TCD’s 2012 Milwaukee Summer Festival Guide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Milwaukee, Summer means Festival Season, each month filled with live music, dancing, more grilled foods than you can shake a stick at, and a few tasty beverages to wash it all down. We here at TCD want our dear readers to soak up every last drop of summer goodness, so we’ve created a comprehensive guide to all of Milwaukee’s festivals this season — from the Big Gig to the church BBQ, we’ve got what you’re looking for.

Ongoing

Chill on the Hill
June 5 – Aug. 28, 2012, 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays
Humboldt Park
Venture down to Bay View’s Humboldt Park on Tuesdays this summer for great local music featuring a variety of genres like jazz, funk, hip hop, and rock and roll. Be sure to sample local cuisine from eateries like Streetza Pizza and Babes Ice Cream while enjoying the tunes.

Jazz in the Park
June 7 – Sept. 6, 6-9 p.m. Thursdays
Cathedral Square Park
A Milwaukee summer just wouldn’t be the same without Jazz in the Park, the perfect pre-weekend jam session in Cathedral Square. Grab a blanket, a bottle of wine and some friends for an evening of great music. Jazz in the Park features musicians from Milwaukee and Green Bay to Chicago and New Orleans.

July

Art and Craft Fair
July 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wisconsin Lutheran College, 8800 West Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee
Peruse the artistic wares of nearly 50 exhibitors gathered at Wisconsin Lutheran College’s beautiful campus at this year’s Art and Craft Fair. Find your new favorite piece of jewelry, ceramic vase or photography print. A silent auction, various entertainment and delicious food round out the event.

Bastille Days
July 12-15, 2012
Cathedral Square Park
All things French descend on Milwaukee’s Cathedral Square for four days this July.  Opening night features the legendary Storm the Bastille 5K-run/2-mile walk, taking participants through East Town and the Historic Third Ward.  Vive la France throughout the weekend with wine tastings, crepes and beignets, a pooch parade and the famous MSOE Eiffel Tower.

Delafield Block Party: Food & Music Festival
July 13-14, 5 p.m.-midnight
Downtown Delafield
Head out to Delafield for two evenings of live music from Dirty Boogie and The Toys. Dine under the stars as part of Skylight Dining, featuring cuisine from Haus of Prime Meat and Deli, Wholly Cow and Saz’s. There’s also the Delafield Farmers’ Market from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 14.

Gathering on the Green Performing Arts Festival
July 13-14
Rotary Park, 4000 West Highland Rd., Mequon
There’s no business like show business at Mequon’s Gathering on the Green Perfoming Arts Festival. Check out performances by the original Chicago cast of “Jersey Boys,” listen live to “Music from the Movies,” and enjoy a special appearance by Kate Shindle of Broadway’s “Legally Blonde.”

Dominic Days at St. Dominic Catholic Church
July 13-15, 2012
18255 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield
St. Dominic Catholic Parish in Brookfield is host to Dominic Days.  This year’s festival features a golf outing, the 25th Annual Steeplechase 5K-run/2-mile walk, and the annual car show.  Satiate your appetite with lasagna, chicken dinners, beer and wine.

37th Annual Lake Country Art Festival
July 14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Naga-waukee Park, Delafield
Enjoy a bag of authentic kettle corn while meandering through almost 150 artist booths at this year’s Lake Country Art Festival.  Find unique artisanal candles, jewelry, rugs, clothing and mixed media for yourself and for use as gifts!

Sussex Lions Daze
July 13-15
Sussex Village Park
Lions Daze 2012 combines a softball tournament, bingo, a tractor pull and a fireman’s water fight for a truly unique summer festival. Enjoy live, original music each day as well as a variety of food and beer.

Maxwell Street Days
July 15, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Head out to Cedarburg for this massive flea market.  As the sponsors of the event say, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure!”  Who knows what you will find among the 700 booths filled with antiques, collectibles, and basement treasures?

Country Thunder USA
July 19-22
Twin Lakes
This July the biggest country stars roll into Twin Lakes for Country Thunder USA. Slip on your cowboy boots and don your best Western hat to rock out with country greats like Big & Rich, Blake Shelton and Toby Keith.

