Mile of Music is a free music festival that features original music from hundreds of emerging artists each summer. The festival is located in the heart of Downtown Appleton, a walkable mile of restaurants, coffee shops, retailers, bars and more. For more information about Downtown Appleton, visit Appleton Downtown, Inc., and to discover more about what the Fox Cities has to offer, visit the Fox Cities Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.
The Basics of Mile of Music
When is Mile of Music?
Mile of Music in 2026 (Mile 13) is scheduled for Thursday, July 30 – Sunday, August 2 in Downtown Appleton!
How does this awesome festival actually work?
Download the Mile of Music app from NRI (via the App Store or Google Play) or explore our website to map out which artists you’d like to see. Once you develop a plan of which shows you’d like to attend, you’ll be able to see great up-and-coming artists while supporting all of our Downtown businesses in any of our wonderful venues (as capacity allows).
The week of the festival, you’ll find printed festival guides at most of our official venues throughout Downtown Appleton, while supplies last.
Do I need a ticket for Mile of Music & what is the cost to attend?
NO! Mile of Music features hundreds of sets of absolutely FREE live, original music. Simply walk into any official Mile of Music venue and you’ll be able to enjoy the music at no cost (as venue capacity allows).
Mile of Music is free to attend thanks to our sponsors, Music-Makers and amazing community supporters! We encourage you to purchase merchandise from your new favorite artists and/or food and beverages from the many Downtown venues and shops! As always, we also encourage you to be kind and generous to our amazing Downtown bartenders & service industry staff (during Mile and anytime you visit Downtown.)
If you’d like to support this community event, reach out to us at info@mileofmusic.com. Mile of Music is free to the community, but is not free to produce.
Is this event all-ages?
Yes. However, about half our venues are 21+. If you’d like to view only all-ages performances, simply select the “all ages” checkbox in the upper right-hand corner on the app’s Venues tab.
All-ages venues for 2025 included: Appleton Beer Factory, Copper Rock, Fox Cities P.A.C., Fox Commons, Heid Music, Hilton Paper Valley (Ballroom, Courtyard, Empire Room, Evergreen Room, Linden/Rosewood Room, Pool Area), Houdini Plaza, Jones Park, Lawrence Conservatory Green, Lawrence Conservatory Room 163, Lawrence Harper Hall, Lawrence Lawn, Lawrence Chapel, McFleshman’s Brewing (designated all-ages area), Riverview Gardens, Stone Arch Brewpub North Lot Stage. 2026 all-ages venues coming soon!
The printed festival guide also features a small icon next to any venue that is all-ages.
Please bring a valid ID to the festival if you plan on purchasing alcohol and/or visiting the 21-and-over venues.
How do I sign up to receive updates from Mile of Music?
We’d love for you to be in the know — and have many options for you to do so!
- Check out Mile of Music on social media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok (@mileofmusicfest), and LinkedIn.
- Download our mobile app in the App Store or on Google Play.
- Sign up for the Mile of Music email list: http://bit.ly/MoMEmailList
- Interested in year-round events in the Fox Cities? Head to our Mile of Music Presents social media pages on Facebook and Instagram!
On The Mile — At the Event
Where is your lost and found?
Our lost and found location for this year, thanks to Star Protection & Patrol, will be located on Division Street across from the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center!
Lose something at a previous Mile Festival or another Mile of Music Presents event? Send us an email here.
What are Mile of Music's hours?
Each day and venue varies, but performances typically run from approximately 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight, Thursday-Saturday.
Sunday, though still busy with music, typically goes from about noon to 7:00 p.m.
How do I know the place I'm headed is an official venue?
A list of official venues can be found on our website, on the Mile of Music app and in the printed festival guide. Additionally, look for “Official Venue” signage as you walk The Mile.
Mile of Music is a FREE festival. If you are asked to pay a cover charge, you are not at an official Mile of Music venue (found on the web, mobile app or in the printed festival guide) or a venue is violating the spirit of the festival.
Festival venues are expected to be compliant with the no cover charge policy. Please inform us of any venue violations at info@mileofmusic.com.
What if the weather is unfavorable?
Well, we’re not sure if we like that attitude! 🙂
Since a majority of the festival operates indoors, the fest goes on and many sets are unaffected. However, if Mother Nature isn’t on our side, outdoor shows are cancelled, unless noted otherwise. This may result in the full cancellation of a showcase or changes to show times, which can then be found on our website, app and through social media. (We appreciate your patience in the times we have had to make such changes!)
If you are searching for shelter from severe weather, we recommend the following locations:
- Fox Cities Exhibition Center (355 W. Lawrence St. – in the case of severe weather)
- Lower Level of Hilton Appleton Paper Valley Hotel (in the case of severe weather)
Our website & app schedules will always be the most up-to-date. On the app, we encourage you to enable push notifications!
Cross your fingers for sunshine! ☀️
What streets are closed for Mile of Music?
Typically, only a couple of streets are closed to vehicle traffic. Most streets are still open as crowds make their way on the sidewalks. It is important that you follow all traffic signals — whether you are driving or walking — in order to keep everyone safe and keep things flowing smoothly. And don’t forget there are sidewalks on each side of the street!
NOTE: College Ave. will be closed for the Downtown Farm Market (8 a.m-12:30 p.m.) on the Saturday of the Festival. The closure is from Appleton Street to Drew Street, plus Houdini Plaza. These areas remain closed until 2 p.m. Vehicles still parked in this area from the night before the market will be towed at the owner’s expense.
Can I carry my drink around with me?
