Summerfest is one of the largest music festivals in Wisconsin, but will it remain that way? According to Summerfest numbers last year, there was an 8 percent drop in attendance for 2018, and based on observation, this year didn’t look much improved; the seemingly low attendance could be caused in part by the rainy weather, and even the very hot days we had could have persuaded folks to stay inside.
Perhaps the newly constructed American Family Insurance Amphitheater will bring in more business for next year – the first phase of construction was finished before this summer’s festivals, and the second phase begins immediately after Summerfest 2019. The new fan amenities will include new seats, restrooms, concourses, increased food options, and additional hospitality areas. So look out for your favorite band at the new and improved American Family Insurance Amphitheater, coming Summer 2020!
Looking for more fun this summer? Milwaukee is full of entertainment during the warmer months, you just have to look on the right block. Here are a few ideas to get you started on planning the fun:

Jazz in the Park
Where: Cathedral Square Park
When: Thursday nights from 6 – 9 p.m., May 30 – Aug. 29
Listen to an eclectic array of music, including but not limited to jazz, blues, Latin music, and reggae, while you sip – drinks can be purchased at a number of tents in the park during the festival, but please, no carry-ins.

River Rhythms
Where: Pere Marquette Park
When: Wednesday nights,
June 12 – Aug. 28
This free, outdoor concert features some great local artists. This year’s lineup includes names like Charles Walker Band, Chicken Wire Empire, Sam Llanas and more!

Bristol Renaissance Faire
Where: Bristol, Wisconsin
When: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day (July 6 – Sept. 2)
This annual festival takes you back to the Middle Ages, so dig out your chainmail and corsets and get ready for a weekend of 16th-century music, food, games and more.

NEWaukee Night Markets
Where: Wisconsin Avenue
between Second and Fourth streets
When: Aug. 14, Sept. 11
This open-air night market is free and offers a variety of experiences for everyone – between local music, live art creation, food, art and craft vendors, and a beer garden, you’ll surely be entertained all night long.

EAA AirVenture
Where: Whitman Regional Airport, 525 W. 20th Ave., Oshkosh
When: July 22-28
For those interested in planes and other aircraft, this airshow has been deemed “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.” This impressive attraction represents innovation, technological advancement, as well as past, present, and future trends in the world of aviation.

Brady Street Festival
Where: Farwell Avenue to
Van Buren Street
When: July 27
11 a.m. – midnight
This large block party will be the talk of the neighborhood. Entertainment this year includes belly dancers, the Cream City drag queens show, four stages jamming with local artists and more. There will be food and drink vendors© Shane Potter/MATC Times.

Courtesy of Donovan Hemphill

BSU hosts Brewers outing featuring Negro League star Black Student Union organizers culminated five months of working with Negro League Baseball player Dennis Biddle with taking in a Milwaukee Brewers game. This partnership began organically with Biddle allowing his memorabilia to be showcased at MATC during Black History Month. That followed with Biddle coming to the college and facilitating a program about the history of the Negro Baseball League. Pictured from left to right: Randal Riley, LPN / RN Progression student and treasurer of the BSU; Dennis Biddle, former Negro League Baseball player; Marissa Nicholson, Liberal Arts program student, former vice president of BSU and current Downtown Student Government president; and Donovan Hemphill, TV Production program student and president of the BSU.

Black Arts Fest MKE
Where: Henry Maier Festival Park
When: Aug. 3
Returning for its second year, this event will feature headliners like Bobby Rush, MC Lyte, and Toni, Toni, Tone! As it’s one of our youngest summer festivals, I encourage you to go out to support it and see what it has to offer.
Center Street Daze
Where: Riverwest, Milwaukee
When: Aug. 10
This eclectic street festival will feature car shows and races, dodgeball, pinball and pool tournaments – plenty to keep you entertained as you explore a popular and diverse hub of the city.

India Fest
Where: Humboldt Park
When: Aug. 17
This vivid festival provides authentic Indian music, food, dance, and marketplaces – the experiences had here are meant to mimic the “essence of India.”

Pet Fest
Where: Henry Maier
Festival Park
When: Sept. 21
What could be better than a free festival where you’re not only allowed, but encouraged, to bring along your animal friends? Pet fest hosts activities and entertainment for people and pets alike; check out costume contests, live music, and most importantly, Adoption Avenue. It’s an event for them, but it’ll be hard not to have fun among all the friendly – and furry – faces. Whatever you decide to do this summer, be sure to stay safe and have a great time!