The Walldogs Are Coming: Murals in Menomonie Begins June 24

9 hours ago
5 min read

The long-planned and highly anticipated Murals in Menomonie event will take place June 24-28, 2026. During these five days, residents and visitors will be able to watch artists at work as buildings throughout the community are transformed into works of art celebrating Menomonie's history and culture.

The Walldogs

The Walldogs are an international organization of sign painters, muralists, illustrators, and artists who gather each year in a small town to create large-scale public art projects. Members volunteer their time and talents to design and paint murals that reflect the history and character of the communities they visit.

A typical Walldogs event results in 15 to 20 murals completed over four to five days, leaving a lasting artistic legacy for the host community. This year, Menomonie has the honor of welcoming the Walldogs and their talented artists.

Why Menomonie

Local artist, muralist, and Vintage Sign Shop owner Wade Lambrigtsen has been involved with the Walldogs since 2012. Many Walldogs projects are hosted in communities connected to one of the organization's members, and Lambrigtsen has been working to bring the event to Menomonie for many years. Now, that vision is becoming a reality, with Lambrigtsen serving as mural coordinator for the local project.

What to Expect

Nearly 200 Walldogs artists from 27 states and three countries will travel to Menomonie for the event.

The project includes 15 murals spread across 11 buildings in Menomonie. Of the 11, one will be at the Dunn County Fairgrounds, and the rest will be located in the downtown area. Four additional murals will be painted on panels in Wilson Park. Of those four, two will remain in Menomonie and be installed at a later date, while one will go to Boyceville and one to Ridgeland.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to walk through the community and watch the murals come to life throughout the week. Murals in Menomonie is free and open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to experience large-scale public art in progress.

Related Events

Food Trucks

Food trucks will be located near Wilson Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Art & Craft Market

An Art & Craft Market featuring regional artists and makers will take place June 25-27 throughout downtown Menomonie from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Visitors can browse handmade art, crafts, and locally made goods while enjoying mural activities around town.

Kids & Community Area

A local Girl Scout troop is organizing a Kids & Community Area featuring collaborative art projects, daily crafts, and activities for all ages, including a community mural that children can help paint.

Music Over Menomin

Music Over Menomin will be at the Wilson Park Bandshell on Thursday evening rather than its usual location at the library.

Gala and Auction

On June 27, Downtown Menomonie will host a ticketed gala and auction. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on miniature versions of the murals, hand-painted signs, original artwork, and donated items from local businesses. The evening will include light snacks, a cash bar, and an Artist Meet & Greet. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Free Transit During the Event

Dunn County Transit is partnering with Murals in Menomonie to provide free Community Route bus fares Wednesday through Saturday, June 24-27.

Many mural locations are directly on or near the Community Route, making it easy for visitors to explore the artwork while traveling throughout the city.

The transit commission has also approved expanded Saturday service on June 27, with buses running from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to support the event.

Project Funding

Murals in Menomonie is a community-funded project with a fundraising goal of approximately $300,000. Building owners contributed $2,500 to host a mural, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining the artwork for years to come.

The event is supported through local donations and partnerships with organizations and businesses that value public art and community storytelling.

Community partners include the City of Menomonie, Downtown Menomonie, Dunn County Historical Society, Menomonie Area Chamber & Visitor Center, Red Cedar Fly Fishing, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Vintage Sign Shop, and WESTconsin Credit Union.

The City of Menomonie's $25,000 contribution came from funds available through Tax Increment District 15, which is designated for capital improvement projects and economic development within the district.

Any money remaining after the event will be placed in an endowment fund for future mural maintenance and repairs.

How You Can Help

Donate

Community donations help support artist materials, event logistics, and the creation of murals that will become permanent additions to the Menomonie area. Any unused funds will remain in an endowment dedicated to the future upkeep and restoration of the murals.

Donate HERE.

Volunteer

Many volunteer opportunities are available throughout the event, from assisting artists to helping with hospitality, logistics, and community activities.

Learn more and sign up HERE.

Attend and Support

Community members can also support the project by purchasing event merchandise, attending the June 27 gala and auction, and participating in the many activities taking place throughout the week.

Mural Themes and Locations

Event Schedule

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

7:30 p.m. Mural Setup and Projection Begins | Wilson Park and Mural Locations

Thursday, June 25, 2026

9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mural Painting | Wilson Park and Mural Locations
10 a.m. Walldog Brush Basics Course | Wilson Park Pavilion
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids and Community Activities | Wilson Park
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Food Trucks | Wilson Park
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Art Fair | 2nd Street East
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Murals in Menomonie Merch Tent | Cedar Corporation Parking Lot
7 p.m. Music Over Menomin Concert: Songa String Band | Wilson Park Bandshell

Friday, June 26, 2026

9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mural Painting | Wilson Park and Mural Locations
10 a.m. Walldog Brush Basics Course | Wilson Park Pavilion
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids and Community Activities | Wilson Park
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Murals in Menomonie Merch Tent | Cedar Corporation Parking Lot
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Food Trucks | Wilson Park
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Art Fair | 2nd Street East
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Free Concert: Jay Collins Quintet | brewery nønic
9 p.m. Walldogs Daze Movie | brewery nønic

Saturday, June 27, 2026

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Menomonie Farmers Market | Wilson Park Pavilion
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mural Painting | Wilson Park and Mural Locations
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Murals in Menomonie Merch Tent | Cedar Corporation Parking Lot
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids and Community Activities | Wilson Park
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Art Fair | 2nd Street East
7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Murals in Menomonie Gala | UW-Stout Great Hall

Sunday, June 28, 2026

9 a.m. Mural Completion and Cleanup | Wilson Park and Mural Locations