Arts & Culture
The Arts District
Discover Beaver Dam's Vibrant Arts and Culture Scene
Beaver Dam offers a year-round celebration of arts and culture. Experience live concerts and performances at the Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre, where the stage comes alive with diverse productions throughout the year. During the summer, enjoy live music in the picturesque settings of Swan Park and Tahoe Park, where concerts create a festive atmosphere for all ages.
Explore Beaver Dam’s rich history through the captivating Walldogs murals and hometown hero mosaics. These stunning artworks, led by the world-renowned portrait artist Stephen Bennett, tell the story of the community’s heritage and celebrated figures.
Unleash your creativity with a variety of classes and workshops. Join sewing classes at the Nancy Zieman Sewing Studio and Quilt Shop, where you can learn and refine your sewing skills. Dive into different artistic mediums at Art on the Town Wisconsin: The Studio, offering art classes that cater to all skill levels. Participate in painting classes and enjoy monthly art exhibits showcasing the talents of local artists.
No matter the season, Beaver Dam provides endless opportunities to immerse yourself in a vibrant arts and culture scene. Come and be inspired by the creativity and community spirit that make Beaver Dam a cultural gem.
Concerts, Performances and Creating Art
Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre and Fine Arts Center
Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre has been providing outstanding live theatrical and concert productions since 1964 and draws actors from surrounding area communities. With a full season of theater shows, events, and programs including musicals, dramas, comedy acts, one-acts, cabarets, Tell-A-Tale Children’s Theatre, youth choir, and more, you are sure to find something to enjoy!
117 W. Maple Avenue
Beaver Dam Area Orchestra
The Beaver Dam Area Orchestra is a ninety-member volunteer full symphonic orchestra which performs a spring, fall, and holiday concert at Beaver Dam High School. All concerts are free to attend, thanks to generous donations from the community. Founded in 1954, the orchestra pulls members from twenty-five different communities in six counties. All of their concerts are open to the public and held at the Beaver Dam High School Auditorium.
2025 Holiday Concert
December 13 at 5 pm & 7 pm
The 5 pm concert is a shorter holiday concert with no intermission, and includes a carefully-selected portion of the full evening concert. This concert is intended to allow attendance by families with young children who may not appreciate the length of the longer concert and/or who may not be able to stay awake for the entire evening concert.
2026 Spring Concert
April 18 at 7 pm
2026 Fall Concert
November 21 at 7 pm
2026 Winter Concert
December TBD 5 pm & 7 pm
Wednesday Night Live Concerts in the Park
Wednesday Night Live concerts in the park is free and wonderful entertainment for all ages! Family activities before the concerts vary each week and may include, arts/crafts, a caricature artist, a balloon sculptor, face painting and more. Bench seating is available, or bring your lawn chair or a blanket. Concessions available.
Discover Beaver Dam Murals
Peak down alley’s and check out sides of buildings around Beaver Dam and you will likely see a mural or mosaic. Beginning 2013 the Walldogs, an internationally renowned organization of volunteer sign and mural artists, painted historic murals throughout Beaver Dam with a total of seventeen to date. Four mosaics are also featured on the outside wall of the Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre and were led by world-renowned portrait artist Stephen Bennett and painted by the community.
Discover the vibrant and artistic side of Beaver Dam by exploring its alleys and the sides of its buildings. Since 2013, the city has been transformed by the Walldogs, an internationally renowned group of volunteer sign and mural artists who have painted historic murals throughout the area. To date, there are seventeen stunning murals that capture Beaver Dam’s rich history and community spirit.
The Walldogs murals in Beaver Dam began as a community project to celebrate the city’s heritage and to enhance the visual appeal of the downtown area. This initiative brought together artists from around the world, creating a tapestry of art that reflects the town’s unique stories and historical significance. Each mural tells a tale of Beaver Dam’s past, from its industrial roots to its cultural landmarks.
In addition to the Walldogs murals, the city is home to five beautiful mosaics on the exterior wall of the Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre. These mosaics were led by world-renowned portrait artist Stephen Bennett and painted by the community, showcasing local talent and collective creativity.
As you wander through downtown, you’ll also find numerous other murals and mosaics painted by community members and business owners. These artworks adorn alleyways, walkways, and the buildings themselves, further enriching the town’s artistic landscape.
Click here to visit our 3D Virtual Mural Walking Tour on our website!
