We made it to the summer! June is the perfect time for outdoor activities, offering some of the best Wisconsin weather. There are so many fun-filled and community-oriented events to add to your family’s bucket list in June. Have an excellent June, and don’t forget to check our family-friendly calendar for events and more things to do!
Exciting News & Business Openings
- Check out Appleton’s newest park, Lundgaard Park! You can access the playground from Ashbury Drive. Access from Lightning Drive is still under construction.
Strawberry Picking
One of the best parts of summer is fresh, locally-grown strawberries (and strawberry picking)! Taking your kids to pick your own berries can be a treasured summer tradition. Kids get an up-close look at where their food comes from, and you save money because picking your own is cheaper than buying at the market or grocery store, and you cannot beat the freshness! Play your cards right, and laboring in the sunshine with a belly full of berries can also deliver a solid nap time.
- Typical Strawberry Season in Wisconsin: mid-June through mid-July
Farmers Markets
Pick up and savor a vibrant, ripe tomato or a fresh, juicy watermelon picked right from local farms and gardens! We are lucky to have an abundance of amazing farmer markets and produce stands in the Fox Cities area, you’ll want to check them all out!
Pool Openings
Grab your towel and sunscreen and head to one of these fun swimming pools in the Fox Cities. Summer in Wisconsin never seems long enough, so don’t delay! Prefer a beach? Don’t worry, we got you covered! Check out our Beach Guide with 30+ Wisconsin Lakes for your next summer outing.
June Dairy Month
Breakfast on the Farm is an annual summer event sponsored by Wisconsin County Dairy Promotion Associations. Farms invite visitors to enjoy a breakfast meal and learn about farm life. This family-friendly event is typically held during June Dairy Month and provides a unique opportunity for families and individuals to connect with local farmers and experience agriculture first-hand.
Spend the day learning about farming, agriculture, and cows at Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center in Manitowoc!
Happy June Dairy Month! Check out our calendar for events!
National Donut Day: June 7, 2024
Who doesn’t love an excuse to indulge in a donut?! Whether you prefer classic glazed or crazy flavors like bacon maple, today is the perfect excuse to indulge in our favorite sweet treat. Donuts have been a part of American culture for over a century, and we can all agree that it’s a staple in our breakfast routines. So go ahead, treat yourself to a box of donuts, or grab one on your way to the park with the kids!
Some of our favorite bakeries and park combos:
- Happy Bellies Bakeshop for baked donuts and Erb Park
- Simple Simons and City Park
- Follow Cheeky Doughnuts in Appleton on Instagram – pop-up donuts with unique flavors like nutmeg lemon sugar, mango tajin, and pistachio cardamom!
- Mom & Pop’s Bakery in Kimberly and Sunset Park
Appleton Flag Day Parade: June 8, 2024
Grab your entire family and head to Downtown Appleton for the 73rd annual Flag Day Parade! This is the country’s oldest and best Flag Day Parade featuring 100 floats. From high school and military marching bands to big bands and reggae, classic cars, fire and military trucks, and dance and cheer groups. There is something for everyone to enjoy!
It’s more than just a parade… it’s a celebration!
- Start your day at Appleton Farmers Market (8:00 am – 12:30 pm)
- Enjoy the Pre-Parade Performance from the 484th Army Band (12 Noon, Houdini Plaza) and 1st Brigade Band (12:30 pm 10th Frame, Wisconsin Ave)
- Stay for Post-Parade Events, including Echoes of Camp Randall (Houdini Plaza), and The Positions (Post-Parade Party at the Appleton American Legion)
Visit Appleton.org or follow the Flag Day Parade on Facebook for more information!
Father’s Day: June 16, 2024
Celebrate Father’s Day with a yummy brunch, a special day, or just exploring a new or favorite local spot! If you are looking for things to do, check out these local spots with FREE admission for Dads.
FREE Admission for Dads:
- Milwaukee Zoo
- Green Bay Botanical Garden
- Mulberry Lane Farm
- NEW Zoo & Adventure Park
- Old World Wisconsin
- Dads swim free on Father’s Day at Pollock Community Water Park, Oshkosh
- Discovery World, Milwaukee
Juneteenth: June 19, 2024
Juneteenth is the oldest national program commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Appleton’s Annual Festival hosted by African Heritage features community resources, food, dance, music, retail vendors and more at Jones Park in Appleton on Sunday, June 9, 2024.
