Go Downtown Kenosha

Celebrate America Featuring Fireworks
2023-07-02, 2023-07-03, 2023-07-04 | Along The Harbor, 54th Street and 6th Avenue, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
The carnival starts July 1, while the music and entertainment on multiple stages kicks off on July 2, as the City of Kenosha prepares to celebrate Independence Day. A full line-up of entertainment continues through July 4 along the lakefront, highlighted by the Festival Foods Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. on July 4. Pyrotechnics expert The Mad Bomber promises another spectacular show to light up the skies over the lakefront.
Happenings Magazine, Festival Foods, Kenosha County and many community partners join the City of Kenosha to support Celebrate America activities along the harbor.
Hours:
July 2 following the parade: 3:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
July 3: 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
July 4: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
(See July 1-4 Carnival Hours further down)
Look for live music, the Action Territory Kids Zone and vendors north of 54th Street between Sixth Avenue and Second Avenue; and also music and vendors at Veterans Memorial Park, 625 52nd St. Admission is free and open to the public. Food and beverages are available for purchase.
Action Territory Kids Zone (Northeast of 54th Street and Sixth Avenue):
The Action Territory Kids Zone is a new feature this year, with activities such as inflatables and a giant sandbox where kids can dig for quarters and silver dollars. The giant sandbox will be located in a parking lot on the northeast corner of 54th Street and Sixth Avenue. Fees apply for Kids Zone activities.
Celebrate America Schedule of bands July 2-4, 2023:
July 2:
Shoreline Stage (along the harbor near 54th Street and Fourth Ave.):
3:00 p.m. Mix Tape Heroes
5:45 p.m. Party Obvious
8:30 p.m. Yankee Cowboy
Fireworks Stage (at Veterans Memorial Park, 625 52nd St.):
3:30 p.m. Cajual
6:15 p.m. Would You Kindly?
9 p.m. Moe Joe’s Jukebox
July 3:
Shoreline Stage:
3:30 p.m. Flat Creek HWY
6:15 p.m. The Space Echoes
9:00 p.m. Exit 147
Fireworks Stage:
3:00 p.m. Indigo Canyon
5:45 p.m. Roundabouts
8:30 p.m. My Metal Heart
July 4:
Shoreline Stage:
12:30 p.m. Ecolimes
3:15 p.m. Mitch The Lip and Side Hustle
5:00 p.m. Kicked out of Choir
7:45 p.m. EZ-FM w/ Diva Montell
Fireworks Stage:
1:00 p.m. Kids From Wisconsin
4:00 p.m. Trolley Dogs Hot Dog Eating Contest
5:00 p.m. Jessie’s Girl
7:45 p.m. Boys and Toys
Carnival July 1-4:
Rainbow Valley Carnival features an assortment of rides and fun. The carnival is located between 54th Street and 55th Street, west of Sixth Avenue. Fees apply.
Carnival Hours:
July 1, July 2, July 3: Noon to 10 p.m.
July 4: Noon to 8 p.m.
Getting Around:
Due to the high volume of traffic resulting from all of the festivities, people should be aware of road closings and traffic adjustments. Seventh Avenue is closed between 54th Street and 55th Street through July 4 for setup and operation of the Rainbow Valley Carnival, along with a parking lot east of that area.
Beginning at noon on June 30, traffic will be directed one way only in a counter-clockwise loop east of Third Avenue, between 54th and 56th Streets, along Calabria Way and continuing to Eighth Avenue. Sixth Avenue will be closed between 52nd Street and 54th Street; and also between 54th Street and 55th Street until 1 a.m. July 5. Beginning at 4 p.m. on July 1, 54th Street also will be closed between Fifth and Eighth Avenues and westbound traffic will be redirected.
On July 4, there will be no access to the east end of Celebration Place for pedestrians or vehicles, as it is closed for safety purposes for the fireworks display. No traffic will be allowed between 8:30 and 10 p.m. on July 4, east of Third Avenue between 56th Street and 54th Street, including around Calabria Way. The road closure is prompted by safety concerns related to traffic in that area leading up to and during the Festival Foods Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
RV Parking:
Due to heavy traffic in the HarborPark area on July 4, RVs will be directed to park in a less congested area. The vacant lot west of City Hall, 625 52nd St., has been designated for RV parking in marked parking spots, after 6 a.m. on July 4. The lot may be accessed from 54th Street, east of Sheridan Road. All vehicles must vacate the area by 7 a.m. on July 5.
No vehicle access to Simmons Island July 4:
Consistent with the last several years, and at the direction of Kenosha Police Chief Patrick Patton, there will be no vehicle access or parking on Simmons Island on July 4 for the general public. The roadway will be barricaded at 50th Street and Seventh Avenue and also at Kennedy Drive and 45th Street. This is being done to increase safety and enhance the event for Simmons Island visitors.
People are still welcome to access Simmons Island by walking to and from the park. Barricades will be staffed and vehicle access will be restricted. Only residents of Fourth Avenue, the Coast Guard, and those with business at the Kenosha Water Utility, Great Lakes Yacht Sales and Kenosha Yacht Club will be allowed on the island.
Kennedy Drive will follow a one-way traffic pattern northbound on July 4, beginning at 8 a.m. One-way traffic will flow north beginning at 44th Street, continuing through Kennedy Park and Pennoyer Park, and exiting at 35th Street. The one-way traffic pattern is designed to help avoid congestion after the fireworks and will end at 1 a.m. July 5.
Free shuttles and streetcars on July 4:
People are encouraged to park downtown – including the parking ramp on Eighth Avenue and 56th Street – and ride a free shuttle or streetcar to points of interest. The rubber tired trolley will not be running its regular lakefront route on July 4. Instead, the trolley will shuttle people free of charge between the transit center and Carthage College, via Seventh Avenue, Alford Park Drive and Sheridan Road. Hours of operation are 2 to 11 p.m. July 4.
Another free shuttle service offers access to Simmons Island on July 4. The Simmons Island shuttle operates from 2 to 11 p.m. in a 15-minute loop from the transit center, 724 54th St., to a drop off point at Simmons Island Park.
Free streetcar service will operate from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4, passing the HarborPark area east of the museums (popular for fireworks viewing) and along the harbor, where the Celebrate America festival is taking place.
View Map
View Trolley Route

