ARCADIA, Wis. – After a year of uncertainty and minimal in-person activities, Ashley for the Arts is set to return this August with live music, art, family fun and much more to welcome their fans and festival go-ers back! The annual, three-day music and art festival, hosted by Ashley Furniture Industries, takes place August 12, 13 and 14 at Memorial Park in Arcadia, Wisconsin. Not only does this one-of-a-kind event raise money in support of art programs, schools, and local non-profits, they also pride themselves on providing affordable access to live music and art for the whole family.
This year’s Main Stage performances will again showcase a span of genres including country, classic rock and alternative pop/rock with a lineup comprised of some of today’s biggest names including Toby Keith, Little Big Town, Kip Moore, Barenaked Ladies, Foreigner, Switchfoot, Jefferson Starship, and Clare Dunn.
Ashley for the Arts also features a talented selection of musical performances on three additional stages in between Main Stage performances, including SpaceHeaters, The Memories, Johnny Holm Band, Richie Yurkovich & Polkarioty, The Mondays, Tremendos Musical del Sur, Corey Wise, Blondie Blue, Gary’s Ridgeland Dutchmen, Holy Rocka Rollaz, Shane Martin, Double Take, TravAce and the Generators, Winona’s Little Warriors Drumline, Divided Highway, Miss Myra & the Moonshiners, Nick Anderson & the Skinny Lovers, and Hallowed Ground. The iconic Millennium Amphitheater will showcase eight area school musical performances throughout the weekend, demonstrating the region’s student talent.
This must-see summer festival has sustained continued growth from 300 attendees in 2009, to tens of thousands of fans attending from all over the Midwest. Ashley for the Arts has evolved into one of Wisconsin’s largest charity events that raised $590,000 in 2019 for more than 60 non-profit organizations including 28 local schools. Memorial Park’s 54-acres are home to the festival. The park is known for its Soldier’s Walk, one of the premier war memorials in the U.S. outside of Washington, D.C., a must-see while onsite.
The parks’ ballfields will feature an Art & Craft Fair comprised of nearly 100 vendors (some even demonstrating their skills live), an interactive art space where you can tie dye your own tee or try your hand at wood carving, and an inflatable air park with bounce houses and obstacle courses.
The list goes on with a variety of off-stage entertainment including: fireworks, hot-air balloons, a petting zoo, bingo, axe throwing, yard games, street performers, balloon artists, a 20th century circus, a ukulele workshop, a world yo-yo champion, a bubbleoligist and more!
If you’ve missed the smell of fresh festival fare, you’re in luck! Memorial Park Drive will be lined with an assortment of food trucks and booths where you can indulge yourself in Arcadia’s signature charcoal chicken, mini donuts, fried grilled cheese, wood-fired pizza, footlong corn dogs, and of course, a Wisconsin festival staple - beer battered cheese curds!
Thursday night, the kick-off event to a fun-filled weekend, will draw in a larger audience than years passed. The complimentary night will bring the Marshall Tucker Band to the Soldiers Walk Stage as the first-ever national act on Thursday night. The Pursuit of a Cure 5K run/walk kicks off at 6:00pm, raising money to advance medical research and help offset medical costs that cancer patients incur. Additionally, guests can enjoy a Painting in the Park workshop, inflatable air park, and music performances by The Memories and Blondie Blue.
Weekend tickets are available online for $20 (ashleyforthearts.com/tickets). Price increases July 1st to $30. Tickets are also available at the gate, August 12-14. Event parking is free and includes free bus shuttles to and from the grounds. Download the Ashley for the Arts app or visit the website for additional event details.
Ashley for the Arts is a non-profit initiative that provides the entire family with world class entertainment, art, exercise and family fun for a remarkably low cost. The organization is one of Wisconsin’s largest charity events, donating over $2.4 Million since its inception to more than 60 non-profit organizations, including participating schools, children’s charities, and medical research. This music and arts festival was conceptualized and established by Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc. (Ashley) in 2009 and takes place in Arcadia, Wisconsin’s Memorial Park.
For more information on Ashley for the Arts, visit www.AshleyfortheArts.com. “Like” Ashley for the Arts on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @AshleyfortheArt and Instagram @AshleyfortheArts.
Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC (Ashley) feels that every person deserves more value for their money. Established in 1945, Ashley is the largest manufacturer of home furnishings in the world, and was named one of America’s Best Employers by Forbes in 2021. From design through fulfillment, Ashley is committed to delivering the world’s best home furnishing values, selection and service, and earning the loyalty and trust of its customers every day. Visit Ashley online at www.ashleyfurnitureindustriesllc.com or www.Ashley.Biz and “like” Ashley Furniture Industries on Facebook.
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