Your Summer 2023 Milwaukee Festival Guide

Here’s how to hit every kind of festival in Milwaukee this summer.

Music

1. Summer Soulstice

JUNE 17 | KENILWORTH AND IVANHOE PLACES, BETWEEN PROSPECT AND FARWELL AVENUES

Welcome summer on the East Side with a lively block party. Local musicians shine, and you’ll find lots of food and art vendors.

Summer Soulstice Festival; Photo by Visit Milwaukee

2. Gathering on the Green 

JULY 15-16 | ROTARY PARK

Pack for a picnic, or fill up at the food trucks, then enjoy live bands in Mequon’s scenic Rotary Park at this two-day musical event.

Photo courtesy of Gathering on the Green

3. Country in the Burg

AUG. 25-26 | CEDAR CREEK PARK

This two-day country music takeover comes to Cedarburg with artists Kip Moore and Lee Brice headlining. The event is expected to sell out. 

4. Fresh Coast Jazz Festival

AUG. 25-26 | THE PABST THEATER

Jazz connoisseurs will love this weekend-long celebration. It features two days of live performances, plus after-parties at the Hyatt Regency and an Edelweiss Cruise. 


Street

5. Lakefront Festival of Art 

JUNE 16-18 | MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM GROUNDS

The art museum hosts a breezy weekend of music, food and family activities. Over 120 artists and crafters will participate in this outdoor event, displaying their work.

Photo courtesy of Lakefront Festival of the Art

6. Juneteenth Celebration

JUNE 19 | MARTIN LUTHER KING DRIVE

An “I Am Juneteenth” parade kicks off this national celebration. Plan for a packed day featuring music, craft vendors and delicious eats.

Juneteenth Celebration; Photo by Visit Milwaukee

7. Whitefish Bay Art Fest

JULY 8-9 | SILVER SPRING DRIVE AND SANTA MONICA BOULEVARD 

Sculptures, ceramics and jewelry are just a few of the creations you can expect at this annual art fest. Take a stroll down the block and find live music, local restaurants and artist demonstrations. 


 

Nominations are open for the 2024 Unity Awards! 

Know an individual or group committed to bridging divides in our community? Nominate them for a Unity Award by Oct. 31.


8. Brady Street Festival

JULY 29 | BRADY STREET

No Milwaukee summer is complete without this classic. Brady Street will close to traffic for a full day of shopping, music and bar hopping. Expect a little bit of everything, plus some unexpected surprises.

Brady Street Festival; Photo by Dan Profio

Ethnic

9. Polish Fest

JUNE 9-11 | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK

This Polish party returns to the city for a weekend of dancing, food and rich history.

Polish Fest; Photo by Visit Milwaukee

10. Croatian Fest 

JULY 15 | CROATIAN PARK

Head to Franklin for this display of Croatian heritage. Be sure to dance your way to the line for traditional rotisserie and bakery.

11. Milwaukee Dragon Boat Festival

AUG. 12 | LAKE SHORE STATE PARK

Float to the lakefront for a celebration of Chinese culture, including dragon boat races, martial arts and folk music.

Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Dragon Boat Festival

12. Irish Fest

AUG. 17-20 | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK

Follow the sounds of Gaelic Storm and you’ll find Irish dance, games, food and – yes, plenty of Guinness.

Irish Fest; Photo by Visit Milwaukee

Food & Drink

13. Wisconsin Beer Lovers Festival

JUNE 17 | THE YARD AT BAYSHORE

This fest features over 50 Wisconsin craft breweries, along with food trucks and live music. Your ticket includes beer, food samples and the chance to mingle and chat with actual brewers. 

14. 2023 Taco and Tequila Fest Wisconsin

JUNE 17 | WISCONSIN BREWING COMPANY PARK

Tacos, tequila and tunes. Local vendors are sharing unique taco recipes alongside tequila tasting, cocktails and live entertainment.

Photo courtesy of Taco and Tequila Fest Wisconsin

15. Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival

JULY 29 | PLAZA AT FISERV FORUM

Thirty local food trucks flock to Deer District to showcase their best recipes with over 50 national craft beers on the menu. Come with an empty stomach. 

16. The Bloody Mary Festival

AUG. 12 | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK

Love bloodies? Stop by for a tasting tour with variations on the heavily garnished cocktail from restaurants and bars around the state.

Photo courtesy of the Bloody Mary Festival

 

This story is part of Milwaukee Magazine’s June issue.

Find it on newsstands or buy a copy at milwaukeemag.com/shop

Be the first to get every new issue. Subscribe.

Comments

comments