Best events in
Appleton

Events and things to do in Appleton, WI, are concentrated in its friendly and walkable downtown core. The social scene revolves around College Avenue, which blends a big-city energy with a welcoming, small-town warmth. This dynamic supports major annual festivals while also fostering a consistent calendar of live music, art walks, and market days.

Downtown's walkable layout allows for easy hopping between a casual pint at McFleshman's Brewing Co. and an original music act at Gibson Community Music Hall.
The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center anchors the district, presenting touring Broadway productions and major concerts.
Signature annual events like the Mile of Music festival and Appleton's Octoberfest transform the entire downtown area with music and celebration.

autocomplete

Popular in Appleton

Explore more events

The Wellness Ways Approach to Thyroid Health

Tuesday • 6:15 PM

The Wellness Way Appleton

Check ticket price on event

FH VOLUNTEER - Zach Williams Tour / Appleton, WI

Wednesday • 5:30 PM

Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

Check ticket price on event

Appleton Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Sat, Oct 31 • 4:00 PM

The Bent Keg

Check ticket price on event

Appleton Official Halloween Bar Crawl

Sat, Oct 31 • 3:00 PM

Appleton

Check ticket price on event

VAULT 202 COMEDY SHOW

Sat, Nov 7 • 7:30 PM

Vault 202 Brewery & Taproom

Check ticket price on event

Sam Grisman Project

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM

Poplar Hall

Check ticket price on event

PokeKon-Fest - All Pokemon Show - Appleton, Wisconsin

Sat, Dec 5 • 10:00 AM

Hilton Appleton Paper Valley

Check ticket price on event

Blue Violin's Retro Rock & Roll Christmas

Fri, Dec 18 • 7:00 PM

Lawrence Memorial Chapel

Check ticket price on event

The Wellness Ways Approach to Thyroid Health

Tuesday • 6:15 PM

The Wellness Way Appleton

Check ticket price on event

FH VOLUNTEER - Zach Williams Tour / Appleton, WI

Wednesday • 5:30 PM

Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

Check ticket price on event

Appleton Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Sat, Oct 31 • 4:00 PM

The Bent Keg

Check ticket price on event

Appleton Official Halloween Bar Crawl

Sat, Oct 31 • 3:00 PM

Appleton

Check ticket price on event

VAULT 202 COMEDY SHOW

Sat, Nov 7 • 7:30 PM

Vault 202 Brewery & Taproom

Check ticket price on event

Sam Grisman Project

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM

Poplar Hall

Check ticket price on event

PokeKon-Fest - All Pokemon Show - Appleton, Wisconsin

Sat, Dec 5 • 10:00 AM

Hilton Appleton Paper Valley

Check ticket price on event

Blue Violin's Retro Rock & Roll Christmas

Fri, Dec 18 • 7:00 PM

Lawrence Memorial Chapel

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

Online Events

Explore more events

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tuesday • 11:30 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Détention immobilière : enjeux successoraux, légaux et fiscaux

Wednesday • 7:00 PM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

Check ticket price on event

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Better Landscapes: Essential Camera Skills in the Field with Adam Edwards

Wed, Nov 11 • 6:30 PM GMT+11

Check ticket price on event

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

Check ticket price on event

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tuesday • 11:30 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Détention immobilière : enjeux successoraux, légaux et fiscaux

Wednesday • 7:00 PM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

Check ticket price on event

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Better Landscapes: Essential Camera Skills in the Field with Adam Edwards

