When August turns golden and evenings begin to hush, Lake Geneva comes alive with lakeside charm, local flair, and that unmistakable end-of-summer glow. Whether you're racing a sailboat across the lake, wandering garden paths, or dancing under the stars, this idyllic corner of Wisconsin has just the right rhythm for a slow-flex into fall.
Whether you're planning a lakeside escape, a cozy retreat with friends, or a picnic under the big Midwestern sky, Lake Geneva makes the case for a late-summer visit that feels both indulgent and effortless.
August 13–17
Lake Geneva Venetian Festival
Five days of waterfront celebration with art and crafts, community parades, and an energetic atmosphere along the parks and lakefront.
August 16–17
Art in the Park
A juried fine art show featuring dozens of local and regional artists, held in one of the lakefront parks.
August 27
Venetian Festival Car Show
A new highlight at the festival showcasing vintage and classic cars along Seminary Park’s leafy shoreline.
August 27–September 1
Walworth County Fair
Wisconsin’s largest county fair with carnival rides, shows, live music, and county fair fun to soak up before summer ends.
September 13
Taco Fest at Lake Geneva House of Music
A festive afternoon of tacos, music, and food trucks—great for families and groups looking for casual fun.
Concerts by the Water & Sunday Music
If music drifts across the lake on Sunday afternoons, you’ll feel it mid-boat or lakeside lawn. Regular live music events make for perfect background to soft breezes and cold drinks.
Lakefront Strolls & Shore Path Exploration
The Geneva Lake Shore Path invites you to wander—past historic estates, hidden beaches, and shimmering views. It’s the kind of walk where you half expect to find a seashell or a pair of painted skates waiting by the water.
Cruise & Paddle Time
Consider renting a kayak or paddleboard for a solo drift at sunset, or hop aboard a pontoon tour that glides past legendary spots like Black Point and the Riviera. Early evenings in late summer sparkle just right.
Art and Culture
Summer’s final weeks still bring arts-themed events and pop-up shows. Park lawn murals, outdoor sculptures, and a relaxed creative energy make wandering downtown feel like a treasure hunt.
Picnic, Paddle or Play
Whether it's an impromptu picnic at Horticultural Hall, biking along winding roads, or a lakeside dip at Riviera Beach, this is your invitation to savor summer’s mellow moments before autumn settles in.
Picture this: you unwrap a homemade pastry at a shady lakeside spot, then float away on a paddleboard where blue water meets the sky. Maybe you’ve wandered through an art fair under oak trees, strolled past vintage cars beside the festival stages, or listened to live music drifting across Fontana Beach as the last light lingers.
That's Lake Geneva in late summer—the magic of small-town warmth and lakeview wonder, threaded with music, art, and soft evening air. It’s summer's final encore, and Lake Geneva delivers it with gentle grace.
Juniper Holiday + Home has the perfect home away from home waiting for you in Lake Geneva, WI.
