Mile of Music is a free music festival featuring 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.

When is Mile of Music?

Mile of Music in 2024 (Mile 11) is scheduled for August 1-4, 2024 in Downtown Appleton! 

Where is your Lost & Found?

Our lost and found will be located on Division St. across from the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center (400 W. College Ave.), thanks to Star Protection and Patrol. 

Lost something at a previous Mile Festival or another Mile of Music Presents event? Send us an email here.

Okay…so how does this cool thing I've heard about actually work?

Download the Mile of Music app from CoreBTS, on the App Store or Google Play or explore our website, thanks to Stellar Blue Technologies, 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.

How do I become a supporter of this free festival?

Thank you for your interest in supporting Mile of Music! You can support this free, original music festival and all that it stands for by becoming one of our MILE-MAKERS, which involves supporting the movement at one of the many levels such as: Being a Lead Mile Partner for 2024, being a Stage or Venue Sponsor during Mile 11 in August, being a general sponsor of the festival, becoming an Adopt-An-Artist sponsor (individuals or couples) for 2024, purchasing a Music-Makers Subscription for 2024 (info here!); or making a donation through Appleton Community Music, Inc., also as noted below:

  • Make a tax-deductible donation to Appleton Community Music, Inc., 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.

Learn more about ACM here!

To learn more about our sponsorships and becoming a MILE-MAKER, please email directly to The Mile Team, which is [email protected]. A member of our team will reply very quickly to your interest.

Do I need a ticket for Mile of Music?

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 for free (as capacity allows). 

What is the cost for this event?

FREE to attend! Mile of Music is free 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 FREE community event, reach out to us at [email protected].

What if I am asked to pay a cover charge?

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 [email protected].

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 a.m. Thursday-Saturday.

Sunday, though still busy with music, typically goes from about noon to 6:00 p.m.

Is this event all-ages?

Yes. However, about half our venues are 21+. For those venues, you’ll see a “21+” graphic on the venue photo on our app. You can also select the “all ages” check box in the upper left-hand corner on the app’s Venues tab.

The printed festival guide also features a small yellow 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. Approximately half the venues are all-ages venues.

 

How do I know the place I am 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.

What if the weather is unfavorable?

Well, we’re not sure if we like that attitude! 🙂 

Since a majority of the festival 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)
  • Lower Level of Hilton Appleton Hotel Paper Valley (in the case of severe weather)

Our website schedule will always be the most up-to-date. On the app, we encourage you to enable push notifications! 

Cross your fingers for sunshine!

I’m from out of town. How do I get to Mile of Music?

We like to say, ‘All roads lead to One Great Mile!’ Mile of Music calls Downtown Appleton’s College Avenue home, an easily walkable mile-long stretch of hospitable establishments. Appleton is part of the Fox Cities, a destination for many great experiences.

By car, Appleton is about 30 minutes south of Green Bay, 2 hours north of Milwaukee, 3 hours from Chicago and 4 ½ hours from the Twin Cities. There is easy access to Downtown Appleton from both Interstate 41 and WI Highway 441.

By plane, Appleton International Airport (ATW) is located 5 miles west of Downtown Appleton at W6390 Challenger Drive.

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!

Hotels in the heart of Downtown Appleton:
Hilton Appleton Paper Valley Hotel: 920-733-8000
Copper Leaf Boutique Hotel & Spa: 920-749-0303
Courtyard by Marriott Appleton Riverfront: 920-903-9256

Airbnb is also an option in our area.

Where can I park?

Check out Appleton Downtown Inc.’s parking map for parking information. The ramps are a great way to go, with maximum cost of $6 a day in the 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.

Downtown parking ramps are now “pay as you exit”. For more information, click here!

Public Transportation: Valley Transit

Taxi services and Uber/Lyft are available in Appleton:

Fox Valley Cab: 920-734-4545
Aloha Taxi: 920-757-5544

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.

Is RV parking available?

Mile of Music is not a camping festival and there is no RV parking available downtown.

