Activities and Attractions

While you are staying with us during your Wisconsin vacation, there are plenty of things to do and see. Throughout the year, our area is host to a number of special events such as the Iola Car Show, Waupaca’s Strawberry Fest, and the EAA Fly-In at Oshkosh.

A night out on the town might include a casual dinner in a local pub or a romantic table for 2 with a lakeside view. Whatever you are craving, see what our local restaurants have to offer.

Waupaca has something to offer everyone, no matter what your hobby: ice fishing, shopping, biking, hiking, dinning, antiquing, or just relaxing. Just outside The Apple Tree Lane’s front door is the Crystal River that flows from the Chain O Lakes. Take a canoe trip down the river, fish in the lakes, or take a part in any number of water sports from boating to swimming. Enjoy winter skiing at the Granite Peak Ski Area, or visit during any season to experience the Ice Age Trail. This national scenic trail provides a number of activities throughout the year.

The local Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce has many listings for upcoming activities.

Scroll through to view all local events in the Waupaca area.

Summer Events Fall Events Winter Events Spring Events

• Hutchinson House Museum, Waupaca - At South Park; Open Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays, 1 - 4pm or by appointment, 715-256-9980.

• Chapel on the Lakes, King - 1 hour Chief Waupaca cruise with church service every Wednesday  at 6pm. Cty Road QQ in King on the Chain O' Lakes

• Band Concerts on the City Square, Waupaca - Every Friday evening at 7pm located at the gazebo in front of City Hall, downtown Waupaca.

• Webfooters Water Ski Shows, Fremont - on the Wolf River: Every Sunday and Wednesday at 6:00pm.

• Chain Skiers Water Ski Shows, Waupaca -In front of Wisconsin Veterans Home on Rainbow Lake; Saturdays @ 6:30PM (Junior Show @ 6pm)

JUNE

• Strawberry Fest, Waupaca - June 15, 2013 - Held annually on the third Saturday in June, Strawberry Fest is a family festival that features a large downtown art/craft fair, strawberry shortcake, a children's costume contest, live entertainment, great food and more, providing a great way to celebrate the beginning of summer! 

• Strawberry Fest Train Show- June 15-16, 2013 - Fun for the whole family at this annual show that includes railroad layout, food and fun. Waupaca Recreation Center. 

• Annual Lions Fly-In/Drive-In Pancake Breakfast, Waupaca - June 16, 2013- A chance to eat a hearty breakfast while visiting with pilots and viewing airplanes at the Waupaca Municipal Airport, east of the city on Hwy. 10. (715) 445-2710

• Waupaca Area Garden Walk & Art Stroll, Waupaca - June TBD 2013 9am-5:00pm-A rare chance to stroll some of the area's most scenic gardens while viewing work by area artists. (715) 258-3289 or (715) 256-4145

• Annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Fair, Amherst - June 21-23, 2013 - The Midwest Renewable Energy Association organizes this "Energy Fair", the world's largest venue for learning about renewable energy and sustainable living technologies, in Amherst, WI. The fair features hundreds of workshops, demonstrations, and exhibits. www.the-mrea.org

JULY

• Manawa's Midwestern Rodeo, July 4-6, 2013 - Along with the action of pro rodeo, are free dances, Chicken BBQ, steer wrestling, The Stampede-a 5K/10K fun run walk and a huge parade.   www.manawarodeo.org

• Hometown Day Celebration, Waupaca - July 4, 2013 - The annual Waupaca July 4th celebration, features a  parade on downtown Main Street, food stands at South Park, a 6:30 p.m. Chain Skiers Show at the Veterans Home, and a 9:30 p.m. fireworks display over Shadow Lake. www.WaupacaAreaChamber.com, 715-258-7343

• Iola Old Car Show & Swap Meet, Iola - July 11-14, 2013 - Midwest's largest old car show held the 2nd weekend of July. 2,500+ show cars, 4,428 swap meet spaces, old cars for sale, great food and more. www.iolaoldcarshow.com

• Chain of Lakes Antique & Classic Wooden Boat Show & Parade, Waupaca, TBA, 2013,  Clear Water Harbor (715) 258-3414

• Waupaca's Fireman Dance, July TBA 2013 - This annual shindig takes place in Waupaca's Swan Park from 8 pm-midnight. Come & enjoy the music!

