Family events in Milwaukee, WI

For ages 0 to 12, this session features storytelling, music, movement rhymes, and playful fingerplay activities. Please bring a blanket for seating. The program will be held outdoors when the weather is favorable, with an indoor option if conditions require.

Enjoy a lunchtime stop near the terminal with topped potatoes, corn roasted over the fire, and lemonade sweetened with honey. The mood is tiki themed for a playful touch. Arrive by plane or by car and take part in a laid-back midday gathering.

This parish festival, inspired by the spirit of being united in Christ as one family, offers a welcoming setting for families. It features Catholic festivities along with food and music, and includes a large raffle.

This no-cost, family-focused gathering at Maryland Avenue Montessori School features food, music, games, and helpful resources, along with additional activities to enjoy.

The Historic Third Ward Association celebrates its 50th anniversary with three days of family-friendly festivities in Catalano Square, centered on a striking 23-foot-tall illuminated moon sculpture. Museum of the Moon, by UK artist Luke Jerram, uses high-resolution NASA imagery and an enveloping soundscape to create an immersive lunar experience that has been enjoyed by more than 30 million people worldwide. The festival features live music, interactive art, dance, fashion, wellness offerings, and activities for all ages, with the Third Ward Beer Garden keeping late hours throughout. Programming unfolds in a walkable setting that extends beyond the square, with themed days that open with a celebration, spotlight the neighborhood’s cultural roots, and conclude with wellness and community in focus. This is the installation’s second appearance in Catalano Square, following its 2019 presentation through a collaboration between Black Box Fund, now Joy Engine, and the Historic Third Ward Association, underscoring a continued commitment to immersive public art. Admission is free and the public is encouraged to explore the Third Ward’s galleries, boutiques, and restaurants across all three days.

Bring your pups to Juneau Beer Garden for lure runs and a relaxed evening at the local spot. Each run is $5 per dog with special pricing available at the Beer Garden. A savings option is offered through the 2026 Lure Loyalty Program. For registration details or questions, contact altdogrun@gmail.com or 262-308-7538. Participants must be at least 16 years old to accompany a dog. Anyone under 16 must be with an adult or guardian. Dog owners are required to stay on site and accompany their dogs throughout. Only one dog runs at a time, and additional dogs must be safely secured away from the course, such as in a vehicle, a kennel, or with another responsible person. A signed liability waiver is required for each dog before runs begin, and owners are responsible for retrieving their dogs. ALT Dog Run and its affiliates manage the speed, distance, and duration of each session and may stop a run or decline consecutive runs if a dog shows fatigue, injury, disobedience, or other concerning behavior. Animal health, safety, and well-being are prioritized, so session time or distance may be reduced if needed.

The Bail-Jumper’s presents a special set for Waukesha’s Friday Night Live, inviting the crowd to sing and dance along.

Starry Nights offers a free outdoor concert experience at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center, set on the lawn of the Gerlach/Haack Outdoor Theater for an evening of live music in the open air. Food trucks and a full outdoor bar are on site, and a Kids Zone provides toys and games for younger attendees. Seating is lawn only, with picnic tables available to rent, and guests may bring chairs and blankets. Outside food and beverages are allowed, and there are also options available at the venue. Starry Nights concerts are free and open to the public, with a suggested donation of $10 per person supporting this community tradition. Pop-up tents and reserving space in advance are not permitted. In the case of severe weather, the performance may be moved indoors or canceled.

WELS Night brings fans together at the ballpark as the Milwaukee Brewers face the Minnesota Twins at American Family Field. WELS members gather for a shared baseball experience with plenty of team spirit and camaraderie.

CatVideoFest brings a hand picked reel of recent and notable cat videos to the big screen. Expect a mix of fresh submissions, imaginative animations, music video snippets, and enduring internet classics, including favorites like Keyboard Cat. This screening is presented in partnership with Second Hand Purrs.

At Brookfield Public Library, LEGO Club is designed for ages 0 to 12. Participants create their own builds and complete a challenge.

Jay Goede, the original voice of Mewtwo from Pokémon: The First Movie, appears live at Brookfield Toy Vault inside Brookfield Square Mall. Fans can hear him speak and will have a chance to ask questions. Admission is $5, presented in partnership with Secret Market.

A two-day back-to-school craft and vendor market takes place at Brookfield Square, featuring local sellers with handmade creations, school essentials, treats, and other classroom-ready supplies. Families can browse practical picks, thoughtful gifts, and fun surprises for students, teachers, and parents as they get ready for the new school year. Vendor registration is open for those interested in presenting products to families, educators, and community members who are actively shopping for back-to-school needs. Space is limited.

