1. Go to Opening Weekend of Summerfest!
BRIANNA SCHUBERT, DIGITAL EDITOR
It’s that time of year again, Milwaukee! Summerfest is here, and we couldn’t be more excited. We’ll be covering the festival here on milwaukeemag.com so stay tuned for music recs, “I Tried It” stories and more. I’m personally looking forward to grabbing my Saz’s sampler platter, taking a ride on the Skyglider and discovering a new band or two to add to my Spotify rotation. Summerfest runs three weekends, beginning this Thursday, June 20. See the lineup here.
2. See The Sum of Us
CAROLE NICKSIN, EDITOR AND PUBLISHER
If you’re looking for live theatre, I highly recommend Theatrical Tendencies production of The Sum of Us. It’s a very moving story about the relationship between a father and his gay son. All of the actors are outstanding. It’s at Inspiration Studios (1500 S. 73rd St., West Allis) through June 22. Check it out!
Tell us who you’d pick to be a Betty this year!
3. Go to a Good Old-Fashioned a Drive-in
ANN CHRISTENSON, DINING EDITOR
My conclusion from doing research for a story on drive-ins that runs in our June Summer Guide: I don’t know how anyone could not be bewitched by these restaurants – summer nostalgia served on a tray attached to your car window. I do have some favorite drive-ins from my research this past spring. Here’s one: Big Star in Kenosha. And here’s why: the retro building and sign, and the commitment to doing things the way they’ve always been done. Check it out for yourself here.
4. Catch Some Live Music at Lakefront Brewery’s Patio
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Last weekend I was reminded again how excellent the Lakefront Brewery (1872 N. Commerce St.) patio is. Experience, view, setting, food, drinks – it’s all top-notch. I know there’s a bigger music deal beginning in town this weekend, but if you’re looking for something a little more low-key, Lakefront’s summerlong matinee music series, Current Sounds, continues with ADORNER on Friday (3-5 p.m.) and Genevieve Heyward on Saturday (2-4 p.m.).
5. Visit the Reopened Von Trier
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
John Dye is the guy behind some of Milwaukee’s most distinctive cocktail lounges – including Bryant’s, the menu-free spot where you just tell the bartender what kind of things you like in a drink and they make you something to suit your taste; and At Random, the moody, darkly lit Bay View joint with Sinatra on the stereo. Earlier this year, Dye bought Von Trier, an East Side icon, known for its German food and drink, stained glass windows and ornate woodwork. After a month-long renovation, the bar and cocktail longue opened back up on June 14. I haven’t had the chance to pay a visit to the updated local favorite, but I’m hoping to cozy up to the bar ASAP and see how Dye’s vision has played out.
