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.
Bikes and Brews: Cycling Beer Garden Itinerary
Cruise for brews this summer! Take a Tour de Milwaukee with our beer garden itinerary, a summertime guide to five (or seven if you’re along for an extended ride)…
Your Guide to the Arts in Milwaukee
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…
Scenic Summer Sips in Milwaukee: Rooftop Bars and Waterfront Drinks
There are good nights out, and then there are those special occasions, those nights that you’ll never forget. Those moments that remind you that you are alive. And living…
Milwaukee PrideFest Headliners Announced
It’s here! PrideFest, Wisconsin’s largest LGBTQ festival, just dropped this year’s slate of headliners. Wowing the crowd for three days, 2025 PrideFest will…
2025 Milwaukee Film Festival
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…
Mock Draft: A 7-Round Milwaukee Beer Fantasy Draft
After months of speculation, the top college prospects in the game will hear their names called on draft day as they go from All-Americans to NFL players, ascending the stage in…
7 Great Tosa Restaurant Week Deals
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…
Milwaukee's Friday Fish Fry is a Must Try!
In honor of Governor Tony Evers, County Executive David Crowley and Mayor Cavalier Johnson’s proclamation making Friday, March 7 Friday Fish Fry Day throughout the state…
Reliving Milwaukee Flavor Live
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…
Saint Patrick’s Day in Milwaukee 2025
St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and preparations are already underway to celebrate this Irish holiday right here in Milwaukee. All month long, you can…
10 Milwaukee Winter Brewing Escapes
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…
Renaissance and Baroque Masterpieces Coming to the Milwaukee Art Museum
Experience a renaissance at the Milwaukee Art Museum this spring. A new golden age is dawning at the iconic landmark along the city’s waterfront, and you’re…
8 Classic Romantic Milwaukee Date Nights
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…
Which Museum Your Zodiac Sign Says You Should Visit
It's the cosmos in which we all swim—the stars that seal our fates—our Zodiac signs. Call it vibes if you like, protest if you must, but this is the…
2025 Harley-Davidson Homecoming Lineup Released
From the depths of winter, the heart-racing pulse of summer roared to life this afternoon as the annual Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival announced the full lineup of artists…