Milwaukee Weekend Guide: July 14-16 | Milwaukee Magazine

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

Harley-Davidson’s Homecoming Festival, Croatian Fest and more make the list.

1. Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival

ALL WEEKEND | VETERANS PARK

Celebrate all things motorcycle and Harley Davidson’s 120th anniversary this weekend the Homecoming Festival! Headlined by rock giants Green Day and Foo Fighters, the two-day event will take place at Veterans Park and the Harley-Davidson Museum with loads of entertainment. Some additional events include daily stunt shows at the Wall of Death, Nitro Circus and Ball of Steel, vendors, auctions and a burger competition hosted by chef and FX’s “The Bear” actor Matty Matheson. 

2. Dominic Days

ALL WEEKEND | 18255 W. CAPITOL DR.

It’ll be a busy weekend over at St Dominic Catholic Parish with their four-day Dominic Days festival, filled with food, rides, games and more. Catch entertainment by bands including Swing-o-matics, The J Ryan Trio and Doo Wop Jukebox. You also won’t want to miss the Steeplechase run/walk, and a car show with a raffle offering big prizes like a new car.


It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!

 

3. Bastille Days 

ALL WEEKEND | CATHEDRAL SQUARE PARK

Milwaukee’s French festival is one of the largest French-themed celebrations in the nation. This four-day attraction brings together thousands annually to enjoy live music, international vendors, entertainment, and French and Cajun cuisine. And don’t forget to snap a pic with the now-repaired model Eiffel tower returning after a one-year hiatus.

4. NEWSKI and Chris Haise Band

FRIDAY 6-9 P.M. | DEER DISTRICT

The Wisconsin alt and jangle pop trio, NEWSKI, is touring for their latest LP “Friend Rock,” making a stop at the Deer District this Friday. Jam out with drummer Steve “Mr. Bicep” Vorass, Sean “Tubs” Anderson on four-string and namesake vocalist and guitarist, Brett Newski. The trio will be joined by Milwaukee-based Chris Haise Band, whose blend of Folk and Rock are enhanced by Haise’s distinct vocals and lyrical craft. 

5. Croatian Fest

SATURDAY 10 A.M.-10 P.M. | 9100 76 ST.

One of the oldest running ethnic celebrations is Croatian Fest, taking place this Saturday at Croatian Park. The festival will commence with a Catholic mass followed by a cultural program featuring Milwaukee-area Croatian musicians and dance groups such as Ivan Heller and Majstori of Chicago. There will be entertainment for the whole family and food and drink available for purchase, including homemade bakery and dessert and a full bar with Croatian beers.

6. Mercadera Market

SATURDAY 11 A.M.-4 P.M. | DEER DISTRICT

Support local women-owned businesses this Saturday at the Deer District! Mercadera Market was launched to provide entrepreneurial opportunities of growth and success through a secure retail space for Latina-owned businesses. Vendors will have a range of goods from handmade products and clothes, to food and consulting services. 

7. Vennture Brew Co Five Year Anniversary Party

SATURDAY NOON | 5519 W NORTH AVE

Vennture Brew Co. is celebrating five years of serving local coffee and beer to Milwaukee’s beverage enthusiasts. At the celebration, you’ll find plenty of music, drinks and tacos. Artist Rachal Duggan will also be there painting her signature posterior portraits on koozies to keep your drinks cold all night long.

8. Jinkx Monsoon 

SATURDAY 7 P.M. | THE PABST THEATRE 

Catch a stop at this “internationally tolerated” Broadway star’s enormous debut concert tour, “Everything at Stake.” Two-time winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Jinkx Monsoon, will be at the Pabst this Saturday alongside a full rock band to perform a decade worth of covers and original music. With her electrifying style, Jinkx will perform a show merging music, comedy, witchcraft and camp-fantasy with new songs from her upcoming three-part album The Virgo Odyssey.

9. Garfield’s 502 Blues, Jazz, Gospel & Arts Festival 

SATURDAY 11 A.M. | 502 W. GARFIELD AVE.

Saturday marks the 19th Anniversary of neighborhood bar Garfield’s 502 Avenue Blues, Jazz, Gospel & Arts Festival, which was founded in 1997. This neighborhood celebration will feature a youth talent show, live music and more. The two-day event invites thousands to come together and covers six blocks, showcasing over 150 vendors and music from over 16 local bands.

10. Port Fish Day

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY | PORT WASHINGTON MARINA

Head over to the Port Washington Marina this weekend for the return of Port Fish Day. The world’s largest one-day outdoor fish fry, it’ll be full of food, entertainment and fun. There will be plenty of music with guests Love Monkeys and Downtown Harrison, as well as rides, fireworks and other activities like soccer water fights.

11. Midsummer Festival of the Arts

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY | JOHN MICHAEL KOHLER ARTS CENTER

Drive up to Sheboygan to find unique works of art and meet local creators, at the 53rd-annual celebration this weekend. Head over to the grounds of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center and find 100 artist booths with paintings, photographs, jewelry and more. This event will also have live music and performances by Kat Hil and Wheatus, as well as hands-on art making activities and food.

12. Gathering on the Green 

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY | 4100 W. HIGHLAND RD.

Enjoy music, local food and drinks while appreciating the cosmos with some stargazing at this festival at Mequon Rotary Park. On Saturday you can catch performances by Ann Wilson of the band Heart accompanied by Starship. On Sunday you’ll find performances by sibling trio Cain and Wisconsin native Franki Moscato. 

13. Armenian Fest 

SUNDAY 11 A.M.-5 P.M. | 7825 W. LAYTON AVE.

Armenian Fest, held annually on the grounds of St. John the Baptist Armenian Orthodox Church, is a celebration of Armenian culture worldwide and in the Milwaukee area. You’ll find a cultural booth with Armenian books and artifacts, live music by Armenian artists such as The Hye Vibes and Stepa, and Armenian wine, beer and soft drinks to pair with the extensive menu of cultural delicacies. 

14. Namaste @ The X-Ray

SUNDAY 11 A.M.-NOON | X-Ray Arcade

Start your Sunday off on the right note with punk rock yoga featuring Sarah Filzen of Healium Hot Yoga. Guests of all ages and skills can bring their own yoga mat for a beginner/intermediate session soundtracked by punk rock tunes on X-Ray Arcade’s patio. And after, enjoy a complimentary beverage while you play bingo with Bingomann. 


Want more great Milwaukee events? Check out our calendar