I AM A MAN: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement, 1960–1970
2023-07-02, 2023-07-03, 2023-07-04, 2023-07-05, 2023-07-06, 2023-07-07, 2023-07-08 | Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Avenue, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
The 1960 –1970 decade was a momentous time for the civil rights movement in the American South. It was an historic decade that unleashed both hope for the future and profound change as public spaces were desegregated and as African Americans secured their right to vote. I AM A MAN: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement, 1960–1970 displays a wide range of photographs taken by amateurs, local photojournalists, and internationally known photographers. Together, they provide a vivid visual story of the evolution of the civil rights movement and shed light on the movement’s integration in the daily living in the American South.

Firecracker 5K, 10K, 1 Mile
2023-07-02 08:30 (America/Chicago) | Library Park, 711 59th Place, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
This is the 45th Annual Kenosha YMCA Firecracker.
Featuring:
-5K: in-person and virtual options
-10K: virtual only
-1 Mile Fun Run/Walk: in-person and virtual options
Only the 5K race is timed.
Online registration only.
This closed race course is USATF certified and runs along Kenosha’s scenic lakefront harbor and historic district with 4 water stations for runner safety.

Sunday Brunch Buffet at The 1844 Table & Mash
2023-07-02 10:00 - 14:00 | The 1844 Table & Mash, 5706 8th Avenue, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
Join us at The 1844 Table & Mash every Sunday for our delicious All-You-Can-Eat Brunch Buffet in downtown Kenosha. Our Sunday Brunch menu features traditional breakfast and brunch items, with new selections introduced by season. Of course, you will want to add bottomless mimosas or our Giant Stella Bloody Mary to make the brunch experience complete.
Every Sunday from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
View menu – https://the1844.com/special/sunday-brunch-buffet

Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade
2023-07-02 13:00 | Downtown Kenosha, 5601 7th Avenue, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
“From Sea to Shining Sea” is the theme for the 2023 Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade, set for Sunday, July 2, at 1 p.m. Continuing its community generosity, Snap-on, Inc. is again the lead sponsor for the parade.
The parade includes a variety of entertainment and honored guests, including the 2022 Hometown Hero of the Year, bands, floats, and more.
Kenosha County joins the City of Kenosha in supporting the parade, along with five division sponsors.
Organizations and businesses are encouraged to decorate floats for entry in the parade. The deadline for parade applications is Friday, May 26, at 4 p.m. Early applications are encouraged. Applications are posted at the listed website link and also are available by contacting the parade organizer at the listed phone number and email address.
Parade Line-up
Parade Route

Historic Durkee Mansion
2023-07-02 13:30 - 16:30 | Durkee Mansion, 6501 3rd Avenue, Kenosha, 53143, United States
Durkee Mansion is open the first and third weekends of the Month, April through October, from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
Go to kempercenter.com to learn more.

