Q: Why doesn’t Downtown Racine Corporation (DRC) utilize
Festival Park for events?

A: While Festival Park is open to collaboration, the DRC prioritizes Monument Square as the central hub of Downtown Racine. However, the DRC actively promotes events at Festival Park, as both organizations share the goal of fostering community engagement and attracting visitors to Downtown Racine. 

Q: Is Festival Park too expensive for event hosting?

A: Festival Park is a unique event venue in Southeast Wisconsin, offering extensive amenities and infrastructure to accommodate up to 10,000 attendees. Its pricing structure includes revenue sharing, with a significant portion benefiting charitable causes. Comparisons to other venues should consider the scale and comprehensive offerings of Festival Park.

 Q: Is parking in Downtown Racine expensive?

A: Downtown Racine provides over 2,000 parking spaces. The Civic Center parking lot offers hourly rates of $1.00 and is free after 6 PM and on Sundays. Compared to parking costs in larger cities like Milwaukee or Chicago (upwards of $35-$55 for event parking) or other regional venues (Lake Geneva $25/day, State Fair $25, Fiserv Forum $40-$45), Downtown Racine parking is very affordable. If parking were free, it would likely be occupied long-term, preventing event attendees from finding available spaces. The parking lots are controlled by the City of Racine Department of Public Works. Festival Park does not have the authority to offer Free Parking.

Q: What are the primary utility expenses for the Racine
Civic Centers (Festival Hall and Memorial Hall)?

A: Average monthly utility costs are approximately $14,000 during the summer and fall, and $25,000 during the winter and spring months.

Q: Does the City of Racine manage the Civic Centers?

A: No. The City of Racine owns the Civic Centers but contracts their management to private companies. Since March 2024, 5Kevents.org, a Racine-based company, has been responsible for operations. This arrangement is similar to the management structures of the Racine Zoo, Wustum Museum, North Beach Oasis, and Reefpoint Marina. The City acts as the landlord,
while 5Kevents is the tenant.

Q: Can anyone host an event at the Civic Centers and generate profit?

A: Yes. 5Kevents rents the facilities to individuals and organizations, regardless of political, religious, or other affiliations, subject to availability and applicable fees. To inquire about event hosting,
please call 262.636.9229.

Q: Must we use the Civic Center’s equipment and caterers?

A:  You’re free to bring in your own vendors—rental companies, caterers, decorators, you name it. We do offer event resources at competitive rates, but availability can fluctuate.

Q: What’s the typical cost for a 200-person wedding?

A: Wedding costs vary widely, with catering and music often being the most significant expenses. At Festival Park, you can secure our venue—including tables, chairs, linens, tableware, and kitchen access for your chosen caterer—for under $3,500. We’re proud to be one of the most budget-friendly lakefront options between Milwaukee and Chicago.

Q: What about a 50-person wedding?

A: We have a special “Micro Wedding” package for under $1,000. Contact our office for details!

Q: Can we bring our own alcohol and food?

A: Wisconsin law requires all liquor to be purchased through our licensed establishment. Food must be prepared by a licensed caterer  in a commercial kitchen for safety. (Exceptions may apply for religious and veterans’ groups.)

Q: Why is the Park not open to the public?

A: The Civic Center is a dedicated event venue, accessible only to those who rent the park and their guests.

Q: Does the rental fee differ during the week or season?

A: No, the rental fee is consistent for all. Payment methods may vary, including subsidy grants, sponsorships, or ticket fees.

Q: Are there any extra charges (e.g., cleaning) not included in the rental fee?

A: General cleaning is included in the rental price.

Q: Will the venue fee be waived if we commit to purchasing food and beverages? If so, how much?

A: No. Festival Park does not offer in-house catering. We provide venue rental only. However, by allowing you to use any caterer of your choice, your overall event costs are typically significantly lower than at venues with exclusive catering arrangements. Most venues take a substantial portion of the catering fee, but we do not.