Mile of Music sign Jan. 24, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — From Thursday to Sunday, there are more than 700 shows from 200 artists across approximately 40 venues in Appleton for Mile of Music.
All shows are free, but the event is expected to generate an $8-10 million impact for the Appleton economy.
“This is my third mile. I love Wisconsin,” said Kristen Ford, a recording artist from Los Angeles. “I love that it’s a free downtown festival. I love supporting the independent downtown businesses. It really, truly is a community.”
Mile of Music has stayed as a free festival centered on music. Ford said that’s what brings her back.
“It’s about music,” said Ford. “It’s about people. It’s about connection.”
She played Thursday at Jim’s Place and Wooden Nickel, performing for an audience of around 200-300. Here’s what Stacy Hoffman from Jim’s Place, a bar in downtown Appleton, had to say.
“I would say there’s a massive increase in sales,” said Hoffman. “But that being said, it’s a festival. I mean, I think that goes hand-in-hand with having live music, especially being free.”
Head down College Avenue and you’ll run into Appleton Beer Factory, where they have live music this weekend and throughout the year. Mile of Music is still a major money-maker for them.
“We do about three weeks worth of business during Mile of Music,” said Mark Mader of Appleton Beer Factory.
And that’s from a business with regular live music. Much of their business comes from out of state.
“I’ve seen one couple from out in Utah. I’ve seen one couple from Texas,” said Mader.
Visit for Mile of Music, stay for the Wisconsin hospitality.
“Old fashioneds, Bloody Marys are popular,” said Hoffman.
“We actually do old fashioneds on tap,” said Mader. “So we’re a very unique venue that way.”
Free live music and an old fashioned or two makes for a great Wisconsin crowd. Rabbitology is one of the over 200 artists generating the buzz and the business around downtown Appleton.
“It’s amazing. The energy is awesome,” said Rabbitology, a first-time artist. “I love the vibe of the city. I’ve never been to the city before, so this is amazing.”
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