Upcoming Events

Check out a list of our upcoming events below!

BFK Children’s Parade

Wednesday, July 23: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

You’re invited to participate in the 16th Annual BFK Children’s Parade, presented by ThedaCare! During the parade, kids and their grown-ups stroll through downtown Appleton in themed costumes and non-motorized floats.  

The parade kicks off in Houdini Plaza at 6pm. After the parade, join us in City Park for the after-party. Enjoy free activities, entertainment, food trucks, and an award ceremony!

Learn More and Register Here

BFK Children’s Parade

Walk-up Meal Workshop: Taco Night

Thursday, July 24: 4:00pm – 6:00pm

The Building for Kids and Sustainable Kitchens are hosting Taco Night on Thursday, July 24. Walk through a build-your-own taco and taco recipe workshop. Then, enjoy your tacos and play in the museum!  

In honor of Children’s Week, this event is free and open to all families. No pre-registration is required.

Learn More About Children’s Week

Walk-up Meal Workshop: Taco Night with Sustainable Kitchens

Building for Grown-Ups:
Lights, Camera, Hollywood

Saturday, August 9: 6:00pm – 9:00pm

You’ve made the Building for Grown-ups: Lights, Camera, Hollywood guest list! Dress up like a movie star or movie character, gather your fellow A-listers, and walk down the red carpet on Saturday, August 9 for an adult-only night full of Hollywood-themed activities, sponsored by TDS.

Compete in a hidden Oscars scavenger hunt, make VIP badges in The Studio, and challenge your cinephile status with movie trivia. Grab a bucket of popcorn and a drink from the cash bar, provided by Stone Arch, and enjoy a film in the Mielke Family Theater. Plus, capture a video of your entourage at the 360 Glam Cam and participate in a raffle for the opportunity to win exciting prizes!

If you pre-register, the cost is $20 per person. Cost at the door is $30 per person. This event is for ages 21+ and a physical ID will be required at check-in.

Register Here

Building for Grown-ups

Activities & 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, available programs, and activities in The Lab, The Studio, and Food to Grow! Click on an event or activity to find more information and applicable registration details.

Activities & Events in July 2025

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
June 30, 2025(2 events)

Times Vary
June 30, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
June 30, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!

July 1, 2025(3 events)

Times Vary
July 1, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 1, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!


July 1, 2025

Do you have an 18 - 36 month old? Join us at the BFK for Early Explorers on Tuesdays or Saturdays at 10am! During Early Explorers, a museum educator facilitates activities that are aimed to strengthen the relationship between children and grown-ups, develop motor skills, and connect socially. This program is free with the paid price of general admission.
July 2, 2025(2 events)

Times Vary
July 2, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 2, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!

July 3, 2025(3 events)

Times Vary
July 3, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 3, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!


July 3, 2025

Come play with other first-time parents and their new babies at the BFK! Welcome Baby Play Groups are informal opportunities to play and socialize with other new families in our Babies & Toddlers Around the World exhibit. These play groups occur every Thursday at 10am at the Building for Kids. This is a free opportunity for parents and their babies under 18 months.

Learn more and register here!

July 4, 2025(3 events)

Times Vary
July 4, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 4, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!


July 4, 2025

The Jr. Explorers Meet-Up Groups are designed for caregivers and kids who have participated in Building for Kids’ Junior Explorers Program or caregivers and their kids who are interested in learning more about the program. Come enjoy songs, stories, activities, and community! These meet-up groups occur every Friday at 10am and are free with the paid price of general admission or a BFK membership.

Learn more and register here!

July 5, 2025(3 events)

Times Vary
July 5, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 5, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!


July 5, 2025

Do you have an 18 - 36 month old? Join us at the BFK for Early Explorers on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10am! During Early Explorers, a museum educator facilitates activities that are aimed to strengthen the relationship between children and grown-ups, develop motor skills, and connect socially. This program is free with the paid price of general admission.
July 6, 2025(2 events)

Times Vary
July 6, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 6, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!

July 7, 2025(2 events)

Times Vary
July 7, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 7, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!

July 8, 2025(3 events)

Times Vary
July 8, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 8, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!


July 8, 2025

Do you have an 18 - 36 month old? Join us at the BFK for Early Explorers on Tuesdays or Saturdays at 10am! During Early Explorers, a museum educator facilitates activities that are aimed to strengthen the relationship between children and grown-ups, develop motor skills, and connect socially. This program is free with the paid price of general admission.
July 9, 2025(2 events)

Times Vary
July 9, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 9, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!

