Good morning, Appleton.

Yesterday, the Appleton Fire Department restored a nearly century-old Seagrave Old Engine No. 5 that was shown at the Appleton History Museum, and retired Lt. Brad Brautigam explained that community members and local businesses funded the work so the truck will join the fleet at Station #1 (funded by Friends of Appleton Fire Department).

The old Trout Museum space in downtown Appleton is being taken over by First 5 Fox Valley to create a family resource center—designed to offer a play area for children and family services on upper floors.

Work on the $8 million renovation will begin later this summer—keeping historic features like pillars and guardrails while adding educational programs.

Three local anglers lost their fishing gear when vandals threw it into the lake last month — the Menasha community and police raised over $3,000 to replace the supplies while the suspects now face prosecution.

Appleton’s Octoberfest will take place on September 27 with 19 bands scheduled to perform across several stages downtown — the festivities begin at Houdini Plaza at 9 a.m. with a ceremonial toast and polka performance.

The weekend will also kick off with the License to Cruise car show on Friday at 3 p.m. at the Fox Cities Exhibition Center as organizers introduce cashless options for bars and wristband booths.

Appleton's Octoberfest announced its 2025 lineup with 19 bands showcasing blues, polka, hip-hop, and indie music and introducing a VIP experience with discounted beer tickets and other perks.

The festival will begin at 9:00 a.m. on September 27 at Houdini Plaza with a ceremonial toast and a traditional polka performance — and the bar and wristband booths will go cashless.

Appleton’s Octoberfest will have nineteen bands performing across six downtown stages on September 27 (starting with polka at 9 a.m. in Houdini Plaza).

Parts of the festival will go cashless (food and craft vendors will accept cash).

The Appleton Public Library has opened a summer reading program that teams with Fox Cities Marathon presented by Miron Construction to offer all ages weekly prizes—such as meeting Mayor Jake Woodford and a fire truck ride—to spur reading and health.

Children can track their progress with a healthy log and earn a free entry to a kids' fun run on September 19 while the program runs until August 16.

Menasha Joint School District agreed Wednesday to lease the UW-Oshkosh Fox Cities childcare center on its vacant campus pending county committee approval next Tuesday — the one-year deal includes covering utilities, retaining all 12 employees, and plans to boost enrollment.

Appleton’s Parks and Recreation Committee voted to rename Appleton Memorial Park to Veterans Memorial Park to better honor U.S. military veterans, and the Common Council will vote on the proposal on June 18.

The resolution also calls for renaming the existing Veterans Park on Memorial Drive to reduce confusion, but some council members and local critics worry about mixing up park names — a concern they will address in future meetings.

Officials from the TSA are offering a demonstration on how to pack carry-ons with proper items and follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule at Appleton International Airport during the busy summer travel season.

They will also provide updates on REAL ID requirements and acceptable forms of identification — passenger traffic is expected to break records.

Appleton City Golf Tournament

7 AM – 2 PM — Reid Municipal Golf Course — Entry fees vary — Compete in a 36-hole stroke play tournament across multiple divisions.

Father's Day Celebration at the BFK

5:00 a.m. — Appleton Downtown, Inc. — Free entry — Celebrate dads with art activities and family fun at the museum.

Steve Hofstetter Live Comedy Show

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Skyline Comedy Club — GA $25 / Premium $50 / VIP $150 — Experience the humor of Steve Hofstetter, featuring premium seating and a meet and greet.

Bobby Shmurda - Still Alive Tour

8:00 PM - 11:59 PM — OB's Brau Haus — Ticket prices unknown — Come turn up with Bobby Shmurda for an electrifying night of music and fun.

Heid Music Summer Concert Series

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Appleton Downtown, Inc. — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of music and family fun in the heart of Downtown Appleton.

2nd Annual T.A.A.G. Charity Car Show

10 AM – 4 PM — Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Baseball Club — Admission details pending — Check out classic cars while supporting a great cause.

4th of July DIY Cookie & Crafts Workshop

6-9 p.m. — Board & Brush Creative Studio — Pre-registration required — Create personalized crafts and decorate cookies in a festive atmosphere.

Boy Bands vs Girl Groups Music Bingo

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Stone Arch Brewpub — Free entry — Enjoy a lively music bingo showdown featuring iconic hits from boy bands and girl groups.

Mats & Margaritas DIY Doormat Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Board & Brush Creative Studio - Appleton — Registration required — Create your own stylish doormat while enjoying complimentary margaritas.

Comedy and Magic with Eric Eaton

7:00-11:15 p.m. — Skyline Comedy Club — Tickets $25/$35 — Experience a night of laughter and wonder with Eric Eaton's unique blend of comedy and magic.