Calendar of Events, Gatherings & Happenings
Calendar of Events
View more events on our Facebook page!
Sweet Stroll
Friday, February 9, 2024
Ripon's Sweet Stroll, sponsored by Collaborative Wellness, is scheduled to take place from 5:00 to 7:30 pm on Friday, February 9th. Spend the evening sampling scrumptious desserts whipped up by some of the areas best chefs!
During the Sweet Stroll, businesses become “sampling rooms” where attendees may try different dessert items. Attendees may sample up to 7 different desserts throughout the evening. Participating business include: American Alchemy, Chic Tique, Collaborative Wellness, Déjà vu Boutique, Diedrich Jewelers, Farrell's Fine Furnishings, Fiddler Creek, Gents, Hart Mercantile, Modernista, Patina Vie, Soul Patina, and Your CBD Store. Check back for updates.
Numerous businesses will be open late during the event to provide you with an adequate dose of shopping therapy. Limited tickets ($25 per person) are only available through Eventbrite.
Downtown Ripon shops and restaurants are open to the general public of all ages during this event. This is a Rain-or-Snow-or-Cold-or-Shine event. Proceeds will benefit Ripon's events, festivals and and downtown beautification projects.
Come on down and join us...it's going to be an exciting evening! Discover historic downtown Ripon, Wisconsin, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
FAQs
What is the refund policy?
Tickets are non-refundable, but are transferable. Transferring a ticket to another individual is the responsibility of the ticket holder. Ripon Main Street, Inc. will not facilitate exchanges. In the event the Sweet Stroll is canceled, tickets will be refunded.
Winter Polka Fest
Saturday, February 17, 2024 ~ 12:00 to 6:00 pm
Presented by: Knuth Brewing Company
Given the unseasonably warm start to our winter season, Ripon's Polka on Ice is changing. We are pleased to announce that the event is moving to the new Knuth Brewing Company event center located at 230 Watson Street in downtown Ripon. This is the official "Grand Opening" of the new Knuth Brewing Company. The event will feature American polka music from Copper Box. Additional details will be available soon.
Entertainment:
Copper Box
TBA
Spring WineWalk
Friday, April 26, 2024
Visit historic downtown Ripon on the fourth Friday, April for our Spring WineWalk sponsored by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. During the event, which takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, businesses will become “tasting rooms” where attendees may sample up to 16 different wines throughout the evening.
Each participant will receive a souvenir wine walk glass, and a wristband which is good for up to 16 wine tastes through the evening. Tickets will be available through Eventbrite beginning February 1st and are $35 each per participant. The event always sells out quickly so don't wait to purchase your tickets.
The event will feature a selection of wines from Chile, Argentina, Italy, Spain, South Africa and Australia, as well as California, Florida and Wisconsin, including local favorite Vines & Rushes Winery. Proceeds will benefit beautification projects throughout downtown Ripon, Wisconsin.
Tickets may be redeemed for glasses and wristbands beginning at 1:00 pm at Chamber/Main Street office (401 Watson Street) on the day of the event. Lanyards have 16 pour tabs, good for one 1 oz. wine sample each. No alcohol will be served before 5:30 pm. Wine glasses must be empty before leaving each stop.
Numerous business will be open late to provide you with an adequate dose of shopping therapy. Shop, dine and unwind in historic downtown Ripon. Come on down and join us...it's going to be a beautiful evening! Discover historic downtown Ripon, Wisconsin, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Women on Watson (#WOW2024)
Saturday, August 17, 2024
Join us as we celebrate the summer shopping season with a day of retail therapy in Historic Downtown Ripon, Wisconsin. Enjoy shopping at participating businesses along Watson Street that will be providing deals, demonstrations and other promotions throughout the day for Women on Watson attendees!
#WOW2024 will be a fun filled day of shopping, dining, and education. In addition to the retail activities and events, a special kick-off lite continental box breakfast is offered to the first 50 participants that sign up for the event. Limited tickets, which are $20 in advance, are required for this event and available only through Eventbrite beginning June 1st.
Tickets include a lite continental breakfast, coffee & tea as we open the event from 9:30-11:00 am. Participants will register for the event and receive a canvas swag bag and map of participating businesses. Your swag bag entitles you to the special promotions for the day and free swag bag items as you shop from 15(+) businesses!
You won’t want to miss out. Visit the RiponWisconsin Facebook event page for additional information or to buy tickets. Don’t forget to click "Going" so you don’t miss any updates. Be sure to check your favorite participating downtown businesses Instagram and Facebook pages as well.
Ripon Summer Concert Series
June through August
The Horicon Bank Ripon Summer Concert Series encompasses a wide range of musical genres including country, blues, classic rock and other styles, and is free to the public. Concerts run from 7:00 to 10:00 pm and take place at the Village Green in Historic Downtown Ripon (corner of Watson and Seward Street). Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on.
A variety of beverages are available and participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. NO CARRY-INs are allowed in the park because beverage sales help cover entertainment expenses.
Ripon Main Street, Inc. invites you to enjoy an evening of entertainment in historic downtown Ripon and discover what makes our community so special. Visit the Ripon Summer Concert Series website, or follow us @downtownripon on Instagram and Facebook for for the latest updates.
