Featured Events
1. Bay View Bash
SATURDAY FROM 11 A.M.-10 P.M. | BAY VIEW
Make your way over to Kinnickinnic Avenue, between Potter and Clement, for the 2026 Bay View Bash, the neighborhood’s fest of food, art, music and more. Vendors open and live entertainment starts at 11 a.m., with a Shape Up Shoppe “Stretch & Strength” class to kick off the day at the Milwaukee Record Stage. Check out the lineup of performers at all five stages here.
2. Freshwater Food & Wine Festival
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK
The Summerfest grounds are getting a new festival this weekend. The Freshwater Food & Wine Festival is bringing tasting events, live chef challenges, wine and craft beverages and more to the lakefront. You can sample wines from regions across the world, watch a chef demo, sample food from local restaurants and more.
3. Wine & Harvest Festival
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY | CEDARBURG
Shop your way up Washington Avenue at this free two-day fest in downtown Cedarburg, featuring handcrafted wine and brews, Arts on the Avenue, a makers market and bites that capture the spirit of harvest season. On both days, the celebration starts at 10 a.m. Saturday’s main stage will entertain through 9 p.m.
Check It Out!
Other Events
4. Author Talk: Liam Callanan
THURSDAY AT 6:30 P.M. | BOSWELL BOOK CO.
Boswell is hosting bestselling author and UW-Milwaukee professor Liam Callanan in celebration of his new biography Stone Age Astronaut: The Astonishing Adventures of America’s Forgotten Flier, which tells the story of Lester Maitland, the Milwaukee-born aviator who became the first person to fly to Hawaii. You can reserve your spot at this free event and pre-order a signed copy online.
5. StorySlam: Coming of Age
THURSDAY AT 7 P.M. | THE SUGAR MAPLE
Come to listen or throw your name in the hat for a chance to share a true story on the Sugar Maple stage at this Ex Fabula event. The theme for the night: coming of age. Attendees are welcome to share personal stories of milestones, rites of passage and adapting as we age. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.
6. Occasional Artists Show & Sale
FRIDAY FROM 5-8 P.M. | NORTH POINT LIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM
North Point Lighthouse Friends is hosting the 10th Annual Occasional Artists Show & Sale inside the Lake Park museum this Friday night. The evening will feature original work from 11 local artists, including Julia Taylor, Michael Dillon, Robin Leenhouts and more. Admission is $10 at the door, with a cash and credit bar inside.
7. Davidson Park Movie Night: Space Jam
FRIDAY AT 6 P.M. | DAVIDSON PARK
The summer is cooling off, so cozy up with a blanket in Davidson Park for a free screening of Space Jam. It’s the fourth iteration of the Park’s summer movie night series, in collaboration with Near West Side Partners. Attendees are encouraged to come early to hang out and grab complimentary popcorn, plus beverages will be available for purchase from the 1903 Tavern, before the movie begins at 6:30 p.m.
8. Harvest Fest Block Party & Pumpkin Spirit Release
FRIDAY FROM 6-9 P.M. | GREAT LAKES DISTILLERY
You can warm up with specialty cocktails on the crisp-aired, late-summer night of Great Lakes Distillery’s Harvest Fest Block Party. In partnership with Lakefront Brewery, Great Lakes is pouring its new pumpkin spirit alongside Lakefront’s Pumpkin Lager. On the same party grounds will be live music, a mini makers market and food from Fox Den, Street Za and Lola’s Empanadas. This event is free to enter and located in front of Great Lakes Distillery & Tasting Room in Walker’s Point.
9. Rock This Way! An Aerosmith Experience
FRIDAY AT 7:30 P.M. | CEDARBURG PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
From “Dream On” to “What Could Have Been Love,” this performance by Water Street Dance Milwaukee, with live music, combines classic rock and contemporary dance. Tickets are on sale here.
10. Steve Aoki
FRIDAY AT 8 P.M. | THE RAVE
Two-time Grammy-nominated DJ and music producer Steve Aoki is at The Rave for one night only, with special guests Frank Walker, Monic and Nate Derus, on his “Dim Mak 30” Tour. One dollar per ticket will go toward the Aoki Foundation, which aims to support organizations in brain science and research.
11. Golden Harvest Half Marathon
SATURDAY AT 9 A.M. | GRANT PARK
Lace up your running shoes and immerse yourself in the changing of seasons during Saturday morning’s Golden Harvest Half Marathon, 10K and 5K at Grant Park. All races will start at 9 a.m., including an untimed Kid’s Dash and one-mile run. Register here, and cross the South Milwaukee finish line to receive your custom finisher medal!
12. Botanical Battle Royale Cocktail Competition
SATURDAY FROM 1-5 P.M. | THE HISTORIC MUELLNER BUILDING
During this third annual cocktail adventure at Wauwatosa’s historic Muellner Building, bartenders from around Wisconsin will compete to merge their unique style with concoctions that highlight botanicals in Bittercube Bitters and Heirloom Liqueurs, the hosts of the event, paired with spirits sourced from Wisconsin distilleries. Attendee palates and a panel of esteemed judges will work together to crown the battle winner. And don’t worry – local food trucks will be on-site to balance out your sipping. Purchase tickets online.
13. Ride on the Wild Side
SUNDAY FROM 7 A.M.-1 P.M. | MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO
It’s the one time of year the Zoo opens its grounds to you and your bike. Online registration is closed, but you can still sign up on the day of to ride past bears, camels and seals. Registration includes coffee, breakfast snacks and a picnic lunch.
14. Wisconsin Bridal & Wedding Expo
SUNDAY FROM 1-5 P.M. | BAIRD CENTER
Calling all Milwaukee brides – the Baird Center is transforming into a one-stop shop for wedding planning on Sunday afternoon. From finding the perfect dress to booking your honeymoon, industry professionals and vendors will be at your fingertips. Admission is free with online registration or $10 at the door.
