What's Happening this weekend in Ripon and the surrounding areas: Septemberfest, Party for the Arts, music and much more

As fall nears, there are still plenty of activities to do in the Ripon and the surrounding areas this weekend from Septemberfest to Thrasher's Party of the Arts, markets and live music.

Check out what's happening this weekend:

Septemberfest returns with annual car, motorcycle shows

Historic downtown Ripon will be the site for Septemberfest 2021 Saturday, Sept. 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The fall celebration, which is presented by Agnesian Healthcare and Alliance Laundry, will feature the Watson Street Car Show and have more than 25 classes for automobiles of all varieties.

In conjunction with the Car Show and Septemberfest, the Classic Motorcycle Show will be held beginning at 9 a.m. and running until 3 p.m.

Septemberfest will feature live entertainment from the Tuba Dan Band and The Presidents throughout the day at the Village Green.

Ripon’s Rotary Club will also hold a Historic Home Tour featuring homes within walking distance of downtown Ripon.

Tickets for the Home Tour are $10 and available at Webster’s Marketplace, BMO Harris Bank, Ripon Drug, Horicon Bank, the Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce and any of the participating homes.

Septemberfest also will host the Wisconsin Spudmobile, Cornhole Tournament, food and shopping opportunities.

For more information about Septemberfest 2021, please visit www.ripon-wi.com.

Noon Kiwanis will host pancake breakfast to kick off Septemberfest

The Ripon Noon Kiwanis will host its annual Pancake Breakfast, kicking off Septemberfest, Saturday, Sept. 18 from 7 to 10:30 a.m. at the American Legion Hall, 113 E. Fond du Lac St, in downtown Ripon.

“Kids need Kiwanis, in our community and around the world,” Ripon Noon Kiwanis board member Tyler Whitrock said. “Fundraisers like our pancake breakfast provide us with the resources to invest in community’s children with funds raised with support of the community.”

The Noon Kiwanis will serve pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, applesauce and an assortment of beverages. Cost is $7 at the door; children 12 and under eat free.

The American Legion Hall building now has exterior elevator access to help those with mobility concerns.

Fundraisers, like the pancake breakfast, help support the Noon Kiwanis’ many projects that benefit youth in the community such as the Toy Lending Library, the annual Children’s Fair and Noon Kiwanis’ recurring scholarships for graduating seniors.

The Ripon Noon Kiwanis meets Tuesdays at Noon in Ripon College’s Pickard Dining Room. New members who want to serve their community may attend.

For more information about Ripon Noon Kiwanis and the pancake breakfast visit www.riponnoonkiwanis.com.

Thrasher Party for the Arts returns Saturday

Green Lake's Thrasher Opera House invites you to party like a rock star Sept. 18

Grab your leather jacket, get out your guitar and prepare to party like a rock star for Thrasher Opera House’s annual Party for the Arts on Sa…

Grab your leather jacket, get out your guitar and prepare to party like a rock star for Thrasher Opera House’s annual Party for the Arts on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 6 to 10 p.m.

The annual themed fundraising party for Thrasher is back in-person with the theme of “Rock the Opera House,” encouraging partygoers to dress up in their favorite rockstars.

“It’s fun for all rock ages,” Executive Director of Thrasher Opera House Rachael Avery said. “If you grew up in the ’50s, you could channel that rock and roll era and if you grew up in the ’80s you definitely can channel that rock and roll era.”

Celebrate the fall harvest at Town Square's champagne farm-to-table brunch

Enjoy a close-to-the-land weekend brunch Sunday, Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Town Square Community Center.

Chef Kari Schleicher will prepare the meal featuring locally-sourced, seasonal foods directly from The Market at Town Square. The intimate, al fresco setting on Mill Pond Terrace will host 20 guests who can toast local growers as they enjoy a meal.

“I prefer working with local ingredients because it stimulates the local economy, keeps allergens to a minimum and supports small businesses,” Schleicher said. “Because of the seasonal approach, we don't know exactly what the menu will be, but that’s what makes it exciting.”

While the exact menus will be determined shortly before each event, the brunch hosted in July featured quiche made with eggs from Oft’s Flock and Feather Farm, a garden salad made with Boerson Farm produce, jams from Olive Juice Farms Canning, Thunderbird Bakery croissants, Crossroads Market meats and Bella Farms microgreens.

In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside Town Square’s ballroom. Tickets may be purchased at greenlaketownsquare.org.

Princeton Harvest Faire

Sunday, Sept. 19 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | City Park

Unity’s 11th annual Harvest Faire in City Park will feature a craft fair and a huge rummage sale.

The Unity group works to preserve and restore Community Hall in City Park by raising funds each year through the harvest faire.

Folks may enjoy some shopping at the event as well as get some food and listen to live music in the park. Families also may bring their kids along as the faire will have plenty of children’s activities for them to enjoy.

Summer Market at Town Square

The Market at Town Square is an outdoor event every Friday, May 14 -Sept 24, will feature fresh-off-the-farm goodness and handmade items.

The market runs from 3 to 6 p.m. at Town Square.

“Social-distance and enjoy the delights as local growers and artisans will show off their wares that you and your family will love,” Town Square says of the event. “Thank you for buying local.”

Princeton's Famous Flea Market Saturday

“The world’s greatest flea market” is back this summer, every Saturday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Princeton City Park. The market is open from mid-April to Oct. 16.

“A destination in itself, Princeton’s Flea Market is the largest outdoor flea market in central Wisconsin; enjoy a Saturday stroll in Princeton to browse through hundreds of vendor goodies,” the Princeton Chamber of Commerce website said of the event. “The treasures abound every week as new vendors enter the mix, so make it your weekly stop to find that long sought after item or just to get a tasty snack at the food stand.”

Admission and parking are free and there is an abundance of food options. Local service groups and organizations serve snacks, sandwiches, and beverages from the food stand in the center of the Park. Other vendors serve a wide variety of delectable delights including egg rolls, heavenly fresh-made warm donuts, and much more. The Information Center is also housed in the food stand.