Many events, which are rich in culture, are sponsored by the Baraboo area. These include several productions by the local theatre guild, art fairs, and city tours.
Stepping into the magnificently designed Al. Ringling Theatre is like being transported into the early pages of Baraboo’s rich history. The Theatre was built in 1915 and crafted in the style of the Great Opera Hall at the Palace of Versailles. It has been an ornate fixture in Downtown Baraboo for more than 100 years. The theatre earned the reputation as the “prettiest playhouse in America” because of its red carpeted hallways, intricate ceiling frescos, and golden carved theatre boxes. Since opening night, the Theatre has featured everything from vaudeville to opera, in addition to a variety of live musical and theatrical productions.
Today, residents and visitors to Baraboo can experience the magic of the Al. Ringling Theatre as it was 99 years ago. The appearance of the Theatre has been carefully preserved; restoration efforts include the acquisition of adjacent property in order to expand cultural programming. Baraboo celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Al. Ringling Theatre in 2015.
Another active supporter of the instruction and production of theatrical and musical productions is the local school system. A local arts and humanities consortium organizes and promotes a variety of other cultural programs and events.
The Sauk County Historical Society is an active entity in the area and as part of that, the Van Orden Mansion is open for tours.
The Al. Ringling Mansion is located at 623 Broadway in downtown Baraboo. Tours of the mansion are offered. Al. and Lou Ringling built the mansion and it has been lovingly restored to its original grandeur.
The Sauk County Art Association operates the ArtJune show each summer and maintains gallery space in downtown Baraboo.
Concerts on the Square are held on the downtown courthouse lawn every Thursday evening at 7 p.m. each summer.
Baraboo is home to multiple amateur theatre companies: Baraboo Theatre Guild, Stage III Theatre for Youth, Creative Alliance of Baraboo Theatre and the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Baraboo/Sauk County Theatre Department.
The university also boasts an art gallery and a band and choir, and regularly hosts cultural events.