Our Guide to Milwaukee and Waukesha County’s Summer Festivals and Fairs (2025)
Festa Italiana – May 30 – June 1, 2025 – Milwaukee, WI
Celebrate Italian culture with delicious cuisine, live music, traditional dancing, and a dazzling fireworks show at the lakefront. Festa Italiana honors the rich heritage and traditions of Milwaukee’s Italian-American community.
Okauchee Lions Days – May 30 – June 1, 2025 – Okauchee, WI
This family-friendly festival features a lively parade, carnival rides, food vendors, and live entertainment. Hosted by the Okauchee Lions Club, proceeds support local charities and community projects.
PrideFest – June 5 – 7, 2025 – Milwaukee, WI
One of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ festivals, PrideFest features music, drag performances, cultural programming, and a welcoming atmosphere. Held on the scenic Summerfest grounds, it celebrates diversity, inclusion, and love.
Polish Fest – June 13 – 15, 2025 – Milwaukee, WI
Polish Fest offers a vibrant taste of Poland with folk dancing, pierogi, polka bands, and cultural exhibits. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in Polish traditions and hospitality.
Juneteenth MKE – June 19, 2025 – Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee’s Juneteenth celebration is one of the largest in the country, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The day includes a parade, cultural performances, food, and community empowerment activities.
Summerfest – June 19-21, June 26-28, July 3-5, 2025 – Milwaukee, WI
The World’s Largest Music Festival,” Summerfest spans three weekends with major headliners like Hozier, Megan Thee Stallion, and Lainey Wilson, along with local acts across multiple stages. Located along Milwaukee’s lakefront, it’s a summer staple for music lovers of all kinds.
Pewaukee Kiwanis Beach Party with the Lake Country Clean Water Festival – June 21, 2025 – Pewaukee, WI
This fun-filled beach event features live music, food and drinks, kids’ activities, and water-focused education and exhibits. Hosted along Pewaukee Lake, it promotes community spirit while raising awareness for clean water initiatives.
Harley-Davidson Homecoming™ Festival – July 10-13, 2025 – Milwaukee, WI
This citywide celebration honors Harley-Davidson’s heritage with motorcycle rallies, factory tours, museum events, and live concerts, including a headlining performance by Chris Stapleton. It draws bikers and enthusiasts from around the globe.
Lake Country Art Festival – July 12, 2025 – Delafield, WI
Featuring regional artists and crafters, this juried festival also includes live music, food vendors, and kids’ activities. Proceeds benefit the Lake Country Women’s Club and local charities.
Sussex Lions Daze – July 11-13, 2025 – Sussex, WI
A beloved community event with a carnival, fireworks, parade, and car show. Lions Daze also supports local nonprofit causes through its fundraising efforts.
Dominic Days Festival – July 10-13, 2025 – Brookfield, WI
Hosted by St. Dominic Catholic Parish, this family festival includes carnival rides, food tents, bingo, and nightly live music. It blends fun with a community-focused mission.
Milwaukee Dragon Boat Festival – July 12, 2025 – Milwaukee, WI
Held at Veterans Park Lagoon, this vibrant festival celebrates Asian culture through thrilling dragon boat races, traditional performances, and cuisine from across Asia.
Waukesha County Fair – July 16-20, 2025 – Waukesha, WI
This traditional county fair features 4-H exhibits, carnival rides, livestock shows, and grandstand entertainment, including performances by Justin Moore, Ted Nugent, and Night Ranger.. It’s the oldest county fair in Wisconsin, offering fun for all ages.
Delafield Block Party – July 17-19, 2025 – Delafield, WI
A lively street festival with local food, live music, and a welcoming small-town vibe. Enjoy a fun-filled weekend in the heart of downtown Delafield.
Bastille Days – July 17-20, 2025 – Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee’s Cathedral Square transforms into a Parisian village with French food, street performers, and the famous 5K Storm the Bastille Run. This free festival celebrates French culture and global connections.
Milwaukee Air & Water Show – July 19-20, 2025 – Milwaukee, WI
Experience thrilling aerial acrobatics and military jet demonstrations along Milwaukee’s lakefront, including the US NAVY Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron. The event also includes watercraft exhibitions and family-friendly activities.
Dousman Derby Days – July 24-27, 2025 – Dousman, WI
Enjoy softball tournaments, a carnival, live music, and the famous “Toilet Bowl Parade.” This quirky, fun event brings the whole town together for a good time.
German Fest – July 25-27, 2025 – Milwaukee, WI
Celebrate German culture with authentic food, beer, music, and heritage displays. This lakefront festival also features dachshund races and traditional folk dancing.
Milwaukee Brewfest – July 26, 2025 – Milwaukee, WI
Sample craft beers, hard ciders, and more from over 100 breweries at this one-day event on the lakefront. Attendees also enjoy food trucks and live music.
Hartland Kids Day – July 30, 2025 – Hartland, WI
A free, family-focused event offering bounce houses, games, stage shows, and community resources. It’s a great way for families to connect and celebrate summer.
Wisconsin State Fair – July 31 – August 10, 2025 – West Allis, WI
A summer tradition with thrilling rides, agricultural exhibits, live concerts, and famous cream puffs. This year’s main stage features exciting performances by Boyz II Men, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Darius Rucker, and more. The State Fair offers something for everyone across 11 days of fun.
Black Arts Fest MKE – August 2, 2025 – Milwaukee, WI
This one-day festival celebrates African and African-American culture through music, art, dance, and food. It’s a vibrant celebration of heritage and creativity.
Sprecher Root Beer Bash – August 2, 2025 – Glendale, WI
A family-friendly event featuring Sprecher beverages, games, entertainment, and root beer floats. It’s a sweet celebration of a local Milwaukee favorite.
Greendale Village Days – August 7-10, 2025 – Greendale, WI
A charming community festival with a parade, live music, carnival, and local vendors. Greendale’s historic village center makes for the perfect backdrop.
Waukesha Rotary BluesFest – August 8-9, 2025 – Delafield, WI
A celebration of blues music set in scenic Naga-Waukee Park. The festival features nationally known and regional blues artists, along with food and beverages.
Jewish Food Festival – August 10-11, 2025 – Mequon, WI
Taste delicious Jewish cuisine while enjoying music, cultural presentations, and family-friendly fun. The festival also includes interactive exhibits and cooking demos.
Irish Fest – August 14-17, 2025 – Milwaukee, WI
The largest Irish cultural festival in North America, Irish Fest offers music, dance, sports, and food along Milwaukee’s lakefront. Discover the spirit and hospitality of Ireland.
A La Carte at the Zoo – August 14-17, 2025 – Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee County Zoo becomes a food and music haven with local restaurants and live entertainment. Explore the zoo while sampling a variety of cuisine.
Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts – August 16-17, 2025 – Oconomowoc, WI
Held in Fowler Park, this festival showcases fine art and craft from over 100 artists. Enjoy live music, food booths, and scenic lake views.
Fresh Coast Jazz Festival – August 21-23, 2025 – Milwaukee, WI
This smooth jazz festival brings nationally recognized performers to Milwaukee for three days of music and style. Events are held in intimate venues across the city.
Mexican Fiesta – August 22-24, 2025 – Milwaukee, WI
Celebrate Mexican culture with mariachi music, folkloric dance, authentic food, and family activities. Held on the Summerfest grounds, it’s one of the Midwest’s largest Hispanic festivals.
Wisconsin Highland Games – August 29-31, 2025 – Waukesha, WI
Immerse yourself in Scottish culture with traditional games, pipe bands, Highland dancing, and Celtic vendors. The games celebrate ancestral heritage and friendly competition.
