by Jim Collar
It’s time to savor the summer
We’ve reached the best time of the year in one of the very best places to be.
Wisconsin hits its peak vibrancy over the summer months, offering countless activities at all points on the scale from peaceful and relaxing to thrilling and adventurous. From Lake Superior to the Illinois border, the summer calendar is jam-packed with music, sports, fairs, and other great events. We’re also surrounded by exceptional dining and plenty of places to commune with nature.
It’s easy to take our many recreational opportunities for granted. After all, it’s simply our home. It’s where we live and what we do. But let’s not forget that millions of people travel here, often from great distances, to soak in all the fun and beauty that surround us every day.
In 2023, Wisconsin saw 113 million visits. Tourism generated a record high of $25 billion in economic impact to our state that year, supporting 178,000 jobs. Let’s take a moment to think about the wonders of Wisconsin through the eyes of our visitors.
Logan Wroge, spokesman for the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, said attractions like our Houdini exhibit at the History Museum at the Castle may be familiar to us, but they’re eye-opening to our guests.
We’re home to world-class events like Summerfest and EAA. From our lakes and rivers to our trails and forests, Wisconsin offers natural resources that not just any place can boast about.
“Wisconsin is full of the unexpected and it’s a world-class destination for outdoor recreation in all seasons,” he said. “There’s a variety of things to see and do and it’s this confluence of factors that stand out in visitors’ eyes.”
As we look ahead, let’s try to tackle our 2025 Wisconsin summer with the vigor and excitement of those experiencing our beautiful home for the very first time. Let’s gather, appreciate, and play.
We all know that summer in Wisconsin is as short as it is sweet, so it’s imperative to make the very most of our time. ‘Tis the season to set down the remote control, peel ourselves off the couch, and explore. In the following pages, we’ve assembled 18 great ways to experience the Wisconsin summer. Some are easy to accomplish right here in the Fox Valley. Some will take a road trip, and others would make for a great weekend getaway.
Use these pages as a checklist or as an inspiration to find adventures of your own. However you do it, let’s make it a summer to remember!
Have a cheesy weekend in Little Chute
Community festivals are a key component of the summer season and provide the perfect outlet for our hometown pride. The first big fest for the Fox Valley unfolds in Little Chute and is just as much a celebration of our Dairyland heritage.
The Great Wisconsin Cheese Festival will take place from June 6–8 at Doyle Park, marking the first weekend of Dairy Month. Come for the cheese. Stay for the family-friendly fun and a heaping helping of community spirit.
Highlights include Saturday morning’s Big Cheese Parade, cheese tasting sessions, and the popular cheese curd eating contest. Get your thrills at the carnival midway or spend some time at the petting zoo.
As always, Cheese Fest will bring in a top-tier regional music lineup with headliners The Glam Band on Friday and Boogie and the Yo-Yoz on Saturday.
It’s good fun that does a lot of good for the Little Chute community. The festival has raised more than $1.8 million dollars for community causes over its history.
Admission passes are required for Friday and Saturday at $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 4–12. Children under 3 enter free. Sunday is free to attend. A free shuttle service will run between Little Chute High School and Doyle Park on Friday and Saturday.
Catch a concert at Waterfest
Enjoy big-name entertainment at a small price in one of our region’s finest outdoor venues.
Entering its 39th year in downtown Oshkosh, the Waterfest concert series draws thousands of music fans to experience national recording artists and popular regional acts throughout the summer. It’s held along the Fox River at the park-like Leach Amphitheater on most Thursday nights from June 12 through Aug. 14. They’ll take a hiatus on July 3 and July 24.
Highlights of the upcoming season include George Thorogood on June 19 and Loverboy on closing night. Other national acts on tap include blues pianist Marcia Ball and 90s swing revival favorites Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
Most shows are just $20 for entry. Early birds can set up their lawn chairs in prime spots for even cheaper prices. Fans can typically get in for $10 by getting in line before 6 p.m. Visit waterfest.org for more schedule and price information.
Concertgoers might wonder how it’s possible to keep Waterfest so affordable. The secret is simple: profit isn’t the motive. It’s organized by nonprofit Waterfest Inc., which consists of volunteers who work with the expressed goal of improving our quality of life through their events. Any profits are invested into the next year or cover shortfalls from the previous year.
Watch the stars converge at Summerfest
If you were to list Wisconsin’s very best events, Summerfest would have to come near the top. It’s billed as the world’s largest music festival and all the fun unfolds right in our own backyard.
