Events

January

“Cure for Cabin Fever” Antique Show

Held in mid – late January

Location: Cedarburg Community Center, Historic Downtown Cedarburg

262-377-9620

A Cedarburg Tradition! More than 20 regional antique dealers offering a variety of high quality unique pieces…from furniture to toys, sporting goods, vintage clothing, maps, prints and more.

February

Cedarburg Winter Festival

Held in early February

Location: Historic Downtown Cedarburg

262-377-8020

Festival features ice carving contest, bed-and-barrel races, pig roast, Iceberg Open golf tournament, chili cooking contest, parade, snowflake look-alike contest, pancake breakfast, family sock hop, family skating, children’s carnival and much more. Events within walking distance and most are free to the public.

Milwaukee Boat and Fishing Show

Held in mid February

Location: Midwest Airlines Center

414-908-6001

One of Wisconsin's largest indoor boat shows featuring hundreds of craft from kayaks to yachts, plus gear, seminars, services and more for boaters from novice navigators to ancient mariners.

Tripoli Shrine Circus

Held in late February

Location: U.S. Cellular Arena

414-908-6001

A superlative, non-stop evening of wonder, thrills, hilarity and pure amazement! The Tripoli Shrine Circus comes to town for its annual visit to the U.S. Cellular Arena with stupendous new acts and returning favorites.

Greater Milwaukee Auto Show

Held in late February

Location: Midwest Airlines Center

800-345-1487

Do all of your auto shopping under one roof at the annual Greater Milwaukee Auto Show. Check hundreds of new models from more than 35 manufacturers, plus concept cars and more.

March

Annual Spring Craft and Gift Show

Held in early March

Location: Wisconsin Exposition Center-Wisconsin State Fair Park

414-321-2100

It is cabin fever season and time to get out of the house. Shop the latest in art and creative craft designs for home, patio, garden or wardrobe from over 300 art, craft and gift exhibitors. Delicious candy, nuts, cheese, sausage and gourmet jams, jellies and sauces are a must have for everyone.

Indian Summer Festivals Winter Pow Wow

Held in early March

Location: Wisconsin State Fair Park

414-604-1000

A Pow Wow is an event where Native American Indian people gather to renew old friendships and make new ones through traditional Indian songs and colorful dance. The public is invited to join the dancing during one of the many “inter-tribals.”

Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Party

Held in mid March

Location: Downtown Milwaukee

414-276-6696

The Shamrock Club of Wisconsin joins forces with The Westown Association to produce Milwaukee’s oldest St. Patrick's Parade. With its route right in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, this 100-unit parade features marching bands, pipe and drum corps and local personalities.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show

Held in mid March

Location: Wisconsin State Fair Park

800-472-2070

Nearly 500 exhibitors of marine products, sporting goods, fishing tackle, vehicles and travel destinations for your travel needs are featured at the show.

Realtor’s Home & Garden Show

Held late March – early April

Location: Wisconsin State Fair Park, Exposition Center

414-778-4929

This is the genuine, original Annual Realtors Home and Garden Show for landscaping, redecorating or renovating every inch of property from lawn to garden to patio to interior - now expanding to include more terrific home and garden products, services and information.

April

20th Annual Craft Fair USA

Held Late April

Location:  Waukesha County Expo Center-Waukesha

414-321-2100

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, this is an ideal time for selecting a special gift designed for that special someone in your life from 150 unique art and craft exhibitors. Outdoor yard decorations also displayed.

May

Cinco de Mayo

Held early May

Location:  Wisconsin State Fair Park

414-389-6000

A two-day festival featuring a Mass, Mexican music, Mexican cultural dance groups and displays.

Drive The Mile

Call for exact date

Location:  The Milwaukee Mile

414-453-5761

Experience the thrill of driving your own street vehicle around The Milwaukee Mile. Drivers must be at least 18 years of age, present a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance.

June

Champ Car 250 night race

Location:  The Milwaukee Mile

414-453-8277

Call for exact date

The biggest names from America’s top open wheel Indy car racing series make their annual Milwaukee visit in their season long battle for the PPG CART championship. This is one of Wisconsin’s premier auto racing event.

