August

It’s August and that can only mean one thing: time to squeeze the last rays of sun out of summer. Lucky for you, TCD has created this comprehensive guide to festivals, fairs and other ways to find entertainment in Milwaukee. With all of these cheap choices, you won’t have trouble finding something to do – it’s the choosing part that will be difficult. So go on, make this your best August in Milwaukee.

Festivals and Fairs

Summer Sizzle
August 7
Historic Third Ward, on Broadway Street
Head to the Third Ward for a free neighborhood festival that features live, local jazz music in a variety of styles – traditional, smooth, Latin, swing and Dixieland.

African World Festival
August 1-2
Henry Maier Fest Park              
Come celebrate the culture and heritage of all people of African descent with the global community right in Milwaukee. And do it for free!

Firefly Art Fair
August 7-8
Kneeland-Walker House & Gardens in Wauwatosa
Come to the 24th annual Firefly Art Fair to enjoy displays of artists from around the Milwaukee area. All for just $3!

Rockerbox
August 7
Center St., between Humboldt & Booth
All bikes are welcome at this annual motorcycle festival. Check out the bike show, bring items for the swap meet and listen to live music.

Wisconsin State Fair
August 5-15
Wisconsin State Fair Park
There are simply too many things to do at State Fair; ride the ferris wheel, drink some strawberry milk or basically watch a Wisconsin cow beauty contest. Your choice! Admission prices range by the day.

Arab World Fest
August 6-8
Henry Maier Fest Park
Arabian Festivals, Inc. is a non-political, non-religious, non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a better understanding and appreciation of Arab people and their rich cultural heritage. Join the celebration for $8.

Morning Glory Art Fair
August 14-15
Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
Morning Glory features 140 fine craft artists exhibiting media in ceramics, glass, leather, wood, photography, jewelry, fiber, enamel, handmade paper, metal, and mixed media. Go see the all this for a grand total of $0.

Irish Fest
August 19-22
Henry Maier Festival Park
Take a day trip to Ireland in Milwaukee! Drink some Irish beer, see some men in skirts and participate in other Irish activities. Ticket prices vary.

Milwaukee Domes Art Festival
August 20-22
Mitchell Park
The Milwaukee Domes Art Festival features plein air painters, live music and performances, an art auction benefiting the Milwaukee Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservancy Domes, and a variety of food, drink, and fun for the whole family. The event is free by the way.

Chalk Art Festival
August 21
Bayshore Town Center
Come stroll the streets surrounding Bayshore Town Square and watch local artists create amazing works of sidewalk chalk art for free.

Art in the Park
August 22
Mill Pond Park & Lime Kiln Park
Come to Art in the Park’s free community event with outdoor artist demonstrations, activities and fine art fair along the Menomonee River. Did I mention it’s free?

Mexican Fiesta
August 27-29
Henry Maier Fest Park

Celebrate the taste of Mexico in Milwuakee! Sharing Mexico’s history, food, and entertainment for three wonderful days. Ticket prices vary.

Good Cheap Fun

Waukesha Art Crawl
August 1
Downtown Waukesha
The Waukesha West End Artists Group is comprised of Artists invites you to share the aesthetic enhancement of the Milwaukee community at the August art crawl.

Tosa’s Night Out
August 3
Rotary Performance Pavilion
Jon Stone and the Wanted Men are a Tribute to Johnny Cash and the Outlaw Country sound made famous by the likes of Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson – to name a few. Prepare to do some free toe tappin’ and knee slappin’.

Bradford Beach Jam
August 20-22
Bradford Beach
If you haven’t realized it already, the beach is hoppin’ this summer. Check out the annual (and rescheduled) Bradford Beach Jam with three days of sandy sports, live music and tiki-style beverages.

Ex Fabula: Grown-up Show & Tell
August 5, 5:30- 8:30 p.m.
Milwaukee Art Museum terrace
Milwaukee’s storytelling group is back with a new , free summer show. The theme: show & tell — for adults. Bring a personal items and tell a true story about it. Note: this event is not for kids, and the Ex Fabula folk won’t hesitate to turn away storytellers and objects that are too inappropriate, so use discretion.

Reiki Share Group
August 7
YogAsylum
Reiki shares are designed for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. Prior experience not required and the ost is $10 preregistered.

Wall of Sound
August 12
South Milwaukee Farmer’s Market, corner of 11th and Madison Ave.
A Wall of Sound consists of some of the finest vocalists and instrumentalists in the Midwest. Come hear them at the South Milwaukee Farmer’s Market free of charge.

Concerts in the Parks
August 12
Boerner Botanical Gardens (9400 Boerner Drive) in Hales Corners
Grace Weber, Wauwatosa native, has the voice of an angel with power and soul bringing her charismatic tone to her new EP, Sparrows.

Third Ward Sidewalk Sale
August 14
Historic Third Ward
Stroll the historic streets, shop the neighborhood boutiques and enjoy the culinary treats! For one day only, enjoy sales throughout the neighborhood.

Atwater Beach Party
August 14
Shorewood’s Atwater Beach
Come to the annual beach party and enjoy live local bands all while you have beautiful Lake Michigan in sight.

Music Marathon & Benefit
August 21, 1-9 p.m.
Woodland Pattern Book Center
720 E. Locust St.
The Riverwest bookstore hosts this 2nd annual  music marathon in support of its Alternating Currents music show. Sign up or pledge to keep great music alive. Call 414-263-5001 for more information or to get involved.

Chill on the Hill
through August 31
Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Humboldt Park, Bay View
If you haven’t chilled on the hill yet, now’s the time! The summer concert series wraps up this month with performances from Paul Cebar, Juniper Tar, Decibully, the 5 Card Studs, Bikini Beachcombers, Holly Haebig & friends, God’s Outlaw and the Liam Ford band.