Top 15 Activities to Enjoy in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin Area

When planning your summer wedding near Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Terrace 167consider these fun activities for you and your wedding guests.

Festivals & Outdoor Music

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  • Summerfest (In June and July): “The world’s largest music festival” featuring 600+ acts, food vendors, fireworks, and family fun at Henry Maier Festival Park 

  • Cultural festivals: Don’t miss ethnic cultural events such as Polish Fest, Irish Fest, German Fest, as well as Festa Italiana and Bastille Days along the lakefront discovermilwaukee.com.

  • Milwaukee Night Market & Chill on the Hill: Weekly summer events offering artisan vendors, live music, food trucks, and food & drink at city parks 

Waterfront & Outdoor Adventures

  • Bradford Beach: Sunbathe, swim, or play beach volleyball along Lake Michigan — beach-wheelchairs available for accessibility Kayaking on Rivers or Lake Cruises: Glide along the Milwaukee, Menomonee, or Kinnickinnic Rivers, or hop on a scenic boat tour on Lake Michigan visitmilwaukee.org.

  • Oak Leaf & Hank Aaron State Trails: Bike, jog, or walk scenic routes through city parks, along rivers, and through neighborhoods 

Parks, Art & Exploration

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  • Milwaukee Riverwalk: Explore riverside art, cafés, and brewpubs down to the Historic Third Ward

  • Public art & Sculpture Milwaukee: Wander past large-scale installations and street murals in downtown.

Family-Friendly Picks

  • Northwestern Mutual Family Fun Days: Four Sunday events hosted at Summerfest grounds with activities, food & drink on summer Sundays.

  • Milwaukee County Zoo + Zoo‑a‑la‑Carte events: See animals and enjoy special interactive programming.

  • Wisconsin State Fair (West Allis): Eleven days of live music, rides, cream puffs, racing pigs, and more in August.

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Tasty Summer Experiences

  • Beer gardens & brewery tours: Sample local brews at beer gardens or take a brewery tour.

  • Farmers' markets & food trucks: Pick up fresh produce and local fare at weekly markets, or hunt down food truck gatherings.

  • Frozen custard stops: Treat yourself at locales like Leon’s, Kopp’s, Purple Door, or Oscar’s

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Day Trips & Natural Escapes

  • Wisconsin Dells & Door County: Perfect for waterparks, boat tours, kayaking, and charming towns just a drive away 

  • State parks & geocaching: Explore parks like Greenfield Park (Cool Waters), take Urban Ecology Center outings, or try geocaching. 

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Terrace 167, located near Milwaukee, Oshkosh and Madison, Wisconsin is a locally owned wedding venue. We have been in the business for 9 years. We love supporting other locally owned venues and are dedicated to using our platform to support them. In every blog we write, we will include 5 to 10 locally owned wedding venues that use their articles to support their colleagues and the wedding industry in ays that are not always recognized but are essential. If you are searching for a wedding venue, please consider a locally owned venue!

For more wedding inspiration, planning tips, and engagement advice, be sure to follow Terrace 167 on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. Let’s make your dream day a reality!

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