KIMBERLY – The 36th annual Paperfest will host 36 bands in Sunset Park in Kimberly on July 18-21, 2024.
The annual free-admission music festival will feature three nights of national recording artists in addition to numerous family activities such as balloon glow on Saturday, and $1 carnival rides on Sunday.
The largest lineup in the events history brings something for everyone with three stages of great live music including Diamond Rio, Micheal Ray, and Foghat, as well as local favorites The Glam Band, Boogie & the Yo Yo’z, Half Empty, and many more.
“Last year was phenomenal! With the support of sponsors, volunteers, and eventgoers we were able to donate nearly $115,000 to 52 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, modified layout, 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, inflatables, and a plethora of kids games to keep the little ones entertained. Take a ride on the tethered hot air balloon or helicopter, 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 Promotion, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization made up entirely of volunteers from throughout the Fox Cities, driven to provide the community with a free-admission event that includes 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 remains 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 36 bands on three stages including 17 original music talents on display during the Venture Wisconsin Craft Music Showcase. Find the full concert lineup at www.paperfest.com. Daily headliners for each stage include:
THURSDAY – Country music legends Diamond Rio will kick off the festivities with a free concert sponsored by Community First Credit Union. The classic country hitmakers have charted 20 Top 10 Singles and Seven No. 1’s including huge hits “Meet in the Middle” and “Beautiful Mess.” Local favorites Boogie & the Yo-Yo’z will headline the Amphitheater.
FRIDAY – Country multi-platinum recording artist Michael Ray will take the stage for a free concert sponsored by Ho-Chunk Gaming Wittenberg. The country hitmaker has four No. 1 songs including “Think A Little Less,” “One That Got Away,” and “Whiskey And Rain.” 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. Half Empty will make a grand return to the Paperfest Amphitheater for the only show this year.
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 $1.00 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.
Parking is not 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. 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 and all bags will be subject to search. Paperfest is a rain-or-shine event and lawn chairs are welcome. Admission is free and tickets are not required. 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 event volunteers represent, such as fire departments, Boy Scout troops, and school groups. These donated funds are used to buy supplies, send the youth to camps, and continue to improve our community. Come out, support local nonprofits, and most importantly have some fun!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Paperfest, July 18-21, 2024 at Sunset Park (800 W Kimberly Ave. Kimberly, WI 54136). While admission is FREE, donations are accepted. 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 p.m. on Thursday, Noon on Friday, 10:00am on Saturday, and 11:00am on Sunday. Lawn chairs are welcome in designated areas 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.
