Make the most of festival season with OnMilwaukee’s Summer Festival Guide — your go-to for can’t-miss events, live music, food fests, and neighborhood celebrations. OnMilwaukee's Festival Guide is brought to you by our partners Potawatomi Casino Hotel, Educator's Credit Union, and the world's only Harley-Davidson Museum.
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June
There is arguably no better feeling than the summer festival season in Milwaukee. When the sun is shining, the temperature is anything above 50 degrees, and there's live music and great food to enjoy, living is easy. Thankfully, that's just about every weekend in Milwaukee during the summer months, and there are plenty of festivals for you to enjoy. Now get out there and have some Milwaukee summer fun! Here's your guide to the 2026 Milwaukee-area festival season.
Milwaukee Makers Market
See website for location
April 12 through December 20
milwaukeemakersmarket.com
The Milwaukee Makers Market is the perfect seasonal stop for lovers of art, crafts, designers and almost any other hobby. The market runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. generally every third Sunday of the month at either Discovery World, Ivy House MKE or a number of guest venues including American Family Field and Zocalo this year. Drop by and find your new favorite living room conversation piece, artistic inspiration or something else completely unexpected.
Smoke On The Water
Henry Maier Festival Park
May 30
milwaukeeworldfestival.com/smoke-on-the-water/
Smoke On The Water will feature barbeque food trucks from the Milwaukee area, as well as festival favorites on the Summerfest grounds.
Locust Street Festival
May 31
locuststreetfestival.org
The Locust Street Festival is back for 2026 and will again include the Locust Street Beer Run. The day-long festival will also feature four live music stages this year, local vendors, artists, food, and great beer.
Pridefest
Henry Maier Festival Park
June 4 through June 6
pridefest.com
PrideFest is keeping the party going in 2026 with another main stage lineup that’s packed with music, comedy, and drag royalty.
Read more about the festival here.
Jazz in the Park
Cathedral Square Park
June 4 through September 10
easttown.com
Jazz in the Park is coming back to Cathedral Square Park, but this year, several changes are coming to one of Milwaukee's longest running concert series. Concerts will now take place every other Thursday, from June 4th through September 10th. While the name stays the same, jazz will only be part of this year's programming.
Art 64
Wauwatosa Village
June 5 through June 6
discoverart64.com
Part competition, part plein air arts display, Art 64 transforms the Tosa Village into a giant outdoor gallery night, with a bracket-style competition and up to $20,000 on the line for the winning artist. During each round of competition, spectators both in-person and virtually are encouraged to watch artists showcase their talents and vote for their favorites to advance to the next round.
Brewtown Rumble
Davidson Park
June 6
brewtownrumble.com
Get revved up! The Brewtown Rumble features a ride-in vintage motorcycle show. It doesn’t matter the make, model or condition of the bike. It just matters that you ride it! Everyone is welcome – riders and motorcycle enthusiasts alike.
West Allis A La Carte
Greenfield Ave. between 70th and 76th Streets
June 7
westallisdowntown.com/west-allis-a-la-carte
West Allis A La Carte is a street festival that occurs the first Sunday in June. It provides a venue to unite businesses, schools, churches, civic organizations, community artists, youth programs, and the City of West Allis with the community and with each other.
Chill on the Hill
Humboldt Park
June 9 through September 1
bayviewneighborhood.org
Hosted as always at Humboldt Park, Chill on the Hill will welcome a plethora of bands over the course of three beautiful summer months, surrounded by food vendors and trucks from popular Bay View eateries and community partners starting at 5 p.m. This year's lineup – taking the stage Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m. – features excellent local acts like Long Mama, Immortal Girlfriend, De La Buena, Fellow Kinsman, the MSO, the American Legion Band, and more. Click here for the full lineup.
Tosa Greek Fest
St. Constantine & Helen
June 12 through June 14
facebook.com/TosaGreekFest
Opa! It's time to celebrate all things Greek that do not play power forward for the Bucks. Greek Fest features a live Greek band, plenty of great food, pastries and more. Okay, and we can celebrate Giannis, too.
