LIVE MUSIC AT UNION PARK TAVERN
2025-09-04 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-09-05 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-09-06 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-09-11 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-09-12 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-09-13 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-09-18 20:00 - 22:00, 2025-09-19 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) and 1 more date | Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Avenue, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
Union park Tavern – June
Thursday, June 5 5pm Cocktail Stunde’s (German Pop) is back! followed by OPEN MIC with host Pat Garrett at 8:30pm. All skills welcomed!
Friday, June 6 🚨🚨DOUBLE HEADER ALERT!
6-9pm in the Biergarten YVES Francois et Rocambu Jazz (Nola Street Jazz)
9pm First Friday Open Mic With Sipos & Young! (All Skills & Talents Welcomed)
Saturday, June 7 – 8pm Frank Falduto and his Patio Daddios (Blues)
Thursday, June 12 – Rhythm Dogs Blues Jam 8pm
Friday, June 13 – 9pm Would You Kindly? (Indie Rock)
Saturday, June 14 6-9pm in the Biergarten – Pat Garrett & the Good Ol Boys. Special Guest Makenzie Knight (Outlaw Country)
Thursday, June 19 Rhythm Dogs Blues Jam 8pm
Friday, June 20 🚨🚨DOUBLE HEADER ALERT!
6-9pm in the Biergarten The Westerlees (Western Swing). 9pm The Eric Algie Duo (EcoLimes funk)
Saturday, June 21- 7pm Chicago/Kenosha Metro Irish Folk Jam
Thursday, June 26 Rhythm Dogs Blues Jam 8pm
Friday, June 27 🚨🚨DOUBLE HEADER ALERT!
6-9pm in the Biergarten The Fugitives (Americana). 9pm Solo Artist Mitch Downey (Classic Rock)
Saturday, June 28 – 6-9pm in the Biergarten Peacetree Allstars (Americana)
Thursday, July 3 Rhythm Dogs Blues Jam 8pm
Friday, July 4 – 9pm First Friday Open Mic With Sipos & Young! (All Skills & Talents Welcomed)
Saturday, July 5 – Stolen Moments (Indie) Little Couch Band (Folk Punk)

Sunrise Beach Yoga
2025-09-06 06:30 - 07:30, 2025-09-13 06:30 - 07:30 | Simmons Island Beach, 5001 4th Avenue, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
Transform your Saturdays starting July 12 with Sunrise Beach Yoga!
Offering a unique blend of nature, movement & mindfulness. Dana will lead you in 40 minutes of gentle movement followed by a guided meditation to nurture your mind, body & spirit.
This is a karma class, so pay what you can 🤍
Suggested $10 energy exchange.
After yoga, enjoy local coffee shops and make your way to the Kenosha farmers market!
When?
Saturdays at 6:30am starting July 12th
Where?
Simmons Island Beach
5001 Fourth Ave
Kenosha, WI 53140
What to bring?
Beach towel, comfy clothes, water & your energy!

The Wooden Chair Antiques Mega Market - Kenosha's largest outdoor event for antique lovers!
2025-09-06 09:00 - 15:00 | Wooden Chair Antiques, 5710 4th Ave, Kenosha, 53140, United States
Y’all, It’s That Time Again, and it’s comin in fast! Yee-Haw!!
Dust off your crusty boots, grab your treasure-hunting hats, and get ready for downtown Kenosha’s LARGEST Outdoor Antique Market—because we’re back and bigger than ever for our 2nd Annual Season!
6 Markets – 1 Incredible Season! Kicking things off May 10th, 2025, we’re bringing you six spectacular outdoor antique markets this season, each packed with treasures, great food, and that small-town charm you can’t resist!
Over 20+ Antique Outdoor Dealers and 40(+) Indoor Dealers – If it’s old, rare, rusty, or just plain crusty, you’ll find it here! Mouth-Watering Food Vendors – Because shopping works up an appetite! Live Music & Fun Surprises – Y’all never know what might happen! Open-Air Market Experience – Fresh air, fresh finds, and plenty of room to roam!
If you love antiques, history, or just a good ol’ country-style gathering, then partner, this is the place to be!
Save the Dates: (May 10th, June 7th, July 5th, Aug. 2nd, Sept. 6th, and Oct. 4th!) Where? Wooden Chair Antiques, Downtown Kenosha, WI Time: Bright & Early ’til the cows come home (or at least mid-afternoon) LOL .. 9 am – 3 pm!!!
Come for the finds, stay for the fun, and leave with a trunk full of treasures!
Follow us for updates, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes antics. We promise good times, great deals, and maybe even a story or two!

