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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 local young adults.
Guests 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 the future of our region. While sponsorship is not required to attend, it is a powerful way to deepen your support for area students.
Forks & Corks 2026 Event Details
Thursday, June 4, 2026
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
The Waterfront Cargill Room
328 Front Street South, La Crosse, WI
Valet parking available for Forks & Corks guestsForks & Corks 2026 will once again take place at The Waterfront, offering a welcoming atmosphere and an elevated dining experience in support of the Gemütlichkeit Foundation’s scholarship program.
One of the evening’s highlights will be the official reveal of the 2026 Oktoberfest Button, giving attendees a first look at this cherished tradition. Guests will also hear updates from Foundation leadership, stories from scholarship recipients, and remarks from Fest leadership.
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
Food & wine
From the Minds of The Waterfront Chefs
Each year, the chefs at The Waterfront Restaurant collaborate with the Gemütlichkeit Foundation to create a memorable dining experience for Forks & Corks guests.
The 2026 menu is currently in development and will be announced closer to the event.
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?
Valet parking is available for Forks & Corks guests, and gratuities are appreciated. Limited street parking is available near the venue. Guests may also park at the 110 Jay Street Parking Ramp, located just up the block. In addition, a pay-to-park surface lot is available west of the Pump House (Zone #29110) via the ParkMobile app; the first two hours are free. Please refer to posted signage for additional details.
What is the schedule?
5:00 PM Social Hour
6:00 PM Dinner, Program & Auctions
6:10 PM Oktoberfest Button Reveal
Around 8:00 PM Evening Concludes
Forks & Corks
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsors are integral to the success of Forks & Corks and help make our scholarship awards possible each year. Sponsorship opportunities are available as follows:
Limited Edition Buttons are special collector versions of the official 2026 Oktoberfest Button and will be distributed to sponsors that evening after the official button reveal ceremony. This is the only opportunity for you to acquire the Limited-Edition Button. Stemless Wine Tumblers are printed with the Forks & Corks event logo.
Interested in being a sponsor for 2026? Please contact us at sponsorship@festfoundation.com for more information about payment options and other details.
2026 Sponsors Coming Soon
Forks & Corks
Committee Chairs
Joe Kruse
Co-Chair
Kam-Lin Roswall
Co-Chair