KENOSHA, Wis. — One of Kenosha’s largest summertime celebrations is returning next month with an expanded footprint, live entertainment at two waterfront locations, family-friendly activities, food, vendors and a sunset boat parade as LakeFest celebrates its fourth year on Saturday, Aug. 22.
Organizers say this year’s festival will be the biggest yet, stretching across Celebration Place at HarborPark and the Kenosha Beach House on Simmons Island. Throughout the day, residents and visitors will be able to travel between the two venues aboard a complimentary City of Kenosha trolley while enjoying different attractions at each location. Admission to the event is free.
LakeFest has grown into one of Kenosha’s signature summer events since its debut, with organizers emphasizing the city’s connection to Lake Michigan while showcasing local musicians, businesses, artists and community organizations. The event is designed to encourage people to spend an entire day exploring Kenosha’s lakefront while enjoying food, entertainment and recreational activities along the shoreline.
At Celebration Place at HarborPark, visitors will find food trucks, community organizations highlighting Kenosha’s waterfront, local arts, crafts and jewelry vendors, a beer tent and live music throughout the day. Scheduled performers include the Sipos & Young Band, Haley Klinkhammer and country outlaw artist Darryl Markette. As evening approaches, HarborPark will also serve as one of the prime viewing locations for the annual Boat Parade, where decorated boats will cruise through the harbor against the backdrop of Lake Michigan.
The Kenosha Beach House on Simmons Island will feature a full lineup of family-oriented activities, including a foam party, a water tug-of-war competition, a community sandcastle build, food and beverage vendors and live performances by Duke Otherwise and Roger That. After sunset, the beach celebration will continue with an ’80s Glow Party featuring DJ D’Lux, beach campfires and a large community bonfire.
“LakeFest is about celebrating everything that makes Kenosha’s lakefront so special,” LakeFest organizer and longtime Kenosha Community Sailing Center board member Meryl Strichartz said in the press release. “Whether you’re watching the boat parade, listening to incredible local musicians, building a sandcastle with your family, paddling on the harbor, or gathering around a beach bonfire at sunset, we hope people leave with magical memories and an even deeper appreciation for Lake Michigan. When people experience the lake firsthand, they naturally begin to care for it, protect it, and share it with future generations.”
The event is presented by the Kenosha Community Sailing Center, a nonprofit organization that has introduced thousands of residents and visitors to Lake Michigan since 2008 through sailing instruction, paddlesports, educational programming, water safety initiatives and community events. During the summer, the organization offers sailing lessons, kayak, paddleboard, pedal boat and aqua trike rentals. During the winter, it continues operating youth programs, boat-building workshops and water safety outreach efforts. Organizers are also seeking volunteers and sponsors to support the organization’s mission.
Celebration Place at HarborPark will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., while activities at the Kenosha Beach House will begin at noon and continue into the late evening. A complimentary City of Kenosha trolley will connect the two venues throughout the day, allowing attendees to easily experience both locations. Organizers also encourage festivalgoers to use Kenosha Cab for transportation to and from the event.
Now entering its fourth year, LakeFest continues to grow into one of Kenosha’s premier summer festivals by combining live entertainment, waterfront recreation, local businesses, community organizations and family activities into a daylong celebration of Lake Michigan and the city’s scenic lakefront.
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