People, places and things around here have unthawed. The ground is looking greener, the sky is looking brighter and winter jackets can probably be put away — fingers crossed.
That all means it’s time for something pretty popular around these parts to commence:
Beer garden season.
Quite a few Milwaukee-area beer gardens have already made their season debuts, while others have their opening dates set and some still are working out their deets.
From the uber-popular — and already open — South Shore Terrace to The Traveling Beer Garden Tour, here’s your 2025 beer gardens guide:
This story will be updated as more beer gardens announce their plans. If you have a Milwaukee-area beer garden that hasn’t been added to the list, contact Hannah Kirby at hannah.kirby@jrn.com.
Milwaukee County
Milwaukee’s Traveling Beer Garden
WHAT TO EXPECT: For the 12th season, Milwaukee County Parks and Sprecher Brewing Co. are teaming to put on Milwaukee’s Traveling Beer Garden. Expect Sprecher beer and root beer, other beverage offerings, brats, Bavarian pretzels, root beer floats and live music.
DATES AND LOCATIONS:
HOURS: 5 to 9 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends and holidays.
MORE INFO: travelingbeergardens.com
South Shore Terrace Kitchen and Beer Garden, Milwaukee
WHAT TO EXPECT: At the uber-popular South Shore Terrace Kitchen and Beer Garden, guests can expect views of Lake Michigan and the city’s skyline.
The beer garden’s lineup of brews include offerings from Miller, Hamm’s, Coors, Leinenkugel’s, Blue Moon Brewing Co., Lakefront Brewery, Plzeňský Prazdroj, Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma S.A. de C.V.
The food menu includes cheese curds, crispy ginger tofu, Milwaukee Pretzel Co. soft pretzels, burgers and brats. Its popular Friday fish fry is back, along with other favorites like the jalapeno popper burger and baja chicken sandwich.
Note: While construction projects around South Shore are ongoing — including the rehabilitation and relocation of the beach — the beer garden will remain open throughout, according to Milwaukee County Parks. Project updates can be found here.
LOCATION: 2900 South Shore Drive
DATES AND HOURS: Open for the season. Its spring hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, and noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
MORE INFO: southshoreterrace.com
Whitnall Beer Garden, Greendale
WHAT TO EXPECT: The Whitnall Beer Garden, located in Root River Parkway, has 24 craft beer handles, including selections from local breweries. There’s food from Gift of Wings Grill, including taco Tuesdays, fish fry dinners on Wednesdays and Fridays, and pig roasts on select Sundays, including June 1, June 15 (Father’s Day), July 6 and August 17. The beer garden’s live music series runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
Whitnall Park is home to botanical gardens, a nature center, a golf course, trails, picnic sites and more.
LOCATION: 8831 N. Root River Parkway
DATES AND HOURS: Open for the season. Its hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
MORE INFO: whitnallbeergarden.com
Juneau Beer Garden, Milwaukee
WHAT TO EXPECT: The Juneau Beer Garden became one of the county’s permanent seasonal beer gardens in 2023 after its success on the Traveling Beer Garden Tour. More details on this year’s beer garden will be shared ahead of its May 16 season opening. Check its website for updates.
LOCATION: Juneau Park, 900 N. Prospect Ave.
DATES AND HOURS: Opens for the season May 16. Once open, its hours will be 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
MORE INFO: juneaubeergarden.com
The Vine Humboldt, Milwaukee
WHAT TO EXPECT: The Vine Humboldt is located at a historic farmhouse in Bay View’s Humboldt Park. More details on this year’s beer garden will be shared ahead of its May 22 season opening. Check its website for updates. The park is also home to the popular Chill on the Hill and Jazz at The Vine.
LOCATION: Humboldt Park, 3000 S. Howell Ave.
DATES AND HOURS: Opens for the season May 22. Its hours will be 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
MORE INFO: thevinehumboldt.com
Estabrook Beer Garden, Milwaukee
WHAT TO EXPECT: The Estabrook Beer Garden, modeled after Munich beer gardens, serves Hofbräuhaus and local craft beers, wine, cider, hard seltzer, draft root beer and Pepsi products, according to its website. Beer garden basics such as bratwurst, hot dogs and giant fresh-baked pretzels are also available. The beer garden is cashless. The beer garden’s entertainment schedule can be found here. Park amenities include trails, playgrounds, a disc golf course, a dog park, soccer fields and a riverwalk.
