Whitnall Beer Garden 2026: Craft Beer, Music and Views

Warm weather, craft beer and a shady spot near the Root River make Whitnall Beer Garden a favorite summer stop in Milwaukee County Parks. Located in the Greendale/Franklin area, this scenic beer garden offers a wide tap list, casual food, live music and plenty of room to settle in for an easygoing afternoon or evening outside.

Whether you are stopping after a walk through Whitnall Park, meeting friends for live music or looking for a relaxed dinner-and-drinks option, here is what to know before you go. Details are based on the beer garden’s posted 2026 information and current beverage listing.

Where Is Whitnall Beer Garden?

Whitnall Beer Garden is located at:

8831 North Root River Parkway
Greendale, WI 53132

The beer garden sits among the trees near the Root River, giving it a more tucked-away, park-like feel than some of the busier urban beer gardens. It is a great “worth the drive” option for families and friends looking for a classic Wisconsin summer outing.

2026 Hours

Whitnall Beer Garden is open April through September.

Monday through Friday: 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and holidays: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

What’s on Tap?

Whitnall Beer Garden offers one of the larger beer garden tap lists in the area, with 24 tap handles featuring a rotating mix of Wisconsin, regional and national favorites.

The current menu includes options from breweries such as Sprecher, Third Space Brewing, Lakefront Brewery, Raised Grain, New Glarus, 3 Sheeps, Eagle Park, Stevens Point, Leinenkugel’s and more. Visitors can expect a wide range of styles, including IPAs, pale ales, pilsners, lagers, farmhouse ales, wheat beers, seltzers and lighter classic options.

Pricing varies by beverage, but many tap beers are listed at:

Pint: $9
Pint refill: $7
Liter: $21
Liter refill: $14

Some lighter options are available at lower prices.

Non-Alcoholic, Gluten-Free and Family-Friendly Drink Options

One nice thing about Whitnall Beer Garden is that the drink menu goes beyond beer. There are hard seltzers, canned options, gluten-free beers, non-alcoholic beers and soft drinks.

Non-alcoholic options include Sprecher root beer, Pepsi products, Gatorade, bottled water and several NA beers, including options from Athletic Brewing, Lakefront Brewery and Blue Moon. Gluten-free beer options from Lakefront Brewery are also listed.

That makes it easier for mixed groups, families and non-beer drinkers to find something that works.

Food at Whitnall Beer Garden

Food is available through Gift of Wings Landing Grill, the beer garden’s grill partner. The menu includes a variety of food and snacks, and the beer garden also notes a Friday Night Fish Fry and pig roasts throughout the season.

It is the kind of place where you can make a full evening out of the visit: grab dinner, find a picnic table, let the kids enjoy the park setting and stay for music.

Wine at the Beer Garden

Beer may be the main attraction, but wine drinkers have an option too. Whitnall Beer Garden also features a Vintage 38 Wine Pony Bar Menu, with wine selections from small-production winemakers focused on classic, Old World-style winemaking.

2026 Live Music at Whitnall Beer Garden

Live music is a major part of the Whitnall Beer Garden experience, with performances scheduled throughout the season. Most Friday and Saturday shows run from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., with select Sunday and holiday performances from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Later in September, some shows shift to 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Upcoming May Shows

May 22: Keith Minikel, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
May 23: Rohn Eric, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
May 24: John Stano, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
May 25: Jacob Halbur, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
May 29: Sorry We’re Open, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
May 30: Chuck Gaidish, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

June Highlights

June brings a steady lineup of Friday, Saturday and select Sunday performances, including Ethan Keller, The Rogue Electrics, Fletcher’s Reason, Lenny Szwiec, Hot Off The Grill, Dead Richard, Jacob Halbur, Pat Davidson, The Doofi and Paul Bast.

July Highlights

July includes music from Dean Richard, Vern & The Originals, Vintage Notes, Pat Davidson, Lenny Szwiec, Rohn Eric, Julie Thompson N’ Troy Trio, Keith Minikel, Fletcher’s Reason and Paul Bast.

August Highlights

The August lineup includes Chuck Gaidish, Sorry We’re Open, Lenny Szwiec, Dead Richard, Vintage Notes, Rohn Eric, Reverend Jerry K, Lindo Prazer, Pat Davidson and Hot Off The Grill.

September Highlights

September keeps the season going with Pat Davidson, Lenny Szwiec, Odd Man Out, Rojo, Dean Richard, Ethan Keller, Julie Thompson N’ Troy Trio, Brian Drow, Keith Minikel and Vintage Notes.

Tips for Visiting Whitnall Beer Garden

Arrive early on live music nights if you want a good table, especially on weekends. Bring layers if you are staying into the evening, since the park setting can cool down after sunset. Families may also want to bring a few simple outdoor activities for kids, especially if planning to stay for dinner and music.

Menus and music schedules can change, so it is worth checking the beer garden’s latest updates before heading out.

Why Families Will Like It

Whitnall Beer Garden has the right mix of things that make a summer outing easy: a scenic park location, food on site, plenty of beverage choices, live music and a casual atmosphere. It works for a low-key date night, a meetup with friends or a family outing where adults can enjoy a craft beer while kids get some fresh air.

For families looking to explore beyond the North Shore, Whitnall Beer Garden is a classic Milwaukee County Parks stop and a great excuse to spend more time outside this summer.