fairs & festivals

They don't call Milwaukee the "City of Festivals" for nothing. And while the name has been attached to the city, it really applies to the entire region.

The list below only includes those festivals or events that offer FREE admission at least one day, usually a Thursday or Friday, some time between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

There are dozens of smaller community and church festivals that take place throughout the area. Contact the chamber of commerce or city clerk's office in a particular community for information.

Please note that while this listing is in chronological order, there is some overlap – especially with the longer festivals.

Gathering Waters Festival
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Lakeshore State Park
11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Celebrate National Get Outdoors Day at this FREE event near the Summerfest Grounds. Check out the FREE exhibits between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Enjoy the Rip Tide Beach Party & Reggae Music until 7:00 p.m. Bring the entire family for FREE kayaking and canoeing demonstrations, DNR fish and fly fishing clinics (poles provided), boat and bike rides, rock wall climbing, kite flying, and loads of other activities.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

For more information, call (414) 588-0617 or visit www.gatheringwatersfest.org

LakeFront Festival of the Arts
Friday, June 18 through Sunday, June 20, 2010
Art Museum Drive, Milwaukee lakefront
Friday noon to 9:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This favorite summer event features 180 juried artists, hands-on art activities for kids, live entertainment and music, food for purchase, and a silent auction.

FREE admission for children 16 and younger (including groups) when accompanied by at least one adult with paid admission. Adult admission is $12 at the gate, $7 for Milwaukee Art Museum Members with valid membership card. Advance tickets are available online for $7. A three-day pass is $20.

For more information call: (414) 224-3854 or visit http://lfoa.mam.org/

Polish Fest
Friday, June 18 through Sunday, June 20, 2010
Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee
Gates open at noon on Friday

FREE admission for all with a donation of three or more nonperishable food items on Saturday from 8:00 p.m. to midnight. Children age 15 and under are admitted FREE at all times, when accompanied by a paying adult. FREE admission for U.S. Military personnel in uniform. Dads get in FREE on Father’s Day. Friday admission is $0.50 between noon and 5:00 p.m. See the web site for additional pricing and discounts. The special children's area features arts and crafts, games, inflatables, and other activities.

For more information call (414) 529-2140 or visit www.polishfest.org

Summerfest
Thursday, June 24 through Sunday, July 4, 2010 Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee
Gates open weekdays at noon.

Take advantage of these promotions for FREE ADMISSION. Note: The Mid-Gate promotions tent is located across the street from the Summerfest Mid-Gate, at Harbor Drive and Chicago Street.

Thursday, June 24 - Noon - 3:00 p.m. - Each person who donates three (3) non-perishable food items will receive one (1) FREE ADMISSION ticket! Donations will be accepted at the Mid-Gate promotions tent as well as the North Gate. All donations benefit the Hunger Task Force.

Thursday, June 24 - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. - The first 2,000 peoples, 21 and older who bring six (6) Miller High Life or Miller High Life Light bottle caps will receive one (1) FREE ADMISSION ticket!

Friday, June 25 - Noon - 3:00 p.m. or while supplies last. - The first 1,500 people will receive one (1) FREE ADMISSION ticket at the Mid-Gate promotions tent when they turn in a Cedar Crest lid and receipt dated June 1 – June 25, 2010 for the purchase of one (1) 48 oz. Cedar Crest ice cream. No copies or handwritten receipts will be accepted.

Saturday, June 26 - Noon - 3:00 p.m. or while supplies last. - The first 1,500 people who make a donation to a Goodwill Store & Donation Center from June 1 - June 26, 2010 and bring in their original donation receipt will receive one (1) FREE ADMISSION ticket.

Sunday, June 27 - Noon - 3:00 p.m. or while supplies last. - The first 1,000 people contributing $10 or more to the Debra Steigerwaldt Waller Foundation will receive one (1) FREE ADMISSION ticket and a Jockey Being Family® Bear. Donations will be accepted at the Mid-Gate promotions tent.

Sunday, June 27 - Noon - 3:00 p.m. or while supplies last - is Scout Day. All Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts (of Wisconsin Southeast) in uniform will receive one (1) FREE ADMISSION ticket at the South Gate promotion booth valid from Noon until 3:00p.m. and enjoy a scout scavenger hunt.

