1. “Artists without Borders: Reflections on Art and Place”
THROUGH JULY 3 | MOWA WEST BEND AND MOWA DTN
The Museum of Wisconsin Art is getting meta, by asking the question “What makes an artist a Wisconsin artist?” The answer, as you might imagine, is different for each of the many artists – including locals like Iranian-born Nina Ghanbarzadeh and Francisco X. Mora – featured in the show.
2. “Beyond Van Gogh: An Immersive Experience”
JULY 9-SEPT. 19 | WISCONSIN CENTER
Forget everything you think you know about art exhibits. At this immersive show, which is simultaneously on view in cities around the country, you can walk into and through multimedia projections of Vincent Van Gogh’s masterworks. A symphonic score sets the tone for the experience.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Gathering on the Green
JULY 9-10 | ROTARY PARK, MEQUON
Four-time Grammy nominee and Nashville icon Trace Adkins is coming to Mequon, for an outdoor concert that’s sure to appeal to contemporary country fans of all ages. And he’s bringing up-and-coming crooner Matt Winn, who cites Creedence Clearwater Revival and Chris Stapleton as influences, with him too.
4. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
JULY 26-AUGUST 1 | EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s – actually, it’s a bunch of planes! Death-defying pilots will take to the skies about Oshkosh again this summer, with more synchronized stunt work to show off. And they’ll be joined by other entertainers, plus special demos to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II.
5. Milwaukee Brewfest
JULY 31 | MCKINLEY PARK
Beer just tastes better when you’re drinking it outside. By a lake. On a hot day. So you have every reason to believe that you’ll have a grand time at this outdoor gathering dedicated to Brew City’s favorite beverage. Purchasing a ticket entitles you to unlimited samples from the 100+ breweries represented at the event.
6. Wisconsin State Fair
AUGUST 5-15 | WISCONSIN STATE FAIR PARK
It’s been nearly two years since we’ve had a chance to eat deep-fried foods immediately before stepping onto a Ferris Wheel. So you can imagine how excited we are to attend the Wisconsin State Fair again this year, and see all of our favorite attractions. Pig races, improbably sized produce displays, cream puff pavilions. And, yes, lots of fried food.
7. Bronzeville Week
AUGUST 7-14 | BRONZEVILLE
[Free]
Bronzeville is beautiful any time of year. But it’ll be especially bustling this week, when Milwaukeeans gather to celebrate the neighborhood’s unique history and heritage, by supporting local business owners and spotlighting local artists and performers.
8. Milwaukee Irish Fest
AUGUST 20-22 | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK
Celebrate 40 years of Milwaukee Irish Fest, by slipping on a shamrock-green shirt and heading to the lakefront. The festival will only last for three days this year, instead of the usual four. But that just means that you’ll have to make each one count a little more, by taking in as many shows, and bites of shepherd’s pie, as you can.
9. Mexican Fiesta
AUGUST 27-29 | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK
We can’t decide which aspect of this long-running festival we’re most eager to see. Maybe the live mariachi musicians playing for hundreds of cheering fans. Or the folk dancers twirling their colorful circle skirts. Or the local chefs and food vendors vying for our attention.
10. The Milwaukee Fringe Festival
AUGUST 28 | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Big-budget theatrical productions of popular plays like Oklahoma! are great, but there’s something special about smaller, more experimental productions too. And we’re sure as heck glad that The Milwaukee Fringe Festival – now celebrating its fifth year – has carved out some space for the latter type of show in the city. This year, viewers will be able to attend performances both in person and online.
