Remember when the end of summer was also kinda-sorta the end of Milwaukee’s festival season? Those were simpler (and much more boring) times. Thankfully, the city’s already-bursting list of festivals, block parties, and other ambitious entertainment undertakings is extending well beyond summer. As you get ready to have an awesome autumn, Here is Milwaukee Record’s fall festival guide.
Now-November 2
China Lights @ Boerner Botanical Gardens
The ever-popular China Lights display has return to Boerner Botanical Gardens from September 12 through November 2. The 2025 edition brings about a celebration of The Magical Forest.
September 26
Bay View Gallery Night @ various locations
Though there was already a 2025 installment of Bay View Gallery Night in May, we’re pleased to report Bay View Gallery Night will return for a fall version on Friday, September 26. To prepare you for the bustling night ahead, we’ve assembled this quick-hitting and to-the-point guide to tell you what to expect to see, hear, experience, and drink at each of the 50-plus participating sites during this year’s Bay View Gallery Night festivities.
September 26-28
Harvest Fair @ Wisconsin State Fair Park
Does the idea of a less-crowded Wisconsin State Fair that takes place in early fall sound appealing to you? It should, because State Fair Park’s annual Harvest Fair is always a delight. Music, food, lumberjack shows, animal races, and oodles of vendors are all included in this free three-day fest.
September 27-28
Doors Open Milwaukee @ various locations
One of Milwaukee’s most unique events is Historic Milwaukee’s annual Doors Open Milwaukee, a citywide “open house” where folks can explore the normally off-limits insides of theaters, museums, art galleries, and random businesses. This year’s edition will boast more than 150 participating sites. The complete list of sites can be found HERE.
September 27
Third Space Brewing 9th Anniversary Party @ Third Space Brewing
On Saturday, September 27, Third Space will celebrate its ninth birthday—while simultaneously welcoming the first weekend of autumn in grand fashion—with a limited edition beer release of a “champagne-style ale,” a few food trucks, a dash of philanthropy, and loads of live entertainment. The 9th Anniversary Party will feature Third Space’s array of exceptional beers, an eclectic mix of local food vendors (including Piña Mexican Eats, Off Shore MKE, and Ian’s Pizza), and opportunities to donate to YMCA Camp Minikani—where Third Space’s founders first met. Best yet, the brewery’s outdoor deck will host close to 10 hours worth of live music from great Milwaukee acts.
September 27
World Oddities Expo @ Baird Center
“The World Oddities Expo is a traveling oddities festival—a peculiar paradise where weird thrives! We pride ourselves on being an all-inclusive artisan and small business fueled mega-convention. We feature artists, vendors, performers, educators, and guest speakers to create a macabre and magical experience for all!”
September 27
MILK Comic Fest @ 3rd Street Market Hall
On Saturday, September 27, the fourth annual MILK Comic Fest will take place at 3rd Street Market Hall. The event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., will include a wide array of area artists and vendors, as well as independent or small press exhibitors from all over the Midwest. The event is free to attend and open to the public.
September 28
Harbor Fest @ Harbor District
Celebrate all things boats, fish, and water at this family-friendly festival. Harbor Fest will take place on Sunday, September 28 in front of UWM’s School of Freshwater Sciences (600 E. Greenfield Ave.). From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., attendees can enjoy baby sturgeon releases (and a “sturgeon blessing”), music, tumbling performers, a children’s makers tent, and food from local vendors.
October 2-5
Milwaukee Muslim Film Festival @ Oriental Theatre
“The Milwaukee Muslim Film Festival (MMFF) stands as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling through film by promoting understanding, empathy, and unity among all walks of life. MMFF celebrates the vibrant tapestry of Islamic culture and commemorates the shared human spirit that binds us all together, reinforcing the values of compassion, respect, and coexistence.”
October 3-5
Milwaukee Oktoberfest @ Henry Maier Festival Park
Swarmm Events is bringing Milwaukee Oktoberfest to the Summerfest grounds for the first time in the event’s 15-year history for three days of Germanic fun that includes live polka music, plenty of beer and food from Kegel’s Inn, and contests like a bratwurst eating competition and a Wiener Dog Beauty Pageant. Prost!
