1. QWERTYFEST
ALL WEEKEND | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Fun fact: Christopher Latham Sholes invented the typewriter in Milwaukee 150 years ago this Friday. QWERTYFEST will celebrate this achievement and how the invention has changed our world. Kick off the festival on Friday with a performance from cello-and-drum-duo Nineteen Thirteen and a “Clackathon” performance, as well as a vintage typewriter giveaway. Continue the fun all weekend with a Typewriter 101 workshop, a QWERTYFEST market and an open mic night. For more information on locations and times, visit the fest’s website.
2. Bill Bellamy
ALL WEEKEND | MILWAUKEE IMPROV
With a 30+ year career in film, television and comedy, Bill Bellamy is now bringing his stand-up to Milwaukee. His five-show stint at Milwaukee Improv is for those looking to enjoy a laugh about relationships, family and Bellamy’s life experiences. The shows are 21+ with tickets starting at $25.
Tell us who you’d pick to be a Betty this year!
3. Falls Festival Of The Arts
ALL WEEKEND | MENOMONEE FALLS DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
This three-day arts festival has it all: vendors, competitions and community engagement. Stop by on Friday for a Murals and Mimosas trolley tour and learn about the 17 murals in Downtown Menomonee Falls. Saturday will feature food trucks, art demos and a community art project. Sunday will showcase over 50 artists and vendor booths, along with art activities for kids.
4. Greek Fest
ALL WEEKEND | WISCONSIN STATE FAIR PARK
The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church is back for another year of Greek Fest. Stop by for authentic Greek cuisine, including gyros, spit-roasted meats and desserts. You can also enjoy Greek dance performances and music and a Greek marketplace. New this year is a chicken drive-thru for those looking for just a taste of the fun.
5. Marvel Studios’ Black Panther with MSO
ALL WEEKEND | BRADLEY SYMPHONY CENTER
Rewatch Black Panther on the big screen with a showing of the 2018 film and the MSO’s live performance of the Grammy-winning score. Tickets start at $30, and food and beverages will be available one hour before the show and during intermission.
6. Shorewood Criterium Cycling Classic
FRIDAY FROM 11:05 A.M.-8:15 P.M. | 4450 N. OAKLAND AVE.
For the 19th year, the 11-day biking Kwik Trip Tour of America’s Dairyland will stop in Shorewood. Both kids and pros alike can participate, with junior races beginning at 11:05 A.M. and pro races starting at 4:40 P.M. Racers will follow a one-mile course around Shorewood. To add to the fun, check out the Kensington Square Block Party hosted by Three Lions Pub, which will include live music, food and face painting.
7. An Evening With Juno Dawson
FRIDAY AT 5:30 P.M. | MILWAUKEE LGBT COMMUNITY CENTER, 315 W. COURT ST.
British author Juno Dawson has had over 20 fiction and non-fiction books published, often focusing on topics surrounding gender, feminism, mental health and the LGBTQ+ community. She will discuss her debut picture book, You Need To Chill and its message of acceptance and embracing identity. Attendees will have an opportunity to get their book signed and take a photo with Dawson.
8. A Very Strong Likeness of Her: Portraiture and Identity in the British Colonial World
OPENS FRIDAY | MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM
A new exhibit at the MAM features Miss Frances Lee, a 1769 portrait by Francis Cotes. The installation explores a close look at the painting and how, despite its simple appearance, it represents complex themes of identity, family and British colonialism in Jamaica. The exhibit runts through Oct. 22 and is included with admission to the museum.
9. Summerfest
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK
Celebrate the world’s largest music festival’s 55th anniversary! With performances from a stacked lineup, including Zac Brown Band, James Taylor and Sheryl Crow and local artists, there will be a music performance for everyone to enjoy. Eat your heart out, shop ‘til you drop and celebrate that it’s officially summer.
