13 Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: July 9-12

Featured Events

1. Bastille Days

ALL WEEKEND AT VARIOUS TIMES | CATHEDRAL SQUARE PARK

Milwaukee’s French-themed festival is coming to Cathedral Square Park this weekend. The festival will feature French and Cajun cuisine, live entertainment, a 43-foot Eiffel Tower replica and more. The Storm the Bastille 5K run/walk is Milwaukee’s only nighttime 5K, kicking off the festival at 9 p.m. on Thursday. Entrance to Bastille Days is free all weekend. 

2. Festa Italiana

FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY AT VARIOUS TIMES | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK 

Festa Italiana is serving up authentic Italian eats, live music, cultural performances and more this weekend. Don’t miss out on the Milwaukee’s Best Sauce contest! General admission is $18 and tickets can be purchased online in advance.  

3. Whitefish Bay Art Fest

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. | EAST SILVER SPRING DRIVE

Check out 100 original artists making their way to Whitefish Bay for their annual art fest. Artists will be selling everything from jewelry to photography alongside cold beer and good food. A Kids Art Zone will be hosting art projects and face painting and live art demos allow guests to get to know the artist’s process. Entrance to this event is free, but you can reserve up to two tickets for complimentary food, drinks and desserts. 

More Events

4. Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!

THURSDAY FROM 7:30 P.M. TO 9:30 P.M. | RIVERSIDE THEATER

Peabody Award-winning comedy news quiz show Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! Is coming to the Riverside Theater. Hosted by Peter Sagal, a rotating panel of comedians, writers and celebrities review the week’s news before contestants are quizzed for the chance to win a custom-recorded greeting by a cast member for their voicemail. Tickets start at are $35 each and can be purchased online. 

5. PRO’S 20TH Anniversary Party

FRIDAY FROM 6 P.M. TO 10 P.M. | THIRD SPACE BREWING

Performance Running Outfitters is celebrating 20 years serving the running community in Milwaukee. The celebration takes place at Third Space Brewing and will feature interactive activations from many of the top running gear brands. The party will also include local food trucks, live music and craft beer. 

6. Sip and Strut 2026

FRIDAY AT 6 P.M. | CORK WINE AND COCKTAIL BAR 

KenVogue LLC is transforming Cork Wine Bar into a Paris-inspired runway featuring local brands, designers and models. The night combines fashion and elegance with local pride and creativity. General admission tickets are $30 each and VIP tickets include an exclusive gift bag and dinner provided by Sydney Serving. 

7. Starry Nights: Rockin’ Robins and Classic Car Show

FRIDAY FROM 6:30 P.M. TO 8:30 P.M. | GERLACH/HAACK OUTDOOR THEATER

Jam out to music from the 50’s and 60’s with the Rockin’ Robins while celebrating National Collector Appreciation Day with the Wilson Center Classic Vehicle Show. This joint event is a part of the Starry Nights concert series and both are free to attend. If you plan to stay for the music, make sure to bring chairs or a picnic blanket. 

8. Wine Glass Painting Workshop

FRIDAY FROM 6:30 P.M. TO 9:00 P.M. | A STROKE OF GENIUS PAINT WINE STUDIO 

Join the staff at A Stroke of Genius Paint and Sip for a fun and relaxing wine glass painting workshop. The team will lead lessons on simple painting techniques including brush strokes, patterns and decorative techniques. A ticket to the class includes the lesson, practice exercises, two wine glasses to paint, all painting supplies and access to the full bar. Tickets are $305 each and can be purchased online.

9. The Fine Arts Quartet 80th Anniversary Series

FRIDAY FROM 7:30 P.M. TO 9 P.M. | ZELAZO CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS   

The Fine Arts Quartet will celebrate 80 years with a free concert featuring Brahms Piano Quartet #3. The program features Gisele Witkowski and Fabio Witkowski as guest pianists. No ticket is required to attend this show. 

10. 2026 Dragon Boat Festival

SATURDAY FROM 8 A.M. TO 4 P.M. | SOUTH GATE PLAZA

Spend Saturday on the shores of Lake Michigan and celebrate the spirit of teamwork, cultural heritage and more at the Dragon Boat Festival. Dragon boating teams from across the region will compete in multiple divisions throughout the day while family-friendly activities, traditional performances and authentic cuisine offer an immersive experience on land. Entrance to the festival is $5 per person over the age of 13.

11. Time Travelers Vintage Expo

SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. | BAIRD CENTER

Travel back in time at the Time Travelers Vintage Expo and enter a retro wonderland. The expo brings together small businesses, curators and artists from across the US to offer the best vintage clothing, home goods, retro-inspired handmade items and more. Sellers offer a wide range of styles and price points, so there’s something for everyone. Tickets to the expo are $11 each and can be purchased online.

12. The Allis Fiber Festival

SATURDAY FROM 12 P.M. TO 4 P.M. | CHARLES ALLIS ART MUSEUM

Explore the many rooms of the Allis mansion and discover the world of fiber arts. Each room will include a different fiber or textile practice and include live demonstrations. In the courtyard, guests can meet fiber-bearing animals including llamas, alpacas and rabbits. Participation in this event is included with museum admission and free for members.

13. Bop to the Top

SATURDAY AT 9 P.M. | THE RAVE

Calling all Disney Channel girlies, it’s the Bop to the Top Tour! In honor of 20 years of Hannah Montana and High School Musical, this dance party will feature all the hits from Hannah Montana, High School Musical, Camp Rock, Lemonade Mouth and more. Full audience participation is expected, including screaming all of the lyrics. This event is 18+ and general admission tickets start at $28.