Summer sounds good at Hawthorn Hollow. The nature sanctuary and arboretum on Kenosha’s Green Bay Road kicks off its 2026 Pike River Benefit Concert Series on Friday, June 12, with TRiP — a Kenosha classic rock institution that has been bringing the horns and the party for more than four decades.
If you’ve never caught TRiP live, the short version is this: they play Chicago. They play Earth, Wind, & Fire. They play the kind of big, brassy, horn-driven music that makes standing still feel physically impossible. The band has been together for over 40 years, which means tight is an understatement.
The concert is part of Hawthorn Hollow’s annual Pike River Benefit Concert Series, presented this year by Third Coast Retina and supported by Educator’s Credit Union, Crane Plumbing Services, and Festival Foods. The series raises money for Hawthorn Hollow — the free, 80-acre preserve that has been welcoming Kenosha County residents, school groups, and nature lovers for more than 50 years.
The 2026 series has something for every taste across the summer. After TRiP opens on June 12, the lineup continues with the Empty Bottle Boys and One-Shot Jane bringing timeless country on Friday, July 10. Ben Mulwana & the Village take the stage on Friday, Aug. 7, followed by One Way Out: A Tribute to the Allman Brothers Band closing out the season on Friday, Sept. 25.
Tickets for each show are $15 and available at the door — cash only. Food and beverages will be on sale at the venue; carry-ins are not permitted. All proceeds go directly to supporting Hawthorn Hollow’s programs and preservation mission.
| $15 at the door. 40 years of TRiP. One of Kenosha’s great summer traditions — and it all benefits a place that’s been free to this community for over half a century. |
Hawthorn Hollow is located at 880 Green Bay Road, Kenosha. The June 12 concert starts at the venue’s outdoor event space — check hawthornhollow.org for full schedule details and event timing.
About Hawthorn Hollow
Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum is a place where nature, history, and community intertwine. Its mission is to inspire enduring stewardship of the precious Pike River land and its rich history for generations to come. Guided by a deep commitment to ecology, Hawthorn Hollow recognizes that every organism has a vital role to play. This belief fuels the organization’s dedication to stewardship, as it protects and maintains native ecosystems for all to enjoy.
Hawthorn Hollow honors the cultural and historical significance of its land, sharing stories that connect the past with the present. By cultivating strong community relationships, the sanctuary invites all visitors to find peace, solitude, and moments of serenity within its beautiful grounds. By providing immersive opportunities in nature, Hawthorn Hollow fosters a shared appreciation and a lasting commitment to protecting this special place.
