Mark your calendars for these four outdoor events in downtown Appleton
APPLETON - On April 16, Appleton Downtown, Inc. (ADI) announced the event calendar for this summer, highlighting returning events with new attractions.
Every year, College Avenue is a bustling area for outdoor events like parades, concerts, festivals, markets and much more. During the summer, some of the most popular events happen along the avenue.
The warmer weather and sunshine marks the return of these events, including one that debuted last year and was a success amongst the community.
Here's what events locals can expect to experience in downtown Appleton starting in May, with some lasting through the fall.
Light the Night Market
May 17, July 19* and November 16*
The Light the Night Market Presented by Fox Communities Credit Union brings a free, illuminated, open-air market to College Avenue, between Superior Street and Durkee Street. This is the second year of the event after its successful debut in May 2023. From 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., attendees can experience food, drinks, live music performances and activities at the market.
When the sun sets, the market is engulfed in light from Edison-string lights hanging over the entire avenue. Various food trucks and some downtown restaurants will be open. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options will be available at two different bar areas. This year, the event will feature new activities like a silent disco, inflatable driving range and a 65-foot-long slide. Entertainment will include a magic show with Mischief and Magic, a performance by Taiko drummers and music by Avenue 55.
*ADI is awaiting final authorization from the City of Appleton for a Light the Night Market series to host the event again on these dates.
Heid Music Summer Concert Series
June 6 - August 29
Every Thursday starting on June 6, the Heid Music Summer Concert Series presented by U.S. Venture will take place in Jones Park, 301 W. Lawrence St. The weekly music event, excluding July 4, brings free, local band performances to attendees from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for purchase throughout the venue. Live performances will include bands like Star Six Nine, Road Trip, Bacchus Lotus and more. A full schedule of bands and their performance dates can be found on the ADI website.
Downtown Appleton Farm Market
June 1 - October 12
This annual event, presented by U.S. Venture, occurs every Saturday from June to October. It features over 100 vendors over the duration of the event, selling meats, cheese and handmade products. The market spans College Avenue and will feature non-profit programs and musicians. The weekly event lasts from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. More information about participating vendors will be available on the ADI website as the start of the event nears.
Mile of Music
August 1 - August 4
Mile of Music, one Appleton's most popular events, is returning to downtown Appleton on the first weekend of August. This is the event's 11th anniversary, with more than 200 local, state and international artists performing. Attendees can choose from over 700 live sets at 35 venues spanning College Avenue. The musical event is free to attend, with food, drinks and merchandise available for purchase. Lineup announcements will begin with the first 50 artists on April 23 and can be found on ADI's website.
Reach Jelissa Burns at 920-453-5107 or jburns1@gannett.com. Follow her on X (Twitter) at @burns_jelissa or on Instagram at burns_jelissa.
This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Four annual events hosted by Appleton Downtown, Inc for summer 2024