Local businesses typically sponsor the music series, but additional donations are always needed. To sponsor a concert, contact the Ripon Main Street office at 920-748-7466. Donations can also be sent to: Ripon Summer Concerts, P.O. Box 365, Ripon, WI 54971.
Scooping the Loop
Saturday, August 3, 2024
For decades, “Scooping the Loop” was a time honored tradition for many Riponites. On Friday and Saturday evenings, local residents came together to drive their vehicles through historic downtown Ripon, Wisconsin and meet up with friends. Many great memories and lifelong relationships were created during this unique social gathering.
For various reasons, the activity was banned from our community in 1992. Downtown business owners brought the nostalgia back for one glorious evening last summer. That event went so well we have decided to do it again! The 4th Annual Scooping the Loop event will take place from 5 to 8 pm on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024.
In addition, numerous business will be open throughout the day and into the evening to provide you with an adequate dose of shopping therapy. Those strolling up and down the sidewalks will find unique gifts, clothing, jewelry, furniture and more.
Visit the Scooping the Loop Facebook Page for details and updates.
Rhythm & Brews Craft Beer Celebration
Friday, October 11, 2024
Historic Downtown Ripon is proud to introduce our newest event, the Rhythm & Brews Craft Beer Celebration which is sponsored by Knuth Brewing Company.
Rhythm & Brews is a craft brew sampling event which will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 pm on Friday, October 11 at participating businesses. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample up to 14 specialty seasonal craft brews at participating businesses.
Featured brewers include: Knuth Brewing Company, Fifth Ward brewing Company, Copper State Brewing Co., Door County Brewing Co., Fox River Brewing Co., Hillsboro Brewing Company, O'so Brewing Company, Potosi Brewing, Mobcraft Beer, Vintage Brewing Co , and we are still adding to the list!
Tasting locations and brews include: Check back for updates.
Limited tickets, which are $30 in advance, are required for this event and will be available through Eventbrite beginning July 1. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older to participate. All participants must wear a wristband during the event.
The Craft Beer Celebration is a rain or shine event, and all ticket sales are final. All proceeds from this event will support downtown beautification projects and community festivals. Visit the Downtown Ripon Facebook Page for details and updates.
Holiday WineWalk
Friday, November 1, 2024
For those that plan ahead, circle Friday, November 1st on your calendar, and visit the Downtown Ripon Facebook Page for details and updates.
During the event, which takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 pm, businesses become “tasting rooms” where attendees may sample different wines throughout the evening. The event features a selection of 40+ wines from around the world, including local favorite Vines & Rushes Winery.
Each participant will receive a souvenir wine walk glass, and a wristband which is good for up to 16 wine samples.
Proceeds will benefit the Christmas in the Village and various downtown beautification projects.
Tickets will be available through Eventbrite beginning September 1st and are $35 each per participant. Tickets may be redeemed for glasses and wristbands beginning at 1:00 pm at Ripon Main Street/Chamber office (401 Watson Street) on the day of the event. Lanyards have 16 tabs, good for one 1 oz. wine sample each. No alcohol will be served before 5:30 pm. Wine glasses must be empty before leaving each stop.
Numerous business will be open late to provide you with an adequate dose of shopping therapy. Shop, dine and unwind in historic downtown Ripon. Come on down and join us...it's always an exciting evening! Discover historic downtown Ripon, Wisconsin, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Christmas in the Village
November 8-9, 2024
Join us for a truly magical experience at Ripon's Christmas in the Village! The event, which takes place on Friday evening (Nov. 8) from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Saturday (Nov. 9) from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, is a favorite of local residents and visitors alike.
Christmas in the Village is like a scene right out of an old-time movie with stores deck out in holiday decor, and holiday music wafting through the air. Our locally owned businesses are warm and inviting, providing extended store hours for this event. And it's early in the holiday season so our stores have a great selection of unique products that will satisfy the pickiest person on you shopping list.
Santa is coming to downtown Ripon on Friday evening, November 8th at approximately 6:00 pm to help usher in the start of the holiday season and Christmas in the Village. Santa will make his way down Watson Street to The Village Green, and will light the decorations on the bandstand and greet those in attendance.
Santa returns to The Village Green Saturday morning, November 9th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm for an opportunity to greet children as well as those young at heart. The event will also feature an ice sculpting demonstration on The Square from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, a live reindeer display at the Village Green from 12:00 to 4:00 pm, and carriage rides through the district from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. The carriage pick-up and drop-off will take place at the corner of Watson and W. Fond du Lac Street.
Stroll from shop to shop as you develop your holiday shopping list. Those visiting will find unique gifts, clothing, jewelry, furniture and more. All activities take place outdoors, please dress appropriately.
Downtown Ripon is a wonderful outdoor location to take selfies or holiday family photos. This is a perfect opportunity to discover the unique shops & restaurants located in the downtown historic district. Visit www.downtownripon.com for a complete list of businesses in the district.
Visit the Christmas in the Village Facebook Page for details and updates.
