This weekend is so jam-packed with kid-friendly fun that we had trouble narrowing down our list! We have no doubt there’s something for every family.
July 18-22, 2023
Admission: FREE
For one week only, you can see the new immersive public art installation “Evanescent” at the Marcus Performing Arts Center Outdoor Grounds, happening in conjunction with the return of Rainbow Summer: HIGHLIGHT. The massive installation by Atelier Sisu invites playful, fun interaction, with giant bubbles made from a color-reflecting dichroic film that reacts to sunlight.
Each night will feature a free public performance with live music from local and regional artists, vendor markets, food trucks, activities, and more. Performances are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. nightly, with a special Family Night planned for Saturday, July 22, that will begin at 6 p.m.
Throughout the week, enjoy blowing bubbles or simply frolicking through them. Bubbles start at 5:30 p.m. on July 18-21 and at 4 p.m. on July 22. There will also be a rainbow-painted piano on site for the public to play, gather, inspire, and create.
Rainbow Summer: Highlight Featuring Evanescent >>
July 22-23, 2023
Admission: FREE
Milwaukee’s lakefront roars with impressive military aircrafts like the Blue Angels during the Air & Water Show, and it’s free to watch from afar. You can also purchase tickets for front row center seats.
One of the top air shows in the United States, the Milwaukee Air & Water Show delivers the thrill of aerial- and water-based acrobatics in a wholesome, family-friendly environment.
This year, keep an eye out for the left-wing Blue Angel (number 3). It’s being flown by the first female Blue Angel pilot, Amanda Lee. Another inspiring female pilot performing this year is Susan Dacy, flying her biplane “Big Red.”
Friday, July 21, 2023, 5-9 p.m.
Admission: FREE
This week is the third Friday of the month, so that means Red Arrow Park’s “Slice of Ice” rink will be reimagined as a community roller skating rink, complete with with DJ sets, free lessons, and food trucks.
This authentic roller skating event will celebrate the local skating culture, while also inviting new skaters, both young and young-at-heart alike, to give roller skating a spin!
Come early for free lessons, presented by Roll Train MKE, from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by a Family Skate hour from 6 to 7 p.m. Then the House DJ, Chicago’s DJ Bam, will spin hits for your skating delight.
Summer Spinz Family Skate Hour >>
July 21-December 31, 2023
Admission: Adults $15; Children (3-13) / Students / Seniors $12
Deep Lake Future, an immersive art show by Milwaukee-based multimedia studio FuzzPop Workshop, will be opening its doors to the public this weekend at VAR Gallery in Walker’s Point.
Created by a team of over 20 local artists and designers,, Deep Lake Future creatively explores the impact of invasive species on the Great Lakes and speculates about a future in which technology and biology have merged in unexpected ways.
Visitors of all ages will be transported to a surreal world where they can explore interactive sculptural elements, hidden passageways, a 3-D soundscape, and state-of-the-art projection mapping.
Visitors join the story as part of an expedition to uncover the bizarre experiments of scientists studying radioactive zebra mussels, musical seaweed, whispering caves, and more.
Timed-entry tickets are available online or at the door.
July 19-23, 2023
Admission: Adults $12 (save $3 online); Youth (6-12) $6; Children (5 and Under) FREE; Parking $5 (motorcycles park FREE)
The oldest county fair in Wisconsin AND the largest event in Waukesha County, the Waukesha County Fair celebrates our rural heritage with barnyard animals, crafts, foods, farm displays — and, of course, the midway!
Pro Tip: Buy your admission tickets online to save money! You can also take advantage of the following family bundles:
- Family Fun Bundle – $34: Includes 2 adult admission, 2 youth admission, 2 cream puffs. Must all be redeemed on the same day.
- Family Fun Admission & Ride Package – $85: Includes 2 adult admission, 2 youth admission, 2 ride wristbands. Valid only 7/20-7/23/23. Must all be redeemed on the same day.
Saturday, July 22, 2023, 4-8 p.m.
Admission: FREE
The 5th Annual Riverwest Food Truck Rally returns this Saturday! This epic street party is FREE and open to the public, and it features 10 of the best food trucks in Milwaukee, as well as beer from the Riverwest Brewery Syndicate.
Saturday, July 22, 2023, Noon-2 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Get ready for the greatest kids concert of the summer! The Little Mermen are the ultimate Disney tribute band for Disney fanatics of all ages. The band’s repertoire covers all 80+ years of the Disney canon, including favorites from The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, Frozen and Encanto.
The group performs in full costume with band members dressing up as characters from the films. They tour nationally to sold out crowds of cosplayers and casual fans alike.
This fun, free and family-friendly event will be held in The Yard at BAYSHORE. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Carry-in alcohol and animals are prohibited.
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There’s so much more happening this weekend! Our Events Calendar is packed with daily events for kids and families. And it can be sorted by location!
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Check out “101 Best Things to do in Milwaukee With Kids“.