Things To Do in Milwaukee

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• Attractions
• Dining/Nightlife
• Performing Arts
• Shopping
• Sports/Recreation

Museums

• The Milwaukee Art Museum, soars in excitement! Explore an exhibit in the Calatrava-designed Quadracci Pavilion.
• Take a stroll down memory lane at the Milwaukee Public Museum’s historic exhibit, the Streets of Old Milwaukee.
• The art of clowning is kept alive in Milwaukee. Since, 1987 the International Clown Hall of Fame has let the laughter loose in its unique museum of clown history.
• Journey through eye-catching print and television advertisements at Milwaukee’s own The Eisner – America’s Museum of Advertising & Design. tJanuary
• Climb, explore and learn through many exhibits at the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum such as, My Body Works, A Trading Place, Betty’s Busy Backyard, and Sound All Around.
• Located on Marquette University’s campus is the Haggerty Museum of Art. View its permanent collection of art by renowned artists such as Salvador Dali, Francois Guillaume Menageot, and Jan Saenredam.
• America’s Black Holocaust Museum captivates the visitor with its haunting displays and exhibits.

Downtown Theater

• The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts hosts celebrated performing organizations such as the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Florentine Opera, and the Milwaukee Ballet.
• At the Pabst Theater, you enjoy a lavishly renovated century-old landmark.
• The Milwaukee Repertory Theater, nationally known as one of the best regional theaters in the U.S., hosts comedies, classics, contemporary drama and cabaret.
• The Northern Lights Theater at the Potawatomi Bingo Casino features entertainment in an intimate 550-seat venue. Cabaret-style lower level and traditional theater seating in balcony.
• Skylight Opera Theatre at the Broadway Theatre Center is nationally acclaimed for vivid productions and adventurous repertoire. The Skylight performs music theatre- Broadway musicals, opera, operetta and musical revues. Also located in the Broadway Theatre Center are the Chamber Theatre, Theatre X and Bialystock & Bloom Company.
• The new 4,100-seat Milwaukee Theatre features an elegant domed rotunda lobby and brings many new Broadway shows to the city.
• ComedySportz is family-appropriate comedy that is riotously funny, created on-the-spot using audience suggestions. ComedyCuizine bar and restaurant.

Ethnic Restaurants

• Favorite German stops include Karl Ratzsch’s Restaurant, and Mader’s Restaurant.
• Downtown Milwaukee offers Mexican cuisine from all regions and can be sampled at Borrego’s, Botanas, La Perla, La Fuente, and Rudy’s Mexican Restaurant.
• Italian restaurants like Café La Scala, Calderone Club, Carini’s La Conca D’Oro, Edwardo’s Natural Pizza Giovanni’s Restaurant Joey Buona’s Pizzeria Grille Mimma’s Café, Osteria Del Mondo and Ristorante Bartolotta.
• A variety of African and soul cuisine includes African Hut, Mr. Perkins, and Q.F.&H Diner.
• Asian cuisine from Thai to Cantonese can be found at Benihana, China Gourmet Chinese Restaurant, Dancing Ganesha, Nanakusa Japanese Restaurant, Pacific Rim Restaurant, and The King and I.
• Serbian food is a favorite and can be found at the charming Three Brothers Restaurant.
• Award-winning gourmet faire with a Native American influence at Bya wi se nek Buffet Restaurant and Dream Dance, both at Potawatomi Bingo Casino.
• Irish flavor and fun can be had at the County Clare, Fitzgibbons Pub, Flannery’s Bar & Restaurant The Harp Irish Pub, and O’Danny’s Pub.
• Cajun tastes can be satisfied at Crawdaddy’s Restaurant.
• Latin flavor can be experienced at the Antigua Latin Café.

