A Milwaukee Festival Guide

Welcome to Milwaukee, the City of Festivals, where the calendar is packed with unforgettable celebrations all year long! From the world’s largest music festival, Summerfest, to our many cultural events like Mexican Fiesta, Puerto Rican Fest, Juneteenth Celebration and German Fest, our city knows how to throw a party. Whether you’re craving live music on the lakefront, craft beer in a lively street fest or a magical holiday market, Milwaukee’s festival scene offers something for everyone.

Each event is more than just a gathering—it’s a chance to experience the heart and soul of Milwaukee. Come for the festivals, stay for the energy and leave with memories you’ll never forget. Start planning your visit today and discover why Milwaukee is the ultimate destination for festival lovers!

This Month's Festivals Lineup

Plan Your Festival Getaway & Stay in the Know!

Looking for the ultimate Milwaukee festival experience? Find inspiration in our Official Visitors Guide, packed with insider tips, must-see events, and trip-planning essentials. Want to stay updated on the latest festivals, food events, and community happenings? Sign up for our newsletters and get all the excitement delivered straight to your inbox! Start planning today and make the most of Milwaukee’s world-renowned festival scene.

Where to Stay: Top Hotels Near Milwaukee’s Festivals

Milwaukee’s festival scene is packed with excitement, and the best way to experience it all is by staying close to the action! The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel, located in the heart of the Historic Third Ward, is just minutes from Henry Maier Festival Park, home to iconic events like Summerfest, PrideFest, and Black Arts Fest MKE. For a stay rich in history and luxury, The Pfister Hotel is just blocks from Cathedral Square Park, where festivals like Bastille Days and Milwaukee Oktoberfest bring the streets to life. If you're looking for a neighborhood vibe, Kinn Guesthouse Bay View puts you near the action of Bay View Bash on Kinnickinnic Ave and the laid-back summer sounds of Chill on the Hill at Humboldt Park. Explore more hotels and book your stay through Visit Milwaukee’s official lodging guide to make your festival trip unforgettable!

Navigate Milwaukee with Ease

Exploring Milwaukee is a breeze, thanks to a variety of transportation options that make getting around stress-free. Many festivals take place in walkable districts, so you can easily hop from live music to food vendors without needing a car at all. If you're staying downtown or near major event hubs, The Hop streetcar offers a free and convenient way to get to festivals like The Milwaukee Night Market, Milwaukee Dragon Boat Festival or Polish Fest.

For those driving in, parking structures and street parking are available near most festival locations, but spots can fill up fast—so arrive early or check out the MKE Park App for real-time availability. Prefer to skip the hassle? Ride-share services, taxis and shuttle buses  (offered by some events like Summerfest) are great alternatives.

If you want to explore the city on two wheels, Bublr Bikes has convenient stations throughout Milwaukee, while electric scooters offer a fun and flexible way to get to festivals in neighborhoods like Bay View, Walker’s Point and the Third Ward. However you choose to get around, Milwaukee makes it easy to enjoy every moment of the festival experience!

Local Eats & Drinks During Festival Season

Milwaukee’s festivals aren’t just about the music, culture and entertainment—they’re also a foodie’s dream! Whether you're craving classic festival bites, a pre-show dinner, or a late-night drink, the city has you covered.

Eat & Drink Near the Action

Festing works up an appetite, and whether you need a quick bite between sets or a satisfying meal before the next event, Milwaukee has you covered. Just minutes from Henry Maier Festival Park, the Milwaukee Public Market is a go-to spot for fast, delicious eats. In addition to being one of Milwaukee's top attractions, it’s also the perfect place to grab a meal on the go before heading back to the festival fun.

If you’re venturing to Wauwatosa for ART 64 or Tosafest, Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club in the Village is a must-visit. This modern take on a Wisconsin supper club offers hearty, Northwoods-inspired fare and craft cocktails, making it an ideal spot to relax and refuel between events.

For a caffeine boost with a view, Colectivo Coffee’s lakefront location is just blocks from Veterans Park and McKinley Park, home to major festivals like the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival and Milwaukee Brew Fest. Whether you’re sipping a handcrafted latte or grabbing a pastry to go, it’s a great spot to recharge before diving back into Milwaukee’s festival scene.

Festival Food: Must-Try Bites

No Milwaukee festival experience is complete without indulging in some iconic Wisconsin eats! Grab a basket of deep-fried cheese curds at Summerfest, devour a classic bratwurst at German Fest, and don’t leave the Wisconsin State Fair without trying a cream puff—a legendary festival staple. Looking for something unique but can't make it to that one specific festival? Many of our favorite festival foods can be found throughout the city at any time! Check out our list of local staples and discover the taste of Milwaukee.

Have A Craft Beer Adventure

Milwaukee is a city that celebrates its beer culture, and there's no better way to enjoy it than with a cold brew. Grab a pint before you head to the festival at Third Space Brewing, known for its amazing outdoor space and welcoming atmosphere, or head to Lakefront Brewing for its riverfront beer garden and delicious award-winning brews and food. For an even more diverse experience, visit the Lincoln Warehouse, home to Torzala Brewing, New Barons Brewing Coop, Component Brewing and Twisted Path Distillery, where you can sample unique beers and locally crafted spirits. Whether you’re unwinding after a festival or prepping for the next one, these local favorites are perfect spots to enjoy Milwaukee's craft scene.