Meet & Greet with Ruchira Gupta
2025-09-07 11:00 - 14:00 | Blue House Books, 5915 6th Avenue A, Kenosha, WI, 53142, United States
“At once maddening and heartbreaking, “The Freedom Seeker” shows young readers there is also hope…” — Alan Gratz, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Refugee
“”The Freedom Seeker” is a must-read social justice adventure to understand the struggles of migrant families. Ruchira Gupta opens hearts and minds, inspiring young readers to find their own voice for change.” – Leymah Gbowee, Nobel Peace Laureate
Join Ruchira Gupta at Blue House Books on Sunday, September 7th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the release of her latest middle grade book, “The Freedom Seeker”, a powerful social justice adventure for young readers.
Ruchira will be chatting with excited readers and signing books, so stop by anytime during the event to meet this inspiring activist, journalist, and author!
About THE FREEDOM SEEKER:
In one girl’s relentless search for home and safety, “The Freedom Seeker” takes readers on a daring journey of displacement and immigration. Illuminated by the kindness of strangers across continents and the strength of the human spirit, renowned activist and award-winning documentarian Ruchira Gupta has written a powerful tale of resilience, hope, and the enduring strength of familial love.
Twelve-year-old Simi Singh’s life in Northern India is filled with love, family traditions, and ordinary worries about hockey competitions, school exams, and avoiding the snide remarks of her class nemesis. But when a single rock carrying a note crash through their window during their Id celebration, Simi’s life will shatter.
Her Sikh father and Muslim mother’s interfaith marriage is becoming a target of violent vigilantes. Faced with rising threats, they must make an impossible choice: stay and risk their lives, or flee their homeland. Simi’s father is the first of them to make the journey to the U.S., but when their petition to be reunited in America is denied, Simi and her mother are left with no choice but to attempt a perilous crossing through the Arizona desert with the help of a smuggler.
Throughout her nail-biting journey towards safety and belonging, Simi will face unthinkable danger— and when Simi and her mother are separated during the crossing, each led to believe the other is dead, she refuses to accept this fate. Alone in an unfamiliar and unforgiving land, she must summon all her courage and resourcefulness to survive, find her mother, and reunite her shattered family.
About RUCHIRA GUPTA:
Ruchira Gupta is an Emmy-winning journalist and founder of Apne Aap, an anti-trafficking organization that supports women and girls in exiting systems of prostitution. Her latest novel, “The Freedom Seeker”, is a powerful social justice adventure for young readers. It follows her acclaimed debut “I Kick and I Fly”, which received the Malka Penn Award for Human Rights in Children’s Literature and the South Asia Book Award.
An internationally recognized activist, Ruchira played a key role in the creation of the UN Trust Fund for Trafficking Survivors and the passage of the U.S. Trafficking Victims Protection Act. She has received honors including the French Ordre National du Mérite, the Clinton Global Citizen Award, and the UN NGO CSW Woman of Distinction Award. She holds an honorary doctorate from Smith College.
Ruchira has worked with the United Nations across Nepal, Thailand, Kosovo, Iran, and the United States, and she teaches occasionally at NYU’s Center for Global Affairs. She has co-authored As If Women Matter with Gloria Steinem and edited the anthologies River of Flesh and Renu’s Letters to Birju Babu.
She lives between New York and Forbesganj, where she continues her activism—and paints in her late mother’s garden