LOCATION: Estabrook Park, 4600 Estabrook Drive
DATES AND HOURS: Open for the season. Its hours are noon to 9 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and noon to 10 p.m. Fridays.
MORE INFO: estabrookbeergarden.com
Kegel’s Inn Beer Garden, West Allis
WHAT TO EXPECT: Celebrating its centennial in 2024, Kegel’s Inn has been a cornerstone of Milwaukee’s German culinary scene since its inception as a Prohibition-era speakeasy in 1924, wrote co-owner Julian Kegel. The restaurant’s adjacent beer garden, open year-round, offers a full-service experience. Its menu features traditional German specialties, including its popular Friday fish fry, bratwurst and giant pretzels. Beverage offerings include German and Kegel Brau collaboration beers, wines, cocktails and non-alcoholic options. The space is furnished with authentic Hofbräu tables, overhead lighting and large shade umbrellas. There’s local live music Wednesdays through Saturdays through the summer months, starting in May.
LOCATION: 5901 W. National Ave.
DATES AND HOURS: Open year-round. Its hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. While typically closed Mondays, the beer garden will be open Memorial Day.
MORE INFO: kegelsinn.com
War Memorial Beer Garden, Milwaukee
WHAT TO EXPECT: The War Memorial Beer Garden, operated by Kegel’s Inn, is along Milwaukee’s scenic lakefront, adjacent to the Milwaukee Art Museum and Oak Leaf Trail. It offers a selection of German and local beers, ciders, wines, and cocktails, including a Charlie Berens Nitro Old Fashioned on tap. The food menu features loaded brats, Bavarian pretzels and other German-inspired dishes. There’s live music from 1 to 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. A portion of proceeds supports veteran programming at the War Memorial Center. And, patrons have the option to “pay it forward” by purchasing a drink for a veteran or first responder. The beer garden is dog-friendly. It has a large parking lot onsite, with parking at $9 per vehicle, according to the beer garden’s website.
LOCATION: 750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive
DATES AND HOURS: Opening for the season May 22. Its hours will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. While typically closed Mondays, the beer garden will be open Memorial Day.
MORE INFO: warmemorialbeergarden.com
Franklin Beer Garden at Croatian Park, Franklin
WHAT TO EXPECT: The Franklin Beer Garden at Croatian Park offers a selection of brews, including Croatian imports, Lakefront Brewery offerings, Modelo Especial, Coors Light and Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy. There’s also Croatian Cordials, wine, mixed drinks, Twisted Tea, hard seltzer and Simply Spiked Lemonade. Non-alcoholic options include Lakefront’s River West Stein N/A, sodas, waters, juices and lemonade. Every week, the beer garden hosts “the Happiest of Happy Hours” from 5 to 6 p.m. featuring buy-one, get-one-free tap beers. Local food vendor American European Foods will be serving a selection of grilled items, including Croatian Ćevapčići, Croatian Nachos and more. There will also be a rotation of food trucks, including Rose Mob, Pina Mexican Eats, Baked n Loaded, Double Dubs BBQ and Clean Cuisine (dates listed here). A customer appreciation night is scheduled for May 22, offering one free beer per patron while supplies last. The beer garden, located on 30 acres, offers covered and uncovered tables, and is dog-friendly. There’s a kids’ playground area, bocce ball courts, live music (the lineup) and more. A new beer garden pavilion is being constructed, with its grand opening estimated for June 19.
LOCATION: 9100 S. 76th St.
DATES AND HOURS: Opens for the season May 15. Its hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Thursdays from May 15 through Oct. 16.
MORE INFO: franklinbeergarden.com
The Third Ward Beer Garden at Catalano Square, Milwaukee
WHAT TO EXPECT: The Third Ward Beer Garden will feature a seasonal menu of beer, wine, ready-to-drink cocktails and bagged snacks. Expect live music Thursdays through Saturdays. There will also be games like cornhole and outdoor Jenga.
Events will be held throughout the season, including Oktoberfest, Wag around the Ward and charity events.
LOCATION: Catalano Square Park, Broadway and Menomonee Street
DATES AND HOURS: Open for the season. Its hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, noon to 9 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays through October.
