Our Guide to Milwaukee and Waukesha County’s Summer Festivals and Fairs (2026)
Okauchee Lions Days – May 29-31, 2026 – 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 4-6, 2026 – 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 12-14,2026 – 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.
Summerfest – June 18-20, June 25-27, July 2-4, 2026 – Milwaukee, WI
Known as The World’s Largest Music Festival, Summerfest takes over Milwaukee’s lakefront for three weekends of unforgettable performances. Held at Henry Maier Festival Park, the festival features hundreds of artists across multiple stages, spanning rock, pop, country, hip-hop, and emerging talent. In addition to live music, guests can enjoy lakefront dining, interactive experiences, and unbeatable summer vibes along Lake Michigan.
Juneteenth MKE – June 19, 2026 – 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.
Pewaukee Kiwanis Beach Party with the Lake Country Clean Water Festival – June 27, 2026 – 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.
Bastille Days – July 9-12, 2026 – 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.
Festa Italiana – July 10-12, 2026 – 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.
Sussex Lions Daze – July 10-12, 2026 – 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.
Lake Country Art Festival – July 11, 2026 – 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.
Milwaukee Dragon Boat Festival – July 11, 2026 – 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 15-19, 2026 – Waukesha, WI
As the oldest county fair in Wisconsin, the Waukesha County Fair blends tradition with high-energy entertainment. Guests can explore 4‑H exhibits, livestock shows, carnival rides, and classic fair food, plus enjoy big-name grandstand concerts throughout the week. With activities for kids, families, and fairgoers of all ages, it’s a true summertime staple in Waukesha County.
Delafield Block Party – July 16-18, 2026 – 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.
Dousman Derby Days – July 23-26, 2026 – 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.
Milwaukee Air & Water Show – July 25-26, 2026 – 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.
German Fest – July 24-26, 2026 – 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 25, 2026 – 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 29, 2026 – 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.
Greendale Village Days – July 30 – August 2, 2026 – 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.
Black Arts Fest MKE – August 1, 2026– 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.
Jewish Food Festival – August 2 – 3, 2026 – Mequon, WI
Taste delicious Jewish cuisine while enjoying music, cultural presentations, and family-friendly fun. The festival also includes interactive exhibits and cooking demos.
Wisconsin State Fair – August 6-16, 2026 – West Allis, WI
A must‑do summer tradition, the Wisconsin State Fair delivers 11 days of food, fun, and entertainment. From iconic cream puffs and thrill rides to agricultural showcases and shopping, there’s something around every corner. The Main Stage hosts nationally recognized performers, while family-friendly attractions and exhibits celebrate Wisconsin’s rich culture, farming roots, and community spirit.
Irish Fest – August 13 – 16, 2026 – 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.
Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts – August 15-16, 2026 – 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 20-22, 2026 – 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.
A La Carte at the Zoo – August 20-23, 2026– 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.
Mexican Fiesta – August 21-23, 2026 – 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 – September 4-6, 2026 – 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.
TosaFest – September 11-12, 2026
TosaFest brings the heart of Wauwatosa to life with a lively neighborhood celebration featuring live music, local food vendors, family activities, and artisan booths. Held in the downtown area it offers a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere.
