2026 BBQ & Brews Fest returns to Milwaukee’s lakefront May 30

The Brief

  • Milwaukee’s BBQ & Brews Fest returns to Maier Festival Park on Saturday, May 30.
  • The fest features eight BBQ vendors with $5 sample portions, plus a wide selection of Molson Coors brews and specialty cocktails.
  • $6 advance tickets are available now.

MILWAUKEE Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. (MWF) announced on Wednesday, March 11, the return of Smoke On The Water – MKE’s BBQ & Brews Fest – on Saturday, May 30, from 11 a.m. through 4 p.m. at Maier Festival Park. Organizers call it the ultimate celebration of bold flavors, cold brews, and live music.

BBQ & Brews

What we know:

Smoke on the Water food vendors will offer tasting sized portions of their signature menu items starting at just $5, along with full-size favorites, providing an opportunity for fans to try a wide variety of BBQ.

The vendor list and sample menu items are listed below:

  • Atwood Hwy BBQ Shack – Jalapeno Brisket Twinkie’s, BBQ Chicken
  • Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que – St. Louis Ribs, Texas Burnt Ends
  • Johnny’s Kitchen Creations – Jerk Tips. Smoked Corned Beef Sandwich
  • Nino’s Southern Sides – BBQ Chicken Wings, BBQ Ribs
  • Pop’s BBQ Memphis Style – Pulled Pork Sandwich, Beef Brisket Dinner
  • Real Urban BBQ – Chicago Baby Back Ribs, Mac Attack
  • Roll MKE – Loaded Hog Sandwich, Korean Pork Belly Slider
  • Smokin’ Jack’s Bar-B-Que – Jamaican Jerk Smoked Chicken Sandwich, Smoked Pork Shoulder Slider

A news release says inside the Mid Gate, live music takes over the Aurora Pavilion featuring electric country rock band, Crossfire, and a dynamic lineup of Top 40 hits from The Playlist. Attendees can also enjoy a variety of onsite activities including a local marketplace, 9-hole mini golf course, classic yard games, and the Northwestern Mutual Community Park featuring inclusive and accessible play equipment for children of all ages.

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