10 Milwaukee Summer Activities

During summer months it's not uncommon to spot one of our city's great "party boats" cutting through the waves of the Milwaukee River. Offerings range from history tours to full-throttle party cruises, so climb aboard to experience the city in the way you like best.

One very unique way to see the city is from the seat of a Milwaukee Pedal Tavern. These ultimate fun-time machines are literally a "party on wheels." Of course, these things don't run in the snow, so grab a spot on one of these contraptions while the weather is warm.

Take advantage of our beautiful shoreline and head to the beach to take in some of the best sights and sounds nature has to offer. If you're truly brave, you may even want to take a dip in the cool waters of Lake Michigan.

Summer in Milwaukee is known for its festivals. From church festivals, to street parties, to the lakefront ethnic festivals happening nearly every weekend, the city is abuzz with a party atmosphere throughout the warm weather months.

View the city via our three-mile pedestrian walkway and river trail that will take you from the south end of Riverwest to the lakefront. Visit any of the many bars and restaurants along the way, and don't forget to stop to visit the Bronze Fonz.

Save your money and enjoy some free music in Milwaukee's parks. From June through August you can almost invariably catch a band on any night during the work week without paying a dime. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and some snacks for a ready-made evening.

The Wisconsin State Fair takes place in Milwaukee in early August, and is always worth a visit. Experience any number of wacky foods-on-a-stick, take a look at some cuddly animals, climb aboard some wild rides on the midway, or just people watch.

In our part of the country, locally-grown, garden-fresh vegetables are obviously hard to come by for a good part of the year. So take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy fresh-from-the-earth produce while you can. Nothing beats the taste of a fresh tomato, and Milwaukee's many Farmers Markets often offer music and other fun diversions to help you while away an afternoon.

A summer in Milwaukee is not complete without a tour of at least one of our city's great breweries. Learn about the brewing process and history of our great local brews, and even better yet, sample some great beers and sodas along the way.

Milwaukee's traveling food trucks feature a creative mix of cuisines that cater to all tastes and diets. So think beyond the old-school hot dog stand and be prepared for a fun, eclectic dining experience whenever you see one of these trucks parked curbside.