Door Kinetic Arts Festival

08/31/2026

In September of 2025, we invited tap artist Jumaane Taylor and composer/pianist Michelle McQuade Dewhirst to DKAF for an artist residency, giving them the space and freedom to explore a new collaborative work for chamber orchestra and tap dancer. The week culminated in a striking structured improvisation created together at the piano.

Earlier this summer, Michelle took that initial framework and developed it into a full orchestral score titled “Thoughts-Deeds-Vibrations,” a title borrowed from John Coltrane’s poem in the liner notes of A Love Supreme.

Bringing artists together to cultivate new work is at the heart of DKAF, and we’re deeply proud to see where this artistic relationship has led. On September 10th, Jumaane and Michelle will perform the fulfillment of this collaboration in Coffin Hall at the The Weidner. The performance is part of Momentum, a concert inspired by Newton’s first law of motion and the idea of bodies staying in motion.

Admission is free, and we look forward to seeing this *kinetic* new work come to life.

08/27/2026

Such a joy to be part of this creative process! We are incredibly proud of the work Brian James P***k has done and can't wait for its opening! 🎭

Want an intimate look at Brian's process as a playwright? Catch him alongside Terrymoranjournalist Sept.20-26 at this year's festival. They’ll be hosting an exclusive roundtable for our Full-Week Pass holders.

🎟️ Visit doorkinetic.com to get your pass and learn more!

Eva Nimmer will be playing Sam in our upcoming production of 'The Call List' by Brian James P***k running September 23 - October 11.

You may remember Eva from 'The Dig' in 2019 at TAP. Other Door County acting credits include: 'Write Me a Murder,' 'Ripcord,' Peninsula Players Theatre; 'Lumberjacks in Love,' 'Victory Farm,' Northern Sky Theater. She was also involved in the workshop for this play during the 2023 Door Kinetic Arts Festival.

Learn more: https://thirdavenueplayworks.org/the-call-list

08/25/2026

📸 Katie Dahl. Photo by Bri Gately.
📸 Jennifer Vosters. Photo by Alex Clark.
📸 Sophie Minoche Allen. Photo by Sarah Jeffers.
🎨 Manual Cinema. Artwork by Drew Dir.
📱 Terry Moran & Johanna Cox Moran. Candid.

Festival Passes available at doorkinetic.com/2026passes

08/06/2026

We get asked all the time: “So, what exactly is DKAF?”

The short answer? Door Kinetic Arts Festival is a multidisciplinary celebration of the arts right here in Door County.

The full story? It’s a creative playground where artists from across the country gather to experiment and collaborate. Think of it as a living laboratory where theater, film, dance, music, literature, and cocktail artistry cross-pollinate. While each discipline stands on its own, these creators constantly inspire one another to build something entirely new. You’re not just watching a show; you’re stepping right inside the creative process as it unfolds.

Whether you’re here for dynamic storytelling, original music, or a signature drink, DKAF gives you a front-row seat to the art of tomorrow being cultivated today.

Now that you know, which artistic discipline are you most excited to experience this year?

07/26/2026

We’re bringing together artists across every discipline: shadow puppetry, dance, short films, theatre, and music.

Get ready to experience new works by Katie Dahl, Jennifer Vosters, Manual Cinema, Terry Moran, Sophie Minouche Allen, and more.

Early bird deadline is July 31st! Don’t miss your chance to grab passes at the best rate.

🔗 Head to doorkinetic.com to reserve your spot today!

We’re celebrating 10 years! Read Our Lineup Announcement on Playbill! purchase your 2026 pass today Manual Cinema-Terry Moran-Sophie Minouche Allen-Jennifer Vosters-Katie Dahl- Manual Cinema-Terry Moran-Sophie Minouche Allen-Jennifer Vosters-Katie Dahl- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDOOR KINETIC ARTS FESTI...

07/20/2026

Thank you, Door County Today, for sharing the news of our upcoming season!

Door Kinetic Arts Festival Celebrates 10 Years of Artistic Innovation July 20, 2026 by Laurel Ciohon Baileys Harbor, Wis. (July 20, 2026) – The Door Kinetic Arts Festival (DKAF) announces its milestone 10th Anniversary Season, bringing together nationally recognized artists in theater, dance, musi...

07/06/2026

How does a world-class journalist translate real-world history onto the stage?

Join us at DKAF for a first look at former ABC News Correspondent and independent journalist Terry Moran’s new play, "The Baghdad Gentleman's Club." Set during the high-stakes reality of the Iraqi Civil War in late 2005 and early 2006, this staged reading follows a network news team when, one night, their translator must leave the country and a new translator is assigned to them. Discover how the team is impacted by this shift, and what we learn about each one of them.

🎟️ Visit doorkinetic.com to get your early bird pass now through July 31st.

07/05/2026

Door Kinetic Arts is pleased to announce the lineup for our 10th anniversary season.

For the past decade, DKAF has served as an incubator and creative laboratory, bringing together filmmakers, dancers, screenwriters, playwrights, musicians, and kinetic artists at Björklunden in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin, to collaborate on new works.

Read the full press release and view this year’s roster of participating artists at the link below. ⤵