1. Fireworks at Cedarburg’s Hometown Celebration
JULY 4 | DOWNTOWN CEDARBURG
There won’t be any lakefront fireworks this year, but that doesn’t need to extinguish your Independence Day plans. Cedarburg’s annual sunset fireworks show – plus doings earlier in the day – is a good bet.
2. Skyline Music Series
JULY 9, 16, 23, 30 | KADISH PARK
The music at this outdoor concert series comes with a sweeping view of Milwaukee’s cityscape. The lineup includes De la Buena, Donna Woodall and more.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Juneau Black
JULY 9 | BOSWELL BOOK CO.
Juneau Black is actually two local authors – Jocelyn Cole and Sharon Nagel – and you can hear them in conversation at the same place they developed their snug Shady Hollow series. The latest novel, Summers End, has a sleuthing fox and her raven friend solving a murder at an archeological site.
4. Villa Terrace Centennial Celebration Drone Show
JULY 10 FROM 9 – 9:20 P.M. | PATIO OF VILLA TERRACE
As part of the celebration recognizing 100 years of Villa Terrace, 400 drones will light up the lakefront for an evening show. You can find more information about tickets, donations and raffle tickets at Friends of Villa Terrace.
5. Bastille Days
JULY 11-14 | CATHEDRAL SQUARE PARK
Fly your French flag at this four-day festival complete with a mini Eiffel Tower. Feast on French food, listen to live music and try to Storm the Bastille – a popular 5K run/walk through Downtown.
6. A Chorus Line
JULY 11-AUG. 4 | SUNSET PLAYHOUSE
While auditioning to join the titular chorus line of a Broadway production, several hopefuls reveal their stories and aspirations in this classic Pulitzer-winning 1975 musical.
7. Jazz at the Vine
JULY 11, 25 | HUMBOLDT PARK PARK
The beer garden at this Bay View park plays host to two local jazz quartets this month. Rain or shine, the music will play just fine.
8. “Summer in Wisconsin”
JULY 12-SEPT. 7 | TORY FOLLIARD GALLERY
What does a Wisconsin summer look like to you? See how these local artists depict the best time of the year at this wide-ranging exhibition.
9. Stroll the Whitefish Bay Art Fest
JULY 13-14 | EAST SILVER SPRING DRIVE
One hundred juried artists offer their paintings, photos, jewelry and other works for sale at this art show. Guests can also enjoy drinks, snacks, face-painting and live art demos.
10. Port Fish Days
JULY 18-20 | PORT WASHINGTON
What started as one big fish fry is turning into a three-day fest for its 60th year. Leading up to the traditional fry is live music, a bags tournament, parade and makers market.
11. Brady Street Festival
JULY 20 | BRADY STREET
Can’t beat this street. This favorite Lower East Side festival has a premier party atmosphere, with lots of local food and plenty of music from start to finish.
12. South Milwaukee Heritage Days
JULY 21-28 | SOUTH MILWAUKEE
Each year, this city comes alive for a weeklong litany of events. Stroll through the art fair, dine on brats, catch a car cruise and cheer on the popular Heritage Days parade.
13. Rainbow Summer
JULY 23-27 | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Remember last year’s giant bubbles? Now, the same studio is bringing 20-foot iridescent arches with a soundscape to the Marcus Center’s annual festival. There will also be food, music and vendors.
14. Christian Yelich Home Plate
JULY 25 | PABST THEATER
The beloved Brewer is bringing back his charity concert to raise money for veterans and other local groups. The night includes performances from Scotty McCreery, Charlie Berens and DJ Shawna, and a culinary experience from local chef Adam Pawlak.
15. German Fest
JULY 26-28 | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK
Raise a stein at one of Milwaukee’s largest ethnic festivals. Beyond bier, of course, expect racing dachshunds, serenading street organs and plenty of pretzels and polka.
16. The Next Show
JULY 27 | MARN ART + CULTURE HUB
Milwaukee native Tavaris Smith brings his pop-up comedy show back to his hometown, promising lots of laughs from a diverse lineup of comic styles and perspectives.
17. Alanis Morissette
JULY 28 | AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE AMPHITHEATER
You oughta know this award-winning singer, whose 1995 breakthrough album, Jagged Little Pill, nears its 30th anniversary. She’s joined by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Morgan Wade.
