1. Burlington Jamboree
ALL WEEKEND | BURLINGTON FESTIVAL PARK
Perfect for kids and families this Memorial Day Weekend, the Burlington Jamboree features live music, a traveling amusement park, a petting zoo, and more. The four-day event encourages all visitors to “be a kid again.”
2. Carlos Mencia
FRIDAY-SUNDAY | MILWAUKEE IMPROV
Best known for his work in his Comedy Central show Mind of Mencia and The Proud Family, the comedian takes the stage this weekend in Milwaukee for three nights of laughs. Tickets are available online.
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3. Milwaukee Metal Fest
FRIDAY-SUNDAY | THE RAVE / EAGLES CLUB
For fans of moshing music, the Milwaukee Metal Fest is back after a 16-year hiatus. Scream your heart out at the weekend-long festival that will include headliners Lamb of God, Anthrax, and Suicidal Tendencies.
4. SuperYou
FRIDAY-SUNDAY | SKYLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE
This musical inspires audiences to “find the superhero” in themselves. It follows a comic book writer whose superheroine comes to life. The show runs until June 18. Get tickets on Skylight’s website.
5. The Zodiac and the Planets
FRIDAY-SUNDAY | BRADLEY SYMPHONY CENTER
Take a trip through the stars with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s performance of The Zodiac and The Planets. The Zodiac, composed by jazz legend Mary Lou Williams, includes 12 movements, one for each astrological sign.
6. Paper Airplane Day
FRIDAY FROM 9 A.M.-2 P.M. | DISCOVERY WORLD
Learn how to make paper airplanes, talk to aviation professionals and fly your paper airplane creations at Discovery World’s Paper Airplane Day. The winner of a distance contest will win 2 free plane tickets from Southwest Airlines.
7. BikerFest Block Party
SATURDAY FROM 1-10 P.M. | FONDY FARMERS MARKET
Teaching, supporting and partying is the mission of the BikerFest Block Party. The event hopes to make the motorcycle community more inclusive and provide newcomers with safety gear and job opportunities. Plus, there will be stunt shows and bike races aplenty. Leather not required.
8. Bring Your Own Art
SATURDAY FROM 12-2 P.M. | 3536 W. FOND DU LAC AVE.
Looking to dip into your creative side? The BYOA series aims to make art and create community. Supplies will be provided, but bringing your own materials is encouraged. The event is free and open to all.
9. Death’s Intern Derrick Book Signing
SATURDAY FROM 5-7 P.M. | LION’S TOOTH
Milwaukee author Becky Franzel and a surprise guest will celebrate the release of her third book at Lion’s Tooth. Death’s Intern Derrick follows Death, Inc. and its employee Derrick as he navigates a PR issue and learns more about the company.
10. Family Kite Festival
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 10 A.M.-6 P.M. | VETERANS PARK
The 36th year of this kite fest will include kite show performances by professional teams, and the aptly named “Kite Whisperer” will provide free lessons for those starting out. There will also be an opportunity for free kites for the first 100 kids to participate in the Kids Mad Dash.
11. Oddities and Curiosities Expo
SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M. – 6 P.M. | WISCONSIN CENTER
From taxidermy to unusual antiques to bones, you will surely find something bizarre at this event. Vendors and artists from around the country will sell their stock of weird goods – and don’t worry, all of it is legal. Get tickets here.
12. East Troy Brewfest
SUNDAY FROM 3-6 P.M. | EAST TROY VILLAGE SQUARE PARK
Continue the springtime festivities with a stop at the East Troy Brewfest, which boasts a selection of over 65 beers, ciders and meads from local breweries. The event will also include music, beer pong and t-shirt printing.
13. Janet Jackson: Together Again Tour
SUNDAY AT 8 P.M. | AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE AMPHITHEATER
The iconic singer is taking a stop in Milwaukee along her North American tour. Including songs from her 2023 album Discipline, as well as classic hits like “All For You” and “Rhythm Nation,” the show invites young and older fans alike. Plus, the tour features special guest Ludacris.
14. Out There Series
SUNDAY AT 5 P.M. | DOCTOR’S PARK
Combining experimental music with nature, the annual Out There Series kicks off this Sunday with performances from three artists. Bring a picnic blanket to the event and get ready to settle in for a unique concert experience.
15. Rosé Fest
SUNDAY FROM 11 A.M. – 5 P.M. | STRANGE TOWN
If you love rosé and a good time, Rosé Fest is an event you won’t want to miss. For those not quite old enough to enjoy the drinks, there will be a bouncy castle and popsicles. And you can test your luck for a chance to win gift cards and gift bags through a raffle
16. Summer Book Swap
SUNDAY FROM 12 – 3 P.M. | SUPERMOON BEER CO.
Looking for a great new summer read? Head to Supermoon Beer Co. with a book to trade in for a new favorite. And, you can grab a beer and chat with other book lovers while you’re there.
17. Memorial Day Water Ski Show
MONDAY AT 6:45 P.M. | LAKEFRONT PARK
Celebrate Memorial Day with a waterski performance in Pewaukee. The first show of the season, this performance kicks off another season for the Pewaukee Gators. And catch them this summer every Thursday through Labor Day!
