Activities and Attractions

While you are staying with us during your Waupaca, Wisconsin vacation, there are plenty of things to do and see. 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 windsurfing 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 trails 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 Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, & Holidays, 1 - 5pm

• Chapel on the Lakes, King - 1 hour Chief Waupaca cruise with church service every Thursday 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 Ski Shows, Fremont - on the Wolf River: Sundays and Wednesdays at 6:15pm. For more information caIl 920-446-3838.

• Chain Ski Shows, King - Held in front of Wisconsin Veterans Home on Rainbow Lake; Saturdays @ 6:30PM (Junior Show @ 6pm)

JUNE

• Strawberry Fest, Waupaca - June 19-22, 2008- 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, beer tents, street dances, hot air balloon rally/rides, carnival and much more. What a great way to celebrate the beginning of summer in the Waupaca area! --Strawberry Fest Run, 5K (3.1 Mile) run and 1 mile walk/run.

• Waupaca Model Railroad Show, June 21-22, 2008- Fun for the whole family at annual show at the new Waupaca Recreation Center, 407 School Street-10:00-5:00 pm

• Lions Fly-In/Drive-In Pancake Breakfast, Waupaca - June 15, 2008- 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.

• Waupaca Area Garden Walk & Art Stroll, Waupaca - June 28, 2008-A rare chance to stroll some of the area's most scenic gardens while viewing work by area artists. For more information please call: (715) 256-4145. Art Director: JoAnn Adkins, (715) 258-3289.

• Chain O' Lakes Antique & Classic Wooden Boat Show & Parade-June 21, 2008-The Chain O' Lakes Association sponsors this antique and classic wooden boat show and parage. An in-water boat show will take place at the Harbor Bard from noon-3 p.m. and the parade through the chain begins at 3 pm

• Annual Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Fair, Amherst - June 20-22, 2008-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. More information: (715) 592-6595.

JULY

• Manawa's Midwestern Rodeo, July 4-6, 2008- Cowboys and cowgirls, bronco riding and steer wrestling are all a part of this annual rodeo, part of the professional rodeo circuit. There's even a special Sunday morning service.

• Hometown Days, Waupaca -July 4, 2008- The annual Waupaca July 4th celebration, features a 10:00 a.m. parade on Main Street, a Knights of Columbus chicken BBQ lunch and a Kiwanis food stand, music and activities 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.

• Iola Old Car Show, Iola - July 10-13, 2008- Annually held the first weekend after the 4th, Midwest's largest car show. 2,500 show cars, 4,308 swap meet spaces, 1,000 old cars for sale, ICA car auction. www.iolaoldcarshow.com

• Waupaca's Fireman Dance, July 12, 2008- This annual shindig takes place in Waupaca's Swan Park from 8 pm-midnight. Come & enjoy the music!

• Wild Rose Days, July 21-23, 2008- Community festival in Wild Rose, WI, south of Waupaca on Hwy 22.

• Annual EAA Fly-In at Oshkosh - July 28-August 3, 2008-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 1-3, 2008- Ellison Memorial Park in Scandinavia, WI is the site of this annual festival featuring carnival rides, lots of live music and roasted sweet corn (corn on Sunday only, 11 am until gone). www.scandinaviaboosterclub.com

• Iola Vintage Military & Gun Show with Vintage Tractors & Equipment, Iola - August 9-10, 2008- Held annually the second weekend in August. Battlefield reenactments are only one of the activities at this Iola show, which features a vintage military vehicles exhibit, tractor and professional vehicle exhibit, swap meet, gun show, exhibits, camping and vehicle parade. Information: 715-445-4005.

• Kid's Mini Triathlon, August 15, 2008- Special event for children ages 10 and under.  Distances will vary according to age groups.  6 pm South Park.

• Waupaca Area Triathlon, Waupaca - August 16, 2008- 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. Registration forms available at the Chamber. Online registration available from event website. www.waupacaareatriathlon.com

• Art on the Square, August 16, 2008-The Waupaca Community Arts Board presents a fine arts celebration called "Arts on the Square".  Juried fine arats with over 50 artists will form the base for a multi-dimentional celebration of the arts.  This event will take place around the downtown Waupaca Town Square.  Art workshops, expanded farmers market, entertainment stages, street performers, food & fun!
  

