9 Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: Aug. 26-28
Originally Published on Milwaukee Magazine 8/25/22Enjoy late summer in the city with live performances, end of season festivals, marathons and more.
1. Mexican Fiesta
ALL WEEKEND | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL GROUNDS
It wouldn’t be summer in Milwaukee without the fun and family-friendly Mexican Fiesta! Celebrate the rich music, food and dance cultures of Mexico at the Summerfest Grounds all weekend long, and support the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation. Kids can enjoy folkloric dancers and craft workshops while adults can check out the plethora of live performers, the Fiesta Run and Walk, or the Custom Car & Motorcycle Show.
2. Milwaukee Oktoberfest
ALL WEEKEND | WAR MEMORIAL CENTER
Bring your stein glass and come on down to enjoy a variety of authentic German beer and food options at Milwaukee Oktoberfest this weekend. Oktoberfest events include the Dunkel Dash 5K Run and Walk, Miss Oktoberfest competition, a stein hoisting competition, a weiner dog beauty pageant and more.
3. Poliça
FRIDAY AT 8 P.M. | THE BACK ROOM @ COLECTIVO
Minneapolis synth-pop band, Poliça, is performing at the Back Room @ Colectivo on Friday night. This is their first tour after their latest album release in 2020. The album, “When We Stay Alive,” was inspired by lead-singer Channy Leaneagh’s path to recovery after a major accident. Pow Wow singer Joe Rainey will be opening the set.
4. MPS Run Back to School
SATURDAY AT 9 A.M. | WASHINGTON PARK
Milwaukee Public Schools are preparing for the school year ahead with their annual Run Back To School 5K Run and Walk. Bring a friend to cheer on participants while supporting MPS’ wellness and youth recreation programs. Register online or in-person day of.
5. Milwaukee’s TikTok Meetup
SATURDAY FROM 11 A.M.-2 P.M. | PUNCH BOWL SOCIAL
Meet your favorite local TikTokers during this weekend’s meetup at Punch Bowl Social. Whether you’re trying to grow your TikTok audience or just a fan of local creators, this event is for anyone who wants to socialize with the locals on your #fyp. The meetup is free to attend, but organizers are encouraging the donation of non-perishable food items to support the Kinship Community Food Center.
6. WMSE’S Backyard BBQ
SATURDAY FROM NOON-8 P.M. | HUMBOLDT PARK
WMSE’s Backyard BBQ is back for an end-of-summer bash at Humboldt Park. The funk/soul/rock group, Seratones, will be headlining the show. Opening acts include The Hungry Williams, Paper Holland, Guerilla Ghost and special guest GGOOLLDD. The event is free and open to music lovers of all ages.
7. Milwaukee Fringe Festival
SATURDAY FROM 1 TO 8 P.M. | MARCUS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
The Milwaukee Fringe Festival is back for a one-day celebration of Milwaukee’s diverse art community. Attendees can expect short plays, musical performances, tap dancing, live painting and other acts throughout the afternoon. Check out our list of eight acts you can catch while you’re there. You can attend the entire festival for $50 or choose your event for $20. The festival will also have virtual performances available to watch.
8. Don’t Tell Milwaukee
SATURDAY AT 8 P.M. | SECRET LOCATION (IN BAY VIEW)
Ready for a little mystery on your Saturday night? Don’t Tell Comedy is a national group that sets up surprise pop-up comedy shows in cities across the country. This Saturday, Don’t Tell Comedy returns to Milwaukee for a secret performance in Bay View. The precise location and other show details are emailed to ticket holders the day of the performance – but you won’t know who the acts are until they’re on stage.
9. Kevin Hart at Fiserv Forum
SUNDAY AT 7 P.M. | FISERV FORUM
Emmy- and Grammy-nominated comedian Kevin Hart is returning to Wisconsin for the latest stop in his Reality Check Tour, his first major tour in over four years. Attendees should be prepared to enjoy the laughs IRL – the show is phone-free and all cell phones are required to be secured in individual Yondr pouches. Tickets are available online.
