Milwaukee is the City of Festivals – and many are perfect for kids!
Summer in Milwaukee is packed with fun, food, and community celebrations – and so many of them are kid-friendly. From Ferris wheels to fireworks to cultural crafts and interactive performances, these festivals offer fun for the whole family.
This roundup includes big name events you’ll recognize like Summerfest and Wisconsin State Fair, to some lesser-known gems like the Water Lantern Festival, Frida Fest, and Rainbow Summer. We’ve gathered the best Milwaukee-area festivals for families and laid out exactly why they’re worth your time:
MAY
Gift of Wings Family Kite Festival
May 24–25, 2025
Veterans Park | Milwaukee
FREE admission & FREE parking
This lakefront tradition is one of Milwaukee’s most magical festivals for kids — and it’s totally free! Here’s what makes it a must-visit for families:
- The Grand Launch (Noon each day): Watch 600+ colorful kites fill the sky in a jaw-dropping display.
- Giant Show Kites: Spot a 120-foot trilobite, a humpback whale, and even an IKEA Shark soaring overhead.
- Kids’ Mad Dash: The first 100 kids each day get a free kite and join in a joyful group launch.
- Free kite-flying lessons: Perfect for beginners looking to learn the ropes (or strings).
- Food and kites for sale: Grab a treat and pick out your own kite to keep the fun going all summer long.
With world-class kite flyers, wide open green space, and a relaxing lake breeze, it’s one of the most laid-back and delightful festivals for all ages.
Festa Italiana
May 30–June 1, 2025
Henry Maier Festival Park | Milwaukee
Admission: $15 for adults, kids 12 and under are free
Milwaukee’s beloved Festa Italiana is back — and there’s plenty for kids to enjoy! Here’s why it’s great for families:
- Jr. Pizza Chef Competition (June 1): Kids ages 9–13 can compete to create the best pizza — with a real cash prize on the line!
- Carnival-style vibes: From delicious food to live music, the lakefront park has plenty of space to roam, dance, and explore.
- Fireworks Show (May 31 at 10:30 PM): End the night with a colorful bang.
- Italian Idol: For older kids and teens (14+), the talent competition adds a fun, family-friendly evening show.
JUNE
🏴 Milwaukee Highland Games
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Croatian Park | Franklin, WI
Kids under 8 get in FREE
The Highland Games bring a burst of Scottish culture to Southeast Wisconsin — and families are in for a treat! Here’s why it’s kid-friendly:
- Working Sheepdog Demos: Watch smart and speedy pups herd sheep with skill.
- Mini Highland Games for Kids: Let your little ones toss (mini) cabers and try age-appropriate Scottish challenges.
- Bagpipe Bands & Highland Dancing: Music and movement make it a lively, cultural experience.
- Scottish Food & Treats: Try shortbread, meat pies, and other kid-curious bites.
- Evening Ceilidh: Stay for traditional singing and dancing — festive and fun for all ages.
✨ Water Lantern Festival
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Veterans Park | Milwaukee
Kids under 8 are FREE | Tickets Required for Adults
Use code KIDS10 for 10% off tickets!
This magical lakeside event offers a peaceful, meaningful night your family will never forget. Here’s why the Water Lantern Festival is great for kids:
- Design Your Own Lantern: Kids can decorate their lanterns with drawings, wishes, and messages of hope.
- Lantern Launch at Sunset: Watch as thousands of glowing lanterns float on the water — a breathtaking, calming moment.
- Live Music & Food Trucks: Relax with music and grab a family-friendly bite before launch.
- Supports Make-A-Wish: Your evening out also gives back to children with critical illnesses.
