1. Snow Daze Festival: January 24, 2026
The Snow Daze Festival is January 24. Each winter, this is something fun to look forward to. The event is from 1 to 3 p.m., while the sculptures will be up as long as the weather allows.
Downtown Kenosha will turn into a winter wonderland with dozens of unique ice sculptures on display. At Veterans Memorial Park, there will be ice sculpting demonstrations by Art Below Zero beginning at 1 p.m., as well as family-friendly music with DJs, toasty s’mores by the fire pits (while supplies last), and sculptures on display.
Be sure to stroll through downtown to view even more ice sculptures! The sculptures will be on display in front of participating local businesses, which are also promoting special deals and discounts during the event. Go to VisitKenosha.com/SnowDaze for the list of locations.
2. Kenosha Restaurant Week: February 21-March 1, 2026
Kenosha Restaurant Week 2026 is February 21-March 1. Held annually and produced by Visit Kenosha, Kenosha Restaurant Week is a nine-day celebration of our community's delicious dining scene.
As I write this, we are collecting the special menus from participating food and beverage venues throughout Kenosha County. As the week approaches, go to VisitKenosha.com/RW for all the details.
3. Wisconsin Marathon: April 25, 2026
Register to compete in the cheesiest race around! The Wisconsin Marathon along Lake Michigan is April 25. It consists of a Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5k. You can compete in two marathons in one weekend – this one in Kenosha and one the next day in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Do so and you’ll be completing The Mitten Challenge or the Half and Half Challenge!
4. Kenosha Kingfish Baseball Home Opener: May 29, 2026
I wait for two significant event announcements to happen every December. Can you guess which two? I’ll give you a hint - one involves baseball. Of course, I’m talking about when the Kenosha Kingfish schedule is released! The team’s 2026 season starts on the road May 25 in Rockford. The first home game is May 29.
5. Country Thunder: July 16-19, 2026
The other big announcement is always who the Country Thunder headliners will be! This year’s dates are July 16-19 with headliners Gavin Adcock, The Red Clay Strays, Riley Green, and Keith Urban. Many more country artists will be performing as well.
6. Bristol Renaissance Faire Opening Weekend: July 11-12, 2026
Visit the award-winning, iconic Bristol Renaissance Faire. July 11-12 is the opening weekend. It continues through September 7, every Saturday and Sunday, as well as Labor Day. The immersive living history attraction is set on a summer day in 1574 when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth visited the English city of Bristol.
7. Taste of Wisconsin: July 24-26, 2026
Taste of Wisconsin is July 24-26 at HarborPark Celebration Place. If you’ve never been to Taste, you don’t know what you’re missing! You can expect a variety of food, drinks, live music, and children’s activities – all in one place on the beautiful Lake Michigan shore. The event is produced by the Kiwanis Club of Western Kenosha, who uses the event as its major fundraiser for the year.
8. PROST! Das Fest Wisconsin: July 31-August 2, 2026
Back in October, PROST! Das Fest Wisconsin named the Kenosha County Fairgrounds as its permanent home. This lively German-American celebration will take place July 31-August 2, offering a vibrant mix of authentic music, dance, food, and cultural experiences.
The festival has raised thousands of dollars for local charities over the years. It took place at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds for the first time last year.
9. Kenosha County Fair: August 19-23, 2026
Speaking of the fairgrounds, plan to attend the Kenosha County Fair between August 19 and 23.
If you are interested in being an exhibitor, the 2026/2027 Fair Book is now posted on the fair’s website.
