1. Hop Around Wisconsin IPA Fest
Aug. 1 | Third Space Brewing
Cheers to 10 years of this hop-filled festival that serves up samples of hundreds of the best IPAs from across the state. Stick around for the crowning of the champion beer and vote for your own favorite.
2. Step Inside a ‘Verdant Daydream’
THROUGH Aug. 16 | Var Gallery
If you can’t get enough of summer’s lushness, the landscapes of Milwaukee painter Michelle Schilling put you right in the thickets. Her dry hues and mixed material lend her works textures and tones apt for August.
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3. See ‘My Grandma’s Garden’
THROUGH Aug. 22 | Portrait Society
The fruits, vegetables and flowers in Milwaukee native Khari Turner’s mixed-media compositions are loaded with symbolism. He evokes the long-standing resilience of Black Americans.
4. Linger With Leslie Smith III
Aug. 1-Oct. 11 | Museum of Wisconsin Art
The exhibition’s title is an invitation. “Leave Your Baggage at the Door” comprises abstract and dimension-hopping paintings by the artist and UW-Madison professor that open themselves to all sorts of narrative interpretation – if you look closely.
5. Shop the Firefly Art Fair
Aug. 1-2 | Wauwatosa Historical Society
On the gardenesque grounds of the 1890 Kneeland-Walker House, over 70 artists and makers will sell paintings, ceramics, jewelry and more.
6. Explore Bronzeville Week
Aug. 1-8 | Bronzeville
Eight days of festivities honor the past, present and future of one of Milwaukee’s historic Black neighborhoods. The calendar includes workshops, block parties and a cultural festival.
7. Nosh at the Jewish Food Festival
Aug. 2-3 | Foxtown Station, Mequon
Matzo ball soup, pastrami potato knishes and falafel pita are among the kosher fare served at this festival, which also features live music and family activities.
8. Listen to Kehlani
Aug. 7 | Landmark Credit Union Live
Grammy-winning R&B star Kehlani’s latest songs embrace the joy that comes with confidence. Their recent smash hit “Folded” is sure to be a singalong.
9. Fly Me to the Moon Festival
Aug. 7-9 | Catalano Square
In 2019, a 23-foot inflatable replica of Earth’s one and only natural satellite graced the Third Ward for a party of lunar proportions. Now, that moon is back for a new three-day fest.
10. See Disaster! The Musical
Aug. 13-30 | Bombshell Theater Company
Nothing short of the world ending is stopping the party in this ’70s-flavored jukebox parody musical, in which earthquakes and (disco) infernos wreak havoc on a floating casino.
11. Hear Buffalo Nichols
Aug. 14 | Cactus Club
It’s a homecoming for the singer-songwriter and modern bluesman who honed his riveting, unorthodox sound in Milwaukee. His newest song, “Dying Right In Front of Me,” may indicate a country turn, but Nichols never stays in one place.
12. Fall in Love With Bookstore Romance Day
Aug. 15 | Boswell Book Co.
Romance books are booming, and Boswell Book Co. is falling head over heels, too. Wisconsin historical romance author Elizabeth Cole is swinging by the store along with two other swoon-savvy authors, Bryn Donovan and Kelly Farmer.
13. Get Down at the Community Arts & Funk Festival
Aug. 16 | Davidson Park
This event’s gotta have the funk – in fact, a whole lineup of local bands will be giving it up at Davidson Park. On the arts side of the coin are a gallery competition and a youth poet contest.
14. Browse the Milwaukee Makers Market
Aug. 16 | Discovery World
Dozens of local creatives selling all sorts of homemade goods make up this very popular, mostly monthly market in the middle of its 10th season. This month’s theme is summer, and the lineup will include new finds as well as plenty of established favorite vendors.
15. Laugh With Ron Funches
Aug. 20 | Turner Hall Ballroom
Warm, giggle-happy comedian Ron Funches went on the hit reality competition show “The Traitors” and had a bad time. He’s been joking all about it on his recent comedy tour, which will be swinging by Turner Hall.
16. Party for Good at the Emmitt James Big Band BBQ
Aug. 21 | Turner Hall Ballroom
For four years, a 20-plus-piece jazz band has joined local hip-hop phenom Emmitt James for a lively night topped with loads of barbecue and community love. This year’s fundraiser supports the TBEY Arts Center, an educational organization teaching youth arts in Milwaukee.
17. Hear the Chamber Music Festival
Aug. 27-28, 30 | Villa Terrace Museum and Gardens
Intimate classical music and the stately Villa Terrace are a match made in heaven. Across three concerts, current and former Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra musicians will play Beethoven’s “Razumovsky String Quartets” and other works.
18. Start Your Engines at IndyCar Weekend
Aug. 28-30 | Milwaukee Mile
High-octane competition once again descends upon the Milwaukee Mile for a doubleheader of IndyCar races. Don’t forget your earplugs!
