Summer is so short here in Milwaukee and since we are the City of Festivals, let’s plan out the coming months! We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite festivals in Milwaukee that we can’t wait to return to after having to miss out on so many in the last couple years.
Our Favorite Milwaukee Festivals
Family Kite Festival Milwaukee Lakefront, May 25-26: See the launch of 500 kites at the free Family Kite Festival. Watch professional Flying Team performances, Stunt kite demonstrations and kite lessons. Then try flying your own! Awesome family-friendly festival on the lakefront.
Festa Italiana Italian Community Center, Milwaukee, May 31-June 2: Traditional Italian entertainment, food, games and fireworks every night.
Port Festival of the Arts Port Washington, June 1
Milwaukee Highland Games Franklin, June 1: Celebrate all things Scottish at the Milwaukee Highland Games, including food, dance, athletics…and sheepdogs!
Pride Fest Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, June 6-8: The nations largest LGBT+ festival with permanent festival grounds, owned and operated entirely by volunteers each and every year.
Jammin’ on Janesville Muskego, June 7: An event organized by the Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism.
Locust Street Festival of Music and Art Locust Street, June 9
Polish Fest Milwaukee, June 14-16: America’s Largest Polish Festival includes Children’s Activities, Youth Piano Competition, Polish Sheepdogs and learn to cook with Polish Flair!
Greek Fest Wauwatosa, June 7-9: A free event hosted by the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church to celebrate the Greek community of Milwaukee. Authentic Greek cuisine, music, carnival rides and dance performances.
Lakefront Festival of Art Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, June 14-16: This rain or shine event features over 180 artists from around the nation, local food, beer and wine garden, PNC children’s experience and an entertainment lineup not to be missed.
Strawberry Festival Cedarburg, June 22-23: Art, vendors, strawberry everything, including wine! A pancake breakfast, pony rides, petting zoo, Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest, Strawberry Bubblegum Blowing Contest, Strawberry Ice Cream Licking Contest and more.
Summerfest Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, June 20-22, 27-29, July 4-6: Summerfest is The World’s Largest Music Festival, including a little something for everyone!
Bastille Days Cathedral Square Park, July 11-14: Bastille Days is one of the largest french-themed celebrations. Storm the Bastille Run and Wine Tastings!
Falls Lavender Fest at Village Park in Menomonee Falls, July 20: Enjoy the sights, smells and decoration from lavender! Find us downtown, including vendors and a beer garden.
Waukesha County Fair July 17-21: This is the largest event in Waukesha County offering something for everyone with live entertainment on 5 stages, food, games, rides, animals, shopping, special attractions like demo derby, truck & tractor pulls and more.
Harley Davidson Homecoming Days July 25-28: The Harley-Davidson Homecoming™ Festival is an annual 4-day celebration of music, moto-culture, and our hometown of Milwaukee. This year we’re bringing together some of the biggest names in music and entertainment at Veterans Park on Friday and Saturday.
Milwaukee Air & Water Show July 27-28: The U.S. Navy Blue Angels show at the Lakefront. Grab a lawn chair, some earplugs and head to the lake for an amazing show.
Hartland Kids Day Nixon Park, Hartland, July 31
Milwaukee Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival, Plaza at Fiserv Forum, July 29: From 12 – 5 pm there will be eating, drinking, fun….and more eating! Along with the trucks, attendees will find 30+ craft beers, activities for the family, and lawn games.
German Fest Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, July 26-28: Authentic German food and entertainment including the Annual Dachshund Derby.
Brady Street Festival Brady Street, Milwaukee, July 29: Brady Street will be rockin’ the night and day away with live entertainment, including some of our fav local bands.
Wisconsin State Fair State Fair Park, August 1-11: The best eleven days of summer is BACK! Enjoy the best of fun, food, animals and shopping the state has to offer. How many items on a stick can you try?
Firefly Art Fair Wauwatosa, August 3-4: Held on 1.5 acres of gardens and grounds at the historic Kneeland-Walker House, the fair includes over 90 juried artists.
Jewish Food Festival Mequon, August 18-19: Flavors and Traditions of the Jewish Food Festival August 6th & 7th, 2023. Live Music, Family Fun, workshops and more!
Kid’s Fest Fowler Park, Oconomowoc, August 6: Games, entertainment, music, inflatables, arts & crafts, food and more!
Dragon Boat Festival Veterans Park, Milwaukee, August 10: Presented by the Milwaukee Chinese Community Center the festival will include an authentic Chinese experience. Dragon boat races!
The Bloody Mary Festival Fiserv Forum, August 10: The Bloody Mary Festival is a celebration of the most beloved brunch cocktail and the largest event of its kind. Our mission is to bring together the most innovative and crafty Bloody Mary mixes, curated by our team of Bloody Mary aficionados.
Zoo a la Carte Milwaukee, August 15-18: “Feast with the Beasts” during the Zoo’s annual a la Carte. Satisfy your cravings with food from favorite local eateries, as you let the music of local and national bands take you away.
Sounds of Summer Whitefish Bay, August 17: A musical street festival on the east end of Silver Spring Drive.
Irish Fest Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, August 15-18: A baking contest, Celtic Canines, Cultural Village, Family activities and Jameson Lounge.
Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts – Fowler Park, Downtown Oconomowoc, August 17-18: For over 50 years, the Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts has been a juried art festival enjoyed by artists and visitors alike. The festival is held on the shores of Fowler Lake in the heart of Oconomowoc. Shop for quality artwork in all media!
Muskego DandiLion Daze Festival Muskego, August 23-25: Largest free admission festival in Southeast Wisconsin, including festival parade and carnival rides!
Mexican Fiesta Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, August 23-25: Three days of fun, food, Mariachi and Fiesta for everyone.
Third Ward Art Festival Milwaukee, August 31-September 1: Live music, great food and fun activities for kids.
Bay View Bash Bay View, September 21: A community festival of food, art, music, crafts, books and community organizations. Striving to be a zero waste festival!
Wine & Harvest Festival Cedarburg, September 21-22: Homegrown produce and award-winning wines from Cedar Creek Winery along with a food court, shopping and kids activities.
Petfest Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, September 21: Bring your dog and/or cat. Free parking and Free admission.
Doors Open Milwaukee Milwaukee, September 28-29: Take the opportunity to see over 150 wonderful Milwaukee Buildings free of charge. Some buildings not usually open to the public.
Just like that, you have your whole summer planned! What are your favorite festivals to enjoy around the Milwaukee area?
I loved open doors Milwaukee, Waterford Balloon fest, Ren Faire, Irish Fest, India Fest. Really excited to try some new ones too. ????
Port Washington Pirate Fest page on Facebook days 2021 is cancelled
Falls Lavender Fest at Village Park in Menomonee Falls, July 23rd, 10-8 pm!