What an amazingly electric celebration!…read more Large quantities of German beer? Check. German cuisine offerings? Check. German music and dancing? Check, check, check! Came for the first time not knowing what to expect. Tickets are $10 at the gate, which gets you into the celebration! Inside the gate you'll find various German eats (from pretzels and brats, to full blown roasted pig dinners) for sale. There's German beer a-plenty to choose from (get the Oktoberfest!). The best deal on German beer comes if you bring your own stein. Don't have a beer stein? They also happen to sell beautifully creative and varied German beer steins. We went with friends who had reserved tables near the stage. It's loud but fun as heck. We even did a little German aerobics. Don't question it. Just do it. There's singing, there's dancing, food, beer, and fun. What's not to love? Get to it!

I hadn't been to this Oktoberfest, but it seemed like a fun thing to do with family…read more My spouse and I paid $10 to reserve a picnic table in the pole barn because it seemed necessary according to the web site. We got there around 6pm on a Friday and felt lucky to park close. When we got up to the gates, we were surprised to find our reservation didn't cover admission, so we paid another $5 each to enter. We found our table but noted that there were plenty of empty and free options outside the pole barn structure and immediately regretted the reservation. The interior of the structure is cavernous, and in inclement weather it might be worthwhile. In good weather it was extremely loud with a torqued up sound system of dubious quality - everything was too loud, but also distorted. There was no ability to talk with table mates. Views of the dancers were limited by the pure length of the barn. There is a beer stall accessible from inside, but everything else requires a stroll. There were old school carnival games on offer, including the ethically dubious goldfish game. We didn't play anything. We went the length of the grounds to the food stalls where we split up. The pork dinner line was quick and the meals were generous. Both people who ordered it liked the pork and sauerkraut, but they were divided on the German potato salad (likely due to varying family styles in their pasts). Sausage eaters got food pretty quickly. Alas, the veggie sausage meal took forever to receive. And that was - meh. The curry ketchup was weak. The fries were just fine. I'm not sure why a veggie wurst doesn't rate a bun , but I would have liked one and one less sausage. Non-bier drinks were on offer, but in inconvenient separate stands. My drink was weak and expensive. I ordered a Jaeger shot to give it a try - it had been decades. I still hated it. I needn't have bothered with that - roaming shot sellers were everywhere, loud, intrusive, and irritating. All in all, I didn't love my Oktoberfest experience, but I'm glad I tried it. Now I know I needn't go back - I wasn't missing anything.

The food. Omg the food. Cream puffs , the ice cream in the Wisconsin building. The cheese and…read moresausages. Do not forget the corn. And the music is great too ! The people of Wisconsin are so kind and fun ! There are bands everywhere. Totally loved checking out the animals in the barns and watching the pig races. So much fun! The only thing that did not like is that we parked in the handicapped area on the race track and assumed we could get a ride or wheelchair nearby. We walked very carefully to the gate but the wheelchair rentals are inside the gate up the hill. So when we were done I had to take my aunt out of the gates , sit her down and return the wheelchair. I personably think they should be more easily available.

I hadn't been to the Wisconsin State Fair in almost 20 years and I went on a Saturday morning, the…read morelast weekend they were open. I got there about an hour after the fair opened at 11AM and left by 3PM. Because we got there early, we parked across the street from the fair and didn't have to deal with the long parking lines. I was pleasantly surprised with the fair and I had a great time! Why I say I was surprised is because it was a lot bigger than I remembered and I thought it offered a lot- from carnival rides, to food, to music and drinks. There was something for everyone, children and adults. My favorite part of the fair was a delicious gyro, the goats, and a little girl and her prized cow!! The animals were absolutely adorable and I loved petting the goats, I really felt like a kid again! My husband also had a nice time, he enjoyed a corn dog and he liked seeing the animals. I also appreciated the security. Purse checks, metal detectors, and right when we walked in we saw a security guard watching from a stand. I don't stay at fairs after dark because I know there are drunk people and fights but I felt very safe during the day. I look forward to going back next year!