Fourth of July Rooftop Celebration with Spirit Shakers
2023-07-04 18:00 - 21:00 | The Crow’s Nest Rooftop Bar, 5706 8th Avenue, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
Join us on Tuesday, July 4th at the Crow’s Nest Rooftop Bar for a star-spangled Fourth of July Celebration! We will be featuring delicious food and drinks specials all day as well as live music by the Spirit Shakers from 6:00pm – 9:00pm.
Crow’s Nest Rooftop Bar Hours: 2:00pm – 12:00am
Spirit Shakers Live: 6:00pm – 9:00pm

The Apis 4th Of July Celebration
2023-07-04 18:00 - 23:00 | The Apis Hotel and Restaurant, 614 56th Street, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
Come & celebrate the 4th of July on The Rooftop of The Apis!
Dine, drink & enjoy the fireworks on Kenosha’s spot to be this year.
Your ticket will include access to The Rooftop, a hosted limited bar, and the best all you can eat cookout in town! Food and hosted bar scheduled from 6-9:30PM.
Cash bar will be available for other drinks that are not included in the package.
Looking to book out the firepits for a large party? Contact Brandon for pricing details at brandon@attheapis.com
Grab your tickets today! https://www.exploretock.com/theapis

Musical BINGO
2023-07-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Rustic Road Brewing Company, 5706 Sixth Avenue, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
How it works:
We play three rounds. When you recognize the song, mark it on your sheet. Be the first to fill in two full rows to win BINGO. The prizes for each round are a crowler and a $20 gift card.

Tavern Terrace BBQ’s
2023-07-06 17:00 - 22:00 | Tavern on 6th, 5712 6th Ave, Kenosha, 53140, United States
Join us every Thursday starting in June on the Tavern Terrace featuring full service bar and outdoor BBQ! Stay tuned to our social media page for weekly menu offerings!

Pat Garrett Pick and Pull Open Mic
2023-07-06 20:00 - 22:00 | Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Avenue, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
Pat Garrett pick and pull open mic every first Thursday at 8 PM

Food Truck Friday
2023-07-07 16:00 - 21:00 | Kenosha Yacht Club Bar & Grille, 5130 4th Avenue, Kenosha, 53140, United States
FTF (Food Truck Friday) – Come on down to the Island Deck and check out some local food vendors, great views, and cold drinks.
We have a great line up of food vendors to check out!
Fork N Fry – Poutinerie – who doesn’t love Poutine?
Only Food – Tacos, Shawarma and street corn!
Mr. Wings – the legendary Wing Man!
Big Head Tacos – Delicious Tacos and Burritos – Surf and Turf Burrito – Yum!

The Shuttlesworth Project: A Fire You Can’t Put Out
2023-07-07 18:30 - 20:00 | Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Avenue, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
Speaker: Cassandra Griffen, Photojournalist
Cassandra Griffen’s program will showcase her images of the foot soldiers of the Civil Rights Movement who, though largely unknown to the nation, served as integral parts of Reverend Fred Lee Shuttlesworth’s determination to undo Jim Crow laws in the South. These images will show the impact that Rev. Shuttlesworth had on other Civil Rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King.
“The Shuttlesworth Project: A Fire You Can’t Put Out,” is archived in the Library of Congress and was a major exhibit at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in 2012. This project was intensely curated with interviews with the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement involved from the 1950s to present.
Cassandra writes about the project: “Both my family and Reverend Shuttlesworth’s lived in Mt. Meigs, Alabama, which spearheaded my interest and responsibility to do my part in eliminating segregation and racism in our nation through documenting protests, strikes, police brutality, Bloody Sunday memorials in Selma and more. The program will include images of the significant civil rights participants streamed during my presentation and paused if clarification or additional info is needed by the audience.”

Comedy Shows at Kenosha Comedy Club
2023-07-07 20:00 - 21:30 | Wyndham Garden Hotel, 5125 6th Ave, Kenosha, WI, United States
90 minutes of live professional comedy.
Prices vary by show.

