Milwaukee is known and widely celebrated for two very specific things: festivals and beer. Sometimes the city’s two most famous and beloved attributes come together in the form of a full-fledged beer festival. As temperatures continue to rise, festival season finds its footing, and people get ready to make the most of the spring and summer months, Milwaukee will play host to a handful of events centered around beer (and other beverages). Here are some standout Milwaukee-area beer festivals taking place in 2026.
Sunday, May 17
Maifest: Gluten-Free Festival @ Lakefront Brewery
To be clear, Maifest is a celebration of all things gluten-free, but beverages (including Lakefront Brewery’s groundbreaking and award-winning gluten-free beers, the debut of a sparkling mead, and a variety of other drinks) will be a significant part of the 5th annual event. Aside from the beer component, Lakefront and its brewery-adjacent lot will also host more than 40 gluten-free food vendors, live music, local retailers, a parade of dachshunds, and more from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, May 30
Lager & Friends @ Gathering Place Brewing (Riverwest)
Gathering Place Brewing’s annual Lager & Friends aspires to “celebrate lager beer and showcase the wide range of styles and interpretations that are lagers” while also bringing lager appreciators and brewers together for a four-hour festival held at Gathering Place’s Riverwest brewery and taproom. From 12-4 p.m., paid attendees can enjoy unlimited samples of more than 50 lagers from breweries hailing from all corners of the country, sausages and pretzels, and even take home a souvenir glass.
Saturday, June 13
Lowlands Belgian Bier Fest @ Tosa Village Hart Mills Parking Lot
Calling itself “the only festival of its kind in North America,” Lowlands Hospitality Group’s inaugural Belgian Bier Fest aims to mirror Grand Bier Weekend in Brussels by bringing more than 25 Belgian over 100 Belgian beers (including Trapist beers and other rarities) to the Wauwatosa Village. The event also doubles as a 20th anniversary celebration for Lowlands Hospitality Group. Tickets start at $40 (plus fees) and a portion of sales will support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin.
Saturday, June 13
Sip & Savor @ The Bavarian Bierhaus (Glendale)
It might have a new name, but Sip & Savor—formerly known as Wisconsin Beer Lovers Festival—will bring the same winning mix of Wisconsin-made craft beer, wine, spirits, cheese, and sausage to Bavarian Bierhaus grounds in nearby Glendale. Adding to the beverage and food offerings taking place that day is live entertainment and local retail vendors. Indulge in much of what makes Wisconsin such a special place and get your tickets to Sip & Savor.
Saturday, July 25
Milwaukee Brew & Spirits @ McKinley Park
Speaking of local beer festivals that changed their name this year, Milwaukee Brew & Spirits—formerly known as Milwaukee Brewfest—will set up along the lakefront at McKinley Park. Beyond the new name, the rebranded beer fest is expanding its offerings this year to include canned cocktails, hard seltzers, and THC beverages. There will also be live music and axe throwing on-site.
Saturday, August 1
Wisconsin IPA Fest @ Third Space Brewing
Every August, Third Space brings dozens of Badger State breweries together in Menomonee Valley to showcase some of their hop-forward offerings at Wisconsin IPA Fest. In addition to the unlimited samples and the array of local food trucks on-site, the 10th annual festival will award one brewery the title of Wisconsin’s Best IPA. We’ll see you outside of Third Space Brewing on August 1!
Thursday, October 8
Zoo Brew @ Milwaukee County Zoo
In case you weren’t aware, you’re totally able to purchase beer at the Milwaukee County Zoo. And beyond that distinctly Wisconsin everyday availability, the zoo is the site of Zoo Brew every fall. The annual happening—presented by Zoological Society of Milwaukee—bring “craft brews, great food, and live music” to the incomparable setting. If you want to enjoy a couple two-tree beers in the vicinity of a Red Panda, this might be your opportunity.