A summer week of live music, art shows, workshops, street dancing, and great food starts in Waupaca, during the Arts on the Square Festival, Aug. 15-21.
The festival begins with five days of ARTicipation Week, beginning with a performance by Dr. Kickbutt’s Orchestra of Death at in the historic gazebo at Waupaca City Square, 12-3 p.m., Aug. 15.
Other weekday highlights include a free comedy show, a Scavenger Palooza treasure hunt, Kids’ Art Camp, and storytelling performances by the Waupaca Story Project.
Comedians Ben Warren and Tim Northern take the stage at 8 p.m., Aug. 17, at Weasels’ Pizza, 108 E. Union St., Waupaca. The show is preceded by the Shake It Up Poetry Reading at Aquamos Coffee Collective, next door, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Scavenger Palooza clues & details can be found at Downtown Waupaca merchants, or on WCAB’s website. Team winners announced from Main Tent, Aug. 21.
Friday Night Street Dance
The festival heats up when The Presidents take the stage under the Main Tent for the Friday Night Street Dance.
One of the most-requested Wisconsin party bands, The Presidents play a mix of classic and contemporary party rock.
Food and beverages begin at 6 p.m., Aug. 20, on the grounds of the Waupaca Rec Center at Badger and State streets., Music is 7-10 p.m.
Arts on the Square Festival
The premier event, Arts on the Square, opens at 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 21, on the grounds of the Waupaca Rec Center, featuring multiple music venues, a juried art show, workshops, demonstrations, food court, and beer tent.
The Main Tent Stage will host five music acts, including Ho Malone, Lizards, and The Foxfire Affair. Children’s performer, Tom Pease, and the Aber Suzuki Center also will perform.
The indoor Jazz Stage will feature nationally known jazz vocalists, Erin Boheme, 12-2 p.m.; and Steve March-Torme, 3-5 p.m.
Vibhas Kendzia will appear on the Acoustic Stage and throughout the venue.
The Juried Fine Art Show includes 32 artist booths, featuring a range of art forms from local and national artists.
On-site workshops and demonstrations include woodworking, glass blowing, clay sculpture, accordion book making, soap carving, and more.
Two pop-up art galleries are included — the Phantom Art Gallery, 219 Jefferson St., and The Kids’ Camp Art Gallery in the Art Annex, offering portrait drawing lessons.
