Labor Day weekend in Milwaukee. It’s the golden hour of summer. It’s one last hurrah before school’s back in session and the crisp air of fall takes center stage. It’s your time to soak up the last moments of the season. To mark the unofficial summer finale, the city packs the calendar full of festivals, concerts and events that’ll have you savoring Labor Day weekend in style. So, stoke your wanderlust. Rally your crew. Chase these last golden days of summer. Your ultimate Labor Day weekend starts right here.
Festivals & Community Celebrations
Would you really expect anything else from the City of Festivals? With more than 100 festivals taking place throughout the city each year, Labor Day weekend is packed with fests for all occasions. Cultural celebrations, art-filled streets, live music, lakefront fireworks. Milwaukee knows how to party. The only question is: are you coming along for the ride?
Wisconsin Highland Games
Waukesha County Expo Center | August 29–31
Step into Scottish tradition at the Wisconsin Highland Games, where you can cheer on athletes in feats of strength like caber tossing, stone putting and hammer throwing. Wander through the Clan Village to learn about Scottish ancestry, watch traditional Highland dancing and bagpipe competitions, and even try your hand at medieval fencing or archery. Between events, enjoy authentic Scottish fare like meat pies and shortbread, or shop Celtic jewelry, kilts and crafts at the marketplace.
IndiaFest Wisconsin
Village Park | August 30
Humboldt Park brings the sights, sounds and flavors of India straight to Bay View during IndiaFest Wisconsin. Watch energetic Bollywood-style dance performances, listen to live Indian music and take part in cultural workshops. Then savor samosas, dosas, flavorful curries and so much more. You’ll also find booths with henna art, traditional clothing and handicrafts to take home.
Third Ward Art Festival
The Historic Third Ward | August 30 & 31
Explore the creative heart of Milwaukee at the Third Ward Art Festival, where artists from across the country display work across a variety of disciplines, including paintings, ceramics, photography, jewelry and more. Roam the streets of this historic district, listen to live music performances and watch live art demonstrations that bring creativity to life right in front of your eyes. While you’re in the neighborhood, step inside the Marshall Building for its Art Crawl, where open studios and galleries invite you to meet local artists, shop for one-of-a-kind pieces and discover hidden gems throughout this landmark space.
Laborfest
Henry Maier Festival Park | September 1
A Milwaukee tradition, Laborfest celebrates the spirit of the holiday with a lively downtown parade led by union members, marching bands and community groups. Then, the festivities continue at Henry Maier Festival Park with live music, bingo, children’s rides and a car show. Head on down to the Summerfest grounds and join in on the fun!
Music & Entertainment
Odds are that the words long weekend are music to your ears. Well, get ready, because there’s plenty of live music that’s music for your ears with concerts and shows throughout the Milwaukee Theater District and beyond. Local talent lights up intimate venues, while legendary rock icons and powerhouse tours take over big stages. Here’s who’s getting ready to take the stage this weekend.
It’s Alive! In Milwaukee: Gunnar Schmitz
Lakefront Brewery | August 29
Milwaukee’s own Gunnar Schmitz kicks off the weekend with a show that blends rock spectacle and theatrical energy. Taking place along the Milwaukee RiverWalk outside of Lakefront Brewery, you can take in blazing guitar solos, powerful vocals and a stage presence that pulls the crowd into every song, all with an expertly crafted beer in your hand.
Deftones: North America Tour 2025
Fiserv Forum | August 30
The Deftones roll into Milwaukee on Saturday night, bringing their iconic mix of heavy riffs, haunting melodies and hypnotic visuals to Fiserv Forum. Featuring fan favorites like “Change (In the House of Flies)” and “My Own Summer,” along with tracks from their latest album, “Private Music,” this show will be nothing short of cinematic.
Billy Idol & Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
American Family Insurance Amphitheater | August 31
Turn your weekend up to 11 on Sunday, with two legends as they share the stage for this powerhouse performance. Billy Idol will have you fist-pumping to “Rebel Yell” and “White Wedding,” while Joan Jett and the Blackhearts deliver timeless anthems like “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll” and “Bad Reputation.” Dust off your favorite 80s fit and punch your ticket to a true celebration of rock ‘n’ roll that’s equal parts nostalgia and energy.
Dining
What better way to savor one last sip of summer than by sampling a taste of the town? Enjoy Milwaukee’s fresh, flavor-forward dining scene in a whole new way at one-of-a-kind events that celebrate the city’s rich culinary history and put a new twist on the classics.
Justin Bieber Brunch
Oak Barrel Public House | August 30
Are you a Belieber? This playful themed brunch is a dream for you! You can dig into favorites like stuffed French toast, breakfast burritos and loaded Bloody Marys while the DJ spins the hits from the one and only Justin Bieber all morning long. Make an appearance dressed as the Biebs himself, enjoy pop star-inspired cocktails and an atmosphere that turns an ordinary Saturday into a full-on brunch party.
Harbor House 15th Anniversary Clambake Party
Harbor House | August 31
Milwaukee’s premier lakefront seafood restaurant is celebrating 15 years with a clambake. Toast to its crystal anniversary on the patio with unmatched skyline views, a clambake feast, live music and a vibe that makes this experience more than just dinner, it’s a Milwaukee moment.
Sports
Swing life away this Labor Day weekend! Baseball season has the bases loaded all weekend long, with the league-leading Milwaukee Brewers and the AAPB Milwaukee Milkmen and Lake Country DockHounds all in action. Get in the game!
Milwaukee Milkmen vs. Lake Country DockHounds
Franklin Field | August 29–September 1
Catch the action at Franklin Field as the Milwaukee Milkmen take on their cross-town rivals, the Lake Country DockHounds, in a four-game series. Beyond the crack of the bat, you’ll get a chance to experience a pun-loving, family-friendly atmosphere, complete with themed games, on-field contests and the whimsical Milkmen mascot Bo Vine meandering the stands between innings. It’s a classic summer baseball experience with a fun, local twist.
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Philadelphia Phillies
American Family Field | September 1
The Brewers are the best team in baseball right now. Okay, we might be biased. With pancakes in their pockets and big dreams in their minds, this Labor Day, the Brew Crew takes on the Phillies in Game 1 of a three-game clash between division leaders. Get there early to tailgate in true Milwaukee style, then head inside to catch the action.
More Labor Day Weekend Fun
Labor Day at the Harley-Davidson Museum
Harley-Davidson Museum | August 29–31
Celebrate America’s most iconic motorcycle brand at the Harley-Davidson Museum with a full weekend of special exhibits, live music and family activities. Explore more than 100 years of Harley history, take part in bike demos and browse outdoor markets filled with gear and memorabilia.
Summer Night Movie in Veterans Park: "Shrek"
Veterans Park | August 31
Take in a summer staple before the credits start to roll on the season with an outdoor screening of “Shrek” under the stars at Veterans Park. Spread out with blankets on the grass and watch everyone’s favorite ogre on the big screen with Lake Michigan as the backdrop and the summer breeze rolling in.
