Summer in the City of Festivals continues with a bang in July. While fireworks are typically reserved for the Fourth of July, this month, these festivals will light up the night and awe crowds all over town. To help you map your month, here’s one thing you just can’t miss at each July festival in Milwaukee.
Summerfest Weekend 3
July 3-5
Start the month of July on a high! The final weekend of the world’s largest music festival wouldn’t be complete without a ride on the Summerfest Skyglider. A bird's eye view of the lake, the stages, and even the drone show on July 3.
Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival
July 10–13
The Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival is a 4-day celebration of music, moto-culture and our hometown. The city roars to life during this festival, with Harley-Davidson lovers from around the globe making a pilgrimage to the homeland of the iconic brand. It wouldn’t be a true party without a Harley-Davidson Museum tour, a must-see for any motorcycle fan, with over 450 bikes on view, including Serial Number 1.
Milwaukee Dragon Boat Festival
July 12
Nearing the middle of the month, the Milwaukee Dragon Boat Festival takes place on July 12 at Lakeshore State Park. This celebration of Chinese culture includes Chinese folk music, martial arts and thrilling dragon boat races. The lantern-making station is a highlight for families and people of all ages.
2025 African Cultural Festival
July 12
The African Cultural Festival celebrates African heritage with a lively marketplace and family-friendly activities. The fashion show is the star of this fest, showcasing stunning traditional African designs.
Smoke on the Water Festival
July 12
The Smoke on the Water festival at the Henry Maier Festival Park grounds brings together motorcycle enthusiasts, foodies and music lovers for an afternoon of, well, just that! You can’t miss the BBQ and beverage sampling while jamming out to live rock ‘n’ roll music by local legend Bobby Friss.
Whitefish Bay Art Fest
July 12–13
Downtown Whitefish Bay transforms into an open-air art gallery on July 12 and 13, featuring art from over 100 different local artists. While you’re strolling along the Silver Spring art collection, why not become a living art piece yourself in the face painting tent?
Frida Fest
July 12–13
It’s a busy weekend in Milwaukee! For our next fest, you can celebrate the life and legacy of Frida Kahlo in Walker’s Point on July 12 and 13. Snap a photo with a colorful Frida mural, then head to the star of the show, the look-alike contest, where contestants pay homage with iconic brows and bold fashion.
Rainbow Summer
July 14–20
This weeklong celebration at the Marcus Performing Arts Center brings live performances and outdoor fun to downtown Milwaukee. The one thing you can’t miss? The Kid Boogie Down: Taylor Swift Dance Party on Family Day, July 19. From 4–7 p.m., kids (and grown-up Swifties) can dance their hearts out to Taylor’s biggest hits in a high-energy, family-friendly party that’s pure pop perfection.
HOG FEST 2025
July 17
HOG Fest takes over Veterans Park on July 17 for one epic night of hard rock, hosted by Harley-Davidson and 102.9 THE HOG. Taking place at Fiserv Forum, starting at 7 p.m., you’ll see a powerhouse lineup of artists playing your favorites, with headliners like Five Finger Death Punch.
Port Fish Days
July 17–19
Along the shores of Port Washington on July 17 through 19 is the Port Fish Days, hooking visitors with carnival rides, live music, and a lakeside fireworks show. The clear must-try of this festival is the classic Wisconsin fish fry, locally caught and fried.
Bastille Days
July 17–20
With over 250,00 attendees annually to this free festival, Bastille Days is one of the nation’s largest French-themed festivals. Festivities kick off on Thursday night, with one of Milwaukee’s only night races, the Storm the Bastille 5K run/walk. Get your Bastille Days experience off and running, and light up the night, with this classic fun run.
Croatian Fest
July 19
Celebrate the 91st annual Croatian Fest at Croatian Park in Franklin. It’s the state’s oldest continuously operating ethnic festival, and it wouldn’t be complete without authentic Croatian cuisine: the ćevapa, a grilled sausage dish served with flatbread and onions… YUM.
55th Annual Midsummer Festival of the Arts
July 19–20
Experience a weekend of pure creativity. The 55th annual Midsummer Festival of the Arts at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center and Sheboygan’s City Green will feature over 100 artists, live music and more. Find a piece that’s calling your name and take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir that completes the look of any room in your house.
Milwaukee Air & Water Show
July 19–20
Look, high in the sky! It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s, well, it’s a whole bunch of planes. Keep your eyes on the skies as the Blue Angels scream overhead, performing their death-defying stunts. Showcasing thrilling aerial and water performances over our beloved Lake Michigan, you should lay your towel down at Bradford Beach and watch the high-speed aerobatics take place right above you at the Milwaukee Air & Water Show.
Armenian Fest
July 20
Held at St. John the Baptist Armenian Church, Armenian Fest celebrates traditional dance and hearty cuisine. As you take in traditional music and soak up Armenian culture at this fest, don’t pass up the irresistible spread of baklava and other traditional pastries.
South Milwaukee Heritage Days
July 20–27
This weeklong celebration is packed with events for everyone, including a classic car show, a parade, food trucks, live music, fireworks and more. The week-long celebration wraps up with the Heritage Days Parade on July 26, with over 100 floats, bands, clowns, local businesses and veterans groups.
German Fest
July 25–27
Celebrate German heritage at German Fest. Held at the Henry Meier Festival Grounds, this fest features authentic German cuisine, music, classic Deutschland brews and cultural exhibits. The real wiener? The racing sausages. No, not those racing sausages! The Dachshund Derby is a lovably ridiculous race that sends a field of wiener dogs off and running in pursuit of athletic greatness, the wiener’s circle.
Brady Street Festival
July 26
One weekend a year, the bustling bar district hosts a massive street festival, and a local fave, during the Brady Street Festival. Taking place on July 26, this fest features lots of live music, local food vendors and vintage shopping, but be sure to check out the wide array of shops that dot the street.
Milwaukee Brewfest
July 26
The Milwaukee Brewfest returns to McKinley Park this summer on July 26. From 3-6 p.m., the annual event features over 100 breweries offering UNLIMITED samples of craft beers, ciders and meads. Don’t miss out on the VIP experience, which gives you early access to exclusive tastings and experiences.
Wisconsin State Fair
July 31–August 10
One of Milwaukee’s signature summer staples returns to close out the month of July, with the Wisconsin State Fair. Kicking off on the last day of July, while the delightful, dairy-filled treat, the Original Cream Puff, remains a must-try, fried food on a stick is a hallmark of the state fair food scene. Try the spiral-cut dill pickle coated in crushed Doritos.
Explore more in the City of Festivals! Map your fest summer yet and plan your stay today!