Festa Italiana
July 19-22
Maier Festival Park
2012 marks the 35th year of Milwaukee’s Festa Italiana.  In celebration of this milestone, this year’s Festa will feature a special parade to commemorate all of Milwaukee’s ethnic festivals, the Wheels and Heels 5K Run/Walk on opening night, and an inaugural 50/50 raffle. Be sure to come hungry and feast on Italian specialties like gnocchi, cannoli and gelato.

53rd Annual St. Veronica’s Summer Music Festival
July 19-22
4001 S. Whitnall Avenue, Milwaukee
Head out to St. Veronica’s Congregation for the annual summer music festival featuring everything from doo wop to classic rock to polka. Adults and kids alike will love the carnival rides, Tim Glander’s magic show and a special polka mass on Saturday.

St. Rita’s Festival
July 20-22
2318 S. 61st St., West Allis
St. Rita’s Festival starts off right with a traditional Wisconsin Friday fish fry. The fun continues throughout the weekend with a $2,500 cash raffle, two music tents featuring seven bands and a scrumptous bake sale at 8 a.m. Sunday morning.

Waterford Hot Air Balloon Festival
July 20-22
345 Hickory Hollow Rd., Waterford
Take flight at Waterford’s Hot Air Balloon Festival! For just $15 you can secure your spot in a colorful hot air balloon and view Waterford from a bird’s eye view. Afraid of heights? No problem–the festival also features square dancing, a brewfest and a pancake breakfast among other activities.

Waukesha County Fair
July 18-22
Waukesha County Fairgrounds, 1000 Northview Rd., Waukesha
In addition to traditional county fair staples like the 4-H Forum, livestock judging and midway rides, for the second year the Waukesha County Fair will feature the American Idol-style Top Singer competition.

Port Washington Fish Day
July 21
Lake Park, Port Washington
Get “hooked on fish day” in Port Washington! Feast on fish and chips or shrimp and chips for under $7 at the world’s largest one day fish fry. You can also take in a performance by U2 cover band U2 Zoo.

Croatian Fest
July 21-22
Croatian Park, 9100 S. 76th St., Franklin
You don’t need to be Croatian to enjoy this annual festival in Franklin. On Friday, check out Chicago’s first and finest Croatian TambuRok band, Majstori. Roasted lamb, pork and chicken, as well as Croatian desserts, will be available to satiate your hunger.

Milwaukee Firkin Craft Beer Festival
July 21, 3-8 p.m.
Cathedral Square Park
Beer lovers rejoice! The Milwaukee Firkin Craft Beer Festival features over 100 beers for your sampling pleasure. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet the brewers themselves, enjoy beer inspired art and peruse historic Milwaukee brewing exhibits.

Waterford Brewfest
July 21, 4-8 p.m.
Rivermoor Golf Club in Waterford hosts the city’s annual brewfest with over 50 varieties of specialty beers. Purchase a ticket for unlimited beer tasting, a souvenir glass and yummy snacks. Advance tickets are $25 or $35 at the door.

St. John the Evangelist Parish 44th Annual Family Festival
July 22-24
8500 West Cold Spring Rd., Greenfield
Deeming itself THE festival of church festivals, St. John the Evangelist Parish’s 44th Annual Family Festival will feature a super mega raffle with $10,000 in cash prizes, daily bingo and fireworks!

Washington County Fair
July 24-29
Washington County Fair Park, 3000 Pleasant Valley Rd., West Bend
Classic rock fans will be thrilled that REO Speedwagon will take the stage at this year’s Washington County Fair.  In addition to jamming to classics like “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” fair goers will enjoy attractions like bull riding, midway rides and the “Fairest of the Fair” pageant.

Racine County Fair
July 25-29
19805 Durand Ave., Union Grove
This one’s for you, Ted Nugent fans!  The legendary rock musician takes to the stage on July 26 at 8 p.m. You’ll also enjoy goats on parade, the outdoor painting challenge, the antique tractor pull and more.

Falls Fest
July 26-29
Village Park, Menomonee Falls
Menomonee Falls celebrates summer with four days of live music (including an open mic), softball tournaments and Tom Burgermeister’s magic show. Cap off the weekend with fireworks on Sunday night.

