Appleton Downtown, Inc. Events
When you visit Downtown Appleton, there is always something going on that anyone can enjoy. Make sure you mark your calendars for our 2023 events! Click on the button below each event to learn more.
UPCOMING 2023 EVENTS
LIGHT UP APPLETON: November 11, Houdini Plaza
Enjoy a night of holiday fun in Downtown Appleton! Join us as we kick off the holiday season with live music and performances, a treat walk, window scavenger hunt, family friendly activities, and so much more all for FREE!
DOWNTOWN APPLETON CHRISTMAS PARADE, 7:00 p.m.
In front of 80,000 spectators, the City Appleton hosts the biggest and the best nighttime Christmas parade in the Midwest. The parade features about 80 units including colorful floats, decorated vehicles, walking units, animals, and other unique entries.
*An event by the City of Appleton
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY, November 25
DOWNTOWN APPLETON AWARDS CELEBRATION: December 5
PAST EVENTS - WE WILL SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
DEATH BY CHOCOLATE
Join us for a sweet day on the Avenue… Death by Chocolate returns! You can stroll up and down the avenue and taste different chocolate treats at participating Downtown businesses, all while shopping for the perfect Valentine’s day gift!
AVENUE OF ICE
Stroll up and down the Avenue viewing handcrafted ice sculptures in front of the unique boutiques, specialty shops and restaurants. Warm up inside local coffee shops, retailers, restaurants and attractions Downtown while you are strolling.
LADIES' DAY SPRING INTO STYLE FASHION SHOW: March 25, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Hilton Appleton Paper Valley Hotel
MINI GOLF ON THE TOWN: April 8, 1 - 5 p.m.
Play a hole of mini-golf at a variety of Downtown bars and restaurants while enjoy food and drink specials. When you’ve completed 9 holes, gather at the “19th Hole” for a fun party and prizes! Team costumes, drink specials, and fun are all par for the course!
SPRING CRAFT BEER WALK: May 13
Grab your craft beer buddies and plan an after sampling craft beer in Downtown Appleton! Visit Downtown bars & restaurants for a sample of unique, seasonal craft brews.
DOWNTOWN NIGHT MARKET: May 19
A brand new event in 2023, Downtown Appleton will fill the streets with local vendors & retailers, food trucks & drinks, roaming performers, live music and more!
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE: May 29
The Appleton Memorial Day Parade pays tribute to service men and women that paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in defense of the United States. This solemn event annually draws hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators to Appleton.
*An event by the City of Appleton
FLAG DAY PARADE: June 10, 2 p.m.
Come enjoy the United States’ oldest Flag Day Parade as we celebrate America with bands, floats and other displays. The Appleton parade route starts at Oneida Street on Wisconsin Avenue and heads west to State Street then south to College Avenue. It continues east and then turns north on Drew Street to the City Park.
*An event by the City of Appleton
LUNCHTIME LIVE ON THE ROAD: Friday's, June 2 - August 25, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Enjoy live music with local artists, duos and trios during your lunch break! Visit a new outdoor patio at various Downtown bars/restaurants and coffee shops each week while treating yourself to a great lunch and great music.
Visit the link below for a full lineup available in May.
DOWNTOWN CREATES SERIES: June 16, July 21 & August 18
Explore and enjoy rhythm & music, performing arts, visual arts, art of food, art of fashion, and more. Join us for exciting, open-air, walkable activities that will be full of creativity the third weekend of the month, June through August.
SUMMER BEVERAGE STROLL: August 19
Enjoy shopping specials and summer beverage samples at a variety of Downtown retailers!
HEID MUSIC SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: Thursday's, June 1 - August 31, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., Jones Park
Move, groove and relax to the rhythm of the region’s hottest live bands during our weekly FREE concerts in Jones Park. Enjoy a cold beverage and delicious food from local food vendors during every show! Before or after the show, visit one of our 70+ local restaurants or bars and clubs for a bite to eat or something cool to drink or our 50+ retailers for unique shopping. Visit the link below for a full lineup available in May.
TASTE OF DOWNTOWN GOLF OUTING: September 6, Reid Golf Course
Enjoy delicious tastes from a variety of Downtown restaurants plus 18 holes of golf, contests, prizes and more! Member businesses and the public are invited!
CULTURAL CUISINE WALK, September 23
A new Taste of Downtown event featuring a variety of cultural foods from Downtown Appleton restaurants. Take a trip around the world and taste the flavors from a variety of different cultures all in one great place!
SHOP, SIP & STROLL WINE WALK, October 5
Enjoy a night out on the town with your fellow wine and shopping lovers! Shop the many unique boutiques and specialty shops in Downtown Appleton with great specials just for you, all while tasting Wisconsin wines at each stop!
DOWNTOWN APPLETON FARM MARKET, June 3 - October 14, 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Experience the area’s largest Farm Market with more than 150 vendors selling fresh produce and flowers, exotic meats and cheeses, breads and baked goods, specialty foods and handcrafted items along with live music!
SOUP WALK, October 14
An event that is a community favorite featuring Downtown businesses and their best soups! Stroll up and down the Avenue enjoying the crisp fall air and changing leaves in between samples. Enjoy a taste at each of the different venues and vote for your favorite at your last stop!
FALL CRAFT BEER WALK: October 21
Grab your craft beer buddies and plan an after sampling craft beer in Downtown Appleton! Visit Downtown bars & restaurants for a sample of unique, seasonal craft brews.
