1. The Wedding Singer
THROUGH AUG. 10 | NEXT ACT THEATRE
Singer Robbie Hart loves performing at weddings until his own ends in disaster. This musical adaptation of the 1998 Adam Sandler comedy has Hart ruining ceremonies before falling in love with an already-taken waitress.
2. ‘Growth Edge’
THROUGH AUG. 16 | HAWTHORN CONTEMPORARY
The works of Portland, Oregon, artist Martha Mack are much more than cute. Her soft-hued glass and ceramic pieces sit on narrow shelves and pedestals and hang from chains – evoking both ease and tension.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Wisconsin IPA Fest
AUG. 2 | THIRD SPACE BREWING
Sample hundreds of hoppy brews competing for the title of Wisconsin’s Best IPA, and vote for your own favorite. You’ll also find food trucks, live music and a create-your-own-T-shirt station.
4. Bronzeville Week
AUG. 2-9 | BRONZEVILLE
A week of festivities showcases Milwaukee’s African American culture, history, businesses and more in this historic neighborhood. Highlights include an Art Walk, the Cultural & Arts Festival, and the HaRUNbee 5K Run/Walk.
5. Billy Strings
AUG. 8 | FISERV FORUM
Few bluegrass acts can play an arena, but this guitar virtuoso has been packing them. His unique brand of bluegrass mixes the classic with some psych rock and jam bands.
6. Cat Video Fest
AUG. 8 | ORIENTAL THEATRE
What’s better than giggling at a few cat videos on your phone? Watching 70 minutes of feline shenanigans in a theater with other cat lovers. A portion of proceeds from the annual compilation goes toward the Second Hand Purrs animal shelter.
7. Jewish Food Festival
AUG. 10-11 | ROTARY PARK, MEQUON
Knishes, kugel, matzo ball soup and more – this festival features dishes from different Jewish cuisines around the world. Visitors can also expect a petting zoo, inflatables for kids, live bands and a DJ.
8. Poetry in the Park
Aug. 12, Juneau Park
Bring lawn chairs to hear local poets read their work in front of the Solomon Juneau statue in this seasonal series by Woodland Pattern. This month includes Tacey M. Atsitty, Gnat Bowden, Ian Izard and Dawn Tefft.
9. RiverWalk Commons Concert Series
AUG. 12 & 26 | MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MARKET RIVERWALK COMMONS
The traffic humming down I-794 can’t silence the tunes underneath it at this unique outdoor concert. This month’s lineup includes flamenco guitarist Evan Christian (Aug. 12) and new-wave cover band Radio Radio (Aug. 26).
10. A La Carte at the Zoo
AUG. 14-17 | MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO
This fest’s got two kinds of party animals. Check out nearly 40 local restaurants serving all kinds of eats, music across six stages and, of course, the zoo’s wild residents. No feeding the animals, though!
11. Irish Fest
AUG. 14-17 | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK
Milwaukee’s biggest Celtic celebration is packed with traditional and contemporary Irish music, dishes like shepherd’s pie and Guinness-flavored doughnuts, cultural programming and more.
12. Jimmy Juliano
AUG. 18 | BOSWELL BOOK CO.
Known for his viral Reddit horror stories, this author set his second novel, 13 Months Haunted, in a Wisconsin middle school in the early 2000s. The library clerk befriends an isolated eighth-grader who she soon realizes harbors something dark.
13. Fresh Coast Jazz Festival
AUG. 21-23 | PABST THEATER
The sixth edition of this smooth-jazz smorgasbord features some of the biggest names in the genre, a contest-winning Milwaukee jazz act, Q&A sessions with musicians, a Sade-soundtracked wine pairing and the fan-favorite jazz cruise.
14. Milwaukee Mile 250
AUG. 23-24 | MILWAUKEE MILE SPEEDWAY
For the second year in a row, IndyCar is racing on Milwaukee’s historic speedway. Along with practice races and the headlining clash, the weekend will feature live music in State Fair Park, fan programming and driver autograph signings.
15. Oak Creek LionsFest
AUG. 29-SEPT. 1 | OAK CREEK LIONS CLUB
This community carnival comes with all kinds of entertainment: rides, games, music, a cash raffle and even helicopter rides. Friday means a fish fry, and there’ll be other food specials along with beer and wine.
16. Damon Wayans Jr.
AUG. 29-31 | MILWAUKEE IMPROV
You might know him for his role as Coach on the quirky sitcom “New Girl,” but stand-up runs in his family. Expect observational comedy from the prolific movie and television actor.
17. ‘Palimpsests + Memories: The Student to the Teacher’
AUG. 29-OCT. 8 | LATINO ARTS
To honor the teachers who shaped her, Wisconsin artist Celeste Contreras Skierski presents over three decades of her drawings, collages and palimpsests – from her journey as a high schooler to an established UW-Milwaukee lecturer.
