102 Adventures: One Thing to Do Every Day This Summer

Summer in greater Milwaukee is packed. The hard part isn't finding something to do — it's choosing. This guide takes the guesswork out of it. One thing per day, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day 2026, across the North Shore and Milwaukee area.

Bookmark this page. You're going to use it all summer.

Memorial Day Weekend

Saturday, May 23 — Brown Deer Medallion Hunt The hunt continues! The Brown Deer Community Foundation’s Medallion Hunt returns for its third year, sending families, neighbors and local treasure hunters across the village in search of a hidden, locally made medallion. This year’s grand prize is $2,500, sponsored by Café Corazon, with clues released every Tuesday and Friday. It’s a fun excuse to get outside, follow the clues and explore Brown Deer in a whole new way.

Sunday, May 24 — Estabrook Park Biergarten Enjoy live music at the Estabrook Park Biergarten, one of the North Shore’s classic outdoor gathering spots. Andrew David Weber performs from 3–6 p.m., making it a relaxed Sunday stop for beer, pretzels, park time and a little live “musik” under the trees.

Monday, May 25 — Memorial Day The Whitefish Bay community will gather at Armory Park at 11 a.m. on Memorial Day for the village’s annual Memorial Day service. This year’s ceremony will feature keynote remarks from Marine Corps veteran Zach Zdroik, whose deeply personal speech reflects on loss, service, brotherhood, and the meaning behind Memorial Day. The ceremony will also include several musical performances, including a featured appearance by Philadelphia-based tenor Zachary Taylor, a current Baumgartner Studio Artist with the Florentine Opera Company.

Late May

Tuesday, May 26 — Mitchell ParkDomes Three glass conservatories housing tropical, arid, and seasonal show gardens make the Domes one of Milwaukee's most underrated family destinations. Located at 524 S. Layton Blvd., admission is $9 for adults and $7 for children.

Wednesday, May 27 — Westown Farmers Market The Westown Farmers Market opens for the season at Zeidler Union Square in downtown Milwaukee, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays. Kid-friendly food vendors, fresh produce, and local makers make it a great midweek outing.

Thursday, May 28 — Thiensville Eats & Beats Prime Country kicks off this concert series at Village Park, bringing ’90s country favorites and modern hits to the stage from 5–9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs or blankets, grab dinner from the food trucks, and settle in for an easy Thursday night of music in the heart of downtown Thiensville.

Friday, May 29 — Bay View Gallery Night This free, self-guided art crawl through Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood runs 5 to 10 p.m. on the last Friday of each month. Stroller-friendly and entirely free, it's a great excuse to explore one of Milwaukee's most vibrant neighborhoods.

Saturday, May 30 — Smoke on the Water BBQ & Brews Fest The first major festival of the lakefront season kicks off at Henry Maier Festival Park. Presented by Harley-Davidson, this BBQ and craft beer celebration is the unofficial start of Milwaukee's legendary festival run.

Sunday, May 31 — UPAF Ride for the Arts Family-distance routes are available at this annual fundraiser for Milwaukee's performing arts organizations. The ride starts and finishes at Henry Maier Festival Park. A great way to close out May on two wheels.

June — Week 1

Lake Park Musical Mondays

Monday, June 1 — Lake Park Musical Mondays The free Lake Park Summer Stage concert series opens for the season at 6:30 p.m. Bring a blanket and a picnic to one of Milwaukee's most beautiful parks along the lakefront bluffs. The series runs Mondays all summer.

Tuesday, June 2 — Taco Tuesday at Café Corazón Turn Taco Tuesday into something local and community-minded at Café Corazón. With locations in Riverwest, Bay View and Brown Deer, Café Corazón serves farm-to-table Mexican food and donates $1 from every taco plate to a local nonprofit through its “Tu y Yo” giving program.

Wednesday, June 3 — Traveling Beer Garden Milwaukee County's beloved Traveling Beer Garden kicks off its "Pass Me a Pint" tour opens at Cooper Park (8701 W. Chambers St.) starting at 5 p.m. The first 20 minutes are free. The tour visits 11 parks through September 20. Find more in our Milwaukee area beer garden guide.

