About
Make Music Day Appleton
Make Music Day Appleton is an annual event celebrated worldwide as part of the Fête de la Musique. The Fête de la Musique is a festival that takes place in over 1,000 cities in more than 120 countries on the summer solstice, which falls on June 21st each year. This day is set aside to celebrate music in all its diverse forms and encourages people to come together and play free public concerts.
In the United States, Make Music Day is presented by The NAMM Foundation and coordinated by the Make Music Alliance. This year, on Saturday, June 21st, 2025, Appleton will host a variety of events at various locations in the heart of our beloved city, along College Avenue.
Make Music Day Appleton is open to anyone and everyone! All ages, skill levels, and musical categories are welcome to participate in this exciting event. The range of events that have been featured in previous years is diverse and extensive, from Ghanaian bucket drumming to ukulele jams, early childhood music programming to a blues workshop. All events are welcome and celebrated.
If you’re interested in leading an event or volunteering for Make Music Day Appleton, don’t hesitate to reach out to Claire Klaver for more information. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your musical talents, learn from others, and make new connections in the community.
How did Make Music Day begin?
It all started 40 years ago in France.
In 1982, France’s Ministry of Culture dreamed up an idea for a new kind of musical holiday. They imagined a day where free, live music would be everywhere: street corners and parks, rooftops and gardens, store fronts and mountaintops.
And, unlike a typical music festival, anyone and everyone would be invited to join and play music, or host performances. The event would take place on the summer solstice, June 21, and would be called Fête De La Musique. (In French, the name means both “festival of music” and “make music!”)
Amazingly enough, this dream has come true. The Fête has turned into a true national holiday: France shuts down on the summer solstice and musicians take over. Almost 8% of the country (5 million people) have played an instrument or sung in public for the Fête de la Musique.
Four decades later, the holiday has spread throughout the world and is now celebrated in more than 120 countries. In the U.S., the presenting sponsor is the NAMM Foundation.
Schedule
Make Music Day Appleton Schedule – 2025
🎶 Join the Celebration – Make Music Day Appleton! 🎶
Be part of the magic this Make Music Day in Downtown Appleton! From Houdini Plaza to Heid Music to the Kimberly-Clark Theater (KCT), the city will come alive with free, live performances and interactive workshops for all ages. Kick off the day with an official proclamation, then explore a full lineup of musical experiences — from the hands-on IndUS and Hmong cultural workshops to the one-of-a-kind “Room Full of Pianos” performance. Don’t miss the grand finale Sing-A-Long hosted by Jennifer Harlee — bring your voice or instrument and join the fun!
🎤 Come play, sing, dance, and connect with your community — because music is for everyone.
9:00 – 12:00 | Brewster Street Brass Band @ Houdini Plaza
Join the Brewster Street Brass Band for a family-friendly performance featuring songs for kids, popular covers, and traditional jazz. Led by Isaac Schwartz – music teacher in the Winneconne Community School District – the band will teach audience members about instruments and improvisation, and give kids a chance to check out the instruments up close.
10:30 – 11:15 | Drums Alive @ YMCA
Drums Alive joins the dynamic movements of aerobic dance with the pulsating rhythms of the drum! Designed to improve physical and mental health, all ages welcome!
11:00 – 11:15 | Make Music Day Mayoral Proclamation@ Houdini Plaza
11:00 – 12:30 | Heid Music friends sharing an instrument petting zoo @ Houdini Plaza
Dive into the world of music with the Heid Music Instrument Petting Zoo, open to music lovers of all skill levels! This unique day is designed for enthusiasts and novices alike, providing an opportunity to explore and play a wide variety of musical instruments. Whether you have years of experience or have never touched an instrument, this event promises a fun and educational experience for everyone. Throughout the afternoon, you can interact with a rich assortment of brass, string, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Heid Music Sales Specialists will be on hand to guide you through the basics of each instrument, from the deep bellows of a Cello to the bold blasts of a trumpet. Discover the joys of making music in an inviting and supportive environment.
11:15 – 11:45 | Symphonic Tastings with Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra @ Heid Music
Join the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra for a special Make Music Day workshop led by violinist and FVSO staff member Sarah Koenigs. This free, interactive event offers a preview of FVSO’s October Symphonic Tastings series. Guests will enjoy a live performance, learn about the orchestra’s instrument families, and take part in a Q&A with the musician. Attendees will also be entered into a raffle!
11:30 – 12:15 | IndUS Workshop @ Fox Cities PAC – KC Theater
Presented by IndUS, Anindita Neogy will lead participants in learning some Kathak, a traditional Indian dance form, to the beat of the tabla, a type of drum, played by Sutanu Sur. Come ready to move and enjoy!
