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
Mid June
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
Mid June
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
Mid June
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
Late June - Early July/Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee
Gates open weekdays at noon.

There are many other opportunities for admission discounts, giveaways and more. See the web site for each day's opportunity.

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
Late June

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
Mid July
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
Mid July
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
Mid to Late July
Expo Center, 1000 Northview Rd., Waukesha
On Wednesday, 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.

Wednesday is Double Dollar Day: admission is $2.00, parking is $2.00, and rides are $1.25 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 discounts can 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
Mid July
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
Mid July
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
Late July
Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee

FREE admission for children age 12 and younger, including those in groups, when accompanied by at least one adult with paid admission. 3.00 admission for everyone on Thursday between 5:00 and 10:00 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
Late July - Early August
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
Early August
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 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
Look for this again in Early August beginning 2013

Greendale Village Days
Mid August
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
Early August
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
Early August
Henry Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee
Gates open Thursday at 5:00 p.m. and Friday at 4:00 p.m.

Children age12 and younger are admitted 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. 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.

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

Mexican Fiesta Internacional
Mid August
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. Ticket prices and events will be added when the information becomes available.

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

Labor Fest
Labor Day
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
Labor Day Weekend
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
Mid September
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, 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 $6.00 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, Mid July through Labor Day

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 $19.95.

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/