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 1
China Lights @ Boerner Botanical Gardens
The ever-popular China Lights display has return to Boerner Botanical Gardens from September 12 through November 1. The 2026 edition makes Legends Come Alive.
September 24-27
Dialogues Documentary Festival @ Oriental Theatre and Downer Theatre
The full 35-film lineup can be found HERE. It includes previously announced documentaries like the Rocky Horror-centered Time Warp and the Milwaukee-focused Heavy Is The Crown, as well as just-revealed selections like the Alicia Keys doc Girl From Hell’s Kitchen and the AI investigation Ghost In The Machine. And since the fest isn’t called “Dialogues” for nothin’, Milwaukee Film notes that “many of the screenings will be immediately followed by talkbacks, Q&As, and/or panel discussions. We’ve indicated a number of these expected post-screening discussions, but they are subject to change. Keep an eye on the online film descriptions for the most up-to-date information.”
September 25
Bay View Gallery Night @ various locations
Though there was already a 2026 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 25. Stay tuned for a 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 25
Riverwest Jazz Fest @ various venues
Who’s in the mood for some jazz? How about a multi-venue fall music festival taking place in Riverwest? Are you going to be around Friday, September 25. If you answered yes to at least one of those questions, you’re in luck! That night, the folks at Milwaukee Jazz Vision and Milwaukee Jazz Institute will bring a bevy of area jazz and jazz-adjacent artists to the heart of Riverwest. Starting at 6 p.m., the revived Riverwest Jazz Fest will bring live music to Jazz Gallery Center For The Arts, Bar Centro, Diaspora, and Club Timbuktu. Better yet, all four Riverwest Jazz Fest shows are FREE. Save the date and check out the full lineup HERE.
September 26
Third Space Brewing 10th Anniversary Party @ Third Space Brewing
Third Space Brewing will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a full day of live music, food trucks, beer releases, contests, giveaways, activities for all ages, and a dash of philanthropy. Beyond its extensive lineup of award-winning beers always on tap, Third Space will be pouring its “Super Happy” Happy Place variant and reviving its beloved “Unite The Clans” Scottish Style Ale for the occasion. Adding to the music, food trucks, and beer releases will will be stein holding and “Split The Shield” contests, activities for kids, beer giveaway promotions, a 50/50 raffle, and an opportunity to raise funds for Camp Minikani (a YMCA camp where Third Space’s founders first met).
September 26
The Low Down @ Indeed Brewing Company
Speaking of early autumn fests taking place outside of a brewery, on Saturday, September 26, Indeed Brewing will celebrate its 7th Milwaukee anniversary and the start of fall with a day full of tasty beer, live entertainment, food trucks, local retail vendors, and more. The Low Down will liven up a block of 2nd Street—between Bruce and Virginia streets—from 12-10 p.m. During that span of time, the street and the brewery itself will be hosting a wide range of activities, award-winning beers, local retailers, area food vendors, DJs and live music, and even a Silent Disco after party.
September 26
Czechtoberfest 2026 @ Amorphic Beer
How about one more festival happening at a Milwaukee brewery on Saturday, September 26? Okay! From 2-7 p.m., Amorphic Beer in Riverwest will host its annual Czechtoberfest, an indoor and outdoor happening that will feature “Czech food, live music from the Stallis Cowboys in the container stage, and three Czech style lagers poured in the garden next door.” It’s free to attend.
September 26
MILK Comic Fest @ 3rd Street Market Hall
On Saturday, September 26, the fifth 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 26-27
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 190 participating sites. The complete list of sites can be found HERE.
September 27
Harbor Fest @ Harbor District
Celebrate all things boats, fish, and water at this family-friendly festival. Harbor Fest will take place on Sunday, September 27 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, music, a children’s makers tent, food from local vendors, and more.
September 27
Bean Plant Block Party @ Anodyne Coffee’s Walker’s Point Roastery
“Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co. in Walker’s Point will host its FIFTH annual Bean Plant Block Party on Sunday, September 27 from 12 – 5 p.m. The event will take place outside on Bruce St. between 2nd and 3rd streets and will feature skateboard ramps and obstacles, beer from Indeed Brewing Co., vintage and locally made items, live music, food trucks and more. The event is free and open to the public, and skaters of all skill levels are encouraged to participate!”
October 2-4
Milwaukee Oktoberfest @ Henry Maier Festival Park
Swarmm Events is bringing Milwaukee Oktoberfest to the Summerfest grounds for just the second time in the event’s 16-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 2-4
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.
October 3
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 3
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 6th 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
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 4. 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 5 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 5-11
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 stand up scene. Along the way, festival has also brought in a wealth of noted national talent to headline some of its shows. This year’s edition—which will be taking place over a span of 11 shows at five different venues October 5-11—is no different, as accomplished comedians such as Shane Torres, Mike Lebovitz, and Vik Pandya are among the performers taking the stage during the 21st annual Milwaukee Comedy Festival.
October 9-11
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 10
Flannel Fest @ Boone & Crockett / The Cooperage
Boone & Crockett’s “Flannel Fest” will return on Saturday, October 10. Enjoy live music, food vendors, and local retailers in the Boone/Cooperage lot during this free, family-friendly festival. HERE is the full entertainment lineup.
October 10
Milwaukee Comic Con @ Wisconsin State Fair Park
Behold! Dozens of comics, collectibles, characters, and more will be on hand at the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds on October 10 during the Milwaukee Comic Convention.
October 10
Milwaukee Public Market’s Harvest Festival @ Riverwalk Commons
“Held each year in celebration of the Market’s anniversary, Harvest Festival is our way of saying thank you to the community that has supported us year after year. Join us at Riverwalk Commons for an afternoon of live music, fall activities, local food and drinks, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Best of all, the festivities are free and open to everyone.”
October 16-17
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 16-17 and October 23-24
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 16-18
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
Milwaukee Paracon @ Kochanski’s Beer Garden
Milwaukee Paranormal Conference is back! The celebration of the strange and unusual is set to take place October 17. This year’s “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” will be followed by a Witches Market at Kochanski’s the following afternoon.
October 24
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 8-9
Trainfest 2026 @ Baird Center
All aboard! Trainfest 2026 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.
December 4
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 6
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 6
December 6
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 6.
