There is something magical about late summer weekends at Kenosha’s lakefront. That is especially true this weekend when the fifth annual Grill Games BBQ Contest and Lakefront Festival takes place on Friday and Saturday at Harbor Park/Celebration Place, just east of Kenosha’s Civil War Museum.

Great music by renowned bands and musicians cap off the festive atmosphere as families from throughout the area gather to enjoy the event, which benefits the foundations of the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce and the Kenosha YMCA.

“Grill Games BBQ Contest and Lakefront Festival in Kenosha is the perfect way to end the summer festival season” Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lou Molitor stated. “In 2015, we celebrate with plenty of music, plenty of great BBQ, plenty of fun competition and plenty of family fun!”

Admission to the festival is free of charge – you get to enjoy all of this fantastic music without spending a nickel! Featured bands this year include everything from rock, to country, to jazz.

Kicking things off on Friday afternoon at 3:30 on the Platform Stage will be Dan Peters and the Sidewinders. Described as “Swingin’, Surfability Roots-Rock Baby!”, this popular trio of virtuoso musicians freely mixes elements of rockabilly, surf, blues, jazz and honky tonk country into their own rollicking brand of rock and roll.

At 5 p.m. the Main Stage will feature U2 Zoo, a phenomenal U2 tribute band. Founded in 2003, “The Zoo” has headlined large festivals throughout the Midwest. Their website describes the band as “amazing and fun!” Not hard to believe when you look at their resume of having performed next to such legendary rock greats as Huey Lewis, Styx, Cheap Trick, Steve Winwood, the Yardbirds, Peter Frampton, Blue Oyster Cult and Kansas.

At 7 p.m. the Platform Stage will feature Mixed Company, a Kenosha-based band that has been bombarding the Kenosha music scene with constant, loud, new age rock since 2013. Come on out and see one of Kenosha’s own fantastic bands!!

Infinity will close out the night on the Main Stage, beginning their “Ultimate Rock Experience” at 8 p.m. Since 1985 Infinity has been lighting up some of the largest Midwest music festivals, mostly in the Chicago suburban area. Originally formed as a Journey cover band, hundreds of thousands of Infinity fans have rocked along with this popular band for nearly three decades. It’s a musical experience you will never forget.

On Saturday, the music starts at 12:30 p.m. on the Platform Stage. Stateline has been making great country music for five years and they will bring their Top 40 Country Music to Kenosha’s burgeoning country music fan base. Described as “recognizable, energetic, emotional and sure to entertain”, Stateline’s harmonies are certain to get country music lovers tapping their feet and singing along. They’ll be back on the Platform Stage at 4 p.m. for another one hour set.

Alex and the Allstars will take the Main Stage at 2 p.m. Their musical experience, unique arrangements and expert musicianship are known to keep their audiences rocking. The Lakefront is beautiful on August afternoons and the festival music by Alex and the Allstars will make it the place to be.

Saturday night the Main Stage will feature two great bands to close out this year’s festival.

At 5 p.m. Mellencougar will bring down the house with their tribute to America, Rock and Roll and John Cougar Mellencamp. This popular tribute band has shared the stage with Eddie Money, Blake Shelton, the Spin Doctors, Styx, Night Ranger and Jamey Johnson to name a few. They are sure to start Saturday evening’s entertainment with a bang at this year’s Grill Games BBQ Contest and Lakefront Festival.

Then, to close things out, Raise Your Glass will offer a truly unique experience to festival-goers. Their high-energy performances feature a variety of musical genres including 50s and 60s, Motown, Disco, 80’s and even today’s top 40. They are certain to keep attendees at this year’s Grill Games enjoying the festival until their final songs as the festival closes at 11 p.m. on Saturday night.

Remember, admission is free to Grill Games BBQ Contest and Lakefront Festival. Kenosha’s lakefront is a great venue for the music, food and family fun that will be featured at this popular annual event.

Sponsorships are key to the success of the event. This year Festival Foods is the major sponsor. Several other major community sponsors are also supporting the event, including Kenosha News, Lynch Chevrolet, CJW, Snap-on Incorporated, Gruber Law Offices, Uline, Ocean Spray, Best Western Harborside, Milwaukee Bucks, Educators Credit Union, EZ Pack N Ship, Innovative Floors and Hair Unlimited.