Five things to do in Appleton and the Fox Cities this summer

Looking for a way to get out of the house in the Fox Cities this summer? Look no further – we’ve put together an eclectic list of things to do in Appleton (and surrounding areas) that offer something for everyone.

1) Mile of Music
Downtown Appleton
Aug 1-3, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Aug 4, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Fox Cities’ premier summertime event, Mile of Music, turns downtown Appleton into a music lover’s paradise during the first weekend of August. Musicians of many genres come to Appleton from all over the country for four days of performances that are completely free to the public. This year’s festival will feature over 200 artists performing at 40 venues throughout downtown Appleton. Past performers include Sturgill Simpson, Norah Jones, The Milk Carton Kids, and The Crane Wives. Many downtown restaurants and shops will be open and participating during the festival, and local food trucks often park near the larger venues. The festival has plenty of all-ages venues, but some are restricted to those 21 and older.

2) Downtown Appleton Farm Market
Downtown Appleton
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Each Saturday morning through mid-October, over 100 local vendors will gather along College Avenue in Appleton for the city’s weekly Downtown Farm Market. Merchants sell everything that your Midwestern heart desires: fresh produce, meat, cheese, flowers, home and bath goods, clothing and accessories, and handmade arts and crafts. Additionally, attendees can enjoy live local music each week, as well as free community wellness classes provided by Appleton Yoga and Wellness. A number of market vendors also accept EBT.

3) Fox Valley Food Truck Rally
2600 N. Casaloma Dr., Appleton
Tuesdays, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Who’s hungry? With over 35 vendors serving delicacies from local establishments every Tuesday night, the weekly Fox Valley Food Truck Rally is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Specialties include barbecue, egg and spring rolls, paninis, gyros, tacos, mini donuts, and Latin fusion. For those looking to cool off in the summer heat, don’t worry – Kona Ice will be serving up shaved ice and Uni Uni will be brewing bubble tea. The rally is conveniently located near parking, a walking trail, and a childrens’ playground – and indoor seating is also available.

4) Fox Valley Folk Singaround
602 N. Lawe St., Appleton
First and third Wednesdays of each month, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

If you’re looking for a truly community-oriented activity this summer, look no further than the Fox Valley Folk Singaround. For anyone who’s unfamiliar, a singaround is a casual community affair where amateur singers perform folk songs as a group, without any instrumental accompaniment. Twice a month, you can join the community in making harmonious music together at a shared space located just north of City Park. No musical experience or skills are necessary, and the organizers certify that each singaround is a completely judgment-free zone.

5) WANCE
Houdini Plaza, Appleton
Second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

No typos here – WANCE is a bi-weekly walking dance party with chapters in Appleton, Oshkosh, Saint Paul, and Washington, D.C. It’s exactly what it sounds like: attendees meet up at Houdini Plaza in the heart of downtown Appleton, organizers provide a speaker and a curated playlist, and the group dances (at a walking pace) down College Avenue together. It’s billed as a healthy way to express yourself and connect with others, all whilst enjoying some good music in the summer sun. If you’re looking to get out of your comfort zone this season, WANCE just might be perfect for you.