What’s Happening at The Lake: Labor Day Week, September 2-8, 2026

Hey Lake Lovers!

Labor Day week brings a full calendar across Lake Geneva and the Southern Lakes.

The Walworth County Fair runs for 6 days in Elkhorn. Honeycrisp season starts south of the state line. East Troy has its September First Friday. Old World Wisconsin starts its September Fish Fry and Octoberfest nights. The Kettle Moraine has a Saturday wildflower walk. Delavan has music at Phoenix Park and the Belfry. Lake Lawn has a Sunday cruise and Cardboard Regatta. Yerkes closes the week with Deaf Night Out on Tuesday.

Here are the events to know from Wednesday, September 2 through Tuesday, September 8.

For the full day-by-day schedule, check the Lake Geneva Weekend Events Calendar.

This week at a glance

The Walworth County Fair takes over Elkhorn

The 177th Walworth County Fair runs Wednesday, September 2 through Labor Day, Monday, September 7.

The fairgrounds are at 411 E. Court Street in Elkhorn.

The official Fair listing gives daily hours of 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

This year’s theme is Glitter and Gold: A Fair to Behold.

Agriculture remains at the center of the Fair. Livestock barns, exhibits, youth projects, contests, grounds entertainment, carnival rides and fair food run throughout the week.

The grandstand changes every night.

Wednesday, September 2

Rice Pro Rodeo with Bella Cain 5:30 p.m.

The rodeo opens the grandstand schedule, followed by Bella Cain.

Thursday, September 3

Pro Truck and Tractor Pulls 7 p.m.

The Fair also posted a schedule correction for Thursday. The Peggy’s Park Stage program Walworth County Salutes America 250 is at noon, rather than the 11 a.m. time printed in the original schedule.

Friday, September 4

Russell Dickerson with special guest Madison County

The Fair confirms the Friday concert. Check the official event page for the final concert time before leaving.

Saturday, September 5

Lynyrd Skynyrd 7:30 p.m.

The Fair also added the Wisconsin Honey Queen at 1 p.m. at the Barnyard Adventure Learning Coop. That appearance was omitted from the printed schedule and later added by the Fair.

Sunday, September 6

Ludacris with DJ Bizzon 7:30 p.m.

Labor Day, Monday, September 7

Demolition Derby 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Three derby sessions give families several ways to work the Fair into Labor Day.

Our full Walworth County Fair 2026 guide has current ticket, schedule and planning information.

Honeycrisp Fest starts Friday

Apple season moves into September this week.

Royal Oak Farm Orchard near Harvard starts Honeycrisp Fest on Friday, September 4.

The event runs daily through September 13.

Royal Oak lists U-pick Honeycrisp apples, its Amaze ‘N Apples tree maze, bakery, playground and petting zoo. Children’s rides run on weekends.

Current farm hours are:

Monday through Thursday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday through Sunday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Royal Oak is at 15908 Hebron Road in Harvard, south of the Wisconsin state line.

For a larger regional list, use our Best Apple Orchards and Pumpkin Patches Near Lake Geneva guide.

East Troy First Friday is September 4

East Troy’s September First Friday is Love Local.

The event runs Friday, September 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. at East Troy Village Square Park, 2881 Main Street.

The East Troy Chamber lists live music from Sonya and Geoff, food trucks, local vendors, children’s activities and a youth marketplace.

An Infinity Dance summer performance is scheduled from 6:05 to 6:30 p.m.

The East Troy Farmers Market also runs Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., so visitors can start at the market and stay for First Friday.

Old World Wisconsin starts its September Friday nights

Old World Wisconsin begins its September Fish Fry and Octoberfest Nights on Friday, September 4.

Hours are 4 to 8 p.m.

The program is based at the Clausing Barn in Eagle.

The September Friday series continues September 11, 18 and 25.

Eagle sits beside the Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit, so the event can be paired with an afternoon drive or hike.

Kettle Moraine wildflower walk

The Wisconsin DNR has a Summer Wildflower Walk on Saturday, September 5 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

The program starts at the Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit Forest Headquarters and Museum, S91 W39091 Highway 59 in Eagle.

The group will travel from the headquarters to the prairie where conditions are best. The DNR says the walk will be less than 1 mile, with uneven ground and many stops.

The program is weather-dependent.

For routes, hikes and fall planning, use our Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive Fall Guide.

Free water ski show in Elkhorn

Southern Wakes United has its final listed 2026 Elkhorn Lake show on Friday, September 4.

Free Water Ski Thrill Show 6 to 7 p.m. Babe Mann Park, Elkhorn Lake Free

The show is behind Precision Plus in Elkhorn.

This is a one-hour Friday option before dinner, live music or an evening at the Fair.

Live music around the Southern Lakes

There is plenty of music this week beyond the Fair grandstand.

Lake Geneva: Maxwell Mansion

Maxwell Mansion has 3 public music dates in the September 2-8 window.

Wednesday, September 2 Lara Bell 6-9 p.m.

Friday, September 4 Pat McCurdy 7:30-10 p.m.

Sunday, September 6 Bill “Sinatra” Serritella Noon-3 p.m.

Maxwell says its music series is free and open to the public. The property asks guests to purchase food or drinks while attending.

Delavan: On The Border at the Belfry

The Belfry Music Theatre brings On The Border, an Eagles tribute, to Delavan for 5 nights.

Shows run:

• Wednesday, September 2
• Thursday, September 3
• Friday, September 4
• Saturday, September 5
• Sunday, September 6

All shows begin at 7 p.m.

The venue opens at 6 p.m. and theater doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Check the Belfry for current ticket inventory before making the drive.

