Free events in Racine, WI

This intergenerational story time runs 30 minutes and welcomes children of all ages with their caregivers alongside seniors from the community. The session includes read-aloud tales and songs, followed by open play and friendly conversation. Registration is not required.

Get ready for a First Friday throwback with the “Scoop the Loop” theme in Downtown Racine. The night runs from early evening into the night with live music at Monument Square and Crosswalk Park, plus classic car show activity on Sam Johnson Prky. You can also check out a creative crawl across 10+ businesses featuring live artist demos, along with retro specials throughout downtown and live music popping up at 10+ locations including Divino Gelato, Bridge Tender Tavern, Marci’s on Main, Reefpoint Brew House, Chartroom, and Smoke’d on the Water.

Downtown Racine Corporation presents a no-cost concert series on Monument Square, featuring a mix of musical styles and a lively atmosphere that encourages dancing. Tables and chairs are set out for comfort. Drinks, including local beer and soft drinks, are available for purchase. Parking is available at the Lake Avenue Ramp, the Civic Centre Ramp, and Shoop for an all-day rate of $4.

Friday nights on the beach glow with small campfires on the sand and cozy fire pits in the beer garden, followed by a large bonfire later in front of the Kenosha Beach House. The event is open to everyone with no tickets needed, and the entertainment changes regularly with themed DJ sets, live music, and other fun activities. Food and drinks are available at the concessions window, including s’more kits, while beer and wine can be purchased in the beer garden. Bonfires depend on the weather, so it is wise to check social updates if rain or high winds are possible. Seating is provided in the beer garden and on the beach, and bringing a personal chair or a blanket for extra warmth is welcome. Alcohol is not allowed on the beach, and any beer or wine purchased must be enjoyed within the beer garden with no carry-ins permitted. Leashed pets are allowed in the beer garden, inside the Beach House, and on the nearby walking path, but not on the sandy beach. For those visiting with a furry companion, the beer garden fire pit is the best spot to sit by the flames together.

This community babywearing walk is part of a regular series designed to help caregivers find their village, enjoy fresh air, and share meaningful bonding time with their little ones. All are welcome, including dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends. After the walk returns to the meeting point, free personalized fit checks will be available, along with a chance to try carriers from Carried com Carinho's learning library.

Racine Farmers Market carries on a Saturday tradition, with new crops introduced each week. Arriving early offers the best selection. A list of vendors is shared on Facebook.

Sweet Seoul serves scratch-made Korean fusion street fare at Kenosha HarborMarket, including Korean tacos, rice bowls, Korean fried chicken, bulgogi-topped fries, and Korean-style corn dogs. Enjoy a distinctive meal while exploring a leading outdoor market in Wisconsin, and support a local Veteran-owned small business.

A cookie vendor will have a booth at Kenosha Public Market, offering cookies to visitors as they explore the market. Look for the dedicated stand among the stalls and pick up a treat to enjoy during your visit or to take home.

This complimentary cookout at Kunes Buick GMC of Oak Creek offers cookout fare and refreshments in a relaxed setting. Attendees can meet the team, connect with friends, family, and neighbors, and browse the latest vehicles on the lot without any pressure. The gathering celebrates 250 years of American freedom and provides an easygoing way to see what is new while spending time together.

Learn about joining Girl Scouts while enjoying free ice cream and fun activities. This event uses a drop-in format, so attendees can visit at a time that works for them. RSVPs are encouraged to help ensure there are enough supplies.

Puppy playdates are on the way with a free social hour created for young dogs 8 to 16 weeks old. Little ones can romp, explore new scents, and meet other pups in a welcoming setting that supports early socialization. Space is limited, and reservations by phone or online are encouraged to hold a spot.

Midwest Mix Fest 2026 is a two day celebration with free admission both days, featuring live DJs, onstage entertainment, food and drinks, and a marketplace of vendors and local businesses in a family friendly setting. The 2026 edition adds expanded entertainment, interactive elements, giveaways and additional surprises. The festival raises funds for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation in support of the fight against pediatric cancer. It began as a passion project and has grown into a community driven effort focused on music, connection and giving back, contributing more than $11,886 to pediatric cancer research since 2011. Support from sponsors Midwest DJ Productions and Union Park Tavern helps make the weekend possible.

