MILWAUKEE – Looking for the best things to do in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin this weekend? From beer, bratwurst, Black Arts and cool cars, here are Sandy Maxx’s top picks for July 31 through August 2.
Wisconsin Festivals
Black Arts Fest MKE Saturday, August 1 | Henry Maier Festival Park | Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s signature celebration of Black arts and culture returns to the lakefront with live music, dance, fashion, food, educational exhibits, Buffalo Soldiers horseback demonstrations, a classic car show and a special appearance by Michael “Boogaloo Shrimp” Chambers from Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo.
PROST! Das Fest Wisconsin Friday, July 31 through Sunday, August 2 | Kenosha County Fairgrounds | Wilmot
German food, imported beer, carnival rides, stein hoisting competitions and live music return for three days of family fun. One of the weekend’s biggest attractions is the famous dachshund and corgi races, while Grammy nominated polka musician Alex Meixner performs throughout the weekend.
Brat Days Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1 | Kiwanis Park | Sheboygan
The Bratwurst Capital of the World celebrates with free live music, carnival rides, Pat McCurdy Friday night and Saturday’s brat eating contest in one of Wisconsin’s favorite summertime traditions.
National Mustard Day Saturday, August 1 | National Mustard Museum | Middleton
Only Wisconsin could celebrate mustard with tastings, family games, live entertainment, contests and even mustard ice cream. It’s one of the state’s most delightfully quirky annual traditions.
Volksfest Sunday, August 2 | Wilhelm Tell Shooting Park | New Glarus
Celebrate Swiss National Day with yodeling, alphorn music, Swiss food and beer, flag throwing and the fascinating tradition of Talerschwingen, where performers spin coins inside ceramic bowls to create music.
Art in Action
MOWA Art & Chalk Fest Saturday, August 1 | Museum of Wisconsin Art | West Bend
More than 100 artists, giant chalk murals, live music, food trucks and family activities transform downtown West Bend into one giant outdoor art gallery.
The Free Range Art Show Saturday and Sunday, August 1 and 2 | Historic Farm | Grafton
Celebrate 15 years of one of southeastern Wisconsin’s most unique art experiences by strolling a historic farm while discovering paintings, jewelry, pottery, woodworking and more from Wisconsin artists.
40th Annual Firefly Art Fair Saturday, August 1 | Underwood Parkway | Wauwatosa
More than 100 artists, live music, floral workshops, food vendors and family activities return as this beloved community tradition celebrates its 40th anniversary.
Waupun Fine Art & Craft Fair Saturday, August 1 | West End Park | Waupun
Browse handcrafted artwork, pottery, jewelry, woodworking and more in Wisconsin’s City of Sculpture during this juried outdoor art fair.
Live Music
Mile of Music Thursday through Sunday, July 30 through August 2 | Downtown Appleton
More than 200 artists perform over 700 free concerts of only original music – no covers! – throughout downtown Appleton during one of Wisconsin’s most unique music festivals. What a fun way to discover your next favorite band!
23rd Annual Sugar Maple Music Festival Friday and Saturday, July 31 and August 1 | Garver Feed Mill | Madison
Fans of Americana, folk, bluegrass and roots music can enjoy two days of nationally recognized performers in one of Madison’s most unique venues.
International Blues Day Saturday, August 1 | Noon to 3 p.m. | Cudahy Family Library | Cudahy
Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a free afternoon of live blues featuring Big Al Dorn & the Blues Howlers, Milwaukee Slim and other Wisconsin musicians.
Wisconsin Craft Beer
10th Annual Wisconsin IPA Fest Saturday, August 1 | 2 to 6 p.m. | Third Space Brewing | Milwaukee
Forty Wisconsin breweries compete for the title of Wisconsin’s Best IPA while visitors sample beers from across the state and vote for the People’s Choice Award before the winners are announced Saturday afternoon.
Cool Cars
America’s 250th Classic Car Show Sunday, August 2 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Drexel Town Square | Oak Creek
Hundreds of classic cars, trucks and specialty vehicles gather to celebrate America’s automotive heritage with live music, food vendors and family activities.
Wisconsin County Fairs
If you can’t wait to get your Fair fix when the Wisconsin State Fair opens on August 6th, county fairs across the state this weekend include the Ozaukee County Fair in Cedarburg, Rock County 4 H Fair in Janesville, Jackson County Fair in Black River Falls, Columbia County Fair in Portage, Oneida County Fair in Rhinelander and Langlade County Fair in Antigo.
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.
