2023 Events

January

January 21-22 | SATURDAY-SUNDAY FREE FISHING WEEKEND Statewide.

February

FEBRUARY 3-5 | FRIDAY-SUNDAY

IOLA WINTER CARNIVAL

Iola. Ice carving contest on State Street; Norwegian lutefisk supper and craft sale at the High School; twilight snowshoe race, Nordic combined crosscountry ski race and ski jumping at the Iola Winter Sports Club.

(715) 445-4005 | www.ISChamber.com

FEBRUARY 11 | SATURDAY WINTER REC FEST

Swan Park, Waupaca. 3PM - 7PM. A night of fun at the sled hill with many activities to choose from! This is a free event and is fun for the whole family! Enjoy a special firework display at the end of the event! www.cityofwaupaca.org/parksnrec

FEBRUARY 10-12 | FRIDAY-SUNDAY

COMMUNITY THEATER "VANITY"

Par 4 Resort, Waupaca. Feb. 10 & 11: 5:30PM. Feb. 12: 12:30PM. "Vanities" a new musical. Book by Jack Heifner. Music & Lyrics by David Kirshenbaum. www.FineArtsFestival.org

FEBRUARY 17 | FRIDAY

ROTARY'S CASINO ROYALE

Par 4 Resort, Waupaca. 7PM-11PM. Casino games, live music, dancing, door prizes and refreshments. www.WaupacaRotary.org

FEBRUARY 18-19 | SATURDAY-SUNDAY

MANAWA SNODEO SNOWMOBILE DERBY

Bear Lake Resort, Manawa. 9AM-Dark. Snowmobile Derby with 4 tracks running simultaneously from 9 a.m. - dark, including kitty cats, motorcycles and ATVs.

(920) 470-1417 | www.ManawaSnodeo.org

March

MARCH 29 | TUESDAY

VIETNAM VETERANS DAY

To recognize Vietnam Veterans. (715) 258-4247 | www.tinyurl.com/268ry2ux

April

APRIL 2 | SUNDAY

COMMUNITY CHORUS AND CIVIC ORCHESTRA SPRING CONCERT

Waupaca High School Performing Arts Center. Celebrating major choral works. (715) 258-7724 | www.FineArtsFestival.org

APRIL 21 | FRIDAY

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

Swan Park. 10:30AM - 1:00PM

(715) 258-4411

APRIL 22-26 | SATURDAY-WEDNESDAY

WAUPACA FINE ART SHOW

Danes Hall. Annual juried art show and exhibit. www.FineArtsFestival.org

APRIL 28 | FRIDAY

FOUNDATIONS FOR LIVING SPRING FUNDRAISER

TBD 6:00pm

(715) 942-2725 | www.fflwaupaca.org

MAY

MAY 6 | SATURDAY

THEDACARE WAUPACA SUPER HEROES FUN RUN

ThedaCare Medical Center, Waupaca. Annual 1 mile and 5K fun fun/walk.

MAY 18-20 | THURSDAY-SATURDAY

IOLA-SCANDINAVIA COMMUNITY RUMMAGE SALE

Iola & Scandinavia, 8AM-5PM. Map available at area businesses. (715) 445-5000 | IolaRummageSale.com

MAY 17 | WEDNESDAY

WORS BUMP N JUMP MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE

Iola Winters Sports Club, Iola.

(715) 445-3411 | www.IolaWinterSportsClub.org

MAY 20 | SATURDAY

6TH ANNUAL STUBBY MEMORIAL

CATFISH TOURNAMENT

Gill's Landing Saloon, Weyauwega. Tons of fun and a great time for the whole family. Prizes for the top catfish and flatheads that are caught and enjoy an evening out on the water. (920) 867-2844 | www.GillsOnRiver.com

MAY 20 | SATURDAY

FAMILY FUN DAY AT DEPOT

Railroad Depot, Waupaca. 10AM-2PM. (715) 256-9980 | www.waupacahistoricalsociety.org

MAY 29 | MONDAY

MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAMS

VFW Post 1037, 244 Industrial Drive, Waupaca and Wisconsin Veterans Home at King. V FW Post 1037's Ladies Auxillary waterside ceremony at Rotary Riverview Park in Waupaca followed by Lakeside and Cemetery services, flags displayed on over 6,000 graves, picnic and musical entertainment at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King. (715) 258-4247 | www.tinyurl.com/268ry2ux

MAY 29 |

MONDAY

MILITARY VETERANS TRIBUTE PORK ROAST

Iola Historical Society event, Noon – 2 PM. Presented in association with Sheveland-Taylor American Legion Post 14’s Veterans Memorial Day Park program. Enjoy the Iola Historic Village and Museums. (715) 445-IOLA (4652) or (715) 445-5050 | www.IolaHistoricalSociety.org

June

JUNE 3-4 | SATURDAY-SUNDAY FREE FISHING WEEKEND Statewide.

