41 MKE Events You Have to Attend this Summer
In the City of Festivals, summer is a season filled with great food, live music and MKE pride! This is a one-stop shop for all the wonderful events taking place in our favorite city this summer, as well as fun ideas that will be available all summer long.
JUNE
The entertainment never ends at Wauwatosa’s Hartfest on June 22–23.
Whether you spend your time picking them or eating them, Cedarburg’s Strawberry Festival will have a big smile on your face on June 23–24.
Experience Cuban food as it’s meant to be had at Cuban Street Festival on June 24.
Garlic Fest might sound like a strange event to attend, but we promise once you try the food, you’ll understand completely.
The biggest event of the summer: Summerfest! With artists like the Weekend, Halsey and Shawn Mendes, you’re sure to find memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t forget to wear your UWM gear on June 29 for FREE admission.
Music is the move this summer, and Pabst Street Party is a great way to go! Don’t miss it on June 30.
JULY
Get a little patriotic on July 3 at the Downtown Milwaukee Fireworks!
Don’t miss the celebration on July 4 at the Wauwatosa Independence Day Celebration! Food and entertainment included.
Get a little artsy at the Summer Gallery Night and Day July 20–21.
No money for a summer vacay? Bastille Days is a great way to escape to Paris on a college budget! Don’t forget your beret July 12–15.
Gathering on the Green brings the community together in the name of music for just one night on July 18!
Garfield Avenue Blues, Jazz, Gospel and Arts Festival is an amazing neighborhood celebration that has taken place for over 20 years! Don’t miss it on July 20–21.
Get ready for pasta, canolis and gondola rides at the famous Festa Italiana on July 20–22.
Port Washington Fish Day is a fun event that works towards helping local organizations achieve their goals! Don’t miss the fun on July 21.
It’s a bird… it’s a plane… it’s the Milwaukee Air and Water Show! Make sure you’re there on July 21–22.
Interested in riding a bike for 24 hours straight (with some help of course)? Join the Riverwest 24 on July 27 to join the fun.
Brady Street is full of fun on any given day, but Brady Street Festival goes over the top! Don’t miss it on July 28.
Get out your lederhosen for some great fun at German Fest on July 27–29.
Start practicing your belly laugh! You’re going to be laughing until it hurts at the Milwaukee Comedy Festival on July 31-August 5.
AUGUST
Don’t miss out on the cream puffs, ferris wheel or ski lift at the Wisconsin State Fair from August 2–12.
An afternoon of kayaking, BBQ and music is excatly what you need and exactly what theUrban Island Beach Party is there for on August 3.
Join us at the 5th annual Bronzeville Week from Aug 4–11.
Get groovy in Riverwest at Center Street Daze on August 4!
Firefly Art Fair is ready to give you all of the art you never knew you needed on August 4–5.
Get ready to race! The Dragon Boat Festival takes place on August 11, but make sure you register before July 30.
Irish Fest is a staple in Milwaukee, and it’s about to be a staple in your summer plans! Get over there on August 16–19.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel a la Carte is a great opportunity to experience the delicious food of Milwaukee while seeing your favorite animals at the Milwaukee Zoo! It’s a must-see, so don’t miss it on August 16–19.
Learn about the Inidan culture at India Fest this summer on August 18.
Grab your friends and get your bodies movin’ at exercisin’ at Ciclovia MKE on August 19.
The last cultural festival of the summer is Mexican Fiesta, and we can’t wait to see you there August 24–26.
Celebrate Harley-Davidson’s 115th Anniversary at their Milwaukee Rally August 29-September 2. Bike not necessary.
ALL SUMMER LONG
Grab your summer veggies at the Fondy Farmer’s Market any Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday or Thursday now through November 17!
Whether you have your own bike or not, head over to Bike Night at the Harley-Davidson Museum for music, food and fun until September 27.
Practice your dance moves at Jazz in the Park every Thursday night until August 30!
Sit back and enjoy the summer vibes at Chill on the Hill each Tuesday, from now until August 28.
If you haven’t gotten enough music yet, head out to Tosa Tonight before August 29 for some rockin’ tunes!
The NEWaukee Night Market is the epitome of Milwaukee in the summer, with loads of vendors, great entertainment and delicious food on deck one Wednesday each month.
Hang by the Milwaukee River for River Rhythms from June 13 to August 29!
Help out local vendors at the Harambee Community Market until October 6!
Grab that bicycle and head out on a Tour of America’s Dairyland! Tours happen in different Wisconsin cities from June 21 to July 1.
If you like your music with a side of great views, the Skyline Music Series is for you! Stop by from July 10-August 21.