Modern Authentication Services will be on site at Brookfield Toy Vault for a special appearance by Jay Goede, the original voice of Mewtwo from Pokémon: The First Movie. Attendees can meet Jay, get items signed, and then have their memorabilia authenticated on the spot. Services include on-site and witnessed authentication with instant certificates of authenticity, and payment can be made by cash or card. Bring Pokémon cards, Funko Pops, games, posters, and other collectibles from your collection or newly signed at the event. Admission is $5.

Falls Kids Festival, presented by Ascension, is a free, family-friendly day packed with activities and games for kids of all ages. Enjoy bounce houses, stage performances at the Milwaukee Tool Amphitheater, fire truck tours, the Survive Alive House, and Soccer Shots. There will also be fun stops like a caricature artist, face painting, a root beer garden, games and prizes, and food trucks. The first 300 kids get a free tote bag, and the main stage headline at 3:45 PM is Disney Channel’s Imagination Movers.

Now in its second year, this summer market brings together faith, community, and family-friendly fun with more than 25 Christian vendors, live music, food trucks, a kids bounce house with activities, and a dedicated prayer tent. It offers a chance to support local businesses with a Kingdom mission and connect with others in a welcoming setting. Admission is free, and vendor applications are currently open.

This free community event offers an afternoon devoted to health and wellness. Local organizations will host activities and share information that promote healthy choices and support personal wellbeing. Families can participate in fun activities while learning about local resources.

An expanded car show at Waukesha County Expo Center features displays both indoors and outdoors. This year now includes The Arena as an additional indoor hall, creating more opportunities for indoor showcase spots. The outdoor layout has also been broadened to provide more room for displays. More details will be shared soon.

Hosted by Outreach Community Health Centers, this community health and resource fair features free health screenings, hands-on educational displays, and connections to vital services that support wellness and stronger neighborhoods. Created with families in mind, it welcomes people of all ages to meet trusted providers, explore options for care, and celebrate Milwaukee’s enduring resilience. Beyond health offerings, the day includes complimentary food, fresh produce, school supply giveaways, games, music, and raffle prizes.

Hop Harvest & Vine hosts a relaxed family night featuring 25% off all dine-in food and beverages, and no coupon is required. Settle into the pavilion for a free family-friendly movie, while the dining room TVs show local sporting events or other kid-friendly entertainment. The discount applies to dine-in restaurant purchases only and is not available for carryout or to-go orders. Enjoy a comfortable setting with an outdoor pavilion that looks out over the conservancy, whether you are after a laid-back dinner, a family outing, or a simple date night.

Dropdown Auto Salon brings a wide-ranging automotive showcase to the Baird Center, welcoming enthusiasts from across the scene. Look for trucks, motorcycles, overland setups, lowriders, donks, and drift builds gathered in one place. Presale is open.

Families can take advantage of a special dining offer where each purchase of an adult entrée includes one complimentary kid's entrée for guests 12 and under, up to a $15 value. The offer is limited to one free children’s meal per adult entrée. It cannot be combined with other promotions, specials, or dip certificates, and it is not available on holidays.

A family-friendly giveback celebration at The Tap Yard - Waukesha in Minooka Park marks the 100th anniversary of the Waukesha YMCA Adventure Guides. Attendees can enjoy local beer and food while supporting the program, as 20 percent of sales from The Tap Yard, excluding food truck purchases, will be donated to help cover camp fees and other event costs. A sign-in sheet will be available at the counter. It is a chance for alumni to reconnect and for new families to learn more about this dad and kids focused program. The venue is inside Minooka Park, so park entry fees apply and are purchased online because the entrance is not staffed.

A Special Needs Swim session offers pool access for children and adults with special needs. Admission is $10 per person.

This event marks the end of the Wisconsin State Fair's 2026 run with a final sendoff.

Spend a week immersed in hands-on creativity as students experiment with miscellaneous materials to craft original artwork. Recommended for ages 8 to 11.

Kids can jump into a Nerf-style Capture the Flag showdown at The Big Backyard, with team play, friendly competition and creative challenges. Players will dash, dodge and strategize with foam dart blasters as they try to outsmart friends and family. This experience is designed for children ages 5 to 10. Comfortable clothing is recommended. Participants should bring their own eye protection, and they can bring personal Nerf blasters or borrow ones provided on site. Multiple dates are offered, and families may choose one or attend more than one. Pricing is $20 per child when accompanied by an adult, or $30 per child for drop off. Adults attend at no charge.

Experience live zydeco at the Lake Park Summer Stage with Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. & The Legendary Ils Sont Partis Band from Lafayette, Louisiana. Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. carries forward the Grammy-winning legacy of his father, zydeco pioneer Stanley “Buckwheat” Dural Sr., and leads the band as a versatile multi-instrumentalist. With his father’s band, he has shared stages with Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Willie Nelson, and Buddy Guy. Pack a lawn chair or blanket, invite friends and family, and settle in for a relaxed summer concert. Admission is free. Presented by Lake Park Friends in cooperation with Milwaukee County Parks, with support from the Coles Family Foundation, Potawatomi Casino Hotel, WMSE Radio 91.7FM, 88Nine, OnMilwaukee, Milwaukee Record, and member volunteers.

