Upcoming Events

Check out a list of our upcoming events below!

Appleton Area School District: Community School Night

Thursday, November 5: 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Join us for a free night at the Building for Kids on Thursday, November 5 from 5 – 7pm! Enjoy activities, dinner, and two floors of hands-on exhibits!

Registration is encouraged.

Register Here

Art Heist: Building for Grown-Ups

Friday, November 6: 6:00pm – 10:00pm

A long-lost masterpiece is finally ready to make its grand debut, and you’re invited to witness the unveiling! But before it can be revealed to the public, the painting vanishes without a trace, leaving behind only a cryptic message from the thief. Can you help solve the mystery?
Join us on November 6 from 6 – 10pm for our next Building for Grown-ups event, sponsored by Amano Print House. During this adult-only night, the museum will transform into the scene of an art heist, and it’s up to you to complete challenges, follow clues, and work together to uncover the truth behind the missing masterpiece.
As you work to solve the mystery, enjoy a catered dinner and cash bar. At 9pm, the thief will be revealed! Then, you are invited to stay for the after party until 10pm, where you can celebrate with drinks, dancing, and plenty of time to explore the museum with your fellow detectives.
This event costs $40 per person and pre-registration is required. Sign up with a group of 6 or more people for 25% off all of your tickets. Building for Grown-ups is for ages 21+ and an ID will be required at check-in.

Register Here

Art Heist

Clifford Character Playdate

Friday, November 13: 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Get red-y for a BIG adventure with Clifford the Big Red Dog! Join us on Friday, November 13, from 5 – 7pm for pizza, storytimes, Clifford-themed activities, after-hours playtime in the museum, and plenty of opportunities to meet the famous, friendly dog. This event costs $5 for members and $15 for non-members.

We also have a sensory friendly option on Wednesday, November 11 from 5 – 7pm. The sensory friendly event is free for families in the autism community.

Register Here

Clifford

Grand Night Out at BFK

Thursday, November 19: 5:00pm – 7:00pm

Join us on Thursday, November 19 from 5 – 7pm for an evening of free admission at the BFK! Presented in collaboration with AARP Wisconsin and community partners, this event celebrates the important role adults and grandparents play in children’s lives. Enjoy interactive activities, connect with local organizations dedicated to family health, and spend quality time with the people you care about.

Thanks to support from AARP Wisconsin, admission and refreshments are free for all attendees. 

Register Here

Pizza with the Grinch

Friday, December 4 & Friday, December 11: 5:00pm – 7:00pm

News from Who-ville… the Grinch is on his way to the BFK! Put on your holiday or Grinch-inspired outfits and join us on Friday, December 4 or December 11 from 5 – 7pm for pizza, Grinch-themed activities, storytimes, after-hours playtime, and plenty of opportunities to meet the Grinch. This event costs $5 for members and $15 for non-members.

We also have a sensory friendly option on Wednesday, December 9 from 5 – 7pm. The sensory friendly event is free for families in the autism community.

Register Here

Winter Break at the BFK

December 23 – December 30: 9:00am – 4:00pm

Make the BFK part of you winter break plans! We’ll be celebrating all week long with a different theme and special activities each day.

  • Wednesday, December 23: Outer Space
  • Thursday, December 24: Winter Wonderland
  • Saturday, December 26: All Things Clay
  • Sunday, December 27: Dino Day
  • Monday, December 28: Jr. Chef
  • Tuesday, December 29: STEM Olympics
  • Wednesday, December 30: Summer in December 

Purchase Advanced General Admission Tickets Here

 

BFK New Year

Thursday, December 31: 9:00am – 4:00pm

Welcome 2027 at the BFK! On Thursday, December 31 from 9am – 4pm, we’re hosting our annual BFK New Year event, complete with themed activities all day long. Create your own musical instruments and noisemakers in The Studio, join lively parades throughout the museum, and get ready for confetti-filled countdowns and ball drops!

This event is free with the paid price of general admission or a BFK membership. No pre-registration is required.

Purchase Advanced General Admission Tickets Here

 

BFK New Year

Events Calendar

For a more comprehensive list of what’s going on daily at the BFK, check out the below calendar! Here, you can find details about all of our upcoming events and available programs. Click on an event or activity to find more information and applicable registration details.

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