Today is the 31st and final day of August, which is the last month that’s a full-time resident in the summer season. Once September is upon us, kids will be back in school, the sun will set before 7:30 p.m. here in Milwaukee, the temperatures will gradually dip, leaves will begin to change colors, and a painfully brief summer will once again give way to another autumn. Though it’s as unfair as it is unavoidable, it’s important to remember that neither summer nor Milwaukee’s unbeatable festival season are over just yet.
Before the season ends just over three weeks from now, the city and the surrounding suburbs will play host to an exciting mix of festivals, block parties, citywide bike races, “romance book crawls,” and various other large scale happenings that will ensure summer won’t go out with a whimper. We’ll be back with a fall festival guide in a few weeks, but in the meantime, we suggest end your Milwaukee summer on a high note by making your way to some of these remaining summer festivals.
Thursday, September 3 through Sunday, September 6
The RIDE Home @ Harley-Davidson Museum and area Harley-Davidson dealerships
“The RIDE Home takes over the Harley-Davidson Museum and Milwaukee-area H-D dealerships September 3–6 for four days of motorcycles, free live music, high-energy entertainment, food, riding and unforgettable experiences in the city where Harley-Davidson began. From Lita Ford on Thursday and Hippies & Cowboys with a guest appearance by Jesse James Dupree of Jackyl on Friday to Noise Pollution on Saturday, the main stage delivers free live music throughout the weekend, with additional bands performing during the day Friday and Saturday. Add the V-Twin Visionary Ride-In Custom Motorcycle Show, Globe of Death, BMX stunt shows, exclusive Museum programs, First Responders Appreciation Day and the Big Unit Poker Run, and there’s something happening across the H-D Museum campus all weekend long.”
Saturday, September 5
The Milwaukee Polka Riot @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
Attention polkaholics, polkanewbies, and stans for the Kenosha Kickers: the Milwaukee Polka Riot (“America’s first and only alternative polka festival!”) is set to return on Saturday, September 5. The long-running festival’s 2026 installment will take place at Linneman’s Riverwest Inn, both inside and outside the historic Riverwest venue. The Riot—once again organized by the fine folks behind Milwaukee polka hip-hop band November Criminals—will feature performances from them and other polka and polka-adjacent groups, as well as polka-focused DJs and special guest Mario The Poet. Milwaukee Polka Riot runs from 2-10 p.m. There’s no cover to attend, though organizers encourage attendees to buy a T-shirt at the event to support the Riot.
Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6
Third Ward Art Festival @ Historic Third Ward
“Free and open to the public, the annual Third Ward Art Festival, in partnership with the Historic Third Ward Association, will showcase the work of over 200 juried artists from around the country in a variety of mediums including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, paintings, drawings, photography, and more! In addition to the incredible artwork available for purchase, attendees will be able to interact with artists through demonstrations and booth chats. Live music, great food and drink options from neighboring restaurants and festival food vendors add to the fun vibe!”
Monday, September 7
Laborfest @ Henry Maier Festival Park
“Every year, labor unions and union members of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council, AFL-CIO, put on the biggest festival on the Milwaukee Lakefront that’s free and open to the public. Through the generosity of local unions and the companies at which they work, we can bring you a day of fun at the lakefront that includes live music for adults and families, children’s entertainment like science and magic shows, a classic car show and union raffle.”
Thursday, September 10 through Sunday, September 13
From Milwaukee With Love: Milwaukee’s Romance Book Weekend @ North Ave (Wauwatosa)
“Coming back for a second year, From Milwaukee With Love is a love letter from Milwaukee to romance readers and authors from around the world. The Well Red Damsel and the amazing MKE Books & Beers are partnering with the Wauwatosa Public Library and dozens of Milwaukee’s small businesses to bring you four days chalked full of bookish events!”
Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12
MKE INT Film Festival @ Avalon Theater
Looking for a jam-packed local film festival to satiate your local film festival appetite in the waning days of summer? Then look no further than the MKE INT Short Film Fest, set to return to the Avalon Atmospheric Theater September 11-12! The 28th annual shindig will kick off with a special 50th anniversary screening of the 1975 Wisconsin-made cult classic (and Mystery Science Theater 3000 favorite) The Giant Spider Invasion. The film will come complete with updated special effects and new sequences shot by director Bill Rebane, making it a Special Edition of sorts. Speaking of Rebane, the 89-year-old auteur will be on hand to receive a Pace-setter award, and to participate in a Q&A. Check out more info HERE.
Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12
TosaFest @ Wauwatosa Village
TosaFest, an annual event—which started way back in 1976!—will take place for yet another year when it returns to the streets of the Wauwatosa Village on Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12. Now 50 years removed from its start, the 2026 installment will offer live entertainment on three stages, food vendors galore, youth-focused “Kids Zone” activities, a vendor market, arts activities, Oktoberfest at Draft & Vessel, tons of nearby bars and restaurants to explore, a cheese curd eating contest, and more.
Saturday, September 12
Puerto Rican Fest @ Henry Maier Festival Park
After previous installments at Humboldt Park, Wilson Park, Jackson Park, and Veterans Park, the state’s largest celebration of Puerto Rican culture moved to Henry Maier Festival Park last year and will return to that spacious site again in 2026. Yes, the 13th annual Puerto Rican Fest will take root on the Summerfest grounds on Saturday, September 12. As always, there will be plenty of room to celebrate all things Puerto Rican in a wide variety of ways. Just some of the things attendees can expect to experience at the family-friendly event include dancing, food and drinks, live entertainment, a kid’s zone, DJs, dozens of retail vendors, and much more.
Saturday, September 12
The 7th Annual Shorewood 12 Bike Race @ Shorewood
“Join the Gentlemen of Shorewood on Saturday, September 12th from 9:12am to 9:12pm for the Shorewood 12 bike race! Simply put, teams of 4 take turns riding laps around Shorewood for 12 hours. But it’s not all about the laps. New this year – stop in local Shorewood businesses and participate in a variety of challenges to earn BONUS points for your team before the race day! All proceeds from the race and race entrance fees are donated back to various and multiple charitable organizations.”
Saturday, September 12
Silver City Fest @ Silver City Neighborhood (near 3501 W. Pierce St.)
“For 15 years, Silver City Fest has brought neighbors, businesses, artists, families and community partners together to celebrate the people and places that make Milwaukee’s Silver City neighborhood a special place to call home. This year, the annual celebration will look a little different as the community comes together during the ongoing reconstruction of National Avenue. This free, family-friendly street festival will take over Pierce Street from the 35th Street Viaduct to 37th Street, with activities taking place beneath the viaduct and along the street. The celebration will feature live music, local food, artists and makers, family activities, interactive art, community organizations and more.”
Saturday, September 12
UHBC 2026 Block Party #3 @ Urban Harvest Brewing Company
“We’re opening our doors and letting the party spill out onto South 5th for our 3rd Block Party of ’26. Our Special guests will be the Sorry Mountain Bluegrass Band. Vevas 1942 Food Truck will be here to share an amazing looking menu with you. A perfect transition from summer into fall, our Short Stack Maple Brown Seasonal will be pouring when we open at 1:00. Bonus Beer release! We dug deep into the depths of our walk-in cooler and found a keg of our Full Stack Imperial Maple Brown.”
Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13
Frank Mots International Kite Festival @ Veterans Park
“Gift of Wings hosts the annual Frank Mots International Kite Festival at Milwaukee’s Lakefront in Veterans Park. The event features professionally flown giant-sized kites and a grand launch of 600 kites each day at noon. The annual event is the weekend after Labor Day. Free fun for the family! Saturday open until 6 p.m.; Sunday, until 5 p.m.”
Friday, September 18
Harvest Fest Block Party & Pumpkin Spirit Release @ Great Lakes Distillery
“The annual event brings together Milwaukee music, food, makers and craft spirits for one spirited night celebrating the arrival of fall. Guests can enjoy live music from The First Wave, with acoustic duo Alex & Jenn opening the evening, along with specialty cocktails, GLD spirit samples, Lakefront Brewery beers, food vendors, and a Mini Makers Market featuring local artists and makers. The highlight of the evening will be the return of Great Lakes Distillery’s Pumpkin Seasonal Spirit, an annual limited release created in collaboration with Milwaukee’s Lakefront Brewery.”
Saturday, September 19
Bay View Bash @ Bay View (Kinnickinnic Ave. between Potter and Clement)
Bay View Bash will return to Kinnickinnic Avenue on Saturday, September 19 and will fill the eponymous neighborhood with 11 hours worth of live entertainment, family fun, retail vendors, food, drinks, and more.
Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20
Freshwater Food & Wine Festival @ Henry Maier Festival Park
“Designed as a celebration of food, wine, hospitality, and pop culture, Freshwater Food & Wine Festival will bring together nationally recognized culinary talent, award-winning restaurants, global wine experiences, live entertainment, and one-of-a-kind activations along Milwaukee’s lakefront. Freshwater Food & Wine Festival will be September 19–20, 2026, at Milwaukee’s iconic Henry Maier Festival Park.”
