GuitarTown Music Festival

On Saturday, June 13th, downtown Waukesha transforms into GuitarTown—a full-throttle, one-day immersion into the sound that changed the world. Join us at Cutler Park as we honor the legendary Les Paul with a festival that’s anything but standard.

Whether you’re a lifelong “axeman” or just love a good beat, this is a total Gold Top experience featuring the next generation of Wisconsin talent, high-voltage exhibits, and plenty of local flavor.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

6 ORIGINAL WISCONSIN BANDS: Catch a curated lineup of the state’s best original artists as they find their signature sound on the main stage.
Spirit Shakers (Kenosha) | 12:00 – 12:45 PMThe Racing Pulses (Madison) | 1:15 – 2:00 PMViolet Wilder (Milwaukee) | 2:30 – 3:15 PM

ValleyKil (Eau Claire) | 3:45 – 4:30 PM

The Last Bees (Waukesha) | 5:00 – 6:00 PM

Bellevue Suite (Milwaukee/Waukesha) | 6:30 – 8:00 PM

THE INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOO: Don’t be fretful—get hands-on and find your own rhythm with a variety of instruments. Perfect for kids and future rockstars!

THE HERITAGE TOUR: Take a burst of inspiration as you explore the iconic Waukesha sites where Les Paul’s journey began.

EXHIBITS & EATS: From high-voltage music exhibits to local food trucks and craft brews, the vibes are strictly “Studio Quality.”

THE DETAILS

 DATE: Saturday, June 13, 2026
 TIME: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
 LOCATION: Cutler Park, Downtown Waukesha, WI
 ADMISSION: Free and family friendly
 RAIN DATE: Sunday, June 14, 2026

WHY WE’RE CELEBRATING

Waukesha is the birthplace and final resting place of Les Paul—the father of the electric guitar, multi-track recording, and amplified sound. We’re keeping his spirit of innovation alive by providing a massive platform for Original Music and the artists who create it.

As Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) says: “Get loud, Wisconsin!”

GET INVOLVED

Want to play, volunteer, or sponsor the event?
Visit: www.guitartownfest.com

Presented by Gibson Guitars, Sound Check Entertainment in conjunction with the City of Waukesha.