MILWAUKEE – Looking for the best things to do in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin this weekend? From one last cream puff at the Wisconsin State Fair and four days of Milwaukee Irish Fest to classic rock, free Shakespeare and glowing hot-air balloons, here are Sandy Maxx’s top picks for August 14 through August 16.
Wisconsin State Fair
Wisconsin State Fair Now through Sunday, Aug. 16 at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis
It’s your final weekend to squeeze in one more quintessential Wisconsin summer experience. Grab an Original Cream Puff, sample this year’s creative fair foods, explore the animal barns and agricultural competitions, browse the Expo Center and catch free entertainment throughout the grounds. The final weekend’s Bank Five Nine Main Stage lineup includes Lindsey Stirling on Friday and AJR on Saturday.
Cultural Celebrations
Milwaukee Irish Fest Thursday, August 13 through Sunday, August 16 at Henry Maier Festival Park on Milwaukee’s lakefront
The world’s largest Irish music festival fills Milwaukee’s lakefront with more than 100 entertainment acts across 17 stages. This year’s lineup includes Gaelic Storm, Ally the Piper, Scythian, Altan and the Gardiner Brothers, plus Irish dance, cultural exhibits, traditional food and a TradFest showcase introducing emerging performers from Dublin’s renowned traditional and folk music festival. New features include sheep herding and a pep rally celebrating the Badgers going to Ireland in 2027 for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, which will feature the UW Alumni Marching Band and Bucky Badger…