Summer Events
We have so many fun festivals and events in Northeast Wisconsin!
Breakfast on the Farm – All month long, throughout Wisconsin
Breakfast on the Farm is an annual summer event sponsored by Wisconsin County Dairy Promotion Associations. Farms invite visitors to enjoy a breakfast meal and learn about farm life. This family-friendly event is typically held during June Dairy Month and provides a unique opportunity for families and individuals to connect with local farmers and experience agriculture first-hand.
Sundrop Dayz, Shawano: May 31 June 1, 2024
Sundrop Dayz is an annual festival held in Shawano. The event features a variety of activities and entertainment, including live music performances, carnival rides, games, and food vendors. Other activities include a 5K run/walk, horse wagon rides, inflatables, flea market, antiques, Menominee Indian Tribe tradition singing and dancing, craft fair, lumberjack competition, and more.
Great Wisconsin Cheese Festival, Little Chute: May 31 – June 2, 2024
Kick off summer at Cheese Fest, an annual event at Doyle Park in Little Chute that celebrates cheese! Families can sample different types of cheese from local producers, watch cheese-making demonstrations, catch a cheese carving demo and participate in cheese-themed contests like cheese curd eating! In addition to cheese-related activities, Cheese Fest also features a walk/run, live music, a parade, an animal petting zoo, a carnival, and a variety of food vendors offering our Wisconsin favorites like fried cheese curds, brats, and beer!
Fox Cities Experience, Menasha: June 6 – 8, 2024
Families can enjoy live music performances from local and regional bands, carnival rides and games, food trucks, and more. Thursday includes a Kids Carnival Day with $1 carnival rides, activities, family-friendly shows.
BrillionFest, Brillion: June 8, 2024
This citywide event is located on Main Street in Downtown Brillion and includes machines on main, live music, vendor and craft fair, food trucks, touch a truck, duck drop, and poker run. Past kid’s activities also included bounce houses, games, gaga ball, train rides, and activities at the Brillion Public Library and Brillion Nature Center.
Rhubarb Fest, Thern Farm, New London: June 8, 2024
This annual New London event includes vendors, concessions, baked goods, music, a petting zoo, antique farm machinery, and more.
Juneteenth, Appleton: June 9, 2024
Juneteenth is the oldest national program commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Appleton’s Annual Festival hosted by African Heritage features community resources, food, dance, music, retail vendors, and more at Jones Park in Appleton on Sunday, June 9, 2024.
Mackville Nationals Truck & Tractor Pull, Mackville: June 13 – 16, 2024
The Mackville Nationals Truck & Tractor Pull is an annual event in Mackville (just outside of Appleton). The event is a truck and tractor-pulling competition that attracts competitors and spectators nationwide. The competition is held over several days and features a variety of classes, ranging from street-legal trucks to modified tractors. The event promises smoke-filled action and excitement, with participants modifying their vehicles to produce more power and pull a weighted sled as far as possible. In addition to the pulling competition, the event also includes a Kids Dash for Cash event, a car show, and various games and activities for families. Food, beverages, and live entertainment are also available throughout the event.
Strawberry Fest, Downtown Waupaca: June 15, 2024
Strawberry Fest is the perfect way to celebrate the beginning of summer! The Waupaca family festival features strawberry-themed food and activities, an art/craft fair, a model railroad show, a farmers market, kids’ activities, a costume contest, and more. Live music and entertainment throughout the day.
Fly a Kite Fest, Green Bay: June 29, 2024
A day full of kites and fun activities for the whole family at the Nicolet Airport in Green Bay. Activities include giant show kites, stunt kite routines, candy drop, kids’ games and crafts, face painting, kite decorating, princesses, superheroes, mascots, and more!
ChalkFest Wausau: June 22 – 23, 2024
The ChalkFest event transforms The 400 Block sidewalks into a colorful display of drawings. Since 2004, this annual art festival has showcased artists of all ages and wowed art enthusiasts who observe the creative process and enjoy the finished art.
Happy June!