Vintage & Vino
2025-09-11 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-09-18 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-09-25 18:00 - 21:00 | Olafson & Porter Vintage Goods, 5000 7th Aveune, Kenosha, 53140, United States
Come wine down with us during Vintage & Vino!
Enjoy wine inside and out every Thursday from 6pm-9pm!
Red, white, sparkling and more, by the glass or bottle.
Small and large charcuterie boards are available as well as our coffee and other delicious treats.
Live Music Coming Soon.
Come experience all that Olafson & Porter has to offer!

TRIVIA NIGHT
2025-09-11 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-09-18 19:00 - 22:00 | Public Brewing Company, 58th Street, Kenosha, Wisconsin, 53140, United States
​What: Original Public Trivia game hosted by Matt & Jay
​​Where: Public Brewing Company | 628 58th Street | Kenosha
​​When: Every Thursday from 7-9pm starting Thu Jan 16
​​Why: Because we know you miss the Public crew hosting trivia!

Downtown Clean Up - Sept. 13th! LET'S GO!!!!!!!
2025-09-13 08:30 - 10:00 | Sallese & Co., 709 56th Street, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
Join Us for the September Go Downtown Kenosha Clean-Up!The Lakeshore Business Improvement District, in collaboration with Ktown Connects Podcast & Sallese & Co. invite you to help keep our downtown beautiful!Saturday, September 13th meet outside Sallese & Co. (709 56th Street) Clean up starts at 9 AM – 10 AM but…Ktown Connects & Sallese & Co. will be there early at 8:30 AM with coffee, treats, goodie bags, giveaways and more! This will be a party of a clean up! So everyone who shows up will be entered into a drawing to win a gift basket full of Kenosha swag, local gift cards and more!!! We will also be giving away some FREE food & drink tickets for “Franks Diner Frolic at Franks 99th Anniversary Block Party” that is also the same day from 12- 7pm. Stay tuned for details………We’ll provide gloves, garbage pickers, and bags. Come ready to make a difference and clean up downtown Kenosha! Volunteers must be 18 or older, or accompanied by an adult who will stay for the entire event.Please feel free to register here so we can have a head count on snacks & supplies to bring https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y3Q89GRNext Downtown cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, October 11th at Blue House Books time TBAGot questions? Reach out to Donny at donny@visitkenosha.com.Let’s team up and clean up! YAY!!!!

Frolic at Franks
2025-09-13 12:00 - 19:00 | Frank’s Diner, 508 58th Street, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
Frolic at Franks! Come help Franks celebrate 99 years of flipping pancakes, and help raise some money for the Boys and Girls Club of Kenosha.Beer, Music, Food, Fun!Games for kids and adults.A dunk tank! Eating Contest! And other fun activities!

5th ANNUAL PORT GRAND PRIX 2025
2025-09-14 11:00 - 18:00 | The Port of Kenosha, 714 50th Street, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
IT’S GONNA HAPPEN!!! We had a setback, but the race WILL be ran on Sunday, Sept 14th.
Pre-registration of cars will start today and up until Saturday, Sept 13th.
Pre-orders for t-shirts will start today and END SATURDAY, AUGUST 30TH – they will NOT BE AVAILABLE AFTERWARDS, so make sure you order yours ASAP!
Rules for race:
* only 1:64 scale cars; any brand name welcome to race (Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Jonny Lightning, etc.)
* cars can NOT exceed 60 grams
* all cars MUST have 4 wheels
* NO liquid lubricants allowed, only dry (like graphite)
Food will be grilled up out back for sale, along with soft drinks & bottled water.
Donny Stancato & Jason Hedman from KTOWN CONNECTS will be commentating & jamming tunes during the event (let’s hope Donny doesn’t cuss as much this year).
Car registration fee: $20
T-shirts: $25
HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL HERE!! 🙂