Held along Milwaukee’s Lake Michigan shoreline, Summerfest will feature more than 600 artists performing across 12 stages. Attendees can also indulge in a wide variety of foods, shop among unique vendors, and enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the festival grounds. Need a break? Sit and enjoy the cool breeze coming off the lake.
The festival’s plentiful options also extend to the schedule. It’s spread across three weekends, extending your opportunity to enjoy all the sights and sounds. This year’s event takes place on June 19–21, June 26–28, and July 3–5.
Summerfest offers a who’s who of the music world. Headliners at the American Family Amphitheater this year include Def Leppard, James Taylor, Megan Thee Stallion, and The Lumineers. Top-tier acts – many of whom would headline at other venues – will appear on the smaller stages spread throughout the grounds.
Visit summerfest.com for a closer look at the huge schedule. General admission is $30, though the festival offers a variety of promotions to get in for free or at a discount. Headlining concerts are ticketed separately, though admission into the festival grounds is included in the price.
Enjoy some country fun at the fair
It’s one of Wisconsin’s great traditions, and while you’re there, the calories simply don’t count. It just isn’t summer without a day at the fair.
The Outagamie County Fair is the first of the summer in our region, taking place on June 25-29 in Seymour. It features all the traditional fun you would expect from farm animals and exhibits to rides, music, and motorsports.
The Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis is one of our state’s signature summer events and takes place from July 31 through Aug. 10. Enjoy a breathtaking view of Milwaukee from atop the gigantic WonderFair Wheel. Shop at the marketplace or make new friends in the animal barns. Follow it up with one of the many innovative snacks that are only appropriate in a fair setting. Examples last year included deep-fried lemonade bites and the Cool Ranch Dorito pickle.
Those who want more bang for their buck can head to Oshkosh for the Winnebago County Fair. Taking place from July 30 through Aug. 3, the fair offers unlimited carnival rides as part of the admission price.
If you missed all the others, Chilton offers one last chance at summer’s close. The Calumet County Fair is held on Labor Day weekend, and this year will feature a concert from well-known country act Lonestar.
Catch a moment of wonder at a fireworks display
Some experiences never lose their luster no matter how many times you’ve come back to enjoy them. Whether you’re 9 or 90, it’s difficult to contain those oohs and ahhs when the pops, crackles, and bright bursts of color fill the dark night sky.
The Fox Cities will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy fireworks this season. Let’s start with our Independence Day celebrations. Appleton and Kimberly will feature their salutes to our independence a day early. Kimberly will light up the July 3 sky above Sunset Park while Appleton holds its program at Memorial Park.
The biggest fireworks fans know to head to Neenah or Menasha on July 4. From the right vantage point, you can catch the displays of each community simultaneously. Menasha holds its show at Jefferson Park while Neenah’s show takes place at Riverside Park.
You can also experience July 4 fireworks in nearby locales including Green Bay, Oshkosh, Fond du Lac, Hilbert, and New London.
Baseball fans can enjoy post-game fireworks at Fox Cities Stadium throughout the summer. The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers will feature fireworks after every Friday and Saturday home game starting May 30. The Green Bay Rockers will also have fireworks after their games on June 2nd, 16th, and 30th as well as July 14th and 28th.
Dig into your favorites at a food truck rally
Imagine a picnic with a wide variety of mouthwatering items to choose from along with live music adding to the ambience. It’s summer dining at its best and you’ll find it at a local food truck rally.
The Fox Valley Food Truck Association holds its weekly rallies at Van Zeeland Nursery & Landscape in Appleton at 2600 N. Casaloma Drive. From 4 to 7 p.m., attendees can savor a wide array of cuisines in a family-friendly setting that features a playground, ample parking, and plenty of seating.
The Fox Valley has a wealth of food trucks and rallies can lead to some tough decisions. Diners can choose from a world of flavors whether it’s Asian, Mexican, or Caribbean fare. Enjoy a gyro or some fresh-fried egg rolls. Perhaps you’re in the mood for some American favorites. Dive into a plate of barbecue and split an order of cheese curds with the family. Some trucks specialize in desserts including edible cookie dough, ice cream, and even freeze-dried candies.
Area 509 in Appleton also hosts food truck rallies on Friday at 1025 N. Badger Ave. It’s the home base for the Caribbean Taste food truck. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Caribbean Taste is joined by five or more other food trucks along with live music performances.
