Kenosha is giving February a warm welcome with events that make this weekend feel more like a holiday than the middle of a cold winter! Highlights include the opening of Black History Month, top local bands performing live and both indoor and outdoor activities for all ages.
Best Bets
This week it’s impossible to select just one. Two featured events will have Kenoshans celebrating on the downtown streets Saturday, albeit in different ways. Another Best Bet showcases college athletes competing for a cause.
UW-Parkside men’s and women’s basketball teams warm up the weekend by going all out to raise breast cancer awareness. The Rangers host Pink Out Night Thursday (Feb. 3), featuring a men’s/women’s hoops doubleheader vs. Northern Michigan at De Simone Arena, 4130 Petrifying Springs Rd.
The first 50 fans at each game will get a free Pink Out T-shirt at the event, sponsored by Advocate Aurora Health. The women’s game tips at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, check out the UW-Parkside Rangers Athletics home page.
The Rangers follow up with another doubleheader Saturday (Feb. 5) in celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Parkside takes on Michigan Tech with the women’s game at 1 p.m., followed by the men’s tilt at 3 p.m.
Kenosha’s Snow Daze is turning into a favorite annual event that makes downtown feel cozy and bright no matter what the weather brings. More than 40 ice sculptures can be found outside local businesses, and the festival itself – from 1-4 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 5) in Veteran’s Park, 5220 Sixth Ave. – features on-site ice sculpting by Art Below Zero, a candy giveaway courtesy of Herzing University, and an appearance by the King himself, Elvis the Kenosha Kingfish mascot.
A map of the city’s ice sculptures is available online. For more details, see Kenosha.com’s feature story on Snow Daze HERE.
Also celebrating outdoors this first weekend of the month is the Winter Warmer Beer Festival and Pint Run, hosted by PUBLIC Craft Brewing, 628 58th St. and including an array of area breweries. The run begins at 10 a.m. and the festival opens at noon.
The $50 ticket includes entry into the Pint Run followed by admission to the beer festival, event glassware, knit hat, post-run snacks. Also included with the ticket is unlimited sampling of beers from PUBLIC and all participating breweries including: 1 of Us, FoxTown, Lakefront, Rustic Road, Third Space, Tighthead and more TBA. For more details, see the PUBLIC events page HERE.
Top Picks
Black History Month is underway, with myriad events, performances and exhibits planned throughout Kenosha.
In honor of African-Americans’ struggles, achievements, and contributions in U.S. history, Carthage is shining a light through an online learning experience of educational websites, podcasts, virtual tours and trivia games based on different African-American themes each week during February for Black History Month. Through Monday (Feb. 7), learn about history by virtually exploring African American museums from around the country, including the heralded Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City. Find museum links and more on Carthage’s Black History Month website.
The recently-formed African American Club has prepared exhibits at the Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Ave. and Kenosha History Center, 220 51st Pl.
The exhibits highlight notable Black Kenoshans and organizations from past to present, dating back to Civil War hero Antoine Dodge, believed to be the first Black person to settle permanently in Kenosha. The exhibit at the History Center will be on display in the Lyman Gallery, both special attractions will be available through February.
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The word is out about popular local band Lunde, as they are becoming highly sought-after on the Milwaukee live music scene. The band will be back in Kenosha this weekend, performing a free show at 58 Below, 514 58th St. from 8-11 p.m. Friday (Feb. 4) before heading back to Milwaukee for a show at Bremen Cafe Saturday (Feb. 5).
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A local bookseller is working to support the many Little Libraries throughout Kenosha. Stop by Studio Moonfall for this month and choose any books for $5, and $1 of the sale will go toward building more Little Libraries.
Day Tripper
Lake Geneva’s 27th annual Winterfest offers four days of festivities just a short jaunt west of Kenosha from Wednesday to Sunday (Feb. 2-6) in Flat Iron Park and various spots throughout downtown Lake Geneva.
The festival draws not only visitors but also competitors from across the country for the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition, on display on the lakefront adjacent to the Riviera Ballroom. Beginning at 11 a.m. Wednesday, artists will turn 8×9-foot blocks of snow into sculptures fit for an art gallery by the deadline of 1 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 5).
Materials are limited to snow, ice and water, and the only tools the teams can use are an ice chopper, snow saw, chisel and machete. The final pieces are judged on creativity, technique and message, with the final decision made by the competitors themselves. A People’s Choice Award is also given, with voting from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Other Lake Geneva Winterfest attractions include a beach bonfire and ice sculptures throughout downtown. For more information, go to http://visitlakegeneva.com/winterfest.
