1. Prost at Oktoberfest
WEEKENDS IN SEPTEMBER, BAVARIAN BIERHAUS
Grab your lederhosen – Oktoberfest is here another year! The traditional German beer hall is celebrating every weekend this month with German music, polka dancing, sausage, Bavarian pretzels, doner kebab, schnitzel and lots of beer, of course.
2. See the Highland Games
SEPT. 4-6, WAUKESHA COUNTY EXPO
These games of strength and fortitude kick off with an opening ceremony and fish fry. Try your hand at ax-throwing, longbow shooting and haggis hurling, or simply get out in the fresh air for live music and traditional Scottish dancing.
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3. Get Inspired at the Third Ward Art Festival
SEPT. 5-6, THIRD WARD
Spend Labor Day weekend perusing the work of nearly 200 artists in mediums ranging from paintings to ceramics. Kids can learn from artists in interactive projects and at a demonstration tent.
4. Sing With Kacey Musgraves
SEPT. 11, FISERV FORUM
It’ll feel like “Golden Hour” all night long while listening to singer Kacey Musgraves, who’s fresh off her country comeback album, Middle of Nowhere. Opener Midland is a country band known for its guitar twangs and perfect harmonies.
5. Celebrate at Puerto Rican Festival of Wisconsin
SEPT. 12, HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK
The Island of Enchantment is getting a bigger celebration this year, with new food vendors and an expanded performance lineup. You might not be able to stop dancing to the bomba and plena music – except maybe to grab a plate of Puerto Rican food.
6. Look Up at Frank Mots International Kite Festival
SEPT. 12-13, VETERANS PARK
Let’s go fly a kite! The lakefront rarely looks as colorful and lively as it does when 600 kites fill the sky above Veterans Park at this fest. Bring a blanket and picnic to watch the experts fly whimsical, massive kites, perform tricks and even play with fire.
7. See Bikini Kill
SEPT. 13, TURNER HALL BALLROOM
This influential feminist punk band started touring in 1991, and they’re still going strong. They come to Milwaukee for a night of resistance and riotous songs including “Rebel Girl,” “Feels Blind” and “Carnival.”
8. Shop at Gather & Grow
SEPT. 14, LITTLE VILLAGE PLAY CAFE
Sip and stroll through the cozy market at this Tosa spot for big ones and little ones alike. Adults can grab a drink on the patio and browse jewelry, baked goods, books and clothes while kiddos play.
9. Hear Ariel Lawhon
SEPT. 14, SHARON LYNNE WILSON CENTER
Bestselling author Ariel Lawhon will chat about her newest novel, The Pirate Queen, with local author Alice Austen. The book follows the adventure of a young woman destined for the sea but forced into a marriage due to her noble status in 16th-century Ireland.
10. Explore the Night Market
SEPT. 16, WEST WISCONSIN AVENUE
Summer isn’t over yet! If you’re looking for one last taste of warm-weather fun in the city, the final Night Market of the year serves up live performances from singer-songwriter Hanna Simone and hula hoop and flow artist Taylor Flows. Grab a bite from one of the many food trucks – or make some s’mores at the firepit.
11. Party at Bay View Bash
SEPT. 19, KINNICKINIC AVENUE
One of Milwaukee’s biggest street festivals, Bay View Bash doesn’t mess around. The block party is bopping from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. with music, local food, crafts, books and more. It’s entirely volunteer run, with all proceeds funding grants for nonprofits in the community.
12. Nosh at the Freshwater Food & Wine Festival
SEPT. 19-20, HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK
This brand-new fest for foodies celebrates the city’s food and wine culture. Try out dozens of local restaurants and food trucks, drink wine from around the world and watch culinary experts cook impressive dishes at demonstrations.
13. Bike at Ride on the Wild Side
SEPT. 20, MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO
This is the one day of the year you can bring your bike to the Zoo and cruise around to see the animals. Take the family-friendly loop for a leisurely ride and say hi to the giraffes, zebras, rhinos and elephants. The longer route starts and ends at the zoo but brings more of a challenge. Participants get a long-sleeve T-shirt and food.
14. Enjoy Song and Stories With Patti Smith
SEPT. 23, THE RIVERSIDE THEATER
The legendary singer, writer and poet will swing by Milwaukee for one night only. The author of Just Kids and the new memoir, Bread of Angels, will share stories and songs from her life as a key figure in New York City’s punk rock scene in the ’70s.
15. Cheer at the Brewers’ Final Homestand
SEPT. 25-27, AMERICAN FAMILY FIELD
It’s been another stellar season for the Brew Crew. Buy some brats, throw back a couple beers and squeeze in one more tailgate at AmFam Field before watching them take on the St. Louis Cardinals for the last home games before the playoffs.
16. Jam at Bleachers
SEPT. 27, LANDMARK CREDIT UNION LIVE
Get ready to scream hits “I Wanna Get Better,” “Rollercoaster” and songs from Bleachers’ new album Everyone for Ten Minutes with this rock band fronted by pop’s most in-demand producer, Jack Antonoff. Indie darling singer-songwriter This Is Lorelei opens for the band.
17. Get On the Water at Harbor Fest
SEPT. 27, HARBOR VIEW PLAZA
If you’ve ever wanted to get out on Milwaukee’s harbor, this is your chance: There’ll be free boat rides through the waterways to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this riverside fest. Plus, local food trucks and the opportunity to release a baby sturgeon into the harbor.
18. Learn at An Evening With Ayad Akhtar
SEPT. 28, Milwaukee Rep
Join Milwaukee-native author Ayad Akhtar for the launch of his new novel, The Radiance, in which a mysterious accident on a county road sparks a saga spanning both rural America and Europe. He will be in conversation with Wisconsin essayist and editor Barrett Swanson.
