Warm weather. Cold beer. A long weekend. It’s not the beginning of a country song, it’s the kickoff to summer, the first taste of festival season and your perfect Memorial Day getaway Whether you’re traveling from Chicago to see family or flying in from St. Louis to catch the Brewers-Cardinals series or a local just looking for something new to do on your long weekend, there’s something for you to discover in the Cream City.

 

As we prepare for this weekend of family fun and relaxation, we also recognize Memorial Day as a time to honor and remember those who have given their lives in the name of our country.

an exterior image of the War Memorial Center in Milwaukee

Throughout the weekend – and all year round – we encourage you to visit the War Memorial Center. From the mosaic façade that marks the dates of World War II and the Korean Wars to the exhibitions and memorials throughout, like the Dog Tag Chandelier, the Missing Man Table, the Freedom Mural and many more memorials in remembrance of the nation’s conflicts, this architectural masterpiece, is a peaceful place to reflect and honor the legacy of these brave individuals.

 

You can learn more about our city’s veterans, find a list of military landmarks around Milwaukee and discover ways to support our military members here.

Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum

Memorial Day Events

Field of Flags at Veterans Park

A breathtaking display that’s as moving as it is beautiful, each year, this event places 27,316 flags in Veterans Park – one for each Wisconsinite killed in action from the Civil War through the present. These flags will be placed, leaving a lasting impression on park visitors and passersby. The weekend-long display kicks off with a ceremony at 11 a.m. on Friday.

 

Forest Home Cemetery Garden of Honor

Across town, Milwaukee’s oldest operating cemetery is hosting a special Memorial Day ceremony and celebration of its 175 years as a peaceful resting place. Beginning at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 25, you can participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Garden of Honor, followed by historical re-enactments of notable cemetery residents and a free Milwaukee history tour of the grounds.

American Family Field

Sports

As some of the area’s professional sports teams wrap up their season, chasing a championship, others are just getting going. Here’s what’s in play this Memorial Day Weekend.

 

Baseball

Brewers vs. Cardinals, May 25-27
There’s never a bad day inside American Family Field, but now that the weather has shifted, the trees are budding and spring has officially sprung. By the time Memorial Day rolls around, the Brewers will be close to two months into the club’s 2026 campaign, but the unofficial kickoff of summer is the perfect time to get back in the game. Kicking off on Memorial Day, the Crew will begin a three-game home stand against the St. Louis Cardinals for a divisional clash you won’t want to miss, especially on Monday for dollar dog day!

Two kayakers on the Menomonee River with calm waters and and urban backdrop

Outdoor Adventure

What would a summer celebration be if you don’t explore the great outdoors (at least a little)? Roam the rivers, run for beer, dine in the open air or soak up all the summer flavors – the choice is yours! Here are some ideas to get you outside this long weekend.

 

Kayaking

Kayaks are back and you can row, row, row your (kayak), gently down the Milwaukee, Kinnickinnic or Menomonee Rivers, exploring the surrounding cityscape, several local landmarks like the Harley-Davidson Museum, Bronze Fonz and Hoan Bridge, and maybe, just maybe tying up at a dock to enjoy a beer or a bite at places like Sail Loft, Brisa do Mar and Lakefront Brewery, all while getting some exercise. Visit Milwaukee Kayak Company or Brew City Kayak to get started.

 

Boats

Maybe kayaks don’t float your boat, and you’d rather go with the flow as you relax aboard a vessel or pay homage to the late Deep Thought, there’s an option for you to choose. From the Milwaukee Boat Line cruises that offer spectacular city sights and historical tours of the city, loaded with factoids and Cream City Boats’ adult party excursions to Milwaukee Duffy Boat and Freedom Boat Club’s boat rentals, whether you’re looking for an afternoon out with the fam or a night out with your crew, there’s an ideal boat rental for you.

Kimpton Journeyman Hotel Rooftop

Rooftops and Patios

Part of the weekend should be dedicated to relaxation and connection with family, loved ones and friends. How about taking a moment to mark the occasion and revel in the moment with a side of beautiful weather as you visit one of the city’s many rooftop patios and bars. We’ve got a tiki bar high in the sky at Pufferfish, a restaurant overlooking Deer District, Il Cervo, an outdoor food truck park, Zocalo and so many more great places to sip or savor the flavor of one of the nation’s hottest culinary destinations.

 

Beer Gardens

They don’t call us the Brew City for nothing! Take a moment to relish our outstanding Milwaukee County Parks while sipping a stein of cold beer just steps away from downtown at a family-friendly beer garden. We can lay claim to the country’s first beer garden since prohibition, Estabrook Park, with dozens peppered throughout the area. There are the skyline views from the popular South Shore Terrace Kitchen & Beer Garden and War Memorial Beer Garden (which happens to open on May 23). There are the enchanted path-side beer gardens of Hubbard Park and Havenwoods State Forest. And there are tucked-away oases in the heart of the city at the Juneau Park and Catalano Square beer gardens.

 

Looking for a little extra outdoor excitement? Hop on a Bublr bike and take a little Tour de Milwaukee as you visit several of these beer gardens as you stretch your legs and see the sights. 

A young girl running into the distance holding a string attached to a kite shaped like a butterfly with yellow coloring on the body and black stripes and blue accents throughout the edges, all will bright green grass and the city skyline in the background.

IKEA Family Kite Festival

Go fly a kite! Milwaukee is a family-friendly destination for all ages, but this festival really is fun for everyone. The enormous whale, shark and trilobite kites fluttering in the breeze. The kite-flying demonstrations by precision kite flyers and tons of space for you and your kids to fly your own kites? It’ll turn a memorable weekend into a high-flying adventure, creating memories that’ll last a lifetime.

 

Family Fun

There’s always more to explore in the 414! Beyond the essential Cream City experiences, Milwaukee is a foodie haven, an entertainment acropolis and an oasis for family fun.
 

While you’re in town, find fun for the whole family with a checklist for all ages.
 

  • Venture out to one of the city’s many museums for a day of discovery at places like the Harley-Davidson Museum, Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, Milwaukee Public Museum and many more.
  • Roar with the lions, tigers, bears and thousands of other animals at the Milwaukee County Zoo.
  • Take a spin on a Bublr bike on the Oak Leaf Trail’s 135 miles of smoothly paved paths that wind through the city.
  • Put a new spin on game night with curling at Deer District’s newest addition, The New Fashioned, the delightful hybrid of football bowling at 1st & Bowl, sports’ fastest-rising star pickleball or some friendly competition going head-to-head in a battle of wits at Gameshow MKE. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it in Milwaukee!

 

Summer Starter Pack

Maybe you’re visiting for the first time this weekend, and looking for something to do. Or maybe you’re a local looking to try something new. No matter what you’re looking for, here’s a checklist for you.
 

It’s not really summer until you’ve made your way through these Milwaukee must-dos:
 

 

Add a few too many things to your to-do list for one weekend? Extend your stay or plan your next vacay in Milwaukee!