Get your motor running at the Iola Car Show
Enthusiasts can find plenty of Wisconsin car shows, but one in particular sits in a class of its own. For three days in July, the number of classic cars on display in the small Waupaca County village of Iola will more than double the population.
Even those with just a passing fascination with automobiles need to experience the Iola Car Show, which takes place from July 10-12. It’s one of the largest and longest running car shows in the entire country. The show will draw about 2,500 classic vehicles ranging from pre-war antiques to muscle cars and custom builds. It’s a must-attend event for those with a restoration project in the garage. With 4,000 swap spaces, attendees can browse a vast selection of automotive parts along with memorabilia and collectibles.
Maybe you’re looking to start the hobby. Iola’s Car Corral will have up to 400 vehicles for sale.
The 2025 theme is “4x4Fun” and will showcase four-wheel-drive vehicles from the early 1900s through 1995, including models like the Willys Jeep, Ford F-Series, and AMC Eagle. Visitors can learn about the evolution and impact of 4WD vehicles across automotive history.
Beyond cars, visitors can experience concerts, special guest appearances, and other fun. Learn more at iolaoldcarshow.com.
Cheer on your favorite at the Catfish Races
It’s quirky, community fun one night and a huge country concert the next. The Greenville Catfish Extravaganza has long been a key ingredient in what makes our Fox Valley summers unique.
The 2025 Catfish Races and Community Night is scheduled for Friday, July 11, at Greenville Lions Park. Racing is the highlight of the night in which eight catfish swim in long glass tanks, competing in heats, quarterfinals, and semifinals until a champion is crowned. Local businesses and community members sponsor the fish, adding a layer of friendly competition.
First, enjoy a delicious catfish fry. Families can also participate in a variety of activities, including rock climbing, slides, bungee bouncing, face painting, and more. There are also fireworks and live music from HAS Band and The Glam Band.
On Saturday, the Greenville Lions bring in national recording artists for a huge concert. This year, they’re going country with performances from Brantley Gilbert, Kameron Marlowe, and Jon Langston.
Friday’s festivities are free to attend. Tickets to the Saturday concert are $55 and are available at Wolf River Bank in Greenville and Hortonville, Fox Valley Festival Foods locations, and Urban Air of Appleton. Funds raised at the concerts benefit more than 20 nonprofits. The Lions have also used funding to invest in park improvements.
Choose your own adventure at Paperfest
No one does a community festival quite like Kimberly. From nationally touring bands to dozens of activities, there is truly something for everyone. And did we mention it’s free to attend?
Kimberly’s Paperfest takes place from July 17-20 at scenic Sunset Point Park. Like other festivals, it’s rooted in community pride. The event began in 1989 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Kimberly-Clark paper mill and continues to honor the village’s papermaking legacy.
In many respects, Paperfest goes far beyond expectations. It would be a great music festival if bands were the only focus. This year, Paperfest will offer nearly 30 acts across three stages. It would also be a great sports festival. Competitors can participate in volleyball, cornhole, and basketball tournaments. Beyond music and sports, there’s a craft fair and a car show. Visitors can play giant lawn games, watch live professional wrestling, or take a helicopter ride. And that’s just a taste of what’s on tap.
Each year, the impact of Paperfest continues long after tents come down and the crowds head home. Volunteers are provided donations to direct to the nonprofits of their choice. Over its history, Paperfest has donated more than $1.35 million while remaining free for the community to enjoy. Visit paperfest.com to go through its lengthy, fun-packed schedule of events.
Rock out at a local stadium concert
Our local baseball stadiums will light up with some enthusiastic crowds this summer – and even when our favorite teams are playing on the road. Some major concert tours are rolling through our area this summer, and two venues that are better known for great catches than great riffs will play host.
Bachman-Turner Overdrive will be takin’ care of business at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium on July 24. The platinum-selling band will be joined by The Marshall Tucker Band and special guest Jefferson Starship as part of their Roll On Down The Highway 2025 Tour. Tickets start at $50 and are available through the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers box office.
Ashwaubenon’s Capital Credit Union Park – home of the Green Bay Rockers – will also turn up the volume on two baseball off-days in July.
The heavy metal crowd will have a marathon session in store on July 12 when the eight-band “Summer of Loud Tour” takes stage. The music starts at 3 p.m. Beartooth, I Prevail, Parkway Drive, and Killswitch Engage have top billing.
