Marcus Center Announces Rainbow Summer 2026 Artist Line-Up and Interactive Art Installation for Milwaukee Community!

Milwaukee, WI — June 5, 2026— The Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC) announces the return of Rainbow Summer, taking place on July 14-19th. Rainbow Summer is a free music and art festival that offers six nights of live music, interactive art installations, and free creative activities for the whole community.

Rainbow Summer 2026 invites the community to join a festive takeover of the grounds of the Marcus Center, featuring family activities and vendors on the beautiful South Lawn, live music performances on the covered stage of Peck Pavilion, and additional family-friendly activations along the riverwalk leading to KidZ Stage, a dedicated outdoor venue designed specifically for young audiences.

In continued partnership with Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, a new interactive art installation from LeMonde Studio will be featured! Harmonies introduces Milwaukee to a collection of larger-than-life musical instruments and objects that invite audience interaction.

“LeMonde Studio is a creative leader in people-powered art. Each piece is designed for engagement, continuing the Rainbow Summer tradition of artwork that is meant for play and exploration,” says Erica Green, COO of Milwaukee Downtown. “Harmonies is LeMonde’s biggest Milwaukee installation to date, following the success of Light Lane in 2024 and Starlight in 2025. Milwaukee Downtown is delighted to continue our strong partnership with LeMonde and the Marcus Performing Arts Center to present Harmonies, a perfect reflection of vibrant performing arts in the heart of the Milwaukee Theater District.”

The 2026 Rainbow Summer lineup of musical performances has been curated with Milwaukee’s vibrant community in mind, offering a different themed experience with a musical pairing each evening:

July 14: “Americana Night” featuring Goldpine.

July 15: “Soul Night” featuring The Soul Rebels.

July 16: “Feel Good Pop Night” featuring Boy Band Review.

July 17: “Latin Night” featuring Zonk Rolan and Nicole Nicolalde.

July 18: “Family Day and Night” featuring Milwaukee Ballet, Marcus Center’s “Broadway Bridges”, School of Rock Shorewood, Kid Boogie Down, CJ Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band. Family activities include bounce houses, Carcade games, and the Bubble Lady!

July 19: “America250 & Veterans Recognition” featuring Angela Walker, Anthony Hibbler, The Lloyd Stevens Band.

“We are committed to being a world-class gathering place for all, where every guest feels welcomed, valued, and inspired,” says MPAC President and CEO Kevin Giglinto. “Rainbow Summer is such a fun event because it invites our community to share in the joy of gathering together for a shared experience.”

Rainbow Summer is made possible through the support of Milwaukee Downtown, Bid #21, Ascension, U.S. Bank, and MGIC. Family Day is sponsored by Bader Philanthropies, Inc.

Vendor Applications are now open through July 1, 2026. We are inviting local artists, makers, and small businesses to join the festivities each evening. Vendor information and application can be accessed by visiting the Rainbow Summer website: https://www.marcuscenter.org/get-tickets/rainbow-summer/.

Know before you go:

• MPAC Grounds will open at 5:00 pm from Tuesday – Friday, and 12:00 pm on Saturday/ Sunday.

• Event parking will be available at the Marcus Center Garage for $20.00 each night.

• Food and beverages will be available for purchase on site, from a variety of food trucks and from Marcus Center Food and Beverage.

• Chairs and blankets can be carried in for the lawn, but no carry-in food or beverage items are permitted.

• No tickets are required to attend Rainbow Summer activities, and new acts are still being added!

• To see the most up to date Rainbow Summer lineup, join our Rainbow Summer email list at https://www.marcuscenter.org/get-tickets/rainbow-summer/.

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.

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