Delavan: Steely Dane at Phoenix Park

Steely Dane plays the Phoenix Park Bandshell on Saturday, September 5 from 7 to 9 p.m.

The concert is free.

Phoenix Park is at 111 E. Wisconsin Street in Delavan.

The Phoenix Park site advises visitors to check for weather notices before coming to the park.

Fontana: The Abbey Resort

The Abbey’s September calendar lists music around Labor Day weekend at Bar West and the Waterfront.

Sunday includes Burnin’ Down the Docks from noon to 3 p.m.

Some resort programs have their own access rules or reservations, so check the individual Abbey listing before making a special trip.

Labor Day weekend on Delavan Lake

Lake Lawn Resort has 2 water-based events on Sunday, September 6.

Bottomless Mimosa Cruise

Sunday, September 6 10:30 a.m.-noon Lake Lawn Queen $40

The 90-minute cruise runs on Delavan Lake.

Check-in and boarding begin at 10 a.m. Final boarding is at 10:25 a.m.

Alcohol service is limited to guests who meet Lake Lawn’s age and identification requirements.

Cardboard Regatta

Sunday, September 6 4-6 p.m.

Families and teams can build a cardboard boat and race from the Lake Lawn beach area.

Regatta kits are listed at $40 and become available Friday, September 4 at Bucky’s Playhouse.

Life jackets are required for anyone entering the water.

Lake or weather conditions can delay, change or cancel the race.

Riviera Beach reaches the end of its summer schedule

The City of Lake Geneva lists Monday, September 7 as the final day of the 2026 Riviera Beach summer season, weather permitting.

Charged admission runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Visitors planning a Labor Day beach stop should check the city page for current lifeguard and weather information.

Farmers markets are still running

Several markets are in their final weeks.

Thursday, September 3

Lake Geneva Farmers Market 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Horticultural Hall

Market at Tower Park 3-7 p.m. Downtown Delavan

Burlington Farmers Market 3-7 p.m. Downtown Burlington

Friday, September 4

Williams Bay Farmers Market 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Edgewater Park

September 4 is the final scheduled Williams Bay market of 2026.

East Troy Farmers Market 3-6 p.m.

Genoa City Farmers Market 3-7 p.m.

Saturday, September 5

Saturdays on the Square 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Veterans Park, Elkhorn

September 5 is the final scheduled Elkhorn Saturdays on the Square market of the season.

Sunday, September 6

Geneva Outdoor Market 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Lake Geneva House of Music

Tuesday, September 8

Whitewater City Market 4-7 p.m. Historic Train Depot

The Whitewater market continues on Tuesdays into October.

East Troy’s fall train schedule begins

The East Troy Railroad Museum says its Harvest Fest train service begins Saturday, September 5.

The railroad runs between East Troy and Mukwonago.

One timing detail matters this week. The Elegant Farmer’s Autumn Harvest Fest begins September 12.

September 5 and 6 are the start of East Troy’s fall train schedule. The full train-and-harvest-farm combination begins the following weekend.

Check current departure times before heading to the depot at 2002 Church Street in East Troy.

Tristan Crist Magic Theatre has 3 shows

The Tristan Crist Magic Theatre in Lake Geneva has performances this week on:

Wednesday, September 2: 7 p.m. Saturday, September 5: 5 p.m. Sunday, September 6: 2 p.m.

Current tickets are listed at $48.

The theater is at 100 N. Edwards Boulevard in Lake Geneva.

This gives visitors an indoor option during a weekend with several weather-dependent outdoor events.

Tuesday night at Yerkes Observatory

The week closes with a special program in Williams Bay.

Yerkes Observatory holds Open House: Deaf Night Out on Tuesday, September 8.

The current event listing gives the hours as 6 to 9 p.m.

Yerkes says interpreters will be on site for the event. The program includes open exploration of the observatory, family activities and astronomy talks.

Reservations are required.

The event does not include telescope use.

Yerkes is at 373 W. Geneva Street in Williams Bay.

A simple Labor Day weekend plan

Visitors can use the Fair as the anchor without spending the whole weekend in one community.

Friday

Start at the Williams Bay Farmers Market.

Later, choose East Troy First Friday, the Elkhorn water ski show, Old World Wisconsin, Maxwell Mansion, the Belfry or the Fair.

Saturday

Start with the Kettle Moraine wildflower walk or a local market.

Spend part of the afternoon at the Fair.

Evening choices include Lynyrd Skynyrd at the Fair, Steely Dane in Delavan or On The Border at the Belfry.

Sunday

Try the Geneva Outdoor Market, Maxwell Mansion music or the Lake Lawn Mimosa Cruise.

Lake Lawn’s Cardboard Regatta begins at 4 p.m.

The Fair has Ludacris Sunday night.

Labor Day

Riviera Beach reaches the end of its summer schedule.

The Walworth County Fair closes with 3 demolition derby sessions.

What comes next

September moves quickly after Labor Day.

The next weekend brings Darien Corn Fest September 11-13, the East Troy Bluegrass Festival September 12-13, the start of The Elegant Farmer Autumn Harvest Fest September 12, and Pitbull with Lil Jon at Alpine Valley September 12.

Those events will lead the September 9 edition of WHATL.

Keep the full calendar handy

This week’s events are spread across Elkhorn, Lake Geneva, Williams Bay, Fontana, Delavan, East Troy, Eagle, Whitewater and nearby farm country.

Use the Lake Geneva Weekend Events Calendar for the complete schedule and last-minute changes.

Kim and Joel Reyenga of eXp Realty curate LakeGenevaWeekend.com as guides to things to do and real estate across Lake Geneva and the Southern Lakes region.

For homes, community information and relocation planning across the same region, visit YourWiscoHome.com.

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