Ashley for the Arts to Celebrate 15 Years of Music, Arts and Community

Furniture World News Desk on 5/24/2024

Ashley for the Arts, the annual three-day music and arts festival, is set to take place on August 8, 9 and 10 at Memorial Park in Arcadia, Wisconsin. In celebration of their 15th anniversary, the festival is expanding its music, food, art and entertainment experiences to enhance fun for the entire family. Attendees will experience some of the biggest names in music including Journey, Old Dominion, The Script, Bret Michaels and more. In addition to main stage performances, the three side stages will host a talented selection of performers with music all day including local artists, family friendly shows and area school groups.  

New additions to the festival include line dancing lessons, a youth outdoor skills challenge, Xpogo Extreme Pogo Stunt Show, Dragoonies Flame Show, just to name a few. Ashley for the Arts welcomes back the Art and Craft Fair, an inflatable air park as well as the fan favorite, Timberworks Lumberjack show. Other off-stage entertainment offerings include hot air balloon display, fireworks, petting zoo, bingo, axe throwing, street performers, and an interactive art space. The 15th anniversary event will kick off with the annual Pursuit of a Cure Glow Run and foam party, raising money to advance medical research and help offset medical costs for cancer patients.  

Ashley for the Arts was established in 2009 when Ron Wanek, Founder & Chairman, Ashley Furniture Industries, and Todd Wanek, President and & CEO, Ashley Furniture Industries were asked by community members to create a “social gathering” to bring awareness to the arts. The one-day concert featured John-McCutcheon, world-renowned folk singer, at Memorial Park in Arcadia, Wisconsin. Attendance was estimated at 300 people. Throughout the 15 years, Ashley for the Arts has grown into an annual music and arts festival attracting tens of thousands of fans throughout the three-day weekend and has donated over $3.5 million for more than 70 participating non-profit organizations, including local schools, children’s charities and medical research. 

During the pandemic, in lieu of hosting the festival, Ashley for the Arts created the Community Cares Grant to support area non-profits looking for assistance on projects focused on art, music and/or cultural activities. Since 2020, the Community Cares Grant has benefitted four community projects including city murals through the Independence School District; musical playground equipment through the Rainbow Community Club; River Prairie Festival through the Eau Claire Area Economic Development; and most recently, a band shelter through the Fountain City Business and Community Club.  

"As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of Ashley for the Arts, I am incredibly proud of the tremendous growth we have achieved over the years,” stated Cole Bawek, Event Director of Ashley for the Arts. “What started as a small community event has blossomed into a nationally recognized festival, bringing joy, inspiration, and cultural enrichment to thousands of people. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support and dedication of our incredible fans and community. Our commitment to supporting the arts remains steadfast, and I look forward to the future as we continue to make a positive impact in the communities we serve."  

3-Day general admission tickets for this year’s Ashley for the Arts are online starting at just $45 plus fees, with prices increasing on June 1st. New this year, children’s tickets are available for $25 (ages 2-10). For additional event details, download the Ashley for the Arts app or visit the website. 

About Ashley for the Arts

Ashley for the Arts is a nonprofit initiative that provides the entire family with world class entertainment, art, exercise and family fun for a remarkably low cost. The organization is one of Wisconsin’s largest charity events, donating over $3.5 Million since its inception to more than 70 non-profit organizations, including participating schools, children’s charities, and medical research. This music and arts festival was conceptualized and established by Ashley Furniture Industries in 2009 and takes place in Arcadia, Wisconsin’s Memorial Park.  

For more information on Ashley for the Arts, visit www.AshleyfortheArts.com.