Rainbow Summer 2025: Free Fun in Downtown Milwaukee
The Marcus Performing Arts Center's beloved Rainbow Summer is back for 2025, bringing seven nights of free entertainment, family activities, and community celebration to downtown Milwaukee from July 14-20, 2025.
Seven Nights, Seven Different Vibes
Each evening of Rainbow Summer showcases a unique musical style, ensuring there's something for every taste:
Monday, July 14 kicks off with Kids From Wisconsin at 7:00 PM, featuring Wisconsin's own talented youth performers in a high-energy show that sets the perfect family-friendly tone for the week.
Tuesday, July 15 brings the Brass Queens, an all-female brass band from Brooklyn whose New Orleans jazz-inspired sound will have you swaying on the outdoor grounds.
Wednesday, July 16 is a can't-miss night featuring Grammy-winning hip-hop legends Digable Planets at 8:00 PM, with Milwaukee native DJ Kid Cut Up opening at 7:00 PM. This performance ties into the Summer of Soul series, making it a culturally rich evening for music lovers.
Thursday, July 17 turns up the heat with Chicago Latin Groove at 7:00 PM—perfect for families who want to dance together under the summer sky.
Friday, July 18 takes you back in time with Fool House: The Ultimate 90s Party starting at 7:00 PM. Think red carpet photo ops and all your favorite throwback hits—ideal for parents who want to share their favorite decade with their kids.
Family Day: Saturday's Special Celebration
Mark your calendars! Saturday, July 19 is designated Family Day, and it's packed with activities designed specifically for children and families.
The excitement starts at 3:15 PM with 4Stomp: What's Next?, an interactive circus experience where audience members roll a giant dice to determine which amazing act comes next. The show repeats at 7:00 PM for families who prefer an evening performance.
From 4:00-7:00 PM, the Kid Boogie Down Taylor Swift Dance Party transforms the grounds into a bubble-filled dance zone where young Swifties can move to their favorite songs with professional DJ entertainment.
Additional Family Day activities include Soul Spin movement games from 3:00-7:00 PM and hands-on Bubble Playtime with Michelle Hackett starting at 4:00 PM.
The week concludes Sunday, July 20 with the Milwaukee Police Band at 2:00 PM, offering a special tribute to veterans, public service workers, and essential heroes.
Beyond the Music: Food, Art, and Community
Rainbow Summer isn't just about the performances. Each day offers additional experiences that make this a true community celebration:
Sazama's Fine Catering provides food trucks and refreshments starting at 4:30 PM daily, solving the eternal "what's for dinner?" question with delicious options for the whole family.
A rainbow-colored piano appears on the grounds each morning (weather permitting), inviting anyone to sit down and play—a magical touch that embodies the festival's inclusive spirit.
The vendor marketplace operates Tuesday through Saturday from 4:00-8:00 PM, while Thursday features the special Mercadera Market highlighting Latina-owned, women-run businesses.
Daily bubble playtime from 5:30-7:30 PM Monday through Friday ensures younger children have plenty to enjoy throughout the week.
Plan Your Rainbow Summer Experience
All events take place at the Marcus Performing Arts Center Outdoor Grounds in downtown Milwaukee and are completely free and open to the public. This accessibility makes Rainbow Summer one of the summer's most family-friendly events—no need to worry about ticket costs or advance planning.
Whether you choose to attend one evening or make it a week-long family tradition, Rainbow Summer 2025 offers the perfect blend of entertainment, community, and summer fun that makes Milwaukee such a great place to raise a family.
More Free Festival Fun
Looking for other ideas of how to get into festivals for free? We have you covered:
The Marcus Performing Arts Center's beloved Rainbow Summer is back for 2025, bringing seven nights of free entertainment, family activities, and community celebration to downtown Milwaukee from July 14-20, 2025.