Join Heid Music, Appleton Downtown Inc., and Creative Downtown Appleton for the 14th Annual Street Music Week, happening June 8–13, 2026, throughout downtown Appleton along College Avenue. The weeklong fundraising event invites musicians of all ages and abilities to perform while collecting donations to support a designated community cause.
This year's beneficiary is Paint the City, a program of Creative Downtown Appleton that brings together local students and artists to create large-scale public murals throughout downtown Appleton. Organizers have set a goal of raising $10,000 to support the initiative and its continued impact on youth engagement and art.
"At its core, Paint the City is about investing in kids," said Neo Medina, lead artist and founder of Paint the City. "The program gives students the chance to work alongside artists and community members, build new skills, and see their creativity reflected in a public space. Funds raised through Street Music Week help ensure more young people have access to those experiences and the confidence that comes from seeing their work become part of the community.”
Throughout the week, musicians will perform throughout downtown Appleton between noon to 1 p.m., collecting donations from community members. Every dollar raised directly supports Paint the City and helps make public art more accessible and visible throughout the community. The public is encouraged to visit downtown Appleton during the performance hours throughout the week to enjoy live music and support the fundraising effort.
"One of the things that makes Appleton special is the willingness of people to show up for one another," said DeDe Heid, president of Heid Music. "For 14 years, musicians have volunteered their time during Street Music Week because they understand that music can be a vehicle for supporting something larger than themselves. We're proud to continue that tradition and help raise funds for a project that will leave a lasting impact on our downtown and our community.”
In addition to performances throughout downtown Appleton, Street Music Week supporters are encouraged to attend the Heid Music Summer Concert Series from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, at Jones Park. The free community concert featuring Boogie and the Yo-Yoz will provide another opportunity to learn about Paint the City, contribute to the fundraising effort, and celebrate the role of music and the arts in strengthening the community.
Calling All Musicians
Musicians interested in participating can stop by Heid Music on College Avenue between 11 a.m. and noon during Street Music Week to pick up a donation bucket and performance information. Participants are then invited to find a spot downtown, perform, and collect donations in support of Paint the City. The event is open to musicians of all ages, abilities, and musical genres, making it easy for anyone to get involved and give back through music. Interested musicians can learn more at HeidMusic.com/StreetMusicWeek.
About Street Music Week
Street Music Week began in Spokane, Washington, in 2002 as a grassroots effort to raise funds for a local food bank. Since then, it has grown into a national initiative, with communities across the country hosting events during the second week of June to support local causes. In 2012, a Heid Music team member helped bring the event to Appleton, making the city the first official sister city to Spokane's Street Music Week effort. Today, Appleton's annual event continues the tradition of using music to strengthen communities and support meaningful local initiatives.
About Creative Downtown Appleton, Inc.
Creative Downtown Appleton, Inc. is dedicated to enhancing the cultural vitality of Downtown Appleton by supporting public art, creative experiences, and community engagement. Through collaborative efforts, the organization works to ensure that the arts remain a central and accessible part of Downtown life. Learn more about our organization: https://appletondowntown.org/creative-downtown-appleton/
Additional resources:
Appleton Downtown website at www.appletondowntown.org
Facebook page at www.facebook.com/appletondowntown
LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/appleton-downtown-inc./
About Heid Music
Founded in 1948, Heid Music is a family-owned music retailer dedicated to strengthening music education and supporting musicians in the communities it serves. With five Wisconsin locations in Appleton, Green Bay, Madison, Oshkosh, and Stevens Point, Heid Music partners with schools, educators, and arts organizations to provide instruments, rentals, repairs, and educational resources. Through community initiatives, educational partnerships, and advocacy efforts, Heid Music invests in music educators and students while also supporting local musicians and performances. Guided by the belief that music is essential to a well-rounded education, Heid Music works to ensure music remains accessible and impactful for musicians of all ages. To stay involved in all-things Heid Music, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,YouTube, Tik Tok, and LinkedIn, or visit heidmusic.com.