Thursday, June 4 — Spot It, Shorewood! Weekly Clue Follow the latest “Spot It, Shorewood!” clue and see where it leads you. The Shorewood Foundation releases a new clue every Thursday, sending participants around the Village in search of a hidden logo decal. Once you find it, scan the QR code, submit your entry and leave the decal in place so others can play too.

Friday, June 5 — Fox Point Beer Garden Ease into summer with a Friday night at the Fox Point Beer Garden at Longacre Pavilion. The beer garden runs 5–9 p.m., with New Barons Brewing Coop pouring beer, food trucks on site, live music and plenty of space for families and dogs to enjoy the evening.

Saturday, June 6 — Milwaukee Highland Games Head to Croatian Park (9100 S. 76th St., Franklin) for bagpipes, heavy athletics, sheepdog demonstrations, and a kids' Highland Games competition. Gates open at 9 a.m. Or stay at the lakefront and catch PrideFest's closing fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 7 — Free Family Fun Day at Henry Maier Festival Park The Northwestern Mutual Community Park inside the festival grounds is free and open to the public on select Sundays. A great accessible playground and lakefront views make it worth the trip.

June — Week 2

Monday, June 8 — Discovery World Milwaukee's hands-on science and technology museum at 500 N. Harbor Drive offers the Reiman Aquarium, interactive STEM exhibits, and tours of the schooner Denis Sullivan. Perfect for curious kids of any age.

Tuesday, June 9 — Chill on the Hill Opens This free Tuesday concert series at the Humboldt Park bandshell kicks off for summer at 6:30 p.m. It runs every Tuesday through August — one of the most consistent and beloved free music traditions in the city.

Wednesday, June 10 — Live at the Oasis Glendale’s Live at the Oasis series kicks off at Richard E. Maslowski Community Park & Beer Garden with Red Card MKE. The free concert runs 6:30–9 p.m. at 2200 W. Bender Road, giving families and neighbors an easy midweek night out with live music, a beer garden and plenty of summer energy.

Thursday, June 11 — Jazz in the Park This week's Jazz in the Park at Cathedral Square features B.D. Greer Presents: Divas & Jazz. The new Cathedral Square Market, added for 2026, opens at 3 p.m. — arrive early for local vendors before the music starts.

Friday, June 12 — Polish Fest Opens + Tosa Greek Fest Opens + Lakefront Festival of Art Opens Three festivals open on the same Friday. Polish Fest — the largest Polish festival in the United States — kicks off at Henry Maier Festival Park. Tosa Greek Fest begins at Sts. Constantine & Helen in Wauwatosa. And the 61st Lakefront Festival of Art opens at the Milwaukee Art Museum campus with 145 juried artists.

Saturday, June 13 — Fox Point Farmers MarketThe Fox Point Farmers Market opens its 2026 season at North Shore Congregational Church, transforming the parking lot at 7330 N. Santa Monica Blvd. into a Saturday morning hub for fresh produce, artisanal treats and live music. Stop by from 8 a.m.–noon with reusable bags, a cooler and time to linger.

Sunday, June 14 — One of the best farmers markets in the state, the Shorewood Farmers Market returns for its 2026 season, offering a community space where local farmers, artisans, and neighbors come together. Located at the south end of Estabrook Park, 4100 Estabrook Parkway, the market operates every Sunday from June 14 to October 25, 2026, between 9:30 AM and 1 PM.

June — Week 3

Monday, June 15 — Betty Brinn Children's Museum Located at 929 E. Wisconsin Ave., Betty Brinn is Milwaukee's premier hands-on museum for children ages 0 to 10. Check their calendar for summer pop-up programming and themed weeks.

Tuesday, June 16 — Thiensville Village Marketopens its 2026 season at Thiensville Village Park along the Milwaukee River. More than 70 Wisconsin vendors bring produce, cheese curds, pastured meats, flowers and handmade goods from 9 a.m.–2 p.m., with live music from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. and plenty of space to picnic near the river

Wednesday, June 17 — Family Flicks at BAYSHORE. Head to The Yard at BAYSHORE for a free Wednesday night screening of The Lego Batman Movie. The movie begins at 5:30 p.m., with plenty of space for families to spread out on blankets and enjoy an easy outdoor movie night in the heart of Glendale.