On July 27, we’re all invited to dive back into the 1990s as Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, and the Spin Doctors take the stage. Tickets to both shows at Capital Credit Union Park are available at epicgreenbay.com
Turn your eyes to the skies at EAA AirVenture
It’s a bucket list vacation among flight enthusiasts from all around the globe. Though even if your only flight experiences have come in crowded coach seating, there’s still plenty at EAA AirVenture to leave you with a sense of wonder.
Many in the Fox Valley enjoy AirVenture from the comfort of home by simply looking up at the constant activity in the skies during its weeklong run. Make this the year to finally attend and see why the world turns its eyes on Oshkosh each summer.
EAA AirVenture takes place from July 21-27. It’s the world’s largest aviation gathering with an annual attendance of more than 600,000 people. Its sprawling grounds showcase more than 10,000 aircraft, ranging from vintage biplanes and warbirds to the modern and cutting edge.
Aviation aficionados arrive for the camaraderie and many participate in workshops that provide all the ins and outs of aircraft construction. There’s still plenty of excitement for the rest of us including breathtaking air shows, interactive exhibits, and historic sights.
It’s a great event for families as it’s loaded with inspiration for the young ones. Once again, youth ages 18 and younger can visit AirVenture for free through support from the Boeing Company as part of an initiative to introduce more young people to aviation.
Take me out to the ballgame
There are few experiences that scream summer more than the smell of the grass and the crack of the bat. Make sure to grab a hot dog and find a seat at your favorite ballpark this summer.
Milwaukee’s American Family Field is home to the Brewers and a top-notch baseball experience from the parking lot tailgate parties through the crackling fireworks when our closer notches that final out. With a retractable roof, there’s no need to worry about rain delays.
Our hometown Wisconsin Timber Rattlers also offer an excellent baseball environment at more affordable prices. It’s a family friendly stadium with great promotions. As a Minor League affiliate of the Brewers, the Timber Rattlers give fans the chance to get familiar with our future stars. Several current Milwaukee Brewers played in Grand Chute in recent seasons.
We’re also home to some great amateur baseball. Appleton is within an hour of two Northwoods League teams, which offer college players an opportunity to compete during the summer. The Green Bay Rockers and Fond du Lac Dock Spiders offer exciting baseball at their respective ballparks. Save the trip and catch both clubs as they compete at Fox Cities Stadium in the I-41 Showdown on June 18.
Find your inspiration during Art at the Park
Summer is a time of beauty, and few events capture the vibrancy of the season quite like Appleton’s Art at the Park. The 65th annual Art at the Park will take place on July 26-27 in and around Appleton’s City Park. Hosted by the Trout Museum of Art, the free, family-friendly festival is the Fox Cities’ largest outdoor visual arts event. Each year, it draws nearly 20,000 visitors to experience both the natural beauty of the park and that of the many handmade works on display.
More than 200 juried artists from across the region will showcase a diverse array of art pieces, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, and textiles. The festival also features a Young Artist Marketplace along Park Avenue, which provides a platform for artists ages 7 to 18 to display and sell their art.
There’s plenty more to experience beyond the art booths. Live music will fill the park throughout the weekend, providing an aural experience amid the sea of visual artistry. Families can enjoy hands-on activities in the Kids Creative Space, which offers youngsters their own opportunities to discover and interact. Food and beverage vendors will offer a variety of great flavors to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect piece to purchase or simply taking in all the beauty, Art at the Park is certain to fill your senses.
Hit the local trails and explore nature
Wisconsin summers create a sense of urgency. There’s so much to do and only so much time to enjoy. Fortunately, we can slow down and enjoy some peace while still getting the most from this wonderful season. Wisconsin is renowned for its natural beauty, and here in the Fox Valley, we have ample opportunities for a little refuge in the midst of forest and wildlife.
Lace up your hiking boots and spend some time at Bubolz Nature Preserve in Appleton, which features more than eight miles of trails. The preserve also offers educational programs throughout the year.
Keep your eyes open for a variety of wildlife while walking through Heckrodt Wetland Reserve in Menasha. Its diverse habitats include forested wetlands, cattail marshes, and prairies. You might run across turtles, deer, groundhogs and muskrats. The reserve is home to more than 160 species of birds.
Kaukauna’s 1000 Islands Environmental Center provides trails through woodlands and wetlands. Watch for bald eagles while listening to the soothing sounds of the Fox River.
Nature lovers can also find refuge at Mosquito Hill Nature Center in New London or Appleton’s Bruce B. Purdy Nature Reserve. The Friendship State Trail and Wiouwash State Trail offer extensive routes for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Make a splash in Wisconsin Dells
No great summer in Wisconsin is complete without a visit to the Waterpark Capital of the World.