Fall

• Oktoberfest at Old Heidelberg Park is sponsored by the United German Societies of Milwaukee. This fall festival features brass bands, Bavarian folk dancers, yodelers, music, dancing, and of course, German food and beer.
• Cedarburg Wine & Harvest Festival is a tradition in historic downtown Cedarburg. Feature’s scarecrow contest, grape stomp contest, apple bobbing, grilled foods, hayrides…and plenty of fun!
• Harvest Fair is a harvest bazaar! Bring your family for scarecrow making, view the antique farm machinery display, and live entertainment on multiple stages.
• David Seebach’s “ Illusions in the Night” at the Modjeska Theater will offer a fun and fright-filled Halloween magic extravaganza for all ages!
• Indian Summer Festival is the largest Native American festival in the United States at Milwaukee’s Lakefront. There is a torch lit canoe procession; Canadian, Mayan and American Indian dance troupes; tribal village re-creations; tribal tourism; juried fine arts; authentic foods and marketplace.

Winter

• A Victorian Christmas at the Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion offers an annual Victorian holiday celebration featuring the lavish decoration of the Pabst Mansion.
• Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival, where animated lighting displays come to life in three downtown parks.
• Milwaukee has a plethora of culture to offer and you can celebrate it at our multi-cultural festival, the International Holiday Folk Fair.
• Enjoy the holiday spirit of the Historic Third Ward with Christmas in the Ward. Santa, carriage rides, carolers, street entertainers and a wide variety of shops and galleries to explore!
• Winter Festival in historic downtown Cedarburg features an ice carving contest, bed-and-barrel races, pig roast, chili cooking contest, snowflake look-a-like contest, family skating and much more.
• Indian Summer Festivals Winter Pow Wow at Wisconsin State Fair Park is an event where Native American Indian people gather to renew old friendships and make new ones through traditional Indian songs and colorful dance.
• Surround yourself with snowflakes and ice at Red Arrow Park, where you can ice skate for free outdoors in the heart of the city.
• The Holiday Parade features marching bands, local celebrities, giant hot-air balloons and the first appearance of Santa Claus.

Spring

• Where can you find nearly 500 exhibitors of marine products, sporting goods, fishing tackle, vehicles and travel destinations? At the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show located at Wisconsin State Fair Park.
• Erin Go Bragh! St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Party is a 100-unit parade featuring marching bands, pipe and drum corps and local personalities.
• The Midwest Airlines Center hosts the Realtor’s Spring Show. Learn how to redecorate or renovate every inch of your property from lawn to garden to patio to interior.
• Join Milwaukeeans at Riversplash! at Pere Marquette Park. This three-day celebration along 10 blocks of Milwaukee’s downtown RiverWalk is the place to be for food, fun, fireworks, and music!
• Celebrate diversity at PrideFest held at Henry Maier Festival Park. Partake in the largest Gay/Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender pride festival in Wisconsin.
• In the heart of East Town, every Saturday morning, enjoy East Town Farmers Market where you can buy homegrown produce, home-baked breads and desserts, and unique arts and crafts. Also enjoy Westown Farmers’ Market located on at Third and Michigan streets in Zeidler Park every Wednesday during lunch time.
• Asian Moon Festival offers a unique celebration of Asian culture at Milwaukee’s Lakefront.
• Lakefront Festival of Arts is acclaimed one of the country’s finest juried art festivals featuring 189 artists from throughout the country displaying and selling their work.

