Fairs
TGIB: Thank goodness it’s back. The Wisconsin State Fair once again returns for 11 days of fun. The legendary event runs from Thursday, August 1 through Sunday, August 11 at the State Fair Grounds (640 South 84th St., West Allis). Whether you choose to stop by for a day or want to make a weekend out of it, there’s no shortage of things to do and fried foods to sample. Some of our personal favorites are the iconic cream puffs, fried Oreos and even fried bacon-wrapped pickles.
Festivals
Are you sad that summer is going by so quickly? Well we are too, so it might be time for a laugh or two. The Milwaukee Comedy Festival returns for its 14th year from Wednesday, July 31 through Sunday, August 4 at various times and locations (some of them include Lakefront Brewery, the Underground Collaborative and Turner Hall). Both local and national acts will give you a nice chuckle or two.
This festival’s first year was only last year and brought in nearly 9,000 attendees. Black Arts Fest MKE celebrates its second year on Saturday, August 3 from noon to midnight at the Summerfest grounds (200 N Harbor Dr.). This festival honors African and African American culture to create a positive atmosphere and to expose attendees to African and African American heritage and inspire pride.
We have a feeling there’s going to be amazing food at this festival. The 7th annual Puerto Rican Festival returns on Sunday, August 4 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Humboldt Park (3000 S Howell Ave.). The event will include lots of delicious food, family fun, Puerto Rican culture, live music and more.
Parties
Whoever said that fundraisers need to be formal boring fundraisers hadn’t known about this event. The Urban Island Beach Party takes place Friday, August 2 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Lakeshore State Park (500 N Harbor Dr.). The festival includes live music, food, drinks, kayaking, dancing, a floating lantern celebration and more. General admission tickets are free, but the floating lantern activity costs $20. All proceeds go to Friends of Lakeshore Park, so if you do decide to splurge, at least it’s going to a great cause.
Ray’s and Central Waters Pre-Great Taste Parking Lot Party 2019
We’re not sure if it gets much better than a summer backyard party. Ray’s Growler Gallery & Central Waters Brewing Company host a Parking Lot Party on Sunday, August 4 from noon to 6 p.m. at the Ray’s Parking Lot (8930 W North Ave.). There will be 20 Central Waters Brewing Company Rotating Taps, the debut of Simon’s Secret Slushie, Food trucks, DJs and more.
Car Geeks
The classic car show is celebrating its 15th year in Milwaukee! Milwaukee Concours d’Elegance returns on Sunday, August 4 beginning at 10 a.m. at Veterans Park (1010 N Lincoln Memorial Dr.). The show brings car aficionados from across the country to show their vintage, classic and even futuristic cars. With the lake and Milwaukee skyline, a day of admiring cars and getting to know other people doesn’t sound half bad.
Beer
Calling all beer snobs. Wisconsin IPA Fest comes back to Milwaukee for its third year on Saturday, August 3 starting at noon at Third Space Brewing (1505 W Saint Paul Ave.). Sample IPAs from nearly 50 Wisconsin breweries and vote for your favorite to be crowned the People’s Champion. While you sample, breweries will also judge each other’s beer in a double-blind competition to crown the true 2019 Wisconsin’s Best IPA.