Wisconsin Dells is one of our state’s top destinations, drawing guests from around the world for its blend of stunning scenery and top-notch recreational opportunities. And they continue to innovate, creating new reasons for frequent visitors to return and explore.
Head to Mount Olympus, which last year introduced “The Rise of Icarus,” the tallest water slide in the United States at 145 feet. The waterpark also recently opened Medusa’s Slide Wheel. “It’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen,” said Andy Larsen, spokesman for the Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau. “It’s like the child of a Ferris wheel and a water slide and it’s the only one in North America.”
Wisconsin Dells beckons to golfers with two world-class courses among six overall. The highly rated Wild Rock Golf Club refurbished its bunkers this year for better playing conditions.
For a different kind of waterpark experience, visit the Land of Natura. It’s America’s largest inflatable waterpark and it’s located on the world’s largest man-made lake.
Visitors will also want to see Aquavia Lumina, a new multimedia night walk experience at the Wilderness Resort. The mile-long walk through a wooded canyon features thousands of lasers, holograms and lighting effects tied together with imaginative storytelling. “It’s just absolutely ‘wow,’” Larsen said.
Explore the wonders of Door County
The many out-of-state license plates you’ll notice in Door County should serve as a sign that you’ve arrived somewhere special. Door County is at its best in the summer months whether you’re taking advantage of its 300 miles of shoreline or visiting its picturesque small towns.
The Door Peninsula is one of Wisconsin’s top destinations for tourists, and for those of us who live in the Dairyland, it’s an easy trip for an incredible weekend or relaxing vacation.
It’s a paradise for those who love the outdoors. The peninsula’s five state parks—Peninsula, Newport, Potawatomi, Whitefish Dunes, and Rock Island—offer miles of hiking and biking trails, quiet wooded areas, and some stunning views. Door County is a huge draw for boaters. Kayakers can find challenge and beauty along the rugged shoreline or while paddling in the sea caves.
Its towns and villages offer a mix of galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Stroll through Door County’s antique shops for a unique find.
It’s also a great food destination. Try a traditional fish boil or spend some time among their wineries and breweries.
Cherry season, which typically begins in July, is a great reason to make a trip. Pick your own at one of the area’s orchards, and make sure to stock up on jam, salsa, wine, and many more treats made from the county’s famed fruit.
Take in some tunes at a weekly concert series
Summer is far too short to save the fun for the weekends. The Fox Cities offer great music throughout the week, and better yet, these events are free to attend.
Head down to Appleton’s Jones Park on Thursday nights for the Heid Music Summer Concert Series. Held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m, the series features a variety of popular local acts. Highlights include Boogie and the Yo Yoz on June 12, Road Trip on July 24, and The Glam Band on Aug. 14.
Kaukauna’s Live from Hydro Park music series takes place on Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Some of their big shows this summer include the Cool Waters Band on June 25 and Kyle Megna and the Monsoons on July 23.
The Future Neenah Concert Series celebrates 20 years this season with performances running on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Shattuck Park. Season highlights include STEEM on July 23 and Beatles tribute band The Britins on July 30.
Those who enjoy more traditional music in a beautiful setting should make the Appleton City Band part of their summer. They perform free concerts on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. from June 10 through Aug. 12.
Explore Wisconsin’s state parks
In a time when all of us are buried in our cell phones, Wisconsin’s state parks are more relevant than ever. They’re refreshing retreats, providing an environment to slow down, breathe deep, and reconnect with the natural world.
Wisconsin is home to 66 state parks spanning more than 60,500 acres of land. Many highlight the incredible beauty of our state while some speak to Wisconsin’s rich history. Kettle Moraine showcases the fascinating glacial formations that shaped the land thousands of years ago.
Copper Culture State Park, meanwhile, highlights the state’s Native American heritage. Stay local and head out on a hike at High Cliff State Park near Sherwood. The park is home to several effigy mounds constructed by Native Americans more than 1,000 years ago. Its limestone cliffs are part of the Niagara Escarpment, a 650-mile-long feature stretching from New York through Ontario, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
Wisconsin’s state parks feature more than 6,000 campsites of all types and offer a wide range of recreational activities. Enjoy swimming, fishing, horse riding, biking, hiking, and more.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or serenity, Wisconsin state parks provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable summer experience.
This article was originally published in the June 2025 issue of Appleton Monthly Magazine.