JUNE 14 | WEDNESDAY FLAG DAY

Wisconsin Veterans Home, King. Avenue of Flags proudly displayed. (715) 258-4247 | www.WisVets.com

MID JUNE-MID AUGUST | WEDNESDAYS

CHAPEL ON THE LAKES

Clear Water Harbor, Waupaca. Wednesdays at 6PM. Interdenominational service held weekly aboard the Chief Waupaca sternwheeler. (715) 258-7688.

MID JUNE-MID AUGUST | SATURDAYS

CHAIN SKIERS WATER SKI SHOW

Rainbow Lake, Waupaca. 6PM. Weekly water ski show on Waupaca's Chain O' Lakes. Held mid-June through August on Rainbow Lake. Viewing available at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King Marden Center. www.WaupacaChainSkiers.org

JUNE 17 | SATURDAY

MOVIE IN THE PARK

South Park, Waupaca, Dusk. Bring your own chair or blanket and enjoy the summer movie!

(715) 258-4435 | www.cityofwaupaca.org/parksnrec

JUNE 16-JULY 28 | FRIDAYS

WAUPACA CITY BAND SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Downtown Waupaca, Fridays at 7PM. (715) 252-7280

JUNE 17 | SATURDAY

STRAWBERRY FEST

Waupaca. 9AM-4PM. Held annually on the third full weekend in June. Strawberry Fest is a family festival that features an art/craft fair with 150 vendors, strawberry shortcake, live entertainment, great food and more, providing a great way to celebrate the first taste of summer.

(715) 258-7343 | www.VisitWaupacaChainOLakes.com

JUNE 17-18 | SATURDAY-SUNDAY

STRAWBERRY FEST TRAIN SHOW

Waupaca Recreation Center. 9AM-5PM on 6/17 & 10AM-4PM on 6/18. Two gyms of model railroad layout and sales tables. Food stand and model contest. Model railroad related demonstration tables.

(715) 824-2045 | www.wamrltd.com

JUNE 18 | SUNDAY

RAILROAD DEPOT OPEN HOUSE

Waupaca. 10AM-4PM. Visit Waupaca's historic railroad depot and see the recently acquired caboose.

(715) 256-9980 | www.WaupacaHistoricalSociety.org

JUNE 18 | SUNDAY

HUTCHINSON HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN HOUSE

South Park, Waupaca. 10AM-4PM. Take a step back in time with a visit to the historic Hutchinson House with its impressive collection of Victorian artifacts. Free admission.

(715) 256-9980 | www.WaupacaHistoricalSociety.org

JUNE 18 | SUNDAY

ANNUAL LIONS FLY-IN, DRIVE-IN BREAKFAST

Waupaca Municipal Airport. Breakfast, bake sale, raffle, airplane viewing and rides. Fun for the whole family. (715) 258-2710.

JUNE 18 | SUNDAY

WAUPACA COUNTY DAIRY BREAKFAST

Waupaca County Fairgrounds, Weyauwega. 8AM - 12PM (920) 867-8150.

JUNE 23-25 | FRIDAY-SUNDAY

32ND ANNUAL ENERGY FAIR

Custer, WI. Offering year-round courses, demonstration installations, Solar+ Storage Technology Center, & EV Charging. Tours are available upon request. Join us for the 31st Annual Energy Fair to celebrate clean energy and sustainable living for all! See page 6. www.MidwestRenew.org | www.TheEnergyFair.org

JUNE 24 | SATURDAY LOST ARTS

Hutchinson House Museum, Waupaca. 10AM-4PM. (715) 256-9980 | www.waupacahistoricalsociety.org

JUNE 24-27 | SATURDAY-TUESDAY

WAUPACA COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S THEATER - MADAGASCAR

Waupaca Middle School Knoepfel Auditorium. (715) 258-7724 | www.FineArtsFestival.org

JUNE 25 | SUNDAY

IOLA HISTORICAL SOCIETY STRAWBERRY FEST

Iola Historical Society Historic Village and Museums, 11 AM – 2 PM. Enjoy strawberry shortcake and light snacks, visit historic buildings and view artifacts, with antique appraisals available, at 39th annual event.

