Frequently Asked Questions
Kenosha Italian Fest will take place Friday, September 18 through Sunday, September 20, 2026.
The festival takes place at Celebration Place on the beautiful Kenosha Lake Michigan lakefront, located at:
5501 Ring Road
Kenosha, WI 53140
Ages 12 and up:
- Single-Day Admission: $5
- Three-Day Weekend Pass: $10
Ages 11 and under: Free
The weekend pass provides admission Friday, Saturday and Sunday and saves $5 for guests planning to attend all three days.
Tickets may be purchased in advance online. Guests who pre-purchase tickets will receive a QR code by email to show at check-in.
Please note: admission tickets are separate from the festival tickets used for food, beverage and Kid’s Zone carnival games inside the festival. See “How do payments and tickets work?” below for details.
Festival Tickets, Cash & Credit Cards
Payment methods vary throughout Kenosha Italian Fest, so here’s what to know before you order:
- Italian American Society food & beverage areas: Festival tickets or credit cards are accepted at the IA Food Tent, Holy Rosary Cuddurriddi (Fried Dough) Tent and Dessert Tent, as well as the bars in the Arena, Colosseum and Cigar Tents.
- Outside food vendors: Outside food vendors operate independently and accept cash or credit cards. Festival tickets are not accepted at outside food vendors.
- Kid’s Zone carnival games: Festival tickets only.
- Kid’s Zone inflatables: Cash or credit card only. Festival tickets are not accepted for the inflatables.
Quick Tip: Festival tickets are primarily used for Italian American Society food, beverages and Kid’s Zone carnival games. If you plan to explore the outside food vendors or the inflatables, be sure to have cash or a credit card available as well.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Authentic Italian food
- Homemade desserts
- Tenuta’s Deli Cannoli
- Gelato and Italian ice
- Live music on two stages
- Cooking demonstrations
- The Kenoshans of Italian Descent Parade
- The Heritage Tent
- Fireworks
- Bocce courts
- Kid’s Zone with carnival games and inflatables
- Family activities
- Italian merchandise
- Wine, beer, and beverage
Following an incredible inaugural year, we’re excited to introduce several new experiences, including:
- A Friday Night Opening Mixer
- A larger Italian American Society Food Tent
- An expanded dessert tent featuring gelato and Italian ice
- More authentic Italian food vendors
- Bocce courts
- A cigar tent
- An enhanced festival layout designed to improve the guest experience
Yes! Kenosha Italian Fest is designed for all ages. Families can enjoy live entertainment, cultural exhibits, great food, family activities, and a welcoming atmosphere throughout the weekend.
Absolutely! Live entertainment takes place throughout the weekend on two stages, featuring a variety of local and regional musicians performing rock, jazz, country, swing, Italian favorites, and more.
Kenosha Italian Fest Dog & Service Animal Policy
For the safety and comfort of all guests, pets are not permitted on the Kenosha Italian Fest grounds. Trained service dogs are welcome in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Under the ADA, a service animal is a dog that has been individually trained to perform work or a specific task directly related to a person’s disability. Service dogs may be any breed or size and are not required to wear a vest or other identification or have certification or professional training.
Emotional support, therapy and comfort animals are not considered service animals under the ADA when their sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support and are therefore not permitted on the festival grounds.
Yes! Guests can enjoy a wide variety of authentic Italian favorites prepared by the Italian American Society of Kenosha and participating food vendors. From pasta and Italian sausage to cannoli, gelato, and Italian ice, there’s something for everyone.
Kenosha Italian Fest is proudly hosted by the Italian American Society of Kenosha, whose mission is to celebrate and preserve Italian heritage while bringing the community together through culture, food, music, and family traditions.
Parking is located directly to the east of the festival and throughout downtown Kenosha. Handicap parking is available by visiting the festival gate. The grounds are handicap accessible.
Community partners and volunteers help make Kenosha Italian Fest possible!
Visit our volunteer sign up page or click here to download the sponsorship form.
The best way to stay informed is to sign up for the Kenosha Italian Fest Newsletter and follow us on Facebook. We’ll share entertainment schedules, food vendors, event updates, and exciting announcements as the festival approaches.
Kenosha Italian Fest is one of southeastern Wisconsin’s newest cultural festivals, bringing together authentic Italian cuisine, live music, family entertainment, heritage, and community on the beautiful Lake Michigan lakefront. Whether you’re celebrating your Italian roots or simply looking for a fun weekend with family and friends, you’ll enjoy great food, live entertainment, and a welcoming atmosphere that continues to grow each year.
