8 Rin's World / August 2017
I really like traditional Japanese music and this group just made it even more enjoyable. I don't really know much about vocaloid music but this mix of traditional Japanese and modern music really sets it off for me. I found this group because I was looking up something else that was Japanese and I stumbled across this band. I can't tell you how great this music really is to me. You will just have to listen for yourself. Please check them out and visit their site by clicking on their logo in the upper right corner of this article.
-By Rin Sanada
Welcome to Milwaukee
Bay View Art in the Park
Humboldt Park
May-September
bvartinthepark.com
Venture to Bay View every second Saturday of the month from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Art in the Park. This monthly outdoor arts festival was created to celebrate local artists and help create connections to their community, featuring work from over 50 rotating artisans throughout Milwaukee. Enjoy the beauty of the park, delicious food and live music at Bay View Art in the Park!
Cedarburg Strawberry Festival
Historic Downtown Cedarburg
June 24-25
cedarburgfestival.org
Summer is the time for fresh berries – and what better berry than the strawberry? Sample some strawberry blush wine and chicken strawberry wraps, get sugared up at the strawberry shortcake eating competition and strawberry bubblegum blowing contest, or settle in for the Sunday morning strawberry pancake breakfast. You'll satisfy your strawberry cravings for a while after you've finished with this festival! There will also be live music, pony rides, a petting zoo and the CedarQuacker 500 where 500 rubber duckies will be released into a creek.
Summerfest
Henry Maier Festival Park
June 28-July 9 (off-day on July 3)
summerfest.com
From rock to pop, rap to alternative, country to electronic, the world's largest music festival has something for everyone! And best of all, general admission is less than $20! In case you haven't heard, this year is the Big Gig's 50th anniversary – and they're celebrating with an all-star lineup including The Chainsmokers, two nights of Tom Petty, a whole additional festival INSIDE the main festival, Luke Bryan, Pink and more.
Burnhearts' Pabst Street Party
July 1
burnheartsbar.com
We know we just had a Pabst Brewery street party a few weeks ago, but this is a completely different Pabst Street Party – one that the beloved Bay View tavern has hosted for a decade this year and has graced the city with good local food, good local brews and good local bands every single time. One imagines they'll ring in ten years with style; their lineup certainly says that, with acts like AUTOMatic, Queen Hilma and more set to show.
Bristol Renaissance Faire
Bristol
July 8-Sept. 4
renfair.com/bristol/
Grab your corset or your homemade chainmail armor; the Bristol Renaissance Faire is set to make its annual return. Open rain or shine, every Saturday, Sunday and on Labor Day, the Bristol Faire takes visitors for a rollicking romp through Elizabethan England from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., complete with 16th-century arts, crafts, games, rides, food, music and one-of-a-kind encounters with a colorful cast of characters from the era.
Bastille Days
Cathedral Square Park
July 13-16
easttown.com
Bienvenu a Bastille Days! Come visit Paris via Cathedral Square Park and celebrate the 36th anniversary of one of the country's biggest French-themed celebrations, with impromptu street performers, roaming minstrels, musical entertainment and tasty French delicacies. Have your camera handy, because there will also be a replica 43-foot Eiffel Tower in the center of all the fun.
South Shore Frolics
South Shore Park
July 14-16
southshorefrolics.org
The 68th annual South Shore Frolics, originally known as the South Shore Water Frolic, is all about community – and if you live in Bay View, you'll be even more glad you call the neighborhood home after checking out this longtime favorite.
Festa Italiana
Henry Maier Festival Park
July 21-23
festaitaliana.com
As one of Milwaukee's oldest ethnic festivals, Festa Italiana continues to build on rich traditions from the past to represent our city's Italian community in the present and future. Enjoy jazz music, a parade, children's activities and fireworks each night – and show off your competitive side as you cheer on the players in futsal tournament and nearby flag throwers. And also be sure to check out this year's headlining acts, including the Gin Blossoms, the BoDeans and Sal "The Voice" Valentinetti.
Firkin Fest
Cathedral Square Park
July 22
milwaukeefirkin.com
The Milwaukee Firkin Beer Fest is here to educate and help you celebrate! This celebration of MKE's past, present and future of beer will feature samples of over 150 brews and more than 40 firkins on site. What is a firkin, you ask? It's a small, wooden barrel filled with about nine gallons of God-given brews. You're welcome.
