2012 Calendar of events, festivals, things to do
Here is our 2012 calendar of events and things to do — July 4th fireworks displays, concerts, music festivals, food festivals, parades, county fairs, bike races, art fairs, church festivals, and so on — around Racine and Kenosha, plus the greater Milwaukee-Chicago area, and elsewhere. It is by no means a complete list, so you should also check out the other events calendars at right.
- Friday, January 20 — Sunday, January 29
- Milwaukee Boat Show at the Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave. in West Allis, Wisconsin.
- Thursday, January 26
- “Music Under Glass”: Elvis Tribute Night / costume contest, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Friday, January 27
- John Oliver, from Comedy Central’s The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, at The Pabst Theater, 144 East Wells St. in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Saturday, January 28 — Sunday, January 29
- Saturday, January 28
- Winterfest, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pleasant Prairie RecPlex, 9900 Terwall Terrace in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
- Kenosha Winter Harbor Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the Rhode Center for the Arts, 514 56th St. in downtown Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- Sunday, January 29
- 2012 Lunar New Year Parade (celebrating Year of the Dragon 4710) steps off at 1 p.m. in Chicago Chinatown, marching up S. Wentworth Ave. from 24th St. to W. Cermak Rd. in Chicago, Illinois.
- Early February
- Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Show at the Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave. in West Allis, Wisconsin.
- Thursday, February 2: : Groundhog Day
- “Music Under Glass” concert by Bascom Hill, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Friday, February 3
- Folk Music Hootenanny, 7 to 10 p.m. at Anderson Arts Center, 121 66th St. on the Kenosha, Wisconsin lakeshore.
- Saturday, February 4 — Sunday, February 5
- Saturday, February 4
- Ira Glass, host & creator of This American Life, at The Pabst Theater, 144 East Wells St. in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Thursday, February 9
- “Music Under Glass” concert by Collage and Company, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Friday, February 10 — Sunday, February 12
- 20th annual Milwaukee Muskie Expo in the Products Pavilion at Wisconsin State Fair Park, 640 S. 84th St. in West Allis, Wisconsin.
- Saturday, February 11
- Tuesday, February 14: Valentine's Day
- Thursday, February 16
- “Music Under Glass” concert by Charles Walker Band, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Friday, February 17 — Sunday, February 19
- O'Reilly Auto Parts World of Wheels custom car show in the Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave. in West Allis, Wisconsin.
- Monday, February 20: Washington's Birthday (federal holiday)
- Tuesday, February 21: Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), Pączki Day
- Wednesday, February 22: Ash Wednesday, beginning of Lent
- Thursday, February 23 — Sunday, February 26
- Milwaukee RV Show in the Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave. in West Allis, Wisconsin.
- Tripoli Shrine Circus at U.S. Cellular Arena, 400 W. Kilbourn Ave. in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Thursday, February 23
- “Music Under Glass” concert by Liverpool '64, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Saturday, February 25 — Sunday, March 4
- 2012 Greater Milwaukee Auto Show at the Frontier Airlines Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave. in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Sunday, February 26
- Taste of Fond du Lac, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds Expo Center, Martin Ave. & E 17th St. in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
- BaconFest MKE, 12 noon to 4 p.m. in The Garage at the Harley-Davidson Museum, 400 W. Canal St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Thursday, March 1
- “Music Under Glass” concert by Twang Dragons, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Saturday, March 3
- Comedian Brian Regan at The Pabst Theater, 144 East Wells St. in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Thursday, March 8
- “Music Under Glass” concert by Orpheus, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Friday, March 9
- John Prine, 8 p.m. at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N. Water St. in downtwon Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- 6th Annual Milwaukee Blues Festival, 8 p.m. at the Milwaukee Theatre, 500 W. Kilbourn Ave. in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Friday, March 9
- Folk Music Hootenanny, 7 to 10 p.m. at Anderson Arts Center, 121 66th St. on the Kenosha, Wisconsin lakeshore.
- Mid-March
- Journal Times 29th Annual Home Expoat Festival Hall, 5 5th St. on the Racine, Wisconsin lakefront.
