Kenosha commission approves permits for summer concerts, festivals, car show and community events

The Kenosha commission approved a slate of summer event permits on May 11, clearing requests for concerts, street and park festivals, an annual car show and other community gatherings scheduled between May and August 2026.

The package included a Lincoln Park live-music series (Mahoning Foundation, July dates), the Kenosha Classic Street Machine Father’s Day car show at Baker Park (June 21), a 'Touch a Truck' family event at the Simmons Island parking lot (May 31), MidMix Fest at Noyer Park (Aug. 8–9), the Lehi Street Gallery’s recurring Kenosha Art Market at Union Park and other single-day community events. Staff and applicants provided event details during public hearing; commissioners approved each permit by voice vote.

Why it matters: the decisions authorize large-scale public gatherings in city parks during the peak summer season, which have implications for park operations, neighborhood traffic, sanitation and public safety staffing.

Organizers and residents raised practical concerns during the hearing. Tim Mahoney, speaking in support of the Lincoln Park concert series, emphasized the program's longevity: "It's our 11th year," he said, and thanked city staff and volunteers for their support. Diego Villalobos, founder of MidMix Fest, noted the event’s fundraising track record: "We raised over $12,000 for Alex's Lemonade Stand Pediatric Cancer Research" over five years.

At the Baker Park car show hearing, club member Randy Kalalaszewski asked about the facility fee and whether any discount applied. Staff said a not-for-profit discount is available for certain items (50 percent off for showmobile and fencing) and that detailed fee information would be provided to the club before the event. Commissioners also discussed on-site sanitation: one commissioner asked that organizers provide two regular porta‑potties, one handicapped unit and a hand-wash station; staff agreed to coordinate those logistics off-line.

The Lehi Street Gallery’s new organizer, Kristen Monticelli, raised safety and power concerns at Union Park: "There's a hole the size of a small toddler" that should be filled, and "only one of the outlets works," she said, asking the city to inspect and, if needed, repair outlets. Staff requested photos of the outlet and agreed to investigate.

A local business sponsor flagged a potential conflict of interest and said they would abstain if that were required due to sponsorship. The commission discussed the perception of conflict and left the decision to the individual; ultimately the permit was approved.

All event permits were approved by voice vote; the record does not include granular roll-call tallies. Staff will follow up with organizers on noted logistics—sanitation, electrical capacity and fee clarifications—before the scheduled events.