🌈 Pridefest Children’s Stage
June 5–7, 2025
Henry Maier Festival Park | Milwaukee
Children 12 and under FREE with adult admission
PrideFest Milwaukee isn’t just for grown-ups — the Children’s Stage make it a vibrant and welcoming space for families, too! In past years, kids have enjoyed:
- Appearances from family-friendly entertainers and community groups
- Live performances tailored for young audiences (music, dance, puppetry & more)
- Arts and crafts, face painting, and creative play
- Bubbles, games, and storytelling throughout the day
🇬🇷 Milwaukee Greek Fest – 60th Anniversary Celebration
📍 Wisconsin State Fair Park, Milwaukee, WI
📅 June 13–15, 2025
🎟️ Free Admission & Free Parking
Opa! Celebrate 60 years of tradition, culture, and community at the Milwaukee Greek Fest, Milwaukee’s longest-running Greek festival. Hosted by Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, this family-friendly event features authentic Greek food, live music, traditional dancing, and fun for all ages. What to Expect:
- Famous spit-roasted lamb & chicken
- Expanded drive-thru and new menu items
- Authentic pastries like baklava and loukoumades
- Live Greek music and traditional dance performances
- Carnival rides and games for kids
🇵🇱 Polish Fest
June 13–15, 2025
Henry Maier Festival Park | Milwaukee
Kids 15 and under get in FREE with an adult!
Polish Fest is one of Milwaukee’s most colorful summer traditions — and it’s a great pick for families looking to experience music, food, and fun with a cultural twist. Here’s why it’s kid-friendly:
- Live Polish music and energetic folk dancing all weekend
- Traditional Polish food like pierogi, kielbasa, and sweet paczki
- Cultural exhibits, hands-on workshops, and artisan vendors
- Little Miss Polish Fest Pageant for young participants
- Family-friendly activities and a welcoming, festive vibe
Did you know? Kosciuszko Park is named after Polish patriot Tadeusz Kosciuszko. He was an engineer and military mastermind in the 18th century and supported the American Revolution. In his will, he designated large funds to be used for freeing and educating African-American slaves. Polish Fest celebrates this national figure, and gives Milwaukee an opportunity to learn more about Polish culture.
🎨 Lakefront Festival of Art
June 13–15, 2025
Milwaukee Art Museum | Rain or Shine
Kids 12 and Under are Free | Museum admission included
Art lovers of all ages will enjoy this beloved summer tradition at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Celebrating its 60th year, the Lakefront Festival of Art offers a full weekend of creativity, music, food, and family fun — all right on the shores of Lake Michigan. Why it’s great for kids and families:
- Hands-on art projects perfect for little makers
- 145 artist booths to explore and inspire creativity
- Live music and performances from local acts
- Drop-in gallery tours inside the Milwaukee Art Museum
- Food, treats, and drinks for all ages (plus wine and beer gardens for grown-ups)
Families can roam the festival grounds, visit the museum’s kid-friendly galleries, and try out creative activities that make art accessible and fun. It’s a beautiful, engaging way to introduce kids to the arts—and spend a summer day by the lake.
☀️ Summer Soulstice Music Festival
Saturday, June 14, 2025
East Side of Milwaukee | Presented by the East Side BID #20
FREE Admission
Milwaukee’s official celebration of the Summer Solstice is back! Summer Soulstice Music Festival is a full day of music, food, and fun — and it’s totally free to attend. While the music is the main draw, families will love the daytime atmosphere filled with:
- Arts & crafts booths and creative activities for kids
- Bounce houses and outdoor games
- A mix of live music that’s fun for all ages
- Food vendors with kid-friendly options
✊🏾 Juneteenth Day Celebration
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Parade + Kids Zone (Daytime) | Evening Celebration at Summerfest Grounds
FREE Admission
Milwaukee’s Juneteenth Day celebration is one of the oldest in the nation — and it’s packed with family fun, community pride, and powerful cultural significance. Here’s why it’s a great event for families:
- Juneteenth Jubilee Parade: Colorful floats, marching bands, and dance teams bring the streets to life in an uplifting celebration of freedom, love, and resilience.
- Kids Zone (Martin Luther King Elementary School Playground): Designed for kids ages 5–12, this area features carnival rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, and more — all in a safe, welcoming space.
🎶 Summerfest: The Lil Gig & Family Fun
June 19–21, June 26–28, and July 3–5, 2025
Henry Maier Festival Park | Milwaukee
General Admission Required | Kids 2 and under FREE
Known as “The World’s Largest Music Festival,” Summerfest isn’t just for grownups — there’s a whole world of fun just for kids and families, especially at the Northwestern Mutual Community Park.
