If classic cars, cruise night energy, and block party vibes are your thing, Friday in Downtown Appleton was one for the books. The annual License to Cruise event roared into town to kick off Oktoberfest weekend, transforming College Avenue into a chrome-packed festival that only Appleton can deliver.
Picture this: over 400 vintage beauties lined up on the avenue—muscle cars, hot rods, movie replicas. Local car fans swapped stories while crowds soaked up the colors and curves, every block a feast for anyone who’s ever dreamed of a DeLorean or had a weak spot for Detroit steel. The indoor show at the Fox Cities Exhibition Center served up rare, low-production models that had car buffs geeking out like it was Christmas.
But it wasn’t just about the wheels. Oktoberfest spirit poured out (literally!) at Houdini Plaza, where for the first time ever, there was a full outdoor bar slinging Garage Beer—a favorite of NFL brothers Travis and Jason Kelce—and local ciders, all cashless for 2025. Street food vendors brought their savory A-game as the sun went down, perfect for fueling up before the night’s main event: live music.
That’s where Boogie & the YoYoz crashed onto the scene. If you’ve ever seen this band, you know they don’t just play gigs—they throw a party. From 6 to 9 PM, they rocked Houdini Plaza, pouring out hit after hit in a performance as tight as a freshly tuned V8. Their set-list spanned classic rock, pop bangers, dance floor anthems, and goofy stage antics that had everyone from car-show diehards to Oktoberfest first-timers smiling and grooving.
License to Cruise has always felt like the ultimate Fox Valley street “pre-party”—a taste of what makes Appleton nightlife and community so vibrant. But this year’s edition, with the new features, rare cars, and party atmosphere, was one for the photo albums. Whether you were there for the tailfins or beer taps, everyone got their own slice of a perfect Wisconsin night out.
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