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Thinking about a Friday night fish fry, catching an interesting exhibit, and contributing to a good cause – all in one place? The 48th Winter Wisconsin Antiques Dealers Association Show & Sale is set for Friday and Saturday (Feb. 4 and 5) at the Waukesha County Expo Center, 1000 Northview Rd.
Billed as “affordable, time-tested, human-friendly antiques,” the event includes 55 dealers from six states.The show includes a special exhibit on antique advertising.
Hours are Friday 10-7; Saturday 10-5, admission is $8 (good both days). A $1-off ticket coupon can be found at www.WisconsinAntiquesDealers.com. Another admission promotion allows one guest 25 years old or younger admitted free with one paid admission. Parking is also free.
A nonprofit organization, WADA’s proceeds benefit grants for historical preservation within Wisconsin, college scholarships and Friends of the Wisconsin Historical Society.
Heads Up
WAMI Hall of Fame musician and former Kenoshan John Sieger has been busy with projects from a movie score to a Semi-Twang reunion. His John Sieger Combo will perform Feb. 19 at Anodyne in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood at 224 W. Bruce St. Because of the intimate coffee house setting, tickets are limited (capacity about 200). Tickets are $15, available here.
The Lineup
THURSDAY, Feb. 3
Music
Pat Garrett’s pick and pull open mic, 8 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave.
Art
Scared Scars, Shadowed Ground – Battlefield Photographs by Larry Stuart, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Ave. This visual narrative of 25 archival photo prints captures the emotional essence of the famous and forgotten stories of the battlefields of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County.
African American Club exhibit highlighting notable Black Kenoshans,10 a.m.-5 p.m., Kenosha History Center, 220 51st Pl. and Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Ave. (Throughout Black History Month).
Selections from the Collections: Inuit Art. Prints and sculptures from the Arctic Circle. Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Through March 6.
Chiwaukee Prairie Exhibit, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Kenosha Public Museum. This exhibit is a photo journal of the preservation of Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area located in Kenosha County.
Theater
“Little Women” presented by the Carthage Music Theatre Workshop, 7:30 p.m., Visual and Performing Arts Lab (VPAL) on Carthage campus, 2001 Alford Dr. Tickets $7, available online.
Potpourri
UW-Parkside Basketball Pink Out Night vs. Northern Michigan, 5:30 p.m. women’s game, 7:30 p.m. men’s game, De Simone Arena.
Open Stage at Creative Space Hosted by Haven Wells, 8 p.m., Kenosha Creative Space, 624 57th St. Open artwork hour 7-8 p.m., participants can bring projects to work on and/or display. Free, donations welcome.
Audubon Society Program: Birds of the Chiwaukee Prairie, 6-7 p.m., Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave. View engaging photos of both common and less familiar species and learn about the biology and behavior of birds as well as the opportunity to view the Chiwaukee Prairie exhibit. With Dr. Dana Garrigan and Hoy Audubon Society board member John Krerowicz. Free, all ages welcome.
Family
Legos with the Library (Virtual), 4:30-5:30, via Zoom. Registration required.
Kenosha Public Library Virtual Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m. on KPL’s Facebook Live
Open Skate, City Ice Rink at Veterans Memorial Park, 625 52nd St. Daily 9 a.m.-10 p.m. (weather permitting). Free skate rental (first-come, first-served) available 4-9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays, and noon-8 p.m. Sundays. Photo ID required for skate rental. Free.
FRIDAY, Feb. 4
Music
Triad (Jazz), 9 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave.
Would You Kindly?, 9 p.m., Fusion, 5104 7th Ave.
PHOTO: KENOSHA PUBLIC MUSEUM
Art
Scared Scars, Shadowed Ground – Battlefield Photographs by Larry Stuart, Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Ave. This visual narrative of 25 archival photo prints captures the emotional essence of the famous and forgotten stories of the battlefields of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County.
African American Club exhibit highlighting notable Black Kenoshans, Kenosha History Center, 220 51st Pl. and Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Ave. (Throughout Black History Month).
Selections from the Collections: Inuit Art. Prints and sculptures from the Arctic Circle. Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave. Through March 6.
Theater
“Little Women” presented by the Carthage Music Theatre Workshop, 7:30 p.m., Visual and Performing Arts Lab (VPAL) on Carthage campus, 2001 Alford Dr. Tickets $7, available online.
Potpourri
Free Book Friday, Studio Moonfall, 5031 7th Ave.