Here are the nearest RV parking locations that we are aware of:

High Cliff State Park
Approximately 12 miles from Mile of Music (Downtown Appleton)

Apple Creek Campground
Approximately 16 miles from Mile of Music (Downtown Appleton)

Calumet County Park
Approximately 20 miles from Mile of Music (Downtown Appleton)

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. The area remains closed until 2 p.m. Vehicles still parked in this area the night from 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 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 their own decision on this policy.

What information can I get at the Mile of Music Headquarters?

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 merchandise stand and more!

HQ Hours for Mile Week 2024:

Monday, July 29: 12-5pm
Tuesday, July 30: 10am-5pm
Wednesday, July 31: 10am-10pm
Thursday, August 1-Saturday, August 3: 10am-9pm
Sunday, August 4: 10am-3pm

How do I volunteer?

We’re glad you asked! Volunteer opportunities are open now.

Interested in volunteering at our events throughout the year? Email [email protected] to be added to our list!

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 [email protected].

Is there food available for purchase?

There are a wide variety of eating options during the festival to choose from. 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, including:  

Houdini Plaza Main Stage: Luigi’s Pizza; Street Grub; In Yeero Dreams Gyros; Chillwaukee Ice Pops, On the Fritz Concessions (Sunday only) 

Lawrence Lawn Main Stage: Los Tres Manantiales; Your Favorite Concessions; Chillwaukee Ice Pops 

Jones Park: Stone Arch Brewpub 

Fox River House: Joe’s Fry Shack, Locally Sauced 

McFleshman’s: Osorio’s Latin Fusion; Caribbean Taste 

Hilton Hotel Entrance: Grab ‘n’ Go Food Station 

Where can I purchase merchandise?

Did you know we have an online store? You can shop anytime on our online store! 

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’s on the Mile of Music app?

The Mile of Music app, produced by CoreBTS, features the most up-to-date schedule, lineup, artist links and much more to give you the most optimal on-the-go festival experience. Just search “Mile of Music” in the App Store or on Google Play! Be sure to enable your push notifications for updates during the festival, too.

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.

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. New for 2024: We’re offering THREE levels of Music-Makers support: Premier, Deluxe and Festival-Only. 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 2024 Subscription!

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.

How do I become a vendor for Mile of Music?

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 [email protected].

How do I stay connected and receive updates for Mile of Music?

We’d love for you to be in the know, and have many different options to do so!

How do I submit for consideration to play Mile of Music?

IMPORTANT: New artist submissions for 2024 are closed. We do have a submission open to play Appleton during our year-round music opportunities!
 
 
REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS: Artists, please make note that we will receive several hundred submissions and, based on the reality that we can only include a handful of these new artist submissions in the festival each year, the odds of being selected to play Mile 11 are very long. It has become the hardest part of the job for all of us on The Mile Team (having to say no to so many deserving artists) as the festival has evolved in stature and popularity. Your understanding of this reality is important to use because, as noted, we can only select a very small number.

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!

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 [email protected]. 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.

PBS Wisconsin Disclaimer

PBS Wisconsin is recording this event. Your image may be distributed via broadcast, online streaming, public display and/or any other format or media.

Mile of Music Artist & Schedule Disclaimer: Mile of Music is a handcrafted artisan festival showcasing original artists and their original music. It’s a “cover-free zone!” With hundreds of live music sets being scheduled, please understand that there may be changes to the lineups as things evolve for bands and performers leading up to the festival, and that all artist lineups are subject to change. We will keep you informed of any changes as they occur, and we reserve the right to substitute artists to complete lineups or to perform where other artists have had to cancel or rearrange their performance dates and times. As a music festival fan we sincerely appreciate your understanding of this possibility as our festival continues to evolve.

Mile of Music Limited Capacity Disclaimer: All venues have limited capacities. Admittance to performances is at the discretion of each venue and is on a first-come, first-served basis as the capacity for each venue allows.