Fox Cities Original Experiences
A destination for things you've never seen, places you've never been, and people you need to meet.
Countdown to the 2025 Draft
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2025 Draft in Green Bay
Make the Fox Cities your home for the 2025 Draft in Green Bay - just 30 miles south of the legendary Lambeau Field.
April 24-26, 2025
The 2025 Draft in Green Bay is making its way to one of the league's most historic and storied cities. In the home of the Packers, cheeseheads and football fans from across the country will be the first to witness the next generation of the league's greatness taking the stage. Planning to attend this once-in-a-lifetime event? Use the rest of this page as your go-to-guide for booking a stay in the neighboring Fox Cities, just a short drive from all the action.
Local businesses: are you running a special or deal during the Draft? Are you hosting a Draft-themed event? Submit your deal or event here and we will include it on this page.
Getting to the Fox Cities
Located a quick 30 miles south of Green Bay, the Fox Cities are easily accessible no matter how you plan to travel. By car, we're located about 1.5 hours from Madison and Milwaukee, 3 hours from Chicago, and 4.5 hours from the Twin Cities.
Appleton Airport (ATW) is your fastest and smartest choice for draft day travel. We make your journey seamless with 17 nonstop flights, easy bus shuttles, convenient rental cars, and plenty of nearby hotels. As the fastest way to the draft and just 30 minutes from the heart of the action, there's no better way to kick off your draft day adventure. Fly into Appleton and make arriving at the 2025 draft in Green Bay a breeze!
Browse our Plan Your Visit page for all the resources on how to reach the Fox Cities.
Fly & Stay Draft Giveaway
Congratulations to our winner, Renee from Washington!
Click here for the details!
Accommodations
Shuttle Bus Transportation
Buzz's Bar & Grill (Freedom)
Buzz's Bar & Grill (Freedom) in collaboration with JT's Charter Bus
April 24, 25 & 26Round trip is $50/person
For details please click here.
Rally (two Appleton area locations)
April 24, 25 & 26
Roundtrip is $80/person
Departing from the Holiday Inn, Appleton and Ballard Road Park & Ride, Appleton
For details please click here.
The StoneYard (Appleton & Greenville)
The StoneYard (Appleton and Greenville) in collaboration with Double J’s Shuttle Service
April 24, 25 & 26
Round Trip is $60/person
Epic Tailgating Party $110
*Epic Tailgating includes Burger, Brats, Brisket, Salads, Appetizers, Desserts, Beer, and Cocktails (Please bring your own chair)
Reserve your spot by calling 920-470-9495
Shuttle Departs StoneYard-Greenville at 1pm and StoneYard-Appleton at 1:30pm
Shuttle Returns Burkel’s-Green Bay 11pm
The Bar on the Ave (Appleton)
April 24, 25 & 26
Roundtrip is $55/person; includes entry into The Bar on Holmgren Way (Green Bay)
For details click here.
Tanners Grill and Bar (Kimberly)
Draft-Themed Events
From Draft talk with Podcast hosts to specialty themed light projections, there's something for every football loving fan!
Draft & Craft Night at Timber Rattlers Game
Thursday, April 17th
Live Q&A Session and Meet & Greet with Pack-A-Day Podcast Host Andy Herman and Cheesehead TV Host Aaron Nagler!
$3 craft beers ALL GAME LONG!
Gates open at 5PM with Q&A at 5:15PM. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40PM.
Light Projection Show
Saturday, April 26 from dusk until 10pm
Don't miss the football-theme light projection show on the outside wall of Greene's Pour House in downtown Neenah. It's worth the short drive!
Classic Wisconsin Foods Experience
We've done the planning for you!
We have chosen our first-round picks for classic Wisconsin food you must try during your visit.
You´ll enjoy lunch, treats, truly Wisconsin bites, and dinner with spirits. You can make a full day of it, or visit locations as it fits your schedule. You decide if you want a surprise adventure, or if you want the anticipation of trying these Wisconsin Classics.
All addresses, hours and days of operation will be provided. Be sure to allow for time to explore all they have to offer.
Tickets must be used between April 21-27, 2025. Tickets purchases begin 4/1/27.
Click here to purchase.
A Mini Mile of Music
Are you in town early and looking for something to do? We are excited to announce that Appleton Downtown Inc. is partnering with Mile of Music to bring you "Song Walk."
10 venues in the downtown Appleton area will feature live, original music on Wednesday, April 23, from 7pm to 10pm. We invite you to join the fun and discover why the Fox Cities is a fantastic destination for live music.
More details coming soon!
To learn about the annual Mile of Music Festival, please click here.
The Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce a food drive to support local families facing food insecurity. We invite everyone to join us in this effort to combat hunger, with the event running from April 1 to April 30.