(715) 445-IOLA (4652) or (715) 445-5050 | www.IolaHistoricalSociety. Org

JUNE 29-JULY 1 | THURSDAY- SATURDAY

MID-WESTERN RODEO

Manawa Rodeo Grounds, Manawa. It's Big - It's Wild - It's Western! Voted the Great Lakes Circuit best medium rodeo. Bull and bronc riding, steer wrestling, team and tie down roping, women's barrel racing, pony rides, vendors, free dances after the evening rodeo performances, chicken bbq, Stampede 5K/10K fun run/walk and rodeo parade.

(800) 74RODEO | www.ManawaRodeo.org

July

JULY | SATURDAYS

CHAIN SKIERS WATER SKI SHOW

Rainbow Lake, Waupaca. 6:30PM. Weekly water ski show on Waupaca's Chain O' Lakes. Held mid-June through August on Rainbow Lake. Viewing available at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King Marden Center. www.WaupacaChainSkiers.org

JULY 3 | MONDAY

IOLA FIREWORKS

Shores of Lake Iola. Dusk. Softball games, food & beverages, raffle & fireworks at dusk.

(715) 445-4005 | www.ISChamber.com

JULY 4 | TUESDAY

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION - FIREWORKS

Downtown & South Park, Waupaca. The 4th of July Celebration features a parade down Main Street at 10AM, a chicken barbecue lunch at South Park at 11AM, and fireworks over Shadow Lake at dusk.

(715) 258-7343 | www.VisitWaupacaChainOLakes.com

JULY 6-8 | THURSDAY-SATURDAY

IOLA CAR SHOW AND SWAP MEET

Iola Old Car Show Grounds, Iola. 51st Annual - IOLA '23 - Featuring "Unforgettable Fifties" - 4,000 swap spaces, 2,500 show cars, 1,600 camp sites, 400 car corral spaces. (715) 445-4000 | www.IolaOldCarShow.com

JULY 14-15 | FRIDAY- SATURDAY

IOLA-SCANDINAVIA CHAMBER'S TASTES & TUNES

Iola-Scandinavia Area. A day-long event featuring various genres of music and food at a dozen area businesses! Kickoff Friday night and all day Saturday. (715) 445-4005 | www.ISChamber.com

JULY 28-30 | FRIDAY-SUNDAY

THRESHEREE & NATIONAL TRACTOR PULL

Symco. Demonstrations and entertainment throughout the weekend. (920) 757-6995 | www.SymcoUTC.com

JULY 29-30 AND AUGUST 3-6 | SATURDAY-SUNDAY

WAUPACA COMMUNITY THEATER

Waupaca High School Performing Arts Center. July 29, August 3, 4, 5 @ 7:00PM and July 30 & August 6 @ 2:00PM (715) 256-1008 | www.FineArtsFestival.org

August

AUGUST | SATURDAYS CHAIN SKIERS WATER SKI SHOW

Rainbow Lake, Waupaca. 6:30PM. Weekly water ski show on Waupaca's Chain O' Lakes. Held mid-June through August on Rainbow Lake. Viewing available at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King Marden Center. www.WaupacaChainSkiers.org

AUGUST 3-6 | THURSDAY-SUNDAY

WAUPACA COMMUNITY THEATER

Waupaca High School Performing Arts Center.

August 3, 4, 5 @ 7:00PM and August 6 @ 2:00PM (715) 256-1008 | www.FineArtsFestival.org

AUGUST 4-6 | FRIDAY- SUNDAY SCANDINAVIA CORN ROAST

Ellison Park, Scandinavia. Great food & refreshments, live bands, ballgames, carnival, chainsaw wood sculpting competition, truck & tractor pulls, pie social, free corn on Sunday. www.ScandinaviaCornRoast.com

AUGUST 12 & 26 | SATURDAY

13TH ANNUAL RUBBER DUCKY RACES

Gill's Landing Saloon, Weyauwega. (920) 867-2844 | www.GillsOnRiver.com

AUGUST 18-19 | FRIDAY- SATURDAY

ARTS ON THE SQUARE

Downtown Waupaca. An eclectic celebration of the arts with a full weekend of art, music, dance, great food and more. www.WaupacaArts.org

AUGUST 18 | FRIDAY

KIDS’ MINI TRIATHLON

South Park, Waupaca. 6PM. Special event for children ages 4 -10. Distances will vary according to age groups.

(715) 258-7343 | www.WaupacaAreaTriathlon.com

AUGUST 19 | SATURDAY

WAUPACA AREA TRIATHLON

South Park, Waupaca. 7AM. Waupaca's annual triathlon, a 1/2 mile swim, 20-mile bike ride and 5K run, will start at 7 a.m. on beautiful Shadow L ake. Short Course, 1/4 mile swim or paddle, 7.1 mile bike and 2 mile run. Registration forms available at the Chamber. Online registration available from event website.