IF WE WERE DOGS: Sophie Blackall in conversation with Kerry Sporer
2025-09-17 18:30 - 20:30 | Kenosha Public Library Southwest, 7979 38th ave, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
If we were dogs, what kind would we be?! Find out at this special event with Caldecott-winning picture book author and illustrator Sophie Blackall on Wednesday, September 17th at 6:30 p.m. at the Southwest Library! Sophie will be reading from her new children’s book “If We Were Dogs” and chatting with beloved KUSD librarian Kerry Sporer. Sophie will also be taking questions from her fans of all ages and signing books!
This event is free, but registration is required. Get all the details and RSVP here: https://www.blue-house-books.com/events/2975520250917
About IF WE WERE DOGS:
Two-time Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall’s follow-up to her bestselling “If I Was a Horse” explores the challenges of first friendships through imaginative play.
If we were dogs, what kind would we be? I’d be a big dog! And you’d be little dog. Woof!
Join two friends as they bark and growl, woof and howl – and maybe even quack – in a romp that makes room for everybody’s ideas.
Sophie Blackall unleashes a marvelous game of pretend that explores navigating friendship and celebrates boundless imagination.
About SOPHIE BLACKALL:
Sophie Blackall is the bestselling and two-time Caldecott medal-winning artist behind “Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear”; “Hello, Lighthouse”; and “Farmhouse”.
She is also the proprietor of Milkwood, a creative retreat for children’s book makers. She divides her time between Brooklyn and a farm in upstate New York.
About KERRY SPORER:
Kerry Sporer is a local KUSD librarian bringing the love of books to all the children. In 2020, Kerry won the Special Area Teacher of the Year! She is a champion of all thing’s library and literacy.

Blue House Books Birthday Celebration!
2025-09-18 10:00 - 18:00 | Blue House Books, 5915 6th Avenue A, Kenosha, WI, 53142, United States
Get ready for a fun-filled, memorable, jubilant affair as we celebrate 5 years as a brick and mortar shop in downtown Kenosha! To help celebrate, we are offering a special deal just for you!
Stop in on our birthday and purchase 5 things (totaling $25 minimum) and get a FREE BHB *Tote Bag! On top of that, every purchase will put you in a raffle to win a bookish prize. We will be drawing the winner at 5 p.m., along with birthday cake for everyone!
Come join in on the festivities as we commemorate this achievement with you, the bookish community who has supported us along our journey.
*while supplies last

Fall Into Fun at Alpaca Arts HYK Little Yogi’s
2025-09-20 09:30 - 23:00 | Alpaca Arts, 4326 7th Ave,, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
🍁 Fall Into Fun at Alpaca Arts! 🎨🧘‍♂️
Celebrate the season with a creative and calming morning just for kids—where movement, mindfulness, and imagination come together!
✨ Dana will gently guide your little ones through:
🌬️ Breathing exercises
🧘‍♀️ A playful fall-inspired yoga flow
🧘‍♂️ A calming meditation to wind down
🎨 Followed by a hands-on art activity—each child will choose and glaze their own Fall-themed ceramic piece to take home!
📅 Date: Saturday, September 20th
🕘 Time: 9:30–11:00 AM
📍 Location: Alpaca Arts
👧🧒 Ages: 3–12
💲 Cost: $25 per child
👯‍♀️ Sibling Discount: Save $5 on each additional child
🎟️ Reserve Your Spot Today:
➡️ Venmo: jenna-martin-01
➡️ Zelle: 262-412-0004
📞 Or call/text the studio to register: 262-412-0004
✨ Spots are limited—early booking is encouraged!
LOCATION: ALPACA ART 🎨
4326 7th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140

