Events

LAVENDER LOUNGE (8.5 x 11 in) (1800 x 1800 px)

Lavender Lounge

third Friday of the month

7 - 9PM

Lavender Lounge is a monthly social event designed as a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ community members, allies, family, and friends.  Join us for an evening of connection, creativity, and fun! Each month will feature activities, games, art-making, and fun.

IRON HODAG UNVEILING

The Iron Hodag Unveiling

July 10  |  11am  |  Pocket Park on Brown St. across from Mel's

ArtStart will unveil the Iron Hodag, a new public art sculpture honoring Rhinelander's legendary symbol, at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 10, in the pocket park on Brown Street, across from Mel's. The community is invited to attend this special unveiling celebrating public art in the heart of downtown Rhinelander.
The Iron Hodag was commissioned by former Rhinelander residents Ron and Elise Gaber, who have lived in Kirksville, Missouri, for 50 years but have stayed deeply connected to their hometown roots often commenting "Once a Hodag, always a Hodag."
The sculpture was created by Wisconsin artist Don Gaber, known for his large-scale works built from reclaimed metal. Gaber's pieces incorporate discarded, donated, scavenged and vintage materials, transforming them into artworks that reflect the history and character of the communities where they're made.
"So much of the metal in this sculpture has a Rhinelander story behind it. That's what makes public art like this so powerful - it's made of us." said Traci Stinebrink, ArtStart’s Communication Director.
Families are encouraged to bring their kids to the unveiling as there will be a special handout available for children to search for all of the incredible individual pieces that come together to form the Hodag.

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Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra

September 29  |  7:30PM  |  Rhinelander High School Auditorium
For the first time in almost a decade, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra will return to Rhinelander for a special ticketed performance on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the John and Dori Brown Performing Arts Center, located at Rhinelander High School, 665 Coolidge Ave. The concert, under direction of Associate Conductor Ryan Tani, is a rare opportunity to see a world class orchestra in the Northwoods.
Tickets are $25/$15.
The planning committee for the project to bring the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra back to Rhinelander, includes representatives from ArtStart, Nicolet College, the School District of Rhinelander, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and interested community members. Together, these partners are working collaboratively to support a meaningful cultural and educational experience for the Rhinelander community, strengthening local access to world-class orchestral music and fostering community engagement through the arts.
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WXPR and ArtStart Present....In Progress

Last Tuesday of the month  7pm
In Progress welcomes YOU to share what you are working on.  Whether a song, a poem, a painting, anything is welcome at In Progress.  You will not find a more supportive group.  WXPR supported In Progress happens the last Tuesday of every month at The Hilgermann Center, downtown Rhinelander.  Find all of the details and sign up for a slot here.

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SPARK!

SPARK! is a cultural program for people with early to mid-stage memory loss and their care partners. Programs are designed to keep participants actively engaged in their communities by providing experiences that stimulate conversations, provide peer support and inspire creativity through creative engagement, workshops and programs. SPARK! programs are FREE for families to attend together in a comfortable environment led by specially trained staff and volunteers.  Find the details here.

Find more details on live music events here.