AMA Suzuki Superbike Double Header

Held in early June

Location: Road America Race Track

800-365-7223

Professional motorcycle races. Runs rain or shine. Kids age 12 and under free with paying adult.

Kohler/SCCA June Sprints

Held in late June

Road America Racetrack

800-365-7223

Sports Car Club of America racing action includes 9 races and 24 classes of cars. Kids under 12 free with paying adult.

NASCAR Busch Series/NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

Held in late June

Location: The Milwaukee Mile

414-453-8277

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and Grand National stock cars thunder into Milwaukee for a Genuinely American tradition.

Westown’s River Rhythms

Held all of June and July

Location: Pere Marquette Park

414-276-6696

The Westown Association presents a free concert series at the Midwest Airlines Landing in Pere Marquette Park each Wednesday evening. Pack a picnic or choose from one of the food vendors. Bring a blanket and enjoy one of Milwaukee’s most unique concert series.

Jazz in the Park

Held early June – mid September

Location: Cathedral Square Park

414-271-1416

Admission Free

One of downtown’s most popular after-work activities featuring exciting local and national jazz performers every Thursday evening.  Bring a picnic or try delicious food and wine from local vendors. Relax in the park with friends and colleagues.

RiverSplash!

Held in early June

Location: Pere Marquette Park

414-297-9855

Admission Free

This three-day celebration along 10 blocks of Milwaukee’s downtown river and RiverWalk is the place to be for food, fun, fireworks and music.

Milwaukee Highland Games

Held in early June

Location: Old Heidelberg Park

262-796-0807

Enjoy bagpipe bands, Scottish foods, Highland dancing and unique athletic events.

PrideFest

Held in early June

Location: Henry Maier Festival Park

414-645-3378

PrideFest produces the largest Gay/Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender pride festival in Wisconsin. Enjoy the festivities and partake in the food, entertainment and marketplace. PrideFest is a celebration of diversity.

Reclaiming Our Heritage

Held in early June

Location: Grounds of Veterans Administration Medical Center

414-389-4135

Admission Free

Multi-era military encampment 1660-2004; tour of historic Soldiers Home buildings and National Cemetery, parade, fashion show and concerts.

Miller Lite Ride for the Arts

Held in early June

Location: Downtown Milwaukee

414-276-RIDE

Annual bicycle ride. Four available routes to choose from including a five, 15, 25 and 50-mile bike route. Benefits the United Performing Arts Fund. All routes start and finish at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Finish line party to immediately follow event at Marcus Center for the Performing Arts and Red Arrow Park. 

West Allis Western Days

Held in mid June

Location: Wisconsin State Fair Park

414-302-9901

Admission Free

Celebrating over three decades years of great family entertainment. Giant midway, exhibits, food, children’s day Saturday, sixteen musical acts over four days.

Asian Moon Festival

Held in mid June

Location: Henry Maier Festival Park

414-483-8530

Celebrate Asian culture at Milwaukee's Lakefront featuring dance and martial arts demonstrations. Shop at the marketplace with 10,000 treasures, or just meet your friends and family at the main stage to enjoy Asian foods and popular bands from the U.S. and around the world.

Lakefront Festival of Arts

Held in mid June

Location: Milwaukee Art Museum Grounds

414-224-3854

Acclaimed as one of the country’s finest juried art festivals, the Lakefront Festival of Arts features over 175 artists from throughout the country displaying and selling their work. Also featured are a sculpture garden, children’s art activities, entertainment, artist demonstrations and food/beverage vendors.

Juneteenth Day Celebration

Held in mid June

Location: Dr. Martin Luther King Drive

414-372-3770

Juneteenth Day Celebration commemorates the end of slavery. Festivities begin with a parade that ends at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive and concludes with a street festival featuring entertainment and food.

Polish Fest

Held in late June

Location: Henry Maier Festival Park

414-529-2140

One of America’s largest Polish festivals is three fun-filled days of storytellers, strolling minstrels, life-sized legends, old-world crafts, historic exhibits, dance classes and contests, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, continuous music and good food.

