August in Wisconsin is festival season in full bloom, where every weekend feels like a celebration. Whether you’re chasing live music, cultural flavors, quirky traditions or just a great excuse to be outside, there’s something magical waiting at each event. Here’s your go-to guide for August festivals in the Milwaukee area.

A colorful summer fair scene at sunset featuring a large Ferris wheel with green, yellow, red, and orange gondolas in the background. The foreground is bustling with people walking, eating, and enjoying the fair. Brightly lit food stands advertise corn dogs, lemonade, and "Super Dogs," with American flags waving above. A yellow sign at the Ferris wheel entrance reads "$6 PER PERSON." The sun sets behind the attractions, casting a warm glow over the festive atmosphere.

Wisconsin State Fair  

July 31 – August 10 | Wisconsin State Fair Park 

A celebration of Wisconsin’s rich agricultural roots, the State Fair brings together racing pigs, carnival rides and just about anything you can imagine fried and served on a stick. But the one thing worth standing in line for is the limited-edition strawberry cream puff. Made fresh each day in the newly reopened Dairy Building, this seasonal flavor sells out fast. Get there early if you want a bite because once they’re gone, they’re gone. 

 

Black Arts Fest MKE 

August 2 | Henry Maier Festival Park 

Held on Milwaukee’s lakefront each August, Black Arts Fest MKE honors African heritage through a full day of music, art, culture and community. This year, the main stage belongs to R&B legend Carl Thomas. His smooth vocals and soulful hits will close out a lineup that also features Kevin Ross and Star Redd. Don’t miss your chance to be there when he takes the stage. 

A smiling woman and two children enjoy frozen drinks on a sunny day. The woman wears sunglasses, a white vest, and a blue and white “I ❤️ MKE” hat. One child wears a Lakeshore Chinooks hat and sunglasses with a t-shirt that reads “I celebrated my birthday at Aquatics Department,” while the other wears a Stephen Curry shirt and a dark blue baseball cap. They are standing outside near a concession stand with other people in the background under a string of outdoor lights.

Sprecher Root Beer Bash 

August 2 | Bavarian Bierhaus 

What’s better than a root beer float on a hot summer day? Make sure to stop by Sprecher Root Beer Bash for a FREE root beer float and an afternoon of good food, drinks, music, and family-friendly favorites like a petting zoo and free henna art at Bavarian Bierhaus in Glendale! 

 

Dance Fest 2025 

August 2 | Marcus Performing Arts Center

Set in the heart of the city, Dance Fest 2025 brings a full day of movement, music and expression to the Marcus Performing Arts Center’s Peck Pavilion. This year’s must-see moment is Ailey II, the celebrated company that’s been lighting up stages for more than 50 years. Known for blending fresh talent with the spirit of Alvin Ailey’s legacy, their energy is electric and their storytelling unforgettable. 

Four adults stand outdoors clinking their beer glasses together in a toast at a festival. Each person wears a pretzel necklace, a common accessory at beer events. They are smiling and appear to be enjoying themselves. The background includes a brick building and other festival attendees, with overcast skies overhead.

9th Annual Wisconsin IPA Fest 

August 2 | Third Space Brewing 

Hoppy, hazy, citrusy or crisp, Wisconsin IPA Fest is your chance to explore the bold flavors of craft beer from more than 40 local breweries. Between pours, hit the dance floor with a live DJ and grab a bite from featured food trucks like Off Shore, Roll MKE and Wisconsin Fried Cheese Curds. And don’t leave without stopping by the make-your-own t-shirt station where you can design a custom souvenir as memorable as the brews. 

 

Bronzeville Week 

August 2-9 |  Bronzeville Neighborhood

Bronzeville Week celebrates the culture, history and businesses that define Milwaukee’s African American community. Held throughout the Historic King Drive Business District, the week features art, live music, neighborhood events and more. It’s a chance to explore the past, support the present and be part of the future of one of Milwaukee’s most important neighborhoods. 

 

Greendale Village Days 

August 7-10 | Historic Greendale Welcome Center 

Greendale Village Days return with even more to explore. With live bands, BMX stunt shows and a rummage sale that takes over the lawn, this neighborhood tradition brings energy to every corner of the village. The real standout, though, is the unveiling of Greendale’s exclusive beer during the Largest Greendale Happy Hour. It’s a toast you won’t want to miss. 

 

Summer Park Jam 

August 8-10 | Marcus Performing Arts Center 

More than an event, Summer Park Jam Weekend is an intergenerational platform for connection, pride and community impact. Designed to support Milwaukee’s vision for talent attraction and retention, this downtown experience celebrates culture, sparks creativity and brings visitors in from across the Midwest. More details to come. 

