Looking for fun things to do in Kenosha, Wisconsin? We’ve rounded up the city’s best restaurants, activities, and sights.

Nestled between Milwaukee and the Illinois border is a Wisconsin harbor town called Kenosha. In 1850, after breaking away from neighboring Racine, Wisconsin’s fourth-largest city adopted the name Kenosha, derived from the Potawatomi word for “pike.” Since then, Kenosha has continued to grow and flourish into an active and vibrant part of Southeastern Wisconsin.

The city and county have been on an upward trajectory, and with it have come tons of fun things to do. So, whether you’re visiting for the first time or live nearby and want to discover a few Kenosha gems you may not have known, we put together a few must-visit spots.

This list of things to do in Kenosha includes the best bites to eat, entertainment, festivals, and free activities—there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Please note that a few of these are seasonal (which will be mentioned in the description). So what are you waiting for? Plan your next weekend trip or staycation and enjoy these 18 things to do in Kenosha. 

Eat and drink to your heart’s content 

Kenosha has tons of great places to grab a bite to eat. These are a few of the best-known and recommended places to enjoy. 

Big Star

1500 Washington Road

This drive-in joint in Kenosha is a blast from the past. Big Star has carhops and car-side trays, so you can enjoy burgers, fries, root beer, and much more. This restaurant is seasonal (from March 1 through August 31) and only accepts cash, so come prepared. For your convenience, there is an ATM available on site.

The Spot Drive-In

2117 75th Street

Celebrating 80 this coming July 4, The Spot Drive-In is a rivaling drive-in style spot (pun intended) that’s a staple of the Kenosha community. Its menu features a wide variety, including burgers, shakes, hot dogs, chicken, and vegetarian options.

Tenutas Deli

3203 52nd Street

A Kenosha tradition for over 75 years, Tenutas Deli is self-proclaimed as the “shortest route to Italy” in Wisconsin. Four generations of Tenutas have been serving the Kenosha community with fresh deli food, groceries to take home, and a selection of wine and cigars. 

Sazzy B

5623 6th Avenue

If you’re enjoying a walk around downtown Kenosha, stop by Sazzy B for a creative food and drink menu. The restaurant is open for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays and for dinner (starting at 4 p.m.) during the week and on Saturdays, where you can also catch live entertainment from local blues and jazz artists. 

Visit a brewery 

Rustic Road Brewing Company (5706 6th Avenue), Public Brewing Company (628 58th Street), Kenosha Brewing Company Inc. (4017 80th Street), R’Noggin Brewing Co. (6521 120th Avenue)

Wisconsin is known for its beer and brews, and Kenosha is no exception. Home to Rustic Road Brewing Company, Public Brewing Company, Kenosha Brewing Company Inc., and R’Noggin Brewing Co., beer lovers will enjoy getting a literal taste of Kenosha.

Mars Cheese Castle

2800 W Frontage Road

What’s more uniquely Wisconsin than a cheese castle? Yes, you read that right—Kenosha is home to Mars’ Cheese Castle. What started as a small corner store has now evolved into a castle (literally) with a small dining area or the option to take treats to go. 

Immerse yourself in art and culture

The arts and creative community in Kenosha is thriving and excited to welcome you. Here, you can find a studio to paint pottery, enjoy a night of laughs at the comedy club, and more.

Alpaca Art 

4326 7th Avenue

No kiln? No problem. At Alpaca Art, you can paint your own pottery and pick it up after it has been fired by the studio for a professional-looking finish. You can drop in for a session anytime, and they also offer bookings for larger groups. 

Kenosha Comedy Club

5125 6th Avenue

Get ready for a good time and share some laughs with friends. Each weekend, the Kenosha Comedy Club features a different stand-up comedian starting at 8 p.m.

Kenosha Art Market

Union Park, 4500 7th Avenue

The Kenosha Art Market is seasonal, but there are plenty of opportunities to visit from spring through fall. The market runs every third Sunday at the Union Park Arts District from June through October. Over 70 local artists are featured at the market, and you can find food trucks nearby so you can snack while you stroll. 

Southport Lighthouse Station and Museum

5117 4th Avenue

The Southport Lighthouse Station and Museum has been a part of Kenosha’s history since 1866. The museum is filled with artifacts and history from the past century. You can also climb the lighthouse to the lantern room, which overlooks the beautiful shoreline. It is open seasonally, from May through October. 

Attend a festival

Festival season in Kenosha has everything you want, from books to music, and even a trip back in time to the Renaissance!

Bristol Renaissance Faire 

12550 120th Avenue

Here ye, here ye, come one, come all to the Bristol Renaissance Faire. Transport yourself back in time to a place where jousts are a regular occurrence, giant turkey legs are basically their own food group, and enthusiastic fairgoers dress in period costumes. This seasonal festival runs from early July to early September.

Kenosha Book Festival

Studio Moonfall, 5031 7th Avenue

Calling all book lovers—if you love to read and meet local authors, this bookish festival is for you. It runs once a month from April through September at Studio Moonfall. It anticipates featuring 20 local and independent authors in 2025 alone.

Country Thunder (Wisconsin)

Shadow Hills Ranch, 2305 Lance Drive

It might not be Summerfest, but the musical festival Country Thunder is one country fans won’t want to miss. This year’s festival, happening from July 17 to July 25, features some of the biggest names in country, like Jelly Roll, Dierks Bentley, Ashley McBryde, and more. Tickets are available now.

Enjoy a free (and fun!) event

Having a great time in Keonsha doesn’t have to cost you a thing. Enjoy a stroll through the market, music in the art center, or a scenic hike through the park. 

Harbor Market (Kenosha and Pleasant Prairie)

6028 8th Avenue and 10023 Park Drive

Rain or shine, winter or summer, the Kenosha Harbor Market has been open for business since 2003. This farmers market offers the chance to support local business owners and farmers, with locally grown fruits and veggies, arts and crafts, drinks, and more! There is more than one location within the city and county of Kenosha. 

Music At Twilight Concert Series 

Anderson Arts Center 6603 3rd Avenue

Pack a picnic dinner and a blanket (or lawn chairs), and come on down to the Anderson Arts Center for a free musical experience—the Music At Twilight Concert Series. The center opens at 5 p.m., and concerts begin at 6 p.m. Seven concerts are scheduled for the 2025 season, from June through August.

Petrifying Springs Park

5555 7th Street

If you’re looking for the perfect place to go for a walk, a hike, or even a game of golf, check out Petrifying Springs Park (also known as PETS). With about 350 acres of land to explore, you can spend hours in the great outdoors at this beautiful park. The park is open year-round, but the sights are exceptionally breathtaking in the fall when the leaves begin to change color.