Thursday, June 18 — Summerfest Weekend 1 Opens The 58th edition of Summerfest opens at Henry Maier Festival Park with an opening ceremony recognizing Northcott Neighborhood House's Juneteenth scholarship pageant winners. Charlie Wilson headlines the BMO Pavilion. Jazz in the Park hosts a Tribute to Aretha Franklin at Cathedral Square.

Friday, June 19 — Juneteenth Jubilee Parade The 55th annual Juneteenth Parade steps off along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive at 9 a.m. — one of the most important community celebrations in Milwaukee.

Saturday, June 20 — Summer Kölschtice at Foxtown Station Celebrate the longest day of the year with one of the biggest parties of the summer at Foxtown Station. Summer Kölschtice takes over from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. with an all-day lineup of DJ sets from Kid Boogie Down, Carbonella, Blu 9, Treatyoself and DJay Mando. The event is open to all ages, making it an easy Mequon summer stop for music, food, drinks and a full day of outdoor energy.

Sunday, June 21 — Father’s Day at Bavarian Bierhaus in Glendale Enjoy a Father’s Day Pig Roast on Sunday, June 21, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 700 W. Lexington Blvd. The event includes a pig and chicken roast, the biergarten menu, live music from Alte Kameraden, and a free liter of beer for every dad. The event is listed as no cover and no reservations necessary.

June — Week 4

Monday, June 22 — Wehr Nature Center Five miles of trails wind through prairies and wetlands around Mallard Lake at Wehr Nature Center (9701 W. College Ave., Franklin) inside Whitnall Park. Free to hike with paid parking. A great contrast to the lakefront festival frenzy.

Tuesday, June 23 — Doctors Park Beach This quiet Fox Point gem is accessed via a wooded staircase down the bluff to a narrow Lake Michigan beach. It's one of the most scenic and least crowded options on the North Shore — perfect for a low-key Tuesday.

Wednesday, June 24 — Native Gardening Workshop For anyone thinking about adding more native plants at home, Shorewood Waters will host a Getting Started with Native Gardening Workshop on Wednesday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Village Center. This Shorewood Waters Project workshop focuses on local native plants, plus common invasive species found around the Milwaukee River, Lake Michigan bluffs and neighborhood green spaces. It’s a practical, local way to rethink what belongs in the garden.

Thursday, June 25 — Summerfest Weekend 2 + Jazz in the Park Ed Sheeran headlines the AmFam Amphitheater tonight. On the free side, Jazz in the Park at Cathedral Square Park features the Driveway Thriftdwellers. Both are great options depending on your budget.

Friday, June 26 — Summerfest Children's Fest Day This is the best free family moment of the entire Summerfest run. Sponsored by Shorewest Realtors, free admission is available for everyone from noon to 3 p.m. on this Friday only. Cody Johnson with Jessie Murph headlines the evening. Also: the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival opens in historic downtown Cedarburg.

Saturday, June 27 — Adopt-A-River Cleanup: Estabrook to Hubbard Park Pitch in for a hands-on morning along the Milwaukee River with Shorewood Waters Project and local conservation partners. Volunteers will help clean the riverway between Estabrook Park and Hubbard Park, one of the most beautiful stretches of green space in Shorewood. The cleanup runs 9–11 a.m. and meets at the south end of Estabrook Park.

Sunday, June 28 — Cedarburg Strawberry Festival Downtown Cedarburg transforms for its beloved Strawberry Festival, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. along Washington Avenue. Over 300 artists and crafters, a kids' zone at Cedar Creek Park, and more strawberry-themed food than you can handle. Free to attend. The festival closes with a not-to-miss All-You-Can-Eat Strawberry Pancake Breakfast at 8 a.m. at Cedar Creek Settlement. The festival continues 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

July — Week 1

Monday, June 29 — Milwaukee County Zoo The Milwaukee County Zoo is open daily. The rebuilt elephant exhibit and the reopened North America building are the current must-sees. A Zoological Society membership pays for itself in two visits and includes reciprocal admission at 150+ zoos nationwide.

Tuesday, June 30 — Chill on the Hill Free outdoor concert at the Humboldt Park bandshell, 6:30 p.m. One of the most consistent Tuesday traditions in Milwaukee all summer long. Bring a blanket and something to eat.

