Looking for a weekend away on the state line? Check out our Weekend in Wisconsin guide, featuring the city and county of Kenosha, and all it has to offer.
If you’re looking for fun, festivals, and lakeside views, Kenosha is the place for you. The city running right along the state line has plenty of tasty eats, unique experiences like movies in the park, and even a Kenosha baseball team—the Kenosha Kingfish are one of nine Northwoods League baseball teams in Wisconsin.
Did you know that the Kenosha Comets, along with the Racine Belles and Milwaukee Chicks, were three teams in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League? The team played nine seasons between 1943 and 1951.
Anytime you take a trip to this southeastern corner of the state, there’s plenty to do. This time around, we’re highlighting some great places and activities towards the end of August. If you like the Wisconsin State Fair, you’ll certainly enjoy plenty to do around here—a trip to Kenosha is a great way to close out the summer.
Friday, August 21
There are plenty of places to stay for a weekend staycation in Kenosha, but one promises beautiful views and easy access to downtown—The Stella Hotel & Ballroom.
The Stella Hotel & Ballroom
Location: 5706 8th Avenue
What began as Wisconsin’s oldest malting company in 1857 in downtown Kenosha has since become the place to stay when you’re in town. Despite a fire burning for days in 1914, this building has gone by other names since—the Kenosha Elks Club, later the Heritage House Inn in the 90s, and most recently The Stella Hotel & Ballroom.
Although it has gone through revamps and rebranding, it is still the place to stay in Kenosha, complete with an in-house Cafe at The Stella, a rooftop bar, and a restaurant.
Crows Nest
The Crows Nest is The Stella Hotel & Ballroom’s rooftop bar, offering patrons and visitors views of downtown Kenosha, smaller bites, and delightful summer cocktails, Wednesday through Sunday.
The 1844 Table & Mash
Get ready to enjoy an upscale dining experience with a super-club-inspired vibe. The bar features a vintage feel and is the perfect place to unwind during your stay at this home away from home. The food is fantastic, and the location can’t be beat, being the on-site restaurant at the hotel.
La Fogata Mexican Grill
Location: 3300 Sheridan Road
If you’re looking for authentic Mexican bites over the weekend, travel along the lakeside and check out La Fogata Mexican Grill. The restaurant is open all week long, beginning at 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Everything on the menu is delicious, but a personal favorite dessert is fried ice cream.
Waterfront Warehouse
Location: 3322 Sheridan Road
Right next door, only feet away, is La Fogata’s friendly neighbor, Waterfront Warehouse. This bar and grill restaurant has all the typical bar food like burgers, wraps, and, of course, cheese curds (duh), but the flatbreads come highly recommended. Yes, I can personally attest to five of the 13 options on the menu—chef’s kiss.
Saturday, August 22
Kenosha Harbor Market
Location: 2nd Avenue and 56th Street
Since 2003, Kenosha Harbor Market has been the place to be on Saturdays from May to October. For the past five years, Kenosha has voted this market as a “Best Event” and it does not disappoint! Its mission is to support small, community businesses to help them launch, grow, and thrive. Currently, the vendor map highlights over 200 vendors to check out.
Big Star Drive-In
Location: 1500 Washington Road
Two burger joints, both alike and tasty—in Kenosha, where we lay our scene. All jokes aside, both Big Star and its delicious rival, The Spot, have big fans. Big Star Drive-In is a family-owned, seasonal spot with car hops or to-go service if you want to bring your meal down by the lakeside, just moments away from their location.
The Spot
Location: 2117 75th Street
Since 1945, The Spot Drive-In has been the place to be for folks who love good burgers. With burgers, sandwiches, chicken, and more, there is something for everyone at The Spot, which is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Kenosha County Fair
Location: 30820 111th Street, Wilmot
The Kenosha County Fair this year runs from Aug. 19 through Aug. 23, with plenty of things to do for visitors of all ages. Watch the Wilmot Raceway from the grandstands or check out an antique machinery display right next to the wild world of animals.
Nothing says Kenosha County Fair like other fun events, including the crowning of the Fairest of the Fair, a pie auction, and an animal Sale on Saturday. Additionally, the CreekSide Stage features various musical acts like Aidan J Music, Lara Bell, The Empty Bottle Boys & One Shot Janes, and The NOW, all on Saturday, Aug. 22.
Sunday, August 23
Bristol Renaissance Faire
Location: 12550 120th Avenue
Here ye, hear ye, come one, come all to the Bristol Renaissance Faire and transport back hundreds of years in a few single steps. Whether it’s your first time or your umteenth time stopping by a RenFaire, the experience is sure to delight! Bristol’s Renaissance Faire includes time-period food (think Henry the Eighth and giant turkey legs) and more modern options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices.
They also host different acts across 16 stages within the fairgrounds, unique vendors, and special themes most weekends—the Aug. 22 and 23 theme is RennCon™—a celebration of cosplay!
Alpaca Art
Location: 4326 7th Avenue
Enjoy a paint-your-own pottery adventure at Alpaca Art. This walk-in pottery shop is the perfect place to visit on a whim and unleash your creativity. Drop in to paint Wednesdays through Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
