Grand Opening of the Children’s Museum of Rock County
Big things are taking shape in downtown Janesville! Construction is officially underway on the future Children’s Museum of Rock County, located in the former First National Bank at 100 W. Milwaukee Street. Expected to open in late 2026, this interactive space will invite kids and families to learn through play. The museum will feature hands-on exhibits, immersive environments, and interactive experiences that explore the outdoors, our county’s agricultural roots, and innovation in the Inventor’s Lab.
Pistons & Props Airshow: August 28-30
Pistons & Props Airshow returns to the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport for its third year and it’s shaping up to be the biggest event yet. This summer celebration is expanding into a full airshow in 2026! While final details are still coming together, visitors can expect everything they’ve loved in years past, including vintage aircraft rides and displays, a massive car and motorcycle show, live music, hot air balloons, skydivers, fireworks, family-friendly activities, and more.
New Businesses
These new businesses are slated to open in 2026:
– Great Harvest Bread Company: a bakery with fresh-baked breads and made-to-order sandwiches
– Swad Indian Restaurant: family-owned and serving authentic Indian cuisine
– Butter Me Up: a breakfast-and-lunch café from the family behind Cindy’s Cafe in Milton
Coming to the Woodman’s Sports & Convention Center
Here’s a glimpse of what the Woodman’s Center will bring us in 2026 as Janesville’s newest event and sports facility:
– January 10-11 | One World One Love Gymnastics Invitational
– March 2026 | Royal Cheer
– March 2026 | Kohlman Cup
– April 2026 | Endless Opportunities Inc. Spring Youth Wrestling Tournament
– May 2026 | Woodman’s Center Pickleball Open
– June 2026 | Endless Opportunities Inc. Youth Wrestling Tournament
– December 2026 | Rock-N-Farm Toy Show
Mark Your Calendar: Major Events in 2026
– January 19-24 | Downtown Janesville Restaurant Week
– February 28 | Flannelfest
– March 14 | Shamrock Shuffle Run/Walk
– March 27-29 | Badger Knife Show
– April 15 | Packers Tailgate Tour supporting Project 16:49
– April 26 | Earth Day Celebration at Rotary Botanical Gardens
– April 30-May 3 | Badgerland Comedy Festival
– Saturdays, May-October | Janesville Farmers Market
– May 16 | Spring Wine Walk
– Wednesdays & Sundays, Memorial Day weekend-Labor Day | Rock Aqua Jays Water Ski Shows
– Tuesdays, June 2-August 25 | Music at the Marv
– June 21 | Father’s Day Car Show
– June 27 | Star Spangled Saturday
– July 4 | Rock County Celebrates America
– July 16-18 | JPAC’s Outdoor Shakespeare: The Comedy of Errors
– July 28-August 2 | Rock County 4-H Fair
– Late July-mid-August | Skelly’s Sunflower Experience
– August 1-2 | Tallman Arts Festival
– August 28-30 | Pistons & Props Airshow
– September 4-6 | Art Infusion
– Labor Day weekend-October 31 | Skelly’s Corn Maze & Fall Festival
– September 26 | Fall Wine Walk
– October 24 | Downtown Janesville Halloweekend
– November 20-22 | Shop the Rock
– December 4-6 | Jolly Jingle