Meet & Greet with Silvia Acevedo
2025-09-20 11:00 - 14:00 | Blue House Books, 5915 6th Avenue A, Kenosha, WI, 53142, United States
Join Silvia Acevedo at Blue House Books on Saturday, September 20th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the release of her latest middle grade book, “Mail-Order Monsters: Crash Course”, a fantasy story that mixes humor with wise insights on friendship and forgiveness, perfect for young readers!
Silvia will be joined with her husband, Jeff Miracola, illustrator, and will be chatting with customers and signing books, so stop by anytime during the event to meet this fantastic Wisconsin author duo!
About MAIL-ORDER MONSTERS: CRASH COURSE:
What does a 10-year-old boy desperate for new friends do when he sees an ad for mail-order monsters in the back of a comic book? He orders them, naturally.
Ten-year-old Marco Torres needs a new bestie. Or a few. He’s on the outs with his EX-best friend and needs someone to talk to, confide in. So he takes a chance on an ad in the back of an old comic book promising something big: MAIL-ORDER MONSTERS. Marco hopes they’ll make amazing new besties and scare off his bully, who in a mean twist of fate happens to be the twin of his crush. When the monsters arrive, Marco unleashes their magic and draws the reaction he’d hoped for from his classmates—until the monsters’ hilarious, uncontrolled escape through the school’s ceilings makes it nearly impossible to hide them from adults. And when Marco’s ex-bestie challenges him to a grudge match to finally settle their score, it’s Marco’s monsters against an enemy robot in a race on remote control trucks through the neighborhood junk yard. But through it all, Marco begins to wonder who should really be fighting his battles? And what exactly is he fighting for?
About SILVIA ACEVEDO:
Silvia Acevedo writes stories for kids and adults who want magic and mystery in their world.
She scared up wild monster hijinks in MAIL-ORDER MONSTERS: CRASH COURSE, visited the ghost La Llorona in THE HAUNTED STATES OF AMERICA, and barely escaped the wrath of Greek and Roman gods in her mythological GOD AWFUL series. She’s pleased that her works have garnered great reviews from trade publications, prestigious awards from industry organizations, and kind words from readers.
Silvia also worked in New York publishing at Scholastic, literary agency Writers House, and the non-profit Inkluded Academy, which champions diversity in publishing. She led the Wisconsin chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and served on the board of directors for the Wisconsin Writers Association. Before that, she enjoyed 25+ years in broadcast news, covering everything from presidential politics to state fair food-on-a-stick.
Find her at SilviaAcevedo.com
About JEFF MIRACOLO:
Jeff Miracola has been making fantasy art since 1993 for such cool projects as “Star Wars”, “Mars Attacks”, “Dungeons & Dragons”, and “World of Warcraft”. He’s most known, though, for his 30+ years creating art for “Magic: The Gathering”. He’s also done conceptual toy and video game design, editorial illustrations, and picture books, as well as activity books for Klutz/Scholastic. Jeff’s a sucker for animals, so when he’s not creating art, he’s feeding his many cats and befriending all the squirrels, chipmunks, and birds that swoop his way.

Union Park Tavern Oktoberfest w/ MGV Harmonia
2025-09-20 13:00 - 2025-09-21 14:00 | Union Park Kenosha, 7th Ave & 46th St, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
Union Park Tavern & MGV Harmonia’s 9th Annual Oktoberfest
Location: Union Park (4500 7th Ave) & Union Park Tavern (4520 8th Ave)
Dates: Saturday & Sunday, September 20–21, 2025
Facebook Event Page: Click Here
Union Park Tavern & MGV Harmonia’s 9th Annual Oktoberfest is back—bigger, better, and now spilling into Union Park!
Celebrate two days of German-inspired fun with live polka, local bands, cultural performances, great food, and plenty of beer. Enjoy crowd favorites like the inaugural UPT Pretzel, Brat & Beer Oktoberfest Challenge presented by Public Brewing Company, Stein Hoisting contests, the crowning of Miss Oktoberfest, and the ever-charming Dachshund Dash. Plus, Public Brewing Company will be debuting a special UPT Oktoberfest brew, available both at the bar and throughout the park.
Shop the vendor market, explore interactive art, toss axes, and bring the kids for bounce house fun. Sunday kicks off with a traditional German breakfast, music, and dance—plus the Kenosha Art Market.
Presented with Visit Kenosha and the Kenosha Art Market, this festive weekend supports MGV Harmonia’s mission to keep German American musical traditions alive.
Prost to Kenosha, culture, and community!
Saturday, September 20
Union Park Tavern Hours: 9 AM – Close
Union Park (The Park) Hours: 1 PM – 9 PM
Morning Kickoff at the Tavern

