19 Bands, Multiple Genres, VIP Experience, and a Big Change for Festival-Goers
Appleton’s Octoberfest™, an event of the Fox Cities Chamber, is excited to announce the music lineup for the 2025 festival, happening on Saturday, September 27. This year’s celebration will feature 19 bands across multiple stages, offering a vibrant mix of genres—from rock and oldies to indie, Americana, ’90s hip-hop, blues, and of course, crowd-favorite polka.
The festivities officially kick off at 9:00 a.m. in Houdini Plaza with a ceremonial toast and traditional polka performance by Copper Box. From there, music lovers can enjoy a full day of live entertainment along College Avenue. See next page for full schedule.
Our committee has curated a lineup with something for everyone—whether you’re coming for the polka or the power chords,” said Paul Shrode, Co-Chair of Appleton’s Octoberfest. “But what makes this event special is how it brings our community together. It’s a celebration of music, local pride, and giving back—supporting the nonprofits and small businesses that keep our region vibrant all year long”.
New in 2025: Bars and Wristband Booths Go Cashless
To improve efficiency and reduce wait times, all wristband and beer ticket sales will be 100% cashless. Guests can pay with credit/debit cards or mobile payment options.
Food and arts & crafts vendors will continue to accept cash and cards; however, cash is preferred to help vendors avoid credit card fees.
New in 2025: A VIP Experience at Appleton’s Octoberfest
New this year, festival-goers can enhance their festival day with the Octoberfest VIP Experience—a private lounge at the Fox Cities Chamber offering a comfortable retreat from the crowds, private bathrooms, discounted beer tickets, and other exclusive perks. Full details, including how to purchase tickets, will be announced soon.
Volunteers Make It Happen
The success of Appleton’s Octoberfest depends on the dedication of more than 800 volunteers each year. From bartenders and block captains to wristband sellers and nonprofit booth support, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved.
Interested in volunteering? Visit octoberfestonline.org to learn more and sign up today.
Full Entertainment Schedule
| Station | Stage Location | Set Time | Band Name | Website/Social Media |
| 105.7 WAPL | West College | 11:00am–12:30pm | American Platinum | americanplatinum.net @americanplat |
| West College | 1:00pm–2:30pm | Road Trip | roadtripband.com @roadtriposhkosh | |
| West College | 3:00pm–5:30pm | The Glam Band | theglamband.com @theglamband | |
| 95.9 KISS FM | Division Street | 10:00am–11:30am | Doozey | @doozey.com |
| Division Street | 12:00pm–2:30pm | Spicy Tie Band | spicytie.com @spicytieband | |
| Division Street | 3:00pm–5:30pm | Too Hype Crew | toohypecrew.com @toohypecrewband | |
| Razor 94.7 / 104.7 | Superior Street | 11:00am–12:30pm | PUDGE | @pudgemusic |
| Superior Street | 1:00pm–3:00pm | Leading the Blind | leadingtheblindrock.com @leadingtheblindrock | |
| Superior Street | 3:30pm–5:30pm | Trash Pandas | trashpandasrock.com @trashpandasrock | |
| 104.3 The Fuse | Houdini Plaza | 9:00am–11:30am | Copper Box | copperboxband.com @copperboxband |
| Houdini Plaza | 12:00pm–1:30pm | Appleton Rock School | appletonrockschool.com @appletonrockschool | |
| Houdini Plaza | 2:00pm–3:30pm | Verona Grove | @veronagrove | |
| Houdini Plaza | 4:00pm–5:30pm | The Cool Waters Band | coolwatersband.com @coolwatersband | |
| WHBY / 95.3 The Score | Morrison Street | 10:00am–10:40am | Amelia Ford Band | ameliafordmusic.com @ameliafordmusic |
| Morrison Street | 11:00am–11:40am | More Then Merry | morethenmerry.com @morethenmerry | |
| Morrison Street | 12:00pm–12:40pm | Michael Grabner & The Ghosts of Electricity | @michael.grabner.106 | |
| Morrison Street | 1:00pm–2:00pm | Tom Thiel Trio | tomthielmusic.com @thomasthiel.wisco | |
| Morrison Street | 2:30pm–3:30pm | Brad Bordini Band | @bradbordinimusic | |
| Morrison Street | 4:00pm–5:30pm | The Kurt Gunn Band | kurtgunn.com @kgsoloman5000 |
