KIMBERLY – The 37th annual Paperfest will take over Sunset Park in Kimberly on July 17-20, 2025.
Paperfest once again promises an outstanding blend of music and family fun, featuring 37 bands for 37 years across three stages, including national headliners and dozens of local favorites.
Highlights include the spectacular hot air balloon glow on Saturday and $1 carnival rides on Sunday.
Boasting the largest lineup in event history, Paperfest offers something for every music lover.
2025 HEADLINERS AND DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
The four-day, free admission Paperfest will feature more than 30 bands across three stages including original artists showcased during the Executive Mortgage Craft Music Showcase on the Venture Wisconsin Stage. Find the full concert lineup at www.paperfest.com.
THURSDAY JULY 17, 2025 – Country star Joe Nichols will kick off Paperfest with a free concert
sponsored by Community First Credit Union. With hits like “Sunny and 75,” “Tequila Makes Her Clothes
Fall Off,” and “Gimmie That Girl,” Nichols brings his blend of traditional and modern country to the
Event Production Systems Sunset Stage. Half Empty will headline the Amphitheater.
FRIDAY JULY 18, 2025 – Country legends Montgomery Gentry featuring Eddie Montgomery headline
Friday night with a free concert sponsored by Ho-Chunk Gaming Wittenberg and AIT Business
Technologies. Known for hits like “My Town,” Something to Be Proud Of,” and “If You Ever Stop Loving
Me,” Montgomery Gentry promises an electrifying performance on the EPS Sunset Stage. The other half
of the rock vs country night is The Glam Band – currently the hottest cover band in Wisconsin, they will
be playing the best of 80’s rock.
SATURDAY – National classic rock group Foghat will play a free concert during the hot air balloon glow
sponsored by Jack’s Maintenance Service. Boasting an impressive eight gold albums, one platinum, and
one double platinum record, Foghat brings hits like “Slow Ride” to Paperfest. Boogie & the Yo-Yo’z is
celebrating 30 years with a reunion show welcoming members back past members. Head over to the
Paperfest Amphitheater for this exclusive marquee event!
“We were so blessed with another wonderful year last year. With the support of sponsors, volunteers, and
eventgoers, we were able to donate over $125,000 to 52 local charitable organizations – all while keeping
Paperfest free for the community” said Matthew Boots, Paperfest Director. “As we keep working on the fan experience, we are excited to implement a text club for giveaways, promotions and meet & greet opportunities.
Summer’s favorite free-admission festival, Paperfest, features a Kids Zone filled with family entertainers,
petting zoo, trout fishing pond, inflatables, and a variety of kids games to keep the little ones entertained.
Attendees can enjoy tethered hot air balloon rides, helicopter rides, stroll through the car show and craft fair, or enjoy the Craft Midway with food trucks, local craft beer, and nonstop original music.
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.
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. The event is organized by Kim-Com Promotion, a 501(c)3 nonprofit made up entirely of volunteers from across the Fox Cities, dedicated to providing a free community event filled with live music and family activities.
Thanks to the dedication of its committee members, countless volunteers, and generous sponsors, Paperfest remains free for the community while delivering some of the best live music in Northeast Wisconsin. Interested volunteers, nonprofits, and sponsors are invited to contact director@paperfest.com.
Live music is only part of what you will find at Paperfest. Other popular events include 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. Helicopter rides, axe throwing, and giant yard games are a few other activities that you will find all weekend long at Paperfest.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Parking is not permitted on Paperfest grounds. Free parking and shuttle buses are available from JRG Middle School and Antique Up, running every 20 minutes courtesy of Lamers Bus Lines. Fox Valley Cab is also partnering with Paperfest for rides to and from the grounds.
Admission is free with no tickets required. Age verified wristbands are required to purchase or consume
alcohol. Carry-ins are not allowed and bags will be subject to search. Lawn chairs are welcome in designated areas but may not be kept out overnight.
Gates open at 4:30pm on Thursday, Noon on Friday, 10:00am on Saturday, and 11:00am on Sunday. 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.
