Ashley for the Arts is a non-profit initiative that provides the entire family with world class entertainment, art, exercise and family fun for a remarkably low cost. It is also one of Wisconsin’s largest charity events, raising $590,000 in 2019 for over 60 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, Inc. (Ashley) in 2009.

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“The Arts have the power to enhance society with extraordinary grace and incalculable value.”

– Todd R. Wanek

Our Flagship Event

The beautiful 54-acre Memorial Park in Arcadia, Wisconsin serves as the backdrop for the initiative’s flagship event. The park features Soldier’s Walk, widely recognized as one of the country’s premier war memorials. Two miles of walkways link different areas of the park, subtly directing pedestrian traffic by art & craft vendors, three stages, a car show, a hot air balloon launch, air park, interactive art station, kid’s kingdom playground, food and beverage booths, and much more.

Featured pieces of local art and history decorate the walkways, showcasing some of the region’s most talented artists and heroic contributors. The event boasts three separate stages. The main stage opens up to a large green space to accommodate spectators for headlining performances (lawn chairs welcome). The fabulous Millennium Amphitheater showcases area school districts on the park’s preeminent stage. The Pavilion stage provides a more intimate setting indoors located centrally on the event grounds. Saturday’s schedule includes an unforgettable fireworks show.

Running enthusiasts and casual participants, alike, are encouraged to partake in the Pursuit of a Cure 5K Run/Walk event. The hearts and minds of tomorrow’s leaders are sure to be captivated and inspired by interactive, kid-friendly activities, playgrounds, and a youth obstacle course event.

Supported Schools and Organizations

Specifically, the event helps raise awareness and funds in support of the following non-profit organizations:

  • Alma Schools

  • Alma Center-Humbird-Merrillan Schools

  • American Cancer Society

  • Aquinas Catholic School

  • Arcadia Ambulance

  • Arcadia Arts Initiative

  • Arcadia Lioness

  • Arcadia Lions Club

  • Arcadia Schools

  • Ashley’s Angels

  • Avalanche Hockey

  • Black River Falls Schools

  • Blair-Taylor Schools

  • Blue Angels Gymnastics

  • Cochrane-Fountain City Schools

  • Cotter Schools

  • Eleva-Strum Schools

  • Frenchville Cloverleaves 4H

  • Galesville-Ettrick-Trempealeau Schools

  • Holmen Schools

  • Holy Family Catholic School

  • Hope Lutheran School

  • Independence Schools

  • La Crescent Schools

  • La Leche League of La Crosse

  • Logan High School

  • Luther High School

  • Melrose-Mindoro Schools

  • Melrose-Mindoro/GET Wrestling

  • Merrick Park

  • Montana Ridge Pioneers 4H

  • Onalaska Schools

  • Osseo-Fairchild Schools

  • Owen-Withee-Curtiss Fire Explorer Post 521

  • Rita Tranberg Memorial

  • Saint Boniface Catholic School

  • Saint Matthew’s Lutheran School

  • Saints Peter & Paul Catholic School

  • Team Vogel vs. Cancer

  • Trempealeau County Fair

  • Trempealeau County Humane Society

  • Trempealeau County Robotics

  • Troop 43

  • United for a Dream

  • Waumandee Lions Club

  • West Salem Schools

  • Whitehall Schools

  • Winona Schools

  • Winona State University

  • WWBC