Waterfest is one of the biggest annual events here in Oshkosh. Now in its 34th year, this exciting summer concert series takes place at the Leach Amphitheater on the shores of the lovely Fox River in Downtown Oshkosh. Over the course of seven fun-filled nights spread all throughout the summer, attendees will enjoy an outstanding line-up of some of the best jazz, pop, rock, R&B, blues, folk, and roots musicians around. Anywhere from 2,500-7,000 fans attend Waterfest on any given night, bringing the festival total up to an average of 30,000 guests. Brayton Bed & Breakfast is located just minutes from the Leach Amphitheater, making it the perfect homebase during the festival. We even have a Waterfest package on our website’s specials page.

This year, Waterfest kicks off on June 20th with a performance by Scott Stapp, the lead vocalist and lyricist from the rock band Creed. He’ll be joined by the pop rock duo Alien Atmosphere and the metal band Messer. Other world-renowned headliners throughout the summer include Joan Jet and the Black Hearts, the Zombies, Philip Phillips, and Burton Cummings of the Guess Who. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy Steely Dane, a Steely Dan tribute, and Hairball, a group celebrating the wild extravagance of arena rock through their covers of ‘80s classics by the likes of Kiss, Def Leppard, Van Halen, Poison, Aerosmith, and more. No matter what type of music you love, Waterfest has the perfect show for you.

But Waterfest is about so much more than just the music. It is a lively celebration of the local community and the cherished bodies of water that make Oshkosh so special. Many locals arrive at the shows earlier to enjoy a beer or meal at one of Downtown’s Oshkosh’s many bars, patios, and restaurants. Some pack a picnic and tailgate on the Riverfront before gates open around 5 or 6 PM. Others bring out their boats and enjoy the music from the water. Oshkosh is nestled between Lake Winnebago and Lake Butte des Morts, with the Fox River running through town before being joined by the Wolf River. Whether it is for recreation, business, or conservation, the waterways of the Fox Valley help make our community thrive. Waterfest honors those waterways and the many local residents who love them.

You can buy your tickets to this year’s Waterfest on the Waterfest website. Children and veterans are admitted free throughout the festival, and teachers (with appropriate ID) get in for free on opening night. Waterfest is an amazing way to celebrate the wonders of summer in Wisconsin alongside family and friends. If you find yourself in Oshkosh this summer, we highly recommend you catch a Waterfest show and join us in Rockin’ the Fox! We’ll see you there.

 

Planning a trip to Oshkosh, Wisconsin this summer? Book a stay at the Brayton Bed & Breakfast, located in the heart of town just minutes from the Leach Amphitheater!