This summer has seen intense heat waves, storms and smoke getting in the way of people trying to enjoy the Milwaukee summer. For those worried about the season slipping by there’s still a month to take in the lush outdoors. Here are ten things to do in August to round out the summer.
1. Wisconsin State Fair
It’s a must to finish off summer in Wisconsin with a deep-fried delight. Attend the Wisconsin State Fair which is open till Aug. 16 for $20 a ticket and make all your Midwest dreams come true! Check out our roundup on things to look out for at the fair.
2. Go to the Beach
Get some sand in your shoes, finish a book or go for a swim. For maximum relaxation, I’d recommend Atwater Beach: tucked away from the car noise on Lake drive, you’ll be embedded in a nice breezy cove.
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3. The Backyard BBQ at Humboldt Park
Hosted by WMSE for its 16th year, the Backyard BBQ on Aug. 22nd will be a day of food, music and summer fun. The stage will feature artists like the Ivy Ford Band in the early afternoon to Sylvan Esso closing out the night with a DJ set. Held from noon-8 p.m. and free to attend, be sure to mark this one down to end your summer on a high note.
4. Milwaukee Irish Fest
Hosted at the Henry Maier Festival Park from Aug. 13-16, the festival will feature over 100 cultural and music performances to celebrate Irish and Celtic culture. Tickets are available for purchase online for $27. Expect to hear and see fiddles, bagpipes, folk music, Irish dancers and more.
5. Go for a Hike
Indulge in the sweat before it’s gone for the season! Devil’s Lake State Park and Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve provide great views of Wisconsin’s lake with varied terrain. If you’re looking for something closer to the city, Seven Bridges has easy trails that are shaded and serene.
6. Chill on the Hill
This is the last full month of Chill on the Hill. Plop yourself down on a picnic blanket with some good company to indulge in a night of music starting at 6:30 p.m. You can always find something to nosh on at one of the many food trucks or grab a drink at the neighboring beer garden, The Vine.
7. Go to a Beer Garden
Speaking of beer gardens — August is one of the last warm months to enjoy a carefree brew in a park. While many beer gardens run into the fall months, there’s something special about a nice cold beer in the heat with good company. Some MilMag favorites are the South Shore Terrace and Whitnall Beer Garden, among others.
8. Milwaukee Night Market
Attend Milwaukee’s monthly night market on Aug. 19 for food, local crafts and performances. Held on Wisconsin avenue, the street fills up fast with patrons. Luckily there’s a few more months of this event — the June market was cancelled due to storms and was rescheduled for October.
9. Go get Ice Cream
Before it’s too late! Some of your favorite local ice cream joints close up shop or significantly reduce hours for the winter season. Grab a cone from Babe’s Ice Cream in Bay View or a popsicle from Pete’s Pops, and savor the taste of summer.
10. Musica del Lago at the Colectivo Lakefront Cafe
Colectivo’s free monthly outdoor Latin music series is coming to an end this month with a final concert by De La Buena, a 10-piece band that blends Afro-Cuban and Latin Jazz. Enjoy lakeside views and tunes starting at 6 p.m. on Aug. 20th.