- Saturday, March 10th
- Shamrock Club of Wisconsin's 46th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade at noon in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Saturday, March 10 — Sunday, March 11
- 2012 Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce Expo at UW-Parkside's Frank J. Petretti Fieldhouse, County Highways E & JR in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- Kenosha Second Saturdays in downtown Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- Thursday, March 15
- “Music Under Glass” concert by Paddygrass, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Late March
- 50th Annual Orchestra Festival, presented by Kenosha Unifed School District No. 1, 7:30 p.m. at the Bradford High School Fieldhouse, 3700 Washington Rd. in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- Worldfest 2012, a week-long celebration of international culture with presentations, performances, and cuisine, presented by Parkside International Club at University of Wisconsin-Parkside in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- Thursday, March 22
- “Music Under Glass” concert by Caribbean Eclipse Steel Drum Band,, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Friday, March 23 — Sunday, April 1
- Realtors 88th Annual Home & Garden Show at the Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave. in West Allis, Wisconsin.
- Saturday, March 31
- A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor, 4:45 p.m. at the Milwaukee Theatre, 500 W. Kilbourn Ave. in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Early April
- Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival at The Brat Stop, 12304 75th St. in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- 42st Annual Norse Rosemalers' Show at Norway House, Inc., 7507 W Oklahoma Ave. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Friday, April 6: Good Friday; Passover begins at sunset.
- First Fridays in downtown Racine, Wisconsin.
- Folk Music Hootenanny, 7 to 10 p.m. at Anderson Arts Center, 121 66th St. on the Kenosha, Wisconsin lakeshore.
- Sunday, April 8: Easter Sunday
- Monday, April 9: Dyngus Day (Wet Monday)
- Mid-April
- Egg-stravaganza at the Racine Zoo, 2131 N Main St. in Racine, Wisconsin.
- West Racine Art Walk, sponsored by the West Racine Business and Professional Association, in the West Racine neighborhood of Racine, Wisconsin.
- Saturday, April 14
- Friday, April 20 — Saturday, April 21
- Gallery Night and Day art event at 44 venues throughout the downtown Milwaukee area.
- Early May
- Wisconsin Marathon, 7 a.m at Harbor Park on Kenosha, Wisconsin's lakefront.
- Friday, May 4
- First Fridays in downtown Racine, Wisconsin.
- Folk Music Hootenanny, 7 to 10 p.m. at Anderson Arts Center, 121 66th St. on the Kenosha, Wisconsin lakeshore.
- Saturday, May 5
- Pancake Day, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Racine, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Festival Hall, 5 5th St. on the Racine, Wisconsin lakefront.
- Lakefront Artist Fair, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Festival Park, 5 5th St. on the Racine, Wisconsin lakefront. Over 125 artists and artisnas from the Midwest selling their watercolors, photography, glass, jewerly and more. Raffles, food, family fun.
- Mid-May
- 33rd Annual Wisconsin State Polka Festival at the Concord House, W985 Concord Center Dr. in Sullivan, Wisconsin.
- 29th Annual Morel Mushroom Festival in Muscoda, Wisconsin.
- Saturday, May 12
- Wednesday, May 16
- Discover Hidden Treasures Garden Walk: “Discovering Solutions for Your Garden” with Melinda Myers, 6:30 p.m. at Boerner Botanical Gardens, 9400 Boerner Dr. in Hales Corners, Wisconsin.
- Friday, May 18 — Sunday, May 20
- Syttende Mai Festival at Stoughton, Wisconsin.
- Late May
- Ruud Rush 5k to benefit RADD: Recreational Activities for the Developmentally Disabled, 8 a.m. to 12 noon at Ruud Lighting Inc., 9201 Washington Ave. in Racine, Wisconsin.
- FightingBobFestNorth at Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, 331 Jefferson Ave. in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.
- ChocolateFest 2012 at Burlington, Wisconsin.
- Badger State Ice Breaker (power boat races at Lake Andrea), Hwy. 165 and 88th St. in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
- 15th annual Wisconsin POW-MIA National Balloon Launch, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Memorial Day ceremony/launch at 2:45 p.m.) at Wind Lake Veterans Memorial Grounds, next to Badlanders Pub & Grill, 7922 South Loomis Rd. in Wind Lake, Wisconsin.
- Monday, May 28: Memorial Day (federal holiday)
- Friday, June 1
- First Fridays in downtown Racine, Wisconsin.
- Folk Music Hootenanny, 7 to 10 p.m. at Anderson Arts Center, 121 66th St. on the Kenosha, Wisconsin lakeshore.
