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 Boston to catch the Brewers-Red Sox 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.
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.
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 26, 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.
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. Red Sox, May 26-28, 1 p.m.
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 2025 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 Boston Red Sox at American Family Field for an interleague clash you won’t want to miss.
Milwaukee Milkmen vs. Sioux Falls Canaries, May 23-26
While the Brewers kick off their series on Memorial Day, all weekend long, you can catch the pun-y action on the diamond of Franklin Field as the Milwaukee Milkmen take on the Sioux Falls Canaries in a four-game clash. With an afternoon first pitch at 1 p.m. on Monday, what better way to check out this family-friendly franchise than with a Memorial Day at the ballpark?
Hockey
Milwaukee Admirals, Games 4* and 5*, May 23 and 25
There’s an outside chance that the Admirals will bring playoff hockey to Milwaukee over the long weekend. Games 4 and 5 of their five-game series against the Texas Stars are slated for UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena on Friday, May 23 and Sunday, May 25. We’re hoping the Admirals will have already punched their ticket to their first Eastern Conference Finals since 2023. But if they return home with a chance to advance, they’ll need your help to pack the arena, bring the energy and, of course, ring those cowbells.
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.
5K Beer Run x Third Space Brewing
For everyone who’s ever looked at a shirt that reads, “Will Run for Beer,” and thought, “yeah, probably,” now’s your time to shine. This 5K run and walk trades the post-race banana for a refreshing post-run brew. Kicking off and finishing at Third Space Brewing in the Menomonee Valley, this is a great way to savor the spring weather and an expertly crafted brew to boot.
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.
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.
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:
- Feast on local culinary delights like golden, gooey cheese curds, sizzling brats and a sensational creamy treat for warm summer weekends: custard.
- Visit one of the city’s five permanent beer gardens or sample a sudsy brew on a patio near you.
- Set foot on the water! Whether visiting one of the many beaches in the area or on a kayak, paddleboat, chartered boat or cruise.
- Have a relaxing picnic or a day away at one of the 150 Milwaukee County Parks.
- Discover what makes Milwaukee one of America’s top golf destinations with a round at Brown Deer Golf Course.
Add a few too many things to your to-do list for one weekend? Extend your stay or plan your next vacay in Milwaukee!