Wednesday, July 1 — Hubbard Park Summer Sounds Spend a summer Wednesday evening tucked along the Milwaukee River as The King of Mars takes the stage for Hubbard Park Summer Sounds. The free concert runs 6–8:30 p.m., and the park’s hidden-away feel makes it a perfect midweek outing for neighbors, families and anyone looking for live music close to home.

Thursday, July 2 — Summerfest Weekend 3 Opens The final Summerfest weekend opens tonight. Muse headlines the American Family Insurance Amphitheater. Jazz in the Park is dark this week — head to the lakefront instead.

Friday, July 3 — Lakefront Fireworks/Drone Show Milwaukee County Parks hosts a fireworks or drone show at McKinley Beach — confirm the exact format at county.milwaukee.gov/parks close to the date. The Veterans Park Kite Festival, hosted by the Kite Society of Wisconsin, is free and family-friendly during the day.

Saturday, July 4 — Free Summerfest Admission + Community Fireworks The first 5,000 arrivals at Summerfest from noon to 3 p.m. who donate three shelf-stable food items get free general admission (benefits Hunger Task Force). Jelly Roll headlines the evening. Community fireworks fire up across the suburbs — Glendale at Kletzsch Park, Whitefish Bay, Shorewood, Greendale, West Allis, Wauwatosa, and more.

Sunday, July 5 — Quiet Beach Day at Doctors Park After the holiday weekend, decompress at Doctors Park in Fox Point — one of the quietest and most scenic beaches in the metro. Arrive early for parking.

July — Week 2

Monday, July 6 — Milwaukee Public Museum The Streets of Old Milwaukee, the butterfly wing, and rotating exhibits make this one of the best indoor family destinations in the city at 800 W. Wells St. Buy tickets in advance online to skip the box office line.

Tuesday, July 7 — Atwater Beach Shorewood's Atwater Park Beach sits at the base of dramatic bluffs along Lake Michigan. Less crowded than Bradford, with a great grassy park on top for picnics and a long staircase down to the water.

Wednesday, July 8 — River Rhythms Free outdoor music at Pere Marquette Park downtown, 6:30 p.m. The series hits its stride in July — bigger crowds, warmer nights, better energy.

Thursday, July 9 — Bastille Days Opens One of Milwaukee's most beloved free neighborhood festivals takes over Cathedral Square Park tonight. The 40th annual Storm the Bastille 5K runs at 9 p.m. through illuminated downtown streets. Jazz in the Park is dark this week — Bastille Days fills the void.

Friday, July 10 — Sounds of Summer at BAYSHORE Sounds of Summer brings another free Friday night concert to The Yard, with Another One performing from 6–9 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, grab something cold from the beer garden and let the kids stretch out on the turf while the music fills the plaza.

Saturday, July 11 — Festa Italiana Festa Italiana for the pizza-tossing contest and Italian Idol in the afternoon.

Sunday, July 12 — Cedarburg Maxwell Street Days (Summer Edition) + Festa Italiana Final Day The second Maxwell Street Days flea market of the summer runs 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cedarburg Firemen's Park. Pair it with a morning in downtown Cedarburg, then catch the close of Bastille Days or Festa Italiana in the afternoon.

July — Week 3

Monday, July 13 — Milwaukee Public Museum Return visit or first-time exploration of this beloved anchor at 800 W. Wells St. Summer is a great time to revisit the rotating exhibits, which refresh throughout the season.

Tuesday, July 14 — Chill on the Hill Free Tuesday concert at Humboldt Park, 6:30 p.m. Bring the kids — the park has great open green space for running around between sets.

Wednesday, July 15 — Waukesha County FairWisconsin's oldest county fair (since 1842) opens at the Waukesha County Expo (1000 Northview Rd.) and runs through Sunday, July 19. Rides, livestock, entertainment, and classic fair food. Also: River Rhythms downtown.

Thursday, July 16 — Port Fish Days Opens Downtown Port Washington on Lake Michigan hosts what its organizers call the "World's Largest One-Day Outdoor Fish Fry" — though the event actually runs three days, July 16 to 18. A parade, classic car show, and Saturday night fireworks are all part of the tradition since 1964. Waukesha County Fair continues.

