1. “The Map Is Not the Territory”
THROUGH JULY 25 | ONE-OFF EXHIBITIONS
You may have seen Beth Lipman’s glassware spilling off a table at the Milwaukee Art Museum, or her floral collage bathroom at the Art Preserve. Now, Lipman is showing still-life sculptures at One-Off Exhibitions, housed in Mitchell Street’s Real Tinsel gallery.
2. ‘Slow Light’
THROUGH AUG. 16 | WISCONSIN MUSEUM OF QUILTS & FIBER ARTS
To mark 15 years since Wisconsin’s fiber arts museum moved into its current digs – a grand 19th-century barn – this exhibition uses the space to build a visual narrative and connect textiles with architecture.
3. Body Futures
JULY 8 | X-RAY ARCADE
For an electrifying night of local music, Cudahy’s X-Ray Arcade dishes up a fierce lineup of rock ’n’ roll with this potent four leading the pack. Body Future’s “mathy power-pop” is joined by the boisterous band Resurrectionists, punk trio Vile Bees and more. xrayarcade.com
Experience an unforgettable evening celebrating great design!
4. Emily Giffin
JULY 9 | SHARON LYNNE WILSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS
The author of bestselling novel Something Borrowed comes to Milwaukee on the heels of her new book, Love You More, which finds a young doctor flying back to her home state of Wisconsin and reckoning with what she left and what she wants. Giffin will speak with local author Claire Swinarski. Tickets include a signed copy of Love You More.
4. Whitefish Bay Art Fest
JULY 11-12 | EAST SILVER SPRING DRIVE
Enjoy Whitefish Bay’s picturesque shopping corridor while perusing paintings, sculptures, photographs, jewelry and more from 100 juried artists. Cool off and fuel up with cold drinks and food trucks, and wear out the little ones at the Kids Art Zone with games and face painting.
5. Shakespeare in the Park
JULY 11-AUG. 16 | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
What could be more of a midsummer night’s dream than seeing Shakespeare performed in your neighborhood park? Local troupe Optimist Theatre jumps around town every weekend – starting at Wisconsin Lutheran College – with The Merry Wives of Windsor and a puppet rendition of Richard III.
6. Rainbow Summer
JULY 14-19 | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Glowing art and groovin’ tunes spring up on the lawn of the Marcus Center every summer, and this year’s no exception. This family-friendly fest offers food and drink, games, bubbles and a public piano to play.
7. Monty Python’s Spamalot
JULY 14-19 | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
King Arthur embarks on a noble (and absurd) quest for the Holy Grail, confronting sardonic peasants, taunting Frenchmen and a killer rabbit in this Monty Python-inspired musical comedy.
8. The Strokes
JULY 17 | AMERICAN FAMILY AMPHITHEATER
Fans hoped “Someday” these rockers would return. Wonder no more: The indie band behind hits like “Last Nite” will play their first concert in Wisconsin in 15 years, joined by Thundercat and Cage the Elephant.
9. Explore Gallery Night MKE
JULY 17-18 | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
There’s no better chance to absorb life-affirming art than this event, which opens the doors to dozens of Milwaukee’s fine art galleries for artist talks, live music and more.
10. Port Fish Days
JULY 17-19 | PORT WASHINGTON
Cod rules at this fish-frying festival that takes over Port Washington. There will also be a parade, car show, live music, a makers market and Saturday night fireworks.
11. Riverwest Blueberry Fest
JULY 18 | CHAMBERS STREET
Last year, vintage store The Polish Flat teamed up with its neighbors to throw a party for their favorite summer fruit. Now, it’s back with more vendors, a flower bar and plenty of fresh blueberries.
12. Incredible India Festival
JULY 18 | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK
Snack on samosas, play traditional games, and watch folk and classical dances to live music at this second-annual festival celebrating Indian culture at the Summerfest grounds. This year brings a larger footprint, expanded hours and more of everything.
13. Frida Fest
JULY 18-19 | FARMHOUSE PAINT AND SIP
Saw the Rep’s Frida and can’t get enough Kahlo? This fest dedicated to the iconic Mexican painter also serves to elevate local artists through interactive exhibits, painting activities, live music and even a Kahlo lookalike contest for kids.
14. Mean Girls
JULY 23-AUG. 1 | GREENDALE HIGH SCHOOL
Get in, loser – this comedy musical, based on the 2004 hit movie and staged by Greendale Community Theatre, finds fresh-faced Cady Heron entering high school and enmeshing in a clique of “mean girls.”
15. Garden Club of Greater Milwaukee’s Open Days
JULY 25-26 | WAUKESHA COUNTY
Every summer, the Garden Conservancy and the Garden Club of Greater Milwaukee open the gates to stunning private gardens for the public to admire. The four this year include a moss-covered marvel and a garden that’s 45 years old.
16. Buddy Guy
JULY 26 | RIVERSIDE THEATER
The legendary blues guitarist is getting his flowers. After appearing in last year’s Sinners, the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer is hitting the Riverside with his signature Chicago sound, days before he turns 90.
17. Solstice
JULY 31-AUG. 1 | WATER STREET DANCE, CEDARBURG
Water Street Dance’s showcase for new contemporary dance aims to push “the boundaries of artistry, athleticism and expression.”
