If you’re searching for the best Lake Geneva Wisconsin festivals to build a summer weekend around, this is the list I send to friends and family every year.
My family has been around the Geneva Lake area since the 1930s, and one of the things that makes summer here so special isn’t just the lake itself. It’s the small-town festivals, community traditions, incredible food, and nights that end with fireworks over the water.
Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a girls weekend, or just looking for an excuse to spend the day outside, these are the Lake Geneva Wisconsin festivals worth adding to your calendar.
Brick Street Days
When: Saturday, June 13, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Downtown Delavan
Admission: Free
Brick Street Days is one of those hidden gems that perfectly captures the charm of Delavan. The downtown streets fill with local artists, makers, food vendors, and family activities, making it an easy event to spend a relaxing Saturday exploring.
One of the things that makes this festival unique is the opportunity to take a guided tour of Delavan’s famous Walldogs murals, which have helped transform the downtown into an outdoor art gallery. Kids can enjoy face painting and activities while adults browse the vendor booths or grab lunch from one of the food stands. Live music runs throughout the day, with the celebration continuing into the evening with a concert at the Phoenix Park Bandshell.
Festival Highlights:
- Arts, crafts, and local vendor booths
- Food vendors throughout downtown
- Kids activities and face painting
- Guided Walldogs mural tours
- Live music during the day and an evening concert at Phoenix Park
Click HERE for more info.
Fiesta by the Lake
When: Saturday, June 20, Noon to 7:00 p.m.
Where: Edgewater Park, Williams Bay
Admission: Free
One of the newer additions to the summer calendar, Fiesta by the Lake brings a completely different energy to the lakefront. You’ll find a great mix of local food vendors, live performances, and artisan booths, all set against the backdrop of beautiful Edgewater Park.
I especially love that this event gives you a chance to spend the afternoon walking the lakeshore, trying something new to eat, and supporting small businesses while enjoying one of the prettiest parks in the area.
For more information, click here.
Delavan’s Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary
When: Friday, June 26 through Sunday, July 5
Where: Various locations throughout Delavan
Admission: Most events are free, with select ticketed activities.
If you’re planning a trip around the Fourth of July, this celebration gives you plenty of reasons to spend a few extra days exploring Delavan. The city is hosting nearly two weeks of community events that range from concerts and parades to historical programs, veterans tributes, fireworks, and live entertainment.
Instead of packing everything into one evening, this celebration spreads the fun across ten days, making it easy to fit into your vacation plans.
For the full schedule, visit visitdelavanWI.com.
Lakefest & Town of Delavan Fourth of July Fireworks
When: Saturday, June 27 starting at 6pm
Where: Delavan Lake Community Park
1220 S. Shore Drive, Delavan
Schedule: Playground by the lake, UW Badger Band at 7pm, Free Pie & Ice Cream (while supplies last), Food/Beer/Wine + Fireworks at Dusk Synched to Music by 96.1FM!
Lakefest has that classic small-town summer feel that people travel to Wisconsin for. Families gather throughout the day for kid-friendly activities, live music, and fishing events before everyone settles in along the lake to watch the fireworks after sunset.
Bring a lawn chair, find a good spot, and enjoy one of those simple summer evenings that always seems to become a favorite memory.
Additional information is available at townofdelavan.com.
Elkhorn Ribfest
When:
- Wednesday, July 15: 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Thursday, July 16 through Saturday, July 18: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Sunday, July 19: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Walworth County Fairgrounds
411 E. Court Street, Elkhorn
Admission: Free admission and free parking (Cost for food)
Even if you’re not a barbecue expert, this event is worth the short drive from the lake. Award-winning pitmasters from around the country roll into the Walworth County Fairgrounds alongside several days of live music, carnival rides, and artisan vendors.
Look forward to 5 days of unbelievably delicious, mouthwatering barbecue and high quality entertainment located on the beautiful Walworth County Fairgrounds. This event features world renowned professional BBQ champions, a back yard grillers competition, great entertainment, an artisan village and so much more. Not only will you experience some of the best BBQ in the world, but there will be other fun enriching experiences. After you have had your fill of food, kick back and enjoy some live music and a cold beer or two. And don’t forget about the carnival rides!
