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The Great Milwaukee Summer is in full swing! This weekend kicks off Summerfest, there's Northwoods League baseball to watch, and of course, tons of other events happening throughout the city! Make your weekend plans with the Weekend Preview, brought to you by Potawatomi Casino Hotel!
FRIDAY
Firefly Fridays at Firefly Grove Park
Every Friday evening, there will be rotating food trucks, a pop up beer tent from Vennture Brewing Company, and a craft/sensory play area with The Little Village Cafe, along with live music performances. Appreciate Mama Rosa and Firefly Grove Park with a bite in your hand, and live music.
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Ryan Adams at Pabst Theater
Ryan Adams is a seven-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter praised as “one of rock’s most talented songwriters”. Formerly fronting rock-americana groups Whiskeytown and Ryan Adams & the Cardinals, Adams has the ability to connect with audiences across a variety of different mediums.
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West Allis Cheese Wheel Classic
The City of West Allis is excited to welcome back the Tour of America’s Dairyland (ToAD) “Cheese Wheel Classic” to the Becher Street neighborhood for the third year! This annual bike race brings tours to 11 different communities over 11 days, and each day, eight to ten races are held from late morning to dusk with opportunities for junior riders to seasoned master racers, novices to pros, women, and men, and even hand cyclists.
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Partner Pick
Creative Mornings: Samer Ghani at X-Ray Arcade
Milwaukee photographer Samer Ghani gives a lecture on his creative process! Join for a morning talk and networking at X-Ray Arcade.
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Gallery Talk: “The Brilliance of the Spanish World” at Milwaukee Art Museum
Join Tanya Paul, Isabel and Alfred Bader Curator of European Art, for an in-depth exploration of the themes and topics in "The Brilliance of the Spanish World: El Greco, Velázquez, Zurbarán."
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Lakeshore Chinooks vs. Wausau Woodchucks
The Lakeshore Chinooks continue their 2025 season with a pair of home games on Thursday and Friady against the Wausau Woodchucks!
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Painting on the Plaza at The New Fashioned
Enjoy a patio painting experience with step-by-step instruction, perfect for all skill levels. Tickets are only $44, and includes all painting supplies, guided instruction and a grazing charcuterie board.
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Music on the Beerline
Get your funk on with DJ GID Money. Local Food Trucks and Amorphic Brewery, along with local creatives (makers) selling goods. This music series is highlighting local performers and creatives to transform the Beerline Plaza into a hub for community gatherings and family fun. These events feature a wide variety of genres and are free and open to the public.
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Partner Pick
Summer Solstice Soirée at Urban Ecology Center
On the longest day of the year, discover how strong roots enable impactful growth in nature and at the UEC! Join for a stunning evening in the Urban Ecology Center's new event hall, Prairie Springs on Park.
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Tune Inn at The Trade - Ms. Kaprice
Wander to Solomon's Terrace and Lounge for funk in Deer District featuring Ms. Kaprice, craft cocktails, and an atmosphere that hits all the right notes.
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Bad Moves, Barely Civil, Breakup Tour at Cactus Club
When people sing together, is it necessarily cathartic? Is catharsis necessarily rejuvenating? And what if the aftermath of catharsis turns out to be the same old frustration? With their third LP, Washington, D.C.’s Bad Moves have expanded their founding artistic identity — a candy-coated guitar-pop shell surrounding a bitter lyrical core — by refracting their ideas through a new set of musical forms that weaponize repetition.
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Insect Ark, Forn, Faketwin, Spinner at X-Ray Arcade
This one feels less like a show and more like stepping into a fever dream. Insect Ark builds tension like a horror film in a really poetic and unholy way that’ll have you feel like you’re running in place.
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SATURDAY
BAYSHORE Makers Market
Start your day with coffee and a snack from any Bayshore eatery, then soak in unique art from 80 artists and makers. Plan a stop at the jam-packed Kids Art Zone, face painting, henna and plenty of other activities. Break for lunch with a stop at one of many food trucks, and enjoy a full lineup of live music.