Friends, families, and their pups can enjoy lure runs at The Vine Humboldt. Each run costs $5 per dog, and special beer garden pricing applies. A 2026 Lure Loyalty Program with savings is available. For registration or questions, contact Altdogrun@gmail.com or 262-308-7538. Dog owners or participants must be at least 16 years old to accompany a dog, and anyone under 16 must be with an adult or guardian. Owners must remain on site and accompany their dogs for the entire visit. Only one dog may run at a time, and those with multiple dogs must secure any additional dogs away from the course, for example in a vehicle, in a kennel, or with another dog owner. All participants need to review and sign a liability waiver for each dog before any session runs, and owners are responsible for retrieving their dogs. ALT Dog Run and its affiliates set the speed, distance, and duration of each run and may stop a run at any time if a dog shows fatigue, injury, disobedience, or other problematic behaviors, and they may deny consecutive runs when needed. Animal health and safety are a priority, and the time or distance of a session may be reduced if concerning signs are observed.

A Happiness Showcase from The Learning Experience gives families a chance to explore programs for infants, toddlers, preschool, and pre-K. Guests can learn about the proprietary curriculum that supports academic, social, emotional, and physical development. Attendees can meet teachers and the leadership team, tour vibrant classrooms and a state-of-the-art learning environment, and see how purposeful play, hands-on learning, and proven educational practices help children learn, grow, and thrive. There will be opportunities to get answers to questions about enrollment, tuition, schedules, and enrichment programs. Children are welcome, and families can attend together. The Learning Experience provides more than childcare by nurturing confidence, essential life skills, and a lifelong love of learning.

The Corners Summer Movie Series, presented by Aspire Dance Center, returns with free, family-friendly films shown outdoors in Market Square on a 20 foot screen. Each screening includes children’s activities such as visits from favorite princesses, balloon art, face painting, and more. Wood’r Ice and What’s Pop will be on site with cool treats available for purchase. The lineup features titles such as Zootopia 2, Tangled, The Little Rascals, and Elemental.

A high energy tribute to the 1990s featuring That ‘90s Band, with a set packed with hits by Vanilla Ice, Green Day, Garth Brooks, and Nirvana. The group aims to transport audiences back to the decade with powerful vocals, gritty guitar work, and familiar sound samples, creating a lively show that fans of 90s music and culture will recognize right away. Concessions will be open. The concert is sponsored by Meijer. Please leave pets at home, and carry-in alcohol is not permitted.

Hosted by the City of Brookfield Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department, this annual summer concert series brings live music to Civic Plaza. Every Wednesday features a new musical guest, offering a rotating lineup from one week to the next.

At Brookfield Public Library, educator Karen Albrecht, also known as the Butterfly Lady, leads a program for ages 3 through adult that explores the threats facing monarch butterflies and offers practical ways to support their survival. If the weather cooperates, the experience concludes with a butterfly release.

Calvano's Car Show takes place every Wednesday and includes live music to complement the lineup of cars.

Most Wednesdays are set aside for Falcon Game Night at Falcon Hall inside Falcon Bowl. This event is open to all ages. On the second and fourth Wednesday, the night includes a Super Smash Bros. Melee tournament.

Enjoy a family friendly concert at the Lake Park Summer Stage as Ms. Jen & the Jellyfish share playful tunes. The performance blends songs from Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals with other favorites, creating an engaging experience designed for young listeners. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, gather friends and family, and settle in for a relaxed summer evening of music and community. Admission is free. Presented by Lake Park Friends in cooperation with Milwaukee County Parks, with support from the Coles Family Foundation, Potawatomi Casino Hotel, WMSE Radio 91.7FM, 88Nine, OnMilwaukee, Milwaukee Record, and member volunteers.

Open to all ages, this ice cream social at Brookfield Public Library features live music from the J Ryan Trio in the courtyard. The plan is to be outside if weather allows, with an indoor backup if needed. Support is provided by the Friends of the Brookfield Public Library.

Presented by the City of Brookfield Parks, Recreation, & Forestry Department, this Summer Nights Concert Series installment features North Coast Orchestra at Brookfield Civic Plaza. The event offers live music along with food and beverages. The series is supported by sponsor WaterStone Bank.

Indaba Nights offers free, all-ages entertainment at the Indaba Band Shell on the grounds of St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care-Bucyrus Campus. This 13-week summer concert series showcases local talent alongside top-tier arts organizations, creating a welcoming setting for music and community. Attendees are welcome to bring a blanket or lawn chair, relax on the grass, and enjoy options from on-site food vendors.

