Festivals and Fairs
For one of the most lively and delicious festivals of the season, stop by the 6th annual Puerto Rican Family Festival on Sunday, August 5, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Humboldt Park (3000 S Howell Ave.). In addition to various live performances, there will also be a drum circle, home run derby, cultural exhibit and of course plenty of food. Best part? Admission is free.
Come one, come all, and celebrate the Wisconsin summer like no other. The 167th annual Wisconsin State Fair returns, starting Thursday, August 2, through Sunday, August 12, at the Wisconsin State Fair Park (640 S 84th St.). The fair runs 11 days because there’s too much to do for just one day. Some highlights include 30 free stages of live music, Farm and Family building agricultural interactive displays, over 200 food and beverage vendors (yes, this includes the ORIGINAL Cream Puffs), the green and yellow Giant Slide and so much more. Tickets are $14 for adults, $8 for seniors, veterans, military and youth (6-11) and free for kids 5 and younger.
The annual Black Arts Festival will celebrate and honor African and African American culture and heritage on Saturday, August 4, from noon to midnight at the Henry Maier Festival Park (200 N Harbor Dr.). Along with four stages of live entertainment all day, there will also be hands-on kids activities, the Artistry of Heritage Area and a market square with items from Africa. Tickets are on sale now for $9, a bargain by all accounts.
For the 21st year, local Riverwest businesses, vendors and artists will gather to celebrate Center Street Daze Festival on Saturday, August 4, between Holton and Humboldt on Center Street. The street festival continues to grow, but classic staples still include the famous Pushcart Race and Classic Car Show. Eight stages of live music, over 90 vendors, a pool tournament and some hula hoops all make for a fun and interesting day.
Art
For a more culturally stimulating afternoon, stop by the 32nd annual Firefly Art Fair on August 4 and August 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kneeland-Walker House and Gardens (7406 Hillcrest Dr.). Over 90 artists from all over Wisconsin will showcase paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs and more. Inside the house will even be a historical exhibit titled “Tosa Goes to War.”
Music
Anodyne Coffee (224 W Bruce St.) continues its summer concert series with the Tillers performing on Thursday, August 2, starting at 8 p.m. The Cincinnati group has blossomed since its humble beginnings. Expect to hear both timeless and historical tunes, as the group enjoys playing past classics as well as originals with banjos and acoustics. Tickets are $10 advance or $12 at the door.
Laugh out Loud
If work was a little too stressful this week (or not), you need a good laugh. The 13th annual celebration of laughter runs from August 1 through August 5 at various locations and times throughout Milwaukee. This year, headliners include Colin Quinn on August 3 at Turner Hall (1040 Vel R. Phillips Ave.) and Lady Parts Justice League on August 2 at the Cooperage (822 S Water St.). The full lineup is available here, but they’ll be here all week!
Beach Party
Get your beach on! The 8th annual Urban Island Beach Party starts partying on Friday, August 3, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Lakeshore State Park (500 N Harbor Dr.). Along with previous party favorites such as kayaking, dancing and live entertainment, a new and highly anticipated Floating Lantern Celebration will begin at 7 p.m. Pre-purchase a $20 lantern and then light and launch it along the lagoon for any wish your heart desires.
Cars
Calling all luxury car fanatics: this one is for you. Milwaukee’s most elegant cars will be on display at the 14th Concours d’Elegance on August 4 and 5 at Veterans Park (1010 N Lincoln Memorial Dr.). The event begins on Saturday with a motor tour, ride and drive, a seminar on emerging car markets and a style and speed social. Then on Sunday, all are welcome for displays including the Show and Glow Paddock and the Ferrari America collection.
Beer
An event so successful last year that it needed a follow-up. Third Space Brewing (1505 W St Paul Ave.) will host the 2nd annual Wisconsin IPA Fest on Saturday, August 4, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to judge the true best IPA brew in all of Wisconsin. Nearly 50 breweries from across the state will bring their best IPA for the public and judges to taste. Each brewery will send a judge and together will blindly taste all the brews and crown the 2018 Best IPA in Wisconsin. Admission is free, and each 4-oz sample pour is $2.
It’s never too late to start a beer festival in Milwaukee! Eagle Park Brewing Company (823 E Hamilton St.) will host its first ever Brew and Food Festival on Friday, August 3, at 6 p.m. The festival is part of Drink Brew City week occurring throughout Milwaukee until August 5. Various breweries will bring their favorite brews and foods for you to sample on throughout the night while also listening to tunes from Wire and Nail.