Dodge County Center for the Arts
The Dodge County Center for the Arts (DCCA) is where creativity thrives. and is a nonprofit community-based arts association dedicated to promoting, developing, stimulating, and encouraging artists and art within the community. As a vibrant hub for artistic expression, the DCCA offers a dynamic range of programs and events designed to engage and inspire people of all ages and skill levels.
Their Offerings:
Regular Art Exhibits: Showcasing the diverse talents of local and regional artists, their exhibits provide a platform for artists to display their work and for the community to appreciate and support the arts.
Gift Gallery: Their gift gallery features unique, handcrafted items perfect for art enthusiasts and gift seekers alike. From paintings and sculptures to jewelry and crafts, there’s something for everyone.
Community Art Nights: Held every night during regular business hours, these free events are open to the public and welcome all skill levels and ages. With a new project theme each month, participants can explore different artistic techniques and styles. Best of all, you can take your creations home with you!
Wednesday Workshop: an open and welcoming space where artists of all skill levels and mediums gather to create, share ideas, and inspire one another. Watch local artists at work—or join in yourself—as sketches come to life, new techniques are explored, and masterpieces take shape.
Kids Art Camps: Fun and educational camps designed to nurture the budding artists of tomorrow.
Membership: Join us at the Dodge County Center for the Arts and be part of a thriving artistic community. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting your creative journey, there’s a place for you at the DCCA.
Hours of operation:
Open Wednesday – Friday, Noon to 5 pm
Saturdays, 10 am – 3 pm
Sundays, Noon – 3 pm
130 W. Maple Avenue
Art on the Town: Wisconsin Studio
Art On The Town Wisconsin is a place for people to gather, connect, create, and sell art in a fun and motivational space in downtown Beaver Dam. The Studio is a place for creative experiences for all ages, interests, and skill levels. We offer art classes, paint your own pottery, drop-in art making experiences, exhibition space, and the use of our studio and materials for your own creative endeavors. Whether you are looking for fun, creative experiences with friends and family, interested in learning how to become proficient at a specific type of art making, or having a variety of art classes to choose from, we offer it all.
- Art classes for all ages
- Paint your own pottery
- Drop in art making
- Celebrations of all kinds
- After school art K-12
- Team building and corporate events
- Couples art experiences
- Teach, exhibit, and sell your art
- Art retreats and combined ventures
- Retail art supplies and kits
- Several unique rooms for gatherings of up to 60 people for art parties
127 Front Street
Nancy Zieman Sewing Studio & Quilt Shop
The Nancy Zieman Sewing Studio and Quilt Shop is a haven for sewing enthusiasts and quilting aficionados alike. Nestled in the heart of Beaver Dam, their studio is dedicated to celebrating the legacy of Nancy Zieman, a pioneer in the sewing world and a beloved figure in our community.
About Nancy Zieman
Nancy Zieman was a trailblazer in the sewing industry, known for her innovative techniques and passion for teaching. As the host of the popular PBS show “Sewing with Nancy,” she inspired countless individuals to explore the art of sewing and quilting. Nancy’s influence extends beyond her television show; she authored numerous books, developed her own product lines, and was an advocate for sewing education. Our studio proudly carries forward her mission to empower others through creativity and craftsmanship.
Classes and Clubs
At the Nancy Zieman Sewing Studio and Quilt Shop, they offer a variety of classes and clubs designed to cater to all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced sewist seeking new challenges, they have something for everyone.
Quilting Group: Join their Quilting Group to share your passion for quilting with like-minded individuals. Our group meets regularly to work on collaborative projects, exchange tips and techniques, and celebrate the art of quilting.
Bernina Club: Their Bernina Club is perfect for those who own Bernina sewing machines or are interested in learning more about this renowned brand. Club members enjoy exclusive access to expert-led tutorials, hands-on workshops, and the latest Bernina innovations.
Project Classes: Explore a range of project-based classes that cover various sewing and quilting topics. From creating beautiful home décor items to crafting unique gifts, our project classes are designed to inspire and educate.
Step into the Nancy Zieman Sewing Studio and Quilt Shop and immerse yourself in a world of creativity. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to assist you with your sewing and quilting needs. Discover a wide selection of fabrics, patterns, and sewing supplies, all carefully curated to help you bring your projects to life.
120 Front Street