After its splashy debut at Bradford and South Shore beaches in 2024, the ArtBlaze series is coming back to the lakefront this year, with two adjustments designed to ramp up the experience.
Organized by local public-art nonprofit Joy Engine, ArtBlaze will switch from Wednesday to Thursdays while making the move to McKinley Beach for all three installments of the series.
“When considering where to host ArtBlaze this year, we went with McKinley Beach because of its central location so everyone can feel welcome at this celebration of local art and summer fun,” Joy Engine executive director Steph Salvia said in a release. “McKinley Beach also feels so new and exciting after its three-year renovation.”
That project tackled a few safety and environmental issues by hauling in nearly 12,000 cubic yards of sand, as well as grading and rehabilitating the area to lower the beach’s water depth. It makes for a more welcoming environment that’s ideal for the multimedia ArtBlaze events that will take place from 4 to 9:30 p.m. July 24, Aug. 7 and Aug. 24.
Similar to last year, the series will feature oversized inflatable sculptures, which in 2025 will bring 25-foot-tall “HydroBloom” structures that stretch nearly 1,000 feet to the shoreline. Designed by FuzzPop Workshop and UW-Milwaukee architecture students, the installation will respond to movement by emitting “pulses of color that ripple into the lake.”
That’s the most eye-catching facet of the all-ages programming, which also includes vendors, arts activities and performances, a waterside s’mores station and entertainment from artists like The Quilz, Alison Mahal and NilexNile. The lineup as it currently stands is below, and you can find all the information about ArtBlaze on the event’s webpage.
ArtBlaze schedule for 2025
Thursday, July 24
- 4 p.m. — Tlalok
- 5 p.m. — Embody Yoga
- 6 p.m. — TBD
- 7 p.m. — The Quilz
- 8 p.m. — Silent Disco w/Police Create Hippies, DJ Sushi Lor, Blaze Orange
Thursday, Aug. 7
- 4 p.m. — Alison Mahal
- 5 p.m. — Mke.Me Crew
- 6 p.m. — *aya
- 7 p.m. — Danyc MKE
- 8:15 p.m. — TBD
Thursday, Aug. 21
- 4 p.m. — DJ Luke Warm
- 5 p.m. — TBD
- 6:15 p.m. — NilexNile
- 7:15 p.m. — Warped
- 8 p.m. — DJ Gemini Gilly