Armenian Fest
St. John the Baptist Armenian Orthodox Church, 7825 W. Layton Ave
July 23
Armenian food takes center stage at this festival, and the offerings resemble Greek and other Eastern Mediterranean cuisines, but with different spices and seasonings. The menu will include chicken and beef kebob, cheese and spinach burek, lamajoun (a pizza-like meat dish served on thin tortilla-like dough), hummus (a dip made of chickpeas), tabouleh (a green salad without lettuce), choreg (breadsticks), vegetarian and meat sarma (stuffed grape leaves) and a mouthwatering array of baklava and other traditional pastries.
Warped Tour
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
July 24
vanswarpedtour.com
Come release your inner hardcore punk persona and jam out to your favorite metal, pop punk, and artists across all sorts of genres at this annual one-day music festival overload. This year's lineup includes, CKY, Hawthorne Heights, American Authors, GWAR as well as countless other groups.
EAA AirVenture
Wittman Regional Airport, 525 W. 20th Ave.
July 24-30
secure.eaa.org/apps/joinrenew/join.aspx
Every year, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh earns its distinction as "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration." The members of the EAA make this annual event one of the world's most impressive showcases of attractions, representing innovation, history, technological advancement and current and future trends in aviation.
Washington County Fair
Washington County Fair Park
July 25-30
wcfairpark.com/fair
Enjoy good food and good music at the Washington County Fair. Country headliners tend to dominate the festival, with this year currently featuring Montgomery Gentry and Dustin Lynch, as well as Ann Wilson of Heart. There will also be a carnival and a multitude of vendors so come out and see what all the fuss is about!
Riverwest 24
Riverwest
July 28-29
riverwest24.com
Calling all biking lovers! Come out to Riverwest for its 24-hour bike race, where you get in some exercise and experience the culture of one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Milwaukee.
German Fest
Henry Maier Festival Park
July 28-30
germanfest.com
Enjoy three days jam-packed with music, Sheepshead tournaments, wine tasting and children's activities. Learn your family history as well as genealogists look up your family tree and see the alluring display of European trains. And don't forget to check out the special feature this year, The Stihl Timbersports Series, bringing some of the top lumberjack athletes to Milwaukee.
Brady Street Festival
Farwell Avenue to Van Buren Street
July 29
bradystreet.org
You'll be rockin' the day and night away at one of the four stages packed with local bands – this year including NO NO YEAH OKAY, Abby Jeanne, Rocket Paloma and many others – and entertainment lineups including belly dancers, the Cream City Queens drag show and plenty more. And when you're parched from walking around Brady Street and singing along to the songs, quench your thirst with an ice cold beer or fill up on an array of food from various vendors. The festival begins at 11 a.m. and closes at midnight.
Milwaukee Brewfest
Lincoln Memorial Drive
July 29
milwaukeebrewfest.com/welcome
Make way to the shore of Lake Michigan and join the party at the eighth annual Milwaukee Brewfest, featuring hundreds of craft and micro brews, as well as ciders and meads, from around the world. And that's not even mentioning the musical performances, silent auctions, food sampling and local vendors providing food for purchase.
Milwaukee Comedy Festival
Aug. 1-6
festival.milwaukeecomedy.com
Who's not in need of a good laugh these days? Luckily, the Milwaukee Comedy Festival is coming back around for its annual visit, with performers ranging in experience and style – but all certain to hit your funny bone.
Wisconsin State Fair
Wisconsin State Fair Park
Aug. 3-13
wistatefair.com
It's that time of year again - the Wisconsin State Fair! For ten days, enjoy some classic cream puffs, fried Oreos and other tasty treats by the winners of the Golden Spork Awards. Then wear off all those calories by walking around the grounds, hopping on amusement park rides, watching endless fair competitions and listening to countless concerts – with this year's main stage entertainment including John Mellencamp, Kip Moore, Pentatonix, Alan Jackson and more.
Center Street Daze
Aug. 5
centerstreetdazefestival.com
This Riverwest Neighborhood festival is perfect for the whole family, featuring events such as car races, car shows, pool, dodgeball and pinball tournaments. The opportunities during one of the city's most eclectic days of the year are endless as you make your way down one of the city's most diverse neighborhood's main drags.
