Past Events
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Free Admission
1 – 3 pm activities, 3 pm film
Come out for a fun-filled Halloween afternoon at the Lakeside Center! Activities include trick-or-treat bag decorating, face painting, spooky karaoke, snacks and concessions, and more before settling in for a screening of the holiday classic The Nightmare Before Christmas. Don’t miss the Candy Crawl! Children and families can trick-or-treat at themed stations located throughout the Lakeside Center while collecting sweet treats and celebrating the Halloween season. Costumes are not required, but encouraged!
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra - Ensemble Performance
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra returns to Rhinelander for the first time since 2017! Join us as we host members of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra for a chamber ensemble performance at Nicolet College.
Following a separate performance at Rhinelander High School on September 29, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra will present an additional event at Nicolet College on September 30. Approximately three chamber ensembles, each made up of 3–5 musicians, will perform in the Nicolet College Theatre.
The planning committee for the project to bring the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra back to Rhinelander includes representatives from ArtStart, Nicolet College, the Nicolet College Foundation, the School District of Rhinelander, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and interested community members. Together, these partners are working collaboratively to support a meaningful cultural and educational experience for the Rhinelander community, strengthening local access to world-class orchestral music and fostering community engagement through the arts.
Fall Patio Show Featuring Charlie Parr
Patio, bar, and grill open at 6 pm. Show starts at 6:30.
Join us as we transform the college’s Lakeside Center Patio into a waterfront concert venue. As the summer winds down and the sun sets over Lake Julia, one of America’s most compelling folk artists will share his craft in an evening of music that will linger long after the final note.
Charlie Parr is a troubadour in the truest sense whose raw, soulful sound and deeply rooted storytelling have earned him national recognition. Often described as a humble master of the 21st-century folk tradition, Parr has been recording in Duluth, Minnesota, since 2002, and the spirit of the Lake Superior port town—along with memories of his childhood in Austin, Minnesota—runs deeply through his music. Drawing inspiration from traditional blues and folk legends such as Lead Belly and Woody Guthrie, Parr crafts songs shaped by the people, places, and experiences he encounters on the road. His distinctive blend of lyrical poetry, masterful musicianship, and authentic performance style creates a powerful connection with audiences, making each show both intimate and unforgettable.
In partnership with WXPR.
Ed the Diver - Diving for Treasures
Join us as we hear interesting stories from Ed Bieber, aka “Ed the Diver”, and “Mermaid” Christie Barlament. Hear the stories about the many lakes and rivers they have explored, helped clean up, and the treasures they have uncovered. One of their diving experiences brought them to Rhinelander with a dive in the Wisconsin River. Find out what treasures are found in our own backyard.
Concert: Electronic Dance Music Experience
In Partnership with The Hilgermann Center and Bassline North
Get ready for a high‑voltage night of sound, movement, and community. Come out for an electrifying EDM (Electronic Dance Music) Night in the Hilgermann Center’s community room—an immersive experience where you can dance the night away in a fun, safe environment. Expect high-energy tracks, vibrant visuals, and a welcoming atmosphere designed for music lovers of all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned EDM fan or just curious to experience the scene, this is your chance to step into something bold and unforgettable—right here in the Northwoods.
Please note: Strobe lights and lasers will be in use during the show.
Missoula Children's Theatre Residency: Cinderella
Free Admission
Experience the magic of live theatre as local youth bring Cinderella to life! After a week-long residency with Missoula Children’s Theatre, local youth take the stage in a heartwarming musical for family, friends, and the community. This family-friendly show is the exciting finale of a summer theatre camp presented by Oneida County 4-H in partnership with Missoula Children’s Theatre and UW Extension, with support from the Rhinelander Community Foundation and Nicolet College. Join us for an unforgettable afternoon celebrating the arts and the incredible talent of our local youth! To enroll students entering grades 1-12, visit oneida.extension.wisc.edu. Enroll by June 22. Call 715.365.2750 with questions.
Author: Nick Petrie
Free Admission
In partnership with the Rhinelander District Library
We welcome Milwaukee-area author Nick Petrie to our stage to promote his ninth novel in the pulse-pounding Peter Ash series, The Dark Time. Ash rides to the aid of an investigative reporter who may have stumbled on a story more explosive than even he can handle in this propulsive new entry in Petrie’s award-winning series.
Per the New York Times Book Review: “Petrie has a talent for ratcheting up the suspense.” Nick Petrie is author of the Peter Ash series, which includes titles such as The Price You Pay, The Runaway, and The Breaker. His debut, The Drifter, won the ITW Thriller award and the Barry Award for Best First Novel, and was a finalist for the Edgar and the Hammett Awards.
The Prince and the Peach
Free Admission
Brats, burgers, walking tacos, and bar service for purchase from 6-8 pm
Rain or shine! We’ll move into the theatre if necessary.
Once again, we transform the college’s Lakeside Center Patio into a waterfront concert venue. Enjoy a pop-up restaurant with bar service for a summer kick-off filled with live music, delicious food and tasty beverages. From the balcony to the lake, we’ll be having a good time!
An Indie/Americana band from Sugar Camp, Wisconsin, The Prince and The Peach, delivers heartfelt original music with energy and charm. Founded by Robert Mesun and Suzanne Johnson—longtime collaborators since 1996—the band blends rich harmonies, playful banter, and dynamic instrumentation for an unforgettable live experience. With a sound that moves seamlessly from intimate acoustic sets to full-band festival performances, The Prince and The Peach brings authenticity, humor, and connection to every stage. theprinceandthepeach.com
Lakes, Lyrics, and Life Earth Day Performance
Free Admission
Join us in the theatre adjacent the Earth Day Fair for a captivating performance featuring Jim Arnold, former Artist-in-Residence at UW Trout Lake LimnologyCenter, and Amanda Anderson, a soulful indie-folk/pop pianist and singer-songwriter whose heartfelt originals and creative covers are inspired by the Northwoods.
Through stunning photography of Northern lakes—above and below the surface—paired with inspiring quotes, poetry, and Jim’s personal stories, you’ll discover the beauty and fragility of these waters like never before. Adding a touch of magic, Amanda will weave in an original score on keyboards,and more, bringing powerful vocals and wonder to the stage. This immersive show promises to shift perspectives and spark a deeper appreciation for our lakes and our planet. Expect music, props, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
The Nicolet Players Present: Fahrenheit 451, April 16 - 19
Lakeside Lounge Bar service offering beverages and small bites opens at 6 pm (1 pm for matinee)
Thursday, April 16 | 7:30 pm
Friday, April 17 | 7:30 pm
Saturday, April 18 | 2 pm (Matinee)
Saturday, April 18 | 7:30 pm
Add a pre-show dinner to your ticket for just $24 for the evening performance only.
Sunday, April 19 | 2 pm (Matinee)
Step into a world where stories are forbidden—but the human spirit refuses to be silenced. This powerful stage adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s classic novel invites audiences to rediscover the warmth of imagination and the courage it takes to think freely. In a future where firemen burn books to keep society “safe,” one man dares to seek meaning beyond the flames. Through gripping drama and evocative staging, this production celebrates the enduring power of words to connect us, inspire hope, and spark change. Join us for an unforgettable experience that reminds us why stories matter—and why they will always light the way forward.