- Early June
- Outta Sight Kite Flight, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kennedy Park, 4051 5th Ave. on the Kenosha, Wisconsin lakefront.
- Wisconsin State Park Open House Day: Free admission and special events at Wisconsin's state parks, state forests, and recreation areas.
- UPAF's Ride for the Arts, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Union Grove Lions Club Chicken Barbecue & Classic Car, Motorcycle and Van Show, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Racine County Fairgrounds, Union Grove, Wisconsin.
- Kenosha Art Association's Good Old Summertime Art Fair, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Civic Center Park, Sheridan Rd. & 56th St. in downtown Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- Friday, June 8 — Sunday, June 10
- Pridefest at Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Saturday, June 9
- Mid June
- Bohemian Fest at St. John Nepomuk Parish, 1923 Green St. in Racine, Wisconsin.
- Monument Square Art Fair on the Lake (see the YouTube video) at Festival Park, 5 5th Street on the Racine, Wisconsin lakefront.
- Taste of Wisconsin Dells in downtown Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.
- Greek Fest at Kimissis Greek Orthodox Church (see their PDF document), 1335 South Green Bay Rd. in Racine, Wisconsin.
- Kenosha County Dairy Breakfast (6 a.m. to 10 a.m.) at Weis-Way Dairy Farm, 21000 15th St., Union Grove, Wisconsin.
- Lighthouse Run, 7:45 a.m., starting from the Racine Family YMCA, 725 Lake Ave. in Racine, Wisconsin.
- 12th Annual Brat Stop Car Show and Swap Meet, presented by the Midwest Street Machine Association of Kenosha, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Brat Stop, 12304 75th St., Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- Friday, June 15 — Sunday, June 17
- Milwaukee Art Museum Lakefront Festival of Arts at Milwaukee Art Museum, 700 N Art Museum Dr on the Milwaukee, Wisconsin lakefront.
- Polish Fest at Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Saturday, June 16 — Sunday, June 17
- Spike n' Splash Festival (see the YouTube video): EVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour on Saturday at North Beach Oasis, plus the UWP/IJSBA Grand Prix of Watercross on Sunday at North Beach Park in Racine, Wisconsin.
- Sunday, June 24
- 2012 Chicago Pride Parade steps off at 10 a.m. from W. Montrose Ave & N. Broadway (see route map) in Chicago, Illinois.
- Late June
- Nostalgia Days in downtown Zion, Illinois.
- 46th Annual Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Greek Festival at State Fair Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Fiesta Waukesha (see the PDF flyer) presented by La Casa de Esperanza at Frame Park in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
- Historic Cedarburg’s 26th Annual Strawberry Festival in downtown Cedarburg, Wisconsin.
- Pleasant Prairie Triathlon, 6:30 a.m. at Prairie Springs Park and Lake Andrea, 9900 Terwall Terrace in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
- St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church’s annual Armenian Picnic (10:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.) at Johnson Park, Racine, Wisconsin.
- St. Mark the Evangelist Summer Festival at St. Mark the Evangelist Parish, 7117 14th Ave. in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- Taste of Chicago at Grant Park in Chicago.
- Summerfest at Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Early July
- Libertyfest 2012 at Lance Park, 55 Lance Dr. in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.
- Ribfest at Knoch Park in Naperville, Illinois.
- Kenosha Civic Veterans Parade in downtown Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- Village of Sturtevant 2012 Fireworks Celebration, 3 to 11:30 p.m. at Fireman's Park, 2801 89th St. in Sturtevant, Wisconsin (see also: July 4th Celebration).
- Paddock Lake Bike Parade, Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks at Paddock Lake, Wisconsin.
- Fireworks Kite Festival at Veterans Park, 1300 N Lincoln Memorial Dr. on the Milwaukee, Wisconsin lakefront.
- Fourth Fest Parade in Racine, Wisconsin steps off at 9 a.m. from Main & Goold and marches south down Main St., then west on 14th St. (see the parade route at Google Maps, the 2010 parade lineup, and video of the 2009 parade). The parade is also broadcast live and rebroadcast on CAR 25 (Time Warner Cable channel 25) in Racine.
- 20th Annual Fourth of July Chamber of Commerce Parade, starting 9:15 a.m. at Racine County Fairgrounds, Union Grove, Wisconsin.
