1. Fox & Branch’s 25th Anniversary Show
SEPT. 1 | ANODYNE COFFEE ROASTING
Folk duo Dave Fox and Will Branch will be rocking out with blues music and fiddle tunes for this family-friendly show.
2. Milwaukee Comic Con
SEPT. 2 | STATE FAIR PARK
Start the Con off right with a free comic at the door, then check out the vendors and hit the Magic the Gathering Commander Tournament. Dress to impress if you want a chance at winning the cosplay contest.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Third Ward Art Festival
SEPT. 2-3 | HISTORIC THIRD WARD
About 150 juried artists from around the country are coming to Milwaukee this Labor Day weekend to showcase their work. Ceramics, fiber, jewelry, sculpture, paintings, drawings, photography, printmaking, wood and furniture will be represented.
4. Mondo Lucha
SEPT. 8 | TURNER HALL BALLROOM
High-flying wrestling and sexy burlesque dancing come together for this annual extravaganza. Expect an action-packed evening full of masked luchadores and a whole lot of spandex.
5. Milwaukee Night Market
SEPT. 13 | WEST WISCONSIN AVENUE
Shop the vendors, catch a street performance and meet artists at the last Milwaukee Night Market of the year.
6. Bublr Bash
SEPT. 14 | DISCOVERY WORLD
Did you know the blue Bublr Bikes that people ride and park around town are celebrating 10 years? This party is a major fundraising event for the nonprofit bikeshare system here in Milwaukee.
7. Tacos and Tequila Festival
SEPT. 16 | FRANKLIN FIELD
This lineup is stacked! And we’re not just talking about the tacos (from local chefs) and tequila. Nelly, Twista, Fat Joe, Chingy and more will be rocking the fest, which has a throwback hip-hop theme.
8. Milwaukee miniFEST
SEPT. 16 | SHANK HALL
Local, touring and visual artists all will be showcased at this Shank Hall music festival. The lineup includes Lake Drive, Cyber Bully and The Merrill Miller Band.
9. Milwaukee River Challenge
SEPT. 16 | BEGINS AT 25TH AND CANAL STREETS
Coxswains and spectators alike flock to the riverfront for this 3-mile crew race on the Menominee and Milwaukee rivers. Tip for watchers: There are 18 bridges along the route, which passes through the heart of Downtown, and they make for great vantage points.
10. Bay View Bash
SEPT. 16 | KINNICKINNIC AVENUE
Celebrate one of Milwaukee’s most eclectic neighborhoods with food, art, music, crafts, books and community organizations. The event is a massive fundraiser for the Bay View Community Fund, which supports the neighborhood year-round.
11. Wine & Harvest Fest
SEPT. 16-17 | HISTORIC DOWNTOWN CEDARBURG
The Cedar Creek Winery Grape Stomp and the Pumpkin Regatta are two popular events at this festival, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Plus art, vendors and, of course, lots of wine.
12. Awkward Nerd Book Fair
SEPT. 17 | THE COOPERAGE
Flash back to the ’90s at this nostalgia-laced book fair, which also features zines, comics and manga. It’s a chance to meet, mingle and get signatures from local authors. Plus, there will be a special visit from Clifford the Big Red Dog.
13. Kites Over Greendale
SEPT. 17 | COMMUNITY PARK
Let’s go fly a kite! Head to Greendale where you’ll be joined by fellow fliers. Don’t have one? The park’s in walking distance of Gift of Wings Kite Store.
14. Mondophon!c Music & Skate Fest
SEPT. 23 | 4 SEASONS SKATEPARK
Cyberpunk, goth metal and hard rock are just a few of the genres featured at this music festival. The venue is a skate park, so bring your wheels if you have them.
15. Sturgeon Fest
SEPT. 24, GREAT LAKES INSTITUTE
The highlight is the release of baby lake sturgeon into Lake Michigan. Human influence is causing the population of this ancient fish to plummet. It’s free to watch, but $15 to release a fish.
16. Grooving Under Glass
SEPT. 28 | MITCHELL PARK DOMES
Local musicians, cocktails and snacks are just the start. The real showstopper is the spectacular light show choreographed to the music.
17. Harvest Fair
SEPT. 29-OCT. 1 | STATE FAIR PARK
Make your own scarecrow and bowl with pumpkins at this family-friendly fair. Then, shop around the farmers market, where you’ll find fresh produce and treats.
18. Macklemore
SEPT. 30 | THE RAVE/EAGLES CLUB
Party with the man who raps about everything from thrift shops to scooters. Expect to hear hits like “Can’t Hold Us,” “No Bad Days” and “Glorious.”