(715) 258-7343 | www.WaupacaAreaTriathlon.com

AUGUST 23-27 | WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY

WAUPACA COUNTY FAIR

Waupaca County Fairgrounds, Weyauwega. Traditional County Fair with midway, show animals, entertainment and food stands.

(715) 281-3822 | www.WaupacaCountyFair.org

September

SEPTEMBER 11 | SUNDAY

PATRIOT DAY

In memory of those who perished that fateful September day.

SEPTEMBER 16 | SATURDAY

FALL-O-RAMA

South Park, Waupaca. 9AM-4PM. Children’s parade, pumpkin carving demonstrations, food, craft fair, live music and a petting zoo.

(715) 258-4435 | www.WaupacaFallORama.com

3rd Annual Halloween on Main

Downtown Waupaca

October 2 - November 1

Miller Pumpkin Display – City Square

The famous display is downtown Waupaca! See over 200 beautifully carved pumpkins. There will be opportunities to learn how to carve your own pumpkin. No admission - however - donations are accepted for several local charities.

October 27

Halloween on Main

This free event – spanning four blocks celebrates the downtown area. Business Trick-or-Treating - Entertainment - Food

Crafts - Touch A Truck - Miller Pumpkin Displays - and many more activities! Family friendly events 4pm-6pm. Other businesses will have entertainment later into the evening.

October 31

Waupaca Area Trick-or-Treating 5pm-7pm www.VisitWaupacaChainOLakes.com

SEPTEMBER 16 | SATURDAY COUNTY LINE TRAIL BLAZERS ANNUAL CHICKEN BBQ

East Road & Crystal Lake Rd, Waupaca. Old snowmobile show and live music. (715) 258-9316

SEPTEMBER 22 | FRIDAY OKTOBERFEST

Downtown, Waupaca. 5PM-11PM A Rotary Club of Waupaca fundraiser with beer and wine sampling, German food and great music. www.WaupacaRotary.org

SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 1 | FRIDAY- SUNDAY

HIDDEN STUDIOS ART TOUR

Waupaca & Portage Counties. A Tour of Working Studios in Central Wisconsin. Generally considered the peak fall foliage weekend in central Wisconsin, October, this is the only weekend of the year that the Hidden Studios open their doors to the public.

(715) 258-0195 | www.HiddenStudiosArtTour.com

October

OCTOBER 6-7 | FRIDAY- SATURDAY CHAIN O’LAKES BLUES FESTIVAL

Indian Crossing Casino, Waupaca. Good times and great music at the historic Indian Crossing Casino featuring some of the best regional blues bands. In addition to the line-up at the Casino, entertainment is featured throughout the weekend at various participating businesses.

(715) 258-7343 | www.ChainOLakesBluesFestival.com

OCTOBER 7 | SATURDAY

715 HARVEST FEST

King. Celebrate fall with this interactive family festival complete with pumpkin carving, crafts, fresh produce, entertainment and more! Waupaca area merchants participate with in-store specials to give you even more reason to celebrate autumn. Enjoy a trip to the pumpkin patch and Waupaca's fall colors during Autumn Harvest Fest. (715) 412-1423

OCTOBER 7 | SATURDAY

TASTE OF NORWAY/LOST ARTS FAIR & ANNUAL FALL GIFT & CRAFT SHOW

Iola Historical Society event, 10AM-2PM. Featuring traditional Norwegian pastries and lefse, displays of Norwegian artifacts, a craft show and much more. Enjoy exploring Iola Historic Village and Museums.

(715) 445-IOLA (4652) or (715) 445-5050 | www.IolaHistoricalSociety.org

OCTOBER 21 | SATURDAY

LUTEFISK SUPPER, NORWEGIAN BAKE/CRAFT SALE

Northland Lutheran Church, Iola. 12PM-6:30PM Annual Lutefisk Supper and Norwegian Bake and Craft Sale features local culinary talent. (715) 445-2956.

OCTOBER 27| FRIDAY

HALLOWEEN ON MAIN

Downtown Waupaca. 4PM-6PM Annual free Halloween party! There are many activities to do, such as play games, make crafts, get your face painted, and more! Dress up in your costume and have fun at the party!”

(715) 258-4435 | www.cityofwaupaca.org/parksnrec

November

NOVEMBER 11 | SATURDAY

VETERANS DAY PROGRAM

Wisconsin Veterans Home, King. 9:30AM. Performance by the Waupaca High School Choir in Marden Center.

(715) 258-4247 | www.tinyurl.com/268ry2ux