Looking for the best things to do in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin this weekend? From aviation to activities for kids, here are Sandy Maxx’s top picks for July 24-26
In the Sky
It’s one of the biggest aviation weekends of the year.
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh wraps up Sunday with spectacular daily air shows, military aircraft, vintage planes, homebuilt aircraft, educational exhibits and opportunities to meet pilots from around the world.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee’s lakefront becomes an outdoor theater for the Milwaukee Air & Water Show. While the U.S. Navy Blue Angels will not appear due to current military operations, visitors can still enjoy aerobatic performers, military aircraft demonstrations and breathtaking views over Lake Michigan.
On Sunday, families can head to Kites in Flight at Oak Creek’s Lake Vista Park to watch giant display kites, stunt kite demonstrations and even fly their own creations along the lakeshore.
Festival Fun
German Fest returns to Henry Maier Festival Park with authentic food, German music, folk dancing, the Dachshund Derby, STIHL Timbersports competitions and plenty of Gemütlichkeit.
Head south to Kenosha for Taste of Wisconsin, a free festival featuring more than 30 food and beverage vendors, culinary demonstrations and over 80 live performances on four stages overlooking Lake Michigan.
Milwaukee’s Brady Street Festival transforms one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods into an all-day street party with three music stages, artists, shopping, food vendors and even belly dancing.
Other weekend favorites include the South Milwaukee Lions Fest (Heritage Days) with their traditional parade on Saturday at 11 A.M. and Thiensville KidsFest, where families can enjoy bounce houses, a K-Pop Demon Hunters dance party, build-your-own ramen, root beer floats, “Touch a Truck,” face painting and more.
Live Music
Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Buddy Guy brings his legendary blues guitar to Milwaukee’s Riverside Theater Sunday.
The Milwaukee Community Orchestra performs Friday evening at the UW–Milwaukee Zelazo Center, featuring works by Stravinsky and George Gershwin along with a special 60th Anniversary Star Trek medley. Keep an eye out for WTMJ’s Jessica Gatzow, who’ll be performing on oboe.
Or head north to Eau Claire as Justin Vernon’s Eaux Claires Festival returns after an eight-year hiatus, blending music, art and community in one of Wisconsin’s most unique festival experiences.
On Screen
Baseball fans finally get to see one of Wisconsin’s most anticipated films.
The Bob Uecker documentary “UECK” opens in select Marcus Theatres across Wisconsin this weekend after sold-out screenings at the Milwaukee Film Festival and special preview events. The documentary celebrates the life, career and storytelling legacy of Milwaukee’s beloved “Mr. Baseball.”
On Stage
The beloved Disney musical Frozen opens at Fireside Theatre in Fort Atkinson.
Hear favorites like “Let It Go,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “For the First Time in Forever,” while enjoying one of Wisconsin’s premier dinner theatre experiences.
Get Moving
If you’re looking for something a little different…
The legendary Riverwest 24 begins Friday night, combining a 24-hour bicycle race with costumes, neighborhood parties, live music and creative checkpoint challenges.
Or rediscover a childhood favorite at Milwaukee’s Double Dutch Community Party, featuring music, games, food and the Bestie Challenge, where jump rope teams compete for a $250 cash prize.
Fuzzy Fun
Dog lovers won’t want to miss the Summer Splash Dog Show at the Waukesha County Expo Center.
Watch incredible dock-diving dogs, FAST CAT competitions, breed demonstrations and family-friendly activities during this three-day celebration of canine athleticism.
Keep up with culture and creativity in Wisconsin and around the world with “What’s On Tap with Sandy Maxx” daily at 6 P.M. on WTMJ.
