Make the summer last by squeezing in another festival filled with live music, children’s activities and fireworks. Enjoy the Sister Bay Marina Festival, September 3-5. Photo by Rachel Lukas.
Starting to plan your holiday weekend? There’s plenty to do in Door County, whether you like time on land or water, peace and quiet, or live music. Here’s a sampling of some of the places, tunes and events you won’t want to miss. Check out the full lineup of events for the long Labor Day weekend at DoorCountyPulse.com/events.
THINGS TO DO
Marina Fest
September 3-5
Sister Bay Marina
10733 N. Bay Shore Dr. (Hwy 42) in Sister Bay
Marina Fest features a vintage boat show, live music, food, fireworks, children’s activities, used book sale, farmers market, reserved to benefit the Door County Fire Chiefs Association’s DEFIBS4DOORCOUNTY campaign and more. See the full schedule at sisterbaymarina.com.
Gills Rock Art Fest
September 3-4, 10:00 – 17:00 daily
Gills Rock Coffee
12625 Hwy 42 in Gills Rock
See artwork in pastel, collage, assemblage, watercolor, oil, jewelry, mosaic, encaustic painting, photography and clay – plus demonstrations – on the grounds of Gills Rock Coffee, former home of Charlene’s Gallery Ten.
GROUPS TO LISTEN TO
Temptations
September 2, 8 p.m
Door Community Auditorium
3926 Hwy 42 in Fish Creek
This old-school soul-funk vocal group has spent decades producing dozens of chart-topping albums. As its members celebrate the band’s 60th anniversary, they will fill the auditorium with some of their greatest hits. Tickets are $68-$89.50.
John Abbot & The Posse
September 3, 2-4 p.m
Maple Grove Retro Motel and Pavilion
797 Hwy 42 in Gills Rock
Pack a picnic and listen to this bluegrass-inspired band play everything from foot-stomping jams to soulful ballads. The concert is free, but all donations will benefit Tunnel to Towers, a non-profit organization that supports the families of the victims of the victims.
Free site
September 3, 8 p.m
Door Community Auditorium
3926 Hwy 42 in Fish Creek
Since I won at NBC Sing-Off in 2013, this country vocal band has sold half a million albums and has amassed a worldwide following. If you’re part of the next one (or want to be), check out Home Free at the Door Community Auditorium. Tickets are $45-$65.
UNITY The gang
September 3, 8-11 p.m
Garage at Husby’s
10647 N. Bay Shore Dr. (Hwy 42) in Sister Bay
Explore downtown Sister Bay before heading to an intimate venue located right in the heart of it. As the sun sets over the water, listen to a unique blend of roots, rock and reggae, courtesy of Unity the Band. Free.
Troubadours Tent Show
September 4, 12-3pm
Water Park, Main Stage
10693 N. Bay Shore Dr. (Hwy 42) in Sister Bay
Powered by clever lyrics and tight harmonies, the Tent Show Troubadours blend alt-rock with alt-country. They will provide the soundtrack to Sister Bay’s Marina Fest, a Labor Day weekend tradition featuring food, fireworks and a vintage boat show. Free.
Totally Neon and Gin Mill Hollow
September 4, 12:30-4:00pm and 4-7:00pm
Single Barrel Brewing Company
4633 Market St. in Egg Harbor
If you can’t decide on a genre, head to One Barrel for a double feature. First up is Totally Neon, an energetic pop band covering ’80s hits, followed by the string-powered Gin Mill Hollow, an acoustic folk-rock band. Free.
Eric Lewis and friends
September 4, 7:00 p.m
Fishstock Concert Hall
3127 Cty F in Fish Creek
Close the Fishstock 2022 concert series with Eric Lewis, a fan-favorite painter, joined by other seasoned instrumentalists. Tailgate to the grassy field before the show, then head into the remodeled barn for a night of high-energy music. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $25 for reserved seating.
Frank Maloney and his big country unit
September 5, 18.00
Water Park, Main Stage
10693 N. Bay Shore Dr. (Hwy 42) in Sister Bay
This rock-infused country band brings a southern swing to the north. Grab your seat to hear bluesy originals combined with classics reimagined by greats like Bruce Springsteen and Rodney Crowell. Free.