- The Racine Fourth Fest fireworks show begins at dusk (approximately 9:20 p.m.) over North Pier and can be enjoyed from North Beach and all along the lakefront.
- Star Spangled Spectacular Fireworks at Harbor Park (56th St. and 1st Ave.) and Wolfenbuttel Park (5901 3rd Ave.) in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- St. Lucy Parish Festival at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave. in Racine, Wisconsin.
- Trek Women's Triathlon, 7 a.m. at RecPlex in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
- Burlington Area Garden Walk, sponsored by the Burlington Area Garden Club, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Burlington, Wisconsin.
- EAA Chapter 217 Wings and Wheels Fly-In and Car Show / Kenosha Airport Open House (see the PDF flyer), 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kenosha Regional Airport and the Kenosha Jet Center, 9900 52nd St. in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- Port Washington Fish Day at Lake Park on the Port Washington, Wisconsin lakefront.
- Wednesday, July 4: Independence Day (federal holiday)
- Friday, July 6
- First Fridays in downtown Racine, Wisconsin.
- Folk Music Hootenanny, 7 to 10 p.m. at Anderson Arts Center, 121 66th St. on the Kenosha, Wisconsin lakeshore.
- Mid-July
- St. Sebastian's Summer Festival at St. Sebastian Parish, 3126 95th St. in Sturtevant, Wisconsin.
- Salmon-A-Rama 2012 fishing tournament on all of Lake Michigan, headquartered at Pershing Park Boat Ramp in downtown Racine, Wisconsin.
- Bastille Days at Cathedral Square Park, E Kilbourn Ave & N Jefferson St in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- St. Therese Parish Summer Festival at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church, 2020 91st St. in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- 47th Annual Art Fair in Library Park, 60th St & 8th Ave in downtown Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- Ironman 70.3 Racine (formerly the Spirit of Racine Triathlon). Swim is at North Beach, with bike and run along courses through Racine County.
- Twenty-fifth Annual Festival of Arts and Flowers (details from 2010 via PDF file at KUSD.edu) 12 noon to 6 p.m. at Lincoln Park, 7010 22nd Ave. in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- Chinatown Summer Fair, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. in Chicago Chinatown (see Google Maps).
- Saturday, July 14
- Late July
- Chase Food Folks & Spokes, featuring International Cycling Classic (Superweek) bicyle racing, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (see the PDF schedule) at Library Park in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- Micros on the Monument car show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Monument Square in downtown Racine, Wisconsin.
- Festa Italiana at Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Country Thunder East music festival at 2305 Lance Dr. in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.
- Milwaukee Firkin Craft Beer Festival, 3-8 p.m. at Cathedral Square Park in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- “Picnic in Paris,” the annual parish festival at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1501 172nd Ave in Union Grove, Wisconsin.
- Milwaukee Brewfest at the Coast Guard Pavillion in McKinley Park, 1600 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr. on the Milwaukee, Wisconsin lakeshore.
- Kenosha Homecoming Car Show at various locations in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- 84rd Annual Lake County Fair at Lake County Fairgrounds, N Midlothian Rd & Peterson Rd, Libertyville, Illinois (near Grayslake).
- Racine County Fair at Racine County Fairgrounds, Union Grove, Wisconsin
- GermanFest at Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- 34th Annual Roma Lodge Italian Festival at Festival Park, 5 5th St. on the Racine, Wisconsin lakefront.
- Taste of Wisconsin at Kenosha Harbor, 6th Ave & 54th St in downtown Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- Aflac Iron Girl Racine Women’s Triathlon at North Beach Park in Racine, Wisconsin.
- Wednesday, July 25
- Discover Hidden Treasures Garden Walk: “Gardens of the Future” with Melinda Myers, 6:30 p.m. at Boerner Botanical Gardens, 9400 Boerner Dr. in Hales Corners, Wisconsin.
- Friday, July 27 — Saturday, July 28
- Gallery Night and Day art event at 44 venues throughout the downtown Milwaukee area.
- Early August
- American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Kenosha at University of Wisconsin-Parkside Outdoor Track, Hwy. E and 39th Ave. in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- Summer Sizzle: Historic Third Ward Jazz Festival in the Historic Third Ward of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Pike River Rendezvous at Simmons Island Park, 50th St & 4th Ave in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- St. Peter's Family Festival at St. Peter Parish and School, 2224 30th Ave. in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Friday fish fry 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday festival 3 to 11 p.m., Sunday festival noon to 9 p.m.
