Kenosha Public Museum
Special Events
Holiday Train Display
Friday, November 29, 2024 – Sunday, January 5, 2025
The Holiday Train returns to the Kenosha Public Museum lobby! Visit during regular museum hours to enjoy this festive display of model trains and holiday houses.
African American Read-In: Honoring James Earl Jones
Saturday, February 1 | 1pm – 3pm | Free
This program celebrates African American culture through the voices of Black authors across a range of literary forms, including poems, essays, historic speeches, short stories, and children’s books. Community readers lend their voices to works that are sure to inspire, challenge, and reflect on the Black experience in the United States.
This year, we honor the life and legacy of James Earl Jones, a trailblazer for Black actors in the entertainment industry. Known for his iconic roles on both stage and screen, Jones first made history in 1965 as one of the first African American actors to secure a continuing role on a daytime drama. A rare EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), he achieved unparalleled success across multiple disciplines and is best known for his booming voice. Jones credited his mastery of poetry—particularly reading it aloud—as a key factor in overcoming the stutter he struggled with as a child.
2025 is the 36th year of the National African American Read In, an event sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English and its Black Caucus. Each year communities across the country are urged to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. This program is presented in partnership with the Kenosha Literacy Council, the Coalition for Dismantling Racism, the Kenosha Media Center, the American Association of University Women, and the Kenosha Public Library.
Kohl’s Wild Theater: Welcome to the Zoo!
Saturday, March 8 | 1pm – 2pm | Free
Presented at no cost by the Friends of the Museum
It’s a great day at the Zoo — for everyone except Skylar, that is. Shy and hesitant, Skylar is sent on a journey by the wise river turtle where they meet zoo ambassador animals like Humboldt penguins, zebras and river otters. Join Skylar as they discover animal adaptations and how we, as humans, can adapt and grow when faced with new challenges. Welcome to the Zoo reminds us that trying new things — even when it’s scary — can be the key to interacting with the world around us.
Intended for 3rd-5th grade audience
Winter Picnic Movie Night: Encanto
Friday, March 14 | 6pm – 9pm | Free
Presented at no cost by the Friends of the Museum
Grab your picnic basket, blanket, or camp chairs and enjoy a family-friendly evening filled with music, magic, and movie fun! Before the film, get creative with fun, hands-on activities for all ages, from making magical paper flowers or animal masks to designing your very own Encanto family tree. If you have an Encanto inspired outfit please wear it and join our costume parade.
Popcorn will be available for purchase, with all proceeds benefiting the Friends of the Museum.
Event Schedule:
6:00 PM: Craft stations and games inspired by Encanto
7:00 PM: Encanto Costume parade
7:15 PM: Movie starts (Encanto, 102 minutes)
All activities including movie will be indoors at the Kenosha Public Museum
Women in STEM
Saturday, March 22 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm | Free
Bring the whole family and explore the groundbreaking contributions of women in science through hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and engaging exhibits!
Event Highlights:
Meet the Scientists – Interact with experts from UW-Parkside, Northern Michigan University, Milwaukee Public Museum, and Pringle Nature Center.
Live Insects & Hands-On Activities – Get up close with stick insects, create freshwater species trading cards, and conduct experiments in environmental science and chemistry.
Forensic Science & Skeletons – Delve into forensic science with alumni from Northern Michigan University.
Fossils & Mary Anning’s Legacy – Learn from Milwaukee Public Museum staff about the pioneering paleontologist.
Hall of Scientists – Discover the incredible women who shaped science, from uncovering the structure of DNA to revolutionizing space travel.
Prize Drawing – Enter to win books and other STEM-themed prizes!
Join us for an inspiring day of discovery and celebrate the incredible women who have changed the world through science!
Independent Bookstore Day
Saturday, April 26 | 10am – 4:30pm
Hosted by Blue House Books
A Day for Book Lovers
Join us for a book-filled day of fun, featuring ticketed events, free activities, and fantastic bookish deals!
Ticketed Events:
10:00am | Brunch Book Exchange – Chat with fellow readers, swap previously loved books, and enjoy a delicious brunch buffet.
11:30am | Bookseller Picks Presentation & Author Panel – Discover upcoming must-reads, win free books, play bookish games, and hear from guest authors. Author signings follow the presentation.
All-Day Perks | Ticket holders receive a BHB swag bag with a free book, a gift item, and exclusive discounts throughout the event!
Free Activities (No Ticket Required):
11:00am – 4:30pm | Bookish Craft & Vendor Fair – Explore local bookish vendors and get creative with a free craft.
1:00pm – 4:30pm | Food Trucks – Grab a bite while enjoying the festivities.
Stay tuned for vendor and author announcements!
Archaeology Day Expo
***Canceled for 2023***
Join the Kenosha Public Museum for a fun-filled, educational day as we celebrate Wisconsin’s past at the Archaeology Day Expo! There will be lectures, information booths, demonstrations, a poster show, and a kid’s area where you can try your hand at archaeology through activities and crafts.
11th Annual Museum Crawl Fundraiser
Friday, July 12 | 6:00pm – 10:00pm | $52 ($65 for non-members) | Register Here
Join us for Kenosha’s favorite fundraising museum party! Make your way through our three museum stops, sampling delicious food and beer from local restaurants and breweries, while enjoying live music and playing crazy games we’d never usually allow indoors. Must be 21+ to attend.
New this year! Special *VIP* tickets
Elevate your Museum Crawl experience with our exclusive VIP ticket package! As a VIP guest, you’ll enjoy a seamless evening with expedited registration and a commemorative t-shirt, plus a special raffle ticket offering a chance to win an exclusive prize package. Call 262-653-4140 for VIP availability.
Vendors Include:
- Boat House Dockside Pub & Eatery
- Captain Mike’s
- Frank’s Diner
- Lakefront Brewery
- PUBLIC Craft Brewing Co
- Rustic Road Brewing Company
- Scoop’s Ice Cream & Candy
- Waterfront Warehouse
- Desserts provided by Kwik Trip
Museum Store Members Only Sale
Friday, November 29 – Sunday, December 1
Kenosha Public Museum, Civil War Museum, Dinosaur Discovery Museum
Friends of the Museum members get 20% off in addition to the 10% member discount for a total of 30% off all purchases*.
*Excludes consignments, books, and media
Christmas at the Museums
Formerly “International Holiday: A Cultural Christmas”
Saturday, December 7 | 10:00am – 3:00pm | Free
Celebrate the holiday season with festive fun for the whole family at the Kenosha Public Museum! Enjoy a warm cup of hot cocoa from our toppings bar as you browse a cozy vendor market filled with local crafts and gifts. Get creative with an ornament-making craft, perfect for all ages, and indulge in delicious hot food while soaking in the sounds of Christmas music filling the air.
This free event is the perfect way to kick off your holiday celebrations, so bring your family and friends for a joyful day of festive cheer!
Vendor Lineup Coming Soon