12:00 – 12:30 | Community Percussion – Rhythm & Grooves @ Heid Music
Join Jonathan from Heid Music for a community percussion session that invites participants of all ages and skill levels to explore rhythm, connection, and creativity. You’ll experience the joy of group music-making through shared beats and improvisation—no experience necessary, just bring your hands and an open heart!
12:30 – 1:15 | Ace Champion @ Fox Cities PAC – KC Theater
Join Ace Champion, also known as Good Buffalo, for a powerful musical journey featuring ancient flutes from around the world and other meditative instruments. These sounds promote deep relaxation, natural detox, and mind-body harmony. Let the calming vibrations guide you to stillness, healing, and inspiration—no script, just soul.
12:30 – 1:15 | Uke Jam with Greg Forton @ Heid Music
Come join us for a fun and family-friendly ukulele clinic where you’ll learn foundational techniques and chords to play your favorite songs. Don’t have a ukulele? No problem! We’ll have some ukuleles that you can borrow (supply is limited). If you’re not a beginner and have your own ukulele, come join the fun, jam to some familiar songs, and make new friends.
1:30 – 2:15 | Roomful of Pianos @ Heid Music
The repertoire will range from classical to rock, highlighting a variety of professional pianists in the greater Fox Valley Area.
11:00 – 3:00 | Instrument Petting Zoo @ Heid Music
Dive into the world of music with the Heid Music Instrument Petting Zoo, open to music lovers of all skill levels! This unique day is designed for enthusiasts and novices alike, providing an opportunity to explore and play a wide variety of musical instruments. Whether you have years of experience or have never touched an instrument, this event promises a fun and educational experience for everyone. Throughout the afternoon, you can interact with a rich assortment of brass, string, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Heid Music Sales Specialists will be on hand to guide you through the basics of each instrument, from the deep bellows of a Cello to the bold blasts of a trumpet. Discover the joys of making music in an inviting and supportive environment.
1:30– 2:15 | First Nations Outreach Inc. @Fox Cities PAC – KC Theater
Feel The Drum, listen to a lullaby, learn how to do a Crow Hop, Intertribal, and 2 Step Dance, all taught by Barbara Wisneski, Oneida member and cofounder of First Nations Outreach, Inc.
2:30– 3:00 | Special Performance by Jenna Kopitske @Heid Music
Celebrate Make Music Day with a special homecoming performance by Appleton native Jenna Kopitske. Now based in Nashville, Jenna returns to one of her favorite spots downtown—Heid Music—for a solo piano concert featuring her original compositions. Blending new age-contemporary, blues, and easy listening, Jenna’s music offers a captivating, heartfelt experience. Enjoy her signature sound alongside a few surprise renditions of popular favorites during this intimate 30-minute set.
3:30– 4:00 | Sing (or Play!)-A-Long Showcase @Heid Music
This sing-a-long (or play-along!) showcase will be hosted by Jennifer Harlee, and will feature many well-known hits. Bring your instrument or your voice and join in the fun!
Listings
2025 Listings: Saturday, June 21
Participate
Come and celebrate Make Music Day Appleton with us on Saturday, June 21st, 2025, and be a part of this exhilarating event! We welcome everyone to join us, regardless of their age, skill level, or music preference. Keep yourself informed of the latest happenings by frequently checking back.
Make Music Day Appleton has featured a diverse range of performers over the years, with solo artists, bands, interactive music-making sessions, and jam sessions all making an appearance. Musicians of all ages and skill levels have participated, representing various musical genres such as rock, jazz, classical, and folk. This event provides individuals with a fantastic opportunity to showcase their musical abilities, learn from others, explore new musical possibilities, and make connections within the community.
This year’s event promises to be even better than before, with more programming and opportunities for people to participate. Regardless of whether you’re a musician, a music enthusiast, or just looking for a fun way to spend your day, Make Music Day in Downtown Appleton is a must-attend event! Keep an eye out for updates on the schedule of events so that you don’t miss out on anything.
Thank You Make Music Day Appleton Partners!
The partners of Make Music Day Appleton work together to create a unique and unforgettable experience for everyone involved. Heid Music, Lawrence University, Appleton Area School District, Fox Valley Performing Arts Center, Appleton Downtown Inc, Mile of Music, and Willems Marketing are all dedicated to providing the best possible programming for this wonderful day. They bring their expertise in music education and performance, venue access and equipment, and promotional support to ensure the event’s success. Working tirelessly together, they create a vibrant and engaging event that showcases the beauty and power of music in their community. Thank you so much Make Music Day Appleton Partners! Make sure to visit the partner websites and support Downtown Appleton.
Contact
We are always looking for individuals who want to support music in our community!
Are you a musician with performance ideas, a teacher who would like to share music education, a venue that would like to provide space for music, or have questions about Make Music Day Appleton? Feel free to reach out to us!