2024 Christmas in the Village Schedule:
Friday, November 8 Santa's Coming to Town! Extended Evening Shopping – Most Stores Open Until 8:00 pm Saturday, November 9 Ripon's Christmas in the Village Holiday Kick-Off
Shopping All Day – Most Stores Open Until 5:00 pm 11:00 am to 1:00 pm – Visit Santa at the Village Green
6:00 to 8:00 pm – Santa Arrives at the Village Green
11:00 am to 1:00 pm – Ice Sculpting Demonstration on The Square
Noon to 4:00 pm – Live Reindeer at the Village Green
2:00 to 4:00 pm – Carriage Rides along Watson Street
Deer Widow's Weekend on Watson
Saturday, November 23, 2024
While the bucks away the doe will play 🦌
Saturday November 23rd from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm we will be kicking off the holiday season with our 5th annual Deer Widows Weekend on Watson street shopping event.
Participants for the event will receive a collectible canvas swag bag that entitles you to a free gift as well as access to any exclusive promotions from each participating business.
So tell your girlfriend’s, save the date, and grab your tickets because you won’t want to miss this.
Widows Weekend on Watson is sponsored by The American Alchemy and Fiddler Creek.
Participating businesses includes: American Alchemy, Back Porch Gatherings, Botanica Natural, Chic Tique, Deja Vu Boutique, Diedrichs Jewelers, Fiddler Creek, Hart Mercantile, Patina Vie, RC Nutrition, Sassys Pops A Lot, Soul Patina, Traded Treasures, Bhavana Body Mind Soul, & more.
Tickets are only available through Eventbrite: Check back for updates
Details for the day of:
Participants will begin their day between 10:00 - 11:00 am at an assigned business based upon the number of people in their party for a shot gun start. PLEASE email us at fiddlercreekdesign@gmail.com if your party is buying tickets separately so we can ensure your group all starts at the same location.
Participants will receive an email with your assigned location to pick up swag bags the DAY BEFORE, Friday Nov 22nd. So be on the look out for that email from fiddlercreekdesign@gmail.com
Saturday, November 23rd between 10:00 - 11:00 am you will pick up your swag bags from the designated business and kick off your shopping journey. PLEASE PICK UP BAGS during designated pick up time. This ensures you have enough time to leisurely stroll Watson Street and make it to all the stops. Enjoying special promotions from local dining, boutiques, and participating businesses.
All ticket sales are final...No Refunds!
Visit www.downtownripon.com for a complete list of shopping, dining and business opportunities that are available in Historic Ripon, Wisconsin.
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Small Business Saturday is the day Ripon, Wisconsin celebrates the Shop Small movement. This is a great opportunity for people from near and far to come to the district and support locally owned businesses.
Many of the businesses will host in-store promotions and specials, exclusive to the event. We would be grateful to have you visit our quaint community on Saturday, November 30th and check out our unique businesses. We are all decorated for the holiday season and eagerly await visit.
For the safety of our visitors, volunteers and merchants, participants are asked to adhere to proper social distancing recommended guidelines, and cooperate with any requirements or restrictions merchants have in place at their establishment.
Visit www.downtownripon.com for a complete list of shopping, dining and business opportunities that are available in Historic Ripon, Wisconsin.
Dickens of a Christmas
December 6-7, 2024
Experience the Victorian era by strolling up and down the streets Ripon's downtown historic district during Dickens of a Christmas.
The festival begins on Friday evening with the Dickens Holiday Parade. The lighted parade proceeds through the downtown historic district and features area floats, musical groups, and of course Santa. All parade entrants are encouraged to "light it up" by adding as many festive lights to their displays as possible.
Saturday kicks off with Breakfast with Santa, and the Holiday Tour of Homes. Living Windows is the highlight of the festival, which takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 pm on Saturday evening. Over 20 storefronts are decorated with characters depicting old time setting. Other weekend activities include the Enchanted Forest, Gingerbread House Contest, and more! Carolers will stroll through the streets spreading holiday cheer.
Enjoy the many unique shopping opportunities and wonderful dining choices available in the district. Participating businesses are open until 8:00 pm on Friday and Saturday evening. Contact the Ripon Chamber of Commerce at 920-748-6764 for additional information regarding the event.
Village Green Ice Skating Rink
Ice skating is a longstanding winter tradition, and one of the few things that can lure Riponites from our cozy homes. Whether you are a novice or pro, getting out for at least one skate per season is a must. Bring the kids, a date, or meet a group of friends down at the Village Green and make magical memories that will be cherish for years to come.
While winter officially begins December 21st, please remember that Mother Nature decides when these outdoor activities can start. To prepare the rink for skating, volunteers need two to four weeks of below-freezing temperatures to adequately develop ice. Keep up to date on outdoor ice skating conditions by joining our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/riponwisconsin.
Ripon College
Ripon College offers a broad variety of performances (including the Milwaukee Symphony each fall), guest speakers and artists plus NCAA Division III athletic events (August through May). Visit the college's website for more information.
Before driving a long distance to attend an event, please call ahead to verify the date and other details. Changes may have occurred...
