We hope you will join us for some of these fun events and activities!

Signature Events

• Sunday, July 20, 2025: Children’s Week Kick-Off Event At Appleton Memorial Park
  Join us for our kick-off party taking place during our Kids Fun Run (which will be a color run) at Memorial Park. Ages 2-12 are invited to come out and participate in the runs. Festivities start at 6:30 pm. Register here.
• Tuesday, July 22, 2025: YMCA Rock the Block at the Downtown YMCA
• Grab your friends and neighbors and visit the downtown YMCA for an enjoyable and unforgettable night of FREE family fun from 4:30 – 7:30pm. Food will be available for purchase to benefit LiveStrong at the YMCA. Enjoy a variety of activities for the whole family including: crafts, face painting, music, outdoor activities, raffle, games for the whole family and lots of fun! No registration required.
• Wednesday, July 23, 2025: FREE Annual BFK Children’s Parade
  Start a new family tradition with the BFK Children’s Parade presented by ThedaCare on July 23! Kids and their families are invited to stroll through the streets of Downtown Appleton in themed costumes and non-motorized floats in a free parade all about them! Families are encouraged to brainstorm their theme together with costumes often ranging from old Halloween costumes to hand-made floats to simple group themes (like a day at the beach)! The parade will kick-off in Houdini Plaza at 6pm. After the parade, families are welcome to stay for activities, entertainment, food trucks, and an award ceremony in City Park. Register here!
• July 24 – 25, 2025: Annual Parks & Recreation Department’s Playground Fair
  • This is the BIGGEST Parks and Recreation Department special event of the year!! Our energetic Playground Leaders and local businesses/organizations sponsor two fun-filled days of carnival games, the trackless train, new and exciting inflatables, great food and entertainment. Visit the prize redemption center and cash in your tickets for fun prizes to take home with you.
  • LOCATION: Pierce Park
  • DATES: Thursday & Friday, July 24th and 25th from 2:00 – 8:00 pm
  • SPECIAL DATES: **Friday only from 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm we will open the Fair for families with children with special needs**4