ArtBlaze 2025: Free Family Fun at McKinley Beach This Summer

FuzzPop Workshop’s giant inflatables on the beach were a highlight of last year’s ArtBlaze

ArtBlaze is back, bringing art, music, and hands-on fun to Milwaukee’s McKinley Beach on July 24, August 7, and August 21 from 4:00–9:30 p.m.

This free, family-friendly series transforms the beach into a creative playground. Kids and adults can get involved with interactive art stations, tie-dye shirts, make s’mores by the water, and enjoy bubbles with Poppy. Local groups like Artists Working in Education (AWE), Arts@Large, and Vibez Creative Arts will lead hands-on projects.

A highlight will be the massive “HydroBloom” inflatable sculptures by FuzzPop Workshop and UWM architecture students, which made a huge splash last year. These colorful installations stretch across the sand and light up in response to your movements—a must-see after sunset.

Live music and a silent disco keep the energy high. Each date features a different lineup of performers and DJs, including a special set by Kid Boogie Down / DJ Luke Warm on August 21. The silent disco is free on a first-come basis, or you can reserve headphones in advance for $5.

Here’s the full performance schedule for each night:

July 24

• 4:00 PM – Tlalok

• 5:00 PM – Embody Yoga

• 6:00 PM – SHADI

• 7:00 PM – The Quilz

• 8:00 PM – Silent Disco (Police Create Hippies, DJ Sushi Lor, Blaze Orange)

August 7

• 4:00 PM – Alison Mahal

• 5:00 PM – MkeMe Crew

• 6:00 PM – *aya

• 7:00 PM – Danyc MKE

• 8:15 PM – Pulpa De Guayaba

August 21

• 4:00 PM – DJ Luke Warm

• 5:00 PM – Ariel Lesson with Warped Studios

• 6:15 PM – NilexNile

• 7:15 PM – Warped

• 8:00 PM – Gemini Gilly

Activities for Families:

• Tie-Dyes with Spun.Out.Dyes

• Hands-on art experiences by AWE (Artists Working in Education)

• Original inflatable art by FuzzPop Workshop

• Hands-on art experiences by Arts@Large (August 7)

• Make s’mores at the bonfires

• Hands-on art experiences by Vibez Creative Arts

• Bubbles with Poppy

Don’t forget to bring a blanket, snacks, and swimsuits for a full evening of lakeside fun. ArtBlaze is a great way to connect with Milwaukee’s creative community and make summer memories with your family.

For more details and updates, visit joyengine.org/artblaze/.