Visiting the city of Milwaukee during summertime is like getting to have the last 2 slices of pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving day. Slice one is that it’s just large enough to get that downtown city vibe and slice two is that it’s just small enough to where you can get private, intimate moments when you want them. Plus, not too far outside of the city are several convenient hiking areas like Devils Lake, Lions gorge, and Governor Dodge State Park. Although this city is smaller than most, there are still TONS of experiences to create here!
Table of Contents
Milwaukee’s Various Festivals
Milwaukee isn’t named the city of festivals for nothing. There are countless celebrations going on throughout the summer that you should absolutely check out! Here are some of the most known ones below.
- Summer-Fest (June and July)
Known as the “largest music festival in the world”, summer-fest has over 1000 performances and brings in famous artists like Noah Kahan and Red Hot Chili Peppers from around the country to one central location. There are also events like magic shows, bike shows, and children activities as well so all ages can have entertainment. - German-Fest (July)
Whether you have German heritage or want to try out new foods and drink, this festival is packed with authentic German cuisine, culture and polka dancing! Be prepared to drink and to see people dressed in some traditional German garb. - Pride-Fest (June)
This is the celebration that celebrates all forms of love and acceptance! Come as you are while you have a night of dancing, drinking, and being the true you. - Irish-Fest (August)
If you want the luck of the Irish to find that pot of gold you know where to go! Get ready for tons of Irish jigs, drinking and tap dancing. I expect you to leave having learned at least one new drinking shanty (Don’t forget your green!).
I am sure you have noticed a reoccurring trend of drinking, eating and dancing at all of these festivals. When Milwaukee celebrates, it celebrates hard! Curious about other events and festivals? Check out the schedule here!
Historic Third Ward
Historic third ward is just a hop south of the heart of downtown. This is where you get your shopping done, your food eaten, and your precious coffee bought! This is also where the well known “Milwaukee market” is (they have amazing cookies by the way!). Here, you can explore the nooks and crannies of Milwaukee like the urban explorer you are, and then during the night you can get a nice drink while being serenaded by live music. Here are some nice spots you can check out!
- Valentines Coffee
- Tre Rivali restaurant
- Milwaukee Market
Milwaukee Art Museum
One of the many staples of Milwaukee is the Milwaukee Art Museum. It’s a large building with mechanical wings that open and close throughout the whole entire day. While they have their regular exhibits, they often also have special exhibits that are totally worth checking out too! Admission is $22 for adults and kids 12 and under are free.
Day activities
Just like with any other city, Milwaukee has it’s small doses of fun and excitement all throughout! you can:
- Go to the Summer Market
- Rent and ride a bike through the city
- Kayak or paddle board the Milwaukee river
- Hunt down “The Fons” statue
Honorable Mentions
Mitchell Park Domes Horticulture Conservatory
The conservatory has 3 separate biomes for you to explore. The first is a tropical biome, the second a desert biome, and the third is a flower biome which blooms several times a year. While super cool, it’s actually pretty small and would take no more than 30 to 45 minutes to go through.
Bradford/South shore beach
A beach episode is always a must no matter what you’re doing. Lucky for you, Milwaukee city sprouted up next to Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes of the midwest region. Get a day full of swimming, boating and playing some volley ball in as much as you need, then afterwards eat some deserving ice cream!
The conclusion
By now you must understand why Milwaukee is like having the last 2 slices of pie. It really is about the people you meet here that makes the visit so great. So whether you’re close or far, take the time to spoil the plunders of the Milwaukee during summer and you’ll leave with not just golden experiences, but also priceless memories to carry with you forever.
Have fun and remember, when in Wisconsin, you have to Drink Wisconsinbly too!
Randall
Till next time, wander responsibly