HartFest
The Village of Wauwatosa
June 12 through June 13
wauwatosavillage.org/hartfest
It's all about BBQ and the Blues! Kick off your summer with Dave Matthews tribute band Trippin’ Billies on Friday night, while local blues standouts The Jimmys headline on Saturday. Plus enjoy a BBQ Competition, food trucks, and other amazing live music acts.
Lakefront Festival of Art
Milwaukee Art Museum
June 12 through June 14
mam.org/events/lfoa/
Celebrate 60 years of the Lakefront Festival of Art! A summertime tradition, the three-day event brings together established and emerging artists with festivalgoers of all ages at the Milwaukee Art Museum’s lakeside campus. With 30 more artist booths this year, there’s even more to explore and enjoy.
Sounds of Summer
The Yard at Bayshore
June 12 through August 21
thebayshorelife.com
Head to the green gathering space in the heart of Bayshore and jam out to the Sounds of Summer live music series, with local bands and performers taking the mic. Food and drink are available as well from tasty taps nearby and food trucks parked all around the event. For more information, click here.
Sip & Savor Wisconsin
Bavarian Bierhaus
June 13
wibrewersguild.com/sipandsavor
According to organizers, this year's renamed Wisconsin & Beer Lovers Festival will boast more than 60 breweries, more food offerings and "will expand into a “Wisconsin Lovers” experience for attendees," encompassing Badger State distilleries, wineries, cideries and non-alcholic options.
Milwaukee Water Lantern Festival
Veterans Park
June 13
waterlanternfestival.com/events/milwaukee
The Water Lantern Festival is a truly magical experience where you, your friends, and your family can create unforgettable memories together. It’s a meaningful and emotional evening—whether you're writing down your hopes and dreams, sharing a message to a loved one, or simply soaking in the beauty of the moment.
Summer Soulstice Music Festival
East Side
June 13
summersoulsticemke.com
While the actual summer solstice takes place on June 20th, this year's festival takes place on Saturday, June 13th from noon to midnight, with a celebration of music and community. The festival will take place on Ivanhoe Place, Kenilworth Place, and Farwell Ave., effectively surrounding Black Cat Alley.
VeganMania Milwaukee
Greenfield Park
June 14
Facebook Event
Explore all things Vegan! Join for a fun-filled day with all your favorite vegan food vendors, food trucks, bakeries, beverages, market exhibitors, farm sanctuaries, and animal nonprofits – all in one beautiful location! VeganMania Milwaukee will be held completely outside again this year at Greenfield Park.
Late June
Summerfest
Henry Maier Festival Park
June 18-20, June 25-27, July 2-4
summerfest.com
The Big Gig is back for three weekends this summer, with more than 160 acts playing the Henry Maier Festival Park grounds over the course of nine days.
Milwaukee Night Market
Wisconsin Avenue between 2nd Street and Vel R. Phillips Avenue
June 24, July 22, August 19, September 16
westown.org/milwaukee-night-market/
The Milwaukee Night Market is a glorious once-a-month collision of all wonder things Milwaukee has to offer. From 5-10 p.m., the Night Market puts on a free, open-air market that offers a wide variety of experiences for people of all backgrounds and ages, featuring a mash-up of art, craft and food vendors, live art creation, local music, Milwaukee businesses, and much more. Any day that ends with a Night Market is a good day.
July
Bastille Days
Cathedral Square Park
July 9 through July 12
easttown.com/bastille-days
Milwaukee’s popular French festival and one of the nation’s largest French-themed celebrations, is held in Milwaukee’s Cathedral Square Park. The free, four-day bash attracts over 250,000 visitors annually who enjoy live music, an international marketplace, French and Cajun cuisine, and roaming busker entertainment.
Festa Italiana
Henry Maier Festival Park
July 10 through July 12
iccmilwaukee.com/festa-italiana
Festa Italiana is steeped in Milwaukee tradition. One of the longest running ethnic festivals in the city, this year's event runs for three days, with amazing food, bocce tournaments, the Italian cultural tent, amongst the many attractions.