October 3-5
Milwaukee Tattoo Arts Festival @ Baird Center
The 15th annual Milwaukee Tattoo Arts Festival is a celebration of all things ink, as body illustration enthusiasts and renowned tattoo artists take over the Baird Center for three days of fun, connection, and tattoos.
October 4
Blocktoberfest @ The Blocks Of Becher (69th and Becher in West Allis)
On Saturday, October 4 from noon to 8 p.m., a variety of businesses near the corner of 69th and Becher in West Allis will be hosting Blocktoberfest. The 5th annual block party and artisan market will offer a wide range of live music, homemade German cuisine (and other non-German eats), makers and other retail vendors, and “plenty of Oktoberfest beer!”
October 4
Beet Street Harvest Festival @ Cactus Club
The Bay View block party—hosted by Cactus Club, Palomino, and Goodkind—is set to bring about a day of live music, local food and retail vendors, community organizations, and pie-based competition to a parcel of Wentworth and Potter avenues outside the aforementioned businesses. The family-friendly event will run from 1-7 p.m., with an 18+ after party to take place at Cactus Club once Beet Street concludes. See the whole music, food and vendor lineup HERE.
October 5
Brady Street Pet Parade @ Brady Street
Attention, four-legged creatures and the two-legged creatures who love them: The beloved Brady Street Pet Parade will return to the bustling East Side street on Sunday, October 5. Dogs, cats, pigs, ferrets, rats, lizards, and humans are all welcome. The big event will take over a multi-block parcel of Brady Street from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors, and oodles and oodles of adorable pets will be involved. Similar to years past, there will also be judged contests and a pet blessing.
October 7-12
Milwaukee Comedy Festival @ various locations
Originating long before the city had anything resembling a sustainable comedy community, Milwaukee Comedy Festival has grown and evolved along with Milwaukee’s standup scene. Along the way, the annual comedic undertaking has also brought in noted national talent to headline some of its shows. This year’s festival—which will be taking place October 7-12—is no different, as Patton Oswalt, Aparna Nancherla, Sean Patton, Punkie Johnson, and more will take part in the 20th annual Milwaukee Comedy Festival along with great local comics and up-and-coming humorists from all over the country.
October 11
Flannel Fest @ Boone & Crockett / The Cooperage
Boone & Crockett’s “Flannel Fest” will return for its fourth in-person installment on Saturday, October 11. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and local retailers in the Boone/Cooperage lot during this free, family-friendly festival. HERE is the full lineup and everything else you need to know.
October 11
The Low Down @ Indeed Brewing Company
Indeed Brewing is ending its weeklong Oktoberfest celebration stong by bringing back The Low Down block party. On October 11, a portion of Second Street situated outside Indeed’s Walker’s Point brewery/taproom will host live music, food and retail vendors, and beer releases (some of which can get the “Beer Brûlée” treatment by being caramelized with a hot fire poker).
October 15-18
Pumpkin Pavilion @ Humboldt Park
“This four-day, family-friendly event brings over 2,000 Bay View residents and Milwaukee neighbors to Humboldt Park Pavilion. Guests come to carve pumpkins, admire the display of 1,000 lit pumpkins, enjoy live music, eat local food, and embrace the fun that is Halloween.”
October 17-18
Fall Gallery Night & Day @ Historic Third Ward
Calling itself “Milwaukee’s original gallery hop event,” Historic Third Ward’s Gallery Night MKE returns this fall with two days of art and entertainment scattered throughout a wide range of galleries. While you’re out and about, make sure to work in some shopping, dining, and drinks at some of the nearby Third Ward haunts.
October 17-19
Hunting Moon Pow Wow @ Baird Center
“Hunting Moon Pow Wow is three days of excitement, bringing together a host of Native American cultures for a celebration of singing, drumming and dancing in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Long a part of Native culture, the pow wow is an important social gathering; it’s a chance for Native people to connect with one another, connect with their vibrant history and traditions, and to connect with non-Native people through the power, beauty and pageantry of the event.”