Kenosha Public Market
2023-07-08 09:00 - 14:00 | Kenosha Public Market, 625 52nd Street, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
Kenosha Public Market is a year-round Saturday market located in the heart of the Downtown district. Our vendors present a variety of fresh local products including fruits, vegetables, flowers, artisan pastries and confections, locally sourced meats, poultry and eggs, fine cheeses, prepared foods & handmade gifts. Check out our online store, KPM2GO. Place orders during the week and pick up at our Saturday market!
Join us for the outdoor market season in Downtown Kenosha! Our location is in the center of this pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with convenient parking options, world-class museums, an authentic streetcar system, two lighthouses, unique dining, and plenty of shopping options. Kenosha Public Market is proud to be one of the many shopping destinations Downtown.
Well behaved dogs welcome at your community market.
We welcome SNAP customers at Kenosha Public Market and the KPM2GO online store. Double your dollars (up to $20 match per person per market day): inquire at the Kenosha Public Market Info Booth. Spend $20, get $20 free! Applies to eligible food only.
Early bird shopping (8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.) will be dedicated to seniors and those with disabilities. Hours for the general public are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kenosha HarborMarket
2023-07-08 09:00 - 14:00 | Kenosha HarborMarket, 56th Street and 2nd Avenue, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
Kenosha HarborMarket®: fun for the entire family! Visit Kenosha’s Original HarborMarket, the bustling European-style mixed market now in its 21st Season. Find them on 2nd Ave, between 54th and 56th Streets and the adjacent Place de Douai, just 1 block west of The Civil War Museum and Kenosha Public Museum every Saturday from May 13 through October 28, 2023, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Make a day of it – shop for the freshest local produce, proteins, cheeses, baked goods and more, enjoy fabulous and diverse foods cooked at HarborMarket and soak up the live music of talented local musicians, all in a scenic, park-like setting with ample green space with tree-lined streets and surrounded by Lake Michigan.
Find fresh organic and conventionally grown vegetables, microgreens, fruits, meats, cheeses, eggs, plants and flowers from local producers. Explore a new cuisine or pick up a favorite delicious food from over a dozen prepared food vendors this season. Treat yourself to fresh baked goods including breads, pastries, pies, cookies and other desserts. Stock up your pantry with fruit preserves, snacks, seasonings, gourmet oils and vinegars, nuts and much more. Onsite knife sharpening is available while you shop. Over 150 vendors this outdoor season and over 100 booths every week.
Every week brings two local musicians to HarborMarket. Enjoy their live performances on both 2nd Ave and Place de Douai. Additional special events will take place many Saturdays including the Bookmobile, The Puppet Underground and a few special surprises.
Admission and parking are always free.
Market Moola is an incentive program that provides matching funds of up to $20 per week to SNAP/EBT users who shop at Kenosha HarborMarket®. Individuals and families who are part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program can enjoy matching funds as part of this HarborMarket program. Tokens can be purchased in $2 increments at the Friends of the Market booth using their EBT cards. These tokens can be used like cash at approved vendor stands that supply foods for the household to consume at home such as breads, cereal, fruits and vegetables, meats, fish and poultry, cheeses, garden seeds that produce food, and more.

BOOKMOBILE: Kenosha Public Market
2023-07-08 09:00 - 14:00 | Kenosha Public Market, 625 52nd Street, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
Come see the Blue House Bookmobile at the Kenosha Public Market!
We will be at the Market in the municipal building parking lot, 625 52nd St, most Saturdays throughout the summer! Check our event calendar for confirmed dates.
Blue House Books will still be open during normal hours at our main storefront location every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 5915 6th Ave A.

Library Park Historic District Walking Tour
2023-07-08 11:00 - 12:30 | Library Park, 711 59th Place, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
Presented By:
Kenosha History Center
When:
May 13, 2023 – October 14, 2023
Price:
Reservations for the Walking Tour must be made in advance and the cost is $10 per person.
Time:
From: 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Recurrence:
Recurring monthly on the 2nd Saturday
On Second Saturdays, May through October, the Kenosha County Historical Society (who operates the Kenosha History Center and the seasonal Southport Light Station Museum) presents this guided walking tour of the historic Library Park District.
The tour typically lasts 90 minutes with a leisurely walk around the park discussing the architectural and historical significance of most buildings. The tours are led by volunteer historians.
Reservations for the Walking Tour must be made in advance and the cost is $10 per person. Contact the Kenosha History Center to make your reservation: 262-654-5770.
The Library Park Historic District is one of four historic districts designated in the City of Kenosha. The district contains many individually outstanding examples of nineteenth century and early twentieth century architecture.

