Summer in Lake Geneva is a great time for socializing, whether that means boating, beach time, golfing or outdoor dining. It’s also a fantastic time of year for live music in the Lake Geneva area! If you’re looking for some live music this weekend (or any weekend, or even during the week), there are plenty of options. (Note that Aurora University’s popular Music by the Lake concert series will not take place this year and the university has entered into a preliminary contract to sell the property.)
For those looking for all the great live music in the area, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite spots to relax and unwind with a live soundtrack this summer.
- Lake Geneva Jazz & Blues Festival. June 21-23, CTB Amphitheater, Lake Geneva House of Music, N3241 County Road H, Lake Geneva. During this festival, the outdoor music venue on Highway H north of Lake Geneva will host two stages of entertainment featuring great local, regional and national talent. There will also be vendors on site selling food, beverages and arts and crafts. Single-day and full weekend passes available, adult prices range from $10-$17.50; kids ages 6-12 range from $5-$10. For tickets, visit lghom.com/live-entertainment.
- Alpine Valley Music Theatre, Elkhorn.Following a recent upgrade of some of the facilities at this world-renowned outdoor amphitheater, Alpine Valley has resumed a busy concert schedule once again. Concerts this summer include Noah Kahan, Hootie and the Blowfish, Jason Aldean, the Avett Brothers, a two-night engagement by Dave Matthews Band and a three-night engagement by Phish. For more info and tickets, visit alpinevalleymusictheatre.org/events.
- The Belfry Music Theatre, Williams Bay. The perennially popular music theatre, located in a restored church, maintains a busy schedule of live music focusing on tribute bands throughout the summer season. Upcoming performances include a Southern Rock tribute, a Buddy Holly tribute, a Cat Stevens tribute, an ABBA tribute, a Johnny Cash tribute and many, many more. Shows often sell out, so we advise getting your tickets early! Visit belfrymusictheatre.com for the full schedule and to purchase tickets.
- Concerts in the Park, Flat Iron Park, 201 Wrigley Drive, Lake Geneva. The team at VISIT Lake Geneva has booked a wide range of music for the Concerts in the Park series in Flat Iron Park. Shows run weekly on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m., June 27th through Aug. 8th. All shows take place in the Brunk Performance Pavilion at Flat Iron Park and are free to attend. The concerts represent a wide range of musical styles, from pop and rock to reggae, Zydeco and classical. Check visitlakegeneva.com/events/concerts-park/bands/ for the full schedule.
- CTB Amphitheater at the Lake Geneva House of Music, N3241 County Road H, Lake Geneva. In addition to the Lake Geneva Jazz and Blues fest, this outdoor venue will also host a tribute to Queen, Led Zeppelin and The Who on Saturday, July 6th at 6 p.m. For tickets, visit lghom.com/upcoming-events/.
- East Troy First Fridays, East Troy Village Square Park. The Big Al Wetzel Band provides live music at these monthly gatherings on the square in East Troy that take place every first Friday of the month from 5-8 p.m. The event is free; for more information, visit easttroy.org/events.
- Geneva Stage, 244 Broad St., Lake Geneva. The renovation of the vintage movie theater in Lake Geneva now includes live theater space with a several music shows planned for this summer! Check out “Shake It Off: A Taylor Swift Tribute,” a Journey tribute and a Stevie Nicks tribute. For tickets, visit genevastage.com.
- Phoenix Park Bandshell, Delavan. The Friends of the Phoenix Park Bandshell in Delavan sponsor a robust series of free music performances throughout the season. This summer’s performances include a Neil Diamond tribute, a Foreigner tribute, the Jack Farina Swing Band, a Toby Keith tribute and a Fleetwood Mac tribute, among many others. For the full schedule, visit phoenixparkbandshell.com.
Bars and Restaurants with Live Entertainment
In addition, several area bars and restaurants feature live entertainment in the Lake Geneva area. To learn more about each establishment’s live music schedules, contact the location directly.
- The Baker House, Lake Geneva. Enjoy live music in the dining room from 5-9 p.m. on Fridays and 6:30-9 p.m. on Saturdays.
- Bar West at The Abbey Resort, Fontana. Enjoy live music from 8-11 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and from 9:30 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Deck Bar at The Ridge Hotel, Lake Geneva. This outdoor bar overlooking Lake Como and the Ridge Hotel pool features live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Gordy’s Boat House, Fontana. This popular seasonal waterfront restaurant in Fontana often hosts live music on the outdoor patio on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 1 p.m. For each weekend’s lineup, follow them on Facebook.
- The Grandview Restaurant at the Geneva Inn, Lake Geneva. This elegant dining room overlooking Buttons Bay features live music from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings.
- Lake Lawn Resort, Delavan. The Lookout Bar hosts live music every Saturday evening from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- Lobby Lounge at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva. “Live at the Grand” provides live music multiple afternoons and evenings per week from a variety of local performers. For the full schedule, visit grandgeneva.com/activities/live-entertainment. For after-dinner entertainment, enjoy a live DJ at Evolve nightclub most nights from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- Maxwell Mansion, Lake Geneva. Enjoy live music on the patio from 6-9 p.m. on Wednesdays. For the full schedule visit staymaxwell.com/social-calendar.
- Pier 290, Williams Bay. This popular lakefront bar and restaurant books live music every Wednesday-Sunday evening.
- Studio Winery and Geneva Lake Distilling, Lake Geneva. Check out live music from 5-9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday.
- Rosewood, Delavan. Sunset on the Patio takes place from 5-9 p.m. every Sunday rain or shine and features live music from a variety of performers. For tickets, visit sunsetonthepatio.com.
