Hartfest to Celebrate 30th Anniversary With Headliners the Gufs; The Lovemonkeys

WAUWATOSA, WISCONSIN, May 27, 2026—It’s a banner year for one of Wauwatosa’s signature community events, with HartFest turning 30 years old in 2026. The beloved festival is celebrating the milestone in a big way with headliners The LoveMonkeys and 90s favorites The Gufs.

[inartilead]The Gufs will take Hart Park’s Rotary Stage on Saturday, June 13. Longtime HartFest staple The LoveMonkeys—who have announced that this will be their final year of performing—will headline on Friday, June 12.

In addition to stellar live music, HartFest will offer a top-notch food and beverage lineup. Some of Milwaukee’s most popular food trucks will be on hand, plus the 4th annual Bunzels’ BBQ Cook-Off and People’s Choice Tasting will give the area’s best grillmasters the chance to showcase their skills to the public. A Cornhole Tournament presented by Exterior Pros and a Pickleball Tournament with The Picklr round out this year’s offerings.

And it all raises money for worthy local causes. Organizers estimate that HartFest has raised nearly half a million dollars for charity since the event debuted in 1996. Those funds have been donated to organizations such as the Tosa Community Food Pantry, Camp Hometown Heroes, Honor Flight, the Alzheimer’s Association, and more.

“For three decades, HartFest has been more than just a party,” says Maria Panno, Executive Director of the Wauwatosa Business Improvement District. “It’s been our way to celebrate summer, support vital local causes, and have a great time doing it. We can’t wait to celebrate our 30th birthday with a 90s throwback dream concert—the Gufs.”

HartFest opens on Friday, June 12, with Brewtown Beat taking the stage at 5 pm and The LoveMonkeys at 7:30 pm. The festival continues on Saturday, June 13, with the Wauwatosa School of Music at 11 am, 5 Card Studs playing at 1:30 pm, JD Rankin & the Solomon Royals at 5:30 pm, and The Gufs on stage at 8 pm.

The Bunzel’s BBQ Cookoff takes place on Saturday, June 13, with some of the area’s top barbecuers competing for cash prizes. Festival-goers will have a chance to sample the entries and vote to name a People’s Choice award winner in a ticketed event starting at 1 pm.

For more information, visit https://www.wauwatosavillage.org/hartfest.

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.