By Sthefanie Padilla | Photo by Holly Leitner (pictured: Venetian Fest)
Summer in Lake Geneva offers so many great activities: swimming at the local beaches, boating, waterskiing, tubing, wakesurfing, ziplining, hiking the beautiful Shore Path and shopping the local boutiques. Starting in July, the area is also home to many vibrant summer festivals that cater to art lovers, music lovers, food enthusiasts, thrill seekers and everyone in between. Here’s a rundown of some of the fun annual events still to come this summer. Fest is best!
Elkhorn Ribfest
Dates: July 10-14, 2024; 3-11 p.m. Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday
Location: Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn
Admission: Free
Parking: $5 per vehicle
Barbecue lovers, rejoice! Elkhorn Ribfest brings together some of the best rib vendors from across the country. Alongside mouth-watering ribs, you can enjoy a full lineup of live music each day, a beer garden and family-friendly activities. Don’t miss the competitive rib cook-offs where you can cast your vote for the best vendor.
For more info, visit wisconsinribfest.com
Williams Bay Volunteer Fire Department Chicken Roast
Date: July 20, 2024; noon to 7 p.m.
Location: Edgewater Park, Williams Bay
Admission: $15 per meal
Parking: Free parking available
This long-running fundraiser provides a community meal in Edgewater Park overlooking the lake. For $15, get a meal of roast chicken (freshly roasted on site!), baked potato and sides, plus a soft drink. Proceeds support the Building and Maintenance Fund for the Williams Bay Volunteer Fire Department.
For more info, visit williamsbay.org/home/events/17476
Big Foot Lions Club Lobster Boil and Steak Fry
Date: July 27, 2024; 2-8 p.m.
Location: Reid Park, 300 Mill St, Fontana
Admission: $60 for lobster dinner (pre-order recommended), $40 for steak dinner (pre-order or day-of sales)
Parking: Free parking available
Enjoy a gourmet dining experience with fresh lobster and steak dinners at this annual event. The Big Foot Lions Club Lobster Boil and Steak Fry also features live music and a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting local charities. Preorder of the lobster dinners is recommended to ensure availability; tickets are available online, at Daniels Foods in Walworth, at Chuck’s Lakeshore Inn in Fontana or from any Big Foot Lions Club member. There is a drive-thru option available for pickup from 2-7 p.m. next to Little Foot Playground. Dine-in is available in the park from 2-8 p.m. Additional food and drink options include a beer tent and a sandwich tent. For more info and tickets: bigfootlionsclub.ticketleap.com/lobster-boil-2024/
Elkhorn Truck & Shuck: A Summer Food Truck Festival
Date: July 27, 2024; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Veterans Park, 100 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn
Admission: Free
Parking: Free parking available
Elkhorn Truck & Shuck is the perfect event for foodies. Enjoy a variety of food trucks and freshly shucked corn, accompanied by live music and family-friendly activities. It’s a laid-back event with a great atmosphere.
For more info: elkhornchamber.com/truck-and-shuck
Williams Bay Fine Art & Music Fest
Dates: July 27-28, 2024
Location: Edgewater Park, Williams Bay
Admission: Free
Parking: Free parking available
The Williams Bay Fine Art & Music Fest offers a delightful blend of visual and performing arts. Attendees can browse and purchase art at this juried art show, while also enjoying live music performances and participating in art workshops, all set in the charming Edgewater Park.
For more info: wbcaa.org/williams-bay-fine-art-craft-fest
Neon Nights Music Festival
Dates: Aug. 2-3; 5-10 p.m.
Location: Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn
Admission: Ticket packages range from $85 to $190 per person without camping privileges
Parking: $10 per day per vehicle
This inaugural music festival at the Walworth County Fairgrounds highlights nationally famous stars of country music. Headliners include Wynonna, Trace Adkins, Sammy Kershaw and John Michael Montgomery. Both one- and two-day tickets are available with an option to add camping on the property.
For more info and tickets, visit neonnightswi.com.
Geneva Lake West Rotary Club Corn and Brat Festival
Date: Aug. 3, 2024; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Devil’s Lane Park in Walworth
Admission: Meals are $15 for day-of purchase
Parking: Free
Celebrate summer’s bounty at the Geneva Lake West Rotary Corn and Brat Festival. This event features fresh sweet corn and bratwurst, locally famous cream puffs, a dunk tank, a beer tent and live entertainment. Proceeds support the Geneva Lake West Rotary Club, making it a fun event for a noble cause.
Pre-sale meal tickets are available online through Aug. 2 at www.glwrotaryclub.org: use discount code: CBPS.
Williams Bay Lions Club Corn & Brat Fest
Date: Aug. 9-11, 2024
Location: Edgewater Park, Williams Bay
Admission: Free
Parking: Free parking available
Williams Bay’s premier summer event, Corn & Brat Fest includes freshly roasted brats, corn from Pearce’s Farm Stand, a bake sale and a popular beer tent with live entertainment. On Saturday night, enjoy the village’s annual fireworks display. Admission is free; must purchase tickets on site to buy food and drinks.
For more info: williamsbaylions.org/corn-and-brat-roast
Art in the Park
Dates: Aug. 10-11, 2024; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Location: Flat Iron Park, Lake Geneva
Admission: Free
Parking: Metered parking is available in downtown Lake Geneva; early arrival recommended
Art in the Park, organized by the Geneva Lake Arts Foundation, is a must-visit for art enthusiasts and families alike. This juried event features work from more than 80 local and regional artists. Visitors can enjoy live music and engage in interactive art demonstrations, all set against the picturesque lakefront. There is also a silent auction and a “Just for Kids” section where kids can try their hand at making art of their own.
For more Info: genevalakeartsfoundation.org/art-in-the-park
Lake Geneva Jaycees’ Venetian Festival
Dates: Aug. 14-18, 2024; 5 p.m. to midnight Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday
Location: Flat Iron and Seminary Parks, Lake Geneva
Admission: Free, with separate fees for carnival rides and food
Parking: metered parking in downtown Lake Geneva is highly coveted; paid parking is available in nearby lots, ranging from $5 to $15 per day. The Geneva Lakes Family YMCA offers parking for just $10 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and is in walking distance from Seminary and Flat Iron Parks.
Venetian Festival is a five-day extravaganza organized by the Lake Geneva Jaycees. Highlights include carnival rides, a beer tent with live entertainment and a craft fair. Be sure to catch the waterski show on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 6 p.m., followed by the illuminated boat parade and spectacular fireworks display!
For more info: venetianfest.com
Walworth County Fair
Dates: Aug. 28 – Sept. 2, 2024; 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday
Location: Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn
Admission: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for children aged 6-12, free for children under 5; payment by credit card only —no cash accepted at the admission gates this year
Parking: $5 per vehicle
One of the oldest and largest county fairs in the state, the Walworth County Fair offers something for everyone. From agricultural exhibits and carnival rides to live entertainment and delicious fair food, it’s a celebration of community and tradition. Unique attractions include livestock shows, a demolition derby and professional championship bull riding. Live entertainment headliners this year include Nelly, Brantley Gilbert and Crowder.
For more info and tickets, visit walworthcountyfairgrounds.com.