- Lollapalooza 2012 at Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois.
- Milwaukee Air & Water Show at Bradford Beach, 2400 N Lincoln Memorial Dr. on the Milwaukee, Wisconsin lakefront.
- The Racine Art Guild's Starving Artists Outdoor Art Fair at Gateway Technical College, 1001 S Main St. in Racine, Wisconsin.
- Armenian Fest (sponsored by St. Mesrob Armenian Church), 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Festival Park, 5 5th St. on the Racine, Wisconsin lakefront.
- Wisconsin State Fair at Wisconsin State Fair Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- A Taste of Tall Ships® Chicago at Navy Pier on the Chicago, Illinois lakefront.
- Friday, August 3
- First Fridays in downtown Racine, Wisconsin.
- Folk Music Hootenanny, 7 to 10 p.m. at Anderson Arts Center, 121 66th St. on the Kenosha, Wisconsin lakeshore.
- Mid-August
- Fiesta Mexicana at Festival Park, 5 5th St. on the Racine, Wisconsin lakefront. For tickets, see the Hispanic Business And Professionals Association (HBPA).
- Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish Festival at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish, 2224 45th St. in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- Sacred Heart Parish Summer Celebration at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2201 Northwestern Ave. in Racine, Wisconsin. Friday fish fry 5 to 7 p.m., Saturday rib dinner 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday parish potluck 1 to 5 p.m.
- WIIL Rock the Ranch one-day music festival at Shadow Hill Ranch, 2305 Lance Drive in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.
- Choppahpalooza motorcycle show, 12 noon to 10 p.m. at Kenosha Moose Lodge #286, 3003 30th Ave. in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- St.Louis Parish Festival at St. Louis Catholic Church, 13207 County Road G in Caledonia, Wisconsin.
- Saturday, August 11
- Late August
- Kenosha County Fair at Kenosha County Fairgounds, 111th St. & 308th Ave., Wilmot, Wisconsin.
- Milwaukee Irish Fest at Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- St. Rita Family Festival at St. Rita Parish, 4339 Douglas Ave. in Racine, Wisconsin.
- Milwaukee Domes Art Festival at Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- St. Mary Festival (see the PDF flyer) at St. Mary Catholic Church, 7307 40th Ave. in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- Belle City Backyard BBQ presented by Greater St. Luke Baptist Church at North Beach Park in Racine, Wisconsin.
- Chicago Air & Water Show at North Avenue Beach, 1600 N. Lake Shore Dr. in Chicago, Illinois.
- Arthritis Foundation's Run/Walk to Milwaukee Irish Fest at Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- 9th Annual HarborPark Jazz & Blues Festival at HarborPark's Celebration Place, 54th St. & Ring Rd. in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- Danskin Women’s Triathlon Series at Lake Andrea, RecPlex and Prairie Springs Park in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.
- Southeastern Wisconsin Corvette Club Annual Chevy and Corvette Show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Kenosha County Center, Hwy. 50 & Hwy. 45 in Bristol, Wisconsin.
- 17th Annual Classic Car & Bike Show at the Racine Zoo, N Main St. & Goold St. in Racine, Wisconsin.
- Mexican Fiesta at Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Walk & Run for Wishes - Milwaukee, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Grill Games Grilling Competition & Festival, Noon to 10 p.m. on the Kenosha, Wisconsin lafefront.
- Moon Festival Chicago 12 noon to 10 p.m. at Chicago Chinatown Square, 2100 S Archer Ave. in Chicago, Illinois.
- 8th Annual Koos for Kids Dinner/Auction with Milwaukee Brewers players and coaching staff, Milwaukee Bucks Rim Rockers, and Klements Racing Sausages at Festival Hall, 5 5th St. on the Racine, Wisconsin lakefront.
- Tall ships visit Kenosha: The Niña and Pinta at Kenosha Yacht Club, 5130 4th Ave. on the Kenosha, Wisconsin harbor.
- Early September
- Kenosha Classic Cruise-In, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Kenosha, Wisconsin, presented by the Midwest Street Machine Association of Kenosha.
- Made in Milwaukee Festival, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Cathedral Square Park in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- 20th Annual Walk in the Woods Art Fair, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum, 880 Green Bay Rd. in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- 33nd Annual Chicago Jazz Festival at Millennium Park and Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois.