July 10, 2025(3 events)

Times Vary
July 10, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 10, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!


July 10, 2025

Come play with other first-time parents and their new babies at the BFK! Welcome Baby Play Groups are informal opportunities to play and socialize with other new families in our Babies & Toddlers Around the World exhibit. These play groups occur every Thursday at 10am at the Building for Kids. This is a free opportunity for parents and their babies under 18 months.

Learn more and register here!

July 11, 2025(3 events)

Times Vary
July 11, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 11, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!


July 11, 2025

The Jr. Explorers Meet-Up Groups are designed for caregivers and kids who have participated in Building for Kids’ Junior Explorers Program or caregivers and their kids who are interested in learning more about the program. Come enjoy songs, stories, activities, and community! These meet-up groups occur every Friday at 10am and are free with the paid price of general admission or a BFK membership.

Learn more and register here!

July 12, 2025(4 events)

Times Vary
July 12, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 12, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!


July 12, 2025

Are you a first-time parent? Or a soon-to-be first-time parent? Attend a Welcome Baby Connecting Event and receive a free BFK membership! Connecting Events occur the second Saturday of every month in-person at the Building for Kids. During these free events, an expert from one of our partner organizations will lead a conversation focused on babies and parenting.

Learn more and register here!


July 12, 2025

Do you have an 18 - 36 month old? Join us at the BFK for Early Explorers on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10am! During Early Explorers, a museum educator facilitates activities that are aimed to strengthen the relationship between children and grown-ups, develop motor skills, and connect socially. This program is free with the paid price of general admission.
July 13, 2025(2 events)

Times Vary
July 13, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 13, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!

July 14, 2025(2 events)

Times Vary
July 14, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 14, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!

July 15, 2025(3 events)

Times Vary
July 15, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 15, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!


July 15, 2025

Do you have an 18 - 36 month old? Join us at the BFK for Early Explorers on Tuesdays or Saturdays at 10am! During Early Explorers, a museum educator facilitates activities that are aimed to strengthen the relationship between children and grown-ups, develop motor skills, and connect socially. This program is free with the paid price of general admission.
July 16, 2025(2 events)

Times Vary
July 16, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 16, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!

July 17, 2025(3 events)

Times Vary
July 17, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 17, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!


July 17, 2025

Come play with other first-time parents and their new babies at the BFK! Welcome Baby Play Groups are informal opportunities to play and socialize with other new families in our Babies & Toddlers Around the World exhibit. These play groups occur every Thursday at 10am at the Building for Kids. This is a free opportunity for parents and their babies under 18 months.

Learn more and register here!

July 18, 2025(3 events)

Times Vary
July 18, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 18, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!


July 18, 2025

The Jr. Explorers Meet-Up Groups are designed for caregivers and kids who have participated in Building for Kids’ Junior Explorers Program or caregivers and their kids who are interested in learning more about the program. Come enjoy songs, stories, activities, and community! These meet-up groups occur every Friday at 10am and are free with the paid price of general admission or a BFK membership.

Learn more and register here!

July 19, 2025(3 events)

Times Vary
July 19, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 19, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!


July 19, 2025

Do you have an 18 - 36 month old? Join us at the BFK for Early Explorers on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10am! During Early Explorers, a museum educator facilitates activities that are aimed to strengthen the relationship between children and grown-ups, develop motor skills, and connect socially. This program is free with the paid price of general admission.
July 20, 2025(3 events)

Times Vary
July 20, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 20, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!


July 20, 2025

Sensory Superstars consists of a lower-sensory environment at the museum – lower lighting, no music, and certain exhibits will be turned off. This program may also include guests, resources, and sensory-friendly activities. Sensory Superstars occurs the third Sunday of every month from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and is free to families in the Autism community.

Learn more here!

July 21, 2025(2 events)

Times Vary
July 21, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 21, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!

July 22, 2025(3 events)

Times Vary
July 22, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 22, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!


July 22, 2025

Do you have an 18 - 36 month old? Join us at the BFK for Early Explorers on Tuesdays or Saturdays at 10am! During Early Explorers, a museum educator facilitates activities that are aimed to strengthen the relationship between children and grown-ups, develop motor skills, and connect socially. This program is free with the paid price of general admission.
July 23, 2025(3 events)

Times Vary
July 23, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 23, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!


