Entertainment In & Around Whitewater, WI
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or simply looking for something new to do, Whitewater, Wisconsin offers a wide variety of entertainment options for every interest. From live music and local art to unique attractions just a short drive away, there is always something happening in and around the area. Whether you’re exploring solo, planning a date night, or spending time with family, you’ll find plenty of ways to stay entertained.
Perfect For:
Weekend getaways
Date nights
Family-friendly outings
Rainy day activities
Art Exhibits
Roberta's Art Gallery at the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater in April 2026
Whitewater is home to a vibrant local arts scene, with several galleries and exhibits showcasing creativity throughout the year.
The Whitewater Arts Alliance & Cultural Arts Center features rotating exhibits from local artists, regional talent, and students.
The Crossman Gallery at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a teaching and exhibition space dedicated to creativity, education, inclusivity and cultural stewardship
Studio 84 is a non profit art studio, gallery and store supporting artists with disabilities, offering a unique and inspiring experience.
Roberta's Art Gallery offers free exhibits and receptions for everyone to enjoy.
Looking to explore beyond Whitewater?
For twenty-five years the Beloit Art Center has provided the region with gallery exhibits featuring professional artists, emerging artists, high school students, and community members
Local artists from Southern WI and Northern IL exhibit their work at Gallery 223 in Lake Geneva, WI. Show changes every six to eight weeks.
Art Studios
Looking to do more than just browse? Get hands-on and tap into your creative side at these local studios:
The Vinery Stained Glass Studio specializes in stained glass restoration, repair, classes, and supplies. A Whitewater favorite!
Chroma Art Studio is a place where everyone can be creative and hosts a variety of art classes, creative workshops, and private events in Fort Atkinson, WI
Firefly specializes in fused, stained, and mosaic glass, along with DIY projects and classes in Elkhorn, WI.
Creative Forces Art Studio offers handmade custom plaster pieces for pick up or in person painting along with paint & sip events in Lake Geneva, WI.
Astronomy Tour
Take a step into science and history at the iconic Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, WI. Home to the world’s largest refracting telescope, it serves as a hub for science, education, and architecture. Their tours feature architecture, landscape design, photography, restoration, American history, engineering, libraries, exhibits, vintage instruments, and more.
Bars & Nightlife
Looking for a night out? Downtown Whitewater offers a lively mix of bars and casual dining spots.
A few popular spots include 841 Brewhouse, Fat Jacks Sports Bar & Grill, Lil’ Debbie’s Coyote Grill, Pumper & Mitchells, Rick’s Eastside Pub & Grill, Stevo’s Bar & Grill, and Second Salem Brewing Company.
Craving a Wisconsin Classic - a Friday Fish Fry? Check out our fish fry guide.
Bowling
Looking for a fun and easy way to spend time indoors? Whether you're planning a casual outing, a family activity, or a night out with friends, bowling is a classic go-to.
Located on the lower level of the University Center, Warhawk Alley is the perfect hangout spot for students, staff, and members of the community. Whether you're looking to compete, relax, or just have a good time, we've got it all!
Blue Devil Bowl features 8 bowling lanes including leagues, open bowling and glow bowl in Evansville, WI.
Delavan Lanes is your place for bowling, bar, pool, darts, and arcade games!
RiversEdge Bowl is a family owned 24 lane bowling center located in downtown Janesville.
EL-RA Bowl features open bowling, spark bowling, league bowling, and a bar & grill in Janesville.
Rock River Lanes offers bowling, mini golf, and pizza in Fort Atkinson, WI.
Dinner Theatres
Enjoy an unforgettable night of entertainment paired with great food:
The Fireside Dinner Theatre offers Broadway-style performances in an intimate setting and is one of the Midwest’s most popular entertainment destinations and the only Actor’s Equity dinner theatre in Wisconsin.
Rosewood features cabaret-style productions with farm-to-table dining and is one of Southeastern Wisconsin’s premier entertainment and event destinations.
Farm Tours
Experience the charm of Wisconsin’s agricultural roots with hands-on farm visits and tours.
A few local farm tours include:
Hinchley’s Dairy Farms offers family-friendly tours on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Reservations required.