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Daniel Tosh at Riverside Theater
Daniel Tosh is a comedian, host, writer and producer. After graduating from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Marketing, Daniel moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in comedy, which resulted in several standup specials and "Tosh.0" on Comedy Central.
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Midsummer Celebration at Old World Wisconsin
Experience the mirthful magic of a Scandinavian “Midsomer,” or Midsummer, at Old World Wisconsin. An ancient seasonal tradition in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Denmark, Midsummer celebrations have been held since the Iron Age as a means of leaving cold, dark winter nights behind in favor of bright, cheerful summers of bounty, fertility and prosperity.
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Partner Pick
Lakefront 7s Rugby Tournament & Festival
Hosted annually since 1983, the Lakefront 7s Rugby Tournament & Festival attracts over 125 rugby teams and more than 2000 athletes to the scenic shores of Lake Michigan in the heart of historic Milwaukee. As the largest summer rugby event in the nation, the Lakefront 7s features competitive brackets for men, women, boys and girls of all ages and skill levels.
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Rhythm, Beats & Bites Africa
This event is a celebration of the richness and vibrancy of African culture—featuring live music, dance, food, and immersive educational experiences. The goal is to bring people together from all walks of life to explore and appreciate the heritage, creativity, and community spirit of Africa and its diaspora.
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Women's Milwaukee Torrent vs. Chicago House AC
Come see Milwaukee's professional soccer club in Hart Park! FC Milwaukee Torrent stands as a pillar of soccer excellence in the Milwaukee area, supporting athletes from youth to professional levels.
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Walk, Weed & Wonder on the Beerline Trail
Join the Beerline Trail Coordinator and Friends of the Beerline for a 90-minute guided walk along the trail. Together, we'll pick up trash, identify and remove invasive plants, and explore the rich history, vibrant art, and exciting future plans of the Beerline Trail.
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Kohl's Design It! Lab at Discovery World
Bring the whole family to the Kohl’s Design It! Lab to make wonderfully creative projects that you can take home. You’ll choose a project from our rotating menu and we’ll guide you through the creation process. Projects can take anywhere from 5-20 minutes.
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17th Annual Great Midwest Book Fest at XChange Event & Creative Space
The 17th Annual Great Midwest Book Fest is a three-hour book fair that is open to the public. This year's event will start with the authors giving a brief introduction of themselves, followed by a short Q&A from the attendees. This year's headline author is National Bestselling author Tracy Clark.
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2nd Annual Juneteenth Gospel Fest
The Juneteenth Gospel Fest has emerged as the enjoyable family day of cultural discovery, filled with a variety of events promoting cultural unity, enrichment, and ethnic diversity to connect Milwaukeeans with resources and services. The festival will include vendors, food, live gospel groups and choirs, recognition from city leaders and health and community resources.
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Summer Ope!-stice Maker's Market at Ope! Brewing
Join us on the longest day of the year for some great beer, cocktails, tacos and to shop tons of local makers!
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Summer Solstice Festival at Drexel Town Square
The Summer Solstice Festival is back, and 2025 promises to be bigger, better, and more unforgettable than ever! Get ready to experience an electrifying lineup of artists, food vendors, and family-friendly activities that will light up the longest day of the year.
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Patio Paint Night, DIY Porch Makeover at Board and Brush
Join us for Patio Paint Night and elevate your curb appeal by creating your own unique wood sign or outdoor décor piece. Choose from a selection of porch-friendly projects designed to add charm to your entryway, patio, or garden.
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Bimbo, Moon Rebels, The Dire at Bremen Cafe
Bremen Cafe consistently hosts some of the city's newest bands as well as touring acts. Join for some sweet Saturday night jams from three indie rock bands!
