Fairs, Festivals, and Fun: Explore Rhinelander’s Top Events of the Season

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:

Hodag Heritage Festival

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.

 

Rhinelander 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!

 

Hodag Country Festival

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!

 

Oneida County Fair

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.

 

Saluting Heroes Balloon Rally

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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