• Union Thresheree and Tractor Pull, July 26-28, 2013, Symco-Feature tractors:  Massey Ferguson, Massey Harris and Wallace, live music, exhibitions, flea market and more.  www.symcoutc.com, 920-757-6995

• Annual EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Fly-In at Oshkosh - July 29-August 4, 2013 - Whether you are interested in building, buying or owning an airplane; seeing the world's greatest air show performers; meeting aviation personalities; or just enjoy being around airplanes. Less than 40 miles from Waupaca. Held annually and draws 3/4 million spectators and participants from around the world. www.airventure.org

AUGUST

• Scandinavia Corn Roast, Scandinavia -August 2-4, 2013 - Held the 1st weekend of August, lots of live music and entertainment, carnival rides, tractor pull, pie social, baseball games, roasted sweet corn (Free corn on Sunday only), and much more fun. www.scandinaviaboosterclub.com

• John Hatherly Mid-Century "Ride Waupaca", August 10, 2013--One of the most scenic Century Rides in the Midwest, 12,20,50,62,70, and 100 mile routes.  Well-stocked rest stops, rolling country roads. All proceeds benefit Waupaca High School scholarships. Event details and registration at www.321goevents.com.

• Iola Vintage Military & Gun Show with Vintage Tractors & Equipment, Iola - August 10-11, 2013 - Held annually the 2nd weekend in August, this event has military vehicles & equipment, tractors, machines and a professional vehicle exhibit, re-enactor encampments, WWII and Vietnam era battle re-enactments and pyrotechnics, swap meet, speakers, entertainmnet and parades of vehicles.  www.iolavms.com

• Kid's Mini Triathlon, August 16, 2013 - Special event for children ages 4- 10.  Distances will vary according to age groups. South Park, Waupaca www.WaupacaAreaTriathlon.com, 715-258-7343

• Waupaca Area Triathlon, Waupaca - August 17, 2013 - 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 Lake. Short course also.  Registration forms available at the Chamber. Online registration available from event website. www.waupacaareatriathlon.com.  Art on the Square described below takes place the same weekend.

• Art on the Square, August 16-17, 2013 - An eclectic celebration of the arts! A full weekend of art, music, theater, dance, great food and more. This event takes place on the downtown Waupaca in the city square. 

• Waupaca County Fair, Fairgrounds in Weyauwega - August 21-25, 2013 -Waupaca County holds its county fair at grounds in Weyauwega. This traditional rural fair offers animal exhibits, home making exhibits, races, grandstand shows, a midway, and all the other things you associate with this great slice of Americana. Grandstand show tickets available after May 1. 920-867-3395.

• Amish Quilt, Craft & Furniture Auction, August, TBA 2013 - This popular quilt and consignment auction features traditional hand-made Amish quilts, furniture, baked goods and more.  Location:  Portage county Fairgrounds, Amherst, WI 

• Rod & Classic Car Show - August 24, 2013 - A rod and classic car show with all the summer amenities of Waupaca's South Park. Information: (715) 281-7932. www.WaupacaAreaChamber.com

• RumbleFest-August 30, 31, September 1, 2013-Portage County Fair Grounds, Amherst- A celebration of the American hot rod.  Enjoy hundreds of traditional and custom hot rods, more than a dozen bands, food & beverage stands, and more.  920-915-4946, www.rumblefest.net

• Fall Events

SEPTEMBER

• Annual Horse and Buggy Days Weyauwega - September 14, 2013 -The clock is turned back for this event to celebrate days gone by.  Lots of food, games, live music, gala parade, and horse and buggies create a fun atmosphere. For more information call 920-867-2500.

• Fall Frenzy, Clintonville, September TBA, 2013- Battle of the band, crafters, food and beverage vendors, farmer's market, Amish goods and other activities.  On Main Street.  (715) 823-4606.

OCTOBER

•  Chain O'Lakes Blues Festival, October 4-5, 2013 - 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 lineup at the Casino, entertainment is featured throughout the weekend at various participating businesses.

• Hidden Studio's Art Tour-Along the Ice Age Trail, October 5-6, 2013 - See fine art in the making when these working artists' studios open their doors to the public for tours, demonstrations, and the opportunity to purchase original art.  www.hiddenstudioarttour.com

• Autumn Harvest Fest- King/Waupaca, October 5, 2013- Come enjoy Waupaca's fall colors and special shopping, crafts, food, entertainment, fresh produce, a trip to the pumpkin patch, pumpkin carving, and more, to name just a few things at this wonderful fall event.