Monday, June 28 - Noon - 3:00 p.m. - FREE ADMISSION FOR EVERYONE FOR CHILDREN’S FEST - Noon and 3:00 p.m. Spend a fun filled day with the family enjoying free Children’s Fest activities including the Map of Fun and Family Ticket Package giveaway contest. Select food vendors will offer discounts on food & beverage items.

Tuesday, June 29 - Noon - 6:30 p.m. - Noon and 6:30 p.m. You can purchase an admission ticket for only $2 each compliments of Kapco. Tickets can also be purchased online at Summerfest.com.

Wednesday, June 30 - Noon - 3:00 p.m. or while supplies last. - The first 1,500 people will receive one (1) FREE ADMISSION ticket at the Summerfest Mid-Gate promotions tent when they provide a Klement’s product label (8 oz. or larger) and a non-perishable food item.

Wednesday, June 30 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. - All people who arrive at the Summerfest Mid-Gate between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. wearing a shirt with the “Show Your Smile” iron-on and present the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel coupon will receive $7 off their $15 admission. People who present only the coupon between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m., but are not wearing the special “Show Your Smile” iron-on will receive $5 off their $15. Both the coupon and the “Show Your Smile” iron-on are available in the Sunday June 20th, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Be spotted wearing the “Show Your Smile” iron-on, on your shirt June 30th and win great prizes.

July 1 - Noon - 3:00 p.m. or while supplies last. - The first 1,500 people who donate any new, indoor children’s toy, art supplies or children’s G or PG rated DVD movie with a $5.00 minimum value will receive one (1) FREE ADMISSION ticket. All items collected will be used throughout the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin system. (All items must be new with original tags attached and/or original packaging.)

Thursday, July 1 - Noon - 3:00 p.m. - Receive one (1) FREE ADMISSION ticket when presenting a valid H.O.G.® (Harley Owners Group®) card at the Mid-Gate promotions tent. One admission per card.

Friday, July 2 - Noon - 3:00 p.m. or while supplies last. - The first 1,500 peoples will receive one (1) FREE ADMISSION ticket when presenting an original receipt from any Wisconsin grocer that specifies the purchase of any two (2) Malt-O-Meal Bag Cereals 10oz or larger. Receipt must be dated between June 24 - July 2, 2010. No copies or handwritten receipts will be accepted.

Saturday, July 3 - Noon - 3:00 pm or while supplies last. - The first 1,500 peoples contributing $10 or more to the Muscular Dystrophy Association will receive one (1) FREE ADMISSION ticket. Donations will be accepted at the Mid-Gate promotions tent.

Sunday, July 4 - Noon - 3:00 p.m. - Summerfest “Free ‘til Three Day” - all people attending Summerfest on the final Sunday (July 4) between 12:00 – 3:00p.m. will be admitted for FREE…compliments of Summerfest!

There are many other opportunities for admission discounts, giveaways and more. See the web site for details.

At all other times during Summerfest, admission is $3.00 for children 10 and younger, when they are accompanied by at least one adult with paid admission. Children 2 and under are FREE. The price of an adult ticket purchased at the gate weekdays (Noon - 4:00 P.M.) is $8. Evening and weekend adult admission at the gate is $15. Children's and Senior's 60+ tickets are $3. Children 2 and under are FREE.

Check the Summerfest web site for an up-to-date schedule of family and children’s events. The schedule will be posted later this summer.

Recorded info: (414) 273-3378. Live operator: (414) 273-2680 or visit www.summerfest.com

Cedarburg Strawberry Festival
Washington Ave, Historic Cedarburg
Saturday, June 26, 2010 between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 27 between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

With fresh homegrown strawberries everywhere, Cedarburg’s Strawberry Festival is one of the tastiest FREE, family-oriented festivals you'll find. Cedar Creek Settlement hosts a variety of strawberry contests, including shortcake eating, bubblegum blowing and a berry bob. The Festival Kids’ Korner in Cedar Creek Park offers a mural for painting, a kids' performance stage, magicians, clowns, face painting, and more.

