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 events
ArtBlaze
McKinley Beach
July 30 | 4-9:30 p.m.
Returning for its third season, ArtBlaze transforms public spaces into playgrounds of creativity featuring giant inflatable sculptures by Milwaukee’s FuzzPop Workshop, live music, dance performances, wellness activities, interactive art experiences, food vendors, waterside s’mores and more. This week’s entertainment includes Cullah, Creature Weather, A.I.M. led by Davien Holton (dance + lesson), and a Silent Disco featuring Blaze Orange, DJ Sushi Lor and DJ Luke Warm.
MOWA Art & Chalk Fest
Museum of Wisconsin Art | West Bend
Aug. 1-2 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
One of the most unique weekends of live art is back in West Bend! Experience chalk artists crafting large-scale works of art, create hands-on art projects in the expanded Activity Zone, shop the vendor market, watch live art demonstrations, listen to live music, and enjoy free admission to the Museum of Wisconsin Art.
Culture and celebration
Bronzeville Cultural & Arts Festival
North Avenue
Aug. 2 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
The highlight of Bronzeville Week takes place on North Avenue between Dr. MLK Jr. Drive and 7th Street. Check out vendor booths, chow down on tasty eats, enjoy live entertainment across three stages, and stop by a Kids’ Zone packed with activities designed just for the little ones.
Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
July 30 | 6-9 p.m.
This inaugural event is inspired by El Día de los Niños (Day of the Children), a cherished tradition celebrated across many Latin American countries that recognizes the importance of children, childhood and family. This joyful gathering includes music, dance, delicious food and refreshing drinks, and attendees are encouraged to help set the tone by wearing colorful outfits.
Cars and trucks
Motul SportsCar Endurance Grand Prix
Road America | Plymouth
July 30-Aug. 2
North America’s premier sportscar series returns to America’s National Park of Speed, bringing familiar names from the racing world to Plymouth so they can test all of their abilities in down-to-the-wire battles. Elite sportscars from nearly 20 different manufacturers will compete, including Mercedes, Ferrari, Chevrolet and Aston Martin.
Open House
Milwaukee Fire Museum
Aug. 2 | Noon-3 p.m.
Step inside and experience the rich history of firefighting in Milwaukee. Whether you’re a history buff, a fire-service professional or just looking for a fun family outing, there’s something here for everyone — from the nearly century-old firehouse itself to exhibits that include a working telegraph system from the 1910s, a 1927 MFD pumper, a 1947 Cadillac ambulance and more.
Groovy gatherings
Greendale Village Days
July 30-Aug. 2
Celebrate Greendale’s 88th birthday with live bands, BMX bike performances, a car show, rummage sale, and local food and beverages. Entertainment will include Smart Mouth and Bella Cain, and all four days will be packed with family fun like an inflatable playground, an arcade, the trackless train, the Greendale Downtown Market and more.
Firefly Fridays
Firefly Grove Park | Wauwatosa
July 31 | 5-8 p.m.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, spend your Friday nights with us at Firefly Grove Park for rotating food trucks, live music from local artists and family fun in the park. This Friday’s lineup includes food from El Sazon Dominicano and Flip’s Mini Donuts, plus entertainment by Jorge Valentine.
Science and scribes
Microscope Day
Discovery World
Aug. 1 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Take a closer look at the science all around us with hands-on microscopy activities for curious minds of all ages. Using a Hitachi tabletop scanning electron microscope (SEM), you’ll be able to compare observations, examine prepared slides and discover how scientists use microscopy to study everything from living organisms to advanced materials.
Optimist Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park
Lake Park & Jackson Park
Aug. 1-2 | 1-6 p.m.
It’s a full day of fun dedicated to one of history’s greatest playwrights. Besides performances of Richard III (puppet edition) and The Merry Wives of Windsor: Falstaff’s Tale, you can enjoy an afternoon of games and activities, including Bard-themed trivia and a make-your-own garland station. Locations are Lake Park on Saturday and Jackson Park on Sunday.