For over half a century, there has been a celebration like no other just a short drive outside of Chicago. If you’re planning your summer activities, be sure to include the Lake Geneva Jaycees Annual Venetian Festival on your list.
This five-day festival runs from August 19-23, 2026, and takes place at Flat Iron, Library, and Seminary Parks in scenic downtown Lake Geneva. The event features a weekend filled with great family entertainment, including an arts and crafts fair, a carnival, live music, a water ski show, traditional festival food such as bratwurst, a beer tent, and a baggo Tournament.
The festival culminates on Sunday with a traditional Venetian-style lighted boat parade, followed by the area’s largest fireworks display, lighting up the night sky above Geneva Lake.
Lake Geneva Jaycees’ Annual Venetian Festival
The festival takes place daily from Aug. 19 to Aug. 23, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM each day.
Carnival
- Wednesday & Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Wristband specials)
- Friday: 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM (Wristband specials)
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Entertainment Pavilion & Beer Tent
- Beer tent opens daily at 5 PM, last call at 11:45 PM
Arts & Craft Fair
The Lake Geneva Jaycees Arts & Crafts Fair is held annually at Library Park along the lakefront—a paradise for craft enthusiasts.
- Saturday, August 22: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday, August 23: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Location: Library Park
Baggo Tournament
- SaturdAug. 22ust 22: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Sign up for a team here
Wonder Lake Ski Team Show
- Sunday, August 23: Starts at 6 PM
- Location: Geneva Lake Front by Library Park & The Riviera
Lighted Boat Parade
Sunday, Aug. 23, starts at dusk