MORE INFO: thirdwardbeergarden.com
The Landing at Hoyt Park, Wauwatosa
WHAT TO EXPECT: The Landing at Hoyt Park’s beer garden features draft and packaged beer options; red, white and sparkling wine; and fountain drinks. Food offerings include pizza, pretzels, brats, popcorn and more. Here’s a calendar of when food trucks, trivia and live music will be onsite.
LOCATION: 1800 N. Swan Blvd.
DATES AND HOURS: The season opener is May 14. Its hours will be 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, noon to 9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and noon to 6 p.m. on holidays.
MORE INFO: friendsofhoytpark.org/the-landing
The Tap Yard at Schlitz Park, Milwaukee
WHAT TO EXPECT: The Tap Yard – Milwaukee, located along the Milwaukee River, features 18 craft drafts, wine, hard seltzers and canned cocktails. For food, there’s Cranky Al’s Pizzas, Milwaukee Pretzels with cheese, Heavenly Roasted Nuts, Pop’s Popcorn, Carrie’s Crispies, and sometimes, food trucks. Games include America’s Pub Quiz trivia at 6 p.m. Thursdays, music bingo at 6 p.m. Fridays, jackpot bingo at 4 p.m. Sundays, as well as big Jenga, big Connect Four, bags and Nagelbalken. The beer garden also hosts events on select dates, including Grilled Cheese Truck Day, a market and giveback days. This is a dog-friendly location, however, they must be well-behaved and on a 6-foot leash.
LOCATION: Schlitz Park, 1555 N. River Center Drive, Milwaukee
DATES AND HOURS: Open for the season. Its hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, 2 to 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 to 7 p.m. Sundays.
MORE INFO: facebook.com/thetapyardmilwaukee or thetapyards.com
The Beer Garden in Deer District, Milwaukee
WHAT TO EXPECT: The Beer Garden, located in Deer District,features a 40-foot screen. The Tap Room offers rotating taps that celebrate Wisconsin craft beer. The beer garden’s movie series will include showings of “Moana 2” on June 12, “Coco” on July 23, “Encanto” on August 7 and “Wicked” on September 4. Movies start at 6 p.m. There will be three book fairs: The MKE Books & Beers summer tip-off on June 24, the MKE Books & Buddies kids edition on July 15 and MKE Books & Beers summer’s last call on August 26. All three run from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Other performances include a Showcase Dance Studio from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 10 and the South Milwaukee Municipal Band from 2 to 3 p.m. August 30.
LOCATION: 1133 N. King Drive, Milwaukee
HOURS: Open for the season. Its hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, noon to 9 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. Plus, open on Fiserv Forum event days (weather-dependent).
MORE INFO: deerdistrict.com/places/the-beer-garden/
Hubbard Park Beer Garden, Shorewood
WHAT TO EXPECT: The Hubbard Park Beer Garden serves German and local beers, hard cider and seltzer, wine, specialty drinks and soft drinks. Food options include Usinger’s sausages, a giant pretzel and assorted ice cream treats. The Hubbard Park Lodge offers Friday fish fry seating as well, plus a Sunday lumberjack brunch buffet. Private cabanas are available to rent and feature beer garden offerings, the Friday fish fry menu and Sunday lumberjack brunch seatings.
LOCATION: 3565 N. Morris Ave.
DATES AND HOURS: The beer garden is open seasonally (weather permitting), with its outdoor portion open from May through October. Its hours are 3 to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, noon to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays. The Hubbard Park Lodge is open year-round for the Friday fish fry and Sunday lumberjack brunch.
MORE INFO: hubbardparkbeergarden.com
Pop-up beer gardens at Drexel Town Square, Oak Creek
WHAT TO EXPECT: Oak Creek beer gardens, held on select weekends, at Drexel Town Square will feature a variety of Explorium Brewpub craft brews, food from local food trucks and nearby restaurants, and live music. On Fridays during the pop-ups, there will be games and activities for the whole family.
LOCATION: Drexel Town Square, 361 W. Town Square Way
DATES AND HOURS: The beer garden will be open 4 to 9 p.m. June 19-21, July 24-26 and August 21-23.
