Fox Cities Exhibition Center

Set at the crossroads of Appleton’s historic downtown and the creative pulse of the Fox River Valley, Fox Cities Exhibition Center is the kind of place where a robotics competition can share a weekend with roller derby, and a gospel breakfast might echo against glass walls as sunlight pours in. Inside, you’ll find cavernous halls that seem to inhale crowds—powerlifters’ friends, crafty artisans, business leaders—without ever feeling cramped. The center’s modern lines and bright lighting make it less cold convention behemoth, more a clean slate for almost any gathering. Standout details include spotless restrooms (a surprisingly rare luxury at venues this size), friendly staff who keep chaos at bay with practiced Midwestern warmth, and an audio system that allows you to catch every shout from the rink or stage—even when you slip away for a break. While parking in downtown Appleton can be a minor annoyance, the location draws energy from its proximity to College Avenue’s lively food scene and art spaces; step outside after an event and you’re swept into the rhythm of the city. The true soul of this place lives in its role as a connector: it’s where diverse communities converge. From Juneteenth celebrations to craft fairs and high school championships, there’s a sense that what happens here matters to the region’s identity. Locals come for annual rituals, while visitors glimpse Appleton in full color—welcoming, inventive, and deeply communal. The building itself has quickly become an anchor for cultural expression in the Fox Cities. If you want to feel what makes this part of Wisconsin tick, come when there’s something happening: that’s when the exhibition center comes alive.