For more information, call (262) 377-9620 or http://www.cedarburgfestivals.org/strawberryfestival.html

Bastille Days
Thursday, July 8 through Sunday, July 11, 2010
Downtown Milwaukee, at Cathedral Square
Gates open at 11:00 a.m. each day

FREE for the walking, Bastille Days features Zydeco, Cajun, Rock, and Blues music on four stages in the Cathedral Square Park/East Town area of downtown Milwaukee. Kids especially enjoy the roaming minstrels, stilt walkers, gypsies, posers, fire throwers, dare devils, painters, and others who invite fest-goers to participate in their acts. The Alliance Française de Milwaukee offers simple French lessons several times daily. Of course, there is plenty of food – French and otherwise.

FREE admission for all every day.

For more information, call (414) 271-1416 or visit www.easttown.com for the entertainment schedule.

South Shore Frolic
Friday July 9 through Sunday July 11, 2010
South Shore Park, Milwaukee
Gates open at 4:00 p.m. on Friday

This event includes a parade, an art show, a classic car show, games for kids, movies on the beach, and more. Visit the web site for details and a schedule of events.

FREE admission for all every day.
For more information, call (414) 224-2947 or (414) 769-8886 or http://www.south-shore-frolics.com/

Waukesha County Fair
Wednesday, July 21 through Sunday, July 25, 2010
Expo Center, 1000 Northview Rd., Waukesha
On Wednesday, July 21, gates are open 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.,
Thursday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., midway opens at noon.

The oldest county fair in Wisconsin celebrates rural traditions with 4-H activities, animals, arts and crafts, farm displays, lots of food and, of course, a midway.

July 21 is Dollar Day: admission is $1.00, parking is $1.00, and rides are $1.00 all day long.

FREE admission for children age 5 and younger every day. Children ages 6 to 12 $3.00. Age 13 and older $9.00. Parking is $5.00 except on Dollar Day.

Information on additional discountscan be found on the web site.

For more information, call (262) 544-5922, for the Fair Association, (262) 548-7200 or visit the web site for the daily schedule of events www.waukeshacountyfair.com

Festa Italiana
Thursday, July 15 thru Sunday, July 18, 2010
Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee
Gates open at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, 11:30 a.m. on Friday through Sunday, closes at midnight

FREE admission for children age 12 and younger, including those in groups, when accompanied by at least one adult with paid admission. FREE admission for all on Friday between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. FREE admission on Sunday for all who attend Mass, which begins at 11:00 a.m.

Information on additional discounts and event schedules can be found at the web site.

For more information, call (414) 223-2808 or www.festaitaliana.com

Historic Cedarburg's German Festival
Saturday, July 17, 2010, between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., and Sunday, July 18, between 11:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Cedar Creek Park, N52 W5882 Portland Road, Cedarburg

This authentic German festival offers German foods and beers from Alpine Village Inn’s Bier Garten and the Cedarburg Lion’s Club. Silly contests with prizes include Frau Tragen-Lauf (wife carrying), Bier Eimer-Lauf (beer bucket races), a sauerkraut-eating contest, and Nagelen Contest (nail to the log).

Visitors can test their language skills at a German Spelling Bee, from Ault to Zither. There’s also a Best Lederhosen & Tracht competition for men and women, a world-class outhouse-racing contest, and the Toiletten-Lauf, with four “pushers” and one “sitter”. Kids will also enjoy the playground equipment in the park.

FREE admission and parking for all attendees.

For more information, call (262) 377-9620 or http://www.cedarburgfestivals.org/germanfestival.html

GermanFest
Thursday, July 22 thru Sunday, July 25, 2010
Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee
Gates open Thursday 5:00 – 11:00 p.m., Friday 3:00 p.m. to midnight, Saturday noon to midnight, Sunday noon to 10:00 p.m, Mass at 10:30 a.m.

New this year, harmonica lessons for kids ages 8-14. Harmonica kits will be provided and lessons are FREE. Weiner dog races, children’s parade, costumer contest, passport program and make-and-take activities make this a fun fest for children. Check the web site for days and times.

