55th Anniversary Celebration

Apollo 11 Mission to the Moon

 July 16-21

TUESDAY,  JULY 16, 2024

Downtown Wapakoneta

5pm – 10pm

Wapakoneta by Moonlight

Join us for an evening of dining, shopping, tours, and entertainment in our historic downtown!  Check out the Facebook Event to see the list of shops open late and local musicians playing on the street!  The event will begin with a Utility Box Wrap Reveal on Willipie Street at 5pm.
This event is the official start of the 2023 Summer Moon Festival with six days of activities scheduled downtown, at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum and at the Performing Arts Center.

Armstrong Air & Space Museum

10am – 5pm

Costumed astronaut photo opportunities throughout the day.
Hours and more at www.armstrongmuseum.org.

12pm – 12:30pm

Gemini VIII Capsule Chat
A member of the museum staff will be giving a 30 minute in-depth talk at the Gemini VIII capsule, discussing the exciting details of Neil Armstrong's first space mission.
Hours and more at www.armstrongmuseum.org.

Wapakoneta Pickleball Courts

8am

Wapakoneta Family YMCA PickleBall Tournament
Join us for another PickleBall Tournament during the Summer Moon Festival!  The Wapakoneta YMCA is hosting a non-sanctioned round robin tournament for all ages!  Register online here!

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2024

Wapakoneta Middle School PickleBall Courts

8am

Wapakoneta Family YMCA PickleBall Tournament
JoinRegister online here! us for another PickleBall Tournament during the Summer Moon Festival!  The Wapakoneta YMCA is hosting a non-sanctioned round robin tournament for all ages!

Wapakoneta High School Performing Art Center

6:30pm

Miss Summer Moon Pageant
Join us for the 2024 Miss Summer Moon Scholarship Pageant sponsored by Auglaize and Sidney Audiology! This year's event will take place at the Wapakoneta City Schools Performing Arts Center on July 17 at 6:30pm. Doors will open at 6! Admission is $10 at the door!  Learn more here.

Armstrong Air & Space Museum

10am-5pm

Costumed Astronaut Photo-op
As you explore the museum and events on the grounds look out for astronauts!  They'll be photo opportunities throughout the day so keep your camera ready!  Plan your visit at www.armstrongmuseum.org.

12pm-12:30pm

Public Outdoor Tour
A member of the museum staff will be giving a 30 minute outdoor tour of the museum grounds, weather permitting.
Hours and more at www.armstrongmuseum.org.

THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2024

Downtown Wapakoneta

4pm

Festival Opening Ceremony and Beer Tapping
The keg will be officially tapped and the fun will begin Downtown!

4pm - 9pm

Family Zone in Heritage Park
Join us on the riverfront in Heritage Park for Carnival games and prizes for the whole family! We have doubled the size adding a zipline, large slide, bounce houses, a photo booth and more. We also have sugar waffles, cotton candy and slushies!

7pm

Bed Races
Come watch this hilarious and very wild race down Perry Street involving beds, an obstacle course, water and mayhem.  Fastest Teams win the glory and the honor of a donation to the charity of their choice.  Email the Bed Races Registration to chamber@wapakoneta.com to get registered.

8pm - 11pm

Stage - Saw Crush

A combination of Saw Creek and Nashville Crush playing all your country favorites

9pm

Beer Stein Holding Contest  MASSKRUGSTEMMEN!!!
Come to the main stage to watch this crazy fun endurance challenge as contestants attempt to hold a full stein of beer the longest.
Want to enter? Register at the Beer Tent with your name and $20 and make your way to the front of the stage before the start time. All participants get to keep their Stein!!!
Must be 21 to enter!

Armstrong Air & Space Museum

10am - 5pm

Costumed Astronaut Photo-op
As you explore the museum and events on the grounds look out for astronauts!  They'll be photo opportunities throughout the day so keep your camera ready!  Plan your visit at www.armstrongmuseum.org.

12-12:30pm

Gemini VIII Capsule Chat
A member of the museum staff will be giving a 30 minute in-depth talk at the Gemini VIII capsule, discussing the exciting details of Neil Armstrong's first space mission.
Hours and more at www.armstrongmuseum.org.

FRIDAY, JULY 19, 2024

Downtown Wapakoneta

3pm - 9pm

Annual Car Show
Enjoy a stroll through an amazing collection of classic cars while taking in all the great activities happening downtown.  Registration 3-6:30pm so get your ride ready.  Contact Gary McElroy at 419-235-4596.

4pm

Festival Opens
Kegs have been tapped and food trucks are all back open for Friday night fun.

4pm - 9pm

Family Zone in Heritage Park
Join us behind town on Heritage Drive for carnival games and prizes for the whole family!  We have a zipline, bounce houses, a large slide, a photo booth and more!

4pm - 9pm

6th Annual Moon Market
An annual vendor market in downtown Wapakoneta featuring 60 curated vendors of clothing, jewelry, handmade soaps, candles and more. Follow them on Facebook to learn more about this year's vendors from Ohio and beyond!

