VIEW THE MAP

Major Events Calendar

Milwaukee's 2026 event lineup is packed with excitement, featuring Summerfest from June 18 to July 4, the Wisconsin State Fair from August 6-16, Gallery Night MKE every season, and the Milwaukee Night Market on select Wednesdays from May through September. These events showcase the city's music scene, culture and community spirit, drawing thousands of visitors each year.

Major Events Happening in 2026

Each year Milwaukee holds events that bring in people from all over the country. From our annual festivals to our lakefront sporting events, there is no shortage of things to do here. Below you can find Milwaukee area events that bring in thousands, if not, tens of thousands of visitors each year. 

German Fest Jul 25

German Fest

Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Germany right on Milwaukee’s lakefront! German Fest Milwaukee is North America’s largest German festival, celebrating authentic culture…

2026 Bronzeville Week Aug 01

2026 Bronzeville Week

Immerse Yourself in Bronzeville Week! The 15th annual Bronzeville Week (August 1 – 8, 2026) offers a mix of family-friendly and enriching diverse activities showcasing Milwaukee’s…

2026 Wisconsin State Fair Aug 06

2026 Wisconsin State Fair

Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis is the home of the Wisconsin State Fair, presented by T-Mobile. The first State Fair was held in Janesville along the banks of the Rock River in…

Irish Fest Aug 13

Irish Fest

A hundred thousand welcomes are waiting for you. Experience the magic of Ireland at Milwaukee Irish Fest, August 13-16, at the Henry Maier Festival Park. The four-day festival boasts 18…

Mexican Fiesta Aug 21

Mexican Fiesta

Mexican Fiesta brings the sound, culture, and taste of México to Milwaukee’s lakefront this coming August 21, 22 & 23, 2026. Join in on the fun as we celebrate two days of fun, food…

Freshwater Food & Wine Festival Sep 19

Freshwater Food & Wine Festival

Freshwater Food & Wine showcases the vibrant flavors, talent, and culture of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, plus a broader culinary scene. This immersive, high-energy event blends elevated…

Milwaukee Oktoberfest Oct 02

Milwaukee Oktoberfest

Raise a stein and celebrate Bavarian tradition at Milwaukee Oktoberfest! Held for the first time at Henry Maier Festival Park—the iconic Summerfest grounds—this three-day festival brings…

Dance Fest 2026 Oct 03

Dance Fest 2026

Nō Studios is thrilled to bring Dance Fest back to Milwaukee in 2026. This all-ages, family-friendly event features a combined performance showcasing dance companies from across the…

Fall Gallery Night MKE Oct 16

Fall Gallery Night MKE

Gallery Night MKE – Milwaukee’s original gallery hop event – unites the city through art. Experience the vast creative culture in MKE while you discover local galleries, art…

invalid widget [plugins_common_booking_interior] []
Milwaukee's August Festival Guide Courtesy of Wisconsin State Fair Jul 21

Milwaukee's August Festival Guide

Festivals & Events

Summer at its peak, rooftops and patios filled, Bradford Beach alive with volleyball games and sunbathers, and Lake Michigan dotted with sailboats coasting over bright blue…

2026 Wisconsin State Fair Preview Jul 17

2026 Wisconsin State Fair Preview

Festivals & Events

Moo-ve over, summer, the Wisconsin State Fair is back, and ready for 11 days of fair play! Taking place August 6-16 this year, this annual summer fair is a staple and a…

What Makes Milwaukee So Queer? Jul 15

What Makes Milwaukee So Queer?

Milwaukee Stories

Milwaukee doesn’t brag about its vibrant LGBTQ+ community. In true Midwest fashion, Milwaukee is humble. This is a city that won’t tell you - it will show you…

Celebrating America 250 in Milwaukee Jul 02

Celebrating America 250 in Milwaukee

Holiday

As America celebrates 250 years, Milwaukee stands as proof that innovation happens everywhere from workshops and breweries to factories and music studios. On a Friday night at…