August Festivals
Can you believe it’s August already? This summer (like most summers) is flying by, so make sure you don’t miss out on any of the festivities. From the deep-fried action of State Fair to the two-stroke goodness of Rockerbox this month, there’s not a dull weekend in sight.
Wisconsin State Fair
August 4-14
State Fair Park
Where else is it perfectly acceptable to eat bacon on a stick and coo over piglet races at the same time? TCD staffers will hang out opening day and bring you photo highlights sure to embarrass our grandkids. We can’t wait!
Divine Mercy Funfest
August 5-7
695 College Ave., South Milwaukee
Now in its 32nd year, FunFest lives up to its name. Raffles, bingo, kids games with a huge prize area, blow-up rides, dinner specials, baked goods, wine bar and local entertainment.
August 6
Maier Festival Park
A celebration of African heritage and culture, this year’s fest features live music, great food and much more.
Summer Sizzle
August 6, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Historic Third Ward
A free, neighborhood festival that features live jazz — best of local, regional and Chicago musicians — in a variety of styles: traditional, Latin, swing, smooth and Dixieland.
Rockerbox
August 6, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Center St., Riverwest
Riverwest’s premier motorcycle show and street fest, featuring tons of sweet, sweet bikes.
St. Mesrob’s Armenian Fest
August 7, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Lake Festival Park, Racine
Boasting itself as the largest Armenian festival in the Midwest, St. Mesrob’s will feature all-day Armenian music and traditional cuisine.
Holy Rosary Parish Festival
August 12-14
2224 45th St., Kenosha
The sound is non-stop all weekend, featuring music under the live entertainment tent, along with a complete campus-wide sound system and as much homemade food as you can imagine.
Milwaukee Wine Festival
August 12-13
Milwaukee Art Museum
The 2011 Milwaukee Wine Festival offers over 270 wines and 100+ craft beers from around the world. Enjoy wine seminars, cooking demonstrations and food for sale from some of Milwaukee’s best restaurants and caterers.
Waukesha BluesFest
August 12-13
Naga-Waukee Park, Delafield
In its fifth year, this “American Music and Art Festival” features over a dozen blues performers including John Mayall and Savoy Brown, as well as a juried art show including photography, painting, pottery, fused glass, jewelry and more.
Village Days
August 12-14
Greendale (various locations)
Stop over to Greendale for three days of live music on multiple stages, fireworks, a parade on Sunday, and all the food and drink staples of a community festival, including brats, burgers and beer.
St. Francis Borgia Parish Festival
August 13
W64N866 Washington Ave., Cedarburg
All-day live music with headliners the Sweet Tarts, a pancake breakfast and rotisserie chicken dinner as well as games for the kids.
Irish Fest
August 18-21
Maier Festival Park
Four days celebrating all things Irish — from Gaelic Storm and Milwaukee’s finest Irish dancers to the Jameson Lounge, there’s something for everyone!
Milwaukee Domes Art Festival
August 19-20
Mitchell Park
In its second year, the Milwaukee Domes Art Festival is a juried art show on the grounds of Milwaukee’s beloved Mitchell Park, featuring 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. Sponsored in part by ThirdCoast Digest.
Our Lady of Lourdes Festival
August 19-21
3722 S 58 st., Milwaukee
Craft beers, fish fry, games, carnival rides and music ranging from doo-wop to polka — fun for all ages.
Port Washington Maritime Heritage Festival
August 19-21
Lake Park, Port Washington
The Maritime Heritage Festival is an award-winning event featuring three majestic tall ships, an Artisan’s Marketplace, educational and historic activities and displays, two music stages, harbor tours, children’s activities, food and drink, fireworks and a cardboard boat regatta.
St. James Parish Festival
August 19-21
830 County Road NN E, Mukwonago
St. James offers your favorite church festival activities with live music, fireworks, a raffle, a car show, carnival rides, games and of course, lots and lots of food.
St. Rita Family Festival
August 19-21
4339 Douglas Ave., Racine
Featuring live music like the Love Monkeys and Pat McCurdy on three stages, this festival also gives you the chance to be your own star with two nights of karaoke at the teen tent and open jam session on Sunday night.
St. Mary Festival
August 20-21
7400 39th Ave., Kenosha
Two days of live music, food, drinks, games for the kids and fun.
Mexican Fiesta
August 26-28
Maier Festival Park
The sound, culture and tastes of Mexico come to the Milwaukee lakefront. Practice your best moves for an epic salsarengue contest!
Grill Games
August 27, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Lake Front Park, Kenosha
Grill Games will feature four bands as well as a BBQ contest with teams vying for over $6,000 in prize money in four BBQ categories: ribs, chicken, pork shoulder and beef brisket. There will also be activities geared for kids and families, as well as an abundance of food (naturally).
