Art
Whether you’ve been an art connoisseur since you learned how to finger paint or you still have trouble coloring in the lines, the annual Gallery Night and Day has something for everyone. The downtown Milwaukee tradition returns July 20 at 5 p.m. and July 21 at 10 a.m. in the Historic Third Ward. Attendees can wander around nearly 40 venues and take in the local art. There’s also the Historic Third Ward Plein Air Painting Competition that ends July 20 where painters from all over Wisconsin will paint “in the open air” throughout Milwaukee neighborhoods. Paint in the Park on July 19 lets you be the artist at 11:30 a.m. at Catalano Square.
Lit
Shakespeare in Three Bridges Park
Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you have to stop learning. Join the Summit Players as they showcase their 2018 summer show, Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night on Friday, July 20, at Three Bridges Park (610 S 35th St.). The players will host a workshop at 5:30 p.m. that focuses on Shakespeare’s use of nature in his plays; the show will begin at 7 p.m. Bring a blanket and a few snacks, and have a relaxing summer evening.
Beer
Calling all beer lovers (yes, if you live in Wisconsin, this is for you). The annual Firkin Fest (firkin=small barrel of beer) returns to Cathedral Square Park to celebrate all things beer on Saturday, July 21, starting at 4 p.m. Some things to look forward to include over 150 brews, more than 40 Firkins, live entertainment, beer memorabilia and more. You can even vote for your favorite brewery to win the Big Firkin Award.
Festivals
Italian or not, Festa Italiana is a Milwaukee tradition that you won’t want to miss. The 41st annual celebration returns to the Henry Maier Festival Park (200 N Harbor Dr.) from July 20 to July 22. While all the classics such as the Cannoli eating contest and Italian Idol return, there are five new food vendors, over 10 new entertainers, a free kids carnival, historic exhibits, plenty of bocce ball and so many more exciting activities. Still not convinced? We wrote about why you should make this a must.
Cudahy Lions Sweet AppleWood Festival
The three-day Cudahy Lions Sweet AppleWood Festival celebration runs from July 20 through July 22 at Cudahy Park (3000 E Ramsey Ave.). Along with daily meat and booze raffles, there will be plenty of live music, including The Crisis, a Friday Fish Fry, a Neil Diamond tribute, a Polka mass and lots more.
A tradition since the 1930s, the Milwaukee Armenian Fest has grown each year to make its name in the Milwaukee festival world. The festival takes place on Sunday, July 22, starting at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Armenian Orthodox Church (7825 W Layton Ave.). Stop by for some of the most delicious festival food, including chicken and beef kebob, cheese and spinach burek, lahmajoun, vegetarian and meat sarma, baklava and more.
Music
Summer outdoor concert series aren’t over yet. The Marcus Center for Performing Arts begins their concert series on July 22 at the Peck Pavilion between the Center and the Milwaukee RiverWalk. Join others and listen to live music while enjoying a wonderful view on the RiverWalk. This Sunday, Milwaukee Festival Brass will start off the series at 2 p.m.
Drive on over for a night of Harley and all things motorcycles. The House of Harley Bike Nights will kick off on Thursday, July 19, at the Iron Horse Hotel (500 W Florida St.) starting at 6 p.m. Sip on a delicious beverage while listening to Element 13, this week’s live entertainment. Food and beverages, the Iron Horse, your Harley and live music equal one wonderful evening in MKE.
Community
The annual Milwaukee Air and Water Show returns to the Milwaukee Lakefront on July 21 and July 22, starting at 10 a.m. The Milwaukee tradition shows attendees the strength, speed and accuracy with acrobatic maneuvers from the U.S. Military. This year, the show is excited to welcome the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, who will perform about 40 maneuvers in a demonstration with over 120 people on the team. Additional exciting performers include the U.S. Army Golden Knights, the U.S. Navy Seals Parachute Team, the Aerostars Formation Aerobatic Team, the Wisconsin Air National Guard and plenty more that you won’t want to miss.
Automobiles
Lower Standards will host the 4th annual Brewhaus on Saturday, July 21, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Schlitz Park (1555 N Rivercenter Dr.). The show began as a way for the local car club to host their own unique car show for all to see and all to show off. Since beginning, the show continues to grow, with attendees from all over Wisconsin and even Nebraska, Indiana, Kentucky and more. All makes, models and car brands are welcome. New this year, the club will give away a 1980 VS diesel rabbit that is “LS approved” and a new pre-party Friday night at the Bavarian Bierhaus at 6 p.m. The show is free to spectators and $20 if you’d like to show your car.