The food drive will collect non-perishable items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, and other staples. Donations will benefit St. Joseph Food program, which supports nearly 3,000 families.
As an incentive, the FCCVB will have a fun Draft-related photo opportunity for those who drop off a donation. A cardboard cutout of the “Commissioner” will be on hand for selfies. In addition, each donation will be tallied based on the contributor's favorite football team. The results of the competition will be shared at the end of April.
Participants can drop off their donations at the Fox Cities CVB, 213 S Nicolet Rd, Appleton, weekdays from 8 am - 4:30 pm.
Draft Shopping
Check out these local establishments for deals and promotions you won't want to miss!
Store-wide Sale
20% off of everything in-store and online including jewelry, stones, incense, statues, and books. 30% off dreamcatchers, belly dancing scarves, and sterling band rings throughout the entire week.
Stoneware
Commemorative special edition Draft mugs available for purchase.
Sale
All football-related items are 10% off.
Float Special
60-minute Floats for $60 from April 24 - April 26.
Draft Food & Drink Specials
Here's your go-to list for drink specials and late-night bites.
Draft Watch Party
April 24th starting at 5pm
DJ from 5-8
Big Money TikTok Challenge, Jersey Giveaways, Drink Ticket Merchandise Raffle, Gift Certificate Giveaway, Draft Pick-em Challenge for Prizes!Great Draft Specials:
Food and Drink Specials
$5 select cocktail mixers
$10 domestic buckets
$10 pitchers of Miller Lite or Busch Light
Wings 75 Cents each
Burger Sliders $2 each
Special Brunch Hours
Before you head out to the Draft, make sure to stop by Vince Lombardi's Steakhouse for a special brunch! We're serving up delicious dishes from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM on April 24th-26th. Whether you're gearing up for the Draft or just exploring Appleton, Lombardi's is the place to visit – it’s not just a steakhouse, it’s an NFL museum! Join us for a meal and soak in the history. We can’t wait to welcome you!
Drink Specials
$22 Budweiser family buckets (5 bottles)
2 for $10 Nutrl seltzers
$15 Bud Light or Busch Light pitchers
Smirnoff/Captain/Crown doubles $7
Specials/Novelties
Nightly features in addition to the regular menu.
Make sure to try Green Bay Draft 2025 "On the Clock" IPA.
Drink Specials
$15 buckets of domestics (5 bottles)
$10 Nutrl seltzers (2)
Enjoy 11 TV's to watch the Draft!
Drink Specials
Late night happy hour
$2 off handcrafted beers and all drinks from 8pm - midnight
Drink Specials
$4 Long Island Ice Teas
$5 Cherry Bombs
Drink Specials
Half-priced appetizers 10pm - 1am
Grill open until midnight, fryers until 1am
Drink Specials
$4 - 22oz Bud Light Pints
Brand new TVs: 84"; two - 75"; eight - 65"
Food and Drink Specials
Bud Lights Pints $4.75
Hoop Tea Pints $4.50
Nutrl seltzers 2/$12
Special event food menu and "fast kitchen" menu available 8pm - 1am with little to no wait time for select items.
All specials running Wednesday - Sunday
Drink Specials
Bud Light Pints $4.75
Curated custom craft cocktail menu
Available Wednesday - Sunday
Drink Specials
Bud Light Pints $4.75
Available Wednesday - Sunday
Draft Party April 23-26
Wednesday: Pre-Draft party featuring live music by Shake of the Day at 6pm
Thursday: Round 1 of Draft at 7pm
- Tickets and prizes after each first-round pick
- Best dressed NFL fan will win a gift card to Greene's for $50
Friday: Round 2 of Draft at 6pm
Themed food and drink specials featuring whoever is Packers first pick on Thursday
Saturday: Round 3 of Draft at 11am
- Mimosa and Bloody Bar during the day
- Last Light Neenah Downtown event featuring legendary NFL game playing on the side of the building on Church Street
Fresh Cheese Curds
Offering fresh cheese curds available daily from April 21-26 (while supplies last). Enjoy special samplings and shop for Wisconsin-themed mementos!
Explore While You're Here
Have a little free time between Draft day activities? Check out the resources below for everything there is to see and do throughout the Fox Cities region. From world-class museums to 100+ miles of trails, there's an original experience waiting for you in any way you choose to play.
Things to Do
Build itineraries and memories to last a lifetime when you visit the Fox Cities.
Food & Drink
Fuel your time in the Fox Cities with delicious food and drink packed with original flavor.
Events
Our events calendar is packed with exciting festivals, museum exhibits, and so much more.
Blog
From hot spots to tips and tricks, visit like a local with the help of our blogs, roundups, and stories.
Destination Guide
View our digital guide or request a physical copy! Follow us on social media for features on restaurants, attractions, retailers and upcoming events.