In the heart of America’s Dairyland, the green rolling hills surrounding the Hoard’s Dairyman Farm create a near perfect backdrop for a special herd of Guernsey cows. Farm tours are available. Reservations required.
Take a tour of Duesterbeck’s beautiful farm and brewery on Saturdays at 3:30 pm from April to October.
Explore even more options in our Agritourism Guide.
Festivals, Parades, & Annual Events
Whitewater, Wisconsin is known for its vibrant community and year-round events. From festive winter celebrations and scenic trail runs to farmers markets and guided hikes, there is always something happening in and around Whitewater.
Planning your visit around an event? Explore our Annual Event Guide.
Gardens & Scenic Outdoor Spaces
Take in the natural beauty of the region at these scenic spots:
The Arboretum at Starin Park in Whitewater is a place to connect with nature and is home to a variety of native Wisconsin and Midwest trees and shrubs.
Explore beauty around every corner at Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville, WI. Experience family-friendly activities, shop the works of local artists, or pack a picnic and dine in the Terrace Garden.
Head to Congdon Gardens in Delavan, WI to enjoy their treasury of gardens that feature unique designs that inspire, planted with midwestern hearty plant material that is ideal for your own garden.
The Delavan Memorial Arboretum is just over 30 acres of trees, memorials, and walking trails along Lake Comus in Delavan. The Arboretum includes the Paul Lange Arboretum, and Ora Rice Arboretum, along with the Ben Dibble Trail.
Perfect for a relaxing afternoon, a picnic, or a peaceful walk.
Line Dancing
Duesterbeck’s Brewing Company occasionally hosts Free Line Dancing class in the Pig Barn on Saturday afternoons (view upcoming events).
Line Dancing with Jen hosts weekly class on Tuesdays at Roxtar bar in Janesville from 6:30-9:30 pm and Wednesday at the Grand Avenue Pub in Beloit from 6:30-9:30 pm. Follow her Facebook page for updates on the schedule and any location changes.
Live Music
Whether you’re looking to enjoy live music outdoors on a warm summer night or find something to do on a cold winter evening, there are plenty of live music venues in and around Whitewater, WI. The Savory Sounds and Concerts in the Park are two popular summer series that take place in Whitewater. Other local favorites include Live Music at Whineys Wine and Beer Haus at the Fuzzy Pig on Fridays and Saturday nights all year long, Summer Concert Series at Duesterbeck’s Brewery Company on Friday and Saturday nights, and Concerts at The Green House.
Explore our Live Music Guide in & Around Whitewater, WI
Magic Shows
Experience incredible magic & illusion shows at the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre in Lake Geneva, WI.
Movies
Catch the latest releases at Whitewater Cinemas, a locally owned theater offering a classic movie-going experience. They are open every week Tuesday through Sunday with private events and special showings on Mondays.
Additional theaters include Emagine in Lake Geneva, Movies Janesville, and AMC in Johnson Creek.
Museums & Local History
Step back in time and explore the region’s rich history:
The Whitewater Historical Society collects, preserves, and interprets the history of Whitewater, Wisconsin and surrounding towns. From May to October, the museum is open Tuesdays 4:00-7:00 pm and Saturdays 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Walworth County Historical Society aims to collect, preserve and share the rich history of Walworth County. The museum features the Doris M. Reinke Research Center, Veterans Museum, and Genealogy Center.
The Hoard Historical Museum began in 1933 as a project of the Fort Atkinson chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. It offers 20,000 square feet of exhibit space including the National Dairy Shrine.
The Rock County Historical Society enriches and engages the communities in Rock County, Wisconsin through preservation and dissemination of the unique history and heritage of our area. Each historic site on the Rock County Historical Society campus has a unique past while providing a service to the community.
Located in the old city police department in the lower level of Jefferson’s City Hall, the Jefferson Historical Museum contains 16 rooms and two halls full of items unique to Jefferson and its citizens.
Located just north of the Aztalan State Park, Lake Mills Aztalan Historical Society's Museum site of 7 pioneer buildings including the 1852-Baptist Church which houses the artifact and relics collections of the society.
