MILWAUKEE – Looking for the best things to do in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin this weekend? From the Wisconsin State Fair and the Historic Third Ward Moon Festival to free Shakespeare, multicultural celebrations and one of the country’s biggest triathlon championships, here are Sandy Maxx’s top picks for August 7 through August 9.
Wisconsin State Fair
Wisconsin State Fair Now through Sunday, Aug. 16 at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis
Wisconsin’s biggest summer tradition is in full swing with new foods, lots of live entertainment, agriculture, animals, shopping and family fun. This year’s highlights include the new Thor’s Hammer and America 250 Wheel rides, headliner concerts at the Bank Five Nine Main Stage, livestock competitions, the Expo Center, carnival rides and, of course, the Original Cream Puffs.
Anniversary Celebrations
Historic Third Ward Moon Festival Friday, Aug. 7 through Sunday, Aug. 9 in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward
The Historic Third Ward Association celebrates its 50th Anniversary with a lunar festival highlighted by internationally acclaimed artist Luke Jerram’s 23-foot Museum of the Moon installation suspended above Catalano Square. Throughout the weekend, enjoy live music, yoga under the moon, interactive art, family activities, gallery hopping, boutique shopping and outdoor dining while celebrating one of Milwaukee’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
Milwaukee Makers Market 10th Anniversary Sunday, Aug. 9 at the Hide House in Bay View
Celebrate 10 years of Milwaukee Makers Market with dozens of local artists, makers, bakers and creative entrepreneurs during this special anniversary event. Visitors can help celebrate two happy occasions – founder Ryan Laessig’s birthday and ten years of providing hundreds of artists the opportunity to share their creations.
Cultural Events
We The People Community Day Saturday, Aug. 8 at the Milwaukee County Historical Society downtown
Celebrate Milwaukee’s rich immigrant heritage during this free community event inspired by the new We the Milwaukee: Stories of Immigration, Citizenship & Community exhibition. Visitors can enjoy performances by the Little Priest Singers, Studio K Flamenco, Milwaukee Irish Dance Studio, Dance Academy of Mexico and the Hmong American Friendship Association, along with hands-on family activities, food trucks and free admission to the museum’s newest exhibition.
Saint Sharbel Church Lebanese Festival Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 8-9 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Caledonia
Enjoy a weekend of authentic Lebanese food, traditional music, folk dancing and Middle Eastern hospitality during this annual cultural festival. Feast on favorites including kibbeh, shawarma, hummus, grape leaves and baklava while browsing cultural exhibits, shopping the marketplace and enjoying family-friendly activities.
Irish Night at The Landing Friday & Saturday, Aug. 7-8 at The Landing at Hoyt Park in Wauwatosa
Celebrate Celtic culture with two evenings of free outdoor music. Cat & Hare perform traditional Irish and Scottish music Friday, followed by Athas on Saturday with contemporary Celtic favorites. Bring a lawn chair, enjoy the beer garden and experience one of the area’s most charming outdoor concert settings.
Live Music
Starry Nights: The Best of Skylight Music Theatre Friday, Aug. 7 at Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Performing Arts in Brookfield
Broadway comes outdoors during this free Starry Nights concert featuring Stephanie Staszak, Andrew Varela and four other Skylight Music Theatre favorites performing beloved songs from productions past and present. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy two hours of musical theatre favorites under the stars with food and beverages in a relaxed summer atmosphere.
On Screen
UECK Now Playing at Milwaukee’s Oriental Theatre and theaters throughout Wisconsin
Milwaukee’s beloved Bob Uecker continues to captivate audiences in the locally produced documentary celebrating the life, humor and legacy of “Mr. Baseball.” Featuring rare archival footage, behind-the-scenes stories and interviews with family, teammates and friends, UECK has expanded to nearly 50 theaters across Wisconsin following its sold-out Milwaukee Film Festival premiere. It’s a must-see for Brewers fans, baseball lovers and anyone who appreciates a great Wisconsin story.
CatVideoFest 2026 Friday, Aug. 7 at Milwaukee’s Oriental Theatre
Feline fun on Friday! CatVideoFest returns with a curated collection of the funniest, cutest and most heartwarming cat videos from around the world. From classic internet sensations to brand-new viral favorites, plus the event supports local cat-focused nonprofit organizations.
On Stage Al Fresco
Shakespeare in the Park Saturday, Aug. 8 at Shorewood’s Kern Park and Sunday, Aug. 9 at Wauwatosa’s Wisconsin Avenue Park
Optimist Theatre continues its 17th season of free Shakespeare in neighborhood parks with an afternoon that feels more like a summer festival than a traditional play. Arrive early for Renaissance games, live medieval music, garland-making, Shakespeare trivia and family activities before enjoying two productions: the puppet-powered Richard III followed by The Merry Wives of Windsor. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy one of Milwaukee’s favorite summer traditions.
Sports
USA Triathlon National Championships Friday, Aug. 7 through Sunday, Aug. 9 on the Milwaukee Lakefront
Thousands of athletes from across the country return to Milwaukee for USA Triathlon’s largest and longest-running national championship event. Spectators can watch competitors swim in Lake Michigan, bike across the Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge and race through Veterans Park while cheering on hometown favorite Dr. Jacob Capin, the defending Olympic-Distance National Champion. The expanded championship weekend includes Olympic-distance, sprint-distance, paratriathlon, collegiate, mixed relay and open-water events, once again putting Milwaukee’s lakefront on the national stage.
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.
