Labor Day is almost here, and Milwaukee is ready to deliver an exciting long weekend that you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or just looking for some excitement, here’s how to make the most of your Labor Day in Milwaukee:
Ultimate Sports Weekend
Labor Day Weekend in Milwaukee is a sports fan’s dream. With everything from marquee matchups to IndyCar laps and heelslide tricks to top-tier volleyball digs, there’s something for you in the Brew City.
Red Bull Wake The City
On August 31, the Lakeshore State Park will host the U.S. debut of Red Bull Wake The City. This doubles wakeboarding competition will showcase over 30 elite riders performing their best tricks, aiming to wow the judges with style and creativity. Best of all, this event is free to attend – just claim a spot along the shoreline and witness the excitement as the top duo is titled Red Bull Wake The City Champion! Want a taste of what to expect? Take a bite out of Milwaukee with former world champion wakeboarder Massi Piffaretti.
@visitmilwaukee Iconic Milwaukee food taste test with Massi Piffaretti! Piffaretti is the first Italian world champion wakeboarder and he’ll be competing in the Red Bull Wake the City next weekend at Henry Maier Festival Park. We thought it would be fun to have him try some of Milwaukee’s most iconic foods and have him rate them out of 10. #mkefoodtok #milwaukeefood #tastetest #massipiffa #redbull #wakethecity #wakeboarder #milwaukeewisconsin ♬ All Night Passion-CAPPVF - Marc James Oshry
INDYCAR at Milwaukee Mile
Rev up for the return of IndyCar to the historic Milwaukee Mile from August 30 to September 1. After a hiatus from Milwaukee since 2015, the historic speedway at Wisconsin State Fair Park will host the HyVee Milwaukee Mile 250s IndyCar Series. Experience the thrill of high-speed racing all weekend long at one of the world’s oldest operating motor speedways. Start your engines here!
Women’s College Volleyball Showcase
From September 1-2, Fiserv Forum will be buzzing with energy as four powerhouse college volleyball teams face off in the first-ever Women’s College Volleyball Showcase. The event will feature the sport’s premiere programs, including the University of Wisconsin, the University of Texas, Stanford University and the University of Minnesota. Combined, the four participating teams have earned 13 national championships, with 17 runner-up finishes and 48 Final Four appearances. Secure your tickets to see these top teams in action!
Milwaukee Brewers vs. St. Louis Cardinals
What says Labor Day like America’s pastime? The Milwaukee Brewers will face off with their division rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals, in a top-of-the-table clash for a Labor Day matinee display on September 2 at 1:10 p.m. The division-leading Brewers will look to edge closer to their second-consecutive N.L. Central title while the Cardinals set their sights on a potential Wild Card berth in the 2024 MLB Playoffs. Labor Day also marks Dollar Dog Day at the ballpark. For a mere dollar, fans can enjoy a classic summer pairing: a hot dog at a baseball game. Get your tickets here!
Milwaukee Milkmen vs. Lake Country DockHounds
From one rivalry to another, a cross-town rivalry is always a draw. The Milwaukee Milkmen vs. the Lake Country DockHounds, two pun-loving teams, will lock horns for the final games of the AAPB season in a three-game series in a dual for the final East Division playoff spot. Separated by just 32 miles, the showdown is set to take place at Wisconsin Brewing Company Park in Oconomowoc. With a family-friendly environment, a marquee matchup and puns galore, this series has something for the whole family this Labor Day Weekend. Find tickets!
More Labor Day Weekend Events
Maybe sports aren’t your thing. While this Labor Day Weekend is a sports-lovers paradise, there are tons of events for every interest, especially the arts. Here are just a few of the prime events taking place around town during the weekend.
Pitbull at The American Family Insurance Amphitheater
Mr. Worldwide is coming to Milwaukee on Labor Day Weekend. That’s right, on Saturday, August 31, the naming rights partner of the FIU Panthers (See: Pitbull Stadium), Pitbull, is headed to The American Family Insurance Amphitheater for an evening of pure pop energy perfect to close out your summer celebrations as the international sensation performs hit songs like “Timber (Feat. Ke$ha),” “Give Me Everything (Feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer)” and “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho).” Dale! Get your tickets today!
