Summer is just around the corner, and we’re gearing up to have as much fun as possible and take advantage of every warm day we can. Enjoying summer means different things to different people – hopping on a boat, going fishing, spending some time on a bicycle or motorcycle – but no matter how you like to spend your summer days, if options that don’t break the bank are at the top of your list, we’ve got ideas for you!
Free Summer Events in Delavan
June 4
Kicking off the summer during the first Saturday in June, Lakefest is held at Delavan Lake Community Park on South Shore Drive. The event is free to the public and features a kids fishing tournament, family activities and a waterski show.
June 25
Also at Delavan Lake Community Park is the Town of Delavan’s Independence Day Celebration with fireworks on June 25. The show starts at dusk, and can be seen from many points around the Delavan Inlet and Delavan Lake.
July 4
The City of Delavan Fireworks is held on the 4th of July at Congdon Gardens. Grab a parking spot nearby and enjoy the show from your vehicle, or bring some blankets and set up a late-night summer picnic to enjoy the show.
July 10
And on July 10, Delavan is hosting the annual The Cars Time Forgot Car Show. With previous shows bringing in more than 1,100 cars and more than 10,000 people, this year’s car show is not an event you want to miss. The show will feature beautiful cars on display, some cars for sale, and food and drink vendors at the Lake Lawn Resort Airport right here in Delavan.
Free Activities All Summer
Starting May 28, the Phoenix Park Bandshell hosts free music concerts, movies, and events. From Jazz and several tribute bands to movies in the park, community church services and student performances, the schedule of events has something for everyone through the middle of September. Check out the full schedule of events.
If you enjoy taking leisurely walks with great views Delavan has you covered. Congdon Gardens has several walking trails that take you around a pond and through gardens. The Paul Lange Arboretum has a 1.5-mile nature trail overlooking Lake Comus. Visitors can enjoy nature walks, fishing from shore, or launch a canoe or kayak to explore the lake. Another free spot to launch a canoe or kayak is onto Turtle Creek. The Turtle Creek Wildlife Area is a 1,035-acre property that starts on the west side of Delavan and goes into Rock County. There are 10 road crossings along the creek with spots to launch a canoe or kayak.
For a fun walk around Downtown Delavan, see how many Walldog Murals you can find! There are 20 throughout town with many of them on or behind buildings on Downtown Delavan’s historic brick road. Hint: If you start at Tower Park and head toward the Post Office you should find a bunch!
Delavan also has some specialty parks that are free to use. Andy’s Skate & Bike Park on Waterworks Drive across from Veterans Memorial Park is a fun time for bikers and skaters. The park features a 4-foot quarter pipe, 9-foot wall ride, and a 5-foot mini half pipe. Delavan also has two disc golf courses. There’s a 6-hole course around the back side of the Wisconsin School for the Deaf, and a 9-hole course the starts near the main parking lot of Delavan-Darien High School and plays around the school with the last hole ending in front of the football stadium.
Summer is all about fun, enjoying the sun, and making memories. Some of the best memories can be made right here in Delavan without breaking the bank. We look forward to seeing you this summer!