Waukesha BluesFest
Naga-Waukee Park in Delafield
Aug. 11-12
waukeshabluesfest.com
Known as an "American Music and Art Festival," the festival features blues, R&B, soul, gospel and roots music mixed in with country and rock. In the past, the festival has seen the likes of Mavis Staples, James Hunter, John Mayall and many other nationally and internationally renowned musicians. This year you can see headliners Charlie Musselwhite and Ana Popovic.
Bronzeville Cultural and Arts Festival
Bronzeville
Aug. 12
milwaukee.gov/Bronzeville
The Bronzeville Cultural and Arts Festival – taking place in the middle of Bronzeville Week in the early weeks of August – focuses on the historical and cultural importance of its iconic neighborhood, offering local art, dance performances, venues for social discussion, free health screenings and more.
Irish Fest
Henry Maier Festival Park
Aug. 17-20
irishfest.com
Don't miss the world's largest Irish music and culture celebration. The four-day family festival showcases more than 100 entertainment acts from all over the world, including over 30 Milwaukee groups, several local Irish dance groups and about 90 vendors selling Irish crafts and retail items will as well.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel A La Carte
Milwaukee County Zoo
Aug. 17-20
milwaukeezoo.org/events
Head over to the Milwaukee County Zoo to "Feast with the Beasts," enjoying great food and live music as you explore the world's animal kingdom right here in Milwaukee. The kids will love it, but you're sure to love it too!
India Fest
Humboldt Park
Aug. 19
indiafestmilwaukee.org
India Fest might be one of the city's youngest festivals, throwing its inaugural edition in 2013, but it's also already one of Milwaukee's brightest summer festivals as well, featuring authentic food, dance, music and marketplaces.
Mexican Fiesta
Henry Maier Festival Park
Aug. 25-27
mexicanfiesta.org
Mexican Fiesta is a celebration of Mexico's rich history of history, art, music and food. Sample some wines, browse through an art gallery, participate in a golf tournament, participate the Fiesta Run and Walk or enjoy taco dinner. Also feel free to take part in various contests such as salsa/bachata, dance, el grito, jalapeno eating and costume. The Fiesta also provides a scholarship for some of Milwaukee's deserving Hispanic youth.
TosaFest
City of Wauwatosa
Sept. 8-9
tosafest.org
For two nights in Wauwatosa, catch live music performances at one of three stages – this year including the likes of Greg Koch, The WhiskeyBelles and more – a cupcake and chili competition, petting zoo, arts and crafts, and local eats and treats. Plus, over the past ten years, Tosa Fest proceeds have donated over $150,000 to local organizations. So be sure to bring some spare change in exchange for a fun weekend!
Indian Summer Festival
Henry Maier Festival Park
Sept. 8-10
indiansummer.org
Now celebrating its 31st year, Indian Summer Festival is still Milwaukee's favorite way to close out the summer festival season. Attend a moving prayer ceremony, clap along with a traditional pow wow or visit the circle of art featuring Native American-inspired art which you can admire and purchase. Indian Summer Festival will be both an educational and exciting experience.
Bay View Bash
Between Potter and Clement on Kinnickinnic Avenue
Sept. 16
bayviewbash.org
The Bay View Bash is back with its 13th annual event, delivering a community festival filled with food, art, music, crafts, books and community organizations is also striving to be waste free!
Doors Open Milwaukee
Sept. 23-24
doorsopenmilwaukee.org
Historic Milwaukee quite literally gets 150 buildings – big and small, new and old, landmarks and hidden gems – open their doors to the city of Milwaukee for this adventurous early fall event. Guided tours are often times offered free of charge with no entry fee required – but if there is somewhere particularly interesting to you, check out the in-depth tours that are ticketed. Doors will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., so get out there and be a tourist in your hometown!
Milwaukee Film Festival
Various theaters in the Milwaukee area
Sept. 28-Oct. 12
mkefilm.org
Come out and see countless eclectic films from all sorts of genres, delivered from all across the globe – and many right from your backyard too. It's almost a guarantee that a few of the films will pop up again a few months later at the Oscars – and will probably pop up on your own personal top ten list for the year – so come out and support good cinema!