KENOSHA, Wis. — One of Kenosha’s most recognizable lakefront landmarks will mark a major milestone later this month as Kemper Center celebrates its 50th anniversary with a day-long community festival featuring a classic car show, public market, live music, free mansion tours and a fireworks finale.
The free celebration is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, on the Kemper Center and Anderson Arts Center campus at 6501 Third Ave. Activities begin at 9 a.m. and continue until approximately 9 p.m., when an anniversary fireworks display will conclude the festivities. Organizers say the event is designed to celebrate five decades of historic preservation, arts programming and community involvement while offering activities for visitors of all ages.
The anniversary celebration combines several of Kemper Center’s signature events into one day, allowing attendees to spend an entire day on the Lake Michigan campus.
Art of the Car Returns
One of the day’s featured attractions is the Art of the Car Concours Judged Car Show, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in front of the Anderson Arts Center.
The judged competition includes 20 vehicle classes, with three trophies awarded in each class. Additional honors include Best of Show, People’s Choice, and several runner-up awards.
Owners can pre-register their vehicles for $15 through Aug. 11, while day-of-show registration will be available from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. for $20.
The first 100 participants will receive commemorative dash plaques, while the first 200 registered vehicles will receive a complimentary car wash courtesy of Rocket Wash.
Organizers noted that proceeds from the show will benefit children’s programming at the Anderson Arts Center.
The car show will be held rain or shine, although pets will not be permitted inside the show area.
Kenosha Public Market to Expand Hours
The Kenosha Public Market will also be part of the celebration, operating special anniversary hours from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. along the west and north sides of the Anderson Arts Center.
Visitors can browse fresh produce, locally raised meats, baked goods, flowers, handcrafted goods, desserts, ice cream and specialty foods from a variety of vendors.
The KPM Food Court will offer numerous food options, beverages and outdoor seating throughout the day. Kenosha Tap Bar service will also be available.
Unlike the car show, well-behaved pets on leashes will be welcome within the public market areas.
Historic Mansion Opens Its Doors
Guests will also have an opportunity to tour the historic mansion of U.S. Senator Charles Durkee, one of the centerpieces of the Kemper Center campus.
The tours will provide visitors with information about the mansion’s architecture, history and the people associated with the property. Admission to the tours is free, although donations will be accepted. Tour times and meeting locations will be announced closer to the event.
Evening Filled With Music
Beginning at 4 p.m., the celebration shifts into an evening concert series as Music at Twilight moves to a special stage north of the Anderson Arts Center.
SouthBound will perform from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., entertaining visitors with a mix of classic rock, southern rock and jam-band favorites.
Later in the evening, Yesterday’s Children will take the stage from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m., performing contemporary rock, jazz, pop and soul music.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the performances on the Lake Michigan grounds.
Fireworks to Close Celebration
The celebration concludes with a 50th Anniversary Fireworks display at approximately 9 p.m., weather permitting.
Officials noted that the fireworks launch area will be restricted to authorized personnel, and attendees will be required to remain outside designated safety zones.
Honoring Five Decades
Founded in 1976, Kemper Center has spent the last half-century serving as a center for arts, education, historic preservation and community events.
Board Chairman Gary Groenke said the anniversary is as much about the community as it is about the organization itself.
“For 50 years, Kemper Center has been a place where history, art and community come together,” Groenke said. “This celebration honors the people who helped preserve this remarkable campus and invites the entire community to experience everything Kemper Center has to offer.”
Groenke also emphasized that the anniversary recognizes the volunteers, artists, donors, members, employees, community partners and visitors who have supported Kemper Center and the Anderson Arts Center over the past five decades.
“This milestone belongs to the entire community,” Groenke said. “We hope families will spend the day with us, celebrate Kemper’s history and help us begin its next chapter.”
Event At a Glance
- What: Kemper Center 50th Anniversary Celebration
- When: Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, beginning at 9 a.m.
- Where: Kemper Center and Anderson Arts Center, 6501 Third Ave., Kenosha
- Admission: Free
- Featured Events: Art of the Car, Kenosha Public Market, KPM Food Court, free tours of the historic Durkee Mansion, Music at Twilight concerts and a fireworks display
- Parking: Available in designated campus lots
- Food and beverages: Available for purchase throughout the day
- Weather: Art of the Car will be held rain or shine; fireworks are weather permitting.