NO. Alcoholic drinks must be consumed in the venue or within the designated perimeter of outdoor stages, including Houdini Plaza, Emmett’s, Spats, Jones Park, Lawrence Lawn (LU Campus), as well as individual venues. Any violations are subject to fines from the Appleton Police Department.
The Appleton Police Department has asked that the Mile of Music Team be on the lookout for violators of this regulation. If you are asked by a volunteer or team member to finish your drink (or throw it away) before leaving the perimeter, please listen to them. They’re just looking out for you, as tickets with large fines can be written to violators.
Can I bring my pet?
Appleton city ordinance does not allow pets at any special event, with the exception of service animals. This ordinance is limited to our parks (Jones, Houdini). Each individual venue makes its own decision regarding this policy.
What Information can I get at Mile HQ?
Mile of Music’s Headquarters will be housed at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center (400 W. College Ave.). HQ will house the Music-Makers/Volunteer/Sponsor Lounge, as well as information and check-in stations, a Mile of Music merchandise stand and more!
HQ Hours for Mile Week 2026 will be announced in summer 2026.
Where can I park?
Check out Appleton Downtown Inc.’s parking map for parking information. The ramps are a great way to go (Red, Green and Yellow ramps). Parking may be limited, so please plan accordingly. Street parking currently costs $1 per hour, limited to two hours between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Meter parking is FREE after 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and all day on Sundays. We also encourage car-pooling, and please make sure you always have a sober driver.
Download the Passport parking app for easy payment for parking meters! Check out more information here.
Public Transportation: Valley Transit.
Taxi services and Uber / Lyft are available in Appleton.
Note: On the Saturday of the festival, cars must be moved from the Appleton Downtown Farm Market streets (College Avenue from Appleton Street to Drew Street, plus Houdini Plaza). There is no overnight parking available in these areas, and violating vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense. Please abide by all bagged and restricted meters, city parking signs and regulations, and business lot signage.
Where should I stay?
There are many hotels in the Fox Cities, and they fill up quickly, so booking as soon as possible is encouraged!
Is there food available for purchase?
There are a wide variety of eating options to choose from during the festival. Downtown restaurants, pubs and coffee shops will offer everything from simple menu items to gourmet entrees specially prepared for all you foodies! For those of you who are on the go, you’ll find independent food trucks at various stage locations. Visit our Eat & Drink page for more information (coming soon)!
Support The Mile
How can I volunteer?
We’re glad you asked! Mile of Music Festival volunteer opportunities will be launched in spring 2026.
Do you have a group interested in volunteering at Mile of Music? We’d love to tell you more about our group volunteer program! Email volunteer@mileofmusic.com.
Interested in volunteering at our events throughout the year? Email volunteer@mileofmusic.com to be added to our list!
Where can I purchase Mile merchandise?
Purchasing Mile merch is a great way to support our free festival. Thank you for your interest!
ONLINE: Did you know we have an online store? You can shop anytime on our online store!
IN PERSON: Merch Stores will be available at the following locations during the festival:
- Jones Park
- Hilton Appleton Paper Valley Lobby
- Mile of Music HQ (Fox Cities PAC)
What is a Music-Makers Subscription?
Our Music-Makers serve as individual “sponsors” and supporters, help keep the festival free for all to attend, and are supporters of the original music in the area. Becoming a Music-Maker is a great way to financially support and sustain the festival for years to come.
Check the website here for the full list of perks & to purchase your 2026 Subscription!
How can I donate to support this festival?
Appleton Community Music, Inc. (ACM) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 2021, to provide fundraising support to sustain the Mile of Music festival and other original music experiences in Downtown Appleton.
- Keep the Mile of Music festival a free event to attend.
- Ensure Mile of Music festival’s future sustainability.
- Create an outstanding experience for artists through fair compensation and the Mile of Music Artist Hospitality and Artist Care Programs.
Can I become a sponsor or partner for this event?
How do I become a vendor?
Please keep in mind that the streets of Downtown Appleton are not closed for Mile of Music. If you are interested in participating in Mile of Music as a food vendor, please email info@mileofmusic.com. We are no longer accepting additional food vendors for 2026.
Music-Makers
I’m a Music-Maker. Where do I get my Badge?
Music-Makers Subscription physical Badges can be picked up at Mile of Music HQ the week of the festival. Mile of Music’s HQ is housed at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center (400 W. College Ave.).
Does a Music-Makers Badge allow me priority access or skip-the-line status?
Only for a few shows/venues during the festival. These will be specified to Music-Makers prior to the festival. Otherwise, venue access is the same for everyone; free, but first-come, first-served.
For more on Music-Makers perks, click here.
Artists
How do I submit for consideration to play at Mile of Music?
PLEASE NOTE: ALL new artists/bands MUST submit their interest in performing at the Festival via this online submission and during the allotted time period in order to be considered for Mile of Music. All artists/bands must also have at least fifty (50) minutes of original music to perform. Absolutely no covers allowed, as we are proud to be a music festival started for the express & exclusive purpose to showcase your original works!
Are Mile of Music's artists paid?
Yes, all artists are paid to perform at Mile of Music. In addition, all artists that need lodging are offered lodging, and all artists are offered free access to our Artist Care Program.
Community Engagement
How do I request a donation from Mile of Music?
Requests for donations for local fundraising and non-profit events in Northeast Wisconsin can be made by e-mailing info@mileofmusic.com. PLEASE NOTE: Requests must be made at least six (6) weeks in advance of your event in order to be considered. All donations are based on availability and are subject to the discretion of the Mile of Music Team. We are able to accommodate a limited number of donations each year.
Due to festival demand, we will not fulfill donations for events that take place between June 30 and August 15.