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Blacktop, Maximiano, Bitch Creek, JR Wesley at Cactus Club (Early Show)
Blacktop is the Milwaukee-based writing and recording project of multi-instrumentalist and producer, Austin Wood. Resting gently between the genres of folk, surf rock, and dream pop, Blacktop’s sound is adorned with soft-spoken vocals, washed-out guitars and synthesizers, acoustic percussion, and field recordings.
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Sofie Royer, Rebounder, You Win!!! at Cactus Club (Late Show)
Sofie Royer is a multidisciplinary artist based in Vienna who translates her interest in classical tradition to shimmering electro-pop songs. She channelled her love for French chanson into her 2020 debut, Cult Survivor, and looked to Viennese opera and ballet for 2022’s Harlequin. She guested on Lewis OfMan’s latest record Cristal Medium Blue, on Toro Y Moi’s album "Mahal", and recently opened for Lana Del Rey, Air and LCD Soundsystem.
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Topher at The Wicked Hop
Every Saturday night, Milwaukee's own Topher curates the sounds at The Wicked Hop in the Third Ward. Join at the Jackalope Lounj for a free night of dancing to all of your favorites including throwback pop, hip hop and much more.
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The Milwaukee Hardcore Summer Jam Volume 4
It's a full day of hardcore music at X-Ray Arcade! A whopping total of 16 bands are headed to Cudahy to throw down for an afternoon show that also includes a barbecue and market. Don't miss it!
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Insane Clown Posse, JCW Wrestling, Wakko The Kidd, Sammy Sosa at The Rave
Whoop whoop! The Insane Clown Posse are headed back to Milwaukee, and they're bringing the family with them. The night includes JCW Wrestling on one level of the venue, in addition to a show with ICP, Wakko The Kidd, and Sammy Sosa.
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The Family Crest at Falcon Hall
The brainchild of composer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist Liam McCormick, orchestral indie band The Family Crest was started as a recording project with co-founder John Seeterlin (bass) as a final release before bowing out of the industry. Instead of leaving music, they were inspired by their peers to set out to reinvent how a band could be created, starting The Family Crest with an audacious and bold vision of cultivating a musical community.
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SUNDAY
Milwaukee Makers Market at American Family Field
Milwaukee Makers Market is a celebration of the city’s creators and our local community. Find 45+ small businesses and an incredible plethora of artisanal, hand-crafted, local products. The market is free to attend!
Lolo Blvd Custom Car & Bike Show
The LoLo Blvd Custom Car and Bike Show returns to the Harley-Davidson Museum campus on Sunday. Stroll through an impressive display of lowriders, bikes, and jaw-dropping custom creations. From sleek designs to one-of-a-kind builds, this event is a feast for the eyes and a celebration of creativity.
Event Info
Partner Pick
Superb-Market MKE Summer Mini-Marts!
Superb Market is hosting their first-ever in-person event on Sunday. If you're looking for locally sourced, handmade goods, this is the place to shop.
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VeganMania Milwaukee
It's VeganMania! Head to Greenfield Park for a fun-filled day with all your favorite vegan food vendors, food trucks, bakeries, beverages, market exhibitors, farm sanctuaries, and animal nonprofits at one of Milwaukee's most gorgeous parks!
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QWERTYFest MKE Telethon at Sugar Maple
QWERTYFEST MKE is heading into the final stretch of fundraising, and they've set up a “Telethon” that you can visit in person from 1-5 p.m. or see livestreaming. They’ll have some guest writers, and anyone who donates $25 or more (online or in-person) will receive a poem or letter on the spot! They'll have some QWERTY merch for sale, too. Or just swing by for beer and cake!
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MKE Dumpling Fest at The Cooperage
MKE Dumpling Fest is back! Every culture has a form of dumpling. Whether it's steamed, fried, boiled, or baked - if it's a delicious filling wrapped in dough, they are celebrating it. They invited the city's best chefs and restaurants to stretch their creative muscles and create a dumpling worthy of the Golden Gyoza Trophy.
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Bay View Bash - Sunday Bloody Bingo Fundraiser at X-Ray Arcade
Play Bingo for a cause, with prizes from local favorites. Also featuring delicious Bloody Marys! Bring your friends and let's play!