Wed, Nov 11 • 6:30 PM GMT+11

Check ticket price on event

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

Check ticket price on event

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

Music events

Explore more events

Trapoween

Friday • 9:00 PM

Bunnies on the Ave

Check ticket price on event

Sam Grisman Project

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM

Poplar Hall

Check ticket price on event

MARQUIS HILL — Appleton | 8:00 Showtime

Tue, Nov 17 • 8:00 PM

Gibson Community Music Hall

Check ticket price on event

Blue Violin's Retro Rock & Roll Christmas

Fri, Dec 18 • 7:00 PM

Lawrence Memorial Chapel

Check ticket price on event

Trapoween

Friday • 9:00 PM

Bunnies on the Ave

Check ticket price on event

Sam Grisman Project

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM

Poplar Hall

Check ticket price on event

MARQUIS HILL — Appleton | 8:00 Showtime

Tue, Nov 17 • 8:00 PM

Gibson Community Music Hall

Check ticket price on event

Blue Violin's Retro Rock & Roll Christmas

Fri, Dec 18 • 7:00 PM

Lawrence Memorial Chapel

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

Hobbies & Special Interest events

Appleton Scavenger Hunt

Tomorrow • 11:00 AM + 727 more

Copper Rock Coffee Company

Check ticket price on event

Mothman Moonrise - Paint and Sip in Appleton | Classpop!™

Thursday • 7:00 PM

Pinot's Palette Appleton

Check ticket price on event

Puzzle Social - Appleton - Hosted by WI-JPA

Thu, Nov 19 • 6:00 PM

Lumberjack Johnny's Entertainment Emporium

Check ticket price on event

PokeKon-Fest - All Pokemon Show - Appleton, Wisconsin

Sat, Dec 5 • 10:00 AM

Hilton Appleton Paper Valley

Check ticket price on event

Appleton Scavenger Hunt

Tomorrow • 11:00 AM + 727 more

Copper Rock Coffee Company

Check ticket price on event

Mothman Moonrise - Paint and Sip in Appleton | Classpop!™

Thursday • 7:00 PM

Pinot's Palette Appleton

Check ticket price on event

Puzzle Social - Appleton - Hosted by WI-JPA

Thu, Nov 19 • 6:00 PM

Lumberjack Johnny's Entertainment Emporium

Check ticket price on event

PokeKon-Fest - All Pokemon Show - Appleton, Wisconsin

Sat, Dec 5 • 10:00 AM

Hilton Appleton Paper Valley

Check ticket price on event

Points of Interest near Appleton

Building For Kids

Appleton Downtown Inc

Atlas Science Center Center

Hearthstone Historic House Museum

The History Museum At The Castle

Scheig Center Gardens

Frequently asked questions about Appleton

Where can I see live comedy shows in Appleton?

Skyline Comedy Club is the city's dedicated venue for stand-up comedy. Located "Between the Locks," the club features a rotating lineup of national and local comedians. For a more casual setting, McFleshman's Brewing Co. hosts a weekly open mic night that includes comedy acts.

What's the best spot for live music events in Appleton?

Gibson Community Music Hall is a key venue for original live music events on College Avenue. For a different vibe, Deja vu Martini Lounge often has live acts on Saturdays, while the Appleton Beer Factory regularly features acoustic performers as a social backdrop.

Are there free events to check out in Appleton?

The Heid Music Summer Concert Series offers free outdoor performances at Jones Park. Additionally, the annual Mile of Music festival is a major city event that presents hundreds of free shows across various downtown venues, focusing on original artists.

What kind of food and drink events happen in Appleton?

Food Truck Rallies are popular gatherings during warmer months at places like Poplar Hall. For craft beer enthusiasts, local breweries like McFleshman's and Appleton Beer Factory host their own social events, tastings, and provide a hub for community gatherings.

How can I experience Appleton's local art scene?

Art on the Town is a great way to explore the local creative community. This recurring event, held on third Fridays from May through September, features art displays and live performances hosted at various businesses throughout the downtown area.

What is the nightlife like in Downtown Appleton?

The nightlife on College Avenue has a friendly, energetic atmosphere with many events, especially on weekends. It's a walkable mix of live music venues, craft breweries like Appleton Beer Factory, and sophisticated cocktail spots such as Deja vu Martini Lounge.

What are some good date night ideas in Appleton?

A classic date night could involve a touring show at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. For a more relaxed evening, consider cocktails and live music at Deja vu Martini Lounge or sharing a laugh at a comedy show at Skyline Comedy Club.

Where are some popular outdoor events in Appleton?

The Downtown Appleton Farm Market is a major outdoor event that brings College Avenue to life on Saturday mornings seasonally. For outdoor music, the Heid Music Summer Concert Series in Jones Park is a popular choice for an evening out.