 

Caribbean & Latin American Festival

August 10 | Humboldt Park

The Caribbean & Latin American Festival brings food, music and tradition to Humboldt Park. Local bands perform reggae, rumba and salsa throughout the afternoon, and the Limbo Dance Contest invites festivalgoers to take part and see how low they can go. 

 

Jewish Food Festival

August 10-11 | Mequon 

The Jewish Food Festival brings two days of tradition, flavor and family fun to Mequon. Fill your plate with favorites like pastrami sandwiches and matzo ball soup, then head over to the petting zoo or stop by the face painting tent. Proceeds from the event support the community outreach efforts of the Peltz Center. 

A large crowd gathers at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater during twilight to watch a live performance on stage. The audience fills the venue, with some people standing and others seated. The stage is framed by bold red architectural panels, and overhead signage includes sponsors like Generac and Aer Lingus. The evening sky casts a purple hue as lights from the venue and city create a festive atmosphere. A banner reading “Irish Fest” is visible on the stage backdrop.

Irish Fest 

August 14-17 | Henry Maier Festival Park

Irish Fest brings four days of music, food and Celtic culture to Milwaukee’s lakefront. Acts like Elias Alexander, Skerryvore, SuperCéilí and more take over the stages, while the rest of the grounds offer everything from Gaelic language workshops to firkin tappings. Explore your heritage at the Genealogy Tent, sample a Guinness-glazed donut at the Celtic Kitchen or catch currach races along the lagoon. Whether you’re in it for the music, the history or the food, this festival offers plenty to dig into. 

 

A La Carte at the Zoo 

August 14-17 | Milwaukee County Zoo

Live music, good food and larger-than-life animal encounters come together at A La Carte at the Zoo. With stages set throughout the grounds, you can catch a show between giraffe sightings and snack stops. This year’s standout performance is American Idol winner Phillip Phillips on August 14, so plan ahead and catch him live surrounded by the sights and sounds of the zoo. 

 

Center Street Daze Festival 

August 16 | Center Street 

Since 1997, Center Street Daze has celebrated local creativity with music, art and community pride. Explore vendor booths, check out live performances and stick around for the homemade cart race at noon. These hand-built rides and their fearless drivers take to the streets in a tradition that’s equal parts competition and spectacle. 

 

Mi Gente Latin Beach Festival 

August 16 | Bradford Beach 

Mi Gente Latin Beach Festival brings the sounds, flavors and energy of Latin culture to Milwaukee’s Bradford Beach. The lakefront transforms into a daylong celebration with music, dancing and food right on the sand. Gather your crew and enter the beach volleyball tournament for a shot at the $500 prize. 

 

Community Arts & Funk Festival 

August 16 | Marcus Performing Arts Center 

Calling all art lovers! The Community Arts & Funk Festival is coming back to Milwaukee and makes for the perfect summer bucket list item. Throughout the day, they will have different art and poetry competitions with a $1000 “Best of Show” prize on the line. For a more relaxed afternoon, checkout their local vendors and enjoy some live music at the Peck Pavillion.  

 

Art & Chalk Fest 

August 16-17 | Museum of Wisconsin Art 

This free, two-day festival brings together artists from across Wisconsin for a weekend of live art and hands-on creativity. Chalk artists transform 10×10-foot squares of pavement into large-scale compositions, evolving from early outlines into finished pieces you can watch come to life. Around the grounds, you’ll find glassblowing and pottery demos, live music and an expanded Activity Zone with community chalking and interactive art projects. And with free museum admission all weekend, you can step inside and explore even more. 
 

Red Magic Art Festival 

August 18 | Jackson Park

Gather the family and head to Jackson Park for a one-day festival that celebrates Native American arts and culture. Red Magic Art Festival features local and regional Native artists working in both traditional and contemporary styles across a wide range of disciplines. Between the live music, hands-on art activities and vendor market, this is a full afternoon of culture, creativity and community. 

 

First Responders Fest 

August 19 | Hart Park 

First Responders Fest is a laid-back evening at Hart Park with live music, good food and a chance to connect with Milwaukee-area first responders. From 5 to 8 p.m., families can enjoy music, activities and local favorites like donuts from Cranky Al’s. First responders eat free and receive a t-shirt and beverage of choice, with a short presentation honoring those in attendance. Proceeds help fund scholarships for students planning to enter first responder careers. 

 

West Bend GERMANfest 

August 21-24 | Regner Park 

West Bend GERMANfest has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a one-day street party in 1986. Now a four-day celebration, the festival fills Regner Park with live music on two stages, a packed Biergarten, a weekend-long sheepshead tournament and a Kinderzone for the kids. Traditional fare like bratwurst and fish fry is joined by local favorites, cheese curds and the famous desserts from Hankerson’s. With a full lineup of beers, wines and food vendors, there’s plenty to enjoy between polkas and rounds of bags. Every dollar raised supports Habitat for Humanity of Washington & Dodge Counties, helping build homes and strengthen the community. 

