Top 5 things to do in Kenosha this weekend:
Outta Sight Kite Flight
Noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (June 3-4)
Kennedy Park, 4051 5th Ave.
Colorful kites fill the sky during the annual kite festival, presented by the City of Kenosha, Gift of Wings, and sponsors. See flying demonstrations of gigantic show kites (100+ feet) and stunt kite demonstrations by professional fliers from around the Midwest, as well as new performers and activities. Miss Kenosha 2023 Willow Newell will sing the national anthem at noon on Saturday, followed by a grand launch of hundreds of kites. Professional kite teams begin performing at 12:20 p.m. both days. Free.
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Punk Show and Art Pop-Up
5-9 p.m., Saturday (June 3)
Union Park Tavern Biergarten, 4520 8th Ave.
First outdoor event of the UPT season. Art vendors and live music. Army of Cretins: 5-5:45 p.m., Primitives: 6-6:45 p.m., Siren of Sorrow: 7-7:45 p.m., Revel in Rot: 8-8:45 p.m. Pop-up art vendors: Michelle Renee, Ashley Crucianelli, Madison G. Moore and Art is Dead.
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Kenosha Kingfish Opening Week
6:35 p.m. Friday and Saturday (June 2-3)
Historic Simmons Field, 7817 Sheridan Rd.
The Kenosha Kingfish return to action, hosting Traverse City this weekend. 10th Anniversary blanket giveaway Friday, fireworks show Saturday. Tickets $8-29.
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Meet the Author: Kenosha native Ruben Williams
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday (June 3)
Blue House Books, 5915 6th Ave. A
Author Ruben Williams is returning to his hometown to celebrate the release of his debut novel “Northern Lights,” a young adult coming-of-age story about an African American teenager who is trying to manage life as a foster child living in a bad neighborhood while attending a private high school. “Northern Lights” captures the depth of the traumas that young people suffer through everyday, while the spirit of empathy, defeat, triumph, and joy is felt throughout the story. Free.
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Good Old Summertime Art Fair
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday (June 4)
Civic Center Park, 900 57th St.
Presented by Friends of the Kenosha Art Association, the 47th Annual Invitational Arts and Crafts Show includes all-original artwork and crafts include paintings, sculpture, lithographs, leather, collage, textiles, needlework, photography, jewelry, wood burning, pottery, soft sculpture, stained glass, drawings, etching, woodworking or carving, silk screen, ceramics, and computer art. Food available for purchase. Held rain or shine. Free admission.
THE LINEUP
THURSDAY, June 1
Music
Pick n Pull open mic/songwriters’ swap meet with Pat Garrett, 8:30 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave.
Create @theSpace Open Stage with Haven B. Wells, 8-11 p.m. Kenosha Creative Space, 624 57th St. Work on an art project from our available supply of materials, or bring your own project to share with us. Bring an instrument and see what happens! The music starts at 8 p.m. Donations and new ideas are always welcome.
Art
Transparent Watercolor Society of America Annual National Juried Exhibition, Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave. Paintings from transparent watercolor artists from across the country will be on display. Works include a wide variety of subjects from landscapes and portraits to abstracts. Through Aug. 6.
28th Parkside National Print Exhibition, Emile H. Mathis Gallery, UW-Parkside, 900 Wood Rd. More than 80 award-winning prints on display. Gallery hours 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. Through July 28.
Potpourri
Historic Durkee Mansion Tours (self-guided), 1:30-4 p.m., Kemper Center grounds, 6501 3rd Ave. Admission free, donations appreciated.
Southport Light Station Museum – Climb a Lighthouse, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, 5117 4th Ave. Free admission for the keeper’s house tour; donations are welcome. Lighthouse climb costs $10 for ages 12-and-over, $5 for children 8-11 years old. (Must be 8-or-older to climb.)
FRIDAY, June 2
Music
June Hootenanny, 7-10 p.m., Anderson Arts Center, 6603 3rd Ave. Bring an acoustic instrument or just come to sing along. Music books and some stands provided. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The theme is Roadtrip.
Sipos & Young, 6-9 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave.
Red Light Rebellion, 8 p.m., Pavle’s Lounge, 1724 52nd St.
Art
Transparent Watercolor Society of America Annual National Juried Exhibition, Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave. Paintings from transparent watercolor artists from across the country will be on display. Works include a wide variety of subjects from landscapes and portraits to abstracts. Through Aug. 6.