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Pride Drag Brunch with Vanessa "Vanje" Mateo at Milwaukee Improv
Sophia. Blanche. Dorothy. Rose. Miami, You've Got Style! Thank you for being a friend! Don't miss a fantastic drag tribute to the original fab four, the Golden Girls. Costumes are encouraged. Hosted by Jaidynn Diore Fierce (RuPaul's Drag Race).
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Special Needs Swim at Ingleside Hotel
The Springs Water Park will offer a special swim from 4-7 p.m. on select Sundays for children and adults with special needs for just $8.50 per person. This rate is applicable for special needs individuals and up to four others (parent, siblings and/or therapist).
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Emmitt James, Dak DuBois at Anodyne Coffee Roasters
After spending 8 years in Los, Angeles, Emmitt James in 2023 returned back to the city that loved him first, Milwaukee. James is a well-celebrated performer known for his jazz rap fusion featuring a live band.
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Motown Brunch Day Party at Tropic MKE
Get ready to groove through the decades at a Motown-inspired brunch, where the classics keep playing and the mimosas keep flowing. Nonstop Motown Hits – from Marvin to Diana come with soulful brunch bites, dancing, and feel-good energy.
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Father Sky, Jali Kunda / Kabillo Music at Cactus Club
Jali Kunda, or Kabillo Music, are a West African performance duo led by brothers Mamadou and Abdu Kambaye. Mamadou is a master drummer and griot storyteller, and Abdu is a skilled kora player. Together, the two bring the rich musical and cultural traditions of Senegal to life through interactive performances that blend rhythm, melody, and heritage.
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ALL WEEKEND LONG
Summerfest 2025 - Weekend One
The Big Gig is here! Celebrate three great weekends of music, food, and fun at Henry Maier Festival Park! We've got you covered with all things Summerfest right here!
On/Summerfest
J.J. Williamson at Milwaukee Improv
J.J. has accomplished his achievements in a very short period of time. He has worked with comedy giants such as Chris Tucker D.L. Hughley Rickey Smiley and Bruce Bruce. He is currently electrifying the stages across the country as the opening act of Cedric "The Entertainer". Jeremiah's devotion to his art has indeed been rewarding. J.J. has graced the stages and entertained thousands at numerous popular venues such as the Los Angeles and Miami Improv the Chicago House of Blues Caroline's of New York the Comedy Store of Los Angeles and the Universal Amphitheater of Los Angeles.
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"Choices of Consequence" at Milawaukee Jewish Museum
Explore "Choices of Consequence: Denmark and the Holocaust" at the Jewish Museum Milwaukee from February 14 to May 25. This exhibit, featuring powerful photos, artifacts, and personal stories, highlights how ordinary Danes saved 95% of Danish Jews through courage and resistance.
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100 things to do in Milwaukee (and beyond) this summer
Looking for a way to get out and enjoy summer with your friends and family? We have ideas. From eating at a restaurant with a great patio view to enjoying local festivals to exploring the many outdoor attractions around town and more, here's everything you need for a great Milwaukee summer.
100 things to do in Milwaukee
100 things for families and kids to do in Milwaukee this summer
Milwaukee provides fun for the whole family all summer long! Your mission is to see how many of these you can cross off of your checklist during the Great Milwaukee Summer.
100 Things to Do!
It's beer garden season!
Beer garden season has arrived in Milwaukee! Here's the dish – or should we say, the pour – including when they're open and more.
Beer Garden Guide
Enjoy some free music!
In just about every corner of Milwaukee, you'll hear live music in the summertime. The neighborhoods of the city come alive when the sun stays out late, and that means plenty of free concert series and a wide array of music for you to enjoy.
Free Live Music Guide
Try a new restaurant!
Regularly supporting our locally owned restaurants is among the most impactful things we can vow to do. Lori Fredrich's list of 52 Restaurants for 2025 is here!
#52Restaurants
