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 17, 2025
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 14, 2025
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.
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Cruise into the Rhinelander Car Show! Visit the historic downtown area (Brown and Davenport Streets) where you can find over 150 classic and custom vehicles, trucks and more. Enjoy lunch at one of the many downtown dining establishments while you’re there!
July 10-13, 2025
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 Mitchell Tenpenny, Neal McCoy, Warren Zeiders, Jordan Davis, Nate Smith and more!
July 31 – August 3, 2025
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.
August 1-2, 2025
Visit Rhinelander for the first Saluting Heroes Balloon Rally! Held at the Hodag Country Fest grounds, this family friendly event will feature over 20 hot air balloons. Enjoy tethered balloon rides and a musical balloon glow, bands and kid’s activities, with proceeds benefiting veterans, fire, police & EMS. Visit their website for details on the schedule, admission, vendors and more!
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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