FREE admission for children age 12 and younger, including those in groups, when accompanied by at least one adult with paid admission. FREE admission for everyone on Thursday between 5:00 and 10:00 p.m. On Friday admission is $3 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. FREE admission on Sunday to all who attend the church service and those who bring non-perishable food items to the North Gate only. Advanced tickets for adults are $10, $13 at the gate. Seniors 60+ and students with ID are $7. Military personnel FREE.

Information on Family Passes and additional discounts can be found at the web site.

For more information, call (414) 464-9444 or www.germanfest.com

Ozaukee County Fair
Wednesday, July 28 through Sunday, August 1, 2010
Fair Grounds, W67 N866 Washington Avenue, Cedarburg
Gates open Wednesday noon to midnight, Thursday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. to midnight, Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Ozaukee County fair is held in Cedarburg, and it’s one of the last FREE fairs in Wisconsin. Features include the truck pull, tractor pull, Rainbow Valley rides, horse shows, and Wrist Band Day Check for their web site for info on special events.

Check the web site for an up-to-date schedule of family and children’s events. The schedule will be posted later this summer.

For more information, call (262) 375-6185 or (262) 377-3030, or visit http://www.ozaukeecountyfair.com/index.htm

Wisconsin State Fair
Thursday, August 5 through Sunday, August 15, 2010
Wisconsin State Fair Grounds, Milwaukee
Gates open at 8:00 a.m. each day. Buildings and exhibits open at 9:00 a.m. Midway opens at 10:00 a.m.

FREE admission for children 6 and younger at all times, including those in groups, when accompanied by at least one adult with paid admission.

Tickets purchased in advance are $4.00 for children ages 7 to 11, $5.00 for those age 12 and older. Tickets purchased at the gate are $4.00 for children ages 7 to 11, $9.00 for adults, and $6.00 for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

FREE children's tickets to the State Fair are also available through the Milwaukee Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. Free children’s ticket holders must be accompanied by an adult with a paid admission. For more information, contact your local library for details on the 2010 Reading Program.

Check the web site for an up-to-date schedule of family and children’s events. The schedule will be posted later this summer.

For more information and directions, call (414) 266-7000 or www.wistatefair.com

Arab World Festival
Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 8, 2010
Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee
Gates open Friday 5:00 p.m. to midnight, Saturday noon to midnight, and Sunday noon to 10:00 p.m.

FREE admission for children under 6, when accompanied by at least one adult with paid admission. FREE admission to all on Friday between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. FREE admission Sunday noon to 2:00 p.m. to all who bring three or more food items for the Hunger Task Force. FREE admission Sunday 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. for police, firefighters, ambulance/paramedics (with proper id) and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Press Card holders. General admission for anyone age 6 and over is $10.00. Admission for groups of 20 or more is $5.00 per person.

Kids’ Corner will have special children's activities on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, call (888) 912-2722 or http://www.arabworldfest.com/

Greendale Village Days
Friday, August 13 through Sunday, August 15, 2010
Historic Downtown Greendale, 5600 block of Broad St.

This three-day event celebrates the founding and heritage of historic Greendale with food, fun and music.

General admission is FREE. There will be fees for rides and games.

For more information, call (414) 423-2100 or http://greendale.org/

The Historic Third Ward Jazz Festival: Summer Sizzle
Friday, August 6 and Saturday, August 7, 2010
100 & 200 blocks of N. Broadway, Third Ward, Milwaukee
Gates open at 11:00 a.m.

This FREE neighborhood festival returns with live music in a variety of styles.

For more information, call (414) 273-1173 or http://www.historicthirdward.org/events/summersizzle.php

Irish Fest
Thursday, August 19 through Sunday, August 22, 2010
Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee
Gates open Thursday at 5:00 p.m. and Friday at 4:00 p.m.

Children age12 and younger areadmitted FREE, including those in groups, when accompanied by at least one adult with paid admission. On Thursday, admission is FREE to all who donate school supplies, such as markers, notebooks, backpacks, etc. On Thursday only there will be a reduced adult admission fee of $5.00. Admission is FREE on Friday between 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. Donate non-perishable food items prior to Sunday Mass for FREE admission after Mass. Regular adult admission $15.00. Seniors 60+ $10.00.

There's a children's area with games and activities. See Festival Highlights on the web site for information about the Family Passport Adventure on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon until 6:00 p.m.

