WHAT’S HAPPENING AT THE LAKE | SEPTEMBER FESTIVALS, MUSIC & COMMUNITY FUN

There’s a special magic in the air as September rolls into Lake Geneva and the surrounding Walworth County towns. The sun is still warm enough for lake days, but evenings carry that first crisp note of fall. With the change of seasons comes a lineup of events that celebrates everything we love about lakeside living—music, food, classic cars, community traditions, and more.

As your local guides, Kim & Joel Reyenga of eXp Realty are here to give you the inside scoop on what’s happening this week around the lake. Whether you’re craving tacos, ready to cheer on bluegrass pickers, or want to wander through downtown Delavan with scarecrows at every turn, this week is for you.

Taco Fest: Spice, Music & Family Fun 🌮

September 12–14 | Lake Geneva House of Music

Back for its fourth year, Lake Geneva Taco Fest has quickly become one of the most anticipated food festivals in Walworth County. Held at the Lake Geneva House of Music, this three-day event blends authentic flavors, energetic performances, and plenty of family fun.

What to expect:

• Food, Glorious Food: Dozens of taco vendors competing for the crown of “Best Taco.” Bring an appetite because you’ll want to sample them all.
  
  
• Entertainment: This year kicks off with Lucha Libre–Brew City Wrestling on the main stage, followed by live music from RICO: A Tribute to Santana, DJ Rude Minor, Grupo Ritual, and more
  
  
• Contests: The famous Chihuahua Beauty Contest returns, along with spicy pepper-eating challenges.
  
  
• Family Friendly: Affordable tickets ($10–$15 for adults, discounts for kids) make it a great outing for all ages
  
  

East Troy Bluegrass Festival: Pickin’ & Grinnin’ 🎻

September 13–14 | Village Square Park, East Troy

For over 30 years, the East Troy Bluegrass Festival has kept the tradition of banjos, fiddles, and tight harmonies alive

. This two-day music showcase is a must for anyone who loves roots Americana or just wants a relaxing afternoon in the park.

This year’s lineup features:

• Saturday, Sept. 13: Barred Owl Stringband, The Spare Ribs, Grass Attack, Steam Machine, and the Tennessee Bluegrass Band
  .
  
  
• Sunday, Sept. 14: Gospel shows by Bluegrass Express, plus sets from Aidan Muse & Dairyland Sound, the Bott Family Band, Andy Miller & the 145s, and more.
  
  

Admission is just $20 per day or $35 for both days

—a small price for world-class musicianship in a hometown setting.

Cars & Company: Classic Cars for a Cause 🚘

September 14 | Lake City Social, Lake Geneva | Noon–4 p.m.

Looking for something flashy, charitable, and uniquely Lake Geneva? Don’t miss Cars & Company, the annual fundraiser that combines a high-end car show with food, music, and community giving.

• Hosted by Mecum Auctions, Lake City Social, and Curing Kids Cancer, the event has raised over $200,000 in recent years
  
  
• Expect a collection of classic, exotic, and sports cars to line up along Center Street.
  
  
• Tickets are $75 per adult, but kids 17 and under are free—making it an ideal family day with a purpose.
  
  

Scarecrow Fest: Small-Town Autumn Charm 🎃

September 13 | Downtown Delavan | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

If you’re ready to lean into fall, head to Delavan’s Scarecrow Fest, where whimsical scarecrow displays line the historic brick-paved East Walworth Avenue

Highlights include:

• Craft and vendor fair
  
  
• Sidewalk sales from local shops
  
  
• Children’s crafts to take home
  
  
• Food trucks and live entertainment
  
  

Admission and parking are free, making this one of the most family-friendly outings of the season.

More Local Happenings 🎶

Beyond the big festivals, Lake Geneva’s venues are buzzing with energy this week:

• Music in the Park (Sept. 10 | Lyons): Mike Suvaka closes out the 2025 series at Riverview Park with a free lakeside concert
  
  
• Pier 290 (Williams Bay): Dan Blitz (Sept. 10), Drums & Roses (Sept. 12), and Van Wailin’ (Sept. 13) keep the lakefront stage alive with music
  
  
• Belfry Music Theatre (Delavan): Country and rock tributes fill the September lineup, from Toby Keith and Jake & Elwood Blues Revue to Lady Gaga & Queen
  
  
• Yerkes Observatory (Sept. 13): Celebrating its 5th birthday under the Yerkes Future Foundation, the sold-out gala includes music, food, and cocktails under the stars
  
  

Why We Love This Season at the Lake 🍂

For locals and visitors alike, these events highlight why Lake Geneva and Walworth County are such a special place to call home. One weekend can take you from bluegrass in the park to tacos and wrestling, from high-end cars on display to scarecrows on a brick-paved street.

It’s not just about entertainment—it’s about community. Every ticket purchased, every meal enjoyed, and every song applauded helps keep the fabric of our small towns strong.

Thinking About Making Lake Geneva Home? 🏡

As much as we love guiding you to the best local festivals, our real passion is helping people find their dream homes in Lake Geneva, Williams Bay, Fontana, Delavan, and beyond.

Whether you’re drawn by the vibrant social calendar, the peaceful lake views, or the investment potential of Walworth County real estate, Kim & Joel Reyenga of eXp Realty are here to help.