Downtown Racine Corporation invites the community to celebrate the second First Friday of the 2026 season on Friday, June 5, as Downtown Racine transforms into a vibrant Summer Bash filled with live music, art, food, and entertainment throughout the downtown district.
One of the evening’s major highlights will be the unveiling of Downtown Racine’s newest public art project, Giant “Greetings from Racine” postcards, a large-scale art installation displayed throughout downtown featuring colorful, selfie-friendly designs inspired by Racine landmarks and culture.
Attendees of all ages are also invited to participate in a postcard-themed scavenger hunt connected to the Giant “Greetings from Racine” public art project. Participants who complete the scavenger hunt form will receive a free collectible postcard featuring the artwork and be entered for a chance to win one of the giant postcards at the end of the season. Scavenger hunt forms can be downloaded from Downtown Racine Corporation or picked up at locations throughout downtown, including the Downtown Racine Corporation office at 425 Main Street. Throughout the evening, many of the featured artists will also be stationed near their postcard installations, giving visitors the opportunity to meet the artists and learn more about their creative process and inspiration behind the pieces.
Monument Square will feature a live DJ, food trucks, a beer garden, and summer-themed activities throughout the evening.
Sugar Shack will be celebrating their grand re-opening at new location (218 6th St) at 5pm
Live music and entertainment highlights include:
· Night Wing — 5 p.m. at Crosswalk Park
· Titus, Rench & Wheary — 6 p.m. at Crosswalk Park
· Waiting for Eddie — 8 p.m. at George’s Encore
· Pickin’ and Grinning — Reefpoint Brew House
· Dead Eye Rye — 7 p.m. at Chartroom
· Karaoke — 8 p.m. at Bridge Tender Tavern
· Open Jam — 6 p.m. at Smoke’d on the Water
· Open Mic – Divino Gelato
· Rainy Day Trio – Vintage & Modern Books 5:30pm
· DJ Gideon Vernon Williams — Monument Square
The evening will also feature a Creative Crawl with interactive arts experiences throughout downtown, including:
· Racine Art Museum featuring DJ EzE (Eric Meier), interactive art stations, scavenger hunts with prizes, patio activities, and a collaborative postcard art project
· Artists Gallery opening reception featuring guest artist Kelly Witte
· Photographic Design’s “Windows of the World” extended exhibition
· Hot Shop Glass live glass blowing demonstrations
· Busias XOXO selfie station, giveaways, and summer treats
Parking is conveniently available at the Lake Avenue Ramp (300 Lake Avenue), Civic Centre Ramp (501 Lake Avenue), and Shoop Parking Ramp (Main & State) for an all-day rate of $4.