Summer festivals are a Wisconsin staple. Almost every town has some sort of celebration and Milwaukee is no different - except that it has a few more people, and few more parties. Explore Wisconsin's largest city by checking out these five great summer festivals.
RiverSplash, June 5-7
Billed as the official beginning of summer, RiverSplash celebrates its 20th year. Hosted on the Riverwalk in Pere Marquette Park, the festival's highlight is the live music, hosted on stages scattered around downtown. This year's featured bands include Pat McCurdy, Poi Dog Pondering and Greg Koch. Also check out the RiverSculpture display, sample food from local restaurants, and bring the little ones on Sunday for Kid's Day. The best part - it's free.
Summerfest, June 25-July 5
Guinness World Records certified Summerfest as the world's largest music festival in 1999, and with good reason. With Summerfest's ability to bring in top-notch acts, it's no wonder that over 800,000 people attended the 11-day festival last year. This year's headliners include Bon Jovi, Keith Urban, The Fray, and legends Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson - at the same time! A mix of free acts and ticketed shows fill up 11 stages, including the 23,000 seat Marcus Amphitheater.
Bastille Days, July 9-12
Bastille Days sends you across the Atlantic and into the old world. Minstrels, stilt walkers, gypsies and fire throwers roam the streets among wine and chef demonstrations. Attend an authentic French Mass and check out the French Culture Tent. On Thursday night, Storm the Bastille as part of the 5k or two-mile fun run/walk. All events are held at Cathedral Square Park, which is made a bit more recognizable by a 43-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower.
Germanfest, July 23-26
Get a taste of Germany while staring out at Lake Michigan at Germanfest. Featuring over 20 authentic German dishes, the festival goes through 20,000 pounds of bratwurst, 10,000 pounds of sauerkraut, and 10,000 pounds of potatoes. Also fill up on German culture at the Cultural Village. Finally, help to put food on someone else's plate at the 5k Run/Walk for the Hungry, benefitting St. Ben's Community Meal.
Arab World Fest, Aug. 8-10
Enjoy the largest Arab-American festival in the country at Henry W. Maier Festival Park. Providing delectable Middle Eastern cuisine, music and dance performances, and authentic craft-making and sales, Arab World Fest provides both entertainment and education. The cultural village lets visitors explore the history and traditions of the Arab World, while the marketplace presents the opportunity to take a piece home.
