Summer is here, and I can’t wait to get out and explore festival season around my hometown of Milwaukee. July is one of my favorite times of year because there’s always something different to try, whether that means shopping for handmade souvenirs, tasting new foods or spending a day outside at one of the city’s festivals, neighborhood block parties or summer events. If you’re looking for a reason to get out this month, here’s a look at what’s coming up.
Summerfest Weekend 3
July 2-4 | Henry Maier Festival Park
The final weekend of Summerfest lands right over Independence Day weekend, and the lineup still has plenty of big names to help you make the most of the world’s largest music festival. Ella Mai, Three Six Mafia, Jelly Roll and many more take the stage during the festival’s final three days. You can also look for admission deals, including Summerfest Fan Appreciation Day presented by Potawatomi Casino | Hotel on Friday, July 3. Get there between noon and 3 p.m. for free admission and your chance to receive a 2027 Summerfest ticket and a Big Win ticket at the Summerfest Mid Gate.
Oak Creek Fourth of July Celebration
July 3-4 | Lake Vista Park & American Legion Post 434
Lake Vista Park and American Legion Post 434 will host two days of Independence Day fun as Oak Creek marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. On July 3, Party Like a Patriot includes food and beverage vendors, live music from Sweet Bobby and the Tommy Gunn Show, the Chalk It Up Challenge, Oak Creek Idol and fireworks at Lake Vista Park from 3 to 10 p.m. The annual parade begins July 4 at 9 a.m., followed by family activities and free ice cream while supplies last.
Bastille Days
July 9-12 | Cathedral Square Park
For four days in July, Cathedral Square Park gets a little French flair. Bastille Days includes live music, an international marketplace, French and Cajun food, and free rides on The Hop to and from the event. More than 250,000 visitors attend the celebration, which National Geographic has called “one of the best Bastille Days celebrations in the world.” Take a picture by the Eiffel Tower replica, grab a beignet and spend some time downtown.
Festa Italiana 2026
July 10-12 | Henry Maier Festival Park
Italian food, music and traditions return to the lakefront for a full weekend at Henry Maier Festival Park. Sunday Mass takes place on July 12 at 10:30 a.m. in the BMO Pavilion. The festival also includes the Festa Bocce Tournament, gondola rides and the nineteenth edition of Italian Idol on Saturday, July 11.
Whitefish Bay Art Fest
July 11-12 | Downtown Whitefish Bay
Just a short 15-minute drive from downtown Milwaukee, downtown Whitefish Bay fills with original work from 100 juried artists during this free weekend event. Live music and food for purchase from local cafes and restaurants add to the experience. Families can stop by the Kid Art Zone for art projects, face painting, games and other hands-on activities.
Port Fish Days
July 16-18 | Port Washington
A summer tradition in Port Washington, this weekend celebration brings together local favorites, live music and plenty of fried fish. The schedule includes the annual parade, a local car show, a makers market, food and all-day fish frying.
Incredible India Fest
July 18 | Henry Maier Festival Park
Traditional Indian culture comes to Henry Maier Festival Park through live music, food, art, games and activities. Admission costs just $10 per person, and the event also includes a fashion showcase.
Riverwest Blueberry Fest
July 18 | Riverwest Neighborhood
Near Chambers and Fratney, a Riverwest block party puts blueberries on the marquee from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can browse more than 50 vendors, listen to live music, check out crafts and activities, and stop for a giant blueberry photo opportunity.
Sixth Annual Falls Lavender Fest
July 18 | Menomonee Falls Village Park
About 30 minutes from downtown Milwaukee, Menomonee Falls celebrates Falls Lavender Week from July 14-18, with downtown businesses showcasing lavender-inspired products and specials. The week wraps up July 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Menomonee Falls Village Park, where vendors offer lavender-inspired food, drinks, art, clothing, jewelry and more. Kids can visit the Kidzone for free face painting and balloon art, while adults can unwind at the beer garden with craft beer, soda, water and live music.
56th Annual Midsummer Festival of the Arts
July 18-19 | Sheboygan
About an hour from downtown Milwaukee, the grounds of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center become a showcase for original art. This free festival features ceramics, painting, photography and other mediums, along with hands-on artmaking, demonstrations, exhibitions, food and live music.
Armenian Fest
July 19 | St. John the Baptist Armenian Orthodox Church
Rain or shine, St. John the Baptist Armenian Orthodox Church shares Armenian culture and cuisine from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. What began as a family picnic in the Midwest has grown into a festival known to frequent visitors for its traditional dishes.
South Milwaukee Heritage Days
July 19-26 | South Milwaukee
Across South Milwaukee, a full schedule of community events gives residents and visitors plenty to choose from. Highlights include the Friends of Grant Park Art Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 19 at the Grant Park Area 5A Pavilion, an Ice Cream Social and South Milwaukee Municipal Band Concert on July 21, the South Milwaukee Farmers Market from 3 to 7 p.m. on July 23 and the Heritage Days Parade on July 25. Check the full schedule before you go so you don’t miss anything!
German Fest
July 24-26 | Henry Maier Festival Park
Authentic food, culture and entertainment return to the lakefront for German Fest weekend. You can visit Culture Village, browse German memorabilia in the Treasure Nook or stop by the European train model from ETE. Kids ages 4-10 can head to the Children’s Activity Area for arts, crafts and T-shirt decorating, and anyone curious about Sheepshead can take a class with Tim Wachter during select times.
Milwaukee Brew & Spirits Festival
July 25 | McKinley Park
This tasting event features tons of craft beer, distilled spirits and live music at McKinley Park. Ticket options include Driver, General Admission and VIP tiers, with perks such as food truck access and unlimited or specialty samples, depending on the ticket type.
Brady Street Festival
July 25 | Brady Street
On Saturday, Brady Street turns into one of Milwaukee’s busiest neighborhood festival scenes. Three live stages run throughout the day, and food vendors line the street with festival favorites like tacos, ribs and mac and cheese. My favorite part is the live entertainment. The mix of genres gives the day its own rhythm, giving you the chance to get lost in the music. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even wind up closing the fest down.
The Waterstone Bank Air & Water Show
July 25-26 | Bradford Beach and McKinley Beach
This year’s Waterstone Bank Air & Water Show brings a USAF F-16 Viper Demo Team performance to the lakefront on Saturday and an F-22 Raptor Demo Team performance on Sunday. As a local, I always know the show is getting close when I hear the fighter jets tearing through the air over the city. It’s one of those summer sounds that builds excitement before the weekend even begins.
ArtBlaze
July 30, Aug. 6 and Aug. 20 | McKinley Beach and South Shore Park
At McKinley Beach and South Shore Park, ArtBlaze returns for its third season of interactive art experiences, dance performances and live music from local artists. Presented by Joy Engine, the event also includes a break dance lesson from Your Move MKE on Thursday, Aug. 6, at South Shore Park, where activities run from 4 to 9:30 p.m. This year’s centerpiece is a new large-scale inflatable art installation from FuzzPop Workshop in collaboration with students from UWM’s Architecture and Urban Planning program.
Greendale Village Days
July 30-Aug. 2 | Greendale Village Center
For Greendale’s 88th birthday, the village center hosts four days of live music, food, rides, games, a car show, family activities and performances from local artists. Walk through the historic village center, grab something to eat and stay awhile as the celebration fills the heart of Greendale.
There’s always something to celebrate in the City of Festivals! Find your fest, plan your getaway and book your stay today.