4:30pm

Stage - Fairly Local
Fairly Local is a cover band based out of Wapakoneta, OH. Covering a variety of Rock music.

5pm

Ohio Astronauts: Documentary Premiere
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the historic Wapa Theatre, celebrating film, history, and community spirit. Hosted by the Ohio Astronauts non-profit organization, this special event will showcase two remarkable documentaries, learn more here.

6:30pm

Corn Hole Tournament
Bring your partner to play in our annual 20+ team tournament!  Double Elimination tournament with a beer bar close at hand.  Pre-registration available until 3pm on Thursday, July 20th for $20. On-site registration available until 5:30. On site registration is $30 per team. Teams must be on-site and checked in by 6:20. Teams are welcome to bring their own bags. Register completing this form.  Bags fly at 6:30pm.

9pm

Stage - Naked Karate Girls

Back again for SMF and ready to party!

10pm

Beer Stein Holding Contest  MASSKRUGSTEMMEN!!!
Come to the main stage to watch this crazy fun endurance challenge as contestants attempt to hold a full stein of beer the longest.
Want to enter? Register at the Beer Tent with your name and $20 and make your way to the front of the stage before the start time. All participants get to keep their Stein!!! Must be 21!

Armstrong Air & Space Museum

10am - 5pm

Costumed Astronaut Photo-op
As you explore the museum and events on the grounds look out for astronauts!  They'll be photo opportunities throughout the day so keep your camera ready!  Plan your visit at www.armstrongmuseum.org.

12-12:30pm

Outdoor Exhibit Tour
Take a walk through our outdoor exhibit area.  Learn more about the details of the  record breaking LearJet and more (weather permitting).
Check out more details about the Museum's scheduled events here.

SATURDAY, JULY 20, 2024

Downtown Wapakoneta

8am

Fishing Derby
Enjoy a morning along the Auglaize River in the new Heritage Park.  All ages welcome, ages 12 and under please have an adult present, don't forget your Fishing Derby Registration and a pole.

8:30am-12:30pm

Wapak Farmers' Market
Open every Saturday in the Auglaize County Courthouse parking lot you'll find vendors selling produce, baked goods, honey and more.

9am-3pm

RC Fun Run
Kids and adults alike love driving RC cars on the Dad's Toy Shop course. Bring your own cars or try out the DTS fleet. Learn how to do cool stunts. It's a great time for spectators too!  Check out the event on Facebook for more details.

11am

Festival Opens
Kegs have been tapped and food trucks are all back open for a full day of fun.

11am - 6pm

Antique Tractor Show
The Buckeye Antique Tractor Club is back at Moonfest to showcase their amazing tractors! Enjoy the stroll down Auglaize Street while you visit the Summer Moon Festival on Saturday!

11am - 9pm

Family Zone in Heritage Park
Join us behind town on Heritage Drive for Carnival games and prizes for the whole family!  Zipline, bounce houses, large slide, a photo booth and more.

12pm

Cardboard Boat Regatta
We're excited to announce a brand NEW event this year: the Cardboard Boat Regatta! ????‍♂️✨ Sponsored by Pratt Industries - Wapakoneta

Get ready to showcase your creativity and engineering skills. Sign-ups are now open!

12pm - 9pm

6th Annual Moon Market
An annual vendor market in downtown Wapakoneta featuring 60 curated vendors of clothing, jewelry, handmade soaps, candles and more. Follow them on Facebook to learn more about this year's vendors from Ohio and beyond!

2pm

Astronaut Meet & Greet
Meet NASA Astronaut Carl Walz and learn about his space career and time aboard the International Space Station.  Autograph time will be provided.

2pm-8pm

Firefighter Kiddie Challenge at the Fire Station
Free event for kiddos to stop by the fire station and simulate being a firefighter!

3pm - 6pm

Stage - T102 Country Star Playoffs

Rowdy Ron & JB In The Morning are back on the road with Exploit for the best local singing competition!

4:30pm

Pageant Meet & Greet
Each year the Wapakoneta Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the Wapakoneta Miss Summer Moon Festival Scholarship Pageant.  Meet the 13 contestants and learn more about their "littles" or "mentees" who are getting to experience the pageant alongside them!  Follow the pageant on Facebook here.

5pm

Kiddie Tractor Pull
Join us behind town on Heritage Drive for a classic Kiddie Tractor Pull!  Ages 3-8 boys and girls are invited to sign up and give it a try!  Get registered at the Game Tent, this event is free to register. You can register here!

6pm

Stage - Downtown Wapakoneta Partnership's Golf Cart Raffle

Support the Downtown Wapakoneta Partnership in their mission to keep Downtown Wapakoneta a great place to live, work and play.  Get your ticket in advance online here or at your favorite downtown business!