The Geneva Lake Museum strives to capture the history of the Geneva Lakes Area over many decades to the present. See exhibits of a Native American dwelling, maps, Yerkes Observatory, a one room school house, Frank Lloyd Wright Hotel, the Playboy Club Resort, the Wizard of Lake Geneva / Gary Gygax dungeon and more!
As a national historic landmark, the Milton House allows guests to travel back in time by taking a tour of Wisconsin's only certified Underground Railroad site open to the public.
Each offers a unique look into local and regional heritage.
Petting Zoo
Looking for activities the whole family can enjoy?
Established in 1964 in East Troy, the Green Meadows Petting Farm has created a locally and family-owned atmosphere meant for fun and relaxation. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM, It’s the perfect spot for families, photos, and festive fun!
Located in Fort Atkinson, Busy Barn Adventures features a fun, safe atmosphere for kids and adults to experience the joy of animals by feeding, petting, and holding some of the furry friends. There are over 35 acres to explore with a petting farm and fun farm activities.
These destinations offer hands-on experiences with animals and outdoor fun.
Performance Art & Theatre
Looking for a ballet, theater play, or comedy show in Whitewater, WI?
The Young is where big city entertainment meets small town charm. View upcoming events.
The College of Arts of Communication at UW-Whitewater features tours, performances, and more. View upcoming events.
For something unique, the Dancing Horses Theater has been a one-of-a-kind horse theater that amazes audiences with a dazzling Vegas-style show right here in Southeast Wisconsin
Spectator Sports
UW-Whitewater Athletics offers an exceptionally good athletic program. Whitewater is home to the nationally recognized UW Whitewater Warhawks. Football games at Perkins Stadium are a must-see, drawing enthusiastic crowds and creating an electric atmosphere.
Several rodeos come to town each year, often performing at the Walworth County Fairground (view events) or the Jefferson County Fairground (view events)
Speedway & Motorsports
Feel the adrenaline at these local racing venues:
The Jefferson Speedway is a historic ¼ mile paved oval racetrack in Cambridge, WI. They host weekly racing events (Late Models, Sportsman, Hobby Stocks), the high-thrill Tournament of Destruction demolition derbies, stunts, and special championship racing series.
The Aztalan Cycle Club is one of the oldest and strongest clubs in the Midwest and have built a first class motocross track that continues to bring great rider turnouts and fierce competition. They host a number of races and competitions from April to October.
From weekly races to special events, there’s plenty of high-speed excitement.
Storytelling
Join the Whitewater Arts Alliance and community for our two-day Whitewater Storytelling Festival at the historic Cultural Arts Center to celebrate the magic of storytelling through words, music, food, and creativity. Enjoy engaging storytellers & strolling musicians, explore local art & a vendor market, savor great food, or join an interactive workshop or hands-on creative activity!
Wildlife Reserves
Connect with nature and wildlife:
Enjoy peaceful walks on four miles of marked trails promenading through prairie, woods and wetlands at the Adam Birding Conservancy (ABC). The private park is located three miles north of Whitewater known for birding (218 species), a wide variety of plants (300 species) and animals like pheasants, deer, mink, weasels and river otters.
Safari Lake Geneva is located in Lake Geneva and is a unique wildlife preserve that is home to animals from around the world. Drive-through as many times as you’d like. Purchase a bag of grain and feed animals from your window. The animals roam free, so each time is a unique adventure!
State natural areas (SNAs) protect outstanding examples of Wisconsin's native landscape of natural communities, significant geological formations and archeological sites. Wisconsin's natural areas are valuable for research and educational use, the preservation of genetic and biological diversity and for providing benchmarks for determining the impact of use on managed lands.
Wineries, Breweries & Tastings
Whether you love craft beer, wine, or bourbon, there are great local craft breweries, wineries, & distilleries to visit in and around Whitewater, WI. View 18 Craft Breweries, Wineries, & Distilleries in & Around Whitewater, WI for a few great places to check out in Jefferson, Walworth, & Rock County
Plan Your Visit Today
From live entertainment and local art to unique attractions just beyond the city, Whitewater offers something for every interest and every season. Whether you're here for a day or a weekend, there’s no shortage of ways to explore, experience, and enjoy everything this vibrant area has to offer.
Start planning your visit and discover what makes Whitewater a hidden gem in Southern Wisconsin.