It has become one of the biggest summer events in Walworth County and is a great choice whether you’re visiting with kids or spending the weekend with friends.
Learn more at wisconsinribfest.com.
Williams Bay Fire Department Chicken Roast
When: Saturday, July 18, Noon to 7:00 p.m.
Where: Edgewater Park, Williams Bay
This is one of those hometown traditions that locals look forward to every summer. Hosted by the Williams Bay Fire Department, the event serves up freshly roasted chicken dinners in beautiful Edgewater Park while supporting an organization that means so much to the community.
If you don’t want to stay for the whole event, carryout dinners make it easy to grab a meal and head down to the lakefront.
Tickets are available from members of the Williams Bay Fire Department or at the event.
Big Foot Lions Club Lobster Boil & Steak Fry
When: Saturday, July 25, 2:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. (Beer & Music start at noon and food is served 2-9pm then the party goes until 11:30pm).
Where: Reid Park, Fontana
If you’ve never experienced a Wisconsin lobster boil, this is the one to try. Reid Park fills up with people enjoying fresh lobster and steak dinners while live bands keep the party going throughout the evening. This one sells out every year so get your tickets early!
It’s one of Fontana’s signature summer traditions and tends to become an annual event for many local families. If lobster is your choice, be sure to preorder your tickets ahead of time.
For ticket information, visit bigfootlionsclub.org.
Williams Bay Arts & Crafts Festival
When: Saturday, July 25 & Sunday, July 26, 2026
Where: Edgewater Park, Williams Bay
Admission: Free
If you enjoy browsing local shops and bringing home something unique from your trip, you’ll want to carve out some time for the Williams Bay Arts & Crafts Festival. Set right along the lake in Edgewater Park, this weekend event features talented artists, makers, and craftspeople showcasing everything from handmade décor and jewelry to artwork and specialty gifts.
I always love events like this because you can spend a relaxing afternoon walking the booths, grabbing a coffee or snack nearby, and enjoying the lake views while supporting small businesses. It’s a nice change of pace from some of the larger festivals and one that often flies under the radar for visitors.
Click HERE for more info.
Williams Bay Lions Club Corn & Brat Festival
When:
- Friday, August 7: 5 p.m. to Midnight
- Saturday, August 8: 11 a.m. to Midnight
- Sunday, August 9: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Edgewater Park, Williams Bay
Admission: Free
Ask almost anyone who grew up around Geneva Lake and they’ve probably spent at least one August weekend at Corn & Brat Fest. Fresh roasted corn, brats, live music, cold drinks, and Saturday night fireworks make this one of the biggest community gatherings of the summer.
The best part is that it still feels like a true local tradition, bringing together visitors and residents for one final big celebration before summer starts winding down.
Food and drink tickets are available on-site.
64th Annual Venetian Festival Hosted by the Lake Geneva Jaycees
When:
- Wednesday, August 19 through Friday, August 21: 5 p.m. to Midnight
- Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23: 10 a.m. to Midnight
Special Sunday Events:
- Waterski Show: 6:00 p.m.
- Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks: Dusk
Where: Flat Iron Park and Seminary Park, Lake Geneva
No roundup of Lake Geneva Wisconsin festivals would be complete without Venetian Festival. For many people, this five-day celebration is the unofficial grand finale of summer around the lake.
Downtown fills with carnival rides, food vendors, and live music, while Sunday brings the famous waterski show followed by the lighted boat parade and one of the most anticipated fireworks displays of the season.
If you’re planning just one August weekend in the area, I would build your trip around Venetian Festival. It’s one of the traditions that truly makes Lake Geneva Wisconsin special.
Admission is free, with carnival ride wristbands available for purchase. More information can be found at venetianfest.com.
Final Thoughts from a Local:
One of the things I love most about summer here is that there’s always something happening. Whether you’re watching fireworks over the lake, grabbing roasted corn in Williams Bay, or spending an evening at Ribfest, these events are what make this area feel like home.
If you’re planning a summer getaway, I highly recommend timing your trip around one of these Lake Geneva Wisconsin festivals. They’re a great way to experience the community beyond the beaches and boats and see why so many families come back to Lake Geneva Wisconsin year after year.
