As the sun shines its brightest and the city comes alive with music, it’s time to gather your little ones and head to a summer concert!
There are so many concert series happening around the city, but some are better for kids than others.
Here are the top five summer concerts for kids and families in Milwaukee:
1. Chill on the Hill
Tuesdays from 6:00-9:00
Humboldt Park Bandshell (3000 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207)
bayviewneighborhood.org
Chill on the Hill is the quintessential summer experience in Milwaukee’s eclectic Bay View neighborhood.
Head to the bandshell in beautiful Humboldt Park and enjoy local bands from your favorite spot on the hill. It feels like a neighborhood party with food trucks, activities for kids, pets, picnickers, and a generally festive vibe.
Helpful hint: The playground and beer garden are just steps away, as well as a picturesque lagoon and walking paths.
2. Wonderful Wednesdays
Lake Park (2975 N. Lake Park Rd.)
Wednesdays in July & August
Website
Wonderful Wednesdays is a series of 6 free concerts geared for children and their families held at the Lake Park Summer Stage, just south of the playground and tennis courts.
Musa Ice Cream Truck will be serving up sweet treats. Bring your own chairs, blankets, food and beverages. These concerts are FREE and open to the public.
Lake Park Friends also presents Musical Mondays, 8 free Monday concerts will be held from July 10 to August 28.
For current updates, check the Lake Park Friends Facebook page: Lake Park Friends Facebook.
3. Washington Park Wednesdays
July – August
4145 W. Lisbon Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53208
washingtonparkneighbors.com
Washington Park hosts live music concerts and family-friendly programming every Wednesday evening in July and August. Music typically includes eclectic hip hop, salsa, rock n’ roll, and more.
There are always activities for kids, such as make-and-take art projects, local vendors, and meet-and-greets with local sports teams.
4. Skyline Music Series
Kadish Park (750 E. North Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53212)
Tuesday nights in July & August
www.coa-yfc.org/skyline
Riverwest’s popular free concert series is presented by COA Youth and Family Centers, ensuring their weekly events are truly kid-friendly.
Pack a picnic or enjoy food from one of the vendors, and enjoy the fantastic view of the river and Milwaukee skyline from the hill in Kadish Park. This concert series features a mix of jazz, soul, funk, and reggae musicians.
Check out the kids’ art corner featuring giveaways, crafts, activities, and surprises.
5. Starry Night Series
Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts (19805 W Capitol Dr, Brookfield, WI 53045)
Fridays at 6:30pm in July & August
wilson-center.com
Gather your family and friends, pack your lawn chairs and picnic baskets, and find your perfect spot in the Wilson Center’s beautiful Gerlach/Haack Outdoor Theater.
Concertgoers can purchase items from a rotating selection of food trucks that includes Flour Girl and Flame, Romero’s Taco Truck, Tots on the Street, Smokin’ Jack’s BBQ, Lou Malnati’s and Uyghur Grill.
More Summer Concerts:
Sounds of Summer at Bayshore
Fridays from June 9 – August 23, 2024
The Yard at BAYSHORE, 5800 N. Bayshore Dr., Glendale, WI, 53217
Website
Concerts in the Gardens at Boerner Botanical Gardens
Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
9400 Boerner Dr., Hales Corners, WI 53130
Website
Pro Tip: Attendees are welcome to walk through the gardens after 6:00 p.m. at no additional cost.
Summer Sounds
Fridays, June-August
Cedar Creek Park (N55 W6079 Portland Rd, Cedarburg, WI 53012)
summersounds.net
Heartbeats in the City
Every Wednesday at 12 PM, June 7 – August 30, 2023
Red Arrow Park
Website
Waterfront Wednesdays
Wednesdays from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Lakefront Park (222 W. Wisconsin Ave., Pewaukee, WI 53072)
Website
Jazz in the Park
Thursdays from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Cathedral Square Park (520 E. Wells St., Milwaukee, WI 53202)
eastown.com
Tosa Tonight
Select Wednesdays, June – August
Rotary Park Pavilion (1190 N 70th St., Wauwatosa, WI 53213)
tosatonight.com
Waukesha Friday Night Live
Fridays, June – October
Downtown Waukesha (W. Main St., Waukesha, WI 53186)
waukeshafridaynightlive.com
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
