June festivals

After Snowpocalypse, ThunderSnow and quite possibly the rainiest spring ever, we deserve a little fun in the sun. We Milwaukeeans never take summer for granted, so rain or shine, we’re going to party this summer. To make sure you don’t miss a minute of it, TCD’s devoted staff put together this handy little guide to all the festivals Milwaukee (and beyond) has to offer.

To make things extra easy (we’re all about convenience), we’ve broken it down month-by-month. If you’re the type that likes to plan ahead, well, you’re in luck!  Check out a comprehensive list of all festivals June-Sept. right here. We’ll continue to update these lists as more events are announced.

Until then, remember the sunscreen. And of course, enjoy this summertime bliss responsibly.

Jazz in the Park
June 2- Sept. 22, 6 – 9 p.m.
Cathedral Square Park

Okay, so it’s not quite a ‘festival’ per se, but Jazz in the Park is a quintessential summer experience in Milwaukee. Grab a blanket and a picnic for two, and settle in for an evening of eclectic music.

Historic Mitchell Street Sun Fair
June 3-5
Historic Mitchell Street, between 8th and 10th Streets

A family-friendly outdoor festival featuring street-side shopping, carnival rides and games, delicious local, ethnic and festival eats, live entertainment, and more!

St. John Neumann Art and Craft Fair
June 3-5
2400 W. State Rd 59, Waukesha, WI

A three-day craft fair held in conjunction with St. John Neumann’s annual parish festival.

St. Aloysius Fair
June 3-5
1414 S. 93rd St., West Allis

Live music, carnival rides, and a Sunday Polka Mass!

Spring on Brady
June 4, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Brady Street

Check out Brady Street for awesome sidewalk sales and specials on dining and drinks.

Milwaukee Highland Games
June 4, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m., rain or shine
Hart Park, Wauwatosa

Axe throwing competitions, dancing and sheepdogs! An afternoon of Scottish food, music and culture. Perfect for the whole family.

Village Green Street Fair
June 4, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Village of Wauwatosa

A family-oriented outdoor festival that aims to provide information about green, organic, and eco-friendly products and services. Stroll through the Tosa Farmer’s Market and learn how to live a greener life!

St. Robert Fair
June 4-5
N. Farwell Ave., Shorewood, WI 53211

Enjoy homemade cream puffs and other tasty local fare (including St. Robert’s famous Chicken Dinner) while cuttin’ a rug to live music from the Squeezettes and more.

Pride Fest
June 10-12
Maier Festival Park

One of the nation’s most unique Pride celebrations, Milwaukee PrideFest is all kinds of awesome. Dancing, drag shows, comedy…and did we mention that Salt-N-Pepa are performing? Nuff said.

St. John Vianney Parish Festival
June 10-12
1755 N. Calhoun Rd., Brookfield

More family fun: carnival rides, a pig roast and a super-sweet raffle!

Gathering Waters Festival
June 11, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Lakeshore State Park

As part of national “Get Outdoors Day” event, the Gathering Waters Festival offers Milwaukeean’s an urban outdoor adventure with rock climbing, bike and boat tours, canoeing, fishing and more.

Locust Street Festival
June 12, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Locust Street, between Humboldt and Holton

Crafts, street vendors, open air Tai Chi, local food and drink and a crap-load of Milwaukee music? Yes, please.

Polish Fest
June 17-19
Maier Festival Park

America’s largest Polish festival is a ton of fun. Want proof? Check THIS out.

Lakefront Festival of Arts
June 17 – 19
Milwaukee Art Museum and Lubar Auditorium

Explore works by artists in a variety of media while taking in gorgeous views of the lakefront.

St. Bernadette Parish Festival
June 17-19
8200 W. Denver Ave., Milwaukee, WI

St. Bernadette’s annual festival offers a Friday fish fry, silent and live auction, games for kids of all ages, rides and bingo.

Summer Soulstice
June 18, noon – 11 p.m.
North Avenue, East Side

You don’t have to be a hacky sack champion to enjoy this annual block party. From awesome vendors to sweet jams (this year’s lineup boasts some Milwaukee gems), it’s a great way to experience North Ave.

Wisconsin Beer Lover’s Festival
June 18, 1- 5 p.m.
Bayshore Town Center, 5800 N. Bayshore Dr.

An outdoor one-day festival featuring a selection of more than 100 of Wisconsin’s finest craft beers. Sample specially prepared cuisine designed to complement unique beers from our state’s finest craft breweries. Meet the brew masters and chefs behind the creations.

St. Paul Parish Festival
June 23-26
1720 E. Norwich ave, Milwaukee

Ride your hog, rocket or scooter to the St. Paul Parish festival for Bike Night, plus live music and the festival’s annual chicken dinner.

Holy Apostles Family Festival
June 24-26
16000 W. National Ave., New Berlin

This annual family festival features three days of crafts, games, food and live music.

Greek Fest
June 24-26
State Fair Park, West Allis

The best of Greece with authentic food, music and dancing. OPA!

26th Annual Strawberry Festival
June 25-26
Downtown Cedarburg

This tw0-day festival features a Plein Air Painting competition, and of course, lots of strawberries. Think strawberry slush, chocolate covered strawberries,a few libations from Cedar Creek Winery, and even strawberry brats.

Summerfest
June 29 – July 10
Maier Festival Park

All right, so you can’t watch the Fourth of July fireworks from the Fest this year, which is sort of a bummer. Otherwise, the lineup is looking pretty sweet … if you need me, I’ll be singing (okay, screaming) along with Hall & Oates at the M&I Classic Rock Stage.