As a new year begins, Downtown Appleton is ready to shine brighter than ever! Whether you're a local looking to uncover hidden gems or a visitor eager to explore the charm of our Downtown community, there’s no shortage of exciting experiences waiting for you. From lively festivals to cozy coffee spots, vibrant art scenes, and unforgettable family-friendly activities, Downtown Appleton offers something for everyone. Check out just a few ideas of what you can do Downtown in 2025.  

1. Attend an Event (or multiple!) - There’s no shortage of events in Downtown Appleton. Appleton Downtown, Inc. (ADI) hosts over 50 events throughout the year including the Light the Night Market series, the Heid Music Summer Concert Series, the Downtown Appleton Farm Market and more. Plus, many other local organizations and businesses host their own events throughout the year including Mile of Music, Appleton’s Octoberfest, Irish Fest and more! Keep track of all the great events happening throughout the year using our events calendar.  
2. Get Crafty - Tap into your creative side and try a variety of hands-on activities and classes at Downtown businesses and organizations. Pick your canvas and create beautiful art at Board and Brush, Pinot’s Palette, Mud & Prints or The Fire. If painting isn’t your vibe, grab a pair of knitting needles and take a class at Casting On.  
3. Enjoy Unique Drinks at a Local Coffee Shop - Whether you're in the mood for coffee, tea, boba, or a refreshing smoothie, Downtown Appleton has you covered with 11 unique coffee, tea, and juice shops to explore! 
4. Elevated Private Dining Experience - Ukiyo Private Kitchen offers an exclusive dining experience in Downtown Appleton. Led by Chef Corbin Schiedermayer, enjoy creative multi-course meals, handcrafted cocktails, and an intimate setting—perfect for food lovers or private gatherings. 
5. Try Specialty Cocktails - The perfect sip, enjoy a one-of-a-kind cocktail like the famous Dirty Snowball at Cleo’s, a year-round Christmas bar, or try a classic craft cocktail at Ambassador with drinks curated entirely by their bartenders, making them truly one of a kind.  
6. Host Your Kids Birthday Party - Elevate your cool mom or dad status and host the coolest birthday party Downtown at a variety of locations including Crazy Sweet, the Building for Kids Children’s Museum, The Fire and more.  
7. Attend a Live Show - Music, Theatre, Magic and More! - There’s no shortage of live entertainment in Downtown Appleton. Whether you’re catching a show at the Fox Cities PAC, live music at a local bar or coffee shop, or even a magic show with Rondini the Magician!  
8. Pamper Yourself - Prioritize selfcare this year and pamper yourself at a variety of salons, spas and wellness businesses Downtown. Enjoy a massage, a mani-pedi, a float in Midwest’s largest custom-built float cabins, skin care and hair treatments and so much more at Float Light. Feel like your best self in 2025.  
9. Play Retro Video Games at the Arcade Bar - Find 60+ retro arcade games like pinball machines, Pac-Man, Guitar Hero, Super Mario Bros and more at Player 2 Arcade Bar! Kids under 21 are welcome before 7 pm with a guardian, 21+ after 7 pm.  
10. Spend the Night - Extend your stay Downtown by staying overnight at a hotel or Airbnb, all right in the heart of the district. Book a stay at the Hilton Appleton Paper Valley Hotel, the CopperLeaf Boutique Hotel or an Airbnb like Stateview Commons. Find a full list here.
11. Learn Local History - Whether you’re a visitor or you grew up in the Fox Cities, there is so much you can learn about the history of our area at a variety of museum located in Downtown Appleton. Visit the Appleton History Museum at their new location where you can enjoy rotating exhibits, history fairs, guest speakers, and lively walking tours. The History Museum at the Castle and their brand-new core exhibit You Are Here telling a comprehensive history of the landscape, peoples, and cultures that have defined the Fox Valley since ancient times. Or the Hearthstone Historic House Museum, the first private residence anywhere in the world to be illuminated using hydroelectricity from a central Edison system.   
12. Crush Your Fitness Goals - Stay on track with your fitness journey by joining a class at YOGA3, offering expert-led yoga sessions, or try something truly unique at Fly Circus Aerial Arts, where you can explore Lyra, Silks, Pole, Hammock, Dance Trapeze, and more. For a traditional gym experience, head to the Appleton YMCA, featuring a fully equipped facility and daily fitness classes led by supportive staff. Prefer the outdoors? Take a scenic walk or bike ride through Downtown Appleton and along the Fox Trot Trail.
13. Beer & Wine Tasting - Experience the best of beer and wine tasting in Downtown Appleton! Craft beer enthusiasts can savor locally brewed creations at Stone Arch Brewpub, McFleshman’s Brewing Co., and Appleton Beer Factory, each offering unique flavors brewed on-site. For wine lovers, indulge in tastings at Tandem Wine Bar or the charming General Store Wine Bar, where curated selections promise something for every palate.