German Fest
July 26-29
Maier Festival Park
Ladies lace up your dirndls and guys don your leiderhosen for German Fest, Milwaukee’s original haus party! Fill your stein with beer, watch the 7th Annual Dachshund Derby and Weiner Dog Costume Contest, and check out the Volkswagen Club of Milwaukee’s collection of vintage and custom cars.

South Milwaukee Lionsfest
July 27-29
[100-236] 16th Ave, South Milwaukee
Lionsfest starts with the Friday fish fry and classic car show, features carnival rides and great food throughout the festival, and ends with the Sunday family pirate day which includes a costume contest and treasure hunt!

Taste of Lake Country & Fine Arts Festival
July 27,  5-10 p.m., July 28 4-10 p.m.
Lakefront Park, 222 W. Wisconsin Ave., Pewaukee
Pewaukee welcomes great artists, restaurants and bands at the 2012 Taste of Lake Country & Fine Arts Festival. Make it a mini-vacation by staying at the Milwaukee Marriott West or the Holiday Inn in Pewaukee where special festival rates are available.

Lions Fest and Fish Derby
July 27-29
106 Lake St., Port Washington
Come out to Port Washington for the prize fishing derby and Great Lakes Sport Fishing Salmon Shoot-out!  While you’re at the fest, enjoy great food and music!

Brady Street Festival
July 28, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Brady Street, East Side
Brady Street truly comes alive at this annual summer festival featuring great music, belly dancers and the famous Boyz Will Be Girlz Drag Show! Start the day at the Glorioso Cheese Tent and finish with a cold brew at one of the beer kiosks along the street.

Third Annual Milwaukee Brewfest
July 28
McKinley Park, 1750 North Lincoln Memorial Drive
What better way to celebrate the Brew City than to sample craft beers and microbrews from over 200 breweries at the annual Milwaukee Brewfest? For $40 in advance ($45 at the entrance) you’ll enjoy unlimited samplings, great music and meet the 2012 Brewfest Queen contenders!

Armenian Fest
July 29 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
St. John the Baptist Armenian Orthodox Church
7825 W. Layton Ave., Milwaukee
A tradition since the 1930’s, Armenian Fest features Mediterranean dishes, Armenian wine and a cultural booth with books and artifacts available for purchase.

Seton Funfest
July 27-29
12700 W. Howard Ave., New Berlin
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton hosts its annual funfest, three days filled with an eclectic mixture of attractions from the zoo wild theater, bingo, inflatable rides and more!

August

Wisconsin State Fair
August 2-12
State Fair Park
Billed as the greatest 11 days of summer, the Wisconsin State Fair brings the best of our state together. Check out one of the competitions–from livestock to art to beer and wine. Enjoy a cream puff (or two). Rock out to bands the Neon Trees, Styx and The Band Perry at the Potawatomi Main Stage.

Milwaukee Comedy Festival
August 3-11
Next Act Theatre
255 S. Water St.
Wisconsin’s largest comedy festival comes to Milwaukee for nine days this August.  Get your belly laughs on at performances of stand-up, improv and sketch comedy.  Learn the tricks of the comedy trade at workshops lead by the area’s best comedians.  Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 on the day of the event.

Artbeat in the Heat Outdoor Music and Arts Festival
August 4 12-9 p.m.
Hide House, 2625 S. Greeley Street in Bay View
Come down to Bay View to jam out to local Milwaukee bands like 88Nine Music Award Winners The Delta Routine, learn the art of Capoeira and introduce your kids to Maya the Clown! Artbeat in the Heat supports art programs for Milwaukee’s youth and this year the festival has partnered with Capoeira Nago Milwaukee, an organization dedicated to spreading Brazilian art and culture throughout the Midwest.

Summer Sizzle Jazz Festival
August 4, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Historic Third Ward
The Third Ward will be filled with jazz all day on August 4.  Enjoy four stages of jazz featuring a variety of styles–from traditional to blues to Latin Summer Sizzle has you covered!