9:00 AM – Union Park Tavern opens with brunch and drinks an early pre Oktoberfest preview.

Park Festivities Begin

1:00 PM – Oktoberfest officially begins in Union Park
1:00 PM – Ceremonial Keg Tapping in the Union Park Tavern Biergarten This year’s keg tapping highlights the 175th anniversary of Kenosha and the emerald anniversary of our sister-city connection with Wolfenbüttel, Germany. Mayor David Bogdala will host the ceremony in the Union Park Tavern biergarten, joined via live stream by Mayor Ivica Lukanic and members of the Wolfenbüttel sister-city group, linking Kenosha’s celebration to the opening of Oktoberfest in Germany just hours earlier. Sponsored by Total Cyclery
1:15 PM – Live music by Hungry 5 and Friends on the main stage in the park sponsored by Jerry Smith Farm & Ron’s Place
1:30 PM – Pig Roast begins and photo ops with the pig. (sponsored by Sherwood Forest Meat Market in the UPT Biergarten)

Contests, Music & Entertainment

2:00 PM – Stein Hoisting Contest Presented by Hold My Beer in the UPT Biergarten
Register here
2:30 PM – MGV Harmonia performance on the main stage in the park sponsored by Jerry Smith Farm & Ron’s Place
2:30 PM – Floral Gin (Set 1) live in the UPT Biergarten sponsored by Total Cyclery
3 PM – 5 PM – Tillie the Kenosha Police K9 will be on site in Union Park
3:15 PM – The Inaugural UPT Pretzel, Brat & Beer Oktoberfest Challenge Presented by Public Brewing Company on the main stage in the park
4:00 PM – Union Park Kickerz, polka performance on the main stage in the park sponsored by Jerry Smith Farm & Ron’s Place
5:00 PM – Dachshund Dash Presented by Captain Mike’s on 8th Avenue in front of the Tavern
Register here
5:15 PM – Floral Gin (Set 2) live in the UPT Biergarten sponsored by Total Cyclery
6:00 PM – Blue Moon Posse (Set 1) on the Main Stage sponsored by Jerry Smith Farm & Ron’s Place
6:00 PM – Woman in Motion performance on 8th Avenue
7:00 PM – Miss Oktoberfest Contest Presented by Francesca & Co. Salon on the Main Stage sponsored by Jerry Smith Farm & Ron’s Place – Register here

8:00 PM – Blue Moon Posse (Set 2) on the main stage in the park sponsored by Jerry Smith Farm & Ron’s Place
9:00 PM – 50/50 Raffle Winner announced on the main stage in the park sponsored by Jerry Smith Farm & Ron’s Place

Note: Union Park closes at 9 PM, but Oktoberfest continues indoors at Union Park Tavern with live music by Pieptone! and more festivities until bar close.
Activities Throughout the Park (Saturday)

Hammerschlagen (sponsored by Millhouse Auto Body)
Mobile Axe Throwing (by Hold My Beer)
MGV Harmonia serving German food through out the day
Kid’s Zone (sponsored by Em’s Dance Center), featuring:

Bounce House
Face Painting
Fizzy Bizz
And more family fun

Vendor Market (Saturday)
Browse and shop a variety of local vendors, artists, and makers.
Partial list includes:

