1. A La Carte at the Zoo
ALL WEEKEND | MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO
Popular local restaurants set up shop at the Milwaukee County Zoo for a unique dining experience. Entertainers will also perform at six different stages and fun activities – like a virtual reality Gorilla Trek. And of course, stop by and say hello to the animals while you’re there.
2. Irish Fest
ALL WEEKEND | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK
Get your craic on at the long-awaited Irish Fest. Check out the full lineup of song and dance and over 35 food locations throughout the grounds, many of which include Irish or Irish-inspired cuisine. Visitors can also immerse themselves in Irish tradition, with Currach Races, Irish language workshops and plays from Dublin’s Fishamble: The New Play Company.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Samuel J. Comroe
ALL WEEKEND | MILWAUKEE IMPROV
Comroe is a stand-up comic who performs at over a hundred venues across the country annually. In 2018, he placed fourth on America’s Got Talent, thanks to his observational comedy style and humor about growing up with Tourette’s Syndrome.
4. Venetian Festival
ALL WEEKEND | FLAT IRON, LIBRARY, AND SEMINARY PARKS, LAKE GENEVA
This year marks the 61st-annual Lake Geneva’s Venetian Festival, which offers a carnival, water ski show, festival food, live music and more. The event’s highlight takes place on the final day with a lighted boat parade and an impressive fireworks display.
5. Lil Baby
FRIDAY FROM 7-10 P.M. | FISERV FORUM
The Atlanta-native rapper rose to fame in 2018 with his first studio album Harder Than Ever. He has released two full-length albums since, with his 2022 project It’s Only Me hitting No. 1 on the Billboard 200. His show at the Fiserv Forum will include performances from four other acts, including rapper GloRilla.
6. Fringe Festival
FRIDAY FROM 6:30-8 P.M. AND SATURDAY FROM 1-8 P.M. | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Celebrate local art and experience all things song, dance and performance at Milwaukee’s only Fringe Festival. The event was founded by a team of local artists and businesspeople in 2016 to invigorate Milwaukee’s arts scene. The first-ever Fringe Festival was created in Edinburgh, and similar events traditionally showcase original performing arts shows that are uncensored, short and widely accessible to the public.
7. Tim Allen
FRIDAY AT 8 P.M. | MILLER HIGH LIFE THEATRE
The Golden Globe-winning actor and comedian known for his roles in Home Improvement and The Santa Clause takes the stage this Friday at the historic Miller High Life Theatre. Since his beginnings in stand-up in the 1970s, Allen has excited audiences with his unique style of observational comedy.
8. Art & Chalk Fest
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M.-5 P.M. | MUSEUM OF WISCONSIN ART
Hosted by the Museum of Wisconsin Art, the annual Art & Chalk Fest features artists live-drawing beautiful chalk creations. Other art experiences, like glass-blowing demos and caricature drawings will also be on display, and attendees can listen to live music and shop from local vendors.
9. Wisconsin Vintage Fest
SATURDAY FROM 11 A.M.-6 P.M. | BAYSHORE MALL
The first-ever Wisconsin Vintage Fest will take place this weekend with over 50 local and out-of-state vintage clothing and home goods vendors. The fest is in partnership with Illinois Vintage Fest, a group that puts on many vintage events throughout the Midwest.
10. Pizza Sutra Short Film Fest
SATURDAY FROM 11 A.M.-6 P.M. | X-RAY ARCADE
This weekend’s Pizza Sutra Short Film Fest is a “celebration of film, passion, and pizza.” A group of Milwaukee pizza reviewers and filmmakers, Pizza Sutra has created over 50 frozen pizza review episodes. The inaugural film festival will include films from Wisconsin filmmakers and student submissions. Lots of pizza included.
11. Playa Fest
SATURDAY FROM 12-10 P.M. | BRADFORD BEACH
Playa Fest, Milwaukee’s first Latin Beach Festival, will take over Bradford Beach this weekend. Along with fun beach activities – like a beach volleyball tournament – attendees can learn some Latin dance moves, listen to live entertainment and shop from local vendors.
12. Local Natives
SATURDAY AT 7 P.M. | THE PABST THEATER
The Orange County indie rock band will bring their west coast flair to the Midwest this Saturday. Their fifth album Time Will Wait For No One, was released in July and contrasts heavy lyrics with catchy hooks and atmospheric instrumentation.
13. Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 10 A.M.-5 P.M. | 438 N. OAKWOOD AVE., OCONOMOWOC
Lauded as one of the top arts festivals in the Midwest, this event features over 100 artists across a range of mediums, from ceramics to painting to photography. Visitors can also participate in a silent auction and experience the summer atmosphere on the shores of Fowler Lake.
14. Black Is Beautiful Pop-Up Market
SUNDAY FROM 10 A.M.-3 P.M. | NORTH AVENUE MARKET
Partake in Black Business Month this August by supporting Black-owned businesses at the North Avenue Market. Some of the vendors feature clothing and goods with peaceful messages, crystal necklaces and calming candles.
15. Red Magic Art Festival
SUNDAY FROM 10 A.M.-6 P.M. | 3500 W. FOREST HOME AVE.
Celebrate Native American arts and culture at this community-based festival. The event will include indigenous artists and vendors, live music, food and resources from local non-profits to empower and support the local Native American community.
