1. Gargoyles, Grotesques & Dragons Tour
AUG. 2 | DOWNTOWN MILWAUKEE
Did you know those freaky figures on old buildings are only called gargoyles if they drain water? Otherwise, they’re grotesques, and this Historic Milwaukee tour points out where to find them in our city.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
2. Nō Studios Dance Fest
AUG. 3 | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Catch performances from local and regional dance companies in ballet, salsa, hip-hop and more genres at this festival, curated by Water Street Dance Milwaukee founder Morgan Williams.
3. Wisconsin IPA Fest
AUG. 3 | THIRD SPACE BREWING
More than 40 Wisconsin breweries will send their favorite hoppy creations to the eighth iteration of this event. Festgoers will have three-to-four hours of unlimited sampling to inform their vote on the prestigious People’s Choice award. Beyond the IPAs, expect food trucks, music and more.
4. Art Blaze on the Beach
AUG. 7 | SOUTH SHORE BEACH & AUG. 21 | BRADFORD BEACH
Thirty-foot-tall tentacles sprouting from the shoreline is a sight to be seen. The interactive display from FuzzPop Workshop serves as the backdrop for live music, dance lessons, s’mores stations and more.
5. MKE Black Theatre Festival
AUG. 8-25 | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Three locally directed, full-production plays are at the heart of this theater festival, which also includes staged readings, open auditions and workshops. This is the fest’s 10th anniversary.
6. Cactus Club Independent Film Festival
AUG. 9-11 | CACTUS CLUB
Diverse, low-budget films are the focus of Cactus Club’s artist-driven showcase. Expect experimental works in a swath of genres from Milwaukee and around the world.
7. Bloody Mary Festival
AUG. 10 | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK
Anything goes when it comes to Wisconsin’s bloody marys. You can find some of the state’s wildest – or simply most delicious – concoctions at this event and vote for your favorite.
8. Childish Gambino
AUG. 14 | FISERV FORUM
Since his last Milwaukee concert at The Rave in 2014, the multi-hyphenate Donald Glover has won Grammys for his song “This Is America” and Emmys for his show “Atlanta.” He’s joined on stage by opener Willow.
9. Zara Chowdhary
AUG. 15 | BOSWELL BOOK CO.
Wisconsin-based author Zara Chowdhary’s haunting memoir, The Lucky Ones, recounts her and her family’s survival of anti-Muslim violence in India. Her book talk is co-sponsored by the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition.
10. Irish Fest
AUG. 15-18 | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK
What’s the craic? At the largest Irish celebration outside of Ireland, it might be the traditional and modern Celtic music with over 100 acts across 16 stages. For others, it’s the shepherd’s pie and corned beef.
11. A La Carte at the Zoo
AUG. 15-18 | MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO
Don’t miss your chance to grub with a gorilla. Eat from local restaurants stationed all around the zoo and enjoy live music at this annual event.
12. Art & Chalk Fest
AUG. 17-18 | MUSEUM OF WISCONSIN ART
Eighteen artists will use concrete squares as canvases for giant, elaborate chalk art. View the creations and check out the live music, glass blowing, food and drink, and other activities.
13. Walker’s Point Pop-Up Market
AUG. 17 | CLOCKWATER ANTIQUES
Vendors selling vintage clothes and wares will set up along First Street. The market also includes a food truck and a three-floor antiques store nearby.
14. REYNA and Vic and Gab
AUG. 17 | VIVARIUM
This duo of sisters rocked Milwaukee for years as Vic and Gab before reforming as REYNA. Now, they’re opening for themselves in a hometown show – playing their indie rock classics first, followed by their more recent pop winners.
15. Puerto Rican Festival
AUG. 18 | VETERANS PARK
The island of enchantment comes to the lakefront for the 11th year of this festival. Come for the delicious Puerto Rican food, stay for the music from salsa to reggaeton to bomba.
16. Red Magic Art Festival
AUG. 18 | JACKSON PARK
The free festival serves as a spotlight for Native American arts and culture in Wisconsin. Shop traditional and contemporary artists and enjoy live music, food and drink, and art activities throughout the day.
17. Fresh Coast Music Festival
AUG. 22-24 | PABST THEATER
Across three days, the sweet sounds of smooth jazz will fill the Pabst Theater, with licks from saxophonist Boney James, guitarist Andréa Lisa, and flutist Kim Scott. The fest also features a cruise and wine pairing.
18. ‘Alluding to Realities’
AUG. 23 – OCT. 9 | LATINO ARTS
The colorful brushstrokes of painter Ernesto Atkinson mirror his approach as an art therapist – that creativity can bring about personal change. A “Café con Arte” reception on Sept. 6 offers a tour of the exhibition, along with churros and coffee.
19. Shine Bright Through the Night
AUG. 24 | WEHR NATURE CENTER
Take a nocturnal walk into the woods, with a tour guide leading the way by lantern and teaching about nature’s nighttime critters. Proceeds benefit Michelle’s Action Angels Community Outreach.
20. Milwaukee Mile 250s
AUG. 30 – SEPT. 1 | WISCONSIN STATE FAIR PARK
For the first time since 2015, IndyCar makes a rubber-burning return to Cream City’s oval racetrack. The doubleheader of races begins Saturday, but arrive Friday to catch some practice laps.
