MILWAUKEE – Looking for the best things to do in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin this weekend? From one last cream puff at the Wisconsin State Fair and four days of Milwaukee Irish Fest to classic rock, free Shakespeare and glowing hot-air balloons, here are Sandy Maxx’s top picks for August 14 through August 16.
Wisconsin State Fair
Wisconsin State Fair Now through Sunday, Aug. 16 at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis
It’s your final weekend to squeeze in one more quintessential Wisconsin summer experience. Grab an Original Cream Puff, sample this year’s creative fair foods, explore the animal barns and agricultural competitions, browse the Expo Center and catch free entertainment throughout the grounds. The final weekend’s Bank Five Nine Main Stage lineup includes Lindsey Stirling on Friday and AJR on Saturday.
Cultural Celebrations
Milwaukee Irish Fest Thursday, August 13 through Sunday, August 16 at Henry Maier Festival Park on Milwaukee’s lakefront
The world’s largest Irish music festival fills Milwaukee’s lakefront with more than 100 entertainment acts across 17 stages. This year’s lineup includes Gaelic Storm, Ally the Piper, Scythian, Altan and the Gardiner Brothers, plus Irish dance, cultural exhibits, traditional food and a TradFest showcase introducing emerging performers from Dublin’s renowned traditional and folk music festival. New features include sheep herding and a pep rally celebrating the Badgers going to Ireland in 2027 for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, which will feature the UW Alumni Marching Band and Bucky Badger.
Ukrainian Festival Sunday, August 16 from Noon to 6 p.m. at Franklin Beer Garden at Croatian Park in Franklin
Celebrate Ukrainian culture with traditional food, music, dance and colorful clothing during this free community festival. Performers include the Kalyna Youth Dance Ensemble, Promin Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and Dnipro Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, along with a Women’s Bandura Ensemble, children’s choir and live music from KASKAD. Authentic Ukrainian cuisine, souvenirs and a silent auction round out the celebration.
Live Music
Bryan Adams with Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo Sunday, August 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee
It’s a double dose of classic rock as Bryan Adams brings his Roll With The Punches Tour to Milwaukee with Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo. Expect decades of arena-sized rock anthems, power ballads and sing-along favorites..
Simply Streisand Saturday August 15 at 6:30 p.m. at The Gobbler Theater in Johnson Creek
Award-winning tribute artist Carla DelVillaggio recreates the look, voice and stage presence of iconic singer Barbra Streisand with an eight-piece band inside the restored historic Gobbler Theater.
22nd Annual Cheese Capital Jazz & Blues Crawl for the Arts Friday, August 14 from 4:30 to 11 p.m. in downtown Plymouth
Turn Friday night into a choose-your-own musical adventure as jazz and blues spill into venues throughout downtown Plymouth. Eight acts include the Donna Woodall Quintet, Erin Krebs Jazz Quartet, Tonic Roots Quartet and Gypsy Swing Chicks, with performances at the Plymouth Arts Center, Plank Road Distillery, Moxie Café and more. A silent auction benefits Plymouth Arts Center’s visual arts, education and performing arts programs.
Free Shakespeare
Shakespeare in the Park – Season Finale Sunday, August 16 starting at 1 p.m. at| Schauer Arts Center in Hartford
Optimist Theatre wraps its 17th season of free Shakespeare in the Park by bringing the full “Shakespearience” to Hartford for the first time. See a fast-moving, puppet-powered Richard III followed by the comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor: Falstaff’s Tale, accompanied by live music from Early Music Now. Renaissance games, Shakespeare trivia, garland-making and a 4:30 p.m. Early Music Now concert make this a full afternoon of free theatrical fun.
Up in the Air
Lakeshore Balloon Glow Friday, August 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. on the downtown Manitowoc Riverfront
Hot-air balloons illuminate the Manitowoc riverfront during this free family celebration. The Webfooters Water Ski Show kicks off the entertainment at 5:30 p.m., followed by a kids’ magic show, glowing hot-air balloons around 7:30 p.m. and fireworks over the harbor at 8:30 p.m. Food trucks, beverages and children’s activities fill out the evening.
Glacier Lakes Antique & Classic Boat Show / Pewaukee 150th Celebration Saturday, August 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pewaukee Lakefront Park in Pewaukee
Pewaukee celebrates its 150th birthday by bringing the Glacier Lakes Antique & Classic Boat Show back to the lakefront. Browse antique wooden boats, classic cars, model boats and vintage big-wheel bicycles, enjoy live music from Little Bit of Heaven, and stay for a special veterans tribute capped by a vintage airplane flyby.
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.
Action
Nitro Circus 2.0 Tour Friday, August 14 at 7 p.m.at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton
Expect an adrenaline rush as Nitro Circus 2.0 brings FMX, BMX, scooter and stunt athletes to Appleton for an all-new show of enormous jumps and outrageous tricks. Among the jaw-dropping attempts: Adam Jones doing a 75-foot backflip through a 35-foot wall of fire, Ryan Bean diving 40 feet into just 3½ feet of water and Cody Matechuk launching a snowmobile off the new Levi Ramp – no snow required.
Great Outdoors
DeerFest 2026 Friday, August 14 through Sunday, August 16 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Stevens Point
Hunting, fishing, conservation and outdoor adventure come together for three days at DeerFest, featuring more than 100 exhibitors and vendors. Get hands-on with outdoor gear, watch live hunting and fishing demonstrations, learn about Wisconsin wildlife and conservation, try the archery shoot and bring young outdoor enthusiasts for a kids’ shed hunt and other family activities.
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.
