If your stores are anything like the local ones in the Midwest, swapping stylish swimwear and pool floaties for cozy blankets and adorably haunted décor, it may feel like summer’s end is drawing near. This couldn’t be further from the truth, and for the lively city of Milwaukee, there’s still plenty of fun to be had. From international festivals and the iconic State Fair to outdoor adventures, keep reading to find inspiration for your next domestic getaway.
Shopping
As the demand for authentic experiences drives current travel trends, one of the best ways to explore Milwaukee is through the city’s markets. Check out these fan favorites below.
414Flea
Emphasizing handmade goods, visitors will find vintage clothing resellers, jewelry makers and artists, among other vendors. Food trucks and live music can also be found at the venue, enhancing those good summer vibes. 414Flea is located at Zócalo Food Park, with specific dates and events posted on their official calendar.
The Public Market
A tried-and-true option, these vendors offer a unique selection of artisan and ethnic products, freshly prepared foods and even cooking classes (booked ahead of time, that is). From outdoor patios serving a local brew to flower shops and Thai comfort food, visitors should allot plenty of time when exploring. The Public Market is located in the Third Ward neighborhood at 400 N. Water St. and is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Milwaukee Night Market
Highlighting local vendors, performers and artists, the Milwaukee Night Market is a free outdoor event that takes place once a month. Similar to the other markets, visitors will find an abundance of food offerings — international flavors, sweet treats galore and local delicacies, to name a few. The next market is on Wednesday, Aug. 13, from 5 to 9 p.m., with the last two of the season occurring on Sept.10 and Oct.1. Be sure to visit their online calendar to view food vendors and entertainment ahead of time.
Festivals
If you can tack on “fest” at the end, it’s probably already an event in Milwaukee — it didn’t earn a reputation as the City of Festivals for nothing. Because there are quite a few festivals remaining throughout the rest of the year, it would be impossible to list them all. Offering a glimpse into the city’s celebrations, here are a handful of upcoming events.
- Black Arts Fest MKE (Aug. 2): Honoring the deep roots of African heritage and the creativity of Black cultural arts, the festival programming features works in art, education, music, entertainment, dance, fashion and much more.
- Wisconsin IPA Fest (Aug. 2): Calling all IPA lovers! This boozy celebration is held at Third Space Brewing and showcases Wisconsin’s best brews.
- Irish Fest (Aug. 14-17): As the name implies, this one recognizes Irish and Celtic culture, music and heritage through live entertainment, exhibits and Gaelic sports.
- Laborfest (Sept. 1): Kick back on Labor Day with a parade through downtown and a family-friendly festival at the Summerfest grounds. Visitors can expect live music, children’s entertainment and a classic car show.
Less of a “fest” but still a celebration nonetheless, the State Fair is a can’t-miss event. The fair runs from July 31 through August 10 and is teeming with activities. Ag Village highlights hundreds of animal exhibits and agricultural showcases; dozens of stages offer ongoing entertainment; food and drink stalls with some outlandish concoctions stretch as far as the eye can see; and amusement rides fill the air with the excited squeals of visitors.
Drinks and Dining
A city known for its local brews and Midwest eats, visitors should most definitely sample the flavors of Milwaukee this summer. One of the easiest ways to do this is by booking a tour, and luckily, there are plenty of them.
Lakefront Brewery on N. Commerce St. is popular largely because of its menu, but also for its tours. Participants get four eight-ounce pours throughout the 50-minute excursion, in addition to a souvenir pint glass to take home. Lakefront Brewery is known for producing high-quality ales and lagers, including the first gluten-free beer to receive label approval from the U.S. government. Make sure to stick around and dine in its lively beer hall, serving up Milwaukee classics such as cheese curds.
To cover more ground, visitors may prefer booking a Milwaukee River adventure with Paddle Tavern. Guests can either book public tours (ideal for small groups) or fit up to 14 of their friends for a private option. On board, passengers are permitted to bring their own snacks and drinks for the one-hour and 45-minute tour. Typically, most groups choose one bar along the river for a quick stop to maximize their time on the water.
If food tastings are more of a traveler’s scene, City Tours MKE or Milwaukee Food Tours both take guests to a variety of food and drink spots in town with provided transportation. Depending on a visitor’s palate, they have the flexibility with both companies to choose which cuisine they want to sample during the tour.
Activities
Need something to change up the itinerary? Consider these activities that get travelers out and about while also appealing to a variety of interests.
- Attend a Brewers game (after all, they are on a win streak nearing a franchise record)
- Enjoy live music at Jazz in the Park, a free outdoor jazz festival every Thursday night at Cathedral Square Park
- Visit the Milwaukee Art Museum
- Relax at Bradford or Atwater Beach
- Play pickleball
- Book an Edelweiss boat tour for fun, food and history
- Rent a boat or kayak to cruise down the Milwaukee River
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