Enjoy a relaxed, open play session in the garden, with drop-in participation and plenty of time to explore together. Children can discover colors, nature, reading, numbers, patterns, and simple science at their own pace. The program is designed for ages 0 to 6, and older kids are welcome if they enjoy sharing and playing alongside younger children. If you plan to attend as a group of more than six, please contact the organizer ahead of time. In the event of heavy rain, strong wind, thunderstorms, heat advisories, or poor air quality, the gathering will be relocated to Center Street Library and the start time will be adjusted.

Get on the water with Forward Outdoor’s Dock at Discovery World along Milwaukee’s lakefront. Launch from a sheltered harbor and take in skyline views as you explore the Lake Michigan shoreline, with sights that include Lakeshore State Park, Discovery World, and the Summerfest grounds. Choose a relaxed paddle, a family-friendly spin, or a new vantage point of the city. Hourly rentals are available, including retro paddle boats for up to four people at $25, single kayaks at $20, tandem kayaks for two at $30, single hydrobikes at $18, tandem hydrobikes for two at $25, and stand up paddleboards at $20. Walk ups are welcome, and reservations are suggested on busy summer days.

Brecken Miles will perform at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis. The show is scheduled for late morning on Thursday, Aug. 13.

Night markets return for the summer in Washington Heights with an evening of live music, dozens of vendors, food trucks, and a free kid zone. Hosted by Mount Olive, this neighborhood gathering offers a welcoming setting to browse vendor booths, enjoy the music, and sample food from the trucks.

Northwest Side Community Development Corporation hosts the 5th Annual Family Skate Night at the MMSD West Basin. MKE Rec will arrive with the Skate Van to provide complimentary roller skate rentals for both kids and adults. Enjoy music and free food while supplies last, with distribution on a first come, first served basis. There is no admission fee and all are welcome. On site parking will be available. Walk ups are welcome, and advance RSVPs are appreciated to help speed up check in. Remember to bring socks for skating. Personal rollerblades or skates may be used, and submitting an RSVP does not guarantee a meal.

Discover a bluff-top neighborhood overlooking the north end of Milwaukee’s harbor, where early twentieth century mansions line leafy streets. Along the way, take in a range of architectural styles from 1890 to 1940, including German Renaissance Revival, English Tudor Revival, Mediterranean Revival and more. Many homes were crafted by notable Milwaukee architects such as Eschweiler, Clas, Niedecken and Frank Lloyd Wright, and the stories behind them reflect the legacies of residents whose fortunes came from wheat, railroads, straw hats, fur coats, ice cream and other enterprises. The route also highlights significant non-residential landmarks, including a historic hospital complex, a water tower and a lighthouse, as well as a park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Tour schedules depend on guide availability, so check the website for current dates and times.

A warm Irish welcome awaits at a celebration known as the largest Irish music festival in the world. Set along the Lake Michigan shoreline at Henry Maier Festival Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this event centers on Irish music and the vibrant cultural spirit that comes with it.

Set at The New Fashioned in Milwaukee’s Deer District, The Melt Yard celebrates the Midwest’s love of gooey cheese with a lively outdoor experience. Dig into melty grilled cheese creations, sweet and savory s’mores, and a giant cheese pull challenge, then capture the moment with playful, photo-friendly setups and unwind with lawn-style games. Refreshments include chilled favorites such as Beren’s Brandy Old Fashioneds, Tito’s Bloody Marys, and Monster Energy drinks. Pup Pull Saturdays presented by Tito’s add pet-friendly fun with Pup Cups, dog treats, photo ops, and prizes, and there are also three HAWS Adoptable Dog Days planned. The Melt Yard is made possible by Beren’s Old Fashioned Brandy, Visit Milwaukee, Tito’s, Monster Energy, Gruber Law Offices, and Bars & Recreation.

Music on the Lawn is a free outdoor concert series at The Ingleside Hotel designed for families, friends, and neighbors who want a relaxed evening outside. Enjoy live music alongside lawn games, family friendly activities, local beer, and a variety of food trucks. This date features the Myles Wangerin Band. Food options include Big John's Burgers and Dogs, All Belgium Waffles, Big E's Epic Eats, and Taco2Go. Beer is provided by Eagle Park Brewing with sponsorship from Beer Capitol Distributing. The Oasis Project Wisconsin will be onsite selling s'more kits, and all proceeds support The Oasis Project mission. Lawn chairs are welcome for comfortable seating on the grass. The setting is The Ingleside Hotel Village Park, located behind the Ingleside Pavilion. Admission is free and the experience is family friendly. In case of inclement weather, the concert moves to an indoor event space inside The Ingleside Hotel so the fun continues rain or shine.