Friday, July 17 — Cedarburg Summer Sounds Summer Sounds brings one of the season’s most memorable acts to Cedar Creek Park with Saxsquatch and special guest DJ4000. Bring a chair, settle in early and expect a fun, offbeat Friday night that should be a hit with music fans and families looking for something different.

Saturday, July 18 — Incredible India Festival Incredible India Festival opens at Henry Maier Festival Park — a family-friendly celebration of South Asian culture, music, and food. Waukesha County Fair also continues through Sunday.

Sunday, July 19 — Paw Patrol Day at the Brewers If you have younger kids, this is a can't-miss Brewers themed game at American Family Field. The Waukesha County Fair closes today as well.

July — Week 4

Monday, July 20 — Riveredge Nature Center This 379-acre gem in Saukville (4458 W. Hawthorne Dr., Ozaukee County) offers trails through prairies, wetlands, and along the Milwaukee River. One of the most beautiful and undervisited nature centers in the metro area.

Tuesday, July 21 — Washington County Fair Opens Six days of rides, livestock, concerts, a tractor pull, and fireworks kick off at Washington County Fair Park (3000 Hwy PV, West Bend), running through July 26. A great overnight or day-trip destination in Washington County.

Wednesday, July 22 — Milwaukee Night Market #2 The second Night Market of the summer returns to West Wisconsin Avenue, 5 to 9 p.m. Free admission, 100+ vendors, food, and music. Washington County Fair continues. River Rhythms also tonight.

Thursday, July 23 — Jazz in the Park: The First Wave This week's Jazz in the Park at Cathedral Square features an 80s-themed set. The Cathedral Square Market opens at 3 p.m. Washington County Fair continues in West Bend.

Friday, July 24 — German Fest Opens The 44th German Fest opens at Henry Maier Festival Park — dachshund races, polka bands, alpine entertainment, and more beer steins than you can count. Kids 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Washington County Fair continues.

Saturday, July 25 — Milwaukee Air & Water Show Presented by WaterStone Bank, the Air & Water Show runs along the lakefront at McKinley and Bradford Beach with USAF Heritage Flight and USMC MV-22 Osprey demonstrations confirmed for 2026. One of the great free spectacles of the Milwaukee summer. German Fest and Washington County Fair also continue today.

Sunday, July 26 — Air & Water Show Day 2 The show continues through Sunday afternoon. German Fest closes today (noon to 9 p.m.) and Washington County Fair wraps up as well — a full final Sunday of summer activity.

August — Week 1

Monday, July 27 — Kayaking the Milwaukee River Milwaukee Kayak Company (318 S. Water St.) rents kayaks and SUPs from the Historic Third Ward. Paddle north through the city and see Milwaukee from a completely different angle.

Tuesday, July 28 — Chill on the Hill One of the final Tuesdays in the summer series at Humboldt Park bandshell, 6:30 p.m. The midsummer crowds are at their peak energy.

Wednesday, July 29 — Racine County Fair Opens + Ozaukee County Fair Opens Two county fairs open simultaneously today. The Racine County Fair runs through August 2 at 19805 Durand Ave. in Union Grove. The Ozaukee County Fair opens at Cedarburg Firemen's Park — one of the last free-admission county fairs in the Midwest, running since 1859. Both run through the weekend. River Rhythms also continues downtown.

Thursday, July 30 — Greendale Village Days Opens + Jazz in the Park Greendale Village Days kicks off along Broad Street in historic downtown Greendale (through August 2) with live music, a beer garden, a classic car show, and the Lions Club Rummage on the Green. Jazz in the Park tonight features the Ivy Ford Band at Cathedral Square.

Friday, July 31 — Ozaukee County Fair + Racine County Fair + Greendale Village Days Three local events run simultaneously today — a great excuse to pick the one closest to you and dive in. The Ozaukee County Fair is free to enter.

Saturday, August 1 — Black Arts Fest MKE + Bronzeville Week Opens Black Arts Fest MKE runs noon to 10 p.m. at Henry Maier Festival Park, celebrating African heritage through music, food, fashion, art, and dance. Bronzeville Week (August 1–8) kicks off along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive with over 25 community events anchored by the City of Milwaukee. Final day for Greendale Village Days, Ozaukee Fair, and Racine Fair.