I have been to nearly all of Milwaukee's lakefront ethnic festivals, and Mexican Fiesta is by far…read moremy favorite one. The food is superb, the music electic, the crowd diverse, and the atmosphere extremely friendly and accessible. Mexican Fiesta, more so than Milwaukee's other ethnic festivals, is all about authenticity. For instance, you may hear some Italian at Festa Italiana, and some German at German Fest, but Mexican Fiesta is totalmente en espanol. There are dance contests. Mariachi bands with four guitarrists, four violinists, and four trumpeters, for a grand total of 12 band members. Freakin' awesome! Mexican Fiesta is put on by Mexicans for Mexicans. Those of us who aren't Mexican are just visiting. Everyone is welcome, of course, but this is a Mexican party through and through.

Mexican Fiesta. Hmm…read more Well, it was ok. First off, you should probably know Spanish. Mine understanding is so-so, which makes the festival not as fun. Secondly, the food was kinda watered down in my opinion. Nachos? Tacos? Boring? I expected more flava. Also, I don't eat meat so it was SLIM PICKINGS. I ordered something called a banana dumpling expecting a sweet dish only to find it was full of rice and beans. Woulda been helpful if there had been a description. Third, you should have a mullet. Or wear an offensive tee shirt against women. Then you'll totally fit in. We payed 26 dollars for the two of us to enter, then spent 36 dollars on nachos(without meat), Mexican corn (freakin delish), Sil's donuts, a pork shish ka bob, a dumpling I threw away, and soda. It was over priced to say the least. And you have to purchase tickets which is crap. Would I go again? Hell no. I will walk down the street to GTO's and save 35 dollars and probably enjoy the food more.

Always a great time! I've come to this event 3 years in row. Set in a gymnasium, there's tables set…read moreup, sampling wine, beer and gourmet food. I like to start with white wines, then switch to red wines, then switch to beer. No need to eat before you get there, because there is so much to eat and drink that you'll be full before you know it. There is a cash bar upstairs, to benefit charity. Vendors sell jewelry and gourmet food. You must be 21, and tickets are $30. Lots of free parking is available. Reserve tickets online at bvwinefest.com

Heart of Downtown packed on a Wednesday night every time it's hosted. Great selection of vendors…read more Lines were pretty long for some, I wouldn't wait in. Did score some local honey, a mini sample pack of the cutest little bears. I really was just passing through, didn't want to make any impulse purchases since there was a lot of great stuff. It was a melting pot, people of all ages and backgrounds. Feels like there's more and more vendors each year.

The Milwaukee Night Market is one of my favorite events in the summer/fall in MKE. The music,…read morepeople, variety of food, crafts & clothing booths make it so easy worth while. I love that you can park in the Avenue parking structure for $3 for 3 hours! Such a steal when trying to figure out where do that downtown. Everyone who works the event is so friendly, it's extremely clean and well organized. You need to check this out! Only a few nights a summer!

I went to The Argo last night with a girl friend for dinner, cocktails, and karaoke. I love the…read moreteal couches in the dining area and the dim lighting. We both ordered salads, I had the Mixed Greens with steak and my friend had the Smashed Cucumber Salad with steak. We both really enjoyed our dinner! And my friend loved the Yucata Try This cocktail, she said it was sweet and refreshing but not overly sweet. After dinner, we went upstairs for karaoke. The owners are usually always there and they are so kind and welcoming. We enjoyed singing on stage and had a fun night!

We stopped here for an event and swung by at the downstairs bar to catch up afterwards…read more They had live music going and the restaurant was doing well with a mix of families, couples, etc. While the menu is a little pricey, the ambiance is great. We grabbed some drinks (wine, beer, bourbon) and fries with wings. The fries were good if not a little overly salty but perfect for what you'd like with drinks. Heard the espresso martini was not worth the price tag and the pineapple was a bit off-putting in it. Staff were friendly and quick to grab anything we needed. We also asked after checking out the venue space and were able to get a quick tour from one of the managers. Very cool space with a lot of events going on.

