14 Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: July 16-19

14 Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: July 16-19

This weekend, Milwaukee enjoys its artistic and cultural diversity.

Featured Events

1. Shakespeare in the Park 

SATURDAY FROM 1-5 P.M. | HUMBOLDT PARK 

Shakespeare in the Park is back this Saturday. Starting this weekend, free outdoor performances in parks across Milwaukee will be hosted by Optimist Theatre through August. This Saturday’s show includes a puppet rendition of Richard III and The Merry Wives of Windsor: Falstaff’s Tale. This free event includes live Renaissance music, games and activities for all ages.

2. Walking Tour: Trees of Forest Home 

SATURDAY FROM 10-11:30 A.M. | FOREST HOME CEMETERY 

Get to know the trees of Forest Home Cemetery with Sally Kubly during this walking tour. The historic arboretum is home to many tree varieties, and guests will find unique leaves, seed pods and other natural treasures along the walk. The walk is a great way to reconnect with nature whether you’re a tree enthusiast or just looking for something to do outside. Tickets are $10 each.

3. Incredible India Fest

SATURDAY FROM NOON-10 P.M. | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK

The second annual Incredible India Fest is coming back to the Summerfest Grounds with more music, food, attractions and longer hours. Be immersed in the rich culture of the subcontinent through art exhibitions and cultural booths. Tickets are $10 per person, children under 12 get free admission.


Experience an unforgettable evening celebrating great design!

 

4. Free Ice Cream with Moose Tracks

THURSDAY FROM 11 A.M.-3 P.M. | PERE MARQUETTE PARK 

Hunger Task Force is partnering with Kemps to offer the community free ice cream for a good cause. For every scoop of Moose Tracks eaten, $1 will be donated to help stop hunger in Wisconsin. The goal is to reach $10,000 by the end of the event, so bring a friend and enjoy.

5. Summer Chameleon Paint and Sip 

THURSDAY FROM 6 P.M.-8:30 P.M. | ZOCALO FOOD PARK 

Karaya Art is celebrating summer with a paint and sip class with chameleons as the subjects. Participants will be led in painting a bright sky, sandy beach and a cute chameleon, while sipping a special Mango Sunrise cocktail. The class is suitable for beginners and tickets include all supplies needed. Tickets are $14 each. 

6. Legally Blonde the Musical 

ALL WEEKEND | SUNSET PLAYHOUSE 

Legally Blonde the Musical is opening at Sunset Playhouse this weekend. The musical follows Elle Woods as she attends law school in an attempt to get her ex-boyfriend back. The show is jam packed with comedy and romance with a sweet message. 

7. Friday Morning Yoga Near the River 

FRIDAY FROM 8:15 A.M.-9:15 A.M. | MILWAUKEE KAYAK CO. 

Cathy Stadler of Outdoor Yoga MKE is leading a peaceful morning yoga session along the river. The class will take place in the boat yard or on the deck overlooking the Historic Third Ward Riverwalk. Tickets are $17 each; bring your own yoga mat and a hat. 

8. “Summer in Wisconsin” Art Exhibition Reception 

FRIDAY FROM 5-8 P.M. | TORY FOLLIARD GALLERY 

“Summer in Wisconsin” brings 35 talented artists from across the state for this esteemed gallery’s largest exhibition of the year. It features a collection of paintings and sculptures capturing the essence of the season in the Dairy State. The opening reception is free to attend and the exhibition will be on display until Sept. 5. 

9.  Rock Da Dock Outdoor Concert Series 

FRIDAY FROM 5-9 P.M. | THE LOWER LEVEL LOUNGE 

Rock Da Dock is back for another year of free all-ages concerts on the loading dock of the Lower Level Lounge’s Buffalo Street building. The Christopher’s Project Band gets this year’s season started with its jazz and R&B while food trucks serve the crowd. 

10. Fangtastic Flea 

SATURDAY FROM 11 A.M.-3 P.M. | X-RAY ARCADE 

You’ve heard about Christmas in July, but what about Halloween? Check out the Fangtastic Flea market and find a unique selection of alternative clothing, jewelry and more. While you shop, DJ Ferngully of Goth Barge will be spinning tracks live. The event has a $3 cash cover charge and is open to all ages. 

11. Frida Fest 2026 

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 11 A.M.-7 P.M. | THE FARMHOUSE 

In honor of artist and icon Frida Kahlo, Frida Fest aims to promote local artists and vendors through an interactive cultural arts festival. Local vendors and live music will set the scene while interactive art exhibits and educational pieces deepen the community’s love for the arts. Frida Fest is free to attend. 

12. Goosefest 

SATURDAY FROM NOON-5 P.M. | RILEY’S BURGER + BAR 

Goosefest, the fundraiser for Olyver and Co., the rescue for “unadtoptable” dogs that really aren’t, is back for year two. This year, the event includes over 60 raffle baskets, 50/50 raffles, paddle raffles, adoptable dogs to play with, food and drinks and more. Registration for the bags tournament is still open, so get a team together and play for a good cause. 

13. Dog Days at Drexel

SATURDAY FROM 5-9 P.M., AND SUNDAY FROM 9 A.M. TO 3 P.M. | DREXEL TOWN SQUARE 

Bring your pups to Drexel Town Square and celebrate Dog Days. The two-day festival brings together canine competitions, live demonstrations, vendors, food, activities and more. The festival is free to attend and open to all ages. 

14. Midwest Mudfest: Triple Threat 

SATURDAY FROM 6 P.M. TO 11:30 P.M. | THE COOPERAGE MILWAUKEE 

A night of grit and chaos is coming to Milwaukee as 20 mud wrestlers get ready to face head-to-head in the pit. Boone and Crockett and the adjacent Cooperage are co-hosting the event, splitting the night between both venues. Tickets are $19 each and this event is 21+ only.