Well, it’s over. “The World’s Largest Musical Festival” came to a close last night after 11 days of lakeside frolicking.
And while science tells us it takes 21 days to form a habit, Milwaukeeans know that after 11 days of Summerfest, we’re left wondering what to do on our nights, weekends and lunch breaks.
Time before the Big Gig seems blurry. What did I do to fill my time? Where did I eat? Why don’t I need to go through a turnstile to get into work in the morning?
Fear not, Milwaukeeans, we’re here to help. No matter what void you’re now feeling in your post-Fest life, we’ve got the answer to fill it. Scroll for enlightenment.
Where to get your fried food fix
For some, Summerfest is one big cafeteria. If this is you, your stomach is likely crying for something deep-fried right about now.
Our suggestions…
- Saz’s State House Restaurant – A physical building with mozzarella marinara inside?! Indeed. You can build your own sampler platter and eat it off a *real plate.*
- Bastille Days – This weekend, treat post ‘Fest sadness with another fest (and this one’s free!). Fried food favorites included.
Where to listen to live music
Live outdoor music listening doesn’t have to end just because you no longer have 11 stages of entertainment to mosey between. Every night in the summer, you can find music happening outside throughout the metro-Milwaukee area.
- Mondays – Italian Community Center Courtyard Music Series (also on Tuesday-Thursday nights)
- Tuesdays – Chill on the Hill
- Wednesdays – River Rhythms, Tosa Tonight, Denim Park Music Series
- Thursdays – Jazz in the Park (also 414 Music Live at 88Nine, but that’s inside)
- Fridays – Cedarburg Summer Sounds
Where to people watch
Perhaps one of my favorite parts of Summerfest is people watching. But people still exist post-Fest and are still doing equally interesting things.
Milwaukee is the “City of Festivals” so you can make your way to another fest – ethnic or otherwise – pretty much any weekend. Bastille Days and Port Washington Fish Day are this weekend, Festa Italiana is the weekend after, and Brady Street Fest rounds out the month on July 30.
Where to walk around near water
For the younger Summerfest crowd, you may be wondering what rocks are available for you to sit on near water. Lucky for you, Milwaukee has some great parks and beaches available all around the lake and riverfronts.
Click here for parks and here for beaches.
Hopefully, in a few short days, you’ll emerge from the Summerfest haze victorious, with memories of 2016 in your heart and a countdown to 2017 on your phone.