The warmer weather, a three-day weekend, and just like that, the summer state of mind has arrived. That’s right, Memorial Day is the perfect weekend to spend some time with the family and savor this opening salvo of summer. There’s so much going on around town this time of year, so to put your planning anxieties to bed, here are some ideas to get you out and about.
Memorial Day Celebrations
Memorial Day is a time to remember the brave people who lost their lives in the name of their country. Throughout the weekend, we encourage you to visit the Veterans War Memorial Center to find more information about our city’s veterans, discover military institutions and discover ways to support our military members by visiting our Honoring our Armed Forces page.
On Friday, May 24, the War Memorial Center will line Veterans Park with 27,316 flags for their annual Field of Flags event, representing the number of fallen Wisconsin soldiers from the Civil War through the present day. The center will place flags beginning on Monday, May 20, with the final flag placed on Friday, May 24. This moving visual display will be on display through Friday, May 30.
Next to the War Memorial Center lays the lush Veterans Park, dedicated to those who served our nation. The park is a beautiful setting to spend the whole weekend, from the Field of Flags to the swan paddleboats, the War Memorial Beer Garden to the Ikea Family Kite Fest, with warm weather on the horizon and sweeping sights of the city’s skyline.
Memorial Day Events
Mark the holiday with a couple of Memorial Day events! Menomonee Falls Downtown is hosting a weekend-long Memorial Day street celebration titled “Remembrance Rhythms.” One of Menomonee Fall’s largest celebrations, the two-day festival includes a 5K, live music and fun for the whole family on Saturday and Sunday, concluding with the Memorial Day parade on Monday morning.
Stop in at Forest Home Cemetery for a Memorial Day service in the chapel and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Garden of Honor before visiting faithful reenactments of Milwaukee’s most notable residents at their final resting places. The day at one of the city’s oldest non-denominational cemeteries concludes with a free history tour of the 200-acre grounds.
Sports Weekend
Memorial Day is also an opportunity to spend time with family, venture out and explore. During the weekend, you’ll find no shortage of events to add to your list.
Baseball is in full swing, and the upstart Milwaukee Brewers squad is playing a brand of exciting, fun-to-watch baseball that makes it hard to take your eye off the ball. On Memorial Day, the Crew will welcome back former manager Craig Counsell and the I-94 rival Chicago Cubs to American Family Field.
Nearby, at Wisconsin Brewing Company Park, the Lake Country DockHounds will also be in action on Memorial Day. A member of the American Association of Professional Baseball, the DockHounds will take on the Kansas City Monarchs.
Finally, potential postseason hockey in Milwaukee may be in the cards on Sunday, May 26, as the Admirals continue their chase for the Calder Cup. Taking on the Grand Rapids Griffins in the Division Finals in a five-game series, there’s no way of knowing for sure how the series will play out, but should the two teams remain deadlocked after four games, they’ll turn to a decisive Game 5 at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena. Score $3 off tickets using code VTM at checkout!
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.
Find 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!
Add a few too many things to your to-do list for one weekend? Extend your stay or plan your next vacay in Milwaukee!
