Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: July 12-14

ALL WEEKEND | CATHEDRAL SQUARE PARK, 520 E WELLS ST

Milwaukee’s beloved celebration of French culture is back! The four-day festival, put on by the East Town Association, draws in over 250,000 visitors each year. Head to Cathedral Square for delicious food, live music, the Storm the Bastille Run/Walk and more. Ranked by National Geographic as one of the best Bastille Days celebrations in the world, this festival remains one of Milwaukee’s most festive summer celebrations. 

ALL WEEKEND | SOUTHRIDGE MALL, 5300 S. 76th ST., GREENDALE

Catch one of seven shows put on by Rafael the Clown and his team of acrobats and performers. The high-flying, family-friendly shows take place on (and over) a custom-designed water stage, which holds 35,000 gallons of water, with performers tumbling and twirling.

ALL WEEKEND | SAINT DOMINIC CATHOLIC PARISH, 18255 W. CAPITOL DR.

This four-day festival is fun for the whole family, including live music, a fish fry, a 5K run/2-mile walk, bags tournament and more. Buy a ticket for the grand raffle, and you could win a 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend or $25,000 cash. Find a full list of events on the parish’s website. 

FRIDAY FROM NOON-1:30 P.M. | FISK AVENUE, 840 N. GRAND AVE., WAUKESHA

Fisk Avenue is hosting this workshop to teach kids how to make string art. With parental supervision, kids will be given a 10-foot by 10-foot board, string and nails to create their string-based masterpiece. After picking a shape, string color and background color, kids can bring their string masterpiece to life. Tickets are available for purchase ahead of the event, and can be found on the event’s website. 

FRIDAY FROM NOON-4 P.M. | WASHINGTON PARK, 4000 W. GALENA ST.

This family-friendly outdoor event provides an afternoon of STEAM-based interactive activities for kids, along with a bike ride. Local businesses and organizations will be on-site with activities as well, including Harley Davidson, Wheel and Sprocket, Discovery World, the Urban Ecology Center and more. The fest is free to attend, but donations are accepted.

FRIDAY FROM 1-3 P.M. | KERN PARK, 3614 N. HUMBOLDT BLVD.

This volunteer event is a great opportunity to get outside and help keep Milwaukee’s riverfront clean. Event coordinators from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee will be providing all the necessary clean-up supplies for the event. Sign up ahead of time on the UWM website.

FRIDAY FROM 6-9 P.M. | BAYSHORE, 5800 N. BAYSHORE DR., GLENDALE

For this week’s entertainment at Bayshore’s Sounds of Summer event, The LoveMonkeys will be taking The Yard stage with high-energy music including pop hits and reggae rhythms. Different food trucks and pop-up shops will be present at the event for an evening of fun. This event is free to attend, and if you can’t make it this week, the concert series continue every Friday until Aug. 23.

FRIDAY AT 8 P.M. | VIER NORTH 1832 E NORTH AVE

Ben Janzow is performing at this weeks Vier North Live Vibes Fridays series. His set will include classic rock anthems and original songs, and admission is free.

SATURDAY AT NOON | GATHERING PLACE RIVERWEST TAPROOM, 811 E. VIENNA AVE.

This block party hosted by Gathering Place Brewing is celebrating its sixth year anniversary. Enjoy flavors from Chillwaukee, Cita & Papa’s Place (Taste of Love), Fresh-Fast & Delicious, Hot Box Pizza and more as well as new beers from Gathering Place. A full list of vendors and added beverages can be found at the event’s Facebook page.

SATURDAY FROM NOON-MIDNIGHT | 1818 N. FARWELL AVE.

Celebrate good vibes all day at the third annual Share the Vibes Fest, promoting emerging artists and musicians, furthering STEAM education and awareness, and providing a fun environment for networking and community building. Expect an afternoon of technology workshops, musical performances, live podcasting, food, drinks and more. 

SATURDAY AT 7 P.M. | MILLER VISITOR CENTER, 4251 W. STATE ST.

Milwaukee Comedy is teaming up with Miller Brewery for this night of standup. The 21+ show is headlined by Milwaukee standup Chastity Washington – and of course there will be Miller beers on tap. Tickets are available on Milwaukee Comedy’s website and should be purchased ahead of time as seating is limited.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY | FARMHOUSE PAINT BAR AND HALL, 4507 S. SIXTH ST.

This free weekend-long event features music, food and dance in honor of the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. You’ll find interactive art pieces, painting classes and workshops, live music and food trucks. 

SUNDAY FROM 6 A.M.- 2 P.M. | FIREMEN’S PARK, W65N796 WASHINGTON AVE., CEDARBURG

This popular flea market brings bargain-hunters to Cedarburg from all around the Milwaukee area four times a year, rain or shine. You’ll find a varied selection of antiques, collectibles, crafts, fine arts, pottery, fresh produce, seasonal items, sports memorabilia, architectural/industrial items, flea market items and more. Admission is free.

SUNDAY AT 6 P.M. | ANODYNE COFFEE ROASTING CO., 224 W. BRUCE ST.

Hear from student musicians at this live performance at the Walker’s Point cafe and venue – this year’s eclectic themes are pop-punk/emo, Hendrix and funk. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the show begins at 6 p.m.