Homecoming: A Tradition of Community and Celebration
Every five years, the city of Washburn comes alive with a gathering like no other with its quinquennial Homecoming event. From July 25-27, 2025, Washburn will welcome back thousands of alumni, former and current residents, and visitors for a heartfelt celebration of community, history, and shared memories.
The first Homecoming was held June 27th, 1919 and was a welcome home to WW1 veterans. The first official Homecoming was in 1929. Homecoming has long been a cherished tradition, with the only interruptions occurring during World War II and in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Homecoming traditionally took place on the years ending in 1 and 6, until a change in the 2000s set the celebration to years ending in 0 and 5. This year marks the 19th Quinquennial Homecoming, themed “Love Brings You Home Again.” The 2025 festivities will be particularly meaningful, as it has been a full decade since the last Homecoming due to the cancellation in 2020.
What makes this event so special? Beyond reconnecting with family and old friends, it is the spirit of Washburn itself that calls people home. Nestled along the shores of Lake Superior, Washburn offers breathtaking scenery, a rich history, and a welcoming sense of belonging. Whether you are a longtime resident, a returning graduate, or a first-time visitor, Homecoming is an opportunity to experience the magic of this close-knit community.
Visitors can expect a weekend filled with festivities, including parades, class reunions, live entertainment, a car show and opportunities to reminisce while making new memories. The entire town comes together to celebrate its past, present, and future—embracing the warmth and connection that defines Washburn.
Mark your calendars and join us in July to experience the heart of Washburn and discover why, for so many, “Love Brings You Home Again.”
Fundraising & Sponsorship information
We are so excited to announce the 25 for 25 fundraiser!!!
Here’s how it works: We need 1,000 people to donate at least $25 to reach our goal of $25,000 for the year. You can make a donation by clicking the button below. You can also make a donation by texting HOCO25 to 53-555. Any amount donated is greatly appreciated. We also ask that you share this fundraiser with your friends, family and networks to help us get the word out.
If you you prefer to make your donation by check, please make your checks out to the Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce and drop them off at the Chamber office or mail them to P.O. Box 74, Washburn WI 54891. Cash donations can be dropped off at our office at 100 W. Bayfield St. in Washburn. If we are not in the office you can leave donations in the white drop box outside our front door. Homecoming is a very expensive event to put on. Even though the Chamber raises money consistently through several events through out the years leading up to it support is always needed and appreciated.
If your business or organization would like to be a sponsor please contact Melissa at the Chamber office.
Registration
Registration will take place at the Washburn Cultural Center on Thursday, July 24 – Noon to 4:00 p.m. & Friday, July 25 – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Come sign in and meet and greet your friends and classmates. Visit the galleries, museum and see Heritage Association history videos.
Class Reunions
Are you planning a class reunion during Homecoming? Contact Nicole at the chamber office to get your event added to the schedule. Currently The Club has plenty of availability. Book online at washburnclub.org.
For a list of the scheduled reunions click HERE.
Events
If you are hosting an event during Homecoming and would like it added to the schedule please contact Nicole at the Chamber office. Need an idea for an event or fundraiser? Just ask! Event information must be provided to the chamber by June 30th for inclusion in marketing materials.
Volunteers
There are a lot of ideas for events that could take place during Homecoming but we need volunteers willing to host the events or help at them. If you are interested in being a volunteer please contact the chamber at 715-373-5017 for more information or to get on the list.
Homecoming Parade
Registration is now open! Please fill out a registration form and return that with your entry fee to the Washburn Chamber Office. Deadline to participate is July 21st.
Water Barrel Fights
Registration is open! Contact the Washburn Chamber to register your team of 4-6 people. The cost per team is $10. There is a cash prize of $100 and a trophy. **Trophy must be returned the following year.
Tentative Schedule
***Check back regularly as events will be added and or changed***
Monday, July 21
11am-8pm Food Truck Mondays, on Central Ave. Trucks confirmed at this time include the King of Creams & Taco Dan. Learn more about the weekly food trucks HERE.
6-8pm Music in the Park, Free concert by Deja Bleu in Legion Park brought to you by the Washburn Area Chamber. Learn more about the weekly concerts HERE.
Wednesday, July 23
3-6pm Washburn Farmer’s Market, corner of Bayfield St. (HWY 13) and Central Ave. Learn more about the weekly market HERE.
Thursday, July 24
Noon-4pm Registration, Washburn Cultural Center.
7pm Honored Citizen Reception, Washburn Cultural Center/Historical Museum 3rd floor.
7-11pm Live Music, Firehouse Bar
Friday, July 25
9- 11am I Spy in the Woods, School Forest. Free, family friendly event. The pavilion will be manned from during listed times.
10am-4pm Registration, Washburn Cultural Center.
11am-1pm Homecoming Lunch at Messiah Lutheran Church.
1-4pm Washburn Beautification Garden Tour, The Washburn Beautification Foundation is currently looking for gardens and yards for their Homecoming weekend garden tour. If you would like to share your yard, please email jenniferdanielson@gmail.com and put ‘garden’ in the subject line. More information will be added when available.
