:30 - 5:00pm: Guests Arrive at Welcome Center
Enjoy 50th anniversary display in the Lueskow building, pretzel and beer cheese appetizer in the Brewhouse, and cocktails in the Tavern. Guests will receive 2 drink tickets for wine, beer, or the signature cocktail and cash bar will also be available - 5:00, 5:45, 6:15pm: Tram rides for a donation of $500+
- 5:00 - 7:00pm: Enjoy delicious food, cocktails, mocktails, hands-on activities. Live 1970’s Music by Van Wailin’ (because OWW opened in 1976). Bid on unique silent auction items, and participate in the fun raffle
- 7:00 - 7:30pm: Drawings and short program
- Don’t forget to bring cash or your checkbook to participate in our raffles!
Raffle: Try your luck at winning an exciting RAFFLE PRIZE or SILENT AUCTION item. RAFFLE TICKETS: 1 for $20 or 6 for $100 (cash or check for raffle tickets, credit card accepted from silent auction winners).
For more details, view our Sunset Soiree Invite as a pdf file.
Mingle with your friends as the sun sets over Old World Wisconsin knowing that you have made history unforgettable!
If you have never attended our Sunset Soiree, you are in for a treat! Watch the short experience video and Chair's Challenge video below.
Experience Sunset Soiree with Old World Foundation
2026 Chair's Challenge Announcement
We also want to thank our Sponsors! These corporate partners help to offset the costs associated with hosting our Sunset Soiree, allowing more of the money raised to go directly to Old World Wisconsin.
Becky Horsfall
Our thanks to Becky Horsfall of Graphix Dezine for creating the beautiful artwork for his year’s Sunset Soiree. graphixdezine.com
Live music by Van Wailin’
Fun music from the Seventies
Website
In celebration of OWW’s 50th anniversary, Michael Whalen and Brian Mitchell combine their talents to take you back 50 years as they perform a hit parade of songs from the abundant and diverse groups that made the Seventies such an amazing decade in Pop & Rock History. For those lucky enough to be there, relive the songs you loved when you were growing up. You won’t want to miss it!