Five Places to Polka in Milwaukee

The polka is the official state dance of Wisconsin, and this beloved local tradition is alive and well in Milwaukee! European immigrants brought the sounds and the moves of the polka to the area in the 1800s, and there's still nothing that can make Milwaukeeans smile quite like the polka. If you're looking to enjoy a true Wisconsin classic, check out one of these spots and put on your dancing shoes.

 

1. Lakefront Brewery Beer Hall

Each week, one of Milwaukee's most popular craft breweries hosts a Friday Fish Fry complete with a live performance from The Brewhaus Polka Kings. It's a serious Milwaukee experience that's fun for the whole family.

 

2. Old German Beer Hall

Located on Old World Third Street, the historic center of Milwaukee's German community, this bar and restaurant brings a taste of Bavaria to the Midwest. Modeled after Munich's famous Hofbräuhaus, Old German Beer Hall often hosts live music with a German vibe, including locally beloved polka bands like The Squeezettes.

 

3. American Family Field

Polka at a baseball game? It's true! During the seventh-inning stretch at a Brewers game, join the crowd in a rousing rendition of the Beer Barrel Polka. As the song says, you'll have a barrel of fun!

 

4. Baird Center

Even convention attendees need a little polka! One of our favorite local secrets is the "Push to Play Polka!" button at Baird Center. Located near the escalator leading to the skywalk for the Hilton Milwaukee, just press the polka button to enjoy some toe-tapping tunes as you ride the escalator.

 

5. Beer Gardens

Milwaukee's parks are home to a number of beer gardens - classic communal gathering places to relax with family and friends, enjoy a pretzel and a beer and, yes, some tunes! Live music of all kinds is common in beer gardens, so make sure to check the performance schedule if you're hunting for some polka.

 

Bonus! German Fest

On the last weekend of July, Milwaukee's lakefront festival grounds are filled with the sound of polka! German Fest, the world's largest German cultural festival, celebrates all things German with traditional food, music and dance. You'll see folk dances of all kind performed on the festival stages and have plenty of opportunities to join in the polka.

 

Your Guide to the Arts in Milwaukee May 06

Your Guide to the Arts in Milwaukee

Arts & Culture

Art brings cities to life. They weave a magnificent tapestry that gives a city character, a personality that locals use to identify themselves and visitors look to with awe and…

2025 Milwaukee Film Festival Apr 04

2025 Milwaukee Film Festival

Festivals & Events

Get your popcorn ready because the Milwaukee Film Fest just dropped its full 2025 lineup. Running April 24 through May 8, MFF25 returns with yet another selection of…

7 Great Tosa Restaurant Week Deals Mar 11

7 Great Tosa Restaurant Week Deals

Dining & Drinks

Of the signs that spring is on its way, Tosa Restaurant Week may just be one of our favorites. Each March, this 10-day parade of discounts and deals at Wauwatosa restaurants…

Reliving Milwaukee Flavor Live Mar 05

Reliving Milwaukee Flavor Live

Dining & Drinks

A month ago, we embarked on a culinary journey unlike any other as we invited foodies to the Milwaukee Public Market for Milwaukee Flavor Live, a fresh, four-course culinary…

10 Milwaukee Winter Brewing Escapes Feb 11

10 Milwaukee Winter Brewing Escapes

Beer & Brewing

A little winter weather won’t stop us from exploring Milwaukee. In fact, it’s the perfect time to embrace the conditions to uncover cozy gems all over town, and…

8 Classic Romantic Milwaukee Date Nights Jan 30

8 Classic Romantic Milwaukee Date Nights

Festivals & Events

Whether you’re on the hunt for Valentine’s Day ideas or a random Tuesday evening, consider this your cheat sheet to romance in the Good Land. Check out these eight…