APPLETON — The Society of American Magicians will be in Appleton, the home of the world’s most famous magician and escape artist, Harry Houdini, to host 300 magicians in Houdini Plaza, attempting a world‑record escape from locked chains.
Right here in the heart of the city Houdini once called home, magicians will also perform Houdini’s iconic Milk Can Escape and a straightjacket escape above Houdini Plaza.
Houdini was an Austro-Hungarian-born American stunt performer and illusionist, widely regarded as one of the greatest escape artists of all time. He moved to Appleton with has family as a child and achieved global fame for his sensational, death-defying escapes from handcuffs, straitjackets, jail cells, and water-filled tanks.
Later in life, Houdini used his deep knowledge of magic to expose fraudulent spiritualists and mediums who claimed they could contact the dead.
The events are part of the Society of American Magicians National Convention July 1-4, 2026.
Don’t miss this tribute to Appleton’s hometown hero on Thursday, July 2 at 9 a.m.
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
The HER Show
Featuring 5 world-class female magicians and illusionists.
Two Shows: 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Theater @ (former UW Fox Valley Campus)
1478 Midway Rd, Menasha, WI
$30 (Adults), $12 (Child under 18), $80 (Family Pack)
Get Tickets Here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/world-class-magic-and-illusion-shows
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Houdini Escape Show
FREE SHOW 9 a.m.
Houdini Plaza
Witness a world-record attempt of 300 magicians escaping from locked chains. Experience Houdini’s Milk Can Escape performed in person. Watch Houdini’s Straight Jacket Escape attempt above Houdini Plaza.
Friday, July 3, 2026
The Magic Opera Show
An amazing theatrical magic show experience.
Two Shows: 5:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Theater @ (former UW Fox Valley Campus)
1478 Midway Rd, Menasha, WI
$30 (Adults), $12 (Child under 18), $80 (Family Pack)
Get Tickets Here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-magic-opera-show
