Festivals and special events abound this weekend! Celebrate all Milwaukee has to offer with these top happenings:
Boerner Botanical Gardens, 9400 Boerner Dr., Hales Corners, WI 53130
September 13-October 27, 2024, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Admission: General $23; Children (Ages 3-11) $16; Family 4-Pack $65; Infant Under 3 FREE
Weekend (Friday & Saturday): General $28; Children (Ages 3-11) $18; Family 4-Pack $78; Infant Under 3 FREE
Celebrate Year of the Dragon with more than 40 larger-than-life light displays at Boerner Botanical Gardens! The Dragon King, flower tunnel, and zodiac lanterns are just some of the highlights of this year’s event. Visitors will see something different at every turn as they walk through the garden at night.
Davidson Park, 3725 W. Juneau Ave Milwaukee, WI 53208
Friday, September 13, 2024, 4-9 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Near West Side Partners during the first-ever Near West Fest! The festivities kick off with a happy hour in Davidson Park‘s 1903 Tavern beer garden. Plus, shop from local vendors at the maker’s market, listen to music, and snack on bites from one of the participating food trucks. As the sun sets, grab a seat in the Hub for a family fun movie night (bring a blanket or chair for extra comfort).
Henry Maier Festival Park, 100 N. Harbor Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53202
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Admission: $25 for general admission and 4 taco tickets; Kids 5 and under FREE (taco tickets not included). Additional taco tickets can be purchased at the event for $3 each.
Get your fill of the best tacos in Milwaukee at this family-friendly fiesta, then vote for your favorite! Activities and entertainment include Hole-in-One, Bags, Cactus Ring Toss, Taco Trivia, Bingo and a Chihuahua beauty pageant!
Menomonee Valley Community Park, 212 South 36th St., Milwaukee, WI
Saturday, September 14, 2024, 10 a.m.-Noon
Admission: FREE
Menomonee Valley Partners and Near West Side Partners are teaming up for a family-friendly bike ride through the Valley and Near West Side Neighborhoods. Two routes are available for those of all abilities (2-mile and 5-mile), and bike resources and tune ups will be available from the Milwaukee Bicycle Collective. Cool off with a Pete’s Pop at the finish!
This event is part of 2024 Valley Week, presented by Potawatomi Hotel & Casino. Valley Week is an annual event that invites you to explore and experience Milwaukee’s Menomonee River Valley!
UWM Planetarium, 900 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53211
Saturday, September 14, 2024, 7-9 p.m. (First Show: 7-8 p.m.; Second Show: 8-9 p.m.)
Admission: General $6; UWM Students $5 (gazing through outdoor telescopes is FREE)
Saturday is International Observe the Moon Night! Gaze at the Moon through telescopes outside of the UWM Physics building, and enjoy a planetarium show at 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. Planetarium shows cover lunar exploration, as well as personal and cultural connections to our closest celestial neighbor.
This event is open to the public. Not recommended for children under 4.
Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53215
September 14-15, 2024, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: Adults $9 (Milwaukee County residents $8); Seniors $9 (Residents $6); Juniors (3-12) / Students / Military / Adults with disabilities $6; Children 2 and Under FREE
“Fall in Love with Orchids” at the Mitchell Park Domes this weekend! There will be orchid displays, plants, and potting supplies in the lobby of The Domes. Admission to the orchid show is included with admission to The Domes.
Wisconsin Orchid Show & Sale >>
Armory Park, W239N5730 Maple Ave., Sussex, WI 53089
Saturday, September 14, 2024, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Admission: FREE
This event is geared toward kids ages 2-8, but it will appeal to anyone – kid or adult – who loves trucks! There will be so many types of trucks on hand, including food trucks!
To make room for all of the big, amazing trucks that will be at this event, Maple Avenuewill be closed from Maple Grove Lane to Sussex Preserve Boulevard starting at 9 a.m. (A detour will be in place.) Entrance to this event will be from north of Maple Grove Lane ONLY. You will turn left into the park and park as directed.
Check the Events Calendar for more! You can even apply filters to find events in the North Suburbs, West Suburbs, South Suburbs, and more.
100 Best Things To Do With Kids in Milwaukee
From fresh farmer’s markets and must-visit museums to professional sports games and cozy indoor play cafes, there are so many great things to do in MKE with your whole family.
Events Calendar
Dive into our Events Calendar for an exciting array of daily activities perfect for kids and families, all handily sorted by location.
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.