Sneak Peek: Labor Day Music and Events

Starting to plan your holiday weekend? There’s plenty to do in Door County, whether you fancy time on the land or water, peace and tranquility, or live music. Here’s a sampling of some of the places, tunes and events you won’t want to miss. See the complete event line-up for the long Labor Day weekend at DoorCountyPulse.com/events.

THINGS TO DO

Marina Fest

Sept. 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, kids’ activities, used-book sale, farmers market, dunk tank to benefit the Door County Fire Chiefs Association’s DEFIBS4DOORCOUNTY campaign and more. See the full schedule at sisterbaymarina.com.

Gills Rock Art Fest

Sept. 3-4, 10 am – 5 pm each day

Gills Rock Coffee

12625 Hwy 42 in Gills Rock

See artworks in pastel, collage, assemblage, watercolor, oil, jewelry, mosaic, encaustic painting, photography and clay – plus demonstrations – on the grounds of Gills Rock Coffee, the former home of Charlene’s Gallery Ten.

GROUPS TO HEAR

The Temptations

Sept. 2, 8 pm

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 60-year anniversary, they’ll fill the auditorium with some of their greatest hits. Tickets are $68-$89.50.

John Abbot & The Posse

Sept. 3, 2-4 pm

Maple Grove Retro Motel and Pavilion

797 Hwy 42 in Gills Rock

Pack a picnic, and listen to this bluegrass-inspired group play everything from foot-stomping jams to poignant ballads. The concert is free, but all donations will benefit Tunnel to Towers, a nonprofit that supports the families of fallen first responders.

Home Free

Sept. 3, 8 pm

Door Community Auditorium 

3926 Hwy 42 in Fish Creek

Since winning NBC’s The Sing-Off in 2013, this all-vocal country band has sold half a million albums and amassed a worldwide following. If you’re part of that following (or want to be), check out Home Free at Door Community Auditorium. Tickets are $45-$65.

Unity the Band

Sept. 3, 8-11 pm

The Garage at Husby’s

10647 N. Bay Shore Dr. (Hwy 42) in Sister Bay

Explore downtown Sister Bay before heading to an intimate venue tucked right in the heart of it. As the sun sets over the water, listen to a distinctive blend of roots, rock and reggae, courtesy of Unity the Band. Free.

Tent Show Troubadours

Sept. 4, 12-3 pm

Waterfront Park, Main Stage

10693 N. Bay Shore Dr. (Hwy 42) in Sister Bay

Powered by smart lyrics and tight harmonies, Tent Show Troubadours mix alt-rock with alt-country. They’ll be providing 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

Sept. 4, 12:30-4 pm and 4-7 pm

One 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 group. Free.

Eric Lewis & Friends

Sept. 4, 7 pm

Fishstock Concert Hall

3127 Cty F in Fish Creek

Close out Fishstock’s 2022 concert series with Eric Lewis, a fan-favorite flatpicker who will be joined by other seasoned instrumentalists. Tailgate in 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 & His Big Country Unit

Sept. 5, 6 pm

Waterfront Park, Main Stage

10693 N. Bay Shore Dr. (Hwy 42) in Sister Bay

This rock-infused country band brings a Southern twang way up north. Take your own chair to listen to bluesy originals paired with reimagined classics from greats such as Bruce Springsteen and Rodney Crowell. Free.