Labor Day Fun
Alternative polka, Highland Games and the Third Ward Art Festival.
2022 Third Ward Festival of Art. Photo by Jeramey Jannene.
Happy Labor Day weekend!
An extra day off means more time for events, which is great because there’s plenty to do this weekend in Milwaukee. Motorcycle fanatics can head to the Harley-Davidson Museum or any of the Milwaukee-area Harley-Davidson retailers for a weekend-long event that will feature live music, food, exhibits and more. The Third Ward is hosting a free art festival, and the Milwaukee Milkmen will play ball during extraterrestrial lights as part of an alien-themed night.
September 3-6: The RIDE Home
Milwaukee will be filled with the sounds of motorcycles and live music this weekend thanks to The RIDE Home, an event that spans the Harley-Davidson Museum and Milwaukee-area-based Harley-Davidson dealerships. Each day will feature a different lineup of live music, group motorcycle rides, exhibits and more. Hard rock icon Lita Ford will perform on Thursday and guests can learn about historic motorcycles at the Action: Military exhibit on Saturday. For a complete list of scheduled events, visit the Harley-Davidson website.
September 4-6: Wisconsin Highland Games
The Wisconsin Highland Games aim to preserve the traditional culture and traditions of the British Isles, and guests can enjoy a variety of showcases from battle axe throwing to Celtic baking. The event will feature a lineup of Scottish, Irish and Celtic music, and guests can even pay respects to Mary, the Midwest’s Queen of Scots. The Wisconsin Highland Games will take place at the Waukesha County Expo Center. For a complete schedule of events and to purchase tickets, visit the Wisconsin Highland Games website.
September 5-6: Third Ward Art Festival
The annual Third Wart Art Festival will bring over 200 juried artists from all over the country to the historic Milwaukee neighborhood. Artists working in photography, ceramics, paints, and more will show off their work, and guests can enjoy live music, food and beverages from a variety of vendors. And if you’re feeling inspired after checking out all of the art, guests can sign up for on-site painting classes. The Third Ward Art Festival is free to attend and will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
September 5: Milwaukee Polka Riot
It’s no secret that Milwaukee loves polka music, and that’s evident in the fact that Milwaukee is home to what’s being billed as “America’s first and (as far as we know) only alternative polka festival.” Milwaukee Polka Riot will take place at Linneman’s Riverwest Inn and will feature a lineup of nine alternative polka artists from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. and is free to attend.
September 5: Holy Pinto at Vivarium
Aymen Saleh, better known by his stage name Holy Pinto, may have moved to Milwaukee from Canterbury, England, but the British singer-songwriter has been performing and releasing music long enough now to be considered a Milwaukee favorite. Holy Pinto is celebrating the release of his latest album Wedding Season with a performance at Vivarium featuring opening sets from Moonglow and Waterspouts. The show begins at 7 p.m. and tickets are $24.92. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Pabst Theater Group’s website.
September 5: Milwaukee Milkmen Area 414 Night
Sure, the Brewers are playing well, but let’s not forget about the Milwaukee Milkmen. The independent baseball team will face off against the Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks at Franklin Field. The ballpark will also transform into Area 414 for an alien-themed night, and the first 1,000 attendees will receive UFO-themed glow headwear. The ballpark will also feature various aliens and UFOs throughout the game. First pitch will be thrown at 6 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Milwaukee Milkmen website.
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