Forks & Corks 2026 Event Details
Thursday, June 4, 2026
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
The Ballroom at the Radisson Hotel
With the 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.
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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 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.
We look forward to hosting you!
$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.
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!
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors!
Forks & Corks
Committee Chairs
Joe Kruse
Co-Chair
Kam-Lin Roswall
Co-Chair
Only a Few Remain
We sold so many sponsor tables that only a few tables/seat remain. Don’t miss out. Get your tickets now!