For generations, a Kenosha tradition on the first Sunday in June was a trip to Downtown Kenosha for the Good Old Summertime Art Fair.

The city's first true art fair was held on July 18th, 1965, on the grounds of Kemper Center. Organized by the Friends of the Kenosha Public Museum, it was the first local art fair to feature artists from across Wisconsin and Illinois rather than just local exhibitors.

The following year, the Kenosha Art Association partnered with the Friends of the Museum to present the second annual fair, also at Kemper Center. The partnership continued for several years before the Art Association launched its own event. On Oct. 13th, 1975, it introduced the Starving Artist Art Fair at Civic Center Park.

For more than a decade, the event was held each fall. In 1988, organizers moved it to the first Sunday in June and gave it a new name: The Good Old Summertime Art Fair.

The change proved to be a success.

In 2000, longtime participating artist Lenora Barks reflected on the fair's evolution in an interview with the Kenosha News.

"When we first started the fair, we held it in October. We had some years of bad weather and finally it was changed to the first Sunday in June. Also, in the beginning, we featured only fine art. It was several years before crafters were allowed into the fair. We greatly increased the number of people who came to the fair. We had an event that offered a little something for everyone, and I think it was good for us."

For nearly four decades, thousands of people made the annual trip to Civic Center Park to browse the work of talented artists and craftspeople. In 2025, the Kenosha Art Association celebrated the 50th anniversary of hosting the event.

Then came unexpected news.

In early 2026, the Art Association announced that The Good Old Summertime Art Fair had come to an end. In a Facebook post, the organization explained:

"Last year was our 50th year and we thought it would be a good time to stop. We are all getting older and it is just too much to do. We thank you for the support you have given us over the years."

The announcement left many in the community asking the same questions: What happened? Is the art fair ever coming back?

The answer is yes.

Ktown Summer time Art Fair 2027

On Sunday, June 6, 2027, Civic Center Park will once again be filled with artists, creators and visitors as a familiar tradition returns in a new form: the Ktown Summer Time Art Fair.

The event is being organized by Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman, co-hosts of the Ktown Connects Podcast, who have been actively involved in producing community events since 2020. Their work includes the Know Your Vote: 2024 Kenosha Mayoral Forum, Ktown Clean-Ups, A Kenosha Christmas Carol, the Annual Port of Kenosha Grand Prix, Union Park Tavern's Oktoberfest and numerous other fundraisers and events.

Jason Hedman also brings years of experience as a regional artist, having exhibited at hundreds of art fairs throughout the Midwest, including many Good Old Summertime Art Fairs.

Together, Donny Stancato and Jason Hedman hope to honor one of Kenosha's most beloved traditions while building an even larger celebration of art, creativity and community for years to come.

The inaugural Ktown Summer Time Art Fair will be held on Sunday, June 6th, 2027 from 9am - 3pm at Civic Center Park, Sheridan Road and 56th Street. This park is conveniently located on Highway 32 along the Kenosha Streetcar line and one block away from a four-level parking garage. As an inaugural special, vendor fees for artists will be $50, provided application is received prior to March 1st, 2027. Applications open in January 2027. Sign up to receive an update when applications are available. We are looking forward to seeing you at the Ktown Summer Time Art Fair 2027!