Southeast Wisconsin is operating at full summer volume this weekend. Here are twenty options across festivals, live music, theatre, family adventures, and one-off experiences. Always recheck the organizer’s official page before leaving because weather, inventory, and schedules can move quickly.
Festivals and big outdoor events
German Fest Milwaukee
German music, food, dance, heritage, and family traditions on Milwaukee’s lakefront.
- Date
- July 24–26
- Venue
- Henry Maier Festival Park
Milwaukee Air & Water Show
Military and civilian aviation demonstrations over Lake Michigan with a morning water show.
- Date
- July 25–26
- Venue
- McKinley and Bradford Beaches
Brady Street Festival
Three stages of live music, local food, makers, and neighborhood festival energy.
- Date
- July 25
- Venue
- Brady Street, Milwaukee
Taste of Wisconsin
A free harborfront festival with food vendors, multiple stages, and children’s activities.
- Date
- July 24–26
- Venue
- Kenosha HarborPark
Washington County Fair
Animals, exhibits, carnival rides, family activities, food, and evening concerts.
- Date
- July 24–26
- Venue
- Washington County Fair Park
Bristol Renaissance Faire
Jousting, stage shows, costumed characters, food, games, and artisan shopping.
- Date
- July 25–26
- Venue
- Bristol Renaissance Faire
Milwaukee Brew & Spirits Fest
A ticketed 21+ lakefront tasting event with craft beer, spirits, food, and music.
- Date
- July 25
- Venue
- McKinley Park
Live music and culture
Waukesha Friday Night Live
Downtown becomes a walkable live-music district with outdoor stages near restaurants and shops.
- Date
- July 24
- Venue
- Downtown Waukesha
Music on the Monument
A free early-evening concert in Racine’s central square.
- Date
- July 24
- Venue
- Monument Square, Racine
This Is The Plan Book Tour
A live conversation about Ben Wikler’s new book with radio host Earl Ingram.
- Date
- July 24
- Venue
- Turner Hall Ballroom
It’s Alive! with Tommy Odetto
A free downtown pop-up performance featuring guitarist and singer Tommy Odetto.
- Date
- July 24
- Venue
- Upper Bar, Milwaukee
Theatre and performing arts
Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Jr.
A youth-academy production of the family musical about Charlie Bucket and five golden tickets.
- Date
- July 24–26
- Venue
- Waukesha Civic Theatre
Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr.
A family-friendly youth musical revue built around songs from Disney films and stage shows.
- Date
- July 24–26
- Venue
- Sprague Theater, Elkhorn
Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical
Dinner theatre pairing a complete meal with the Broadway musical.
- Date
- July 24–26
- Venue
- The Fireside Theatre
Shakespeare in the Park
Short, approachable outdoor productions of Richard III and The Merry Wives of Windsor.
- Date
- July 25–26
- Venue
- Lincoln Park and Grant Park
Family, nature and adventure
America Rocks Night Climb
An after-dark climbing and zipline session with themed lighting and a rock soundtrack.
- Date
- July 25
- Venue
- Boundless Adventures at Bristol Woods
Master Naturalist Showcase
Interactive, family-friendly presentations about local plants, wildlife, and ecology.
- Date
- July 25
- Venue
- Retzer Nature Center
WKC Summer Splash Dog Show
Conformation, obedience, rally, dock diving, Fast CAT, and canine demonstrations.
- Date
- July 24–26
- Venue
- Waukesha County Expo Center
Special weekend experiences
Victorian Afternoon High Tea
Tea sandwiches, scones, sweets, tea service, and a guided historic-house tour.
- Date
- July 25
- Venue
- Baker House 1885, Lake Geneva
Stars & Stripes Dinner Train
A vintage electric dining-car ride with a four-course dinner through the countryside.
- Date
- July 25
- Venue
- East Troy Railroad Museum