28th Parkside National Print Exhibition, Emile H. Mathis Gallery, UW-Parkside, 900 Wood Rd. More than 80 award-winning prints on display. Gallery hours 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. Through July 28.
Potpourri
Wilson Elementary Celebration, 5-7 p.m., 4520 33rd Ave. In honor of its many years of service to the community and families served, this event is open to the entire community. Current and past students and staff are encouraged to attend. Guests will be able to walk the halls and reminisce about the past from 5-6 p.m. There will then be a presentation featuring the Wilson choir and keynote speakers in the gymnasium from 6-7 p.m.
Comedian Justin Silver, 8 p.m., Kenosha Comedy Club, Wyndham Garden Hotel, 5125 6th Ave. Tickets $18.
Gettysburg in Color, Vol. 1: Brandy Station to the Peach Orchard, noon, Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Ave. a monumental full-color study of the important three-day battle that brings the men, the landscape, and the action into the 21st century. Led by Patrick Brennan, a long-time student of the Civil War, published author, and an editorial advisor for The Civil War Monitor magazine.
Historic Durkee Mansion Tours (self-guided), 1:30-4 p.m., Kemper Center grounds, 6501 3rd Ave. Admission free, donations appreciated.
Southport Light Station Museum – Climb a Lighthouse, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, 5117 4th Ave. Free admission for the keeper’s house tour; donations are welcome. Lighthouse climb costs $10 for ages 12-and-over, $5 for children 8-11 years old. (Must be 8-or-older to climb.)
Sunset Sail on Red Witch II, 7:30-8:45 p.m. 500 54th St. Enjoy a 75-minute Sunset Sail aboard a 1930-design America’s Cup Sailing Yacht replica. Tickets $37.
Full Moon Drum Circle, 6:45-8 p.m., Kenosha Sand Dunes. Park off the street on 85th Ave near the gated entrance to the Dunes in Carol Beach. Bring a drum or instrument, blanket and camp chair if desired. Some instruments including Native Hoop Drums will be available. Donations are appreciated. This is a drug and alcohol free event.
Multi-Use and Mountain Bike Trail Grand Opening, 5:30 p.m., Petrifying Springs Park, 5555 7th Ave. Featuring group rides, games, food, beverages, and live music.
32nd Annual Aging Well Conference, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., UW-Parkside, 900 Wood Rd. The event features more than 200 professionals working in the field of aging including presenters, exhibitor booths, and networking.
Kenosha Literacy Council Rummage Sale, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., 2419 63rd St. 100% of the proceeds from the sale will benefit the Kenosha Literacy Council, Inc. where adults learn to read, write and speak English.
Family
Kenosha Kingfish vs Traverse City, 6:35 p.m. Historic Simmons Field, 7817 Sheridan Rd. 10th Anniversary blanket giveaway Tickets $8-29.
Outdoor Movie Night presented by Growing with Bristol, dusk, Hansen Park, 19806 86th Pl. Free outdoor games from 7-8:30, food vendors and a raffle are available. The movie, “A League of Their Own,” begins at dusk.
Movies in the Park, “Encanto,” beginning at dusk, Lance Park Ampitheater, 55 Lance Dr., Twin Lakes.
SATURDAY, June 3
Music
Big Style Brass Band, 6 p.m., Petrifying Springs Biergarten, 5555 7th Ave.
Boys and Toys, 7 p.m., Kenosha Brewing Co., 4017 80th St.
Jill Plaisted Band, 8 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave.
Indigo Canyon, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Kenosha Public Market, 625 52nd St.
Art
Transparent Watercolor Society of America Annual National Juried Exhibition, Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave. Paintings from transparent watercolor artists from across the country will be on display. Works include a wide variety of subjects from landscapes and portraits to abstracts. Through Aug. 6.
Potpourri
Punk Show and Art Pop-Up, 5-9 p.m., Union Park Tavern Biergarten, 4520 8th Ave. First outdoor event of the UPT season. Art vendors and live music. Army of Cretins: 5-5:45 p.m., Primitives: 6-6:45 p.m., Siren of Sorrow: 7-7:45 p.m., Revel in Rot: 8-8:45 p.m. Pop up art vendors: Michelle Renee, Ashley Crucianelli, Madison G. Moore and Art is Dead.