Summer

• Don’t miss out on Milwaukee’s outdoor evening concerts! One of Milwaukee’s most unique concert series at Westown’s River Rhythms in Pere Marquette Park takes place each Wednesday evening. Every Thursday evening is East Town’s Jazz in the Park. Bring a picnic or try delicious food and wine from local vendors. Also, Live at the Center celebrates a potpourri of entertainment at the Marcus Center riverfront, featuring jazz, country and rock. Held in the Peck Pavilion during noon hours and Tuesday evenings.
• Asian Moon Festival welcomes diversity from dance to martial arts. Shop at the marketplace, and enjoy both Asian foods and popular bands.
• Polish Fest at Henry Maier Festival Park is three fun-filled days of strolling minstrels, life-sized legends, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, continuous music and good food.
• Celebrate summer at the world’s largest music festival, Summerfest. This eleven-day event offers musical entertainment on 13 different stages.
• Strawberry Festival in downtown historic Cedarburg features a strawberry-bobbing contest, wine tasting, Berry Big 5k Run/Walk, and the marvelous Plein Air Painters.
• U.S. Bank Fireworks light up the night sky along Milwaukee’s beautiful lakefront. Enjoy afternoon activities and entertainment at the Family Festival beginning at Noon on July 3^rd.
• Held at Henry W. Maier Festival Park for the past 21 years, African World Festival is Wisconsin’s largest most exciting event focusing on African heritage.
• Bastille Days celebrates French history and culture as the streets of Milwaukee are transformed into a mini French city complete with an Eiffel Tour. This free festival also features an annual “Storm the Bastille” 5K fun run/walk.
• Romance, nostalgia and rich Italian delicacies fill the air at Festa Italiana, America’s largest Italian cultural event.
• Garfield Avenue Blues, Gospel & Arts Festival is family entertainment provided by inner city blues bands, dance groups and gospel choirs. Barbecue and Louisiana Boil, ethnic foods, clowns, magicians, puppet strolling and face painting for the children, inner city arts and crafts participation.
• The U.S. Bank Championship (formally known as the Greater Milwaukee Open) in Milwaukee at Brown Deer Park Golf Course joins top level PGA Tour Pros to compete for the $3.1 million purse in Wisconsin’s only PGA Tour event, live on ABC.
• Grab a stein and cool off with your favorite brew at German Fest. Enjoy a colorful brass band or stroll through the Marktplatz for unique German gifts, from clocks to steins.
• The state’s largest, most historic annual event Wisconsin State Fair is known for its thrilling midway, blue ribbon livestock, 29 free stages featuring top-name entertainment and world-famous cream puffs.
• Arab World Fest is the newest festival to join the line-up of lakefront festivals. Cuisine, entertainment and cultural showcases will highlight traditions, customs and heritage of the Arab culture.
• Watch a free movie under the stars on the Milwaukee River at River Flicks. Movies start at dusk with family-friendly entertainment.
• The Wisconsin Designer Crafts Council presents Morning Glory Fair, featuring 100 fine craft artists exhibiting original ceramics, fiber, jewelry, glass, leather, metal, wood, enamels, sculpture, photography, and mixed media.
• Embrace the rich heritage and famous hospitality of the republics former Soviet Union at Russian Fest.
• Savor the Sound of Tradition at the world’s largest Irish Fest. Experience the music, dance, history, culture and sports of the Emerald Isle.
• Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Milwaukee A La Carte comes to the Zoo for this annual food and music feast with the beasts. Over 30 area restaurants with four entertainment stages.
• A south-of-the border extravaganza featuring mouth-watering food, rousing mariachi bands, foot-stomping rhythms and an elaborate swirl of traditional dancers could only be found at Mexican Fiesta!
• The Encore, Milwaukee’s newest music festival. This three-day event takes place at the Henry w. Maier Festival Park.

Bars, Clubs and Pubs in Milwaukee

• Milwaukee’s original cocktail lounge since 1943, Vitucci’s, located on North Ave., offers 75 bottled beers including many locally brewed favorites. Voted city’s best Jukebox by locals.
• Kenadee’s, the ultra pub, offers excellent pub fair, extensive martini list and beer selection set within a mod décor.
• The Milwaukee Ale House brews some of the best beer in Milwaukee, but it doesn’t stop there- they also have an amazing taste tantalizing menu that will tame the hungriest of appetites!
• The Nomad is a coffee house by day and world pub by night, located on ever-growing and popular Brady Street.
• All about atmosphere and cocktails, the Velvet Room will serve you up with comfortable “living room” like furniture and exquisite cosmopolitan martinis.
• Enter Eve, a modern Garden of Eden-Fresh-Simple-Beautiful. Martinis. Mascarpone-crusted filet. Live flamenco music. The perfect marriage – food and ambience.
• Blu, lavish libations and the best view in Milwaukee atop the Pfister Hotel.

