It’s a busy time for Lindsay Johnson and business owners in downtown Shawano.
Johnson, Shawano Business Improvement District coordinator, is putting the finishing touches on the Octoberfest and Witches’ Night Out events, set for Oct. 3 and Oct. 9, respectively.
Businesses will celebrate Octoberfest from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Octoberfest is traditionally a family-friendly event. The best way to describe it is that it’s like a street festival,” Johnson said. “We have kids’ game, crafters, food trucks.”
Events will include more than 50 craft vendors; children’s activities courtesy of the Shawano County Library, Shawano County 4-H and Shawano Area Early Childhood Partnership; free pumpkins from Idell Johnston State Farm Insurance; the FRESH Project Farmers Market (open until 1 p.m. at Franklin Park); pumpkin succulent planters at The Stock Peddler; and T-shirt sales at the Witches’ Night Out booth.
Belmark Inc. is the event sponsor. Senzig’s Fine Home Furnishings will sponsor polka music.
From 10 a.m. to noon, visitors can enjoy the sounds of the Mark Jirikovec Band. Sugar Bush Lite will play from 12:30-3 p.m.
There’s no reason to go away hungry or thirsty.
“We have two German food trucks coming this year,” Johnson said.
Stubborn Brothers Brewery will feature a German menu inside the restaurant, along with Oktoberfest, pumpkin ale and salted caramel beers. Old Glory Candy will feature open-faced caramel apple bars.
Food trucks will include The Melt Stop, El Tequila, Home Field Kettle Corn, Wisco Eatery, Luigi’s On the Go, Busted Spud, The Bubble Bar, Guetn Appetit, Big Axe Chops and ThaiLicious.
Witches’ Night out will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 9.
“Witches’ Night Out is more like a ladies’ shopping event,” Johnson said. “Of course, warlocks are welcome, too.”
Shoppers are encouraged to dress in their best witch costume.
“They really are getting more and more impressive the past couple of years,” Johnson said. “And each participating business does something special, whether it’s sales, drinks or something else only offered during these hours.”
Attendees are invited to try out the spooky bowls, poison apple caramel smoothies or the vampire blood punch.
There will also be a photo booth at Berkshire Hathaway.
The band Spark Spark Bang will perform from 7-10 p.m. at The Naberhood. Sponsors are Wallrich Agency, Stubborn Brothers Brewery and The Daily Drip Coffeehouse.
Johnson said 35 businesses are participating — the most ever in the history of the event.
Witches’ Night Out has been held since 2018, and Octoberfest began several years before then.
Johnson said she communicates with participating business owners to determine what is and is not successful at the events. She sometimes gets comments from attendees, as well.
Other Shawano Downtown events coming up this year are the Christmas Open House, all day Nov. 6-7, Small Business Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 28, the Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting from 3-5 p.m. Nov. 28 and the Santa Parade from 6-7 p.m. Dec. 4.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
As shown in this photo from 2025, a ladies’ shopping event is the best way to describe Witches’ Night Out, held the weekend after Octoberfest in downtown Shawano. Octoberfest is a more family-friendly event with children’s activities, live polka music, crafters, food trucks and more. (Greg Mellis | NEW Media)
