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You’ve probably already heard the roar overhead. The WaterStone Bank Air & Water Show is back this weekend, bringing high-flying action to Milwaukee’s lakefront.
The annual event returns to McKinley Park and Bradford Beach on July 19-20, 2025, with jaw-dropping performances by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team. Tickets are still available for front-row seating and on-the-ground exhibits, but you don’t need a ticket to enjoy the show.
If you know where to look, you can catch some of the best views for free. Here are 8 top spots to watch the 2025 Milwaukee Air & Water Show.
1. North Avenue Hill
North Terrace Ave.
Bring a picnic lunch and take a seat on the park-like green hillside just south of the North Point Water Tower along E. Water Tower Rd. You’ll be located just above the site for the Air & Water Show, so you’ll get a primo view.
2. Cafe Benelux - rooftop
346 N. Broadway, (414) 501-2500
cafebenelux.com
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Take a seat on this popular Third Ward patio with friends and enjoy a view (and the sounds) of the planes overhead with a Belgian bier and snacks in hand. While you’re there, be sure to check out the upgraded rooftop experience that includes the very first state-of-the-art, first-of-its-kind Roll-A-Cover enclosure in Milwaukee. Benelux offers brunch service on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and lunch and dinner service from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
3. Indeed’s Uptop
507 S. 2nd St. (5th floor), (414) 216-9007
indeedbrewing.com/visit/milwaukee
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Check out this rooftop beer garden in Walker’s Point while taking in the views of the lakeshore entertainment. It’s located on the 5th floor of the Eagleknit building, just across the street from the tap room. Along with incredible views of the Hoan Bridge and Downtown, guests can enjoy a rotating selection of Indeed brews both in cans or on tap, including Brightside Sea Salt & Lemon Lager. They have hours on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
4. Juneau Beer Garden
900 N. Prospect Ave.
juneaubeergarden.com
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This Downtown beer garden will give you (and 299 others) a view of the lakefront along with 18 tap lines, brats and hot dogs, soft pretzels and food trucks all day on Saturday. The beer garden is open on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
5. Lakeshore State Park
500 N. Harbor Dr., (414) 274-4281
dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/lakeshore
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Want to get close to the action? Head to Lakeshore State Park, located adjacent to the Henry W. Maier Festival Grounds and Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin. You’ll find an urban beach, paved trails and a great view of both the city and Lake Michigan. Bring chairs and a picnic and enjoy the show. The park is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
6. Pierhead Lighthouse
Erie St., Lakeshore State Park
[Map]
The Milwaukee Pierhead Lighthouse is an active lighthouse located on the Erie Street side of Lakeshore Park, just south of Downtown. The lighthouse is not open to the public, but the walkway leading to it juts out into the Milwaukee Bay, offering a great view. There’s ample parking nearby, and you can pick up a picnic lunch or dinner at one of the eateries in the area to enjoy while you watch the show (bring your own blankets or chairs).
7. The Rooftop at Wayfinder
2108 N. Farwell Ave., (414) 539-4343
wayfindermke.com/rooftop
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Sip on a rum-soaked creation while soaking in the afternoon sunshine and watching the planes race overhead. This new open-air space not only offers gorgeous views of the city – including the Air Show to the East – but also affordable tropically-inspired cocktails, beer and snacks. The rooftop is open Saturday and Sunday from 3 p.m. to close.
8. South Shore Terrace
2900 S. Shore Dr., (414) 617-1147
southshoreterrace.com
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Take advantage of the 20 taps and menu of pretzels, sandwiches and more at the South Shore Terrace, which offers a lovely view of the lakefront (thanks to the peninsula, which extends the view from the south) and the skies above. The South Shore Terrace has hours Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Feel free to meander along the lakefront at South Shore Park for other views of the show. Arrive in the morning on Saturday and you can even double dip and pick up your lunch at the South Shore Farmers Market, which takes place at the park from 8 a.m. to noon.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