- Wilhelm Tell Festival at the Wilhelm Tell Grounds, one mile east of New Glarus, Wisconsin on County Highway W.
- Walworth County Fair at Walworth County Fairgrounds in Elkhorn, Wisconsin.
- Oak Creek Lionsfest at 9327 S Shepard Ave. in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. (See also the listing at WisconsinFestivals.org.)
- Taste of Racine, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Racine Zoo, N. Main St. & Goold St. in Racine, Wisconsin.
- Racine County Labor Fest picnic and antique auto show, 12 noon to 5 p.m. at Caledonia-Mount Pleasant Park, County Rd K & County Hwy H in Franksville, Wisconsin.
- Kenosha Laborfest, 12 noon to 7 p.m. at St. Therese Picnic Grounds, 9005 22nd Ave. in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- Laborfest at Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Oktoberfest on Fridays & Saturdays (four weekends following Labor Day) at the Bavarian Complex, Heidelberg Park, 700 W. Lexington Blvd. in Glendale, Wisconsin.
- Indian Summer Festival at Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Saint Joseph Parish Festival at Saint Joseph Parish, 1535 Erie St. in Racine, Wisconsin (Fish fry on Friday, pork loin dinner on Saturday, and Sunday brunch).
- Monday, September 3: Labor Day (federal holiday)
- Friday, September 7
- First Fridays in downtown Racine, Wisconsin.
- Folk Music Hootenanny, 7 to 10 p.m. at Anderson Arts Center, 121 66th St. on the Kenosha, Wisconsin lakeshore.
- Saturday, September 8
- Mid-September
- EVP Pro Beach Volleyball World Championships, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at North Beach Oasis in Racine, Wisconsin (more details at EVPTour.com and also our June 2009 blog post).
- Lake Geneva Wine Festival at The Ferro Pavilion (see Google Map) of The Conference Center at George Williams College in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
- Dylan’s Run: 2-Mile Run/Walk for Autism at Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Great Lakes Brew Fest at Racine Zoo in Racine, Wisconsin.
- Milwaukee/NARI Fall Home & Remodeling Show at the Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave. in West Allis, Wisconsin.
- Global Union, 12 noon to 5 p.m. at Humboldt Park, 3000 South Howell Ave. in Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood.
- Wine & Harvest Festival in Cedarburg, Wisconsin.
- Bay View Bash, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Kinnickinnic Ave. between Potter and Clement in Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood.
- Fighting Bob Fest at Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way in Madison, Wisconsin.
- Rock the Green Near-Zero Waste Music Festival at Veterans Park, 1010 North Lincoln Memorial Dr. on the downtown Milwaukee lakeshore.
- Friday, September 14 — Sunday, September 16
- Green County Cheese Days at the Cheese Days Festival Grounds in Monroe, Wisconsin.
- Late September
- Milwaukee County Fair at Wisconsin State Fair Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (See also this PDF: Junior Fair Book 2012).
- Oktoberfest in downtown New Glarus, Wisconsin.
- Warrens Cranberry Festival at the festival grounds in Warrens, Wisconsin.
- 2012 Milwaukee Film Festival
- Monday, October 8: Columbus Day (federal holiday)
- Early October
- Green County Cheese Days at the Cheese Days Festival Grounds in Monroe, Wisconsin.
- Party on the Pavement, 12 noon to 7 p.m. in downtown Racine, Wisconsin.
- Old Settlers Oktoberfest, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Old Settlers Park, 24100 75th St. in Paddock Lake, Wisconsin.
- Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon starts at 7:30 a.m. from Grafton High School, 1950 Washington St. in Grafton, Wisconsin, and head south down a 26.38-mile route to Veterans Park, 1010 North Lincoln Memorial Dr. on the downtown Milwaukee lakefront.
- 22nd Annual Downtown West Allis Classic Car Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on W. Greenfield Ave. between 70th & 76th Streets in downtown West Allis, Wisconsin.
- Half Point Rendezvous at the Racine County Fairgrounds, 19805 Durand Ave. in Union Grove, Wisconsin.
- 20th Annual Oktoberfest in downtown Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
- German Festival / Oktoberfest in Cedarburg, Wisconsin.
- Bank of America Chicago Marathon starts at 7:30 a.m. from S. Columbus Dr. & E. Monroe St. and runs through several neighborhoods in Chicago, Illinois.
