Featured Events
1. Mexican Fiesta
ALL WEEKEND | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK
One of the longest-running festivals in Milwaukee is back for its 53rd year. Mexican Fiesta is bringing the sound, culture and taste of Mexico to the Summerfest grounds for three days of lakefront celebration. Of course, there will be mariachi and other live music stretching across the weekend. Read our overview on things to do at Mexican Fiesta if you need some more options, including a festival first: boxing. Tickets are $28 at the gate for adults and children 9+.
2. Fresh Coast Jazz Festival
THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY | PABST THEATER
The seventh-annual Fresh Coast Jazz Festival is returning to the Pabst Theater this weekend and it’s claiming its smoothest set yet. Get ready to groove during Friday and Saturday performances by Grammy nominees Jonathan Butler, Spyro Gyra, Kandace Springs, Jarrod Lawson, Eric Essix, Marqueal Jordan and one of Milwaukee’s top jazz acts, The Hometown All-Stars. You can purchase festival tickets here, along with reservations to Thursday evening’s kick-off wine tasting and concert, and Saturday’s live music cruise on Milwaukee’s coast. Festival proceeds support student scholarships, school music programs and healthcare initiatives.
3. Falls Festival of the Arts
SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M.-5 P.M. | VILLAGE PARK
On Saturday, in the heart of historic downtown Menomonee Falls, more than 100 artists, artisans and makers will gather at Village Park for a fest of live music, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, street performers and more. Just six years ago, Falls Festival of the Arts originated as a small art walk. Now, this free, family-friendly event has flourished into an all-day art party, with demonstrations and a community art project.
Check out the MilMag Mini!
Other Events
4. Brewers vs. Braves
ALL WEEKEND | AMERICAN FAMILY FIELD
Watch our Crew take on the Atlanta Braves this weekend. Friday’s afternoon game will celebrate Black Culture Fest at American Family Field, with a ceremonial first pitch by Milwaukee music artist Wave Chapelle, local marching bands and a curated marketplace. Find tickets to all three games here.
5. Brews & Blooms
ALL WEEKEND | KNEELAND-WALKER HOUSE
The third and final weekend of Wauwatosa Historical Society’s Brews and Blooms has arrived. Slow down with craft beer, live music and lawn games, and close out the third year of this blossoming community tradition on the grounds of the historic Kneeland-Walker House.
6. Milwaukee Mineral, Fossil, Crystal, Gem & Jewelry Show
ALL WEEKEND | BAIRD CENTER
Minerals, fossils, crystals, gems and jewelry, oh my! Mid-America’s largest indoor show like this will fill the Baird Center, today through Sunday, with museum-quality dinosaur bones, investment-grade minerals, designer jewelry, metaphysical crystals and more. Tickets for all ages can be purchased online.
7. Milwaukee Milkmen vs. Cleburne Railroaders
ALL WEEKEND | FRANKLIN FIELD
The Milwaukee Milkmen will take on the Cleburne Railroaders during game times on Friday and Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. On Friday, stick around after the final out for a post-game firework show that will light up the sky over Franklin Field. Find tickets to all three games here.
8. ArtBlaze
THURSDAY FROM 4-9:30 P.M. | MCKINLEY BEACH
Thursday marks this summer’s final ArtBlaze fest, a series of free community events at McKinley and South Shore Beaches celebrating creativity, connection and summer joy. Guests can come out to experience interactive art, live performances, fireside s’mores and a silent disco on the shoreline, presented by local nonprofit Joy Engine.
9. Glitzy + Que So What + Breathmint
THURSDAY AT 6:30 P.M. | THE SUGAR MAPLE
In terms of local music, The Sugar Maple is where it’s at on Thursday night. Three Milwaukee bands are bringing alternative rock, grunge and indie to one Bay View stage, and tickets are only $5.
10. Author Q&A and Signing: Sierra Simone
THURSDAY FROM 6:30-9 P.M. | SOUTH SECOND
Join in on a sit-down Q&A with USA Today bestselling author Sierra Simone to discuss her new title, “Devil,” a standalone romance in the author’s “Priest” universe, with “Dumplin’” author Julie Murphy. A meet and greet and signing from both authors will follow. Reserve your seat online.
11. Leo Kottke and Julian Lage
THURSDAY AT 7:30 P.M. | SHARON LYNNE WILSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Fingerstyle pioneer Leo Kottke, 80, and guitarist and former child prodigy Julian Lage, 38, are joining forces for a special collaboration, after showcasing their singular artistry on this Brookfield stage. Guests can expect to hear a performance that spans folk, blues, jazz and American roots music during the show.
12. Friday Afield: Rainbow Airport
FRIDAY FROM 1-4 P.M. | 10007 S. 76TH STREET
The Wehr Nature Center is going on an off-trail ecology walk through various wetlands to reach Rainbow Airport, one of Milwaukee County’s only remnant prairies. Join in for a $7 member fee or a $10 non-member fee, and learn how to ID native flowers. Waterproof boots, bug/tick spray and a walking stick are recommended on the hike.
13. Davidson Park Movie Night
FRIDAY AT 6:30 P.M. | DAVIDSON PARK
Cozy up in Davidson Park for a free screening of “Zootopia 2.” It’s the third 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 snacks. Plus, the H-D Moto Lab will be open from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with free, kid-friendly activities, before the movie.
14. Summer Sizzler
SATURDAY FROM 7-10 A.M. | MILWAUKEE COUNTY SPORTS COMPLEX
Get up and active on Saturday morning for the Summer Sizzler at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex. One mile, 5K, 10K, and 15K races will start at 7 A.M., alongside the Kid’s Dash. Register here, and cross the finish line to receive your custom finisher medal!
15. Wheels & Water
SUNDAY FROM 10 A.M.-3 P.M. | DISCOVERY WORLD
Take the kiddos over to this free outdoor event at Discovery World to see big gear in action. Wheels & Water showcases the machines our city needs to survive and thrive. Watch trucks from the likes of Bell Ambulance, Milwaukee Fire Department (the Trident), WE Energies and more.
