Milwaukee's Complete Pumpkin Paradise Guide to Fall 2025

Fall 2025 transforms Milwaukee into a pumpkin-themed wonderland, with over 100 establishments offering seasonal specialties across the metro area. From Lakefront Brewery's world-famous pumpkin lager to sprawling 65-acre haunted pumpkin farms, Milwaukee delivers autumn experiences that satisfy every pumpkin craving. The city's legendary brewing heritage meets innovative culinary scene, creating unique offerings like pumpkin-spiced pistachio cream ale and brandy barrel-aged imperial pumpkin ales you won't find elsewhere.

Milwaukee's pumpkin season peaks from September through October 31, 2025, with many offerings extending through November. The recent brewery consolidation has actually concentrated quality, with established names like Lakefront and MKE Brewing doubling down on their signature seasonal offerings while cocktail lounges rotate to fall themes mid-October.

Pumpkin-themed drinks: brewing tradition

Milwaukee's drink scene showcases the city's brewing heritage alongside creative coffee culture and inventive cocktail lounges.

Coffee culture embraces pumpkin perfection

Stone Creek Coffee leads Milwaukee's pumpkin coffee revolution with nine locations throughout the metro area. Their best-ever Pumpkin Spice Latte features a redesigned recipe using real pumpkin puree, clove, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and sweetened condensed oat milk. The Fall Chai with Pumpkin Spice Sweet Foam debuts in 2025, accompanied by their cakey Pumpkin Scone with pecans and maple glaze (priced $5.25-$7.25 for specialty drinks).

Colectivo Coffee distinguishes itself with Pumpkin Spice Fluff Latte, made with house-made pumpkin spice marshmallow fluff from their Bay View Troubadour Bakery. Their Pumpkin Maple Scone incorporates toasted pecans and local maple syrup, available at all locations throughout fall.

National chains launched fall menus August 26, 2025. Starbucks offers the classic Pumpkin Spice Latte alongside Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew and the new Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai (grande sizes $5.75-$7.25). Multiple locations serve the metro area, including downtown at 333 W Kilbourn Ave and the popular Downer Avenue location.

Local favorites include Pilcrow Coffee with their unique Pumpkin Brew and Fiddleheads Coffee featuring Harvest Latte and Maple Leaf Chai. Anodyne Coffee Roasting Company rounds out local options with organic seasonal offerings and Friday-Saturday live music.

Brewing excellence defines Milwaukee's pumpkin beer

Lakefront Brewery (1872 N Commerce St) produces the world's only pumpkin lager, based on Thomas Jefferson's original Monticello recipe and requiring four weeks versus typical ale production. Their specialty offerings include Brandy Barrel-Aged Pumpkin Imperial Ale (13% ABV) and 5-Year-Old Barrel-Aged Imperial Pumpkin Lager in 500mL brewery-exclusive bottles. Spices come from Milwaukee's 50-year institution The Spice House, creating an authentically local product available September through October.

Milwaukee Brewing Company creates Sasquash, a distinctive porter made with both pumpkin and roasted sweet potatoes—approximately 1,000 pounds per batch. This 5.6% ABV beer offers chocolate and caramel flavors, available in $7-9 six-packs from late August through October. Their Walker's Point location offers tours Friday through Sunday.

Indeed Brewery showcases Pumpkin-Spiced Pistachio Cream Ale, while Third Space Brewing and Sprecher Brewing Company (Milwaukee's original craft brewery since 1985) maintain seasonal beer programs. Sprecher offers family-friendly tours with unlimited soda samples plus four beer samples for adults 21+.

Cocktail lounges embrace seasonal sophistication

Milwaukee's cocktail scene transforms mid-October with themed rotations perfect for pumpkin season. Tied House specifically changes from their Midsummer Night's Garden theme to fall/pumpkin spice themes in mid-October, operating Thursday-Saturday with creative seasonal cocktails (tiedhousemke.com).

Blu at The Pfister Hotel provides panoramic city and Lake Michigan views from the 23rd floor, featuring extensive martini menus and Friday-Saturday live music. The Sofie downtown offers contemporary cocktails in an 1860s stone-arched building, while The Estate on Milwaukee's Eastside maintains a 40-year jazz club tradition with ever-changing crafted cocktails.

Lost Whale in Bay View rotates seasonal themes (previously MTV Spring Break 1999, The Last of Us, Elf), while Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen's rooftop Aviary serves Door County Sunrise with local cherry vodka and exclusive Rooftop Refresher Canned Cocktails.

