10 Things To Do In Northeast Wisconsin - August 2023


As trusted real estate partners, we not only take pride in helping you find your dream home but also in showcasing the incredible lifestyle WI has to offer. The Fox Valley is more than just a place to live – it's a destination brimming with local charm, exciting activities, and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

Our team compiles a list of 10 local events monthly to share with you. Whether you're a long-time resident looking to reignite your passion for the Valley or a newcomer eager to explore, your next adventure awaits!


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1. MENOMINEE NATION CONTEST POW-WOW

Contestants and spectators from across the nation and Canada gather each year to enjoy the finest in dance competition and in live singing and drumming. Many anticipate rekindling existing friendships and creating new ones as the Menominee Contest Pow-wow offers an opportunity to network with others. Each vendor will offer a diverse array of merchandise inspired by Native American artwork, beadwork and apparel. Satisfy your taste buds and indulge in a variety of traditional Native American and contemporary cuisine.

When: August 4th - 5th

Where: The Woodland Bowl Keshena

More details and info here:

Menominee Nation Contest Pow-wow

2. 2023 MILE OF MUSIC FESTIVAL

Mile of Music is a completely FREE music-first festival that spans a full walkable mile in the center of Downtown Appleton, Wisconsin four days each August since 2013. This 100% original music festival offers music-lovers over 900 live music sets performed by 200+ up-and-coming (or emerging) artists in 70 venues; from coffee shops and bars to parks and restaurants, museums and other public spaces, and offers attendees a chance to join hands-on music education experiences. This grassroots all-original music festival was co-founded by Appleton marketing executive Dave Willems and Appleton/Nashville-based national recording artist and GRAMMY nominee Cory Chisel, with support from nearly 100 community organizations.

When: August 3rd - 6th 

Where: Downtown Appleton

More details and info here: 

2023 Mile of Music Festival


3. SYMCO SHAKEDOWN

Traditional Hotrods, Kustoms pre-1976 car show!! Vintage camping on the river, tons of camping available, large swap meet area, minibike drag races, over 17 bands, flame throwing at night, burnout pit, pinup contest, minibike give away, lots of vendors!

When: August 10th - 12th 

Where: Unionville Grounds

E6361 State Road 22 Symco

More details and info here 

Symco Shakedown


4. BROWN COUNTY FAIR 

Located along the west shore of the Fox River, The Brown County Fair is a time-honored and cherished tradition for families and youth. Our goal is to teach urban and rural residents of all ages about Brown County’s history, traditions, and accomplishments through agriculture, family living, and business. We strive to provide a welcoming environment for our guests and promote agriculture through exhibits and demonstrations, and are committed to supporting life-long learning for our youth and our community.

Events that are featured daily include the Aussie Kingdom, Nick's Kids Show, Miller & Mike, live music, carnival rides and games and great food. Have you ever wondered how an item you made, baked, photographed or created would stack up against the same item made, baked, photographed or created by another individual? The Brown County Fair offers you the opportunity to find out by entering your baked goods, photographs, woodworking, knitting, etc. in the Fair.

When: August 16th - 20th 

Where: Brown County Fairgrounds

1500 Fort Howard Ave De Pere

More details and info here:

Brown County Fair


5. APPLETON PORCHFEST

Porchfest is a free live-music event where musical acts play on porches across the Historic Central Neighborhood of Appleton. Porches will be located on blocks adjacent to Columbus Elementary (specific locations & map to come). There will also be food and ice cream for sale by local establishments available for purchase.

The event is inspired by the local artistic talent and historic nature of the Historic Central Neighborhood and city of Appleton. We it offers an opportunity to create a sense of joy, connectedness, and community among people of all backgrounds in our community. All are welcome!

When: August 29th 5:30 - 8:30 PM

Where: Historic Central Neighborhood

213 East Wisconsin Ave Appleton

More details and info here:

PORCHFEST - Historic Central Neighborhood Appleton


6. GRIGNON MANSION CAR SHOW

Join us at the Grignon Mansion for a day of car-filled fun! Enjoy a cookout, baked goods, horse-drawn carriage rides, a DJ, and games and crafts for the kids. Tours of the Grignon Mansion will be available at the regular admission price! Entrance to the Grignon Mansion grounds for spectators is free. All proceeds from the Car Show will support the preservation of the Grignon Mansion and educational programs to share the history of the Grignon family.

Car registration will begin at 8 AM and costs $15 per show vehicle (no pre-registration for this event). For more information, visit the Charles A. Grignon Mansion Facebook page or call 920-766-6106. See you there!

When: Sunday August 13th 

Where: Grignon Mansion

1313 Augustine St Kaukauna 

More details and info here: 

Grignon Mansion Car Show


7. DOWNTOWN OSHKOSH CHALK WALK 

We invite you to join us to brighten up our downtown and fill it with chalk art!

Artists and community members of all ages and levels of ability are able to participate. Artists are invited to chalk up the sidewalk around Opera House Square. Visitors are encouraged to join in and watch - there will be food, fun, music and more! The 9th Annual Downtown Oshkosh Chalk Walk presented by Community First Credit Union is Saturday, August 5th! (Rain date August 12th) Enjoy the live chalk art creations, music and fun for all ages all day long!

When: August 5th 8 AM - 6 PM

Where: Downtown Oshkosh

315 N Main St Oshkosh

More details and info here: 

Downtown Oshkosh Chalk Walk


8. FAMILY DAYS AT THE OCTAGON HOUSE

Bring your family to the Octagon House for a free afternoon of fun! Pack a picnic to enjoy on our grounds, explore the exhibit at the Octagon House, walk through our beautiful gardens and play old time games.

When: August 13th 11 am - 4 pm

Where: Neenah Historical Society

343 Smith St Neenah

More details and info here: 

Family Days at the Octagon House

9. OSHKOSH JAZZ FESTIVAL 

Join us in Downtown Oshkosh Saturday, August 26th for the 3rd Annual Oshkosh Jazz Festival featuring headliners TAKE 6 and so many other fantastic jazz artists - including Benny Benack III All Star Hour with special guests Steve March Tormè, Stuck on Blue and VIVO! More to be announced soon!

The Oshkosh Jazz Festival is FREE and family friendly! Save the date - we can't wait to see you there!

When: August 26th 1 pm - 8 pm 

Where: Downtown Oshkosh

More details and info here: 

Oshkosh Jazz Festival


10. FRIENDS OF THE NEENAH PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOK SALE

The Friends of the Neenah Public Library will be conducting their annual used book sale for two weeks in August. There is a nice selection of both adult and children’s materials—books, movies, and music. Many items are donated and have not been stamped or marked in any way. Donations of books and AV are always accepted and much appreciated.

Sale dates: August 10 – August 14: Adult Fiction, including mass market paperbacks. Childrens’ books, DVDs, audiobooks, and more; August 17 – August 21: Adult nonfiction, Adult DVDS, CDS, and audiobooks.

When: August 10th - 21st

Where: Neenah Public Library

240 E Wisconsin Ave Neenah

More details and info here:

Friends of the Neenah Public Library Book Sale

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