Featured Events
1. Wisconsin State Fair
ALL WEEKEND | STATE FAIR PARK
The Wisconsin State Fair kicks off this Thursday! The staple cream puffs are on sale every day for $4.50 each and the free music stages have their first performers slated for 11 a.m. Cirque Fair, a brand new exhibition this year, has shows daily at 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 6 p.m. General admission tickets can be purchased in advance online, or at the gate.
RELATED: OUR EDITORS’ STATE FAIR FAVORITES
2. Black Arts Fest MKE
SATURDAY FROM 12 P.M.-10 P.M. | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK
Black Arts Fest celebrates the deep roots of African heritage in Milwaukee, featuring a program filled with art, educational opportunities, music, dance, poetry and more. The event organizers encourage people of all ages to attend to make the festival a multi-generational experience. Tickets start at $16 each and can be purchased online or at the gate.
3. Bronzeville Week
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 10 A.M.-6 P.M. | DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DRIVE
Bronzeville week is back to celebrate the African-American roots planted in Milwaukee during the early 1900s and 1960s. The annual celebration is bringing jazz music, powerful partnerships and arts to the city. The event is free to attend and suitable for all ages. See the full lineup of events here.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
More Events
4. Collective Outdoor: Kayak & Yoga
THURSDAY AT 5:30 P.M. | LAKESHORE STATE PARK BEACH
Forward Outdoor is teaming up with Collective Flow for a combination yoga and guided kayaking adventure on the park’s inlet. The event will start with 30 minutes of beachside yoga and transition into 45 minutes of kayaking with movement and mindfulness. Kayaking gear is included with the ticket price, but guests must bring their own yoga mats. Tickets are $55 and the class is beginner friendly.
5. Twisted Trees: Bonsai Class
THURSDAY AT 6 P.M. | GREAT LAKES DISTILLERY
Kyle the tree guy from Twisted Tree Creations is hosting an wire art creation class. The class is tailored for beginner and intermediate levels and will lead patrons in making their own Bonsai Tree. The Tasting Room will be serving cocktails and the Fox Den will be serving food during the entire class. Materials and tools are included with your ticket, and food and drinks are sold separately.
6. New Wave California
THURSDAY FROM 6 P.M.-7 P.M. | WATERFORD WINE & SPIRITS
Waterford is celebrating the unique wine industry of California and its 20-year wine revolution. This tasting allows guests to try unconventional wines made from lesser known grape varieties. The wines featured at the tasting are available for purchase at a significant discount.
7. The Wedding Singer
THURSDAY FROM 7:30 P.M.-10 P.M. | Bombshell Theatre
The Wedding Singer, a musical comedy, is opening at the Bombshell Theatre this weekend. The story follows rockstar wannabe Robbie Hart through his life as New Jersey’s favorite wedding singer after his fiancee leaves him at the altar. This show is recommended for children 12+ and tickets are available online.
8. Moons & Myths
FRIDAY FROM 7 P.M.-8 P.M. | MANFRED OLSON PLANETARIUM
It’s the last day to see the Moons & Myths exhibit at the Manfred Olson Planetarium. The show takes you through the most famous moons in our solar system and showcases the famous myths associated with each moon. The show includes an indoor stargazing session and an opportunity to ask questions. This show is family friendly and tickets are $6 for non members.
9. Press Play: A Nerd Cabaret
FRIDAY FROM 7:30 P.M.-9:30 P.M. | COMEDY SPORTS GARAGE MILWAUKEE
Press Play is presenting an homage to its podcasts with a night of songs inspired by their nerdy and geeky pursuits. The night will be filled with songs from across nerd culture to satisfy every kind of nerd.. This show is rated PG-13.
10. Interwovxn’s Revel + Release Dance Party
FRIDAY FROM 6:30 P.M.-10 P.M. | THE RIVULET
Interwovxn is reimagining self-care and channeling it into the dance floor. DJ Dori Zori is featuring a mix of ’80s and dance-floor classics to get everyone out on the floor to shake off whatever they’re holding. This dance party is created for women, trans and nonbinary guests, and everyone is encouraged to come exactly as they are. Tickets are available online.
11. River Press Grand Opening
SATURDAY FROM 11 A.M.-7 P.M. | RIVER PRESS
Local printmaker Mya Giuliani is opening an art studio, shop and gallery featuring local Milwaukee artists. The grand opening is this Saturday and will feature a coffee shop pop-up called Ella’s Cafe, a tintype photography and a tattoo flash event done by Patchwork Collective. Art on sale will range from $5 to $300 and the event is free to attend.
12. Soberfest
SATURDAY FROM 4 P.M.-9 P.M. | PERE MARQUETTE PARK
Soberfest is back for the fifth year celebrating the “strength, joy and freedom of living sober.” This event features a lineup of live music, speakers and a completely sober community. Soberfest is meant for everyone, even if you’re just sober-curious. Tickets are available online.
13. Summer Vibes Makers Market
SATURDAY FROM 12 P.M.-5 P.M. | EAGLE PARK BREWING COMPANY
Eagle Park is celebrating international beer day with a family-friendly makers market. The event will feature a variety of vendors inside the taproom and outside in the parking lot. The outdoor space is dog friendly and the market is free to attend.
14. Shakespeare in the Park Double Feature
SATURDAY ROM 1 P.M.-6:30 P.M. | LAKE PARK
Optimist Theatre is doing a double feature of Much Ado About Nothing and The Taming of the Shrew. Both shows are reimagined in an 80s beach party theme and before the show there will be activities, music and more. The shows are free to attend and family-friendly.
15. Wisconsin IPA Fest
SATURDAY FROM 2 P.M.-5 P.M. | THIRD SPACE BREWING
Join Third Space Brewing in true Wisconsin fashion for the ninth annual IPA fest. This year, the festival will feature 40+ breweries from around the state, a DJ, a DIY t-shirt station, food trucks and more. General admission tickets include a tasting class, and unlimited beer sampling during the event. Designated driver tickets are also available for a discounted rate.
16. Dance Fest 2025
SATURDAY AT 11 A.M.-7:30 P.M. | PECK PAVILION
Nō Studios Dance Fest is back, showcasing some of the top dance companies across the country. Dance classes are featured all day, and ticketed performances range from traditional ballet to street dance. Tickets start are available online, and this event is suitable for all ages.
17. Herbal Hues Watercolor
SUNDAY FROM 2 P.M.-4 P.M. | SmallPie
Savannah of Scintillating Soul is hosting a watercolor workshop this Sunday. The class offers an opportunity to learn about different herbs, their properties and how they can turn into a unique watercolor paint. Participants will paint their own watercolor masterpiece using the herbs of their choice. Registration is available online.
18. Grown Up Summer Camp
SUNDAY FROM 2 P.M.-7 P.M. | WASHINGTON PARK
The Urban Ecology Center is hosting an all day adult summer camp to help bring guests back to their favorite summertime memories. They promise this camp will have a lot less teenage awkwardness. You’ll find all the camp classics, like campfires, canoeing and crafts, plus a camp store that features local artists and small businesses. Tickets are available online.
19. Dandan’s Dim Sum Brunch hosted by Chef Erasmo Casiano
SUNDAY FROM 11 A.M.-12:45 P.M. | DANDAN
Dever’s James Beard-recognized chef Erasmo Casiano is hosting Dandan’s Dim Sum Brunch with Chefs Dan Jacobs and Dan Van Rite. Erasmo’s Mexican classics will blend with classic Dim Sum dishes in a four course meal featuring seven dishes. Guests can reserve their table online and this event costs $100 per person.