Brewery Tours/Winery Tours in Milwaukee

• Lakefront Brewery, located along the Milwaukee river is a mecca for the most sought after award-winning suds like Riverwest Stein, Cream City Pale Ale, Eastside Dark, Cherry Beer, and Holiday Spice to name a few.
• The nation’s 2^nd largest brewery and 7^th largest brewer in the world, Miller Brewing Company has served Milwaukee since 1855. Come take a free tour!
• For a wide variety of hearty ales and lagers, each with their own unique flavors and aromas Sprecher Brewing Company is the place to go. Don’t forget to try Sprecher root beer for a true sassafras taste!
• Water Street Brewery is home to many brews famous throughout Milwaukee. If you need to wet your palette, try their Water Street Amber, Bavarian Weiss, Honey Lager Light, or Pale Ale.
• Learn the art of wine making at Cedar Creek Winery, voted one of America’s most noted small regional wineries.
• Mason Creek Winery, winner of 11 International Awards, offers tours, tasting and an extensive gift shop.

Sporting Events in Milwaukee

• Come out to Miller Park and see the Milwaukee Brewers play - if you’re lucky you’ll even be able to see Bernie Brewer! Make sure you place your bets for the sausage race ahead of time!
• The Bradley Center located in downtown Milwaukee, is home to Milwaukee’s hockey team the Milwaukee Admirals and basketball team the Milwaukee Bucks.
• The Bradley Center is also home to many college students come Marquette Golden Eagles basketball season. Watch out for the fans of this Division I team!
• If you are a fan of soccer, the U.S. Cellular Arena hosts just this sport, come and cheer the Milwaukee Wave.
• The U.S. Cellular Arena is a hot spot for another Division I college basketball team- watch UW-Milwaukee Panthers take the court!

Wake You Up or Warm You Up- Coffee Houses in Milwaukee

• For studying, relaxing, or conversing - Alterra Café at the Lake is great for these purposes. Order your favorite latte or espresso and don’t forget to grab one of their delicious desserts.
• Trocadero, located on North Water street can easily be missed if you are driving too fast- but do not miss out! This trendy little bar and café has an amazing wine selection and delicious reasonably priced French cuisine.
• Enjoy homemade sandwiches, coffee creations and wireless Internet at Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co. on Brady Street.
• This cutting edge coffee shop serves delicious sandwiches and pastries along with unique caffeinated drinks. Steamers, located in the heart of downtown on N. Water St., offers a fix for all downtown coffee drinkers.

Outdoors

• Rollerblade, run or walk along Lincoln Memorial Drive or play volleyball at Bradford Beach.
• Stop by Veterans Park where you can rent a triple-seated bicycle and ride around with two of your friends or rent a two-seater and make it a romantic evening for two! You can also rent a paddleboat on the lagoon or fly a kite along the lakeside at Gift of Wings.
• 15,000 acres of Milwaukee County Parks, which consists of 16 golf courses, for any one up for a challenge. A highly recommended course is Brown Deer Golf Course.
• Who couldn’t use a relaxing afternoon or night? Leave your cares of shore life behind and enjoy Sea Dog Sailing on Milwaukee’s lakefront.
• ·Enjoy Milwaukee’s skyline and experience traditional sailing aboard the 133’ three-mastered S/V Denis Sullivan, a re-created 19^th century Great Lakes Schooner.

The Ever-Popular Milwaukee Fish Fry

• Buck Bradley’s on North Old World Third Street has tasty baked or breaded cod fish fry, great sides, and one of the longest bars east of the Mississippi.
• Saz’s Statehouse well known for good fish fry as well as for good ribs.
• Harry’s Bar & Grill offers beer-battered walleye, seasoned fries and rye bread.
• The RiverWalk’s newest edition, Lakefront Palm Garden, offers a unique fish fry along the Milwaukee River.

Other

• The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory “The Domes,” will let you experience a desert oasis, a tropical jungle, and special floral gardens all in one afternoon!
• Where else could you go to see approximately 2500 animals, representing 300 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates? None other than the Milwaukee County Zoo- while you are there don’t forget to ride the Zoomobile and buy a wax animal figurine.
• Boerner Botanical Gardens has an intimate collection of formal garden spaces, which host a variety of plant collections. Formal Gardens include a perennial, peony, rose, rock, shrub, annual, daylily, herb and trial Garden.
• Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum & Gardens is a magnificent Italian Renaissance-style villa overlooking Lake Michigan with 15^th -20^th century decorative arts, fine art and “Tiffany of wrought iron masters” Cyril Colnik. Changing exhibits, programs, formal gardens, guided tour on Sunday or by appointment.