1. Chill On the Hill
When: Tuesdays 6-8:30 pm
Where: Humboldt Park Band Chalet in Bay View
The name says it all: bring a blanket (and maybe a few bucks to grab snacks to help support local vendors) and relax while enjoying new music brought to you by artists both local and national.
2. Milwaukee Irish Fest
When: Aug. 13th-16th
Where: Henry W. Maier Festival Grounds
Whether you're there for the food, music, dancing, or people-watching, Irish Fest is one of those festivals that will keep you entertained the whole day. Both opening and closing days of Irish Fest offer opportunities for free admission. On Thursday, bring in school supplies to get in and on Sunday, attend 9:30 mass on the fair grounds or, if you're not into that, bring one non-perishable food item by 11 a.m. You can also receive one free ticket for attending the Chuck Ward Memorial Blood Drive on June 24th at 1 p.m.
3. Jazz in the Park
When: Thursdays 5-9 p.m.
Where: Cathedral Square Park
Come for the music, the socializing, or the atmosphere- this outdoor summer music series never disappoints. This popular event fills up quickly so make sure to get there early and claim your spot!
4. Lake Park
Lake Park is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parks in Milwaukee with its stunning views of Lake Michigan and the beach. There are many winding paths suitable for biking, walking, running, rollerblading, and more. But sometimes you've just got to climb on the lion statues.
5. NEWaukee Night Market
When: July 22nd/Aug. 19th 5-10 p.m.
Where: Wisconsin Ave. between 2nd and 4th Streets
Experience Milwaukee in a whole new way at this open-air market. With its 70+ arts and crafts vendors, live art creations, and local music, it's no surprise that this has become a Milwaukee favorite even though it was founded just last year. If none of that appeals to you, come to find out what a Puppy Pit is.
6. Milwaukee Art Museum
The Art Museum is free the first Thursday of each month, so college students still have two more chances to visit! The current feature exhibition, Van Gogh to Pollock: Modern Rebels Masterworks from the Albright-Knox Art Gallery is truly captivating and is a must-see for anyone who even has the smallest interest in 20th century modern art.
7. Bradford Beach
Whether you want to play volleyball with a group of friends, throw a frisbee, have a picnic, or soak in the sun and read, Bradford Beach is the place to go. Although swimming isn't advised, If it's 80 degrees or hotter, this beach will be completely packed. Just don't forget sunscreen!
8. Summerfest
When: June 24 - 28th/June 30th-July 5th
Where: Henry W. Maier Festival Oark
Every year, close to a million people come to Milwaukee for the World's Largest Festival. While the headliners require special tickets, there are plenty of world-renowned bands and artists on free stages such as Bastille, Santigold, The New Pornographers, Atmosphere, Kaskade, The Kooks, Walk the Moon, and so much more. If you're from Milwaukee, you have probably found ways to get into Summerfest for free since you were 13. If not, here's how.
9. Bastille Days
When: July 9th-12th
Where: Cathedral Square Park
This festival takes place in the heart of Downtown. Vendors, artists, and musicians line the streets surrounding Cathedral Square Park to form a unique mix of French and local Milwaukee culture.
10. River Rhythms
When: Wednesdays 6:30-9 p.m.
Where: Pere Marquette Park
Bring a picnic, enjoy the Milwaukee Riverwalk, and listen to a new live band every week! From De La Buena to Fullset (an emerging Irish band), River Rhythms has something for everyone.
11. The Domes
When: Free admission Mondays until 11 a.m.
Where: Mitchell Park Horticulture Conservatory
Explore a desert, the tropics, and a themed floral garden right here in Milwaukee. This is an experience truly unique to Milwaukee that everyone should see at least once.
12. Milwaukee Public Museum
Learn about Native American culture, take a trip back in time to visit Old World Milwaukee, make friend with butterflies... These are just a few things the museum offers. Its carefully curated collections bring visitors from near and far and no matter how many times you've been there, it never disappoints.
13. Shakespeare in the Park
When: July 9th-12th/16th-19th 8 p.m.
Where: Selig-Joseph-Folz Amphitheatre in Alice Bertschy Kadish Park
Inspired by the same event that takes place in Central Park, this event is free to anyone and their pets. This summer the play is "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
14. 88nine Radio Milwaukee Tours
When: Thursdays 4:30 p.m.
Where: Radio Milwaukee Studio in Walker's Point
This tour of the custom-built studio not only offers an exclusive look into the radio station, but it also offers views of Walker's Point and downtown that can't be beat.
15. 414 Music Live
When: Thursdays 5:30 p.m.
Where: Radio Milwaukee Studio in Walker's Point
After your tour, stick around for a bit to listen to a new Milwaukee band each week! This is an awesome way to discover new music and talk to musicians. This is a free event but purchases can be made from Stone Creek Coffee.
16. Brady Street Festival
When: July 25th 11 a.m.- midnight
With 4 stages for live music, local vendors, The Milwaukee Flyers, and some of the most eclectic shops in the city, 2015 is guaranteed to be a great year for Brady Street Festival. If you can't make it to the festival, don't worry: Brady Street is always cool.
