1. Rivals Face Off
JULY 1-2 | FRANKLIN FIELD
There’s a rivalry brewing between the Milwaukee Milkmen (of Franklin) and their neighbors, the Lake Country Dockhounds. The two baseball teams square off at Franklin Field on July’s opening weekend, so grab some peanuts and Cracker Jacks, then root, root, root for your home team.
2. Fireworks
JULY 3 | DOWNTOWN LAKEFRONT
This beloved 45-minute fireworks extravaganza is like the drumroll before Milwaukee’s Independence Day festivities.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Racine Zoo’s Centennial
JULY 5 | RACINE ZOO
There’ll be an ice cream social, bounce houses, face painting and even “animal chats” at this 100-year celebration. Plus, live music from Blackwater Band and the J. Ryan Trio.
4. ‘Black & White’
JULY9-AUG. 19 | NADIANA ART GALLERY
This group exhibition spotlights visual artwork that explores black, white and all the grays in between. Both 2D and 3D art will be represented, and 10% of gallery sales will be donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
5. The Little Mermaid
JULY 13-AUG. 6 | SUNSET PLAYHOUSE
Can’t get enough of The Little Mermaid after Disney’s live-action film? Consider seeing this musical theater rendition.
6. Bastille Days
JULY 13-16 | CATHEDRAL SQUARE PARK
Storm the Bastille (a 5K run/walk), sip champagne, shop the Cathedral Square Marketplace, and make sure to stop by the miniature Eiffel Tower to snap a pic at this French festival.
7. Walker’s Point Pop-Up Market
JULY 15 | CLOCKTOWER ANTIQUES
Clocktower Antiques and Lost & Found MKE team up to host vintage vendors, Milwaukee makers and food trucks.
8. Urban Trivia Live
JULY 14 | TURNER HALL BALLROOM
Are you well-versed in all things Black culture? Use that knowledge and sing and dance your way to cash prizes.
9. Croatian Fest
JULY 15 | CROATIAN PARK
The festivities start with a Catholic Mass before the Croatian musical and dance groups take the stage. Get there early because the delicious (and fragrant!) rotisserie lamb, pork and chicken sell out fast.
10. Post Malone
JULY 15 | ALPINE VALLEY MUSIC THEATRE
The genre-bending, face-tattooed superstar brings his “If Y’all Weren’t Here, I’d Be Crying” tour to one of Wisconsin’s
best music venues.
11. Midsummer Festival of the Arts
JULY 15-16 | JOHN MICHAEL KOHLER ARTS CENTER
Hundreds of artists will show off their paintings, photographs, carvings, ceramics, wearables and more at this festival in Sheboygan. Plus, there’ll be hands-on art making, food and live music.
12. Gathering on the Green
JULY 15-16 | ROTARY PARK
If Summerfest didn’t quench your thirst for great outdoor tunes, head to Mequon for another great Wisco music festival. This year’s lineup includes Ann Wilson of Heart, Starship, CAIN and more.
13. Tory Folliard’s Anniversary Exhibition
JULY 15-SEPT. 9 | TORY FOLLIARD GALLERY
This will be a “blockbuster exhibition” featuring the gallery’s pool of talented artists in honor of 35 years in Milwaukee. Up to 150 pieces will be a part of the showcase, which includes painting, sculpture, drawing and photography.
14. Armenian Fest
JULY 16 | ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST ARMENIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
Embracing 3,000 years of heritage through food, dancing and music. You know kabobs are on the menu, in all of their marinated and grilled glory.
15. Deep Lake Future
JULY 21-DEC. 31 | VAR GALLERY
Milwaukee-based multimedia studio FuzzPop Workshop is using art to explore the impact of invasive species in the Great Lakes. The immersive exhibition will include sculptural elements, hidden passageways, a 3D soundscape and projection mapping.
16. Milwaukee Air & Water Show
JULY 22-23 | BRADFORD AND MCKINLEY BEACHES
Even if you don’t attend the event, you’ll likely see it – and definitely hear it – from miles away. As always, the Blue Angels are the main attraction, performing death-defying aerial acrobatics above Lake Michigan.
17. The Florentine’s Al Fresco
JULY 27 | RIVER HILLS HOME OF AMALIA AND LUKE TODRYK
Get dressed in your best garden party attire and head to River Hills, where the Florentine Opera’s Summer Studio Ensemble will perform an hour of classics. Personal picnics are welcome, but there will also be a bar and dinner options.
18. The Great Duck Race
JULY 29 | OAK CREEK WATERCOURSE
Buy your rubber duck (one for $3, two for $5) and send it off to the races at this event. The grand prize is $500.
19. Brady Street Festival
JULY 29 | BRADY STREET
Traffic shuts down so the crowds can take over at this beloved East Side festival. Live music, street art and food trucks are staples.
20. All Goods Fest
JULY 29 | ALL GOODS WEST ALLIS
Head to downtown West Allis for a market with a block party vibe. Expect vintage T-shirts, clothing and sneakers from vendors across the Midwest.
