1.
Oktoberfest
SEPT. 2-OCT. 2
Take a trip to Munich – without the airfare – at Bavarian Bierhaus’ Oktoberfest at Old Heidelberg Park. The menu features wurst-centric food options with Märzen and other traditional German brews on tap. Check it out any Thursday-Sunday all month long. The shelter is cozy rain or shine.
2.
Downtown Dining Week
SEPT. 8-15 | $
Take advantage of bargain prices to try someplace new! Participating restaurants offer prix fixe menus for lunch (two-three courses, $15-$25) and dinner (three courses, $35-$45). The Knick, Rodizio Grill and Turning Table MKE are just a few spots participating this year. Eat up!
VOTE FOR MILWAUKEE’S BEST BEER!
What’s Brew City’s best? We’ve picked 16 of our favorite Milwaukee craft beers for a March Madness-style tournament, but it’s up to you to pick the winner! Will it be bright and hoppy? Dark and malty? A zippy lager? Every one is worthy of the title; who will claim the sudsy crown?
3.
Harvest Fair
SEPT. 23-25
Head to Wisconsin State Fair Park for this fall celebration. Go for the farmers market, pumpkin bowling and scarecrow-making. Plan on lumberjack shows and country music for entertainment, and save room for a cream puff.
4.
Pet Fest
SEPT. 24
Have a four-legged friend? This is the place to bring them. Agility courses, a “pup-up” beer garden and treats galore. Dress them up to compete in the costume contest – all bunned wiener dogs are welcome. Don’t have a pet yet? Local rescue organizations will be there too, along with their adoptable furry friends.
5.
Festa Italiana
SEPT. 24-25 | $
Food, family and tradizione – that’s the Festa Italiana experience. This year, the beloved ethnic festival will have a new location, the Italian Community Center, but it will still have Festa favs like bocce, “Italian Idol” and Sunday Mass. Make sure to grab a cannoli.
6.
Rhythm and Brews
SEPT. 29 | $
Microbreweries and local music acts headline this new Mitchell Park Domes event. Tour the desert, tropical and floral environments to find your favorite stage and something to munch on. A $30 ticket gets you inside, plus two drinks. All proceeds benefit the Domes’ education programs.
7.
China Lights
SEPT. 16-OCT. 30 | $
Thousands of LED lights will deck out the Boerner Botanical Gardens. While massive dragons and huggable pandas are show-stoppers, the beauty of this artform is in the details. Pay attention to the intricate textures and delicate patterns in the scales and fur. And don’t miss the performances at the two live stages.