Summerfest

Held late June – mid August

Location: Henry Maier Festival Park

414-273-FEST 

Celebrate summer at one of the world’s largest music festivals. This eleven-day event offers musical entertainment on 13 different stages, a smorgasbord of the area’s finest restaurants serving mouth-watering fare, comedians, a children’s play area, daily demonstrations and activities, and exciting amusement park rides provide something for everyone.

July

African World Festival

Usually held in early July

Location: Henry Maier Festival Park

414-372-4567

Expect a world of heritage, culture, entertainment and family activities at African World Festival. This is one of the Midwest's premier three-day celebrations of African heritage and culture.

U.S. Bank Fireworks

Held on July 3

Location: Veterans Park

414-765-6500

Spectacular fireworks light up the night sky along Milwaukee’s beautiful lakefront, just north of War Memorial. Enjoy afternoon activities and entertainment at the Family Festival beginning at Noon.

South Shore Frolics

Held in early July

Location: South Shore Park

414-671-4712

Enjoy two days of food, music, and spectacular fireworks nightly. A variety of kid’s games and rides will be available as well as an arts and craft show, bike ride and a spectacular parade on Saturday morning.

Gathering on the Green

Usually held the second week of July

Location: Mequon’s Rotary Park

262-242-6187

Enjoy a collaborative evening under the stars featuring the best of Milwaukee’s performing arts groups, including the Milwaukee Ballet Company, Florentine Opera, Skylight Opera Theatre and the Gathering on the Green Festival Orchestra.

Bastille Days

Usually held in mid July

Location: East Town (Jefferson Street/Cathedral Square)

414-271-1416

Celebrate French history and culture as the streets of Milwaukee are transformed into a mini French city complete with an Eiffel Tour. This free festival features street entertainers, a marketplace, over 25 sidewalk cafés and the annual “Storm the Bastille” 5K fun run/walk.

Brian Redman International Challenge

Held in mid July

Location: Road America Race Track

Elkhart Lake, WI

800-365-7223

View vintage sports car and racecars. Enjoy a Motorsports car show and auction. Children age 12 and under free with paying adult.

Garfield Avenue Blues, Gospel & Arts Festival

Held in mid July

Location: Garfield Avenue, between 4th & 7th Streets

414-223-4444

Family entertainment provided by inner city blues bands, dance groups, and gospel choirs. Barbeque and Louisiana Boil ethnic foods; clowns; magicians; puppet strolling and face painting for children; inner city arts and crafts participation.

U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee

Held in mid July

Location: Brown Deer Park Golf Course

414-540-3800

Top level PGA Tour Pros compete for the top prize in Wisconsin’s only PGA Tour event. The tournament is nationally televised live on network television.

Festa Italiana

Held in mid July

Location: Henry Maier Festival Park

414-223-2193

Romance, nostalgia and rich Italian delicacies fill the air at Festa, America’s largest Italian cultural event. Offering nine stages of world-renowned and local entertainment. Enjoy the Sicilian brass marching band, the cultural exhibits and the colorful religious procession following Sunday Mass. There are nightly fireworks displays.

EAA AirVenture

Held late July – early August

Location: Wittman Regional Airport

Oshkosh, WI

920-426-4800

One of the world’s largest sport aviation gatherings; with over 11,000 airplanes. Daily

afternoon air shows, the world’s latest aviation innovations and more than 500 workshops, seminars and forums.

Milwaukee Rally

Held in late July

Location: Milwaukee Mile

414-276-9080

All bikes and riders are welcome. Bad to the bone BBQ cookout, high-octane bands, custom chrome show, lace & leather pageant, 300 vendor booths, scenic road trips,  and hometown hospitality.

German Fest

Held late July

Location: Henry Maier Festival Park

414-464-9444

Grab a stein and cool off with a favorite brew at one of North America’s largest annually held German festivals! Indulge in German cuisine. Watch craftsmen demonstrate old-world artistry. Enjoy a colorful brass band or stroll through the Marktplatz for unique German gifts, from clocks to steins.

August

Arab World Fest

Held in early August

Location: Henry Maier Festival Park

414-727-5517

The newest festival to join the line-up of lakefront festivals places an emphasis on the Arab culture. Cuisine, entertainment and cultural showcases will highlight the traditions