Pedals & Pints is BACK!
2023-07-08 11:00 - 14:00 | Public Craft Brewing Co., 628 58th Street, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
Do you like beer? Do you like bicycles? Well come on out for Public’s weekly bike ride where we meet at public and ride to local spots to enjoy some brews with friends! Regular destinations include Pets Biergarten and Harbor Brewing in Winthrop Harbor. Beer, Bikes, and Buds! Every Saturday at 11!
The June 3rd ride is heading to Petrifying Springs Biergarten!

Hold My Beer Kenosha Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting July 8th
2023-07-08 11:00 - 23:00 | Hold My Beer, 621 56th Street, Kenosha, WI, 53140, United States
🎉 Hold My Beer Kenosha Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting July 8th! 🎉
Join us on July 8th for an epic celebration as we cut the ribbon and invite the whole community to experience the ultimate adventure at Hold My Beer! 🪓🍺
🌟 50 self-pouring taps await you, offering an ever-changing variety of craft beers, ciders, wines & non-alcoholic. Take control of your own pouring experience and discover your new favorites! 🍻🚰
🪓 Test your skills and unleash your inner lumberjack with our axe-throwing lanes. Whether you’re a casual thrower or a competitive enthusiast, we’ve got the perfect challenge for you! 🪓🎯
🍽️ Relax in our casual dining area and indulge in delicious food, while engaging in friendly competition with free-to-play pub games like shuffleboard and foosball. It’s entertainment galore! 🍽️🎉
📍 Located in downtown Kenosha 621 56th St, Kenosha, WI 53140, Hold My Beer is the ultimate destination for fun and excitement. Join our leagues or play casual, and let the good times roll! 🎉
Get ready for an unforgettable experience, where you’re in control of your own adventure. Hold My Beer Kenosha is your go-to spot for axe throwing, craft beer, entertainment, and so much more! 🪓🍺🎉
Don’t miss out on the grand opening! Stay tuned for more updates and surprises. See you on July 8th! Cheers to a night filled with laughter, fun, and self-pouring goodness!

Cut Stone @ Kenosha Pride 2023!
2023-07-08 12:00 - 21:30 | Harbor Park, 206 55th Street, Kenosha, 53140
It’s time for our favorite event of the year!
Kenosha Pride is back bigger and better than ever with a new location and TONS more entertainment.
Cut Stone will be there and we’ve got new limited editions pride stickers FREE for our first 50 customers!
We’ll be serving from noon until 8pm or sell out.
Check out the entertainment schedule below!
Stonewall Stage:
12:45-1 – Opening Ceremony
1-1:30 – Miss Christine
1:45-2:15 – Sage Halloway
2:30-3 – TeawhYB
3:15-4:15 – Kat and the Hurricane
4:30-5:15 – Would You Kindly
5:25-5:45 – Party Hardy with WYK and the Drag Divas
6-8:30 – Diva Drag Show with Special Guests Jasmine Kennedie & Jade Jolie
8:45-9:15 – Thea Austin
9:20-9:30 – Closing Ceremony
Pulse Stage:
12:30-1 – Dance Party featuring DJs Skrat and Foxxy
1-2:45 – Miss Gay Southeastern House of Legends Hosted by Ginger Van Allen
2:45-3:35 – Dance Party featuring DJs Skrat and Foxxy
3:15-3:30 – Trivia with Christina Rose
3:30-6 – Freestyle Music

Storytime & Creativity Workshop with Reed McCloskey
2023-07-08 13:00 | Blue House Books, 5915 6th Avenue A, Kenosha, WI, 53142, United States
Read and “imaginate” with local author Reed McCloskey!
Reed will be at Blue House Books on Saturday, July 8th at 1 p.m. to lead a storytime and creativity workshop that is perfect for children ages 4 to 8.
“Many Greetings, Many Faces” is a rhyming frenzy from good morning to goodnight. Get ready to go on an adventure with the cutest and zaniest animal characters ever imagined.
Now it’s your turn! Can you create your very own animal character like in the book?! Pick two or more animals and weave them together. Maybe a horse’s mane, on a pig’s body walking on duck feet. After they are complete name your new creation! I can’t wait to see what you “imaginate”!
This is a FREE event perfect for families. We hope to see you there!
