Looking for something to do next week but don’t want to deal with the uptick in traffic downtown from the RNC? Whether you’re looking for live music, an early morning bird walk or a day on one of Wisconsin’s many lakes, Milwaukee’s suburbs have lots to explore next week away from downtown’s busy streets.
1. Rent a Boat in Lake Country
ANY DAY | NASHOTAH AND OCONOMOWOC
Just because you don’t live on a lake doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them. Golden Boat Rentals provides day-long boat rentals on Okauchee Lake and Lac La Belle for groups up to 15 passengers. Choose between eight boats on either lake and beat the summer heat with a day on the water.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
2. Art Workshops
JULY 15-18 | RACINE ART MUSEUM
The Racine Art Museum will host a variety of art workshops for children and adults of all ages throughout the week. Children are invited to the museum’s clay station, character design workshop and scrap art class this Monday. On Tuesday, roll up your sleeves with an open ceramics studio at 10 a.m. From watercolor painting to jewelry making, there’s plenty of classes available throughout the week. Find the full list of classes at the Racine Art Museum here.
3. Outdoor Community Yoga Class
JULY 15 5:30-6:15 P.M. | WAUWATOSA
Grab a friend and find some relaxation at McKinley Elementary School on Monday for a “pay what you’d like” 45-minute yoga flow session. You don’t need to register in advance, but do have to bring your own yoga mat. The class will meet in the grassy area of the school’s north side.
4. Sip & Paint
JULY 15 6-8 P.M. | CEDARBURG ART MUSEUM
The Cedarburg Art Museum invites everyone to embrace their inner artist during this night of
Join Gallery224 Director Rodrigo Santamaría as he teaches the two-hour painting lesson. This Sip & Paint will take place in the Cedarburg Art Museum Beer Garden and include a complimentary drink from Lakefront Brewery Tap House. Registration is $40 per person and tickets are available now.
5. Polar Express Movie Night
JULY 15 6 P.M. | CUTLER PARK
It’s Christmas in July at Cutler Park in Waukesha! Families are welcome to attend a special showing of Polar Express as part of Waukesha’s Monday Night Movie Series this summer. Pre-movie activities begin at 6 p.m., including a hot chocolate stand and a meet and greet with a surprise visitor. The event is free, and more information can be found here.
6. Early Morning Bird Walk
JULY 16 8-10 A.M. | URBAN ECOLOGY CENTER – MENOMONEE VALLEY
Start your morning outside at the Urban Ecology Center for a bird watching walk. This event is not exclusive for seasoned bird watchers, and all are welcome to explore the park and learn more about Wisconsin wildlife. The group will meet outside of the Menomonee Valley building at 8 a.m. on Tuesday.
7. Riverside Rhythms
JULY 17 11:30 A.M.-1 P.M. | RIVERFRONT PLAZA, WAUKESHA
Take a lunchtime break on the Fox River in Waukesha for an afternoon of music and food. This week, the City of Waukesha welcomes musician Joe Richter to the Riverfront Plaza. This week’s featured food truck is Mr. P’s Grilled Cheese.
8. Waterfront Wednesday Concert Series
JULY 17 6-8:30 P.M. | LAKEFRONT PARK, PEWAUKEE
There’s plenty of free concert opportunities throughout the week in many of Milwaukee’s suburbs. Celebrate hump day on the water at Lakefront Park on Pewaukee Lake with the Saturday June Band. The concert begins at 6 p.m., but the bar will open at 5 p.m. The event is free of charge and families are welcome.
9. Waukesha County Fair
JULY 17-JULY 21 | WAUKESHA COUNTY EXPO CENTER
The Waukesha County Fair starts Wednesday, July 17. Check out the demolition derby, car show, lots of livestock and more. Food and drink will be available throughout the fairgrounds. The Waukesha County Fair is also hosting musical guests throughout the weekend, including Rodney Atkins and Daughtry. Separate tickets for these shows are required. Tickets for the fair are $12 for adults and free for children ages 5 and under.
10. West Allis Farmers Market
JULY 18 12-5 P.M. | 6501 W. NATIONAL AVE
The West Allis Farmers Market is open on Thursday. Find local produce, fresh-cut flowers and more from over 20 Wisconsin-based farmers. Vendors may leave once all of their produce has been sold, so patrons are advised to arrive early. From 2-5 p.m., the farmers market is also bringing in local musician Lindsay Shanks.
11. West Allis Summer Concert Series
JULY 18 5-8 P.M. | VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK
The City of West Allis is hosting live music from afro-Cuban and Latin Jazz group De La Buena on Thursday as part of the West Allis Summer Concert Series. Food from Lola’s Empanadas and EZ Tiki will be available, along with craft beer from 1840 Brewing Company, starting at 5 p.m. The concert starts at 6 p.m., and admission is free.
12. Live Music in Hoyt Park
JULY 18 5-8 P.M. | HOYT PARK
Admission is free for a night of live music at The Landing Beer Garden in Hoyt Park on Thursday. Drinks will be for sale and food trucks will sell food throughout the park. More information can be found here.