10. Kiwanis Beach Party and Lake Country Clean Water Festival
FRIDAY FROM 5-11:30 P.M. AND SATURDAY FROM 7 A.M.-11:30 P.M. | PEWAUKEE LAKEFRONT
This joint festival aims to bring awareness about preserving Wisconsin’s lakes and raise money for lake clean-up efforts. Enjoy live entertainment, food vendors and water activities for adults and kids, plus a ski show on Saturday. All proceeds from the festival will be distributed to community charities and grants.
11. Cedarburg Strawberry Festival
SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M.-6 P.M. AND SUNDAY FROM 10 A.M.-5 P.M. | WASHINGTON AVE., CEDARBURG
It’s time to “celebrate the strawberry” at the annual Strawberry Festival. With over 100,000 attendees each year, the fest focuses on a family-oriented experience that includes over 250 art vendors, live music, and, of course, delicious strawberry food and beverages.
12. Milwaukee Makers Market
SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M-3 P.M. | DEER DISTRICT
The first in a three-date series of events at the Deer District throughout the summer, the Milwaukee Makers Market will have over 50 local businesses for you to shop. Admission is free to check out products from artists, crafters and designers.
13. Out Of The Broom Closet
SATURDAY FROM 12-6 P.M. | COMPANY BREWING
Celebrate Pride month and the Summer Solstice with a witchy festival presented by Company Brewing and The Milwaukee Trans and Queer Depot. Stop by for mystical vendors, tarot reading, flash tattoos and live music performances. You can also learn how to make your very own spell. Admission into the event is free, but you can make a donation to the Milwaukee Trans and Queer Depot.
14. Dance Fest
SATURDAY AT 2 P.M. | THE YARD AT BAYSHORE
Nō Studios and New York City’s Joyce Theater are collaborating to bring 10 dance groups to perform in Milwaukee. From salsa to Irish to African dance, the diverse group of performers will help to highlight the Midwest dance community. The event is free in-person, and there will be a live broadcast on WISN.
15. Outlaw Music Festival
SATURDAY AT 4:45 P.M. | ALPINE VALLEY MUSIC THEATRE
Join Willie Nelson and a lineup of special guests, including Robert Plant, for his annual Outlaw Tour. Celebrating Nelson’s 90th birthday and his legendary career, this tour is the largest Outlaw series to date and includes a rotating cast of artists. If you’re looking for a ride to the event, you can buy round-trip tickets for a VIP coach bus from the Milwaukee Brat House.
16. TRIP/syck
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 7 P.M. AND 8:30 P.M. | PINK HOUSE STUDIO
Presented by queer disability activist April Biggs, TRIP/syck features a collection of local studio performances. The works vary from solo to group performances and explore themes of disability to the state of contemporary dance after the pandemic. Tickets can be reserved online or at the door and there is a Zoom showing for those who cannot attend in person.
17. World Refugee Day at Lynden Sculpture Garden
SUNDAY FROM 11 A.M.-4 P.M. | LYNDEN SCULPTURE GARDEN
Observe World Refugee Day and celebrate Milwaukee refugee communities with art, food, performances and outdoor programs. You can taste food from around the world, including Afghan, Ethiopian and Rohingya cuisine. Plus, enjoy art, poetry, music, dance that uplift Milwaukee refugees. This event will also be a space for organizations to provide educational information and community resources.
18. Tosa Village Classic
SUNDAY FROM 11 A.M.-8 P.M. | STATE STREET WAUWATOSA
Wauwatosa will host the final race of the America’s Dairyland series. The race has fun for the whole family, including children’s races and activities. Kids can get their bike decorated, do crafts and eat some ice cream.
19. Hit Girls Book Event
SUNDAY AT 2 P.M. | CACTUS CLUB
This free event features a panel discussion of Jen B. Larson’s book Hit Girls: Women of Punk in the USA, 1975-1983. Also included will be book sales from Lion’s Tooth, DJs and a makers market.