Noon-5pm Arts & crafts, food, information booths, fundraisers & more in the Park, Hosted by the Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce. Contact Nicole at the chamber if you would like to be a vendor.
3pm Souvenir Views, Free performance of Souvenir Views brought to you by American Heritage Productions at the St. Louis Catholic Church. Souvenir Views is musical history of Washburn featuring Warren Nelson’s songs and back-dropped by hundreds of photographs of Washburn from the earliest times to the present. It was created by the Nelson-Ferris Concert Company in 1983 to celebrate Washburn’s Centennial. It was presented at Washburn’s 2015 Homecoming and will be presented again for the 2025 Homecoming. Come see Washburn’s great story come alive featuring a great band and the magnificent photos on a large screen. The end song has become a slogan for Washburn- “It’s Just A Little Town On The Big Lake but it’s Home Sweet Home to Me.” Admission is free thanks to a grant from the Washburn Community Education Foundation.
6-11pm Washburn Emergency Services Fire Hall Dance Fundraiser, Food, beer, bucket raffle & live music by The Whitecaps & Low Hanging Fruit at the Washburn Fire Hall. Raffle tickets will be available leading up to the event at the Chamber office during business hours. This is a free family friendly event.
7pm Souvenir Views, Free performance of Souvenir Views brought to you by American Heritage Productions at the St. Louis Catholic Church. Encore presentation.
11pm Fire Hall After-Party, After everyone dances their hearts out at the Fire Hall Dance, head to the Firehouse Bar for the after party with more music, dancing, and drink specials. 10% of the evening’s proceeds, as well as 10% of proceeds from sales every Thursday in July, will go the Washburn Emergency Services!
Saturday, July 26
***Bayfield St. will be closed at 5am and will not reopen until Sunday at 5am***
8am- ?pm 2nd Annual charity Softball Tournament, All proceeds benefit The Auxilia Initiative, a nonprofit that provides early mental health intervention to first responders in Ashland and Bayfield Counties. Whether you’re in it to win it, or want to have some fun with your friends and family, join us for a day of fun supporting first responder mental health!
- $200/team registration fee, includes t-shirt
- 10 player teams, 14yo+
- 2 scheduled games
- Competitive Bracket and Non-competitive Bracket (as long as team numbers allow)
- Home-run Derby
- Early Registration Due May 31st: $25 off (Register HERE)
- Final Registration Deadline July 12th
9am Firehouse 5k, Gather your friends, family, neighbors and join the Firehouse Bar 5k. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, you’re just looking for a fun way to stay active, this event is fun for all! Day of registration will take place 7am-8:45am. Pre-registration link coming soon.
9am-2pm Kiddiwink Kids Free Craft Event, Free kids art & craft projects hosted at Kiddiwink Kids. In-store sales & walk-in pottery painting deals. A lemonade stand will be set up outside.
9-3pm 15th Annual North Coast Car Show, With live music at the Washburn Inn/Harbor Table, Lions Club Food Truck on site, & “Fire & Ice” Root Beer Float Social and Fundraiser at 10am.
9am Washburn Lions Club, Bob Ungrodt Memorial Golf Scramble, 2-4 Person Teams – Best Ball – Shotgun Start. Cost is $50/person and includes– 9 Holes of golf with cart, Men/Women Hole Prizes, Plaques – $100 for 1st place team, door prizes & lunch. Call the Lake Superior View Golf Course at 715-373-1100 to register, or email washburnlions@gmail.com.
11-5pm Arts & crafts, food, information booths, fundraisers & more in the Park, Hosted by the Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce. Contact Nicole at the chamber if you would like to be a vendor.
10am Washburn Heritage Association, Bench Dedication location TBD
11am Gym Dedication & Ribbon Cutting at The Club, Stop in and celebrate the progress that has been made on this beautiful historic building.
11am, 12pm & 1pm – FREE Historic Washburn Trolley Tours provided by Washburn Heritage Association – Departs from Time Out Restaurant.
11am – 4pm Harbor House Sweets will be celebrating 10 years of business during Homecoming weekend. Lots of food and sweet treats inside and at the tent out in front of the store.
2:30pm Homecoming Parade down Bayfield St. brought to you by the Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce.
8pm Live music , Patsy’s
10pm Fireworks off the Coal Dock brought to you by the Washburn Area Chamber of Commerce.
Sunday, July 27 -Main Events at Thompson’s West End Park
9-10am Yoga & Mimosas, Firehouse Bar.
9:15am Homecoming Reunion Mass & Pancake Social, St. Louis Catholic Church. Mass starts at 9:15am followed by the the pancake social in the St. Louis School gym. Adults $8, 10-4 $5, 3 and under free.
11-3pm Lion’s Club Picnic, Food Truck.
1pm Water Barrel Fights, Teams of 4 to 6. Pre-registration preferred. $10 per team, $100 cash prize for first place. **If there are not enough teams the event will be cancelled. Contact the chamber to register.
Please visit our Facebook Page for more information. To make a donation to help cover the cost please contact Nicole at the chamber office, 715-373-5017.