Third Eye Blind at Potawatomi Casino | Hotel
As it turns out, it’s a big weekend for 90s/00s nostalgia, with several big names from the era visiting the Cream City during the long weekend. Also, on Saturday, August 31, Third Eye Blind will headline the Potawatomi Casino | Hotel’s outdoor venue in the Menomonee Valley to close out the 2024 Amplified Concert Series. With a catalog of hits spanning roughly 30 years and four multi-platinum albums to their name, Third Eye Blind will bring hits like “Semi-Charmed Life,” “Jumper,” “Never Let You Go,” and many more to the spectacular new outdoor space at Potawatomi Casino | Hotel. Jump on these tickets!
Red, White and Brews Fest at The Rock
From throwback events to something new, let us introduce you to the Red, White and Brews Festival. The inaugural benefit raising money for the Fisher House Foundation takes place at Luxe Golf Bays in Ballpark Commons, just minutes from downtown in Franklin, on Sunday, September 1. Headlined by Jackyl, the popular hard rock group of the 90s known for a “chainsaw solo” that surely must be seen to be understood, the event will also feature performances from Lita Ford, Count’s 77, Eliminator, and Six Pack Sammy, alongside outstanding food and beverage offerings. Learn more here.
Milwaukee Laborfest
Celebrate the holiday at the Milwaukee Lakefront’s biggest festival that’s free and open to the public – Milwaukee Laborfest! On September 2, Henry Maier Festival Grounds will come alive with live music, children’s entertainment, a classic car show, and so much more. Before you head to the lakefront, be sure to visit the parade route to catch the union members riding their trucks and Harley-Davidsons through downtown Milwaukee. Find more info.
Third Ward Art Festival
If high-speed thrills and technical tricks aren’t quite your speed, make your way over to the Historic Third Ward for the annual Third Ward Art Festival! Take a stroll through the work of nearly 200 juried artists from across the country, enjoy live music on two stages, and indulge in food and drinks from local vendors. With artwork for sale, live demonstrations, and even on-site painting lessons, this festival offers engaging fun for everyone. Plan your artistic escape today!
Plan a Chill Long Weekend
Okay, there's a lot going on, but what if you feel like playing Labor Day your way? Here are some ideas for an unstructured long weekend.
- Swing by one of the city's many beer gardens, like South Shore Terrace Kitchen & Beer Garden, for a relaxing afternoon or evening in nature with a stein in hand and your feet in the sand.
- For that matter, Milwaukee's parks, paths and trails are a great place to avoid the bustle of a busy weekend in the city. Pack a picnic, bring your frolf discs, hop on your bike and discover some serious relaxation.
- We all know that fall is right around the corner. So, what better way to toast summer farewell than by spending some time along the waterfront? With over 1,400 acres of beaches, like the nation's most accessible beach, Bradford Beach, kayaking down the Milwaukee, Kinnickinnic and Menomonee Rivers, boat cruises and so much more, watch your worries float away as you spend a weekend on the water.
- Okay, you're not feeling like going to an event, but what about checking out some of the iconic attractions around town? From the Milwaukee Art Museum to Black Cat Alley, America's Black Holocaust Museum to the Milwaukee County Zoo, there's something for you and your whole crew.
- A long weekend is the perfect time for a night out on the town. Stop by an area restaurant to savor the fresh, flavor-forward cuisine found only in Milwaukee and then explore the city's vibrant nightlife scene, including bars, breweries, distilleries and more.
- How about some retail therapy? Labor Day is the perfect day to go bargain hunting, with many sales at area shops to celebrate the weekend.
- A classic closing summer staple, an evening cookout. Swing by your favorite grocer or specialty store to pick up some brats for the grill from Usinger's, something for the cooler from a local brewery and a sweet treat for your guests.
Plan your visit today and extend your stay in Milwaukee for a weekend of events, activities and spectacular weather to wrap up your summer fun.