Classic establishments include Bryant's Cocktail Lounge (established 1938) famous for elaborate Bloody Marys, and At Random featuring seasonal ice cream cocktails like Brandy Alexander and Grasshopper.

Pumpkin food experiences

Milwaukee's food scene embraces pumpkin through upscale dining, artisanal bakeries, and unique culinary experiences that showcase both traditional and innovative approaches.

Restaurant scene celebrates seasonal sophistication

Story Hill BKC near American Family Field features roasted pumpkin agnolotti, a shareable pasta dish earning recognition in Milwaukee Magazine's "Best Restaurants in Milwaukee 2025." The Soup House (324 E Michigan St, 414-277-7687) serves Thai pumpkin soup as one of six daily rotating soups, with 95% being gluten-free ($6-8 for 16oz, $16 for quarts).

The Soup Market operates five locations (Bay View, Hales Corners, Vliet Street, Milwaukee Public Market, Milwaukee Center) offering various seasonal pumpkin soups from their repertoire of 200+ different varieties. This 19-year Milwaukee institution serves fresh soups daily throughout the metro area.

Artisanal bakeries showcase pumpkin craftsmanship

Grebe's Bakery (5132 W Lincoln Ave, West Allis, 414-543-7000) represents Milwaukee's bakery heritage since 1937. Their fall specialties include Milwaukee-style cruller bites with real pumpkin and pie spice (available 10/1-11/30), Cinnamon Streusel Pumpkin Muffins, and pumpkin frosted cake donuts. Individual donuts cost $1.40-$1.70, with baker's dozens at $16.99, available at 200+ retail locations.

Canfora Bakery (1100 E Oklahoma Ave) creates Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Icing in five-inch loaves with decorative cream cheese frosting. Troubadour Bakery supplies all Colectivo locations with Pumpkin Maple Scones made with pumpkin, spices, toasted pecans, and local maple syrup.

Established suburban bakeries include Simma's Bakery in Wauwatosa (32+ years), Aggie's Bakery in downtown West Allis (since 1977), and Tiffany's Dessert Bar in their new Mequon location, offering from-scratch baking with organic ingredients.

Food trucks and specialty vendors

Milwaukee's 97+ food trucks, trailers, carts, and pop-ups regularly appear at Take-Out Tuesday in Schlitz Park (Tuesdays 11am-2pm), Food Truck Thursday at Courthouse (Thursdays 11am-2pm), and Friday gatherings at Red Arrow Park (10:30am-1:30pm). Notable vendors include Hidden Kitchen MKE with farm-to-truck relationships and Press Waffles offering Liège-style waffles with seasonal toppings.

Pumpkin farm locations feature on-site bakery trucks serving mini pumpkin cheesecakes and apple cider donuts alongside seasonal treats.

Markets and specialty shopping

Milwaukee Public Market (400 N Water Street, 414-336-1111) houses 19 independent merchants including C. Adam's Bakery with fresh daily baked treats, The Spice House for pumpkin recipe spices, and St. Paul Fish Company for soup ingredients. Operating Monday-Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 10am-6pm.

Fondy Farmers Market (2200 W Fond du Lac Avenue) operates 108 years serving 45,000+ seasonal customers with fresh pumpkins, local bakery items, and cooking demonstrations. West Allis Farmers Market, established 1919 as the area's oldest and largest, complements markets in Cathedral Square, South Shore, and Wauwatosa.

Purple Door Ice Cream (205 S 2nd St) offers Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream in October, helping transition from summer to fall flavors.

Culinary education and experiences

Cozymeal Milwaukee presents "Pumpkin Perfection" hands-on cooking classes featuring spiced pumpkin ice cream, airy pumpkin soufflé, and soft pumpkin donuts with tangy buttermilk glaze. Milwaukee Public Market hosts "From the Pumpkin Patch" classes (October 15, 5:30pm, $36-65) alongside Milwaukee Flavor Live chef-led demonstrations.

Lakefront Brewery offers exclusive tastings of 13% ABV Brandy Barrel-Aged Pumpkin Imperial Ale and 5-Year-Old Barrel-Aged Imperial Pumpkin Lager in 500mL bottles, available only at the brewery location.