For more information. call (414) 476-3378 or www.irishfest.com

Mexican Fiesta Internacional
Friday, August 27 through Sunday, August 29, 2010
Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee
Gates open at noon to midnight all three days

Children age10 and younger are admitted FREE, including those in groups, when accompanied by at least one adult with paid admission. FREE admission for all on Friday between noon and 3:00 p.m. FREE admission Saturday and Sunday, noon to 1:00 p.m., for seniors and people with disabilities. Adult admission is $12.00.

From the Cultural Village to the Car and Motorcylcle Show, there is a lot to see and do.

For more information call: (414) 383-7066 or www.mexicanfiesta.org

Labor Fest
Monday, September 6, 2010
Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee
Parade from Zeidler Park to the festival grounds at 11:00 a.m.
Gates open at noon

FREE admission for all.

For more information, call (414) 771-7070 or http://www.milwaukeelabor.org/about_us/laborfest.cfm

The Wisconsin Highland Games
Friday, September 3 through Sunday, September 4, 2010
Expo Center, 1000 Northview Rd., Waukesha

Wisconsin Scottish, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the traditional arts, crafts, culture, heritage, and traditions of the British Isles. They accomplish their goal through regular educational activities and the annual Wisconsin Highland Games.

These unique Games attract professional and amateur athletes from around the world competing in unusal cultural sports. Musical competitions, food, animals, and crafts add to the Scottish and Irish Highlands experience.

Admission is FREE for kids age12 and under. Adults $5.00 in advance, $8.00 at the door. Parking $3.00 on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, call (414) 517-5163 or http://www.wisconsinscottish.org/

Indian Summer
Friday, September 10 through Sunday, September 12, 2010
Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee
Gates open to the public Friday 4:00 p.m. to midnight, Saturday noon to midnight, and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Indian Summer is fun for kids of all ages, but its programs are most appropriate for school-age children. Programs include demonstrations of traditional skills including beadwork, finger weaving, bow and arrow making, pottery, carving, basket weaving, and of course, the big Pow Wow.

Visitors will can also learn about traditional healing methods and herbal medicines in the Natural Path Area, experience Native American history through presentations and displays, and enjoy the Pow Wow Competition, where groups compete for honors in traditional dance.

Children 12 and younger are admitted FREE, including those in groups, when accompanied by at least one adult with paid admission. Admission is FREE on Friday between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. with a donation of school supplies, and on Sunday to all who attend the prayer ceremony. Participants in Dylan’s Run who are wearing a Dynlan’s Run t-shirt will be admitted FREE following the run. Veterans with military ID cards and people with disabilities and one caregiver are admitted FREE any day. Please enter at the Mid Gate only for free entry specials. Adult admission is $12.00, elders 60 and over $10, and advance sale adult tickets $10.00.

During the day on Friday, September 10, Indian Summer will be open to registered school groups only. Educational events and interactive learning opportunities, including a mini Pow Wow, are planned for groups from kindergarten through eighth grade. The admission fee this day is $5.00 per person for kids, teachers and chaperones. Registration forms are available online.

For more information, call (414) 604-1000 or http://www.indiansummer.org

Renaissance Faire – Bristol
12550 120th Ave., Kenosha
Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day, July 10 through September 6, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Visitors to Bristol’s Renaissance Faire step back in time to the 1500s, an era when knights were noble, maids were merry, and roast turkey legs were titanic. They arrive on the village’s festival day, when Queen Elizabeth will be in attendance.

At the Faire, visitors experience Elizabethan England, complete with 16th century-themed games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music, and one-of-a-kind encounters with a spectacular cast of characters. The Faire boasts a beautiful 30-acre site with open-air stages featuring swordfighters, minstrels and jesters. All entertainment is included in the price of admission. New in 2010 is the horse country with Shetland ponies, a variety of horses, and educational information about the origins and history of these popular animals.

Admission is FREE for children under age 5. Ages 5 to 12 $9.50. Adults $18.95.

Group rates and advance ticket purchase discounts are available. Call the office and speak to Shawn Henry, ext. 100, about pricing, delivery, availability, and other group questions.

For more information, call (847) 395-7773 or visit http://www.renfair.com/bristol/index.php