Downtown Racine Corporation brings back a free live music series on Monument Square, and this Saturday Sounds on the Square installment features Infusion. The Square becomes a place to move and dance as the band fills the air with live sound. Tables and chairs are set out for comfort, and beverages are available for purchase, including local brews and sodas. Parking is available at the Lake Avenue, Civic Centre, and Shoop ramps for an all-day rate of $4.

Test your tune knowledge during a spirited bingo session at Olafson & Porter Vintage Goods. Participation is free, and the game unfolds over three rounds that highlight a range of musical styles and time periods. Prizes are up for grabs, and you can purchase food, drinks, and cocktails while you play.

A free, all ages Beach House Nature Hour series on select summer Sundays offers a chance to explore the shoreline and experience the lakefront. Sessions include Beach Birding with Rick Fare, a local birding expert with the Hoy Audubon Society, and additional offerings will be announced.

Buckets Pub hosts a free, all-ages street market celebrating the back-to-school season, featuring local vendors, family activities, and live demonstrations in the spirit of its monthly market. Children can get ready for the year ahead with a complimentary backpack filled with school supplies, available in limited quantities on a first come basis with one per child. Throughout the event, attendees can look forward to bonus prizes, surprise giveaways, and chances to win additional school items at the Prize Wheel. Shoppers will find unique goods from a wide range of local makers and businesses, including Accidentally Fabulous, Birdie Legacy Company, Cheese Lab Designs, Confidential Goods, Freckleface Farm, Geneevable Creations, GG’s Gifts, Mana Cannery, Michelle’s Creations Racine, Moon & Bloom Enchantments, Mystical Magical Me, Little Love Creations, Ja&M Custom Crafts, Maria’s Crafty Corner, UV3 Designs by Val with jeweled neckties, A Bloody Good Time, Nikki’s Scentsy, Soul 2 Soul Expressions, Racine County Sourdough, Garden Keepsakes, and Arnett and Sons Books. The Health and Wellness Tent spotlights Marketplace Global, while the Hobby Demo Tent features a flower bouquet demonstration from Leona Rose Flowers. Kids can enjoy the Fun on the Run entertainment area, and Paint’d by Celi offers face painting. The Mystic Tent welcomes visitors for tarot readings with Tarot by Ash. Food and drinks are available from Buckets, and the Market Passport adds extra fun with shop-and-win opportunities. It is a friendly way to wrap up summer and get set for a great school year.

Spend an evening immersed in creativity beneath soft lights and a garden setting. Bring a work in progress or start something fresh, and enjoy a relaxed space to make, connect, and unwind. The mood blends steampunk ingenuity with gothic romance... think gears, tea, and moody charm. Taste an assortment of teas with Tea Scout Troop 881 alongside complementary baked treats, then sit for a silhouette portrait crafted on velvet paper. Admission is free, with drinks available for purchase.

This four-week outdoor summer program, inspired by the Girl Scouts and MLB Play Ball partnership, helps girls build confidence, teamwork, leadership, and baseball or softball skills through games, creative crafts, movement activities, and team challenges. No prior experience is required, and participants can start at any point in the series. The program is free for newly registered members and for non-member girls in K4 through 3rd grade who are ready to begin their Girl Scout journey, with the expectation that each participant becomes a Girl Scout member by her second meeting. Financial scholarships are available upon request. Sessions take place at Dream Park. Look for Girl Scout signs and green tablecloths upon arrival. An adult must attend with each girl as new troops are being established in the area, and adult participation is encouraged to help create a positive experience. The troop meets four times over the summer to get started, and additional meetings will be scheduled once volunteer troop leaders are in place. For details, contact Larissa Payne at lpayne@gswise.org or 414-443-3935.