Elkhart Lake's Shop & Sip Celebrates 10 Years

Annual event combining shopping, wine, and dining continues to draw strong participation.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:04am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a wine glass, coffee cup, and shopping bag repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the diverse offerings and festive atmosphere of the Shop & Sip event in Elkhart Lake.The annual Shop & Sip event in Elkhart Lake celebrates the town's thriving retail, culinary, and tourism offerings through a vibrant celebration of local businesses and community spirit.Plymouth Today

The annual Shop & Sip event in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The event, which combines shopping, wine tasting, and dining, has grown in popularity over the past decade and continues to see strong participation from locals and visitors alike, according to Kathleen Eickhoff, the executive director of Wisconsin's Elkhart Lake.

Why it matters

The longevity and popularity of Shop & Sip highlights Elkhart Lake's ability to maintain a vibrant downtown and attract both residents and tourists through community-driven events that blend local businesses, food and drink, and leisure activities. As small towns across the country struggle with economic challenges, Elkhart Lake's success with Shop & Sip demonstrates the value of investing in placemaking initiatives that leverage a community's unique assets.

The details

Shop & Sip features local shops, wineries, and restaurants throughout Elkhart Lake's downtown district. Attendees can stroll through the streets, browse stores, sample wines, and enjoy dining specials. The event has become a highly anticipated annual tradition that draws strong participation from the local community as well as visitors to the area.

  • Shop & Sip first launched in 2016.
  • The 10th anniversary celebration is taking place this year.

The players

Kathleen Eickhoff

The executive director of Wisconsin's Elkhart Lake.

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What they’re saying

“We're really proud of that. It's an event that has stood the test of time, and people look forward to doing it. Participation is strong every year, so we're really thankful for that.”

— Kathleen Eickhoff, Executive Director, Elkhart Lake

The takeaway

Shop & Sip's continued success over the past decade demonstrates Elkhart Lake's ability to cultivate a vibrant downtown experience that appeals to both residents and visitors. By blending shopping, dining, and local beverages, the event has become an annual tradition that strengthens the community's sense of place and economic vitality.