July 23, 2025

You’re invited to be a part of the 16th annual BFK Children’s Parade, presented by ThedaCare!

During the parade, kids and their grown-ups stroll through downtown Appleton in themed costumes and non-motorized floats. Families are encouraged to brainstorm their theme together. Common themes include superheroes, sports teams, or repurposed Halloween costumes and often feature hand-made floats.

The parade kick-offs in Houdini Plaza at 6pm. After the parade, join us in City Park for the after-party. Enjoy free activities, entertainment, food trucks, and an award ceremony! We’d love to see you at this summer tradition to celebrate the kids in our community!

Sign your family up or form a group from your school, daycare, work, business, or any other organization.

This is a free event, but registration is required.

Individuals and families: Register Here
Large groups: Register Here

July 24, 2025(4 events)

Times Vary
July 24, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 24, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!


July 24, 2025

Come play with other first-time parents and their new babies at the BFK! Welcome Baby Play Groups are informal opportunities to play and socialize with other new families in our Babies & Toddlers Around the World exhibit. These play groups occur every Thursday at 10am at the Building for Kids. This is a free opportunity for parents and their babies under 18 months.

Learn more and register here!


July 24, 2025

The Building for Kids and Sustainable Kitchens are hosting Taco Night on Thursday, July 24. Walk through a build-your-own taco and taco recipe workshop. Then, enjoy your tacos and play in the museum!

Learn More About Children's Week

July 25, 2025(3 events)

Times Vary
July 25, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 25, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!


July 25, 2025

The Jr. Explorers Meet-Up Groups are designed for caregivers and kids who have participated in Building for Kids’ Junior Explorers Program or caregivers and their kids who are interested in learning more about the program. Come enjoy songs, stories, activities, and community! These meet-up groups occur every Friday at 10am and are free with the paid price of general admission or a BFK membership.

Learn more and register here!

July 26, 2025(3 events)

Times Vary
July 26, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 26, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!


July 26, 2025

Do you have an 18 - 36 month old? Join us at the BFK for Early Explorers on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10am! During Early Explorers, a museum educator facilitates activities that are aimed to strengthen the relationship between children and grown-ups, develop motor skills, and connect socially. This program is free with the paid price of general admission.
July 27, 2025(2 events)

Times Vary
July 27, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 27, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!

July 28, 2025(2 events)

Times Vary
July 28, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 28, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!

July 29, 2025(3 events)

Times Vary
July 29, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 29, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!


July 29, 2025

Do you have an 18 - 36 month old? Join us at the BFK for Early Explorers on Tuesdays or Saturdays at 10am! During Early Explorers, a museum educator facilitates activities that are aimed to strengthen the relationship between children and grown-ups, develop motor skills, and connect socially. This program is free with the paid price of general admission.
July 30, 2025(2 events)

Times Vary
July 30, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 30, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!

July 31, 2025(3 events)

Times Vary
July 31, 2025

This week in Food to Grow, explore food through delicious ingredients!

Times Vary
July 31, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!


July 31, 2025

Come play with other first-time parents and their new babies at the BFK! Welcome Baby Play Groups are informal opportunities to play and socialize with other new families in our Babies & Toddlers Around the World exhibit. These play groups occur every Thursday at 10am at the Building for Kids. This is a free opportunity for parents and their babies under 18 months.

Learn more and register here!

August 1, 2025(2 events)

Times Vary
August 1, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!


August 1, 2025

The Jr. Explorers Meet-Up Groups are designed for caregivers and kids who have participated in Building for Kids’ Junior Explorers Program or caregivers and their kids who are interested in learning more about the program. Come enjoy songs, stories, activities, and community! These meet-up groups occur every Friday at 10am and are free with the paid price of general admission or a BFK membership.

Learn more and register here!

August 2, 2025(2 events)

Times Vary
August 2, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!


August 2, 2025

Do you have an 18 - 36 month old? Join us at the BFK for Early Explorers on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10am! During Early Explorers, a museum educator facilitates activities that are aimed to strengthen the relationship between children and grown-ups, develop motor skills, and connect socially. This program is free with the paid price of general admission.
August 3, 2025(2 events)

Times Vary
August 3, 2025

This week in The Lab, learn about food spoilage, including the different things you can do to create less food waste and various techniques to prevent your favorite foods from spoiling!


August 3, 2025

More details to come!

Sponsors: J.J.Keller, Morgridge Family Foundation, Gulfstream

 

 

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