Pumpkin activities: harvest adventures

Milwaukee's surrounding areas transform into pumpkin wonderlands with farms offering everything from traditional picking to elaborate adventure experiences, complemented by urban festivals and unique seasonal activities.

Premier pumpkin farms

For more, see our full pumpkin picking guide to 2025

Buffalo Bill's Pumpkin Farm (9612 W Oakwood Rd, Franklin) operates September 27-October 27, 2025, with 20+ fall activities including U-Pick fields, giant jump pads, corn pits, pedal cars, and hayrides. New for 2025: Pet Fest, Teacher Appreciation Weekend, and costume contests. Their Haunted Trail (October 3-November 1, weekends only) earned the #1 rating from Wisconsin Haunted Houses, utilizing 65+ acres.

Swan's Pumpkin Farm (5930 County Road H, Franksville) offers FREE entry with $12 Adventure Wristbands covering Witch Hollow Maze, Barrel Train, Big Green Slide, Pumpkin Jump Pillow, Pedal Carts, and hayrides. Their 5-acre Corn City Corn Maze ($6) features celebrity likenesses along Grand Avenue, while pony rides ($6, weekends only) accommodate children 50lbs and under.

Basse's Taste of Country (3190 County Road Q, Colgate) features Wisconsin's largest pumpkin farm with 65+ activities in Happy Jack's Pumpkin Land. Activities include Barncade arcade games, jumping pillows, train rides, 17-obstacle ropes course, giant swing, and mirror maze. Two corn maze options offer trivia challenges and murder mystery themes.

Specialized harvest experiences

Honey Creek Orchard (8210 Pioneer Rd, Cedarburg) introduces Gaga ball pit and football grain toss for 2025, complementing Old Western buildings, tractor basketball, and farm animals including emus. Barthel Fruit Farm (12246 N Farmdale Rd, Mequon) showcases diverse pumpkin varieties including pink, white, multi-colored, warty, and edible types, plus annual Oktoberfest celebrations with Milwaukee Pretzels and live music.

Cozy Nook Farm (S11 W30780 Summit Ave, Waukesha) offers unique sixth-generation dairy farm experiences with 150 cows alongside 40+ pumpkin varieties including white Cotton Candy, 50+ pound Full Moons, green Jaharradles, tan New England Cheese, and red Cinderellas. Weekday dairy tours complement weekend hayrides.

Elegant Farmer (1545 Main St, Mukwonago) features their famous Smiley face barn, make-your-own caramel apples, and apple pies in paper bags, accessible via East Troy Electric Train for a unique transportation experience.

Championship corn mazes and agricultural adventures

Schuett Farms (W299 S6370 State Road 83, Mukwonago) presents their 2025 LEGOS/Superheroes themed 12-acre maze with 4+ miles of paths and 10 checkpoints. Smartphone navigation assists during 90-minute adventures, with select Friday-Saturday night sessions (6-9pm, flashlights required). Giant slides and weekend hot mini donuts complement hayrides with cattle feeding.

Treinen Farm (Lodi, 45 minutes from Milwaukee, August 30-November 2, 2025) operates an award-winning 15-acre corn maze voted top 10 nationally. Duration ranges from 45 minutes to several hours depending on navigation skills, complemented by 1880s barn playground and scenic hiking trails.

Creekside Valley Farm (13101 N Wauwatosa Rd, Mequon) offers FREE farm entry with their 5-acre agricultural trivia corn maze ($6, children 3 and under free). Wrong trivia answers lead to dead ends, while petting zoos and pedal carts provide additional entertainment.

Pumpkin celebrations and contests

Cedarburg Chamber's Pumpkin Walk (Halloween Night, October 31, 2025, 5-9pm) transforms Washington Avenue into a glowing pumpkin wonderland. This community-wide Halloween celebration encourages residents and visitors to bring carved pumpkins to light up the street while participants wear costumes and stroll down Washington Avenue viewing the illuminated jack-o'-lanterns. The event celebrates all things Halloween with a festive, family-friendly atmosphere.

Pumpkin Pavilion (October 16-20, 2025, Bay View area) creates spectacular community experiences with 1,000+ simultaneously lit pumpkins, accompanied by music, magic shows, and family activities. Great Pumpkin Festival (October 22-25, 2025, 6-9pm, Old School House Park, Whitefish Bay) combines food, drinks, live music, and festive carving activities.

Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee downtown provides FREE pumpkins for first 500 children (ages 2-12) with decorating stations, face painting, costume contests, and story time with Wanda the Witch, specifically designed for ages 2-8.

Milwaukee County Zoo's Boo at the Zoo expands to two weekends (October 17-19 AND October 24-26, 2025) featuring live pumpkin-carving demonstrations, trick-or-treat trails, light shows, and costume encouragement alongside animal encounters.

The Great Pumpkin Festival, presented by the Whitefish Bay Civic Foundation, returns to Old Schoolhouse Park from Wednesday, October 22 through Saturday, October 25, 2025. The festival runs nightly 6-9pm at Old School House Park, directly across from the library. This unique community event encourages families to pick up pumpkins and carve them at home, allowing creativity to flourish in comfortable settings. Before October 22, participants bring their carved masterpieces back to the park to create a breathtaking community display that transforms the entire area into a glowing autumn wonderland. Each evening features live music, while the Jack Pandl's Whitefish Bay Inn food tent serves spooky favorites.

Educational workshops and specialized classes

Milwaukee Public Market (400 N Water Street, 414-336-1111) presents "From the Pumpkin Patch" classes (October 15, 5:30pm, $36-65) in both demonstration and hands-on formats. Cozymeal offers "Whisk, bake and blend your way through pumpkin perfection" with spiced pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin soufflé, and pumpkin donuts with buttermilk glaze.

Chef Pam's Kitchen throughout Milwaukee provides hands-on small group classes focusing on fall pumpkin preparation, while Glorioso's Appetito Cooking School on Brady Street teaches seasonal Italian cooking in their sleek exposed-brick space.

Haunted attractions with pumpkin themes

Abandoned Haunted House Complex (2825 SE Frontage Rd, Mount Pleasant) delivers FOUR haunted attractions including Ambush, Hysteria, and outdoor Stalker experiences totaling 30+ minutes of terror. The Hill Has Eyes (7005 S Ballpark Dr, Franklin) utilizes 45 acres with FOUR different experiences: Failed Escape, Hunger Hallow, Carnivore, and Dead End, requiring 60 minutes total. Sunday "Not So Scary Halloween Party" accommodates ages 8+.

Novak Manor (9730 W Montana Ave, West Allis) converts a private family residence to haunted house every October weekend for their 12th anniversary, supporting local charities with $1 minimum donations.

Unique seasonal experiences

Pumpkin Nights creates half-mile walking trails with 7,500+ hand-carved real and artificial pumpkins through themed areas like Forbidden City and Pirate's Cove, complemented by Pumpkin Village food vendors and fire dancers (advance online tickets required).

Old World Wisconsin (Eagle) begins October 11, 2025 (weekends) with candlelit historical Halloween traditions featuring folkloric traditions, spine-tingling tales, and cryptid legends. Great Pumpkin Run at Swan's Pumpkin Farm offers 5K runs through pumpkin fields with optional pumpkin carrying.

Oriental Theatre Bite Club showcases cult vampire films throughout October including "Blade," "Dracula," and "Vampire's Kiss" in the historic venue, while Milky Way Drive-In (7035 S Ballpark Dr, Franklin) screens family films at 6:30pm and horror movies at 10pm throughout October.

Conclusion

Milwaukee's 2025 pumpkin scene demonstrates remarkable depth and creativity, from world-class brewing innovations to sprawling agricultural adventures. The combination of traditional German-American autumn celebrations with modern culinary creativity creates experiences unavailable elsewhere. While brewery consolidations eliminated some options, surviving establishments like Lakefront have strengthened their offerings, creating premium aged pumpkin ales that showcase Milwaukee's craft brewing excellence.

The geographical advantage of surrounding agricultural areas within 30 minutes of downtown provides city dwellers easy access to authentic farm experiences, while urban venues offer sophisticated seasonal celebrations. Pricing accessibility ranges from completely free events to premium $80+ comprehensive farm experiences, ensuring pumpkin enthusiasts of all budgets find suitable options.

Most significantly, Milwaukee's pumpkin season extends beyond simple seasonal offerings to create comprehensive cultural experiences that blend education, entertainment, culinary arts, and agricultural heritage. Whether seeking Jefferson's historical pumpkin lager recipe, 65-acre haunted farm adventures, or intimate cooking classes featuring soufflés and ice cream, Milwaukee delivers autumn experiences that satisfy both casual seasonal enthusiasts and serious pumpkin aficionados.