Chill out with friends and family on a Tuesday night.
I think 2013 marks my 3rd or 4th year as a regular here. I can't really remember since I tend to indulge in libations of all flavors and shapes. We actually "closed" the park on occasion... but didn't get a bumper sticker. I guess I'll have to hit up Wolski's for another one of those. The bottomline: Chill on the Hill is a good time.
Currently, it is EXTREMELY family friendly - lots of kids, and animals as well. Although, seeing how the crowd has increased in size over the years, I question if it will stay that way. Once in a while, I spot a few rotten eggs. Hopefully, they don't grow in number... or stench.
The food vendors serve nothing to write home to momma about. Some is average, some is below average. I also tend to bring my own food, so I haven't tried it all. Guanajatos serves some Mexican fare, and Streetza Pizza serves... well... pizza. There is also a snack truck, and a vendor serving up some SE Asian cuisine (Vietnamese, if I recall correctly. But I haven't tried this one yet). There is a small choice of adult beverages to choose from including Miller and Lakefront products. BYOB is where it's at! And I can't forget Babe's Ice Cream. They definitely lead the pack in tastiness with their oh-so-creamy-goodness!
The music is eclectic and sometimes follows a theme (The American Legion Band always plays the 4th of July week, and an Irish band and step dancers come in the week of Irish Fest). You can get the whole summer's lineup on the Bay View Neighborhood Association Website, or in local papers. Some nights have an opening act that could be anything from a band, to a high school drumline, to dancers. Music starts at 6:00pm if there is an opening act. Otherwise they start at 6:30pm.
The music acts are good and the sound quality is professional. The one complaint I have is the volume level. It doesn't seem to bother most people, so it might just be me. But sometimes I would like to be able to sit in the FAR BACK and just chat with the folks I'm with. But no matter how far back you are, you find yourself straining to hear the people with whom you're talking. With the size of the area, I don't think taking it down a couple notches is unreasonable. I mean, it's not Summerfest. *shrug*
Parking can get pretty rough.
Bathroom lines get longer as the night goes on. And forget about getting in and out during intermission.
The audience faces east, so you're never looking into the setting sun.
While there are times we have to deal with the obnoxiousness of mosquitoes, they don't seem to be at their worst on the hill. The lagoon is just across the parkway, and I assume they prefer to mingle over there. Eat lots of garlic, curry, and onion the morning of, and they'll probably pester the other 2000 people instead of you. Sorry, I can't help if your significant-other makes you sleep on the couch. I can only suggest solutions to one problem at a time.
Watch out for duck poo. There isn't a lot on the hill, but once in a while I come across a couple golden nuggets.
There are ample garbage & recycle bins. I don't remember seeing any of them overflowing... which can be unsightly.
There are a total of 2 picnic benches on the hill. If you want one, you'll probably have to get there 3 days early.
Finally, it's Humboldt Park. In my opinion, one of Milwaukee's finest parks. But admittedly, I'm biased. read more