Kenosha HarborMarket, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 2nd Avenue & 56th Street. The original HarborMarket’s 21st season includes more than 110 vendor booths including 20 new for this season, live music at two booths and much more.
Kenosha Public Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 625 52nd St. 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. Early bird shopping (8:30-9 a.m.) will be dedicated to seniors and those with disabilities. An online store, KPM2GO, is also available.
Comedian Justin Silver, 8 p.m., Kenosha Comedy Club, Wyndham Garden Hotel, 5125 6th Ave. Tickets $18.
Native Prairie Plant Walk, 9-11 a.m. Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area, 2nd Avenue and 121st Street. Naturalist Kay McClelland will lead walks which includes tidbits of history and geology, and lots of plant names and facts. Recommended: good walking shoes or boots and long pants, sunscreen, insect repellent for possible ticks, and a hat. Walk is held in the event of light rain but not lightning.
Kenosha County Success Fair – Resources to Build Stronger Families, noon-3 p.m., Kenosha County Job Center, 8600 Sheridan Rd. This large resource event is designed to showcase the many local and regional agencies, both government and nonprofits, that can assist residents in all age groups and demographics.
Glow in the Park, 6-11 p.m., Boundless Adventures, 9800 160th Ave., Theme: Date night. Colored lights, smoke machines, and music at Boundless Adventures while you climb and zip line through family-friendly outdoor aerial adventure park $50 for 2-hour climb.
Perennial Fair and Plant Sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Pike Creek Horticulture Center, Gateway Technical College, 3520 30th Ave., Annuals, herbs, vegetables, and more are available. View learning gardens and ask the professionals gardening questions.
Historic Durkee Mansion Tours (self-guided), 1:30-4 p.m., Kemper Center grounds, 6501 3rd Ave. Admission free, donations appreciated.
Third Avenue Historic Walking Tour, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., presented by Kenosha History Center. Participants meet at Eichelman Park, 6125 3rd Ave. $10. Registration required, please call 262-654-5770. First Saturday of the month through Oct. 7.
Southport Light Station Museum – Climb a Lighthouse, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, 5117 4th Ave. Free admission for the keeper’s house tour; donations are welcome. Lighthouse climb costs $10 for ages 12-and-over, $5 for children 8-11 years old. (Must be 8-or-older to climb.)
Family
Free Weekend/Free Fishing Weekend, Richard Bong State Recreation Area, 26313 Burlington Rd., Kansasville. Visitors are welcome to enjoy activities at the visitors center and throughout the State Park with no sticker required during park hours Saturday and Sunday (June 3-4).
Outta Sight Kite Flight, Noon-5 p.m., Kennedy Park, 4051 5th Ave. Colorful kites fill the sky during the annual kite festival, presented by the City of Kenosha, Gift of Wings, and sponsors. See flying demonstrations of gigantic show kites (100+ feet) and stunt kite demonstrations by professional fliers from around the Midwest, as well as new performers and activities. Miss Kenosha 2023 Willow Newell will sing the national anthem at noon on Saturday, followed by a grand launch of hundreds of kites. Professional kite teams begin performing at 12:20 p.m. both days. Free.
Tales N Tails: Read to a Dog, 10-11 a.m., Northside Library, 1500 27th Ave. Sign up for a 15-minute reading session with one of the certified reading education assistance dogs from Kenosha’s Dogs of Endearment. Registration required.
Sticker Social, 12:30-2 p.m., Southwest Library, 7979 38th Ave. Create a reusable sticker book and add cool new stickers. If you already have a sticker collection, you can bring it along to show off or make trades with fellow collectors.
Aquanuts Watershow, 6 p.m. Lance Park, 55 Lance Dr. Twin Lakes. Family-focused choreographed Water Ski Show Team performs on Lake Mary throughout the summer most Wednesdays and Saturdays. Free admission and free parking. Concessions are sold on-site. Seating and restrooms are available.
International Tabletop Day/Make Your Own Board Game, 1-3 p.m., Southwest Library, 7979 38th Ave. Bring your creativity and celebrate International Tabletop Day by making a board game and/or playing favorite games. Assorted game pieces and guidebooks will be provided. All ages are welcome.
