News release
KIMBERLY – The 35th annual Paperfest, presented by Community First Credit Union, is slated to take over Sunset Park in Kimberly on July 13-16, 2023.
Paperfest is bigger than ever with 35 bands across three stages including three nights of national bands in addition to the numerous family activities such as fireworks on Friday, balloon glow on Saturday, and $1 carnival rides on Sunday.
The most expansive lineup in the event’s history brings something for everyone with three stages of great live music including Lonestar, the BoDeans, and Jerrod Niemann, as well as local favorites The Glam Band, Boogie & the Yo-Yo’z, The Astronomers, and more.
“Last year was phenomenal! With the support of sponsors, volunteers, and attendees we were able to donate $95,000 to 42 local charitable organizations – all while keeping Paperfest free for the community” said Matthew Boots, Paperfest Director in a news release. “The reinvented Paperfest has brought new excitement around the improved live music lineup, enhanced family activities, and all-around revamped fan experience.”
Summer’s favorite free-admission festival, Paperfest, features a kids zone with family entertainers, petting zoo, trout fishing pond, and a plethora of kids games to keep the little ones entertained.
Take a ride on the tethered hot air balloon, helicopter, and a riverboat cruise, stroll through the car show and craft fair, or enjoy the craft midway with food trucks and local craft beer.
The music is great and the beer is cold but the best part is the proceeds from Paperfest are donated back into the community through various Fox Cities nonprofit organizations that volunteer at Paperfest.
It’s all about community!
Named after the booming paper mills that brought life to the Fox River Valley, Paperfest is an annual reminder of the history our community shares.
Paperfest is an event by Kim-Com Promotions, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization made up of volunteers from throughout the Fox Cities, driven to provide the community with a free-admission event with something for the whole family to enjoy through a variety of live music options and activities.
Thanks to the dedicated committee members, countless volunteers, and generous sponsors Paperfest is able to remain free for the community while providing some of the best live music available in Northeast Wisconsin.
Interested volunteers, nonprofits, and sponsors are invited to contact paperfestwi@gmail.com.
The four-day, free admission Paperfest will feature a strong live music lineup of 35 bands on three stages. The Brew Pub Pizza Amphitheater presented by Bernatello’s Foods will be home to local favorites – Ask Your Mother (Thursday), Glam Band (Friday), Boogie & the Yo-Yo’z (Saturday), and Unity The Band (Sunday). The Venture Wisconsin Stage is centrally located and will highlight 17 original music talents during the Craft Music Showcase including The Astronomers (Friday) and Them Coulee Boys (Saturday).
On the other side of the festival grounds, located near the soccer fields, is the Event Production Systems Sunset Stage that will be headlined by a national band each night. Full concert lineup is available at www.paperfest.com.
THURSDAY – Country music legends Lonestar will kick off the festivities on Thursday July 13 with a free concert sponsored by Community First Credit Union. The classic country hitmakers have delivered one chart-topping hit after another with nine No. 1 singles and 23 Top 40 hits.
FRIDAY – National country recording artist Jerrod Niemann will take the stage following the fireworks on Friday July 14 for a free concert sponsored by Ho-Chunk Gaming Wittenberg. The multi-platinum recording artist is known for his top hits “Lover, Lover”, What Do You Want”, and “Drink To That All Night.”
SATURDAY – National rock group the BoDeans will play a free concert during the balloon glow on Saturday July 15 sponsored by Fox Cities RetroFoam. The Wisconsin based rock band gained popularity with generational anthems like “Closer to Free”, “Fadeaway”, and “Still The Night” to name a few.
Live music is only part of what you will find at Paperfest. Other popular events include fireworks (Friday), hot air balloon glow (Saturday), craft beer and food truck rally, carnival rides, car show (Saturday), craft fair (Sunday), kids games and activities, ThedaStar helicopter appearance (Sunday), as well as Sunday Fun- Day with $1 carnival rides and beverage specials. Riverboat cruises, helicopter rides, axe throwing, and giant yard games are a few other activities that you will find all weekend long at Paperfest.
There will be no parking permitted on Paperfest grounds and attendees are advised to utilize the free parking and free shuttle bus provided by Lamers Bus Lines. The shuttles will run every 20 minutes from JRG Middle School and Antique Up. Fox Valley Cab has partnered with Paperfest to provide transportation to and from Paperfest grounds. Fox Valley Cab pick-up location will be just outside the main entrance on Kimberly Avenue. Contact Fox Valley Cab directly to coordinate rides to and from Paperfest.
Meet & greet opportunities, promotions, and event modifications will be announced on the Paperfest Facebook page. Carry-ins are not allowed – since admission is free, food and drinks are how Paperfest generates funds to donate back into the community. Paperfest is a rain-or-shine event and lawn chairs are welcome. Wristbands are required to purchase or consume alcohol. Donations to Paperfest can be made online at www.paperfest.com/donate.
Paperfest strengthens our community by utilizing the expertise and dedication of volunteers and generosity of wonderful sponsors to bring the community together to enjoy great entertainment, food, and activities. Proceeds from Paperfest are donated directly back into the community through local nonprofits the volunteers represent, such as fire departments, Boy Scout troops, and school groups. These donated funds are used to buy supplies, send kids to camps, and continue to improve our community through many different aspects. Come out, support local nonprofits, and most importantly have some fun!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Paperfest will be July 13-16, 2023 at Sunset Park (800 W Kimberly Ave. Kimberly, WI 54136).
While admission is FREE, donations are accepted and event proceeds are donated back into the community through local nonprofit organizations. Free parking and shuttle bus is available from JRG Middle School and Antique Up.
Please support the community – carry-ins are not allowed and wristbands must be worn to purchase or consume alcohol.
Gates open at 4:30 pm on Thursday, 4:30 pm on Friday, 10 am on Saturday, and 11 am on Sunday. Lawn chairs are welcome but may not be kept out overnight. Full concert schedule and schedule of events can be found at www.paperfest.com.
Meet & greet opportunities, promotions, weather changes, and event modifications will be announced on the Paperfest Facebook page.