Milwaukee Dragon Boat Festival
Lakeshore State Park
July 11
milwaukeedragonboatfest.org
The Milwaukee Dragon Boat Festival will showcase a variety of Chinese culture, food and traditions. Throughout the festival, there will be performances in traditional dance, Chinese folk music and Martial Arts. There will be hands-on opportunities for the young and young-at-heart to make opera masks and lanterns, play traditional games, participate in a dragon parade, and even learning to speak and write Chinese.
Whitefish Bay Art Fest
Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay
July 11 through July 12
amdurproductions.com/whitefish-bay-art-fest
Start your day with breakfast at your favorite Whitefish Bay spot, then immerse yourself in thousands of paintings, sculptures, photographs, jewelry, and from 100 juried artists. Take a break with a cold beer and delicious snacks and enjoy the live music, plus family-friendly activities throughout the two-day festival.
Bristol Renaissance Faire
Bristol
July 11 through September 7
renfair.com/bristol/
Grab your corset or your homemade chainmail armor: The Bristol Renaissance Faire is set to make its annual return. Open rain or shine every Saturday, Sunday and on Labor Day, the Bristol Faire takes visitors for a rollicking romp through Elizabethan England from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., complete with 16th-century arts, crafts, games, rides, food, music and one-of-a-kind encounters with a colorful cast of characters from the era.
Late July
African Cultural Festival
Brown Deer Park
July 18
Facebook Event
The African Cultural Festival is an annual event which brings Africans, Americans and friends together to celebrate their rich cultural heritage. Live and learn through the process of cultural exchange at this event in Brown Deer Park.
Frida Fest
The Farmhouse Paint Bar & Banquet Hall
July 18 through July 19
Celebrate the life and artwork of Frida Khalo, as well as her impact on culture at Frida Fest, held outside The Farmhouse Paint Bar & Banquet Hall next to Chucho's Red Tacos on Milwaukee's South Side.
Falls Lavender Fest
Menomonee Falls Village Park
July 18
Facebook Event
Lavender Fest will celebrate all things lavandula – including showcasing six Wisconsin lavender farms throughout the day as well as more than 140 vendors offering lavender art, lavender jewelry, lavender bath and body products, lavender-hued clothing items and lavender-flavored food and drink, including Metro Harvest Church's lavender lemonade.
Midsummer Festival of the Arts
John Michael Kohler Arts Center
July 18 through July 19
jmkac.org/engage/programs/midsummer-festival-of-the-arts
This highly anticipated free event brings thousands of festivalgoers and artists together. The festival features up to 100 juried artists—including returning award winners from last year—offering original works of art in a wide variety of categories, including ceramics, painting, photography, metal, fiber, watercolor, wood, jewelry, and others.
OnMilwaukee Taco Fest
Bavarian Bierhaus
July 18
Taco Fest is back for 2026! This free, Family-friendly fun festival takes place at The Bavarian Bierhaus festival grounds with a mercado, games, activities for the whole family, and of course, plenty of tacos! Don't forget the World Cup watch party afterwards.
Milwaukee Armenian Fest
St. John the Baptist Orthodox Armenian Church
July 19
armenianfest.com
Since the 1930s, the Armenian community of Milwaukee has gathered every summer for a picnic featuring traditional Mediterranean dishes made from old family recipes. This Midwest Area family picnic has grown into Armenian Fest, an increasingly popular attraction for Milwaukee festivalgoers seeking alternatives to hamburgers and bratwurst.
South Milwaukee Heritage Days
South Milwaukee
July 19 through July 26
smheritagedays.org
A week of activities will take over South Milwaukee this summer, with everything from a golf outing to the South Milwaukee Heritage Days parade. There's also an art fair, a brat fry, and so much more to celebrate all that makes up the South Milwaukee community.
German Fest
Henry Maier Festival Park
July 24 through July 26
germanfest.com
One of the largest German festivals in North America, German Fest Milwaukee is known for its authentic food, culture and entertainment. Bring the family, raise a stein, and polka the night away!
Brady Street Music Festival
Brady Street
July 25
bradystreet.org/brady-street-festival
Head over to the East Side for a staple of the summer festival calendar. Brady Street Music Festival includes multiple stages of live music, delicious food from local vendors, and unique shopping opportunities. Come one, come all! This is an event that all ages can enjoy, so bring your families and your friends.
