Summer days may be growing shorter, but community and cultural celebrations are just heating up! Here are our top picks for this weekend:
August 17-20, 2023
Admission: Adults $5-$25; Children 12 & Under FREE
Milwaukee Irish Fest is the largest celebration of its kind, anywhere in the world!
Just beyond the giant rainbow, check out the Children’s Area with Lili-Putt mini golf, crafts, Highland games, and prizes at the Pot O’ Gold. Explore the Children’s Cultural Area on the playground, including a Children’s Tea Room, the Irish Discovery Zone, and interactive demonstrations.
You can also pick up a Pirate Paddy Passport, watch a parade, visit the Leprechaun Village, meet and pet some of Ireland’s most popular dog breeds at the Celtic Canine area, and more.
Traditional Irish fare includes bridies (turnovers), sausage rolls, shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, corned beef and cabbage, and a variety of stuffed baked potatoes. For a sweet dessert, try Bailey’s cheesecake, shamrock cookies or Irish cream puffs.
10 Best Things to Do With Kids at Irish Fest >>
August 17-19, 2023, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
August 20, 2023, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: Adults $19.75; Seniors $18.75; Children (3-12) $16.75; 2 & Under FREE; Members FREE (Milwaukee County residents save $1.75 per person)
Grab your lawn chairs and spend a relaxing summer day at the Zoo! This annual event showcases the best flavors Milwaukee has to offer, plus top local and national bands performing throughout the grounds.
Find your perfect grassy spot or picnic table, and try food from many of the area’s best restaurants. Kids will love the arts and crafts projects (Thursday and Friday) and special animal exhibits.
All musical entertainment is included with Zoo admission. Food, special attractions, and rides are offered for an additional fee.
August 19-20, 2023
Admission: FREE
This free outdoor fine arts and crafts festival features artist booths as well as chalk artists, art activities for all ages, live entertainment and music, food trucks, a beer garden, and more.
Located on the Museum of Wisconsin Art’s four-acre campus, this event features artists from the Wisconsin arts community. Experience live art demonstrations from artists who specialize in glass blowing, pottery and ceramics, plein air painting, and – of course – chalk art.
Watch artists demo their craft right before your eyes, or walk away with a henna tattoo, caricature drawing, tintype portrait, or flower crown. Perhaps encounter a live poetry reading. Kids will flock to the balloon artist and kids activity area.
Besides Irish Fest, here are some other cultural festivals happening in Milwaukee this weekend:
Puerto Rican Family Festival – Veterans Park
Sunday, August 20, 2023, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: Adults $10; Seniors $5; Children 12 & Under FREE
A celebration of music, dance, food, and community. Don’t miss the Kids Zone!
Red Magic Art Festival – Jackson Park
Sunday, August 20, 2023, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Enjoy Native American food, artists, vendors, live music, MPD horses, and art activities.
Saturday, August 19, 2023, 8:30 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Bring your blankets and chairs out to Milwaukee’s Veterans Park and enjoy the movie Grease (PG) outdoors! Gift of Wings will be on hand selling food, soda, water, and ice cream, plus popcorn for only $1. The movie starts at dusk.
Summer Night Movie in Veterans Park >>
Thursday, August 17, 2023, 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Back by popular demand, the Back-to-School Resource Fair will take place during the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum’s Community Access Day, so admission will be free for all!
This event will provide invaluable resources for families and children in preparation for the upcoming school year. Children entering 3K-5th grade will be given backpacks filled with essential school supplies and books (while supplies last).
Children and their caring adults also will be able to interact with over a dozen community agencies offering information on school-readiness, health and safety, literacy, early childhood development, and after-school programs.
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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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