MORE INFO: oakcreekwi.gov/visitor/events/beer-gardens
Roundhouse Beer Garden, Milwaukee
WHAT TO EXPECT: Roundhouse Beer Garden at McKinley Marina, operated by The Bartolotta Restaurants, is nestled along the Lake Michigan public boat launch. It serves a variety of food, drinks and local beers, and sundries. There’s seating and oversized yard games on a park-like lawn surrounding the building, as well as live music Mondays and Fridays. Leashed pets are welcome.
LOCATION: 1750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive
DATES AND HOURS: It opens for the season May 22. Its hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.
MORE INFO: roundhousemke.com
Waukesha County
The Elm Grove Beer Garden, by Third Space Brewing
WHAT TO EXPECT: The Elm Grove Beer Garden, by Third Space Brewing, will serve signature brews, hard seltzer, root beer, hop water, bottled water and Gatorade. For food, there’ll be light snacks, and on most Thursdays through Saturdays, food trucks. There’ll be buy-one, get-one pints for Mug Club members Wednesdays, trivia from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, and live music from 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
LOCATION: Elm Grove Village Park, 13600 Juneau Blvd., Elm Grove
DATES AND HOURS: Open for the season. Its hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4 to 9 p.m. Fridays, 3 to 9 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 to 7 p.m. Sundays.
MORE INFO: thirdspacebrewing.com/elmgrovebeergarden
Depot Beer Garden at Old Falls Village Park, Menomonee Falls
WHAT TO EXPECT: The Menomonee Falls Historical Society’s Depot Beer Garden at Old Falls Village Park will feature new weekly lineups of craft beer, domestic beer, cider, seltzer and non-alcoholic drinks (the menu will be available via beermenus.com each week). The last beer pour of a keg wins a Keg Killer T-shirt. There will be food from the Depot Grill, such as hot pretzels, pizza and ice cream. Food trucks will be on site on special dates. Entertainment includes live music (the lineup can be found here), board and card games, corn hole and historic building tours. Special events on select dates include the Historical Society’s Civil War Encampment, a classic car show, Polka Fest, an outdoor movie, Oktoberfest, fish frys and more. Dogs on-leash are welcome. While credit and debit are accepted, cash is preferred.
LOCATION: Old Falls Village Park, N96W15791 County Line Road
DATES AND HOURS: Opens for the season May 16 with a fish fry. Weather permitting, the beer garden will be open 4 to 9:30 p.m. May 16-17, 4 to 9:30 p.m. May 24, 1 to 9:30 p.m. June 7, 4 to 9:30 p.m. June 20-21, 4 to 9:30 p.m. June 28, 4 to 9:30 p.m. July 5, 4 to 9:30 p.m. July 18, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. July 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 20, 4 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 9, 4 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 16, 3 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 22, 1 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 23, 4 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 30, 4 to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 19, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 20 and noon to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 27.
MORE INFO: oldfallsvillage.com/depot-beer-garden-event, facebook.com/OldFallsVillage or instagram.com/mfhsoldfallsvillage
The Old Falls Biergarten at Old Falls Village Park, Menomonee Falls
WHAT TO EXPECT: The Old Falls Biergarten, organized by Friends of Old Falls Village, also calls Village Park home. Many of this season’s beer garden dates align with historical and immersive events going on in the park (the lineup of those can be found here). The Biergarten is free to attend unless there’s an event admission price. The beer garden will feature a variety of food vendors, craft beers and entertainment throughout the season. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
LOCATION: Old Falls Village Park, N96W15791 County Line Road
DATES: May 9 and 10 (German Mai Fest and dachshund races); May 30; June 12, 13, and 14 (WWII Days and USO-themed variety show and dance); July 25 and 26 (Roaring ’20s event and lawn party); Aug. 1 and 2, (1960s era and Vietnam War reenactment weekend); Sept. 5; On Sept. 6 and 7, the biergarten is included with Renaissance Faire admission; Sept. 12; On Sept. 13 and 14, the biergarten is included with Pirate Fest admission; Oct. 3 and 4 (WWI reenactment weekend); and Oct. 10 and 11 (German Oktoberfest and dachshund races). Hours vary depending on the event.
