For most of the world, Milwaukee might not be the first city that comes to mind when someone says "beach party," but we know the truth. Milwaukee is the perfect locale for a sandy, wavy soiree.

Art Blaze – presented by local public art nonprofit, Joy Engine – proved this last summer, and now the series returns for another season of fun. This year, it will take place on Thursdays instead of Wednesdays, at the recently refreshed McKinley Beach.

“McKinley Beach feels so new and exciting after its three-year renovation," says Steph Salvia, Joy Engine’s Executive Director.

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The all-ages programming includes concerts by The Quilz and DJ Gemini Gilly, vendors, arts activities, performances, waterside s’mores and the return of the beloved Silent Disco with live DJs. The full entertainment line-up to be announced soon. 

All Art Blaze beach parties will occur on Thursdays: July 24, Aug. 7 and August 21 from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at McKinley Beach.

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At the center of each Art Blaze party will be new, ginormous, temporary inflatable “HydroBloom” sculptures by FuzzPop Workshop and UW-Milwaukee Architecture students.

The HydroBloom sculptures will stretch nearly 1,000 feet and stand 25-feet tall with enchanting loops and curls that sprawl from sand to water, forming an open space to gather and play. If walking or dancing by, your movements will be noticed by the HydroBloom’s bioluminescent membrane and will awaken and respond in pulses of color that ripple into the lake.

This site-specific art piece will blur the boundary between land and water, human and myth, reality and dream.

“When considering where to host ArtBlaze this year, we went with McKinley Beach because of its central location so everyone can feel welcome at this celebration of local art and summer fun,” says Salvia.