18 Things to Do in Milwaukee This Week · July 9–12, 2026

Festivals & Special Events

Bastille Days

Milwaukee's beloved 42nd annual French festival featuring authentic food, live music, cultural performances, a marketplace, and the iconic Eiffel Tower replica at Cathedral Square.

Thursday, July 9, 2026 through Sunday, July 12, 2026 Thursday–Saturday 11am–11:30pm, Sunday 11am–7pm · Cathedral Square, Milwaukee

Time Travelers Vintage Expo

A vintage wonderland at Baird Center featuring the best in vintage clothing, home goods, retro-inspired handmade items, and more.

Saturday, July 11, 2026 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Baird Center, 405 W. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee

Falls Lavender Fest

The 6th Annual Falls Lavender Fest fills Menomonee Falls with the sweet scent of summer lavender and seasonal festivities.

Saturday, July 18, 2026 · Menomonee Falls

Arts & Culture

Wait Wait… Don't Tell Me!

NPR's Peabody Award-winning comedy news quiz show live at the Riverside Theater with host Peter Sagal and a rotating panel of comedians and celebrity guests.

Thursday, July 9, 2026 7:30 PM · The Riverside Theater, 116 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee

Mike Epps – Weekend Run

Comedy legend Mike Epps performs 5 shows across a full weekend at the Milwaukee Improv's Main Room.

Friday, July 10, 2026 through Sunday, July 12, 2026 · Milwaukee Improv, Milwaukee

Music & Nightlife

Lounj Acts

A live music series presenting the best in local and regional bands in an intimate setting every Thursday at Jackalope Lounj.

Thursday, July 9, 2026 7:00 PM · Jackalope Lounj, 345 N. Broadway, Milwaukee

Off The Grid Tour with Ole 60 and The Stews

Live concert featuring Ole 60 and The Stews with Rob Langdon at The Rave / Eagles Club.

Thursday, July 9, 2026 7:30 PM · The Rave / Eagles Club, Milwaukee

House Circuit Bastille Days Takeover at Foy's

House Circuit brings 8 straight hours of house music to Foy's in Cathedral Square during Bastille Days with French flair and downtown skyline views.

Saturday, July 11, 2026 6:00 PM · Foy's, 784 N. Jefferson St., Milwaukee

Free Events

Nights on the Patio: MuvGruv

Live outdoor patio music with MuvGruv at Richard E. Maslowski Community Park on the North Shore.

Thursday, July 9, 2026 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM · Richard E. Maslowski Community Park, Milwaukee North Shore

CommUNITY Yoga at Kind Oasis

Donation-based community yoga class returning after a June break, held at Kind Oasis with mats available to borrow.

Saturday, July 11, 2026 10:45 AM · Kind Oasis, Milwaukee

Social Society MKE – Craft Club at Pomeroy MKE

A free afternoon of crafting, creating, and conversation for Milwaukee's creative community at Pomeroy MKE.

Thursday, July 16, 2026 · Pomeroy MKE, Milwaukee

Free Ice Cream – Moose Tracks 10,000 Scoop Challenge

10,000 free scoops of Kemps Moose Tracks ice cream at Pere Marquette Park, with $1 donated to Hunger Task Force for every scoop served, plus games and local celebrities.

Thursday, July 16, 2026 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Pere Marquette Park, 900 North Plankinton Ave, Milwaukee

Outdoors & Active

Dock at Discovery World: Kayaks, Hydrobikes, Paddleboards & Paddle Boats

Experience Milwaukee from the water at Forward Outdoor's Dock at Discovery World, with kayaks, hydrobikes, paddleboards, and paddle boats on the lakefront.

Saturday, July 11, 2026 · Discovery World, Milwaukee lakefront

City Limits Run Club – Saturday Run

City Limits Run Club hosts a Saturday community run featuring a wellness and music theme starting at 11am.

Saturday, July 11, 2026 11:00 AM · Milwaukee

Girls Who Walk MKE – Monday Walk at Lakeshore State Park

Girls Who Walk Milwaukee hosts a community evening walk at Lakeshore State Park, all paces, strollers, and mobility devices welcome.

Monday, July 13, 2026 6:00 PM · Lakeshore State Park, Milwaukee

Date Night

Tune Inn Live Music at The Outsider Rooftop – Thursday

Tune Inn partners with Bacardi for a rooftop live music and DJ experience on the 9th floor of the Journeyman Hotel, every Thursday through Sunday all summer.

Thursday, July 9, 2026 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM · The Outsider Rooftop, Journeyman Hotel, Milwaukee

Social Society MKE – Sip & Social at Pilot

Social Society Milwaukee hosts a relaxed evening social mixer at Pilot for connecting with Milwaukee professionals and community members.

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 · Pilot, Milwaukee

Family-Friendly

Rainbow Summer at Marcus Center

Rainbow Summer returns to the Marcus Center Outdoor Grounds with a multi-day celebration of music and community fun for all ages.

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 through Sunday, July 19, 2026 · Marcus Center Outdoor Grounds, Milwaukee