Fairs, Festivals, and Fun: Explore Rhinelander’s Top Events of the Season
Step into vibrant atmospheres of culture, tradition, and celebration as we approach the lively fair and festival season in Rhinelander. You’re bound to have a great time! Here’s a glimpse into several of Rhinelander’s popular annual fairs and festivals:
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Celebrate Rhinelander’s beloved mascot and history at the annual Hodag Heritage Festival, held at Pioneer Park. Enjoy all things hodag- including hodag and cryptid vendors, speakers, a hodag calling contest, hodag historical bus tours, live music, food vendors and more. This family-friendly festival also includes many activities to keep your kiddos entertained, including kids’ activities, hodag book readings, and a bounce house!
Art Fair on the Courthouse Lawn
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Check out the annual Art Fair event, where you can browse a wide variety of handmade crafts and artwork on the lawn of Rhinelander’s historical courthouse building. Enjoy plenty of food and great entertainment while you’re there, too! This event is run in conjunction with the annual Car Show, which is held downtown on Brown Street in Rhinelander.
July 11-14, 2024
Since 1978 Hodag Country Festival has welcomed popular country music artists to the Northwoods for this multi-day live music festival, with approximately 40,000-60,000 attendees each year. Listen to great music all day long, and camp out on site or stay at an area hotel, campground or resort. This year’s performers include Ashley McBryde, Neal McCoy, Bailey Zimmerman, Chris Young, Chris Janson, and more!
July 25-28, 2024
Visit Pioneer Park for the annual county fair, a fun event for the whole family! The fair dates back to 1896, the same year that the prankster and logger Eugene Shepard introduced the Hodag to town at the fair. There’s food trucks, vendors, rides, entertainment and more right in the heart of Rhinelander in this scenic park.
September 20-21, 2024
Visit downtown Rhinelander for the Northwoods art, music and sustainability festival! Check out the live music on multiple stages, visit the Eco-Village where you can learn from sustainability experts and informational booths, and take in the interactive art exhibits, demonstrations and educational opportunities. Kids can participate a variety of special events and programs too!
For more events and activities happening in the Rhinelander area, visit:
https://explorerhinelander.com/events/
https://business.rhinelanderchamber.com/events/calendar/
Need a place to stay? Visit https://explorerhinelander.com/lodging/
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