What’s Kid-Friendly at Summerfest:
- The Lil Gig: A dedicated children’s festival within Summerfest, featuring local music and performance acts like magicians, puppeteers, dance troupes, and comedy.
- Kids Boogie Down Dance Party: A nightly dance party to wrap up the day with music, movement, and fun.
- Huge Playground & Green Space: Let kids run, climb, and explore in a safe and shaded space right on the lakefront.
- Elizabeth “Bo” Black Family Fountain: A splash pad near the main entrance — perfect for cooling off on hot summer days.
- Family Amenities: Includes sensory rooms, nursing stations, clean restrooms, and shaded seating.
- Skyglider: There’s nothing like your first ride on the sky glider. The gentle ride offers a scenic view of Henry Maier Festival Park, Lake Michigan, and the entertainment below. One-way and round-trip fares are available. Kids must be 48 inches tall to ride.
- Big Bang Fireworks: For those who can stay up a little later, the fireworks show that kicks off Summerfest is always a hit!
- Get in free: Discounted or free tickets are available on most days during the festival. Check out the promotions details on their website.
- Be aware of the Lost Children’s Area near the Mid Gate for children who become separated from their parents. Children are brought to this secure area and checked in by a member of the Summerfest staff.
- Create an identification wristband for your child at any main gate.
- Nursing? Look for the Mother’s Nursing Suites in the Northwestern Community Park area and on the south end of the grounds.
🍓 Strawberry Festival – Cedarburg
June 28–29, 2025
Downtown Cedarburg & Cedar Creek Park
FREE Admission
An annual celebration of summer’s favorite fruit, Strawberry Festival in Cedarburg is bursting with small-town charm — and it’s packed with things for kids and families to enjoy. Here’s what makes it a sweet pick for families:
- Strawberry everything — from shortcake to slushies to strawberry wine (for the grownups)
- Youth Makers Market (Cedar Creek Park): Budding artists and creators in 12th grade and under get to show and sell their work!
- Kids’ Area in Cedar Creek Park: Expect family-friendly entertainment, a duck race, petting zoo, games, prizes, and more
- Feeding & Changing Station (W63N642 Washington Ave.): A quiet spot for caregivers with little ones
- Lost Child Prevention Booth: Free safety wristbands and stickers to help keep kids safe
- Live music throughout the festival grounds
Waterford Balloonfest – TBD For 2025
JULY
⚔️ Bristol Renaissance Faire
Saturdays, Sundays & Labor Day | July 5 – September 1, 2025
Off I-94 at the WI/IL Border | 10 AM – 7 PM
Children 4 and under are Free
Step back in time to 1574 and experience a day of royal revelry at the Bristol Renaissance Faire, one of the most magical and immersive summer experiences for families. This 30-acre village is filled with entertainers, artisans, jousting knights, and whimsical characters, creating a one-of-a-kind day of play for kids and adults alike. Here’s what families will love:
- Climb a castle wall, throw an axe, or shoot a bow — all in one day!
- Fully armored jousting matches and interactive parades
- 16 stages of non-stop entertainment: comedy, puppetry, music, dance & more
- Whimsical characters (including fairies!) roaming the streets
- Special KidQuests and hands-on activities for young adventurers
- Rides and games throughout the grounds
- Giant turkey legs and other medieval-inspired food & treats
The entire faire is stroller- and wagon-friendly, and you’ll find plenty of shady spots and family conveniences to make a full day comfortable.
🇫🇷 Bastille Days (FREE!)