Jazz musicians Kirk Whalum and Andréa Lisa perform together on stage. Kirk Whalum, wearing a white wide-brimmed hat and patterned black-and-white shirt, plays the saxophone with energy. Andréa Lisa, wearing a black top and light cargo pants, leans back with a joyful expression while playing an electric guitar. The stage is dimly lit with spotlights, highlighting the passion and connection between the two performers.

Fresh Coast Jazz Festival 

August 21-23 | Pabst Theater 

Fresh Coast Jazz Festival brings smooth jazz stars and rising talent to Milwaukee for three days of unforgettable performances. With artists like Gerald Albright, Jeff Lorber Fusion, and The Braxton Brothers, this celebration of music blends rhythm and relaxation with events like the Fresh Coast Cruise and The Pairing, a wine-paired concert. Proceeds benefit scholarships, music education, and local health programs. 

 

Country in the Burg 

August 22-23 | Cedarburg

This two-day outdoor concert in Cedarburg brings major star power to Ozaukee County. Headliners Brothers Osborne and Kip Moore top a lineup that also includes Randy Houser, Morgan Evans, Travis Denning, Emily Ann Roberts and Drake White. Alongside the live music, festivalgoers can enjoy eats from local vendors like Yummy Bones BBQ, That Taco Guy and GoNutz Donutz, plus a wide selection of drinks ranging from margaritas to local Cedar Creek wine.  

 

Serbian Days 

August 22-25 | American Serb Hall & St. Sava Cathedral 

Serbian Days brings four days of food, music and tradition to Milwaukee’s south side. Take a guided tour of the stunning St. Sava Cathedral, then head outside for grilled ćevapi, slow-cooked sarma and flaky gibanica. With folk dancing, live bands and a welcoming patio atmosphere, this is a weekend-long showcase of Serbian culture. 

A group of female dancers performs a traditional Mexican folklórico dance on stage. They wear vibrant magenta dresses with purple ruffles and floral headpieces. The lead dancer in the foreground smiles brightly while gracefully twirling her flowing skirt. The dancers behind her mirror the movement, creating a colorful, energetic scene against a modern stage backdrop.

Mexican Fiesta 

August 22-24 | Henry Maier Festival Park 

For more than 50 years, Mexican Fiesta has honored culture, tradition and family with a three-day lakefront celebration. Dig into authentic eats like elote, tacos al pastor and pan dulce, take in mariachi, ballet folklórico and cultural exhibits, and explore everything from a bustling marketplace to a children’s area packed with activities. 

 

Brew City Cigar Festival 

August 23 | Old Heidelberg Park at Bavarian Bierhaus

Brew City Cigar Festival is no ordinary night out. It’s a full-sensory experience packed with premium cigars, top-shelf tastings and live music under the stars. Light up something legendary, sip your way through an endless lineup of spirits, beer and wine, and swap stories with cigar pros and fellow enthusiasts. From bold blends to rare pours, every moment is made to impress. 

 

Wisconsin Highland Games 

August 29-31 | Waukesha County Expo Center 

Celebrate Celtic culture with bagpipes, Highland dancing and some of the most thrilling feats of strength you’ll see all summer. Watch athletes take on traditional events like caber tossing, stone put and hammer throw. Between competitions, explore a bustling vendor village, sample Scottish fare and enjoy nonstop entertainment rooted in centuries of tradition. 

 

IndiaFest Wisconsin 

August 30 | Village Park

Classical dance, Bollywood music, regional cuisine, and colorful displays come together at this festive celebration of Indian culture in Village Park. Explore traditional art forms, sample authentic food, and enjoy performances that span the many languages and regions of India.

 

Third Ward Art Festival 

August 30-31 | Historic Third Ward

More than 130 artists from across the country line the cobblestone streets of Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward during this two-day juried art festival. Discover original works in painting, photography, sculpture, glass, jewelry, and mixed media while exploring one of the city’s most walkable and creative neighborhoods.

 

St. Francis Days 

August 29-31 | Milton Vretenar Memorial Park 

Celebrate 60 years of community tradition with carnival rides, classic games, live music and local flavor at St. Francis Days. The three-day festival features eight bands across multiple genres, wristband ride specials, a Sunday morning polka mass and a cornhole tournament.  

 

Wheels on Main 

August 31 | Downtown West Bend 

Classic cars, craft beverages, and small-town charm roll into one at Wheels on Main. This free-to-attend Labor Day weekend tradition brings more than 450 cars to historic downtown West Bend, where families can stroll the streets, enjoy live entertainment, explore kids activities, and take in one of the region’s biggest celebrations of car culture. 

 

There's always more to explore in the City of Festivals! Plan your stay and map out your dream Milwaukee getaway today.