Summertime in the Cream City means more. More sunny afternoons on the beach. More breezy days at beer gardens. More scoops of creamy frozen custard. And a seemingly endless array of ways to celebrate summer in Milwaukee. With a packed festival season and events like the Tour of America’s Dairyland and the Milwaukee Air and Water Show, there’s a must-do for everyone in your crew.
Beyond downtown, too, there’s so much to do! This summer, unlock the wonders of Wauwatosa. Explore Milwaukee’s enchanting western suburb, from HartFest to Art 64 and so much more.
Art 64
Kicking things off this weekend, June 7-8, in the Wauwatosa Village, Art 64 is a competition of artistic expression unlike any other. In the style of March Madness, this Arts Madness tournament is a 64-artist bracket that takes over the streets of Wauwatosa. Artists go head-to-head with one another and are given just 60 minutes to paint a predetermined theme. At the end of the hour, fans and online spectators are encouraged to vote for their favorites, and the winners advance. At the end of the two-day tournament, a champion is crowned, taking home $20,000!
Stop by and watch the artistic process unfold before your eyes. Then, vote on your favorites before grabbing a bite or a treat from one of the local vendors.
HartFest
Just a week later, June 14-15, a different type of competition is heating up at HartFest. A free two-day event dedicated to all things BBQ and blues features the Bunzel’s Backyard BBQ Contest on Saturday. Savor the smoky flavor from some of the area’s top amateur pitmasters and their best BBQ chicken recipe. Beyond the competition, swing by for a smorgasbord of sensational food trucks, vendors and live music rocking the Hart Park stage all day long.
Cafe Hollander Tosa Village Classic
On Sunday, June 23, the Tour of America’s Dairyland rolls into town. The finale of the 11-stage bike race takes riders across Wisconsin on a high-octane chase for the colorful cow print jersey. With stops on Downer and Shorewood, this criterion through the streets of the Wauwatosa Village is sure to excite. Take in a full day of cycling action around the 0.96-mile Tosa Village course from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., complete with food and beverage vendors, jumbotrons and a kids’ area.
Beyond the high-speed cycling drama that is the Tour of America’s Dairyland, kids are invited to participate in the Tosa Village Classic Kids’ Bike Race. Take part in the world’s largest kids’ bike race!
Tosa Tonight
For a night of music under the stars, Tosa’s got a free weekly music series for you at Tosa Tonight’s summer concert series. On most Wednesdays (plus the Fourth of July) throughout the summer, get in tune with the city’s live music scene with performances by a series of up-and-coming and sensationally talented groups. Beginning on June 19 and running through August 14, head to the heart of Wauwatosa at Hart Park Rotary Performance Pavilion for a relaxing summer evening of free tunes.
Brews & Blooms
Good times are brewing at Brews & Blooms, Wisconsin Historical Society’s pop-up beer garden in Wauwatosa. Soak up warm summer vibes in the idyllic Victoria Gardens of the Kneeland Walker House during three weekends throughout the season. Enjoy craft brews, live tunes and tasty bites from food trucks, all in a gorgeous setting in Wauwatosa.
Schedule
- June 21-22
- July 26-28
- August 23-25
FC Milwaukee Torrent Soccer
Finally, throughout the summer, make the trip to Tosa to watch the beautiful game with a FC Milwaukee Torrent Men’s and Women’s soccer match. Whether you’re inspired by Olympic soccer this summer or the Euros 2024, family fun and semi-pro soccer await you at Hart Park in Wauwatosa. The family-focused experience offers incredibly affordable tickets, starting at just $5 for kids and $10 for adults.
