Major Events & Festivals in Milwaukee, United States
1. Summerfest
11-day music festival held on the shores of Lake Michigan, featuring a diverse lineup of artists from around the world.
- Unique Venues: Multiple stages and venues offer a variety of experiences
- Food & Drink: Wisconsin foods, drinks, and cultural cuisine available throughout the festival
- Entertainment Variety: Includes music, comedy, and cultural performances
2. Milwaukee Irish Fest
4-day celebration of Irish music, dance, food, and culture, considered the largest such festival in the world.
- Authentic Irish Experience: Features traditional Irish music, dancing, and arts
- Cultural Education: Offers workshops, lectures, and exhibits on Irish history and culture
- Community Involvement: Proceeds benefit local and global charities related to Ireland
3. Festa Italiana
3-day celebration of Italian culture, food, and music held in the heart of Milwaukee's Little Italy.
- Authentic Taste: A variety of traditional Italian foods are served
- Live Entertainment: Features live music, dancing, and cultural performances
- Italian Marketplace: Vendors sell Italian goods, clothing, and art
4. Lakefront Festival of Art
3-day outdoor fine arts festival on the lakefront featuring works by over 180 artists.
- Artistic Diversity: Displays a wide range of artistic styles and mediums
- Interactive Activities: Offers workshops, demonstrations, and artist talks
- Family-Friendly: Includes activities for children and families
5. Harley-Davidson Museum's Bike Night
Monthly summer event showcasing Harley-Davidson motorcycles, live music, and local food.
- Motorcycle Enthusiasts: Attracts fans of Harley-Davidson and classic motorcycles
- Live Music: Features local bands and musicians
- Local Food & Drink: Offers a variety of food trucks and drinks
6. Milwaukee Film Festival
10-day celebration of cinema, featuring independent films from around the world.
- Indie Cinema Showcase: Highlights lesser-known filmmakers and their work
- Q&A Sessions: Opportunity to interact with filmmakers during Q&A sessions
- Film Discussions: Includes discussions on the film industry and filmmaking process
7. Milwaukee Pride Fest
3-day celebration of LGBTQ+ culture, featuring music, food, and activism.
- LGBTQ+ Community Empowerment: Highlights the achievements and struggles of the LGBTQ+ community
- Live Entertainment: Features live music, dancing, and performances
- Resource Fair: Offers resources and information on LGBTQ+ rights and services
8. German Fest
4-day celebration of German culture, food, music, and beer in Milwaukee's historic Third Ward.
- Authentic German Experience: Features traditional German foods, music, and dancing
- Beer Gardens: Showcases Milwaukee's rich brewing heritage with beer tastings and events
- German Marketplace: Vendors sell traditional German clothing, arts, and crafts
9. Milwaukee County Fair
10-day agricultural fair featuring livestock shows, rides, food, and entertainment.
- Agricultural Education: Offers educational exhibits on farming, agriculture, and animals
- Rides & Games: Features carnival rides, games, and attractions
- Food & Drink: Serves fair classics like funnel cakes, corn dogs, and freshly squeezed lemonade
10. Bastille Days
4-day French festival in Milwaukee's Cathedral Square, featuring food, music, and art.
- Authentic French Experience: Offers traditional French foods, pastries, and beverages
- Live Music & Dance: Features live music, dance performances, and a French cabaret show
- French Marketplace: Vendors sell French goods, clothing, and art
11. Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)
Celebration honoring deceased loved ones with music, food, and altars.
- Cultural Education: Provides insight into Mexican culture and traditions
- Altar Tributes: Community members create altars in memory of their loved ones
- Live Entertainment: Includes music, dance performances, and storytelling
12. Milwaukee Italian Festivals Inc. Parade
Annual parade celebrating Milwaukee's rich Italian heritage.
- Community Pride: Showcases the pride and traditions of Milwaukee's Italian community
- Colorful Floats & Marching Bands: Features elaborate floats and marching bands from local high schools
- Local Participation: Involves community members, organizations, and businesses
13. Brewers Game at Miller Park
Attend a Milwaukee Brewers baseball game at Miller Park, home of Major League Baseball's Brewers.
- Professional Baseball Experience: Enjoy the excitement of a live MLB game
- Food & Drink: Choose from various food and beverage options, including local favorites
- Family-Friendly: Includes activities and attractions for children and families
14. Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
Month-long celebration of the holiday season featuring millions of lights throughout Milwaukee's downtown.
- Holiday Spirit: Spreads holiday cheer and warmth during the winter months
- Light Displays: Features creative, unique, and festive light displays
- Community Engagement: Encourages local businesses, organizations, and residents to participate in the celebration
15. Milwaukee's Fourth of July Celebration
Celebrate Independence Day with a day of food, music, and fireworks over Lake Michigan.
- Patriotic Spirit: Honors America's independence and military heroes
- Food & Drink: Serves traditional Independence Day foods like hot dogs, hamburgers, and lemonade
- Fireworks Display: Features a spectacular fireworks show over Lake Michigan