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 pick
Wine & Harvest Festival
Downtown Cedarburg
Sept. 19-20
Kickoff the season of changing leaves and brisk fresh air at this sweet and savory weekend celebration. Stroll among the vendors on main street as part of an event that features a giant pumpkin regatta, pumpkin-carving demonstrations, a grape-stomping competition, youth makers market, glass-making workshop, live music and a beer garden.
More food fests
Apple Harvest Festival
Retzer Nature Center | Waukesha
Sept. 19 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
It’s a family-friendly start to fall, with fun and free activities all day long. Purchase fresh apples and apple treats at the Apple Market, grab a root beer at the Delafield Brewhaus Beer Garden, browse eco-friendly arts-and-crafts vendors, listen to live music, explore kids’ activities, complete the Scarecrow Lane scavenger hunt, watch a planetarium show, and more.
Pizza On the Farm & Fall Fest
Happy Day Farmhaus | Richfield
Sept. 20 | 4-7 p.m.
Looking for a low-key way to enjoy the harvest season? You’ve found it at an event that includes Flour Girl and Flame pizza, pumpkins, fall decor, florals and farm stuff! Make sure to get your tickets ahead of time so you can reserve a timeslot when you can pick up your pizza.
Elm Grove Oktoberfest
Village Park | Elm Grove
Sept. 17-19
The annual Elm Grove Community Foundation Oktoberfest gets an additional day this year, as Village Park hosts fun with games, festive food from local food trucks, local and German beers, and live music. Plus, don’t miss the chance to challenge yourself with the 0.5K beer run!
Gather for a good cause
Rally Round for Children’s Wisconsin
Wisconsin State Fair Park
Sept. 19 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
This “festival of fun for everyone” at the park’s racetrack includes four themed activity zones on the infield featuring bounce houses, party games, adaptive sports, hands-on arts-and-science stations, a relaxing break zone, live music and food trucks. On the track, you can run, walk or roll together as hourly Honor Laps recognize patient families and care teams.
Milwaukee Diaper Mission’s 6th Birthday Bash
9600 S. Franklin Dr. | Cudahy
Sept. 19 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
For six years, this local organization has helped ensure every person has access to the basic essentials they need to thrive. Volunteer for an hour in MDM’s warehouse, then stay for a fun-filled afternoon of family-friendly activities, birthday treats and community celebration. Suggested family donation: $25.
Native Heritage Celebration
Marcus Center | Peck Pavilion
Sept. 18 | 5-7 p.m.
Learn about the rich culture and heritage of the various tribes of Wisconsin through traditional smudging, youth drumming and a panel discussion. The event will feature interactive experience booths where attendees can meet representatives from Wisconsin’s 11 tribes, explore traditional artifacts and learn about the cultures of Native communities throughout the state.
First Responders Fest
Hart Park | Wauwatosa
Sept. 20 | 11:30 a.m.
This event honoring those who proudly serve our communities doubles as a Packers watch party on a huge 13-foot screen at Rotary Stage. You can enjoy food and beverages while the kids get their faces painted, and all first responders will receive a free meal and drink from Leff’s Lucky Town, free donuts from Cranky Al’s and a free t-shirt.
Parties and puppets
Bay View Bash
Kinnickinnic Avenue | Bay View
Sept. 19 | 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Established in 2004, the Bay View Bash is a one-day community festival celebrating local food, art, music, crafts, books and organizations. On KK between Potter and Clement, you’ll find five stages of bands, more than a 100 vendors and the always-popular dog costume parade getting the day started at 11 a.m.
Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE
Pabst Theater
Sept. 19 | 2 p.m.
This all-new musical stage adventure takes audiences on a joyful, nostalgia-filled trip to Fraggle Rock. The production features new walkaround versions of the Fraggles, puppet-sized Doozers and a giant Gorg — all from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop — along with fan-favorite songs and exciting visual effects.
Movie Night
Davidson Park
Sept. 18 | 6:30 p.m.
It’s the last Movie Night of the summer at Davidson Park! Bring a blanket and chairs, arrive early to check out the H-D Moto Lab at 5:30 p.m., grab complimentary popcorn starting at 6 p.m., then watch Space Jam at 6:30 p.m.