The Drawing Room (caricature art)
Chet Griffith & Janette Hill: Community Art Project for all ages + Original art
Southport Tea
AHDIDIT
Renewal by Andersen
Vintage Underground
Flip This Flip That Resale & Collectibles
Golden Touch
Little Miracles
Maxilyn House
A Little Bit Of All Of It
Em’s Dance Center
Jackson’s Candy Stand
T-Fiber
Additional vendors to be announced

Also available:
The Lettering Machine will be in the UPT Biergarten pressing Oktoberfest UPT t-shirts for purchase.
Can’t wait? Then order yours NOW! CLICK HERE TO ORDER
Sunday, September 21
Union Park Tavern Hours: 9 AM – Close
Union Park (The Park) Hours: 9 AM – 2 PM
Kenosha Art Market Hours: 10 AM – 2PM
Ease into Sunday with a relaxed cultural morning in the park.

Traditional German Breakfast in the Park by UPT & MGV Harmonia
Live performances by MGV Harmonia
Kenosha Art Market (10 AM – 2 PM)
Stage entertainment and dance numbers by Em’s Dance Center (times TBA)
Union Park Tavern open all day with drinks and continued German-themed fun

Presented By:
Union Park Tavern • MGV Harmonia
Event Sponsors:
Jerry Smith Pumpkin Farm • Ron’s Place • About Time Moving Systems • T-Fiber • Kenosha News • Amplified Wisconsin • Millhouse Auto Body • Em’s Dance Center • Southport Tea • Casey Family Options • Law Office of Frank J Parise • Shannyn Franklin of RE/MAX Elite • Captain Mike’s • Renewal by Anderson • Francesca & Co. Salon • Total Cyclery • Faded Barbershop for Men • Vintage Underground • Sherwood Forest Meat Market • Kenosha Art Market • Hold My Beer • The Lettering Machine • Steve & Terri Schwartz • Midwest Novelty • Public Brewing Company • Jackson’s Candy Stand • Johnson Financial Group • Peacetime Originals • Kenosha Sportfishing and Conservation Association

TOURIST SEASON: Pre-Release Party
2025-09-22 18:30 - 20:00 | Blue House Books, 5915 6th Avenue A, Kenosha, WI, 53142, United States
Join us for a pre-release party for Brynne Weaver’s newest, highly anticipated first book in the Seasons of Carnage Trilogy, “Tourist Season”! We’re celebrating at Blue House Books on Monday, September 22nd at 6:30 p.m., and you won’t want to miss out!
The event will include freebies, mingling with fellow Brynne Weaver fans, and games! Tickets are $34 and include a SIGNED bookplate, a hardcover copy of “Tourist Season” (which you will get one day before the official publication date), PLUS everyone will get a set of character cards, a crossword puzzle, 2 postcards, and a set of stickers!
This event is ticketed with only 30 spots available, so be sure to purchase your ticket ASAP! Check out the details and grab your ticket here: https://www.blue-house-books.com/events/3360020250922

