Milwaukeeans will have the chance to move, learn and recharge at PULSE: A Health & Wellness Fest for All, taking place on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Henry Maier Festival Park. The free event, powered by Aurora Health Care and Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., offers a one-of-a-kind celebration of fitness, nutrition and well-being.
The day-long fest will transform the Summerfest grounds into an interactive playground of movement and mindfulness, with more than 50 free fitness classes, hands-on wellness experiences, panel discussions, cooking demos and plenty of healthy food and drink to sample.
Parking and admission are free and attendees are encouraged to register in advance online.
Move your body
Whether you’re into high-energy workouts or slower, mindful movement, PULSE has something for every fitness level. Classes will be led by popular local instructors and groups like Ninja Yari, Laura Novotny, Pat Gilles, Orangetheory Fitness, YMCA, PowerCycle, Milwaukee Rec, [solidcore], Collective Flow Yoga and more.
New this year is a Dance Stage, where visitors can join in on everything from Latin dance and flamenco to African drumming and line dancing.
For those who prefer outdoor adventure, the fest also features free kayaking with Forward Outdoor, an e-bike demo with Wheel & Sprocket and a ninja warrior course with Silent Kninja. Families can join the Girls on the Run 1-mile walk, or check out the Pickleball Village hosted by Prolite.
Learn, eat & connect
Wellness isn’t just about exercise. PULSE also offers conversations and cooking. Aurora Health Care professionals will host panel discussions on topics like nutrition, fitness and chronic disease management.
Meanwhile, the Cooking Stage, presented by Pick ‘n Save with Kroger Delivery, will showcase live demos from Milwaukee chefs including Imani Graham, Ruta Kahate, Adam Pawlak, Britta Kramer and Sandra Madrigal. OnMilwaukee Dining Editor Lori Fredrich will emcee the event.
More than 60 vendors will be on site as well, from fitness studios and adventure parks to nonprofits like the American Cancer Society, Goodwill and Boys & Girls Clubs.
Give back to the community
PULSE isn’t just about personal health, it’s also about community care. Attendees are encouraged to donate brand-new personal items like deodorant, socks, or baby wipes to support Project Homeless Connect through the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County.
The first 1,000 people to donate items valued at $10 or more will receive a free 2026 Summerfest ticket. Aurora Health Care volunteers will also pack 1,200 wellness kits onsite.
Know before you go
Guests are welcome to bring yoga mats and clear empty plastic water bottles. Full entry policies, schedules and registration details can be found at MilwaukeeWorldFestival.com/PULSE.
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.