Rockerbox
August 4, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Center St., Riverwest
Once again Riverwest will be home to Rockerbox, the premier, free Midwestern motorcycle show and street party. Bike owners can roar over to Riverwest and participate in the annual bike show. Both bike riders and bike appreciators will enjoy the vintage cafe racers on display, bike trial demonstrations and plenty of great food from local eateries.

African World Fest
August 4-5
Maier Festival Park
The best in gospel, R&B, old school hip hop and jazz descends on Milwaukee for African World Fest. Feast on a variety of ethnic foods from across the African continent, experience the cultural village and purchase unique items in the marketplace.

Milwaukee Air and Water Show
August 11-12
Bradford Beach-Milwaukee Lakefront
All of Lake Michigan comes alive during the Air and Water Show! Experience the thrill of aerial performances by the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard, and various civilian flight teams. The lake will be home to boat races, jet ski freestyling as well as air sea rescue demonstrations. The water show starts each day at 8 a.m. and the air show will begin at 10 a.m.

Irish Fest
August 16-19
Maier Festival Park
Milwaukee’s Irish Fest is the world’s largest celebration of Irish music and culture.  Start the weekend off at Slainte, Milwaukee’s largest happy hour on Thursday, August 16 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.  Traditional and contemporary Irish music will be performed on stages throughout the park and the cultural village will educate festival goers about all things Ireland.

Milwaukee Domes Art Festival
August 17, 12 p.m.-8 p.m., August 18, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., August 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory Domes
Featuring plein air painters, live music and performances, an art auction benefiting the Milwaukee Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservancy Domes, and a variety of food and drink, the Milwaukee Domes Art Festival has fun for the whole family all weekend long at one of the city’s iconic locations.

Mexican Fiesta
August 24-26
Maier Festival Park
Feast on the sights and sounds of Mexico at  this year’s Mexican Fiesta in Milwaukee. Get active at the fest by competing in various contests–from dancing (Salsarengue, Cumbia and Polka) to hot cars to traditional costumes to jalapeno eating. Listen to a variety of bands representing the Mexican musical diaspora. And, of course, savor the delicious tastes of Mexico all weekend long!

September

Indian Summer Festival
Sept. 7-9
Maier Festival Park
The month of September doesn’t have to be summer’s death knell! It certainly isn’t in Milwaukee as the month kicks off with the Indian Summer Festival, a great opportunity to stock up on goods at the Tribal Farmers Market, participate in a pow wow and watch a performance by the Aztec Dancers, among myriad other activities.

Center Street Daze
Sept. 8
Center St., between Holton and Humboldt Ave.
This festival kicks off with the Human Powered Push Cart Race, followed by great music throughout the day and as well as the Uptowner Eddie Favorite 8 Ball billiards tournament.  Be sure to enter the raffle for great prizes like an authentic Packer’s jersey and an iPod tower!

Green County Cheese Days
Sept. 14-16
Monroe, Wisconsin
It wouldn’t be Wisconsin without a festival dedicated to cheese!  Green County has been home to cheese factories since the the early 1900’s and you’ll be able to sample cheese varieties like Limburger, Havarti and Emmentaler.  There’s also accordion entertainment, a salute to sausages and the Cheese Days Song.

Rock the Green
Sept. 15
Veterans Park
Rock the Green marries great music with environmental responsibility–this is a Near-Zero Waste festival with ample recycling, power provided by B20 biodiesel generators and fertilizer made from all food waste.  Nationally touring recording artists will provide the soundtrack for this truly green festival on Milwaukee’s lakefront.

Bay View Bash
Sept. 17, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Kinnickinnic Ave., between Potter and Clement
Check out the Bay View Bash, another festival that strives to be Near-Zero Waste. Bring your dog for the costumed dog parade, listen to music from a variety of local music groups and bring the kids for special children’s activities.

Global Union Music Festival
Sept. 15, 12-6 p.m.
Humboldt Park
Take a tour of world music from the comfort of beautiful Humboldt Park.  The Global Union Music Festival will bring together musicians from across the globe.  From the Seattle-Balkan outfit Kultur Shock to the French “salsamuffin” singer Sergent Garcia to Blitz the Ambassador “the future of African music” there’s something for everyone!

We’ll continue to update this list as more events are announced. If there’s something we should know about, leave a comment below!