APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – Downtown Appleton was alive with the sound of original music this weekend as Mile of Music wrapped up its 12th year.
Thousands of people filled College Avenue and surrounding venues to hear more than 200 artists perform across multiple stages. Festivalgoers say what makes the event special is its variety and community feel.
“We just kinda walked around and roamed and every different event we walked to and ended up in was just amazing,” said Appleton resident Mike Nyman.
“The last decade it’s been amazing to see our local artists and this event turned from what it was into so many different states. It’s nationwide now so we get to see people from Minnesota, from California, Texas, all sorts of places so it’s cool,” added Appleton’s Matty Vandenbloomer.
Appleton Community Music, Inc. — the nonprofit partner of Mile of Music — helps fund the festival by supporting artist hospitality, meals, lodging and education programs.
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Board Chair Nancy Kreeger says their yearly budget is about $400,000, and fundraising starts right away during the event.
“This is Mile 12. The only year we missed is COVID. Appleton Community Music is a nonprofit — we’ve only existed for the last four years — so we raise money to pay for the artists, their lodging and their meals,” Kreeger said.
The organization is aiming to raise $100,000 during this year’s festival to help support Mile artists and future festivals.
Donations can be made at stations located throughout the festival or online at appletoncommunitymusic.org.
With the 12th Mile now complete, fans and organizers are already looking ahead to Mile 13 in 2026.
