If you’re looking for a reason to head to the lakefront with your kids this summer, here’s one to put on your calendar: ArtBlaze is back.
This free, all-ages event series blends art, music, beach vibes, and community fun in one of Milwaukee’s most beautiful outdoor spaces. After popping up at Bradford and South Shore Beaches last summer, ArtBlaze is moving to McKinley Beach for 2025—and bringing along some family-friendly programming.
Here’s what families can expect this year:
📍 Location + Dates
Where: McKinley Beach
When: Thursdays from 4:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Dates:
- July 24
- August 7
- August 21
The Thursday schedule is new this year (it used to be on Wednesdays), and McKinley was chosen for its central location and recent 3-year renovation.
What to Expect
Each event features a mix of:
- Live music (line-up coming soon)
- DJ sets and a Silent Disco (a huge hit last year)
- Interactive arts activities
- Local vendors
- Waterside s’mores roasting
- Unexpected, playful performances
Don’t Miss: The Giant “HydroBloom” Sculptures
The centerpieces of ArtBlaze this year are massive inflatable art sculptures called HydroBlooms, created by FuzzPop Workshop and UWM architecture students. The Hydroblooms consist of 1,000 feet of colorful, looping inflatables stretching across the sand and into the water. Even cooler? They’ll respond to your movements with glowing pulses of light.
Hands-On Activities
Each Art Blaze event is packed with interactive fun for kids and families! Here’s a peek at what you might find:
- Tie-Dye Station with Spun.Out.Dyes
- Hands-On Art Projects by AWE (Artists Working in Education)
- Creative Experiences from Arts@Large (August 7)
- Collaborative Art with Vibez Creative Arts
- Bubbles with Poppy
- Make-Your-Own S’mores
- Inflatable Art Installation from FuzzPop Workshop
🎶 Live Music
On August 21, don’t miss a special performance by Kid Boogie Down / DJ Luke Warm starting at 4:00 p.m.
A Few Fun Facts from Last Year
- Over 5,000 people attended
- More than 600 s’mores were devoured
- 110 people did beach yoga together
- Kids helped sculpt a 12-foot sand dragon with a master sand artist
- Giant inflatable “Cosmopods” made an appearance
Bring With You
If you plan to go, it’s a good idea to bring:
- A blanket or chairs
- Water bottles and snacks (though vendors will be on-site)
- Swimsuits and towels if your kids love to splash
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Glow sticks for Silent Disco fun
We’ll update this post with the full entertainment lineup once it’s announced, but for now, mark your calendar and make a plan to spend a summer Thursday at McKinley Beach.
For more info, please visit: joyengine.org/artblaze/
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
