RhubarbFest at Hawks Inn 2026: Live Music, Rhubarb Desserts

If you're looking for a uniquely Wisconsin way to kick off summer, look no further than RhubarbFest at Hawks Inn in Delafield. On Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 4:00–7:00 PM, the historic Hawks Inn Stagecoach Stop hosts one of its sweetest annual traditions — an evening of live bluegrass music, homemade rhubarb treats, creative drinks, and good old-fashioned community fun.

Whether you're a Waukesha County local or making a day trip from Milwaukee, this free, family-friendly event is exactly the kind of hidden gem that makes the greater Milwaukee area so special.

What Is RhubarbFest?

RhubarbFest is an annual outdoor celebration held on the porch of the Hawks Inn historic site in Delafield — one of Wisconsin's oldest and best-preserved stagecoach inns, dating back to 1846. The event celebrates the season's most underrated ingredient — rhubarb — with food, drinks, live music, and a relaxed summer vibe that's hard to beat.

Think of it as the perfect antidote to crowded festivals. This is a laid-back, community-focused evening where you can pull up a lawn chair, grab something delicious, and just... enjoy.

Live Music: The Luke Cerny String Band

The musical centerpiece of RhubarbFest 2026 is The Luke Cerny String Band, a talented ensemble of local artists bringing vibrant bluegrass and acoustic string music to the Hawks Inn porch. The band features Bruce King, Kristian Brusubardis, Luke Cerny, Max Winkles, and Viktor Brusubardis — a group of skilled Milwaukee-area musicians who know how to make an evening feel festive without being overwhelming.

Fiddle, banjo, guitar, and more — their sound is the perfect soundtrack for a warm summer evening in the Kettle Moraine.

What to Eat and Drink

Homemade rhubarb desserts will be available for purchase — think classic rhubarb bars, pies, and other made-from-scratch treats that showcase this tart, versatile ingredient at its finest.

I.d. is bringing creative rhubarb-inspired drinks, so expect something refreshing and unexpected to sip while you enjoy the music.

Revere's is serving up rhubarb-inspired sandwiches — a savory twist you probably haven't tried before and absolutely should.

Pro Tips for Attending RhubarbFest

Bring a lawn chair. The porch and grounds are part of the charm, and you'll want a comfortable spot to settle in for the full three hours.

Arrive early. Homemade desserts have a way of disappearing fast at events like this.

Make it a day trip. Delafield is a beautiful small city on the edge of the Kettle Moraine, with great dining, coffee, and outdoor recreation nearby. Pair RhubarbFest with a walk on the Ice Age Trail or dinner downtown.

Bring the whole family. This event is welcoming to all ages — kids, grandparents, and everyone in between.

Ice Age Trail

About Hawks Inn

Hawks Inn is a Wisconsin State Historical Site and one of the most significant surviving stagecoach inns in the Midwest. Built in 1846 by Nelson P. Hawks, it served travelers on the plank road between Milwaukee and Madison for decades. Today it operates as a living history site and community gathering space, hosting events that connect visitors to Wisconsin's past in a genuinely meaningful way.

RhubarbFest is a perfect example of how Hawks Inn keeps history alive — not by putting it behind velvet ropes, but by inviting the community in to share food, music, and stories.

Learn more and stay connected at hawksinn.org.

Event Details

RhubarbFest at Hawks Inn Saturday, June 6, 2026 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Hawks Inn Historic Site, Delafield, WI