Second annual festival expands food, entertainment and cultural experiences on Kenosha’s lakefront
KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha Italian Fest will return to Celebration Place on Kenosha’s Lake Michigan lakefront September 18–20, 2026, building on the success of its inaugural year with an expanded festival designed around community feedback.
After welcoming thousands of guests in 2025, organizers listened to feedback from festivalgoers, volunteers, sponsors and vendors and are bringing the celebration back for its second year with more authentic Italian food, expanded amenities, cultural experiences and a redesigned festival layout.
“Last year showed us just how much our community wanted a festival that celebrates Kenosha’s Italian heritage and brings generations together,” said Marty Pitts, President of Kenosha’s Italian American Society.“ We listened closely to what our guests loved and where we could improve. This year, we’re taking everything we learned and creating a bigger, more authentic experience that we hope families will look forward to for years to come.”
Among the most significant enhancements for 2026 is an expanded Italian American Society Food Tent, Sponsored by the Natalie & Dennis Troha Family which will be three times larger and designed to serve guests more efficiently while offering authentic Italian favorites. The festival will also welcome more Italian food vendors throughout the grounds and feature an expanded Dessert Tent sponsored by Tenuta’s Deli with cannoli, gelato, Italian ice and fried dough.
The weekend will kick off Friday evening with an Opening Mixer in the main Colosseum Tent featuring live music, beer, wine and a limited food selection provided by outside vendors. Throughout the weekend, guests can enjoy two stages of live music, cooking and food demonstrations, the Kenoshans of Italian Descent and Friends Parade, an expanded Heritage Tent, family activities, and cultural experiences celebrating Italian and Italian-American traditions. New bocce courts, a Cigar Tent sponsored by Ayra’s Cigar & Liquor and Pitts Brothers & Associates, expanded festival merchandise and an enhanced layout are also planned for 2026.
The festival will culminate Sunday with additional activities, including an outdoor Sunday Mass, food demonstrations and the festival’s Grand Raffle Drawing.
“Authenticity is incredibly important to us,” added Tina Bonofiglio, Heritage Tent and Raffle Chair. “This festival is about more than enjoying a great plate of Italian food. It’s an opportunity to celebrate Kenosha’s heritage, traditions and stories that have been passed down through generations while welcoming everyone in our community to experience them with us.”
Hosted by the Italian American Society of Kenosha, Kenosha Italian Fest is brought to life through the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, local businesses, sponsors, entertainers, vendors and community organizations.
The festival’s sponsors are led by the Joe & Kathy Madrigrano Family, Fireworks Sponsor. Colosseum Tent Co-Sponsors include Dooley & Associates and Froedtert Hospital. Rita Trotta and Dr. Francesca DeRose are sponsors of the Food and Cooking Demonstrations Tent. Event sponsors include David & Sharon Geertsen, Heritage Tent Sponsor; Dr. James & Mary Santarelli Family, Coliseum Stage Sponsor; Misurelli Sorensen HVAC, Arena Stage Sponsor; Natalie & Dennis Troha Family, IA Food Tent & Equipment Sponsor; Sarah & Thomas Montemurro and Eugene & Mimi Madrigrano, Arena Tent Sponsor; Tenuta’s Deli, Dessert Tent Sponsor; and “To Tomorrow’s Future!” Carmelo & Kristie Tenuta, Kid’s Zone Sponsor.
Additional support comes from Platinum Sponsor A & R Door; Cigar Tent Co-Sponsors Ayra’s Cigar & Liquor and Pitts Brothers & Associates; Gold Sponsors Duke’s Roll Off, Edward Jones – Office of Daniel J. Pascucci, Johnson Bank, Music Center, Peter Barca 4 Corners Consulting, and Visit Kenosha; Silver Sponsors Dr. Vincent & Louisa Rizzo, Ron Rizzo Family, Swede’s, and Uline; and Bronze Sponsors Anna’s on the Lake, Dick’s Roofing, Jeff & Cathy Eggert Family, La Famiglia Pomponi, Polentini, e Wasilevich, Lot 31, Holy Family Catholic Bookstore, Lucas Zanin, Dr. Katherine Abbo, and Phil Wade Family.
Together, their support is helping grow Kenosha Italian Fest into a signature annual celebration of Italian culture and community on Kenosha’s lakefront.
Friday, September 18: 7–10 p.m.
Saturday, September 19: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Sunday, September 20: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Celebration Place
Kenosha Lakefront
Admission: $5 (Daily), $10 (Weekend Pass)
Additional festival schedules, entertainment details, food offerings, and visitor information are available on the Kenosha Italian Fest website.
Kenosha Italian Fest is a community celebration of Italian and Italian-American culture hosted by the Italian American Society of Kenosha. Launched in 2025, the lakefront festival brings together food, music, cultural experiences, family activities and community partners to celebrate the Italian heritage that has helped shape Kenosha.