Monster Truck Throwdown Wilmot Raceway, gates open 4 p.m., Track Party 5 p.m., Engines start 7 p.m. Featuring 2-Time World Champion Avenger driven by Jim Koehler, Brutus driven by Chris Koehler, Sinistar driven by Elliott Miller. Monster Ride Truck Experience available when gates open and available after each performance. Tickets $12-$50.
Sensory Friendly Day, 9-10 a.m., Kenosha Dinosaur Museum, 5608 10th Ave. this event offers visitors of all ages with complex developmental disabilities, sensory sensitivities, or on the autism spectrum a safe, comfortable environment to explore the museum exhibits during special hours before the museum opens to the general public. Where possible, lights will be dimmed and the sound turned off. Signage will be posted for those areas with sound or there other sensory triggers. Trained staff will be available to help visitors navigate the museum and offer supportive resources (noise-cancelling headphones, fidgets, weighted blankets, quiet spaces), as well as opportunities for sensory engagement during exploration of the museum. Free.
SUNDAY, June 4
Music
Sipos & Young, 3 p.m., Petrifying Springs Biergarten, 5555 7th Ave.
Cy’s Piano Jams, 4-7 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave.
Art
Good Old Summertime Art Fair, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Civic Center Park, 900 57th St. Presented by Friends of the Kenosha Art Association, the 47th Annual Invitational Arts and Crafts Show includes all-original artwork and crafts include paintings, sculpture, lithographs, leather, collage, textiles, needlework, photography, jewelry, wood burning, pottery, soft sculpture, stained glass, drawings, etching, woodworking or carving, silk screen, ceramics, and computer art. Food available for purchase. Held rain or shine. Free admission.
Transparent Watercolor Society of America Annual National Juried Exhibition, Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave. Paintings from transparent watercolor artists from across the country will be on display. Works include a wide variety of subjects from landscapes and portraits to abstracts. Through Aug. 6.
Potpourri
Meet the Author: Kenosha native Ruben Williams 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Blue House Books, 5915 6th Ave. A. Williams is returning to his hometown to celebrate the release of his debut novel “Northern Lights,” a young adult coming-of-age story about an African American teenager who is trying to manage life as a foster child living in a bad neighborhood while attending a private high school. “Northern Lights” captures the depth of the traumas that young people suffer through everyday, while the spirit of empathy, defeat, triumph, and joy is felt throughout the story. Free.
65th Annual Blessing of the Fleet, 10:30 a.m., Kenosha Yacht Club, 5130 4th Ave., Simmons Island. Symbolizing the start of the boating season, the event also honors the past with bell tolling and wreath placement. Members of the Vietnam Vets Honor Guard, the KYC Commodore and civic leaders will be on hand. Free and open to the public.
Historic Durkee Mansion Tours (self-guided), 1:30-4 p.m., Kemper Center grounds, 6501 3rd Ave. Admission free, donations appreciated.
Track Bike 101/201, noon-3 p.m., Washington Park Velodrome, 1821 Washington Rd. Learn track cycling basics from some of the best track cyclists in the Midwest on the historic Velodrome. These clinic will introduce the track bicycle, velodrome basics, proper track etiquette, group riding skills and mock racing. No experience needed. Must be at least 9 years old. Registration $10 which includes the use of a track bike. Please see registration page for details.
Southport Light Station Museum – Climb a Lighthouse, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, 5117 4th Ave .Free admission for the keeper’s house tour; donations are welcome. Lighthouse climb costs $10 for ages 12-and-over, $5 for children 8-11 years old. (Must be 8-or-older to climb.)
Wilmot Flea Market, 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Kenosha County FairGrounds, 30820 111th St., Wilmot. $2 adults, $1 seniors and kids 6-14, kids 5-under admitted free.
Family
Kenosha Kingfish, 6:35 p.m. Saturday, Historic Simmons Field, 7817 Sheridan Rd. Includes post-game fireworks show. Tickets $8-29.
Monster Truck Throwdown Wilmot Raceway, gates open noon, Track Party 1 p.m., Engines start 3 p.m. Featuring 2-Time World Champion Avenger driven by Jim Koehler, Brutus driven by Chris Koehler, Sinistar driven by Elliott Miller. Monster Ride Truck Experience available when gates open and available after each performance. Tickets $12-$50.
To submit an event for our “In the Loop” weekend listings, email Laura@Kenosha.com. Please include event details and contact information.