July 17–20, 2025
Cathedral Square Park | 825 N. Jefferson St., Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s Bastille Days is one of the largest French-themed festivals in the country — and it’s completely free to attend! At the heart of the event is a 43-foot Eiffel Tower replica that lights up the square hourly, creating a magical atmosphere day and night. Why it’s great for families:
- Kids’ & Family Day (usually Saturday) features hands-on fun like crafts, soccer and dance lessons, and live kid-friendly entertainment
- Street performers and musicians roam the grounds all weekend
- Tasty treats from French pastries to Cajun eats
- Hop streetcar access: Ride for free and get dropped off right in the middle of the festival
🎨 Frida Fest MKE
July 12–13, 2025
4511 S 6th St, Milwaukee, WI 53221
FREE Admission
Celebrate the life, art, and cultural legacy of Frida Kahlo at Frida Fest MKE — a colorful, interactive two-day festival filled with music, dance, art, and community. This family-friendly event celebrates local Latinx artists and offers plenty of opportunities for kids and adults to create, dance, and explore together, including craft workshops, live music and dance performances, food trucks, and more.
🐄 Waukesha County Fair
July 16–20, 2025
Waukesha County Expo Center | Waukesha, WI
The oldest county fair in Wisconsin is still one of the best for families! The Waukesha County Fair brings five full days of fun, celebrating the area’s agricultural roots with a huge helping of music, food, rides, and family entertainment. What families will love:
- Live music & entertainment throughout the fairgrounds
- Barnyard animals & farm displays — perfect for curious kids
- Classic midway rides for all ages
- Crafts and 4-H exhibits that highlight local talent
- Fair food favorites (hello, fried everything!)
🌈 Rainbow Summer
July 14-20, 2025
Peck Pavilion at the Marcus Performing Arts Center | Milwaukee
Rainbow Summer is a free, family-friendly celebration that transforms downtown Milwaukee into a hub of color, creativity, and community joy. From interactive art installations to live performances, it’s designed to delight all ages — including your fur-babies! What to Expect:
- Pet-friendly spaces to include your four-legged family members
- Live shows and performances in the open-air Peck Pavilion
- Art exhibits and hands-on activities 25 artist lineup coming soon!)
- Beautiful riverfront setting perfect for picnics, photos, and downtown fun
- Bubbles, dancing, and family games to keep kids engaged
✈️ WaterStone Bank Air & Water Show
July 19–20, 2025
Milwaukee Lakefront | FREE Admission
Milwaukee’s skies will come alive with the roar of jets and the splash of lakefront stunts during the Water & Air Show, one of the city’s most awe-inspiring—and free!—summer traditions. Families flock to the lakefront to witness the precision and power of military and civilian aircraft, including the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, F-22 Raptor Demo Team, C-130 “Fat Albert,” and many more.
Pro Tip: This event gets loud—noise-cancelling headphones are a must for sensitive kids!
Looking for the best places to watch the show with your family? Check out our reader-recommended list of the Best Spots to View the Milwaukee Air & Water Show — from Bradford Beach to Discovery World, and even the top of North Point Lighthouse!
🎡 Washington County Fair
July 22–27, 2025
Washington County Fair Park & Conference Center | West Bend, WI
Nothing says summer like a classic county fair, and the Washington County Fair delivers big fun for families of all ages. From thrilling carnival rides to barnyard animals and deep-fried everything, this fair is packed with activities to keep kids smiling all day long.
Family Highlights:
- Small animal tents and 4-H exhibits
- Horse shows and tractor pulls
- Live music and grandstand events
- The Family Expo Center – a go-to spot for kid-friendly games, crafts, contests, and more
- Midway rides and fair food favorites
🇩🇪 German Fest
July 25–27, 2025
Henry Maier Festival Park | Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee’s German Fest brings Old World charm to the lakefront, complete with traditional music, food, costumes, and fun for all ages. The smell of brats and schnitzel fills the air, and polka music echoes through the festival grounds—it’s a full-on celebration of German heritage!
Why families love it:
- Dachshund Derby & Costume Contest (a must-see!)
- Glockenspiel Clock show every few hours
- Children’s Activity Area with crafts, games & German language activities
- Live German dance performances & parades
- Mascots, interactive exhibits, and plenty of room to play
🎟️ Pro Tips: Kids under 12 are FREE all weekend. Friday admission is just $5—a perfect opportunity for families to attend affordably
🏖️ ArtBlaze
Thursdays: July 24, August 7, August 21, 2025 | 4:00–9:30 PM
McKinley Beach
Free admission and all-ages welcome
Get ready for a one-of-a-kind beach party meets public art experience! Joy Engine’s ArtBlaze is back—this time at the newly renovated McKinley Beach and on Thursday evenings. Expect live music (like The Quilz and DJ Gemini Gilly), arts activities, vendors, waterside s’mores, and a Silent Disco as the sun sets.