Sunday, August 2 — Bronzeville Cultural & Arts Festival A free outdoor festival along MLK Drive celebrating Milwaukee's historic African-American cultural district with live performance, local vendors, and community programming.

August — Week 2

Monday, August 3 — Milwaukee Public Market + RiverWalk A relaxed Monday evening: browse the vendors at the Milwaukee Public Market, then walk north along the RiverWalk through the Third Ward and east to the lakefront. Free, easy, and beautiful in August.

Tuesday, August 4 — Chill on the Hill Free Tuesday concert at Humboldt Park, 6:30 p.m. Summer starts feeling finite in early August — enjoy it.

Wednesday, August 5 — Washington Park Wednesdays + Brewers Naruto Night The free Washington Park bandshell concert series continues on the west side. If your household has anime fans, don't miss the Brewers Naruto Night at American Family Field featuring a postgame laser show.

Thursday, August 6 — Wisconsin State Fair Opens The 175th anniversary Wisconsin State Fair opens in West Allis (run through August 16). Cream puffs, the Giant Slide, the Sky Glider, and SpinCity rides are the classics — but there are dozens of free stages, livestock exhibits, and food vendors beyond the midway. Admission was $15 through May 31 — check wistatefair.com for current pricing.

Friday, August 7 — Wisconsin State Fair Day 2 The dairy barn, the Original Cream Puff Pavilion (arrive before 9 a.m. to beat the line), and the Bank Five Nine Amphitheater entertainment make State Fair worth at least two full days. Here Come the Mummies plays tonight.

Saturday, August 8 — Wisconsin State Fair Day 3 Early mornings are the least crowded — hit the animal exhibits and judging arenas before noon, then enjoy the midway in the afternoon. The fair runs through August 16, so pace yourself.

Sunday, August 9 — Humboldt Park Beer Garden The Vine at Humboldt Park is one of five permanent Milwaukee County Parks beer gardens open through summer. A beautiful Sunday afternoon option: the garden overlooks the lagoon, the bandshell is nearby, and it's one of the most welcoming family beer garden settings in the system.

August — Week 3

Monday, August 10 — State Fair Amphitheater Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone plays free with fair admission tonight at the State Fair Amphitheater in West Allis. Classic summer entertainment.

Tuesday, August 11 — Atwater Park Beach + Shorewood Stroll A late-summer beach day at Atwater in Shorewood, followed by ice cream and a walk through Shorewood's commercial district along Oakland Avenue.

Wednesday, August 12 — State Fair + River Rhythms Hairbangers Ball plays the State Fair Amphitheater tonight. Or stay in the city for River Rhythms at Pere Marquette Park — both are free with your respective admissions.

Thursday, August 13 — Irish Fest Opens Billed as the world's largest Irish music festival, Milwaukee Irish Fest opens at Henry Maier Festival Park with over 100 entertainment acts across 17 stages. Kids 12 and under are free. The festival runs August 13–16. Jazz in the Park also continues at Cathedral Square.

Friday, August 14 — Irish Fest Day 2 Gaelic Storm, Altan, and Scythian are among the performing artists today. The cultural village, dance competitions, and céilí dancing are as much a draw as the music. State Fair continues in West Allis.

Saturday, August 15 — Irish Fest + State Fair Finals Irish Fest's céilí night is one of the most energetic evenings of the summer — participatory traditional Irish dancing for all skill levels. The State Fair hosts its traditional Drum & Bugle Corps competition on the penultimate Saturday.

Sunday, August 16 — Irish Fest Sunday Mass + State Fair Closes Irish Fest closes with a Sunday morning outdoor Mass — one of the largest outdoor Catholic liturgies in the region — before transitioning to afternoon entertainment. State Fair closes today after 11 packed days in West Allis.

August — Week 4

Monday, August 17 — Whitnall Park Beer Garden + Wehr Nature Center Spend the afternoon hiking Wehr Nature Center's trails around Mallard Lake, then walk over to the Whitnall Park Beer Garden for a relaxed early evening. One of the five permanent county-parks gardens.