Milwaukee Brew & Spirits
McKinley Park
July 25
brewandspirits.com
Cheers! Make your way to McKinley Park for a day full of unique beers and spirits. Taste your way through pours offered by the world’s best brewmasters. There’s something for everyone!
Greendale Village Days
Downtown Greendale
July 30 through August 2
greendaleentertainment.com/village-days
Celebrate with the Village of Greendale! Village Days wlll feature live music, a family entertainment area, a farmers market, car show and so much more! Support local, shop local, and get involved in all that Greendale has to offer.
August
Partner Pick
View the lineup and make plans to attend the 46th Milwaukee Irish Fest. Get your tickets now. The earlier you buy, the more you save.
Children 12 & under are free. Save on tickets Henry Maier Festival Park · 200 N Harbor Dr, Milwaukee
Black Arts Fest MKE
Henry Maier Festival Park
August 1
blackartsfestmke.com
Black Arts Fest MKE exists to celebrate the deep roots of African Heritage and the creativity of Black Cultural Arts. This dynamic ethnic festival occurs each year, on the first Saturday of August, on the Summerfest grounds. The festival strives to educate all and strengthen pride in African ancestry. Bring the kids, your peers, and the elders to this multi-generational experience.
Art & Chalk Fest
Museum of Wisconsin Art
August 1 through August 2
wisconsinart.org/art-chalk-fest
Experience chalk artists creating large-scale works of chalk art right before your eyes, watch a glass-blowing demo in a mobile hot shop, or see clay sculpted into handmade vessels on a pottery wheel all while listening to live music. Visit the expanded Activity Zone to participate in Chalk the Street or get creative with hands-on art projects. Enjoy the best of Wisconsin art with free museum admission on Saturday and Sunday.
Partner Pick
Wisconsin State Fair
Wisconsin State Fair Park
August 6 through August 16
wistatefair.com
On, Wisconsin! The Wisconsin State Fair has everything for the whole family to enjoy, from the famous pig races and giant slide to just about every conceivable food on a stick to enjoy. There's also livestock, games, rides, and just about every facet of Wisconsin culture celebrated all in one place.
Red Magic Art Festival
Jackson Park
August 9
Facebook Event
Red Magic Art Festival is a one-day arts and culture festival that celebrates, promotes and preserves traditional indigenous arts, culture and community, featuring dozens of native vendors and artists showcasing and selling their work. The day features food, drinks, live music and entertainment, games, face painting and free art activities for all ages.
Late August
True Skool Summer Park Jam
Marcus Performing Arts Center Peck Pavilion
August 14 through August 15
trueskool.org/summerparkjam
By aligning with Milwaukee’s vision for talent attraction and retention, True Skool have curated a Downtown experience that inspires creativity, celebrates our culture, and draws visitors from across the Midwest and beyond.
Center Street Daze
Center Street, from Humboldt to Holton
August 15
centerstreetdazefestival.com
Celebrating more than a quarter century of fun, this Riverwest neighborhood festival is perfect for the whole family, featuring live music at a plethora of venues, vendors from around the community, food and all sorts of wild events and entertainment. The opportunities are endless as you make your way down one of Riverwest's eclectic main drags, during one of the city's most eclectic days of the year.
Milwaukee a la Carte at the Zoo
Milwaukee County Zoo
Aug. 20-23
milwaukeezoo.org
Go wild with this special culinary excursion courtesy of the Milwaukee County Zoo, featuring four days of delicious bites from several local restaurants served alongside wine tastings, demonstrations, entertainment and live music from star-studded headlining acts to be announced on a later date. Plus, you're at the zoo!
Fresh Coast Jazz Festival
The Pabst Theater
August 20-22
freshcoastjazz.com
The Fresh Coast Jazz Festival will return for another soulful year in 2026. Hosted in the historic Pabst Theater, the three-day music gathering booked a collection of excellent jazz artists for this summer – including Gerald Albright, Jeff Lorber, Chris Standring and many more. Stay into the evenings as well for the festival's Night Caps hosted at Hilton Milwaukee City Center, and The Fresh Coast Cruise on the Edelweiss Harbor Lady throughout the city's rivers.
