Make Music Day Appleton 

Make Music Day Appleton is an annual event celebrated worldwide as part of the Fête de la Musique. The Fête de la Musique is a festival that takes place in over 1,000 cities in more than 120 countries on the summer solstice, which falls on June 21st each year. This day is set aside to celebrate music in all its diverse forms and encourages people to come together and play free public concerts.

In the United States, Make Music Day is presented by The NAMM Foundation and coordinated by the Make Music Alliance. This year, on Wednesday, June 21st, 2024, Appleton will host a variety of events at various locations in the heart of our beloved city, along College Avenue. 

Make Music Day Appleton is open to anyone and everyone! All ages, skill levels, and musical categories are welcome to participate in this exciting event. The range of events that have been featured in previous years is diverse and extensive, from Ghanaian bucket drumming to ukulele jams, early childhood music programming to a blues workshop. All events are welcome and celebrated.

If you’re interested in leading an event or volunteering for Make Music Day Appleton, don’t hesitate to reach out to Claire Klaver for more information. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your musical talents, learn from others, and make new connections in the community. 

How did Make Music Day begin?

It all started 40 years ago in France.

In 1982, France’s Ministry of Culture dreamed up an idea for a new kind of musical holiday. They imagined a day where free, live music would be everywhere: street corners and parks, rooftops and gardens, store fronts and mountaintops.

And, unlike a typical music festival, anyone and everyone would be invited to join and play music, or host performances. The event would take place on the summer solstice, June 21, and would be called Fête De La Musique. (In French, the name means both “festival of music” and “make music!”)

Amazingly enough, this dream has come true. The Fête has turned into a true national holiday: France shuts down on the summer solstice and musicians take over. Almost 8% of the country (5 million people) have played an instrument or sung in public for the Fête de la Musique.

Four decades later, the holiday has spread throughout the world and is now celebrated in more than 120 countries. In the U.S., the presenting sponsor is the NAMM Foundation.

NOTE: Many events at Heid Music have moved indoors. Please refer to the signage in the building for event locations. Happy Make Music Day!

Make Music with us on June 21!

Make Music Day Appleton Schedule

All events will take place in downtown Appleton on College Ave.

In the case of inclement weather (rain, humidity, heat, etc.), events will move indoors so we can keep the music going!

Schedule will be available soon! Check back for updates!

Participate

Come and celebrate Make Music Day Appleton with us on Wednesday, June 21, 2024, and be a part of this exhilarating event! We welcome everyone to join us, regardless of their age, skill level, or music preference. Keep yourself informed of the latest happenings by frequently checking back.

Make Music Day Appleton has featured a diverse range of performers over the years, with solo artists, bands, interactive music-making sessions, and jam sessions all making an appearance. Musicians of all ages and skill levels have participated, representing various musical genres such as rock, jazz, classical, and folk. This event provides individuals with a fantastic opportunity to showcase their musical abilities, learn from others, explore new musical possibilities, and make connections within the community.

This year’s event promises to be even better than before, with more programming and opportunities for people to participate. Regardless of whether you’re a musician, a music enthusiast, or just looking for a fun way to spend your day, Make Music Day in Downtown Appleton is a must-attend event! Keep an eye out for updates on the schedule of events so that you don’t miss out on anything.

Experience Make Music Day in Appleton Through Our Gallery of Talented Musicians!

Relive the excitement of last year’s Make Music Day in Appleton with our gallery of stunning photographs showcasing the city’s most talented musicians. Immerse yourself in the joy of music and connect with fellow music lovers through our captivating images of live performances, workshops, and interactive activities. Whether you were a part of the festivities or missed out, our gallery is the perfect way to experience this global celebration of music-making. Mark your calendars for June 21st and join us for an unforgettable day of music and community!

Make Music Day Appleton is for anyone and everyone! It is open to all ages, skill levels, and any musical category. Events have ranged from Ghanaian bucket drumming to ukulele jams, early childhood music programming to a blues workshop. All events are welcome! Interested in leading an event or volunteering? Reach out to Education@heidmusic.com for more information.

Have ideas for programs? Fill out the following form: Make Music Day Ideas