14 Fun Things To Do in Green Bay, WI
Attending local events is a surefire way to get a feel for a region’s personality, meet other residents and simply have fun, and Greater Green Bay, WI, has a calendar full that you need to experience. Whether you’re visiting or just moving there, make sure you check off this list of fun things to do in Green Bay, WI.
In This Article
1. Artstreet
A Greater Green Bay, WI, event for more than 40 years, Artstreet is a festival that showcases all different types of art, artists and mediums. From photography and ceramics to sculpture, metal, painting and more, you’ll find unique creations at every turn.
2. igNIGHT Market
A traditional night market, igNIGHT highlights artisans, makers and musicians.
“We offer micro grants for artists to create interactive experiences for attendees,” says Brian Johnson, president and CEO of On Broadway, a local organization that coordinates this and other events. “Once a year, we also do a stationary hot air balloon glow, making a beautiful backdrop along the Fox River.”
3. Celebrate De Pere
The city of De Pere goes all out for its annual community celebration, which pulls double duty, honoring the city’s founding and fundraising for local organizations. With food, music, a car show, a fishing tournament and a parade, Celebrate De Pere is an event you don’t want to miss.
4. Fire Over the Fox
Taking place each Fourth of July, this Greater Green Bay, WI, event attracts nearly 100,000 people every year. It’s truly a family-friendly gathering, with activities starting in the afternoon and going well into the evening.
“We have six stages of live music, plus we work with a local water ski performing organization, which does a show in the daytime,” Johnson says.
5. Christkindlmarket on Broadway
A relatively new addition to Greater Green Bay’s calendar, Christkindlmarket has become a local favorite, offering a way for people to get their Christmas shopping done while supporting small vendors and holiday programming.
“We put up tents and wooden sheds for vendors to sell out of, plus we’ve added an artificial ice-skating rink, wine walks and burn barrels for making s’mores,” Johnson says.
6. Fly a Kite Fest
Don’t miss this colorful event, where kites of all shapes and sizes take to the Green Bay skies. Professionals and amateurs alike gather for an unforgettable kite-flying experience, complete with routine candy drops, a performance stage catering to kid’s entertainment and a raffle.
7. Fridays on the Fox
This downtown concert series takes place on Friday evenings during the summer at CityDeck, Green Bay’s world-class boardwalk along the Fox River.
“This Greater Green Bay, WI, event has been going on since CityDeck opened 15 years ago,” says Jeff Mirkes, executive director of Downtown Green Bay, which organizes Fridays on the Fox. “Boaters come out, and people bring their own lawn chairs and watch the sunset, all while listening to lively music.”
8. Farmers Markets
There is no shortage of farmers markets to choose from in the Greater Green Bay area, which is great news for those seeking fresh produce and locally made goods. The bigger ones include the Farmers Market on Broadway and Saturday Farmers Market. Also worth checking out are Market on Military, Titletown Night Market, Downtown De Pere Farmers Market and Oneida Farmers Market.
9. Knights on the Fox
Set on the gorgeous campus of St. Norbert College, Knights on the Fox is a free summer concert series that’s open to the public. Accessible by land and water, thanks to the docks at Thompson Marina, it’s a wonderful way to spend a Tuesday evening in the summer.
10. ¡Estamos Aquí!
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month (September), this Greater Green Bay, WI, event features food, art and live music, highlighting the traditions of the region’s Hispanic communities. This all-inclusive festival includes tons of programming for the kids, plus food and beer tents for adults.
11. ArtFest Green Bay
Located in the heart of downtown, ArtFest Green Bay features 100+ artists from the Midwest. Shop, try a hands-on arts activity, take part in a color run and simply enjoy the day. This event is dedicated to the beautification of downtown, and Mirkes says all proceeds go toward improvement initiatives like lighting, sculptures and murals.
12. WPS Garden of Lights
Each holiday season, the Green Bay Botanical Garden transforms into a magical destination, thanks to 350,000 twinkle lights and botanical displays. Bundle up for a beautiful walk while you experience the icicle forest and walk-thru caterpillar and meet Santa Claus.
13. Prevea Green Bay Holiday Parade
Taking place the week before Thanksgiving, the annual Prevea Green Bay Holiday Parade is a 40-year tradition that has a new holiday theme every year. This Greater Green Bay, WI, event is a staple that kicks off the holiday season with style.
14. Levitt AMP Green Bay Music Series
This music series is meant to bring people together – a mission it takes quite seriously. It is funded by the Levitt Foundation, which provides social impact grants to sponsor events that use music to bring people together. The free concerts purposefully allow for standing and mingling.
“The artists we bring in are ethnically eclectic, with a wide variety of genres,” Johnson says. “We want everyone to feel connected.”
This article is sponsored by Your Move Green Bay and the Greater Green Bay Chamber.