Summer Events & Live Music in and Around Whitewater, Wisconsin

Summer Events & Live Music in and Around Whitewater, Wisconsin

Summer is a wonderful time to experience Whitewater, Wisconsin. From farmers markets and trail runs to lakeside festivals, county fairs, and live music, the area offers plenty of ways to enjoy the season. Whether you're planning a weekend visit or looking for something new to do close to home, here are summer events and entertainment options happening in and around Whitewater from June through August.

Whitewater 4th of July Festival

Held in mid-July, the Jefferson County Fair features agricultural exhibits, live entertainment, a carnival, family-friendly activities, local food, community contests, and grandstand events including truck and tractor pulls, racing, and concerts.

The Rock County Fair takes place in late July in Janesville. Visitors can enjoy agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, carnival rides, fair food, 4-H project exhibits, and live grandstand entertainment.

One of Wisconsin's oldest and largest county fairs, the Walworth County Fair features grandstand concerts, demolition derbies, truck and tractor pulls, agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, carnival rides, and popular food vendors.

Country Thunder takes place every July in Twin Lakes and features four nights of country music. Past headliners have included Jelly Roll, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Nickelback, Lainey Wilson, Keith Urban, Florida Georgia Line, Morgan Wallen, and many more.

Neon Nights Music Festival takes place in early August at the Walworth County Fairgrounds in Elkhorn. The festival features two nights of country music.

The Whitewater City Market brings together area farmers, artisans, food vendors, live music, and the community for a celebration of all things local. The outdoor market takes place Tuesdays from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. from May through October at Cravath Lakefront Park. In addition to shopping local, visitors can enjoy live music during the Whitewater City Market. Performances take place alongside the farmers market on Tuesdays from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with music typically starting around 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

The Whitewater Farmers Market is a long-running, producer-only market featuring local farmers and vendors selling produce, baked goods, honey, and crafts. The market takes place Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. from May through October at the Whitewater Train Depot.

Summer is berry season in southeastern Wisconsin, and several farms near Whitewater offer opportunities to pick your own fresh strawberries and blueberries. Jelli's Market in Helenville is a popular destination for pick-your-own strawberries and blueberries, while Apple Barn is known for its pick-your-own strawberries and fruit wines. It's a fun way to spend a morning outdoors, support local agriculture, and take home fresh berries for snacking, baking, or preserving. Be sure to check individual farm websites or social media pages for current picking conditions and seasonal availability before visiting.

The Kettle Moraine State Forest–Southern Unit hosts several trail running events throughout the year. Summer runners can participate in the Whitewater Trail Challenge in June or one of the races in the Golden Kettle Trail Series, which runs from spring through fall and showcases some of the region's most scenic trails.

The Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Units hosts a variety of educational events and guided hikes throughout summer. A few upcoming events include a foraging hike, heritage hike, patch making, nature journal club, universe in the park, and more. Check the DNR website for upcoming events.

Hosted by the Whitewater Arts Alliance, the Savory Sounds Concert Series is held Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in June and July outside the Cultural Arts Center at Flat Iron Park.

Hosted by the City of Whitewater Parks & Recreation Department, Concerts in the Park take place Tuesday nights in July and August at Cravath Lakefront Park. Concerts begin at 6:00 p.m. and are held in conjunction with the Whitewater City Market.

Live Music at Whiney's Wine and Beer Haus

Whiney's Wine and Beer Haus at The Fuzzy Pig offers live music every weekend from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Guests can also enjoy wood-fired pizza, sandwiches, appetizers, wine, craft beer, and classic Old Fashioneds.

Summer Concert Series at Duesterbeck's

From Memorial Day through the end of September, Duesterbeck's Brewing Company hosts free live concerts and food trucks on Fridays and Saturdays. Guests can enjoy live music while trying one of their craft beers, sours, or hard seltzers.

From local markets and berry picking to county fairs, festivals, trail runs, and live music, summer in and around Whitewater offers countless opportunities to get outside and enjoy the season. Whether you're planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, you'll find plenty of reasons to explore this vibrant corner of southeastern Wisconsin.

For more events, attractions, and trip ideas, visit Discover Whitewater.