Whether you're a Milwaukee resident or looking for something to do on your next visit check out these cool things to do in the month ahead!
1.Milwaukee Taco Fest
AUG. 1 | 200 N. HARBOR DR.
A showcase of Milwaukee’s taco scene, this festival features a lunch and dinner session to fit various tastes and time preferences. With live music, entertainment, and of course, nine different local vendors, Taco Fest is a great way to spend an afternoon. Proceeds from the festival benefit the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation and Rescue Gang.
AUG. 5-15 | STATE FAIR PARK
Back to celebrate its 170th year, the Wisconsin State Fair will be fully stocked with free performances, iconic fair food, petting zoos, rides, games, local vendors, and more. Browse special packages, or just show up at the gate for a classic fair experience.
Photo by Maria Christianson.
AUG. 7-14 | BRONZEVILLE
Back in time for its 10-year anniversary, Bronzeville Week is a celebration of African-American culture in Milwaukee’s historic Bronzeville district. Don’t miss the many celebrations throughout the week, with art, music, highlighted Black businesses, and more.
AUG. 12-14 | SHARON LYNNE WILSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS
This festival celebrates the guitar’s history and future, with performances spanning across genres of rock, jazz, blues and more, for a weekend of iconic music.
AUG. 13-14 | NAGA-WAUKEE PARK
Celebrating its 14th year, the Waukesha BluesFest is a celebration of the “roots” of American music in its many forms, from blues to gospel to jazz. Pull up a chair and listen to stunning live performances, while enjoying food from local vendors and the festival’s art gallery.
6. DAS Fest
AUG. 13-15 | WALWORTH COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
This new festival seeks to bring together the Milwaukee, Madison and Chicago areas in Elkhorn Wisconsin, for a weekend of German-themed fun. Featuring biergartens, live music and dance, dachshund races and more, DAS Fest is a family-friendly festival with fun for all ages.
7. Irish Fest
AUG. 20-22 | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK
Irish Fest is back at Henry Maier festival park for its 40th anniversary. With tons of live acts, Irish food, express bars and authentic Irish vendors, this festival brings the emerald isle right to Lake Michigan.
8. IndiaFest
AUG. 21 | HUMBOLDT PARK
Celebrating its 9th anniversary, IndiaFest Milwaukee is a one-day festival with a focus on cultural immersion and education.
AUG. 21 | FISERV FORUM PLAZA
With Bloody Mary recipes from all across the state, alongside various other foods and beverages, the Bloody Mary Festival is self-described as the “Saturday funday brunch party of the year.”
AUG. 21-22 | FOWLER PARK
Back just in time for their 50th anniversary, the Oconomowoc Festival brings fine visual art, live music, and local food vendors to Fowler Park.
AUG. 21-23 | MARCUS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
A celebration of Milwaukee’s rich arts culture, Fringe Fest brings together painters, actors, performance artists and more to the Marcus Center for a weekend showcase of the area’s arts scene.
AUG. 27-28 | CEDAR CREEK PARK
For those with a little country in them, Country in the Burg brings together local country artists to Cedarburg to raise money for various charities. With live music, barbecue, golfing and more, the festival has plenty to offer after a year away.
13. Mexican Fiesta
AUG. 27-29
A “vigorous declaration of community spirit at its best,” the Mexican Fiesta is a weekend-long exploration and celebration of Mexican culture through food, art and tradition. Benefitting scholarships for Hispanic students, supporting the local community, and fostering a sense of connection in the area, the Mexican Fiesta is a great way to immerse yourself in Milwaukee’s rich Hispanic culture.
AUG. 28 | 700 W. LEXINGTON BLVD.
“By Beer Nuts, For Beer Nuts,” this festival promises to bring “world-class” choices in beer, ciders, and meads, all alongside traditional German food in a classic biergarten.
WEDNESDAYS THROUGH AUGUST | WASHINGTON PARK
The iconic weekly outdoor concert series returns this year with free music on Wednesdays at The Bandshell. Enjoy local bands alongside food trucks, kid-friendly activities, and more.