East Meets West: Western Racine County Residents Invited to Explore Downtown Racine May 15-17 | |
Be a tourist in your own county! On the weekend of May 15-17, the "east end" of Racine County invites our "west end" friends to Downtown Racine to explore a vibrant mix of local shopping, art, culture, and incredible food along the lakefront.
Western Racine County residents are invited to pick up a FREE coupon sheet at the Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce (7971 Big Bend Road, Waterford), Experience Burlington (565 Milwaukee Avenue, #3C, Burlington), or Greater Union Grove Chamber of Commerce (925 15th Avenue, Union Grove) to use that special weekend.
Purchase tickets in advance for the Downtown Racine Wine Walk or check out the new Racine Farmers Market On The Lake. Explore your neighboring community's favorite spots, discover new go-to restaurants and galleries, and make a weekend of it with friends and family!
Watch for the experience to continue this September when "east end" residents will be invited to visit the "west end" for a reciprocal weekend hosted by communities across Racine County.
| | | | An Original Sketch Comedy by Over Our Head Players | |
Something lurks in the depths of Lake Michigan! "Salmon-a-Rama: The Sketch Comedy Puppet Musical that Your Children Won't Understand" is an original sketch comedy musical by Over Our Head Players (OOHP) at Sixth Street Theatre.
Running May 8-30, this is a big one with lots of local humor and reel laughs. With plenty of puppets, parodies, and punchlines, this production will feature the OOHP parody songs that are so loved.
| | | | | Racine Farmers Market on the Lake Opens May 9 | |
Spend Saturday morning at the Racine Farmers Market on the Lake, a new community market with over 60 vendors at Festival Park in Downtown Racine.
Eat fresh by shopping local for farm-fresh produce, dairy and eggs, artisan foods, freshly baked treats, local flowers, and handcrafted goods. Foodies will have the chance to talk directly with farmers and makers to learn how something was grown, get cooking tips, or discover a new ingredient.
The farmers market will be open May 9 through October 24.
| | | | | Cheers to Spring at Downtown Racine Wine Walks | |
Raise your glasses for the much-anticipated spring Wine Walks in Downtown Racine on May 9 and 16.
Immerse yourself in the changing seasons of downtown, set against the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, as you embark on a delightful journey through 30 participating businesses pouring 20 exquisite wines and 10 beer samples. Tickets include admission to all 30 stops, a specially crafted wine sampling glass, a stylish canvas tote bag, and delectable snacks at each location.
It's not just a stroll; it's a celebration of flavors!
| | | | | View the Heavens at Modine-Benstead Observatory Open House | |
The Racine Astronomical Society (RAS) is hosting a FREE open house at the Modine-Benstead Observatory in Union Grove on Friday, May 15.
RAS holds public open house nights monthly through October. Depending on what is up each night, you will view the moon, planets, and many deep sky objects through their telescopes.
As a non-profit organization that is volunteer run, they encourage a small donation to help defray the yearly costs of observatory maintenance and care.
| | | | | Franksville Craft Beer Garden Opens May 15 | |
The Franksville Craft Beer Garden kicks off the 2026 season on Friday, May 15 at Franksville Memorial Park. Opening weekend will feature 16-27 tap lines of Wisconsin craft beers.
All of your favorites will return to the beer garden this season including Taco Thursdays, Friday and Saturday live music, food trucks, and more.
This family-friendly event is FREE to attend and has something for the entire family to enjoy this summer!
| | | | | Compete or Sample the Best Bloody Marys at Racine Zoo | |
Do you think you have what it takes to make the best bloody mary? Join the Racine Zoo's annual Bloody Mary Fest on Saturday, May 16 and show them what you got!
Attendees will be able to sample a bloody mary from each participating competitor while enjoying live entertainment along the beautiful lakefront. Food will be provided and additional drinks will be available for purchase. There will be a crowd favorite vote along with a panel of judges to reveal the winners at the end of the fest.
Register to compete or purchase tickets to sample the best bloody marys Racine County has to offer with all the fixins. Pre-registration required; tickets not available at the door.
Proceeds benefit the animals and programs of the Racine Zoo.
| | | | | Feast on the Streets Returns May 29 | |
Get ready to embrace the flavors of Downtown Racine's foodie district with Spring Feast on the Streets on Friday, May 29.
Back by popular demand, participants will have the exclusive opportunity to sample small bites of extraordinary dishes from 10 restaurants, each serving up unique and delectable plates of their cuisine.
Don't miss this culinary explosion of downtown restaurants! Tickets are required, so purchase yours today.
| | | | | Racine HarborFest Brings Music to the Lakefront | |
Racine HarborFest returns June 12-13 with two days of live music on two stages at Festival Park along the shores of Lake Michigan.
Racine HarborFest was re-established in 2025 after an 18-year absence. Event proceeds will benefit Pink Paddling Power (provides education and support for breast cancer survivors throughout the Racine community) and Relay For Life of Southeast Wisconsin (supports and celebrates cancer survivors and caregivers).
Whether you are a longtime fan of Racine HarborFest or experiencing it for the first time, expect an action-packed weekend and a celebration of community.
| | | | | Mount Pleasant Brings Back Summer Concert Series | |
The Sounds at Sunset outdoor concert series in Mount Pleasant returns this summer on select Tuesdays nights.
June 16 - Jay Matthes
July 7 - Dirty Boogie
July 28 - 5 Card Studs
August 18 - Trippin Billies
Food and beverages will be available for purchase (no carry-in alcohol, glass containers, or dogs are permitted). FREE admission and parking at Campus Park in Mount Pleasant. Bring your lawn chair or blanket!
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Salmon-A-Rama
July 10-19
Lake Michigan's premiere fishing tournament includes fireworks opening night, live music every night, food trucks, cornhole tournament, kids fishing pond, free kids games, vendor fair, and more. Admission is FREE.
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Summer Magic Garden Tour
July 12
Garden enthusiasts will have the opportunity to explore seven unique gardens and one special National Habitat Award winner during this self-guided tour throughout the Racine area. Proceeds go to horticultural scholarships.
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Waterford Hot Air Balloonfest
July 17-18
See magnificent views of hot air balloons floating in the summer sky and experience the joy of hot air ballooning at this fun-filled, family-friendly event! Admission is FREE.
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