6 Can't-Miss Things To Do in Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a city on a Great Lake, home to world-class professional sports teams and a place to kick back and drink craft beer with friends while listening to live music.

The iconic city has been recently making national headlines, from National Geographic’s Best Places to Visit in 2023 to hosting Top Chef’s 21st season to being home to several James Beard Award semifinalists.

If you've never been to Milwaukee before, now’s the time to start planning your ultimate getaway. Here are some more can’t-miss activities and events in Brew City!

Experience Natural Beauty Within the City

Milwaukee is located on the shores of majestic Lake Michigan. This provides plenty of space for outdoor summer activities, from sailing and swimming to beach volleyball at Bradford Beach near downtown.

If you just want a taste of the lake, stroll through the loop inside Lakeshore State Park. Admission to this park is free and visitors can run, bike or stroll and enjoy the breeze off the lake and views of downtown and the nearby Milwaukee Art Museum, which features dramatic Santiago Calatrava-designed architecture.

Visit Legendary Breweries

You can’t visit Brew City without touring a hometown brewery! One great option is Lakefront Brewery, located in the aptly-named Brewers’ Hill neighborhood. Famous for its entertaining guides, the experience includes four 8 oz pours and a souvenir pint glass. Afterwards, relax and enjoy a meal together in the German-inspired beer hall or on Milwaukee’s longest patio.

That’s just one of the many opportunities to tour and taste breweries in Milwaukee, from up-and-coming craft brewers like Urban Harvest and Third Space Brewing to classics like Miller Brewing, Milwaukee Brewing Company, Sprecher Brewery and more.

Sing Along at Summerfest 

This 9-day festival headlines the peak summer season in Milwaukee, from late June to early July. Known as “The World’s Largest Music Festival,” Summerfest features multiple stages and hundreds of acts, from indie to hip hop to classic rock and beyond. And with carnival rides, food stands and a view of the lake, you and your group will never forget being a part of this only-in-Wisconsin experience.

Explore the Deer District

The NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has reinvigorated the Milwaukee Bucks franchise and fan base, and when you visit the city you can feel the energy and excitement. The Bucks play at the Fiserv Forum, a downtown arena surrounded by trendy restaurants and brewpubs within The Deer District. Popular spots include Good City Brewing for craft beer and burgers and Punch Bowl Social for food and games.

Watch the Milwaukee Brewers

The city’s major league baseball team plays just west of downtown Milwaukee at American Family Field. Come early to tailgate like the locals and grill up some local brats and hot dogs in the parking lot. Or, enjoy a meal while watching the game at J. Leinenkugel’s Barrel Yard inside the stadium. On night game days, walk-up tours allow you and your crew to get a free close-up look at the field, broadcast booth and more!

Take A Food Tour

If you want a broad taste of Milwaukee’s local food heritage and contemporary flavors, Milwaukee Food Tours offers tasty walking tours for groups. Tours explore neighborhoods originally settled by Italian, Irish, Polish and German immigrants and point out architectural highlights and cultural touchpoints while allowing you to sample plenty of delicious flavors from restaurants along the way. Choose from themed tours like the Bloody Mary Brunch Tour, Churches & Chocolate, a Fish Fry Tour and others!

For more to see and do in Milwaukee, check out these waterfront hotspots and ways to explore the outdoors while downtown!