 NOVEMBER

• Classic Christmas, Throughout the Waupaca Area, 11/16-17, 11/23-24, 11/30-12/1, 2013.  A Christmas shopping experience to remember, with over 40 unique shops and holiday special and treats.

• Veterans Day Program, King - Celebrated Annually on November 11, 2013 - Program starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Wisconsin Veterans Home Marden Center.

Winter Events

DECEMBER

• Taste of Christams, December 7, 2013-Spencer Lake Christian Center-An annual celebration kicking off the season with all the traditional sights, sounds, and tastes of Christmas.  (715) 245-5707, www.spencer-lake.org  

• Annual Festival of Lights, Iola - Annually held the first weekend in December. For more information please call: (715) 445-4000

• Iola Lioness Christmas Parade, Iola - Annually held the first weekend in December. For more information please call: (715) 445-4000

JANUARY

• Waupaca Polar Bear Plunge, January 1, 2013 - Quite a crowd gathers for this annual event on the shores of Limekiln Lake, Cty. Q, at Becker Marine. A pre-party begins at 10 a.m. at the Wheel House Restaurant and the plunge into the lake takes place at 1 p.m. The event is open to all. (715) 258-8289.

• Candlelight Ski, Waupaca, January 26, 2013 - An annual event at Hartman Creek State Park, weather permitting. One and one-third mile tracked cross-country ski trail, plus one mile hiking trail lighted with candles. Willow sticks for roasting snacks, charcoal grills and concessions provided. 5-9 p.m. (715) 258-2372.

• Norseman Challenge XC Ski Race, Iola - Annually held the last Sunday in January. Here you'll find some of the best cross-country trails in the state. They are groomed for skating and classical skiing, with 20 kilometers of cross-country trails (4 miles under the lights!) For more information please call: (715) 445-3411.

FEBRUARY

• Iola Winter Carnival, Iola, February 2-3, 2013 - Come see a Scandinavian winter carnival complete with ski jumping contests, ice sculpting, ice fishing, lutefisk dinner and indoor craft fair, in Iola, 15 miles north of Waupaca on Hwy. 49. (715) 445-4005.

• Spring Events

MARCH

•  Irish Wake, March 16, 2013-Downtown Waupaca- www.waupacaarts.org

• St. Patrick's Day Grand Parade and Irish Fest, New London, March 15-16, 2013 - Wisconsin's largest St. Patrick's Day Parade with marching and bagpipe bands (over 100 units in total!) Festivities begin when the Leprechauns change the town's name to "New Dublin" for the week.  Irish caroling, music, food, entertainment and spirits! Bring the family for this week long celebration of New London's strong Irish heritage. For more information please call: (715) 982-5822 or www.newdublin.com

APRIL

• Old Colonel Run, Iola - Annual event held at the Iola-Scandinavia Fitness and Aquatic Center. A 5K walk/run through the beautiful streets of Iola. Contact Jon Novak at 715-445-2411 ext. 214 (day)

• Big Whopper Weekend, April 19-21, 2013-New London - Try your luck fishing the Wolf River during the annual Walleye run.  There are contest prizes in many fishing categories and a huge raffle.  Come and also enjoy Buffalo burgers, concessions and music all under the heated big top tent!  920-779-6346, www.newlondontourism.com

• Spring Fun Extravaganza, April 13, 2013-Fox Valley Technical College, Waupaca.  Take up to 4 classes from 20+ hands on workshops and seminars for under $25.  Tons of fun classes to choose from, such as Landscaping with Natives, Spring Makeover Ideas to Inspire You & Your Home, Fairy Garden Workshop, Affordable & Delicious Gluten-Free Cooking, Basic Fishing Techniques and much more! (715) 942-1700, www.fvtc.edu/waupaca

• Waupaca's Art Show, April 19-28, 2013- Artists from the upper Midwest, Wisconsin and the local area take part in this juried show at the Waupaca EXPO, near the intersection of Hwy. 10 and 54 on the west side of Waupaca. This is the 50th annual!  www.fineartsfestival.org