October 17-19 and October 22-24
Boo At The Zoo @ Milwaukee County Zoo
This “merry not scary” event brings after hours fun to Milwaukee County Zoo. Enjoy a “trick-or-treat trail,” pumpkin carving demonstrations, light shows, and (of course) lots of animals. All who attend are encouraged to come wearing a costume.
October 18
Milwaukee Paracon @ Irish Cultural & Heritage Center
Milwaukee Paranormal Conference is back! The celebration of the strange and unusual is set to take place October 18. This year’s installment is described as “a celebration of the ghost stories of Milwaukee, urban legends, Milwaukee UFO sightings, Wisconsin folklore, all kinds of paranormal and all centered on phenomena that happened in the Brew City.”
October 19
Curd Fest 2025 @ Drink Wisconsinbly Pub
While it’s always Curd Fest in Milwaukee as far as we’re concerned, the folks from Drink Wisconsinbly Pub are going the extra mile with a deliciously cheesy festival devoted to the almighty curd. Enjoy samples from a stacked cast of local vendors, watch the Packers take on the Cardinals, and have a few drinks while celebrating an iconic Wisconsin delicacy at the Deer District.
October 25
Dia de los Muertos Festival @ Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum
“The Dia de los Muertos Festival is a FREE family friendly event that aims to bring together the south side community to celebrate the traditions of Dia de los Muertos and enjoy the space that the Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum has to offer. The event will kick-off in the morning with a 5k Run/Walk through the grounds of the cemetery. After the run, the festival begins with food trucks, local vendors, arts and crafts for kids and families, traditional music and dance, altars to the dead, face painting, community resource booths, and so much more.”
November 1-2
Trainfest 2025 @ Baird Center
All aboard! Trainfest 2025 is chugging into Baird Center for two days of miniature railroading fun for the whole family. Children, modelers, collectors, and anyone else with a passing interest in this niche hobby are invited to check out booths from manufacturers and retailers, see exhibits, and partake in activities and seminars centered around model trains.
November 15-16
The New Reality @ X-Ray Arcade
Back in August, X-Ray Arcade announced a brand new festival that will celebrate the abundance of top-notch hardcore and metal music being made in the Midwest. The new musical undertaking is called “The New Reality,” and it’s a co-production between The Basement Collective and Milwaukee Hardcore Shows that will come to X-Ray Arcade on Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, November 16. Milwaukee bands World I Hate and Twisted Truth (as well as Madison’s Stress Test) will give the event some local representation. There will also be acts from a variety of other Midwest locales in the form of D Bloc, BIB, Prevention, Spine, Payasa, Direct Measure, Sector, Velocity, Dose, Identity Crisis, No Guard, and Source Of Fire. Oh, and Gridiron (from Pennsylvania), No Cure (out of Alabama), and Ontario-based Mile End will take part as well.
November 21-23
Holiday Folk Fair International @ Wisconsin State Fair Park
“Holiday Folk Fair International, America’s premier multicultural festival and a program of the International Institute of Wisconsin, celebrates the cultural heritage of the people living in southeastern Wisconsin. You can explore the ways music, food, dance, and art weave together a message of welcome.”
December 5
Christmas In The Ward @ Catalano Square
Seasonal music, theatrical performances of holiday classics, a visit from Santa, and a tree lighting ceremony all await you in Historic Third Ward at the Christmas In The Ward event. There’s also hot chocolate and beer available for purchase.
December 7
Milwaukee Krampusnacht @ Best Place and Historic Brewery District
Since 2017, Milwaukee Krampusnacht has celebrated the half-goat/half-demon Krampus—a.k.a. a figure from Alpine folklore who punishes naughty children and acts as a foil to the do-gooding Saint Nicholas—with a family-friendly night of costumes, music, food and drink, and arts and crafts. This year’s Milwaukee Krampusnacht will take place in the Brewery District (between 9th and 11th Streets on Juneau Avenue) on Sunday, December 7.
December 7
Hover Craft @ The Pritzlaff Building
Since 2009, Hover Craft has brought skilled local artists, crafters, retailers, and others residing beneath the broad “maker” umbrella together to bring Milwaukee-made goods to area consumers during the holiday season. It’ll return to The Pritzlaff Building for another installment on Sunday, December 7.
