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
Doors Open Milwaukee
Various locations
Sept. 26-27
More than 100 buildings — big and small, new and old, landmarks and hidden gems — open their doors to everyone! Guided tours are often offered free of charge, but there are also some in-depth tours that are ticketed. For more info, check out these lists of the top family-friendly tours and the seven new kid-friendly options.
Steins & good times
Waukesha Oktoberfest
Frame Park | Waukesha
Sept. 25-26
Come for bier, freunde und fun while you travel to Deutschland in the heart of Waukesha! This vibrant celebration offers a taste of Bavarian culture complete with traditional music, delicious food and beverages for kids and grownups alike.
Germantown Oktoberfest
Dheinsville Historical Park | Germantown
Sept. 26-27
It’s the Germantown Historical Society’s 32nd year of Oktoberfest, featuring two days of German entertainment; authentic food like brats, potato pancakes and desserts; and activities like a silent auction, crafts fair, car show and Saturday’s Dachshund Dash at 3 p.m. Please remember that the festival is cash only, and there’s an ATM available on-site.
Oktoberfest
The Argo | Whitefish Bay
Sept. 27 | Noon-7 p.m.
Get ready to raise a stein and celebrate for a full day of festive fun, featuring live music from The Squeezettes, games, exciting prizes and delicious food-and-drink specials. And remember to check out the Milwaukee With Kids guide to family-friendly Oktoberfest celebrations all around the area!
More celebrations
Lowlands Group 20th Anniversary Block Party
Café Hollander | Downer Avenue
Sept. 26
Celebrate 20 years of Gezellig at Café Hollander on Downer Avenue as the local restaurant group thanks the East Side and every neighborhood that they call home. Guests can expect live music; activities and giveaways; festival snacks; and a full lineup of bier, wine and cocktails available for purchase.
Harbor Fest / Sturgeon Fest
Harbor View Plaza
Sept. 27 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Mark your calendars for a celebration of Milwaukee’s waterways as we gather around our great lake with live performances, vendors, boat rides and more. The theme for this year’s free, all-ages event is “What Lies Beneath” and is highlighted by Sturgeon Fest, where you can watch baby sturgeon being released into the Inner Harbor.
Toons come to life
Peanuts Night with the Brewers
American Family Field
Sept. 25 | 6:30 p.m.
Cheer on the National League Central Division champions as they take on the St. Louis Cardinals and continue their push to the playoffs. Celebrate the timeless charm of Charlie Brown and friends with a Lucy bobblehead giveaway, included with the purchase of a special theme-night ticket.
Wild Kratts: Creature Power Exhibit
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
Sept. 26-Jan. 17
Inspired by the hit PBS Kids series, this new hands-on exhibit allows the youngest adventurers to explore animal habitats from around the world, discover incredible Creature Powers and complete interactive missions through imaginative play. Recommended for ages 3-9.
Safe & spooky fun
Treasure of the MUMmies
Mitchell Park Domes
Through Nov. 8
No need to be afraid of the dark at this fall show from The Domes, which invites you to uncover the wonders of ancient Egypt via a vibrant horticultural display, sculptural artifacts and Egyptian-inspired details that blend history and horticulture into an immersive autumn experience.
Fright Night: Double Spooky Feature
Milky Way Drive-In | Franklin
Sept. 25 | 6:30 p.m.
Kick off spooky season with a double feature packed with supernatural laughs, mischievous monsters and Halloween fun. Bring your favorite snacks and watch both movies — Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and Goosebumps — for the price of one.
China Lights
Boerner Botanical Gardens | Hales Corners
Through Nov. 1
It’s the ninth year for this annual illuminated event at Boerner Botanical Gardens, and the theme for 2026 is “Legends Come Alive!” Don’t miss your chance to journey through ancient Chinese traditions, enchanted oceans and fantasy realms brought to life in an experience featuring more than 40 handcrafted, lantern-inspired displays.