1. Talk Back: Chapter One: Estate
JULY 20 – JAN. 7 | CHARLES ALLIS ART MUSEUM, 1801 N. PROSPECT AVE.
In the first installment of a three-part exhibition series, mixed media artist T.J. Dedeaux-Norris will present art that “talks back” to the Allis Art Museum’s estate. Dedeaux-Norris’s contemporary art uses painting, fiber and performance to explore their personal experiences as a Black femme artist in America, while also weaving in the art museum’s history. The exhibition delves into themes of “birth, death, institutional power, history and human connection.” The museum will also feature a pop-up library with books for all ages to represent the Allis Museum’s history as a branch of the Milwaukee Public Library.
2. Deep Lake Future Opening
ALL WEEKEND | 700 S. 5TH ST.
Deep Lake Future, a new surrealist immersive art experience, debuts this weekend. Created by FuzzPop Workshop, the multi-media exhibit will include sculpture, theater and interactive pieces to tell a story about imagined deep-sea creatures in the Great Lakes. Timed-entry tickets are available on the FuzzPop Workshop website.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Rainbow Summer: HIGHLIGHT featuring Evanescent
ALL WEEKEND | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER OUTDOOR GROUNDS
The Evanescent bubble art installation will make its way into Milwaukee this weekend. The massive, iridescent bubbles make for great photos and an awe-inspiring art experience. Check out the bubbles, grab a bite from Sazama’s River Edge Patio and listen to five days worth of music.
4. Waukesha County Fair
ALL WEEKEND | 1000 NORTHVIEW RD., WAUKESHA
Celebrate summer at Wisconsin’s oldest county fair. Dance to live music, eat local food and check out attractions, including a demolition derby and amusement rides. Buy your tickets here.
5. T.J. Miller: The Gentle Giant Tour
ALL WEEKEND | MILWAUKEE IMPROV
Actor and comedian T.J. Miller headlines Milwaukee Improv this weekend with his “absurdist observational standup act.” Miller hopes to bring escapism through his act and strives to make his worldwide audiences laugh. Tickets start at $25.
6. The Lost Weekend: The Photography of May Pang
ALL WEEKEND | GALLERY 505, 517 E. SILVER SPRING DR.
Imagine a collection of never-before-seen photos of John Lennon on display in Wisconsin. This will be a reality this weekend at Gallery 505 when Lennon’s ex-girlfriend May Pang will display photos from their time together in the 1970s. All photos are available for purchase and Pang will be in attendance to share the stories behind her rare photographs.
7. “Barbenheimer” Release Day
FRIDAY | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Movie lovers… it’s finally time! The long-awaited Barbie x Oppenheimer release day is here this weekend. Not only can you see the films in theaters on Saturday, but many Barbie events will take place across the city, including a Malibu Dream Lounge at Avalon Atmospheric Theater and Barbie Night at Red Arrow Park.
8. Latino Conservation Week: Biking & Birria
FRIDAY 1-3 P.M. | MITCHELL PARK, 524 S. Layton Blvd.
Grab your bike and helmet to ride the Hank Aaron State Trail with a group and take photos of the nature around you. Then, return to Mitchell Park for discussions and eat birria, a traditional Mexican stew. Check out other Latin Conservation Week events here.
9. Summer Gallery Night MKE
FRIDAY 5-9 P.M. AND SATURDAY 10 A.M.-4 P.M. | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Experience Milwaukee through art this weekend in Historic Third Ward, East Town, Walker’s Point and more downtown locations. Admission to participating galleries is free, and events hosted by restaurants and stores will showcase even more local art. Find out which spots near you are taking part on the Summer Gallery Night website.
10. Milwaukee Food Truck Fest
SATURDAY 11 A.M.-8 P.M. | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK
In Milwaukee, it’s the “biggest gathering of the best food on four wheels.” The OnMilwaukee Food Truck Fest offers over 20 food trucks, with a wide range of cuisines and vegetarian/vegan options. Games, drinks and music will also be included.
11. 5th Annual Weird Fest
SATURDAY NOON | MOBCRRAFT BREWERY AND TAPROOM
Calling all weirdos! The 5th Weird Fest Block Party will feature a lineup of oddball events, including belly dancing, high-flying wrestling and live music. You can also shop handmade items and food from vendors. Plus, if you have ever wondered what a dill pickle beer tastes like, now’s your chance, along with other limited beers and specialty cocktails.
12. Big Time Rush
SATURDAY 7 P.M. | AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE AMPHITHEATER
The Nickelodeon-bred boy band is on tour performing their first album in 10 years. You can hear their nostalgic hits like “Boyfriend” and “Halfway There” or come for their new tunes. Tickets start at $26.
13. Venetian Summer Market
SATURDAY 7-9 P.M. | AMARA STUDIOS, 2625 S. GREELEY ST.
Grab a drink and shop at the latest vintage store in Milwaukee. The intimate event will include handmade jewelry by Basha Harris and a curated Venetian Summer collection available to purchase.
14. Granville Blues Fest
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 12-10:15 P.M. | 8633 W. BROWN DEER RD.
The two-weekend blues fest kicks off this weekend with performances from eight acts, hailing from across the country. Food and vendors will also be included. You can learn more about the performing artists here.
15. Milwaukee Air & Water Show
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY | MILWAUKEE LAKEFRONT
A talented mix of military and civilian performances, including the Blue Angels, will take to the skies and the lake this weekend. Over 20 vendors will provide food and drinks, and air show merchandise will be available to buy. Admission to the shows is free, but you can purchase reserved seating.
16. Chris Botti
SUNDAY 8 P.M. | BRADLEY SYMPHONY CENTER
Grammy award-winner Chris Botti will make his Bradley Symphony Center debut this Sunday. The trumpeter has had four #1 jazz albums and collaborated with the likes of Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett and Joni Mitchell. Tickets begin at $59.50.
17. Julia Jacklin
SUNDAY 8 P.M. | TURNER HALL BALLROOM
Australian singer-songwriter Julia Jacklin will perform music from her three full-length albums, including 2022’s “Pre Pleasure.” Jacklin’s intimate blend of indie folk and pop won her the award for Best Adult Contemporary Album at the ARIA Music Awards. Chicago-based musician Macie Stewart will open the show.
