Each August, the city hosts Irish Fest, a four-day celebration of Irish culture and heritage.
Wisconsin may be known for its beer and cheese (and its football-crazed fans), but Milwaukee is known for its festivals. Every festival has a theme, ranging from a celebration of German culture, to commemorating the storming of the Bastille, to Summerfest—the world’s largest music festival. Most festivals are held in the summer, but there are a few local favorites, such as Oktoberfest, scattered throughout the year. Here’s a short guide to a long Milwaukee tradition of celebration.
Summerfest: Forget Lollapalooza and Coachella. Milwaukee’s Summerfest boasts 11 stages, more than 700 bands and nearly 1 million attendees each year, making it the world’s largest music festival. The “Big Gig,” is held each summer for 11 days on the shores of Lake Michigan in downtown Milwaukee, and has played host to everyone from local artist Grace Weber to mega superstars like Tom Petty and Kanye West. For less than $20, you can enter Henry Maier Festival Park and see hundreds of acts for free. Be sure to check out the Summerfest website for information about admission promotions (on “Stomp Out Hunger Day,” admission is free if you bring three non-perishable food items before 3 p.m.), or to purchase a ticket to see headliners at the Marcus Amphitheatre. Shuttles are available to and from the Summerfest grounds.
Irish Fest: Grab a Guinness and head to Irish Fest—a four-day celebration of Irish culture and heritage in Milwaukee each August. Events include everything from concerts and dance lessons, to cultural exhibits and baking contests. Attend a clan reunion, or participate in an intense game of tug-o-war. Irish Fest offers a variety of family-friendly activities as well as adult-friendly ones, such as Jameson Whiskey tastings and Sláinte, “Milwaukee’s Largest Irish Happy Hour.” Ticket prices vary, but all events are open to the public. Affinity for leprechauns not required.
Oktoberfest: Milwaukee’s prominent German heritage and lengthy love affair with beer and brats provides the perfect setting for Oktoberfest, modeled after the festival held in Munich, Germany, each year. Although there are several throughout the state, the oldest and most authentic Oktoberfest is held in Glendale, just a short drive from downtown Milwaukee. Festival highlights include an abundance of authentic German food, lederhosen and the crowning of the Muencher Kindl (Oktoberfest Queen). Events are held at Old Heidelberg Park every Friday and Saturday for the four weekends following Labor Day. Tickets: $4 in advance, $5 at the door. Free parking.
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Join the fun during Bastille Days. Photo courtesy of VISIT Milwaukee.
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Festa Italiana: You won’t find the Sopranos at Milwaukee’s Festa Italiana, but what you will find is a grand tradizione of food and family. Festa is the largest Italian event of its kind in the United States, and includes an abundance of Italian food, music and events. Take a gondola ride, cheer on the contestants of Italian Idol or participate in the Bocce Ball tournament. And make sure not to miss the Bartolotta fireworks on Friday night! Tickets: $10 in advance, $13 at the gate, Children (12 and under) free.
Bastille Days: If you want to attend Bastille Days and are having trouble finding Cathedral Square Park, just look for the 43-foot Eiffel Tower replica. You can’t miss it! This popular French festival attracts more than 250,000 people each year, and no wonder why—they sell champagne. Bastille Days features wine tasting, an eclectic mix of music, and both French and Cajun food. If you want the full Bastille Days experience, you can “storm the Bastille” in the BMO/Harris 5K run, or participate in Mardi Gras Friday. The festival is free and open to the public.
Suburban Festivals: Downtown Milwaukee isn’t the only place to attend one of Festival City’s famous festivals. Local suburbs also take part in the fun. Head to Cedarburg’s Strawberry Fest, Wauwatosa’s Tosa Fest, or the Bay View Bash for a more hometown feel.
MORE TO EXPLORE:
African World Festival
Armenian Fest
Brady St. Festival
Indian Summer Festival
Lakefront Festival of the Arts
Mexican Fiesta
PrideFest
Trainfest