6:30pm

Weiner Dog Races
A family and dog-lover favorite!  Register your Weiner Dog to show its the fastest around!  Email Weiner Dog Registration forms to chamber@wapakoneta.com or bring your form (and two dog handlers) the day of the race!

8pm

Stage - Another Round
A Premier Classic Rock Band that's locally grown!  You won't want to miss this fan favorite band!
Preview their sound early on their website!

10pm

Beer Stein Holding Contest  MASSKRUGSTEMMEN!!!
Come to the main stage to watch this crazy fun endurance challenge as contestants attempt to hold a full stein of beer the longest.
Want to enter? Register at the Beer Tent with your name and $20 and make your way to the front of the stage before the start time. All participants get to keep their Stein!!!
Must be 21 to enter!

Armstrong Air & Space Museum

7:30am - 11am

United Way of Auglaize County Run to the Moon 5K/10K
Race starts at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum. See you at the Moon!  Register online here.

10am - 5pm

KONA Ice frozen treats available on the museum's north lawn if you need to cool off. ($)

10am-5pm

Inflatable rides located on the museum's south lawn.  Kids can put their skills to the test in our free inflatable rides located on the museum's south lawn.

10am-5pm

Lima Astronomical Society
Lima Astronomical Society on the museum's southwest lawn will be ready to talk about the sky with telescopes in hand.  Ask them about the stars, planets, nebulas, galaxies and anything else they can see in their telescopes.
Hours and more at www.armstrongmuseum.org.

10am-5pm

Wright State Rocketeers
Truly a fan favorite, this group of rocket builders will be giving periodic rocket demonstrations throughout the day. Be the group's countdown clock as they lift-off your rocket! The rocketeers will be available only on Saturday and Sunday and will be found on the museum's south lawn. Check out the full schedule of Museum events here.

10am-5pm

Parachute Museum activity on the museum's north lawn.
They'll have amazing items on display to share the impressive history of
jumping out of planes!
Check out the entire schedule of Museum events here.

10am-5pm

Face Painting
Art Me! face painting will be available on the Museum's southwest lawn.

 

10am-5pm

Balloon Artist
Balloon tying on the Museum's south lawn.

 

10am-5pm

Education tent activities on the museum's south lawn.
Check out the full schedule of Museum events here.

10am-5pm

Rinda Beach Wind Tunnel Demo
Meet author of "Neil Armstrong's Wind Tunnel Dream" and see a wind tunnel example inside the Early Space Gallery.
Check out the entire schedule of Museum events here.

10am-5pm

Cancellation Cover
The Museum has a special cancellation cover each year to commemorate the moon landing, stop by the Museum store to purchase yours. Plan your visit at www.armstrongmuseum.org.

11am-12pm

Astronaut Meet & Greet in STEM center.
Meet NASA Astronaut Carl Walz and learn about his space career.  Autograph time will be provided.

6pm-8:30pm

Astronaut Mix & Mingle event at Museum ($)

Click here for more information.

SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2024

Wapakoneta High School Performing Arts Center

7pm

Lima Area Concert Band
Doors open at 6pm. Concert is a free sponsored event by First on the Moon Inc. this patriotic end of the festival has become an annual tradition.

Armstrong Air & Space Museum

10am-5pm

Inflatable rides located on the museum's south lawn.
Check out the full schedule of Museum events here.

10am-5pm

Kona Ice frozen treats available on the museum's north lawn. ($)

10am-5pm

Wright State Rocketeers
Truly a fan favorite, this group of rocket builders will be giving periodic rocket demonstrations throughout the day. Be the group's countdown clock as they lift-off your rocket! The rocketeers will be available only on Saturday and Sunday and will be found on the museum's south lawn. Check out the full schedule of Museum events here.

 

10am-5pm

Lima Astronomical Society
Lima Astronomical Society on the museum's southwest lawn will be ready to talk about the sky with telescopes in hand.  Ask them about the stars, planets, nebulas, galaxies and anything else they can see in their telescopes.
Hours and more at www.armstrongmuseum.org.

10am-5pm

Parachute Museum activity on the museum's north lawn.
They'll have amazing items on display to share the impressive history of
jumping out of planes!
Check out the Museum's entire schedule of events here.

10am-5pm

Education tent activities on the museum's south lawn.

Check out the Museum's entire schedule of events here.

10am-5pm

Face Painting
Art Me! Face Painting will be available on the Museum's southwest lawn.

10am-5pm

Balloon Art
Balloon tying will be available on the Museum's south lawn.

10am-5pm

Rinda Beach Wind Tunnel Demo
Meet author of "Neil Armstrong's Wind Tunnel Dream" and see a wind tunnel example inside the Early Space Gallery.
Check out the entire schedule of Museum events here.

10am-5pm

Cancellation Cover
The Museum has a special cancellation cover each year to commemorate the moon landing, stop by the Museum store to purchase yours. Plan your visit at www.armstrongmuseum.org.

Want to take the schedule with you?  Download and print the schedules below!  Schedules will also be available at many local businesses and the information booth.