- Annual Harvest Festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Swiss Historical Village, 612 7th Ave. in New Glarus, Wisconsin.
- Friday, October 5
- Monday, October 8: Columbus Day (federal holiday)
- Folk Music Hootenanny, 7 to 10 p.m. at Anderson Arts Center, 121 66th St. on the Kenosha, Wisconsin lakeshore.
- Saturday, October 13
- Late October
- Dia de los Muertos Parade, starting from United Community Center, 1028 S. 9th St., in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, proceeds to Walker's Point Center for the Arts.
- Real Racine Skeleton Skamper (see more details in the Mount Pleasant Patch story), at the Mount Pleasant Village Hall, 8811 Campus Dr. in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin.
- Boo at the Zoo at the Racine Zoo, 2131 N Main St. in Racine, Wisconsin.
- Friday, October 19 — Saturday, October 20
- Gallery Night and Day art event at 44 venues throughout the downtown Milwaukee area.
- Saturday, October 20
- Discover Hidden Treasures Garden Walk: “Fall Discovery” with Melinda Myers, 10 a.m. at Boerner Botanical Gardens, 9400 Boerner Dr. in Hales Corners, Wisconsin.
- Wednesday, October 31: Halloween
- Early November
- 49th Annual Veterans Day Parade and Day of Honor, 11 a.m. start at N. 4th St. & W. Kilbourn Ave. in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin (see PDF route map). A memorial service immediately follows at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center, 750 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr. on the Milwaukee lakefront.
- Friday, November 2
- Friday, November 9
- Folk Music Hootenanny, 7 to 10 p.m. at Anderson Arts Center, 121 66th St. on the Kenosha, Wisconsin lakeshore.
- Saturday, November 10
- Sunday, November 4
- End of Daylight saving time in the United States: Clocks "fall back" one hour at 2 a.m., allowing an extra hour of sleep. For Racine, sunrise comes an hour earlier at 6:31 a.m., and sunset comes an hour earlier at 4:39 p.m.
- Sunday, November 11: Veterans Day (federal holiday)
- Mid-November
- Trainfest at the Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave. in West Allis, Wisconsin.
- Milwaukee's 85th Annual Holiday Parade, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Starts at N. Prospect Ave. & E. Kilbourn Ave., travels west on Kilbourn, then south on 3rd St. to The Shops of Grand Avenue in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Holiday Folk Fair International at the Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave. in West Allis, Wisconsin.
- Thursday, November 22: Thanksgiving Day (federal holiday)
- Friday, December 7
- First Fridays in downtown Racine, Wisconsin.
- Folk Music Hootenanny, 7 to 10 p.m. at Anderson Arts Center, 121 66th St. on the Kenosha, Wisconsin lakeshore.
- Saturday, December 8
- Late December
- Winter Fest at the Frontier Airlines Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave. in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- Tuesday, December 25: Christmas Day (federal holiday)
2013 Calendar of Events & Festivals
- Early January
- Metropolitan Builders Association Home Building & Remodeling Expo at the Frontier Airlines Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave. in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- AEppelTreow Wassail, 3 to 6 p.m. at AEppelTreow Winery, 1072 288th Ave. near Burlington, Wisconsin.
- Tuesday, January 1: New Year's Day (federal holiday)
- 24th annual Splash and Dash of Racine at North Beach (12 noon).
- Mid-January
- 2012 New Car Show at Festival Hall, 5 5th St. on the Racine, Wisconsin lakefront.
- “The Big Chill” Racine Ice & Snow Festival: 2012 Annual Wisconsin Snow Sculpting Competition at Monument Square, Main St. & 6th St. in downtown Racine, Wisconsin.
- Winterfest in New Glarus, Wisconsin.
- Late January
- 2012 AMSOIL World Championship Snowmobile Derby at Eagle River Derbytrack, 1311 N. Railroad St. in Eagle River, Wisconsin.
- “The Big Chill” Racine Ice & Snow Festival: 2012 Annual Wisconsin Snow Sculpting Competition at Monument Square, Main St. & 6th St. in downtown Racine, Wisconsin.
- Gallery Night and Day art event at 44 venues throughout the downtown Milwaukee area.
- Monday, January 21: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (federal holiday)
- Sunday, February 10: Chinese New Year: Year of the Snake
