The area’s signature Appleton’s OctoberfestTM weekend celebration will kick off in style with License to Cruise, taking over downtown from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, September 26. This year’s event promises more cars, more entertainment, and exciting new additions for festival-goers.
A Car Lover’s Dream
More than 400 vehicles will line College Avenue, showcasing classics, customs, and crowd favorites. The Fox Cities Exhibition Center will host an indoor collection, featuring rare-edition and low-production vehicles along with replica movie cars, including:
Special outdoor features will include a 1945 WWII DUKW (one of only three still in existence), a brand-new electric VW bus, and other unique surprises.
Live Music and New for 2025 License to Cruise — Houdini Plaza Bar
From 6–9 p.m., Boogie and the Yo-Yoz will keep the crowd moving at Houdini Plaza with their high-energy mix of rock, pop, and party anthems.
For the first time in License to Cruise history, Houdini Plaza will also feature a bar, serving a variety of beer and cider, including Garage Beer — made famous by NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce. Garage Beer will only be available on Friday for the License to Cruise event.
To improve efficiency and reduce wait times, all wristband and beer ticket sales will be 100% cashless. Guests can pay with credit/debit cards or tap to pay.
Food vendors will continue to accept cash and cards; however, cash is preferred to help vendors avoid credit card fees.
Volunteers Needed
License to Cruise and Octoberfest depend on community support. Volunteers are especially needed for bartending shifts on Saturday, September 27, during Octoberfest, with the most urgent need from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. To find out more and sign up, visit octoberfestonline.org/volunteer/
Sponsors
License to Cruise is made possible by Presenting Sponsor Capital Credit Union; Specialty Car Sponsor Fox Cities Convention and Visitor’s Bureau; Stage Sponsor TDS; Avenue Sponsor Action Painting & Epoxy Coatings; Dash Sponsor Meineke; Expo Sponsor Wash Monkey; In-Kind Sponsors Appleton Downtown, Inc., Lamers, and the Village of Little Chute; In partnership with the City of Appleton
License to Cruise media sponsors are WVBO (103.9), WNAM (1280), and WQLH (Star 98).
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About Appleton’s OctoberfestTM and License to Cruise
Appleton’s Octoberfest™ and License to Cruise are held in downtown Appleton, Wisconsin, in the fourth week of September. Launched in 1991, License to Cruise has become an Appleton tradition, bringing thousands of people downtown each year to enjoy classic cars, live music, and community spirit as part of the Octoberfest weekend.
Since 1981, Appleton’s Octoberfest has brought together over 200,000 attendees annually to enjoy local food, music, arts, and entertainment—supporting small businesses and nonprofits. With 70+ food booths operated by area nonprofits, proceeds from sponsorships and beverage sales fund a year-round competitive grant program. Octoberfest blends fun with philanthropy, creating lasting community impact.
For full event details, visit octoberfestonline.org and follow @WIOctoberfest on Facebook and Instagram. #AppletonOctoberfest
About the Fox Cities Chamber:
The Fox Cities Chamber captures the energy of one of Wisconsin’s most dynamic regions and transforms it into innovative programs and services for its business members. The Chamber serves all of the Fox Cities communities within the counties of Outagamie, Calumet, and northern Winnebago, and plays a leadership role in regional economic development efforts in Northeastern Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.foxcitieschamber.com.