Waupaca’s weeklong celebration of the arts starts Aug. 15
ARTicipation Week will culminate with Arts on the Square.
The weeklong festival begins at noon Sunday, Aug. 15, with a performance by Dr. Kickbutt’s Orchestra of Death at in the bandstand at Waupaca City Square.
Hosted by the Waupaca Community Arts Board, the festival features daily events, including live music, art shows, workshops, street dancing and food.
A Friday Night Street Dance is slated for Aug. 20. 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.
Taking the stage Friday night are Presidents, who play a mix of classic and contemporary party rock.
The week’s premier event, Arts on the Square, opens at 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 21, on the grounds of the Waupaca Rec Center
The day features 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 will also perform.
The indoor Jazz Stage will feature nationally known jazz vocalists, Erin Boheme, noon to 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.
Belly dance lessons and performances, and youth dance performances round out the day.
Scattered throughout the venue, Let’s Chalk About It chalkboards will give participants the chance to draw, write, or doodle their own art that showcases what they love about Waupaca.
The food court will include the Waupaca Historical Society selling brats and burgers, and Mama Z’s Bakery offering coffee, lemonade, muffins & sweets. Food trucks on site will be Primitive Pastures, – Purple Basil, Street Grub, and Hmong and Asian Food.
A beer tent will also be on site for ages 21 and older.
For more details and a map of the grounds, go to www.waupacaarts.org.