POTLUCK DESSERTS: Justin Burke in conversation with James Schend
2025-09-23 18:30 - 20:30 | Blue House Books, 5915 6th Avenue A, Kenosha, WI, 53142, United States
Calling all potluck aficionados, bakers, and dessert superstars- join us on Tuesday, September 23rd at 6:30 p.m. for a truly scrumptious event. Justin Burke, food writer, recipe developer, queer food activist, and award-winning pastry chef and baker will be at Blue House Books to discuss his book, “Potluck Desserts” with James Schend.
Pick up the book before the event and try your hand at one of the desserts to bring with you! Fill out the google form with what dessert you are bringing. When bringing your dish to the event, make sure to include all food allergen information.
*Don’t forget to bring the book with you to the event to get it signed by Justin!
This event is ticketed, check out the details and grab your ticket here: https://www.blue-house-books.com/events/3232020250923
About POTLUCK DESSERTS:
Justin Burke credits his first queer potluck with changing his life. Gathering around a table piled high with homemade food evoked a sense of unity that bridged individuals beyond societal norms, sparking within him a passion for food that launched his career as a baker. Now a potluck pro, Burke shares his playful, delicious recipes in “Potluck Desserts”, from Lemon-Thyme Bars and Hummingbird Blondies to Snickerdoodle Peach Cobbler and Cranberry-Orange Fluff Salad.
Refined yet approachable, these stylish sweets are organized by baking dish—sheet pans, rectangular pans and foil tins, loaf pans, casserole dishes, and bowls, bundts, and other round things—and tagged by time to further simplify the process. Complete with charming personal anecdotes, reflections on the social importance of potlucks—particularly in the queer community, and stunning photography of an abundance of good food, “Potluck Desserts” gives the home baker the tools, confidence, and pride to serve beloved, nostalgic dishes that everyone will love—colleagues, friends, families, and chosen families included.
About JUSTIN BURKE:
Justin Burke is a food writer, recipe developer, queer food activist, and award-winning pastry chef and baker. They have contributed to publications including Eater, Food & Wine, Garden & Gun, Simply Recipes, Bake from Scratch, and more. Burke makes their home in Columbia, South Carolina, with their husband and son.
About JAMES SCHEND:
After a delicious decade at Taste of Home, James has hung up his editor’s hat for a well-deserved retirement, bringing his culinary adventures full circle right back to Kenosha! His journey with Taste of Home began as a food editor, where he quickly became a familiar face in the Test Kitchen. Through the years, he moved up the ranks, ultimately reaching the pinnacle as the editor of Taste of Home. In this role, he had the privilege of leading the culinary editorial teams, orchestrating major recipe contests, and steering the direction of Taste of Home’s food content.
This thrilling ride built on a career that started after he left Kenosha to pursue a culinary degree and exciting jobs across the US. His experience included serving as Content Director at the Williams-Sonoma corporate office in San Francisco and working as a food editor and culinary specialist at Southern Living in Birmingham, Alabama.
And now the aprons are off, but James’s passion for exceptional cuisine is stronger than ever! While his professional kitchen days are behind him, his global quest for incredible flavors has just begun. He’s excited to explore the world’s culinary landscapes, all while enjoying the vibrant community and familiar comforts of his hometown.

Lakeside Oktoberfest by Rustic Road Brewing Company
2025-09-25 16:00 - 2025-09-28 18:00 | Celebration Place, 5501 Ring Road, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
September boasts some of Wisconsin’s finest weather, the initial tinges of color on the leaves and, back for a fourth year, Kenosha’s Lakeside Oktoberfest, presented by Rustic Road Brewing Company! This event will feature 4 days of live music, food, family style entertainment, and, of course, the area’s best craft brews available – a true celebration of Kenosha in Deutschland style!
Thurs: 4-10, Fri: 4-11, Sat: 11-11, Sun: 11-6

Boozy Bookfair at Kenosha Tap House for the Kenosha Literacy Council
2025-09-25 17:00 - 20:00 | Kenosha Tap House, 125 56th St, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
It’s time for another Boozy Bookfair!
We’re so excited to be bringing the Blue House Bookmobile to Kenosha Tap House for our Boozy Bookfair supporting the Kenosha Literacy Council!
Remember the elementary school bookfairs? It’s like that, but at a bar! Live out your best childhood memories… but with adult money! We’ll have fun nostalgic items like pens and slap bracelets, games and gift items, and of course… BOOKS!
We will have everything you need: new releases, local authors, top sellers, amazing gifts for all ages, and so much more! On top of that, 10% of sales from Blue House Books AND Kenosha Tap House are being donated to Kenosha Literacy Council.
Be sure to support our hosts and contribute even more to the fundraiser by grabbing food and drink from Kenosha Tap House, located at 125 56th St, Kenosha, Wisconsin.