MORE INFO: oldfallsvillagepark.org
The Tap Yard at Minooka Park, Waukesha
WHAT TO EXPECT: The Tap Yard – Waukesha features 25 craft beer drafts, wine, hard seltzers and canned cocktails. For food, there are snacks from Pop’s Popcorn, Heavenly Roasted Nuts and Carrie’s Crispies and sometimes, food trucks. There’s music bingo at 6 p.m. Fridays and jackpot bingo at 4 p.m. Sundays. The beer garden also hosts events on select dates, including Grilled Cheese Fest, Taco Fest, Taste of Waukesha County Food Truck Fest, Dessert Food Truck Fest, markets, workshops, trivia, a car show, giveback days, fundraisers and more. Note: This is a dog-friendly location, however, they must be well-behaved and on 6-foot leashes. A Daily Park Entrance Permit or Annual Park Membership is required for all vehicles.
LOCATION: Minooka Park, 1927 E. Sunset Drive
DATES: Open for the season. Its hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, noon to 9 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 7 p.m. Sundays.
MORE INFO: facebook.com/thetapyardwaukesha or thetapyards.com
The Tap Yard at Fox Brook Park, Brookfield
WHAT TO EXPECT: The Tap Yard – Brookfield features 28 craft beer drafts, wine, hard seltzers and canned cocktails. For food, there are snacks from Pop’s Popcorn, Heavenly Roasted Nuts and Carrie’s Crispies and sometimes, food trucks. There’s music bingo at 6 p.m. Fridays and jackpot bingo at 4 p.m. Sundays. The beer garden hosts events on select dates, including wine club events, Grilled Cheese Fest, Taco Fest, Dessert Food Truck Fest, workshops, fundraisers and more. This is a dog-friendly location, however, they must be well-behaved and on 6-foot leashes. A Daily Park Entrance Permit or Annual Park Membership is required for all vehicles.
LOCATION: Fox Brook Park, 2925 N. Barker Road.
DATES: Open for the season. Hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, noon to 9 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 7 p.m. Sundays.
MORE INFO: facebook.com/thetapyardbrookfield or thetapyards.com.
The Tap Yard at Menomonee Park, Menomonee Falls
WHAT TO EXPECT: The Tap Yard – Menomonee Falls features 12 craft beer drafts, wine, hard seltzers and canned cocktails. For food, there’s Melt & Company Grilled Cheese, a new concession menu and snacks from Pop’s Popcorn, Heavenly Roasted Nuts and Carrie’s Crispies. There’s music bingo at 6 p.m. Fridays and jackpot bingo at 4 p.m. Sundays. The beer garden hosts events on select dates, including a Taco Truck Day and workshops. This is a dog-friendly location, however, they must be on 6-foot leashes. A Daily Park Entrance Permit or Annual Park Membership is required for all vehicles.
LOCATION: Menomonee Park, W220N7884 Town Line Road.
DATES AND HOURS: Open for the season. Hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, noon to 9 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 7 p.m. Sundays.
MORE INFO: facebook.com/thetapyardmenomoneefalls or thetapyards.com
Pints in the Park Traveling Beer Garden, Sussex
WHAT TO EXPECT: Pints in the Park, the Village of Sussex’s Traveling Beer Garden, features Brewfinity Brewing Co. beers, onsite food trucks, and depending on the date, live music and trivia. The hours are 5 to 8 p.m., per the village’s website.
DATES, LOCATIONS AND EVENTS:
MORE INFO: villagesussex.org/services/special-events or the events’ Facebook pages
Pewaukee Beer Gardens
Pewaukee Beer Gardens, put on at multiple parks, feature Brewfinity Brewing Co. beers, food trucks, live music, and events on select dates.
DATES, HOURS AND LOCATIONS:
Kiwanis Village Park, 325 Capitol Drive. Open 6 to 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted:
Springdale Park, W226N2400 Oakwood Lane. Open 6 to 9 p.m.:
Nettesheim Park, N26W27495 Prospect Ave. Open 6 to 9 p.m.:
Wagner Park, N31W23320 Green Road: 6 to 9 p.m. May 20 and Tuesdays from June 3 through Sept. 23. Features Brewfinity bags league (rules and sign up). On Aug. 15, there will be a “Summer Sundown” movie night and concert.
Lakefront Park, 222 W. Wisconsin Ave.: 5 to 9 p.m. Thursdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Features Pewaukee Lake Water Ski Shows.
MORE INFO: brewfinitybrewing.com/beer-garden-pewaukee
(This story was updated to add new information.)
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Your 2025 guide to Milwaukee-area beer gardens
Reporting by Hannah Kirby, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
