Popular Lakefront Festival of Art Returns to the Milwaukee Public Museum in June

Milwaukee, Wis. – April 20, 2023 – The Milwaukee Art Museum is excited to announce the return of Lakefront Festival of Art to the Museum’s grounds June 16–18, 2023. Named one of the top twenty-five art festivals in the country, this highly anticipated event showcases the work of 120 artists from across the nation selected by an expert jury that evaluated the beauty, creativity, and technical virtuosity of their paintings, ceramics, textiles, metalwork, jewelry, sculpture, and more.

Founded in 1963, Lakefront Festival of Art is organized by Friends of Art, the longest-running volunteer support organization of the Milwaukee Art Museum. During its tenure, Friends of Art has raised funds for art exhibitions and the acquisition of works in the Museum’s collection. Works that have been gifted by Friends of Art include visitor favorites such as Duane Hanson’s realistic sculpture Janitor; Tom Wesselmann’s Still Life #51, a large-scale, Pop art–inspired still life of a Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer; and Sam Gilliam’s monumental draped canvas painting Carousel Merge 2. During the festival, docents will lead free drop-in tours, illuminating the dynamic stories behind acquisitions Friends of Art made possible.

“After a three-year pause due to the pandemic, we are thrilled to bring Lakefront Festival of Art back to the Milwaukee Art Museum,” said Will Belke, President, Friends of Art. “The jury has worked tirelessly to discover the most talented and exciting artists working in every region of the country and are bringing them to Milwaukee to restart this great summer tradition. We look forward to seeing festivalgoers once again browsing artist booths, gaining an appreciation of the visual arts, all while enjoying the views of Milwaukee’s iconic lakefront.”

In addition to spotlighting artists, this fun-filled summer tradition offers guests the chance to sample local food, lounge in the beer garden, sip a glass of wine, participate in family-friendly hands-on art projects inspired by the Museum’s collection, and visit current exhibitions, including Scandinavian Design and the United States, 1890–1980, and Native America: In Translation. Festival tickets include admission to the Museum.

“A celebration of artistic creativity and the breathtaking natural beauty of our region, Lakefront Festival of Art has been missed by our visitors, and we are delighted to bring it back for everyone to enjoy,” said Courtney Kihslinger, Director of Stewardship & Events at the Milwaukee Art Museum. “We are tremendously grateful to Friends of Art for making this invigorating event possible once again.”

For more information, please visit mam.org/lfoa.

Festival Information:

Hours

Friday, June 16, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday, June 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission 

Buy tickets online 

• Advance Ticket $17
• 3-Day Pass $25

Or at the entrance gate 

• 3-Day Pass $30
• General Admission $22
• Members $10

• Member Kids 17 and Under Free 
• Students and Seniors (65+) $17
• Kids 12 and Under, Military, Veterans, WI K–12 Teachers Free

The Calatrava underground parking garage will be closed during Lakefront Festival of Art. The Museum Center Park garage will be open and is located on Lincoln Memorial Drive, directly west of the Museum. Bike parking is always free on the festival grounds and bike racks are located near the south entrance. Street parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and fees may apply. Please observe all City of Milwaukee parking signs in areas surrounding the festival.

Thanks to the Contributing Sponsors of Lakefront Festival of Art, Molson Coors Beverage Company, and The PNC Financial Services Group. Thanks to the Media Sponsor, MKE Lifestyle.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.