Mexican Fiesta
Henry Maier Festival Park
August 21-23
mexicanfiesta.org
Running for more than a half-century, Mexican Fiesta is a celebration of Mexican culture, history, art, music and food. Sample some wines, browse through art, participate in fun games and activities – past years have featured contests for jalapeno-eating, costumes and more – listen and dance to live music, and enjoy a delicious meal (or multiple meals) of tacos and then some.
September
Partner Pick
Wisconsin Highland Games
Waukesha Expo Center
September 4-6
wisconsinscottish.org
Get your traditional game on! Make the most of your Labor Day weekend with the Wisconsin Highland Games, featuring all sorts of Scottish celebrations, traditions and of course competitions – from piping and drumming, to sheep and duck herding, to longbow and battle axe throw, and even a haggis hurl. Add in snacking on Scottish favorites like meat pies and sausage rolls – plus other festival favorites – and you'll ring in the start of September on a high note with the Highland Games.
Third Ward Art Festival
Broadway, Historic Third Ward
September 5 through September 6
amdurproductions.com/new-third-ward-art-festival
Free and open to the public, the Annual Third Ward Art Festival, in partnership with the Historic Third Ward Association, will showcase the work of nearly 200 juried artists from around the country in a variety of mediums including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, paintings, drawings, photography, and more! In addition to the incredible artwork available for purchase, attendees will be able to interact with artists through demonstrations and booth chats, and can even take part in “Start to Paint” on site painting classes!
Late September
Bay View Bash
Between Potter and Clement on Kinnickinnic Avenue
Sept. 19
bayviewbash.org
The Bay View Bash is back, delivering a community festival filled with food, art, music, crafts, books, community organizations and entertainment from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Kick it down Kinnickinnic with everything outstanding the Bay View neighborhood has to offer.
Doors Open Milwaukee
September 26-27
doorsopenmilwaukee.org
Historic Milwaukee gets well over 100 buildings – big and small, new and old, landmarks and hidden gems – to quite literally open their doors to the city of Milwaukee for this adventure-minded early fall event. Guided tours are often times offered free of charge with no entry fee required – but if there is somewhere particularly interesting to you, check out the in-depth tours that are ticketed. Get out there and be a tourist in your hometown!
The Catalano Beer Mixer
Menomonee St., Historic Third Ward
September 26
catalanosquare.com
It's the freakin' Catalano Beer Mixer (pow!) Head over to Club Charlies for a street festival that incorporates the residents of the Third Ward, with a day full of live music, vendors, food trucks and much more. It's all free to attend!
Harbor Fest
UWM’s School of Freshwater Sciences, 600 E. Greenfield Ave.
September 27
harbordistrict.com
Mark your calendars for a celebration of Milwaukee's waterways! That's Harbor Fest, returning from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. to celebrate all things aquatic with a number of performers, vendors, boat parades and more gathering around our great waters.
October
Milwaukee Oktoberfest
Henry Maier Festival Park
October 2-4
milwaukeeoktoberfest.com
Prost! It's time to celebrate all things Oktoberfest at Henry Maier Festival Park! Did you know: Summerfest was actually modeled after the German Oktoberfest, and now SWARMM Events have brought that tradition to the Summerfest grounds! There's live music, stein hoisting, a Miss Oktoberfest contest and so much more!
Dance Fest 2026
Marcus Peforming Arts Center Peck Pavilion
October 3
This all ages, family friendly event features a combined performance showcasing dance companies from across the country. This year, Ailey II will headline the program. Participating company dance styles will range from salsa, contemporary, Irish step and African inspired to traditional ballet and street dance.
Milwaukee Comedy Festival
Venues across the city
October 5-11
mkecomedyfest.com
Who's in need of a good laugh? Yes, literally everybody. Luckily, the Milwaukee Comedy Festival is coming back around for its annual run, with performers ranging in experience and style – from stand-up to sketch to improv and beyond – but all certain to hit your funny bone.
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