No time for naps. Just Monday-Friday fun.
From music in a park to team trivia to bird watching, use this guide to recurring events, and keep yourself busy all summer long.
MONDAY
TEAM TRIVIA NIGHT May 29-Sept. 4 Estabrook Beer Garden 6-8:30 p.m. Sip beer outside and munch on oversized pretzels as you and your team compete for prizes. MUSICAL MONDAYS July 3-Aug. 28 Lake Park 6:30-8 p.m. Enjoy a wide range of instrumental ensembles, including a brass quartet (7/3), a gypsy guitarist (7/24), and a New Orleans-style jazz band (8/28). Feel free to bring your own blankets or chairs (as well as your favorite beverage – alcohol is allowed), but when the music starts, be ready to get up out of your seat and dance. MONDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES June 12-Aug. 21
Les Paul Performing Arts Center, Waukesha
8-10 p.m. Bring the kids to these family-friendly flicks, including classics like Mary Poppins (6/26) and newer hits like Finding Dory (7/10) and Moana (8/14).
TUESDAY
EARLY MORNING BIRD WALKS Urban Ecology Center, Menomonee River Valley 8-10 a.m. Tread lightly as you traipse around Three Bridges Park with a group of fellow birders. Binoculars are available for borrowing, but be sure to bring your own bug spray! SKYLINE MUSIC SERIES Kadish Park, Riverwest 5:30-8:30 p.m. Craft workshops and kids shows keep children busy during intermission, while people of all ages enjoy Skyline’s eclectic lineup, which includes Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz band De La Buena (7/11) and reggae band King Solomon (8/15). CHILL ON THE HILL June 8-Aug. 29
Humboldt Park, Bay View 6-8:30 p.m. The lineup of rock bands is rounded out by a performance of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (6/20) and the American Legion Band (7/27). A stellar lineup of food trucks, such as Streetza Pizza and the Gouda Girls, will be on hand.
WEDNESDAY
LIVE @ THE LAKEFRONT July 12-Aug. 30
Rotary Amphitheatre, Discovery World 5:30-9 p.m. Enjoy the surroundings while listening to groovy local bands play at this gorgeous venue. WASHINGTON PARK WEDNESDAYS July 5-Aug. 23 Washington Park 6-8:30 p.m. This concert series has themed events, such as “Farm to Park,” featuring hip-hop collective New Age Narcissism and vendors offering farm-grown food. RIVER RHYTHMS June 14-Aug. 30 Pere Marquette Park, Westown 6:30-9 p.m. This summer concert series hosts everything from salsa bands to country to reggae. WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE May 31-Aug. 30
State Fair Park grounds 7-10:30 p.m. Experience the fair grounds sans funnel cakes, and hear local favorites such as Chasin’ Mason (6/14) and The Love Monkeys (7/19).
THURSDAY
JAZZ IN THE PARK June 1-Aug. 31 Cathedral Square 5-9 p.m. Despite its name, salsa and reggae can be heard as often as jazz at this muchloved series. See Legends of Milwaukee Jazz (6/22) and Salsa Manzana (8/10). AYRE IN THE SQUARE July 13-Aug. 31 Catalano Square 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bring family, friends and pets to the Third Ward for local musicians – primarily folk and Americana. CONCERTS IN THE GARDENS June 29-Aug. 31
Boerner Botanical Gardens 6:30-8 p.m. This series features everything from the MSO to oldies to bluegrass and country. While you’re there, explore the gardens for free. MUSICA DEL LAGO/ FLORENTINE OPERA AT THE LAKE June 8-Aug. 17 Lakefront Colectivo 7-9 p.m. Latin rhythms alternate with operatic arias, depending on the week.
FRIDAY
FRIDAY FISH FRY June 2-Sept. 1 Estabrook Beer Garden 12-8 p.m. Soak up the ambiance in this recreated early 20th century beer garden on the bank of the Milwaukee River while enjoying your meal. Come early, as this fry closes down when it runs out of fish. SUMMER SOUNDS June 16-Aug. 18
Cedar Creek Park, Cedarburg 6:30-10 p.m. Prominent local bands and nationally known artists perform in a large park in this quaint Milwaukee suburb, with high-profile vendors, like the Falafel Guys and Blue Cow Creperie. STARRY NIGHTS June 30-July 28 Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts 6:30-8:30 p.m. Relax at the end of a long week at this concert series featuring classical ensembles such as the Wisconsin Philharmonic (6/30) and singer/songwriters such as Robbie Fulks (7/21). BelAir Cantina is on hand to fulfill all your taco needs.