KIMBERLY — The legendary rock band Blue Öyster Cult will perform at Kimberly’s Paperfest for a free concert on Saturday, July 18, 2026, promoters announced today.
With signature hits “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” “Burnin’ for You,” and “Godzilla,” Blue Öyster Cult will take the stage for this free concert beginning at 9:30 p.m.
For over five decades, Blue Öyster Cult has been thrilling fans of intelligent hard rock worldwide with powerful albums loaded with classic songs. Blue Öyster Cult occupies a unique place in rock history because it’s one of very few hard rock/heavy metal bands to earn both genuine mainstream critical acclaim as well as commercial success.
The evening will also feature the highly anticipated Hot Air Balloon Glow sponsored by Fox Communities Credit Union at dusk. Spectators can marvel at the glowing hot air balloons lighting up the night sky.
The concert begins at 5 p.m. with The Time Machine transporting attendees back in time to when guitar rock ruled the airwaves.
American Platinum, on the rise in popularity and best known for energetic sets and talented musicians playing the best rock and country, will go on at 7:30 p.m.
Blue Öyster Cult will close out the Event Production Systems Sunset Stage at 9:30 p.m. The free concert is sponsored by Jack’s Maintenance Service.
Paperfest presented by Community First Credit Union brings the fun to Sunset Park in Kimberly, WI from July 16-19, 2026. The 38th annual free-admission event will feature a food truck rally, carnival rides ($1 rides on Sunday), a hot air balloon glow, fireworks, and more. The festival will offer over 35 free live music acts across three stages including national headliners. The music is great, the beer is cold, but the best part is the proceeds from Paperfest are donated back into the community through various local nonprofit organizations. It’s all about community!
Know before you go: Blue Öyster Cult, Saturday July 18, 2026. Gates open at Noon, all-ages show starts at 5:00pm, Blue Öyster Cult at 8:30pm. Paperfest – Sunset Park, 800 W Kimberly Ave., Kimberly, WI 54136. Admission is free. Free parking and shuttle bus available. For more event details, visit the Paperfest Facebook page or www.Paperfest.com.
FREE LIVE MUSIC LINEUP
THURSDAY – JULY 16
Amphitheater: 5 p.m. – Broken Arrow; 8 p.m. – VIC FERRARI Event Production Systems Stage: 5 p.m. – That 90’s Band; 8:30 p.m. – SMASH MOUTH Original Music Stage: 5 p.m. – Tba; 6:30pm – Wire & Nail; 8:15 p.m. – Joe Stamm Band
FRIDAY – JULY 17
Amphitheater: NOON – Typsy Gypsy; 4 p.m. – Avenue 55; 8 p.m. – THE GLAM BAND Event Production Systems Stage: 5 p.m. – Grand Jam; 7:30 p.m. – Nashville Pipeline; 9:30 p.m. – LAUREN ALAINA Original Music Stage: Noon – Shrimpvision; 1:30 p.m. – Tba; 3:15 p.m. – Lunar Ticks; 5 p.m. – Diggstown; 7 p.m. – Ifdakar; 9:15 p.m. – Armchair Boogie
SATURDAY – JULY 18
Amphitheater: 9 a.m. – Tba (car show); NOON – Darn Sad Crawdad; 4 p.m. – Star Six Nine; 8 p.m. – BOOGIE & THE YO-YO’Z Event Production Systems Stage: 5 p.m. – The Time Machine; 7:30 p.m. – American Platinum; 9:30 p.m. – BLUE OYSTER CULT Original Music Stage: Noon – Damien Liriano; 1:30 p.m. – Candy Cigarette; 3:15 p.m. – Scorched Waves; 5 p.m. – Six Foot Blonde; 7 p.m. – Veaux; 9:15 p.m. – Post Sex Nachos
SUNDAY – JULY 19
Amphitheater: NOON – Tba; 1:30 p.m. – Ameila Ford Band; 3:30 p.m. – JET PACK STEREO Event Production Systems Stage: Noon – Michael Grabner; 1 p.m. – The Gold Standard; 2:45 p.m. – Pendulum Hearts; 4:30 p.m. – Tba
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