Every week, Milwaukee With Kids answers a simple question for families across the area: What are we going to do this weekend? From indoor activities to outdoor adventures, we’ve got you covered. For the full weekend list, make sure to visit the Milwaukee With Kids website.
Featured event
IKEA Family Kite Festival
Veterans Park
May 23-24 | 10 a.m.
Now in its 38th year, the Gift of Wings Family Kite Festival returns to Veterans Park. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. each day, with events running through 6 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday. The highlight of each day is the Grand Launch at noon, when 600+ kites take to the sky in a breathtaking display over Lake Michigan. There will also be performances by professional kite flying teams, giant kites, a bubble machine, a candy drop and a Kids Mad Dash at 2:30 p.m. each day!
Patriotic pride
Field of Flags
Veterans Park
Through May 27
Join the Field of Flags Remembrance Ceremony at 11 a.m. this Friday, May 22, and visit the park at any time between now and May 27 for a view of the 27,316 flags on display in honor of every Wisconsin hero killed in action from the Civil War until today.
America the Beautiful: Patriotic Pops Concert
Bradley Symphony Center
May 22-24
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a musical journey that captures the heart and soul of the nation through its rich tapestry of sound. Principal Pops Conductor Byron Stripling leads this concert experience showcasing the evolution of American music, from spirituals and gospel tunes to the rhythms of ragtime and the heartfelt passion of the blues.
Dan Jansen Family Fest
Konkel Park | Greenfield
May 22-25
This annual Memorial Day weekend event features live music, carnival rides and games, a car show, family entertainment and tons of food. This year’s featured bands are Almighty Vinyl, Cherry Pie and Bella Cain, and there will be an outdoor screening of Zooptopia 2 at dusk on May 24 at the park’s west softball field.
Falls Memorial Fest & Parade
Menomonee Falls
May 23-25
Festivities include a 5K run, car show, live performances, vendors, food trucks, beer and wine garden, kids zone, art fair, a tribute to veterans, and the Lucky Ducky Derby. It all wraps up with a Memorial Day Parade on Monday at 10:00 AM on Main Street.
Fun and games
Boy Band Night with the Brewers
American Family Field
May 22 | 6:30 p.m.
Boy Band Night celebrates the biggest hits and heartthrobs from your favorite eras. Get an exclusive Boy Band Night t-shirt, enjoy themed music and in-game entertainment, and stay after the game for fireworks.
Movies at the Drive-In
Milky Way Drive-In | Franklin
May 22-24
It’s opening weekend and your first chance to experience movies under the stars on a crystal-clear, 40-foot LED screen. Bring your own snacks and drinks or enjoy concessions on-site as you enjoy the following movies:
- Friday at 6:30 p.m. — Ferris Bueller’s Day Off + The Goonies
- Saturday at 7 p.m. — Superman + Jurassic Park
- Sunday at 5 p.m. — Zootopia 2 + The Sandlot
Ukuladies Concert
Charles Allis Art Museum
May 23 | 1 p.m.
The Ukuladies are taking over the Allis! Delight in a family-friendly musical gathering led by 30 local women playing the ukuleles, plus a few banjos and mandolins. From Broadway classics to contemporary favorites, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
The great outdoors
Take It Outside Day: Fishing
Urban Ecology Center | Washington Park
May 23 | 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Join any time during this event to learn fishing basics at the Washington Park lagoon. There will be two catch-and-release fishing locations for youth with guardian assistance. Fishing poles, tackle and bait will be provided.
Peek-A-Boo & Hidden Critters
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center | Bayside
May 23 | 10-11:30 a.m.
Discover how different animals and insects use the power of invisibility to survive in this child/adult pair program. Environmental Educator Alison Schrad will tell you all about the importance of camouflage, take you on a hike in search of animals that use them and help you make your own camouflaged critter to take home. Please note this program is designed for children aged 3 and older, each child requires a ticket, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.