But the real showstopper? The towering, glowing HydroBloom inflatable sculptures – stretching nearly 1,000 feet across the beach and water – that respond to your movements with pulses of light.
AUGUST
🎡 Ozaukee County Fair (FREE!)
July 30 – August 3, 2025
Firemen’s Park | Cedarburg, WI
As one of the last free fairs in the state, the Ozaukee County Fair is a beloved tradition in Cedarburg. Expect carnival rides, games, farm animals, live music, and classic fair food. Special events like the Truck & Tractor Pull and Demolition Derby require admission, but the rest of the fun is free and perfect for families.
🐄 Wisconsin State Fair
Jul 31–August 10, 2025
Wisconsin State Fair Park | West Allis, WI
A huge celebration of all things Wisconsin, the Wisconsin State Fair is packed with agriculture exhibits, fair food, and entertainment. Families love the Discovery Barnyard, Kohl’s Activity Zone, and the iconic 200-foot yellow slide ($3 per ride). Don’t miss the Wisconsin Products Pavilion and the K-9 Sports Arena for bonus fun.
🎟️ Kids 5 and under are free. Get a child ID wristband at any entrance.
🐉 Milwaukee Dragon Boat Festival (FREE!)
July 12, 2025
Lakeshore State Park | Milwaukee, WI
Watch colorful boats race across the water in this exciting celebration of Chinese culture. At the Milwaukee Dragon Boat Festival, families can enjoy martial arts, music, folk dance, and interactive cultural exhibits like lantern-making and traditional games.
🍀 Milwaukee Irish Fest
August 14–17, 2025
Henry Maier Festival Park | Milwaukee, WI
The largest Irish festival in the world, Milwaukee Irish Fest event is packed with family fun. Kids can explore the Leprechaun Village, play mini golf, try crafts and games in the Children’s Area, and even meet Irish dog breeds in the Celtic Canine area.
🎟️ Kids 12 and under are free. Free admission often available on Sunday with non-perishable food donation or attending mass.
🎨 MOWA Art & Chalk Fest (FREE!)
August 16–17, 2025
Museum of Wisconsin Art | West Bend, WI
The MOWA Art and Chalk Festival features live chalk art, pottery, glass blowing demos, henna tattoos, caricatures, and a kids’ activity area. Walk away with a flower crown or enjoy a poetry reading. It’s an easygoing, hands-on event for creative families.
🇲🇽 Mexican Fiesta
August 22–24, 2025
Henry Maier Festival Park | Milwaukee, WI
Colorful and full of energy, Mexican Fiesta features mariachi music, folk art, tamales, cultural exhibits, and a vibrant tribute to Our Lady of Guadalupe.
🎟️ Kids 8 and under are free with an adult. Everyone gets in free on Friday from 12–3 PM.
Bronzeville Week
August 2–9, 2025
Bronzeville Week honors African-American culture through music, art, history, and commerce. The highlight for families is often the trolley rides and the Bronzeville Cultural & Arts Festival — expect local food, kid-friendly activities, music, and community vendors.
🍺 Root Beer Bash (FREE!)
August 2, 2025
More info »
Root Beer Bash features live music, kids’ activities, shopping, and of course, root beer floats! Don’t miss the art and makers market, giveaways, and the all-ages fun brewed just for summer.
SEPTEMBER
🎨 Third Ward Art Festival
August 30 – 31, 2025
Historic Third Ward | Milwaukee, WI
The open-air Third Ward Art Festival includes work from over 130 juried artists, live music on two stages, a kid’s art tent, face painting, and food from local vendors. It’s dog-friendly, stroller-accessible, and a great way to end summer on a creative note.
Related: 5 Hot Air Balloon Festivals Happening in Wisconsin
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.