14. Dining from All Parts of the World - Savor culinary delights from across the globe at Downtown Appleton's eclectic mix of restaurants. Whether you're craving Italian at Victoria’s, Mexican at Antojitos, Asian Fusion at Mai’s Deli or Greek at Apollon you'll find a variety of options here!
15. Shop 'til You Drop - Come shop in Downtown Appleton! Our Downtown is a shopper's paradise, offering a mix of local boutiques and unique shops. You’ll find handcrafted goods, vintage finds, gorgeous jewelry, artwork, and the latest fashion trends. Explore the local shopping scene and you'll discover hidden gems, support local businesses, and enjoy a memorable shopping experience.
16. Start Your College Career Right in Downtown Appleton - Lawrence University is a nationally recognized liberal arts college known for its academic excellence, vibrant arts community, and competitive athletics. Its Conservatory of Music offers world-class programs in music performance, composition, and education, enriching the cultural life of the community and beyond. Plus you are walking distance away from all the great businesses and amenities Downtown.
17. Check out the Avenue of Angels during the Holiday's - Feel the holiday magic as you stroll down the Avenue of Angels, a breathtaking display of lights and decorations that captures the spirit of the season.
18. Find Your Favorite Mix - Old or New - Dive into Downtown Appleton's music scene, where vintage vinyl shops and live venues celebrate both nostalgic classics and fresh, new sounds. Swing by Eroding Winds for vintage records or catch a live band Gibson Community Music Hall or a variety of bars, restaurants and cafes to enjoy new sounds in a lively atmosphere.
19. Plan Your Dream Wedding Day - Discover romantic wedding venues like Poplar Hall or The 513, perfect for creating unforgettable memories. Find your dream dress at Ivory Rose Bridal Boutique or Tiffani’s Bridal, and pamper yourself with a spa day to feel your best. Explore catering options and choose the perfect wedding bands at jewelers like Avenue Jewelers, Alyssa & Anna Fine Jewelry, or Tennie’s Jewelry to complete your special day.
20. Volunteer for a Nonprofit - Volunteering is a meaningful way to give back and strengthen your community. Downtown Appleton is home to non-profits like Harbor House, NAMI, Riverview Gardens, or our organization, Appleton Downtown, Inc. (ADI)., which focuses on revitalizing downtown and fostering community vibrancy. Volunteers can support events, marketing, and beautification projects, making a real difference.
21. Get a Tattoo - Make your mark with a one-of-a-kind tattoo from talented artists at Appleton Tattoo known for their creativity and professionalism.
22. Join a Vocal Group or Local Band - Unleash your inner performer by joining one of Downtown Appleton's vocal ensembles or local bands—perfect for connecting with fellow music lovers. Groups including Appleton Boychoir, Fox Valley Chorus of Sweet Adelines International, Fox Valley Symphony and more.
23. Host a Meeting Downtown - Elevate your next meeting with the unique ambiance of Downtown Appleton, offering versatile venues, convenient amenities, and plenty of post-meeting activities. There are a variety of locations Downtown that will host meetings of various sizes including the Hilton Appleton Paper Valley Hotel, Copper Rock Coffee Co., Appleton Public Library and other locations.
24. Meet with a Financial Planner - It's easy to push financial planning to the back burner, but it can have long-term consequences on your financial health and future. Fortunately, Downtown Appleton is home to numerous financial institutions and financial planners ready to assist you in managing your money and growing your wealth. Large credit unions and banks, such as Capital Credit Union, Chase Bank, Johnson Bank, US Bank and Wells Fargo have branches within Downtown Appleton, making your banking so convenient. Meeting with a financial advisor can be a game-changer. Professionals from Knuth Financial Life Planning or Northright Financial can help you navigate the complexities of investing, retirement planning, and wealth management.
25. Cozy Up with a Good Book - Book lovers can discover unique finds in Downtown Appleton. The Book Store offers new and used books for all ages in a warm, relaxed setting. Other shops with book selections include Blue Moon Emporium, The Trout Museum of Art store, and Angels Forever Windows of Light. Prefer borrowing over buying? The newly renovated Appleton Public Library reopens in early 2025. Coming soon: Tardigrade’s Bookshelf, a bookbar featuring a science-inspired collection and a sober-ish drink menu for a literary-friendly atmosphere.

Downtown Appleton is bursting with things to do, and this list is just the beginning! Whether you're exploring for the first time or rediscovering old favorites, there's always something new waiting for you. For even more ideas and the latest happenings, visit our website and start planning your next Downtown adventure!