Forks & Corks – Gemütlichkeit Foundation

jOIN uS

An Evening to Support Local Students

Forks & Corks is the Gemütlichkeit Foundation’s signature fundraising event, bringing the community together for an evening of exceptional food, curated wine pairings, and meaningful impact. Proceeds from the event support scholarships for students from area high schools, expanding educational opportunities for young adults.

Enjoy a thoughtfully designed dining experience, silent and live auctions, and the opportunity to connect with community members and businesses who share a commitment to investing in our future.

Forks & Corks 2026 Event Details

Thursday, June 4, 2026
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
The Ballroom at the Radisson Hotel

With our move to a new venue this year, guests will enjoy a fresh setting for this special evening. We’re also introducing new opportunities for attendees to win prizes throughout the night, adding even more excitement beyond the traditional silent and live auction.

Sponsor tables are available now! Learn more about opportunities further down the page. Single tickets and tables will be available soon. Check back for updates and ticket links once sales open. We look forward to hosting you!

Kam-Lin Kaio-Roswall

Forks & Corks Committee Chair

$1,000 Awards:

Aquinas High School	La Crosse Logan High School
Bangor High School	Melrose – Mindoro High School
Cashton High School	Onalaska High School
De Soto High School	Onalaska Luther High School
Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau High School	West Salem High School
Holmen High School	Westby High School
La Crescent High School	Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest
La Crosse Central High School

Food & wine

From the Minds of our Chefs

The 2026 menu is in development and will be announced closer to the event.

Two elegant wine glasses filled with white wine, captured with a beautiful bokeh effect.

What should I wear?

Think relaxed sophistication, be comfortable, confident…and ready to toast.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Forks & Corks is designed as a multi-course dining experience with a variety of flavors throughout the evening. Due to the structure of the menu, we are unable to accommodate individual dietary requests.

Where can I park once I arrive?

Guests may park in the Radisson Hotel parking lot on 2nd Street. There is also limited street parking near the venue.

What is the schedule?

5:00 PM Social Hour

6:00 PM Dinner, Program & Auctions

6:10 PM 2026 Oktoberfest Button Reveal

Around 8:00 PM Evening Concludes

Sponsor Forks & Corks

Interested in being a 2026 sponsor? Please contact us at sponsorship@festfoundation.com for options and other details.

Limited-edition Buttons are collector versions of the official 2026 Oktoberfest Button and will be distributed to sponsors at the event following the official Button Reveal ceremony. This is the only way to acquire this special button!