Family Friendly Festivals and Events Around Milwaukee

Shila said:  This is a free event, with plenty of free parking. They will have hot chocolate, coffee, and snacks, compliments of Gift of Wings, while they last. The Giant kites of Yves Laforest will also be flying high over Milwaukee's Lakefront. This is a "Fun Fly" so bring your kite or pick up a kite at Gift of Wings at the park. Ice carving lessons will also be available. Dress very warm!

Cost: free

11 am - 5 pm

Vanessa M. said:  Summer Soulstice Music Festival offers the largest free showcase of top local bands along with a wide variety of visual artists, creation stations, BMX stunt bike show, family-friendly activities and more. Shop arts and crafts at the East Side Market, sample East Side faire at the food court, and don't miss the all ages rock climbing wall.

This parade may be geared towards families with older kids given the late evening start, but this first time event promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Boats will compete for top honors by decorating with lights and other creative details, and the event will feature food/drink and music for the enjoyment of all.

8:30 pm

Erynn said:  A "Fiesta of Pride and Heritage," the annual Mexican Independence Parade & Festival features Mexican music, clowns, pinatas, games, face painting, a community resources exhibit, crafts, food, and merchandise. Immerse yourself in Mexican culture, sample delicious food, and take home candy and crafts!

The parade begins at 10 am, the festival starts at noon at UMOS Center

Vanessa M. said:  The Lakefront Festival of Art features world class art, food, drink, music, and activities for children at the Milwaukee Art Museum campus. Milwaukee's most art-filled festival is annually awarded one of the top art festivals in the country, and features handmade works for sale by more than 170 artists. Children's activities are in abundance during this 3-day festival, including: face painting, jugglers, magicians & a create your own one-of-a-kind masterpiece workshop in the Children’s Art Tent.

Fri: 10 am - 10 pm, Sat: 10 am - 7 pm, & Sun: 10 am - 5 pm

Erynn said:  An exclusive dining experience plus a stellar view of fireworks makes MAM's "explosive" July 3rd experience a winner. They'll be a cocktail reception on the Baumgartner Terrace, followed by a seated dinner. Then after dinner, you'll be able to roam the galleries until it's time to come outside again for a champagne toast and fireworks!

6:30 pm - 10 pm

Head to Lakeshore State Park in downtown Milwaukee to enjoy a day of family fun that makes a positive environmental difference for Lake Sturgeon. This unique festival will have games and activities for kids, kayak demonstrations, prairie tours, educational booths, delicious local food trucks, and more to enjoy a nice fall day with your family.

11 am - 3 pm

Vanessa M. said:  Brady Street will be packed with 4 stages of live entertainment, including some favorite local bands. Fun activities abound such as kid's pizza making contest, BMX shows, cheese curd eating contest, rock climbing wall, and more.

Vanessa M. said:  Third Ward Art Festival boasts free admission, and showcases the work of more than 140 artists. Come for live art demonstrations, live music, and good food. Fun activities including color creations, art fest bingo and spin art will be available for children, making it the perfect festival for art enthusiasts of all ages. There will also be live music & lunch alfresco, among neighboring restaurants and the Milwaukee Public Market.

Shila said:  Bastille Days, Milwaukee’s popular french festival and one of the nation’s largest French-themed celebrations, returns to downtown Milwaukee’s Cathedral Square Park. The free four-day bash attracts over 250,000 visitors annually who enjoy live music, an international marketplace, chef and wine demos, French and Cajun cuisine, roaming busker entertainment and a signature 43-foot Eiffel Tower replica offering hourly light shows.

An all ages event with free admission

Thurs - Fri: 11 am - 11:30 pm, Sat: 10 am - 11:30 pm, & Sun: 11 am - 8 pm

Milwaukee's Mexican Fiesta celebrates Mexican culture through music, food and dancing this August. Mexican Fiesta provides education and cultural events for the growing Hispanic community of Milwaukee and residents from all ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to share in the beauty of Mexico’s rich history, art, music and food. They'll have lots of attractions including a children's stage, soccer tournament, midway rides & more.

Daily, 12 pm - 12 am

Shila said:  The Milwaukee Irish Fest's mission is to celebrate all aspects of Irish, Irish American & Celtic cultures, & to instill an appreciation of their heritage. All are welcome to join the festivities, which include: food, multiple stages of musical acts, dancing, sports, children's activities, cultural exhibits, raffles, fun contests (e.g. Red Hair & Freckles, Leprechaun Coloring) & more! Younger kids will especially enjoy the many Leprechaun Village activities, such as: mini golf, crafts, Highland games, & prizes at the Pot O' Gold.

Shila said:  One of the largest German festivals in North America, German Fest Milwaukee is known for its authentic food, culture and entertainment. At German Fest, families will find plenty of entertainment throughout the grounds every day: fireworks, parades, carousel organs, arts & crafts, German candies in the Marktplatz, a playground, the Battle of the Mascots, Dachshund Derby, Glockenspiel, German dance performances and more!

Fri: 3 pm - 12 am, Sat: 12 pm - 12 am, Sun: 12 pm - 9 pm

Shila said:  Summerfest is an annual music festival held at the 75-acre Henry Maier Festival Park along the lakefront in Milwaukee. Summerfest attracts around 900,000 people each year, promoting itself as "The World's Largest Music Festival." The grounds have a dedicated children's space complete with a playground and kid friendly performances. In certain sections strollers are not permitted, see site for an entire list of concert policies.

See website for fill schedule

Shila said:  America's largest Polish Festival! Polish Fest allows kids a glimpse into their heritage and a grandparent’s nostalgic walk through their past. Learn more about Polish culture in Milwaukee. Polish Fest will have live music, a cultural village, and a wide range of authentic Polish foods such as sausages & pierogis with every type of filling. Childrens activities include: crafts, games, kohl's Design it! Mobile Lab, Survive Alive Trailer and more!

Fri - Sat: 12 pm - 12 am, & Sun: 12 pm - 8 pm