WAUPACA - The Waupaca Community Arts Board’s annual Arts On The Square started out 20 years ago as a Street Dance and arts festival with a couple musical acts, about 20 artists, a few art workshops and some beer. This year, the 20th Annual Arts on the Square explodes into a full day of celebration, in a brand-new location at 515 School Street.
It boasts 30 juried fine artists, two music stages, eight hands on art workshops, five active artist demonstrations, four food vendors, a performance Dance stage and a whole lot of fun packed into one glorious day in Waupaca.
“It’s fun to think back to our early days.” said Waupaca Community Arts Board President, Marci Reynolds. “We have grown beyond our wildest dreams, now producing a festival anticipated by people near and far and attracting thousands!” Funded by a variety of sources, including Community First Credit Union, Arts on the Square continues to grow.
Friday Night Street Dance — 8/14, 6:00–10:30 p.m.
- The Jimmys performing (band starts 7:00)
- Announcement of the 2026 Electric Bike raffle winner (~8:30 p.m.)
- Cloud Nine Fire Show performance
- Food trucks and beer bar
Saturday's Arts on the Square — 8/15
- 9:15 a.m. — Arts Hub student performance (Woodpile Foundation Performance Hall)
- 10:30 a.m. — Tom Pease performance
- 11:45 a.m. — Matt Blake and the Real Deal
- 2:00 p.m. — Jeremiah Jams Band (closes out the day)
- All day — Vibhas Kendzia playing and demonstrating Anasazi/Native American flutes
Dance Stage
- 10:00 a.m. — Waupaca Senior Cardio Drumming
- 11:00 a.m. — Waupaca Senior Center Line Dancers ("Senior Kickers")
- 12:00 p.m. — Cloud Nine Fire Dancers, plus a free workshop (1–3 p.m.) teaching hula hoop, silk fan, and sunwheel moves
Artists
- 30 Juried Fine Artists (textiles, jewelry, painting, ceramics, and more)
- Judged by Kristin Thielking; cash prizes across several categories, including Best in Show and the Patti Vaux Award
Art Workshops (all-day, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.)
- Craft Café Activities: Paint & Scratch CDs, Popsicle Puzzles, Alcohol Ink & Print Washer Necklaces
- Waupaca Public Library Craft (puppet-making)
- The Pieceful Hands Quilt Guild (rice-filled owl hand-sewing)
- The Waupaca Historical Society (fabric art)
- Lost Arts Fold School
- Face Painting by Ali
- The Waupaca Area Wood Carvers — wood carving demo (10:30 a.m.) and soap carving activity (1:00 p.m.)
Live Demonstrations (all day)
- Brady Looker — The Art of Glass Blowing
- Luke Schwiesow — The Art of Blacksmithing (9 a.m.–3 p.m.)
- Eric Bestal (Skogtroll) — Viking Era instrument building/playing
Food and Beverages
- Say Cheese Curd Company
- Benny Bakes
- Hmong & Asian Foods
- Wisco Eatery LLC
- Beer sales by WCAB
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