1. Festa Italiana
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
My veins run thick with tomato sauce. The Italian side of my family hails from Pievepelago, and I was raised to love the boot. Milwaukee’s summer celebration of all things Italy scratches my eternal itch for cannoli, calamari and cameratismo.
2. Frida Fest
JUAN CARLOS GARCIA MARTINEZ, EDITORIAL INTERN
I love seeing all the local artists and performances and getting to look at all the cute trinkets from vendors. And the food is always so delicious, my favorites from last year were the horchata iced coffee and birria tacos.
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It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Summerfest
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
The fun begins in spring when the list of artists – so many names! – drops and you begin planning the days you’ll go. But no matter what, you gotta take some time to just at least amble by stages; you might discover a new favorite.
4. PrideFest
SOPHIE YUFA, JUNIOR DESIGNER
There’s no other time of the year when I can be around so many wonderful queer folks who make me feel seen. It’s our time to mingle, celebrate pride and express ourselves unapologetically. There’s nothing but good vibes going around! And compared to Summerfest, it’s a little more low-key, making it easier to get in and out.
5. German Fest
NICK LAYEUX, EDITORIAL INTERN
German Fest has always been a personal favorite. The festival is rooted in fond childhood memories of racing Daschauds and tasty sausages. Milwaukee embraces its rich German heritage, and eccentric characters come out of the woodwork to join for authentic food and music. The festival draws a sizeable crowd but isn’t swarming with concertgoers like Summerfest, and you can’t beat those German pretzels!
6. Irish Fest
BRIANNA SCHUBERT, ASSOCIATE DIGITAL EDITOR
My great-grandma was always so proud of her Irish heritage, even though she was only a small part Irish. St. Patrick’s Day and Irish Fest were two of her favorite days of the year. Now, when I go to Irish Fest, I feel like I get to hang out with her again because I’m doing something I know she loved. Plus, the food is great – beef stew, shepherd’s pie, reuben sandwiches.
7. Zoo A La Carte
ALLI WATTERS, DIGITAL & CULTURE EDITOR
Just because “fest” isn’t in the name, doesn’t mean this isn’t a festival! My annual trip to A La Carte at the Zoo is always one of the highlights of my summer. There’s great food from local vendors, live music and, of course, animals! In high school, my boyfriend (now husband) used to work at the stand near the Caribou Corner, so it’s still our tradition to sit there and nosh near his antlered friends.
8. Summerfest and Bastille Days
CAMPBELL FAUBER, SOCIAL MEDIA INTERN
My favorite Milwaukee festival is Summerfest. On a warm summer day, I love listening to live music while enjoying a refreshing scoop of ice cream. Bastille Days is a close second, though — the beignets are a must-have!