Family
Kenosha Public Library Virtual Storytime, 10:30-11 a.m. on KPL’s Facebook Live
Open Skate, City Ice Rink at Veterans Memorial Park, 625 52nd St. Daily 9 a.m.-10 p.m. (weather permitting). Free skate rental (first-come, first-served) available 4-9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays, and noon-8 p.m. Sundays. Photo ID required for skate rental. Free.
SATURDAY, Feb. 5
Music
Spirit Shakers and Lunar Lizard, 8 p.m. The Brat Stop, 12304 75th St. $10.
Matt Meyer and the Smooth Riders, 9 p.m., Fusion, 5104 7th Ave. $10.
Yves Francois et Rocambu Jazz (New Orleans Street Jazz), 8-11 p.m., Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave.
Mr. E (Rock, pop, Americana, cover and originals), Rustic Road Brewing, 5706 6th Ave.
Art
Scared Scars, Shadowed Ground – Battlefield Photographs by Larry Stuart, 10 am.-5 p.m., Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Ave. This visual narrative of 25 archival photo prints captures the emotional essence of the famous and forgotten stories of the battlefields of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County.
African American Club exhibit highlighting notable Black Kenoshans, Kenosha History Center, 220 51st Pl. and Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Ave. (Throughout Black History Month).
Selections from the Collections: Inuit Art. Prints and sculptures from the Arctic Circle, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave.. Through March 6.
Chiwaukee Prairie Exhibit, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Kenosha Public Museum. This exhibit is a photo journal of the preservation of Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area located in Kenosha County.
Theater
“Little Women” presented by the Carthage Music Theatre Workshop, 7:30 p.m., Visual and Performing Arts Lab (VPAL) on Carthage campus, 2001 Alford Dr. Tickets $7, available online.
Potpourri
Pint Run, 10 a.m., and Winter Warmer Festival, noon, outside PUBLIC Craft Brewing, 628 58th St. Advance Tickets $50 includes souvenir glassware, knit hat, festival admission and unlimited sampling from participating area craft breweries.
UW-Parkside women’s basketball vs. Michigan Tech, 1 p.m., men’s basketball vs. Michigan Tech 3 p.m. De Simone Arena, 4130 Petrifying Springs Rd.
HarborMarket Indoor Season, 9-1 p.m., Kenosha Union Club, 3030 39th Ave.
Kenosha Public Market Indoor Season, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., The Vault, 625 57th St.
PHOTO: ART BELOW ZERO
Family
Snow Daze Festival, 1-4 p.m., Veterans Memorial Park, 5220 6th Ave., east of City Hall, featuring ice sculpting, candy give-away, open skate, and ice sculptures throughout downtown.
KPL Kids To Go: We Love Math & Science! Take-home activities boxes to make a glittery valentine potion, play a heart counting and pattern game, and more. Boxes are designed for a family of four, limit two per household.
To Go Boxes no longer require registration! Instead, a limited quantity of boxes will be made available at each library branch as of opening time on Saturdays. Boxes will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
Open Skate, City Ice Rink at Veterans Memorial Park, 625 52nd St. Daily 9 a.m.-10 p.m. (weather permitting). Free skate rental (first-come, first-served) available 4-9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays, and noon-8 p.m. Sundays. Photo ID required for skate rental. Free.
SUNDAY, Feb. 6
Music
Open Mic with Daniel Thompson and His 3AM Saints, 4-8 p.m., Fusion, 5104 7th Ave.
Cy’s Piano Jams, 4-7 p.m. Union Park Tavern, 4520 8th Ave.
Art
Scared Scars, Shadowed Ground – Battlefield Photographs by Larry Stuart, Civil War Museum, 12-5 p.m., 5400 1st Ave. This visual narrative of 25 archival photo prints captures the emotional essence of the famous and forgotten stories of the battlefields of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County.
African American Club exhibit highlighting notable Black Kenoshans, Kenosha History Center, 220 51st Pl. and Civil War Museum, 5400 1st Ave. (Throughout Black History Month).
Selections from the Collections: Inuit Art. Prints and sculptures from the Arctic Circle, Open 12-5 p.m.,Kenosha Public Museum, 5500 1st Ave.. Through March 6.
Chiwaukee Prairie Exhibit, 12-5 p.m., Kenosha Public Museum. This exhibit is a photo journal of the preservation of Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area located in Kenosha County.
Family
Open Skate, City Ice Rink at Veterans Memorial Park, 625 52nd St. Daily 9 a.m.-10 p.m. (weather permitting). Free skate rental (first-come, first-served) available 4-9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays, and noon-8 p.m. Sundays. Photo ID required for skate rental. Free.
To submit an event for Kenosha.com’s Calendar, please email Laura@Kenosha.com and be sure to include contact information.