• Waupaca County Fair, Fairgrounds in Weyauwega - August 20-24, 2008 -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 23, 2008-  This popular quilt and consignment acution features traditional hand-made Amish quilts, furniture, baked goods and more.  Location:  Portage county Fairgrounds, Amherst, WI 
  

• Waupaca Rod & Classic Car Show - August 23, 2008- A rod and classic car show with all the summer amenities of Waupaca's South Park. Information: (715) 256-1099.

Fall Events

SEPTEMBER

• Horse and Buggy Days Weyauwega - September 12-13, 2008-Visit one of the nation's premier cheese factories, take a carriage ride through historic neighborhoods, observe a Civil War re- enactment, compete in a costume and beard contest. An old-time parade, hay rides, pool tournament, live music, lost arts demonstrations, a teen dance and hometown talent. For more information call 920-867-2500.

• Fall-O-Rama, Waupaca - Fall-O-Rama is a family festival held annually on the third Saturday in September. The event includes food, entertainment, arts and crafts, a chance to cruise the Chain of Lakes, horse-drawn wagon rides, pumpkin carving and other slices of Midwest Americana.

• Weyauwega Snow Show, Weyauwega - Antique & Vintage Snowmobile Show & Swap Meet

OCTOBER

• Hidden Studio's Art Tour-Along the Ice Age Trail, October 3-5, 2008-  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.hiddenstudiosarttour.com

• Autumn Harvest Days, King - A group of Chain O' Lakes specialty stores hosts a special Fall shopping event.

NOVEMBER

• Annual Red Cross Holiday Craft Show, November 22, 2008  This annual event is held at the Waupaca Recreation Center from 9-3.

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

Winter Events

DECEMBER

• 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, 2008 - 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.

• Annual Gohl Memorial Speed Skating Classic, Waupaca - Held annually on the Olympic-sized speed skating oval on Shadow Lake, this long track (333 meters) speed skating event showcases some of the state's biggest talents. (Event is subject to ice conditions.)

• Candlelight Ski, Waupaca - 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 - 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

• Gamefest-March 15, 2008-  Sponsored by the Waupaca Rotary Club, will take place at the Waupaca Rec Center, beginning at 7:30 a.m.  Cribbage, Sheepshead, Settlers of Catan and Backgammon. 
  

• Irish Festival, New London - Join us for Wisconsin's Largest St. Patrick's Day Parade! 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

• Musky Magic Show, New London - Presented by Mosquito Hill Nature Center. For more information please call: (715) 779-6433

• Ski Backwards Tribute to Greg Marr, Iola - Some of the best cross-country trails in the state. For more information please call (715) 445-3411

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 Walleye Weekend, New London - Contests and prizes located at Riverside Park in New London.

• Waupaca's Annual Fine Art Show , April 27-May 2, 2009-Sponsored by the Waupaca Fine Arts organization, this annual art show runs from the last Sunday in April through the following Thursday. 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 the city.

• Weyauwega City Wide Rummage Sale, Weyauwega - Also Flea Market & Craft Sale

• Rock Your Wings, Waupaca - The Cessna & Piper Flyer Associations host this charity event to benefit the Humane Society of Waupaca County, Inc. With free airplane rides for 8-17 year olds from 8:30-11 a.m., the event runs from Noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 (free for children under 12). Highlights include Airplane displays and rides, concessions and beer, live classic rock, and a preview of the Human Society's new shelter. Rock Your Wings will be held at 2509 Commercial Drive in the Eastgate Industrial Park in Waupaca. For more information, call (715) 258-2800.

• Amish Quilt Auction, Amherst - May 17, 2008- Held at the Fairgrounds in Amherst. Preview begins at 7am; Auction begins at 9am. (Crafts, quilts, furniture, bake sale)

• WI Veterans Home Open House and Old Car Show, King - a full day of activities: old car Show, military vehicles, tours, excursions on the Chain O' Lakes, band concerts, food & refreshments.

• Memorial Day, King - Memorial Day Observance at WI Veterans Home in King. Annual observance is one of two in Waupaca. Lakeside service begins at 9:30 a.m. Cemetery program follows at 10 a.m. Volunteers arrive at 6 a.m. to set flags on over 5,000 graves.

• Memorial Day, Waupaca - Parade & Ceremony downtown Waupaca. VFW observance begins with water ceremony on Waupaca River at the State Street bridge at 9 a.m., followed by a parade to the city bandstand, where a traditional program starts at about 9:30 a.m.