This is a relatively new Fest - they started two years ago in a small parking lot and now they have…read moreexpanded to two blocks of fun. Really impressive! There's two things that are unique about this Oktoberfest celebration. Firstly, it's the "first" or earlier that the traditional celebrations in September do you can get all warmed up for the Masskrugstemnen or polish up those polka skills. Second - beer! Kegel's Oktoberfest has about a dozen local breweries pouring their versions of German style beer. Black Husky, Third Space, Westallion, Bavarian Bierhouse and many more I can't recall. It's like a mini beer fest!, with lots of camaraderie between all of the local brewers. Of course you can also get traditional Hofbrau too. Prices were very reasonable too - most beer was $5/half liter or $9/liter. You could also bring your own stein or use a proper glass one with a $5 deposit. What else? A small kids area with games and bouncy houses, tasty German food from Kegels, cultural booths and great music from Milwaukee Blaskapelle. If you ever wanted to buy Artisanal Brandy Old Fashioned beard oil (I am serious, people) you can do it here. Definitely mark your calendars for this one, folks - it's a great time.

In short craft Oktoberfest styled beers and great Kegel's inn German food live local music and a…read morecar show. TLDR:: They told Julian it can't be done for 4 years. Closing national ave is actually closing a state hwy. His persistence has finally paid off, this street festival is a cooperative community based fundraiser for the Lions club. Who were very supportive with providing volunteers of both woman and manpower to get this party going. It is called the first Oktoberfest street party because it's the first year they actually closed the street. Plus the timing at the end of August makes it one of the first Oktoberfest usually Oktoberfest starts mid September . I believe this might be the 9-10 year of the Kegel fest where they used the parking lot out back for a tent party. I've been invited a few times by a relative of the family who happens to be related to a lion in the past. I've actually known Julian since he was a toddler. And worked along side his father in the bike business especially during the biggest sales at state fair park. This Friday and Saturday party is the kickoff to the Chris Kegel's slow roll bike ride that starts at state fair park utilizing trails and street rides to get to walkers point and back to Kegel's at a casual pace to allow you to enjoy the ride. It's slightly over 10 miles this benefits the Chris Kegel foundation. The party ends at Kegel's where Trek sponsors the food and drink. There is a 2 level suggested donation offering support and VIP support with nice perks. Food 5 Ambiance 5 plenty of clean port a johns Service 3 plenty of beer venders I believe there were 15 craft beer venders with 2 selections each along with a larger beer service at the dining/beer tent. expect a long Line but the line moves quite quickly Location 4 plenty of street parking Value 4 the food was well priced and portions were perfect imo. Crafts were 5 for a half liter 9 for a full liter and domestic beers were also available. 36/2018

One of that last places around with a real pipe organ. This place is great with all kinds of extra…read moredrums and bells and whistles. Super fun places with ok food, cocktails and multiple sizes of gluten free pizzas if that's what you need.

I can see the novelty of this place! According to my parents, they took me here a handful of times…read moreas a kid, and many people we were with said they came back in the day too. It doesn't seem they've made any updates over the years. We came on a Saturday night with a big group of people (a handful of families/kids), and boy was this place packed! Our group just added to the chaos, but needless to say the community loves this spot! The big ol' organ at the forefront is a fun feature, and everyone was loving the music. They also have a good size arcade that keeps the kids very happy. I was a fan of the ordering system here too- you go up to the counter/bar on their own accord and submit what you'd like, and then they give you a ticket with your order number. Up on the wall is a giant light up sign and you simply look out for when your number is lit up and that means your food is up. Given that pizza is the thing here, that's what we went for. Everyone was pleased with it! I can see the appeal here, but I can also see the pov of folks who aren't the biggest fans. It's a certain kind of place, and with kids, it was a good time!