Tuesday, August 18 — Bradford Beach Sunset August sunsets over Lake Michigan from Bradford Beach are among the best in the city. Pack a dinner, arrive around 6:30 p.m., and stay until the light fades over the water.

Wednesday, August 19 — Milwaukee Night Market #3 + Kenosha County Fair Opens The third Night Market of the summer runs on West Wisconsin Avenue from 5 to 9 p.m. Meanwhile, the Kenosha County Fair opens at the fairgrounds (30820 111th St., Wilmot) and runs through Sunday, August 23. Also: Brewers Hello Kitty Night.

Thursday, August 20 — Jazz in the Park: Platinum (Dance Floor Takeover) One of the most popular Jazz in the Park themes of the season, this R&B/dance night at Cathedral Square typically draws some of the biggest crowds of the summer. The Cathedral Square Market opens at 3 p.m.

Friday, August 21 — Mexican Fiesta DayMexican Fiesta opens at Henry Maier Festival Park (through August 23) with mariachi, a cultural pavilion, 150+ artisans, a lowrider car show, and cumbia stages.

Saturday, August 22 — Fresh Coast Beach Party at Atwater Beach Atwater Beach turns into a celebration of Lake Michigan for the Fresh Coast Beach Party. Expect beach music, food, surf lessons, face painting, art activities, a drum booth and water-resource partners sharing ways to protect the lake and local waterways. It’s the kind of North Shore summer event that feels equal parts beach day, community festival and environmental field trip.

Sunday, August 23 — Mexican Fiesta Closes + Kenosha County Fair Closes Mexican Fiesta closes with a Holy Mass and Procession with Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Run/Walk for Obesity & Diabetes Awareness steps off from Gate 10 at 8 a.m. Kenosha County Fair wraps up today in Wilmot.

Labor Day Weekend

Monday, August 24 — Schlitz Audubon Raptor Program As summer winds down, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center in Bayside offers an evening chance to see its resident birds of prey up close — 15 raptors including Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and Great Horned Owls. Check schlitzaudubon.org for the fall program schedule.

Tuesday, August 25 — Lake Park Summer Stage Closing Weeks The Lake Park concert series heads into its final stretch. A Monday or Wednesday evening at the bandshell in Lake Park, overlooking the lake through the trees, is one of the most peaceful ways to spend a late-summer evening in Milwaukee.

Wednesday, August 26 — Washington Park Wednesdays Final Week One of the final free concerts at Washington Park bandshell before the outdoor season wraps up. River Rhythms also continues at Pere Marquette Park.

Thursday, August 27 — Jazz in the Park: 52nd Street – The Music of Billy Joel One of the most reliably packed Jazz in the Park evenings of the season, the Billy Joel tribute at Cathedral Square is a great penultimate Thursday of summer.

Friday, August 28 — Cedarburg Summer Sounds Cedar Creek Park in Cedarburg hosts free Friday-evening concerts through late August. A low-key, charming way to spend one of the last summer Fridays in Ozaukee County.

Saturday, August 29 — Ozaukee County Farmers Market + South Shore Beer Garden Finish the summer with a morning at the Cedarburg Farmers Market (Fridays) or Shorewood Farmers Market (Sundays), then head to the South Shore Terrace Beer Garden for a late-afternoon session overlooking Lake Michigan in Bay View.

Sunday, August 30 — Bradford Beach Final Weekend The last unofficial weekend of summer at Milwaukee's most iconic beach. Lifeguards are on duty through Labor Day. Soak it in.

Monday, August 31 — Oak Leaf Trail Lakefront Ride Bike the lakefront segment of the Oak Leaf Trail from Lake Park south to South Shore Park — a 10-mile round trip through Milwaukee's best-preserved green space along the lake. End with custard at any of the North Shore shops on the way home.

Tuesday, September 1 — Labor Day: Cool Waters Aquatic Park Cap off summer with one last splash at Cool Waters (2028 S. 124th St., Greenfield) — the Milwaukee area's biggest outdoor waterpark inside Greenfield Park. Lifeguarded pools, waterslides, and a lazy river make it the perfect final day of summer for families.

Always confirm dates and times at official event websites before you go — festival schedules and free admission windows can change. For ongoing updates on Greater Milwaukee family events, sign up for the North Shore Family Adventures newsletter at northshorefamilyadventures.com.