Dragon Boat Festival in Lakeshore State Park
The Milwaukee Dragon Boat Festival returns to Lakeshore State Park, 500 N. Harbor Drive, with three rounds of boat races starting at 8 a.m. July 12. The festival includes Chinese folk and dance performances, food and drink, and more. Admission is free. Info: milwaukeedragonboatfest.org.
Bastille Day West on Vliet Street
One week before the popular downtown street festival celebrating all things Français, the West Vliet Street neighborhood/business organization hosts Bastille Day West. From 4 to 10 p.m. July 11, there’ll be food and drink, activities, and live music on two stages along Vliet Street from North 57th to North 60th streets. Admission is free. Info: bastilledaywest.com.
Smoke on the Water beer-and-barbecue festival
Summerfest’s parent company has launched Smoke on the Water — MKE’s BBQ & Brews Fest, a beer, barbecue and bikes event timed to coincide with the Harley-Davidson Homecoming festival, along the lake at Maier Festival Park from noon to 4 p.m. July 12. Admission is $25. Info: milwaukeeworldfestival.com/smoke-on-the-water.
Optimist Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park
Optimist Theatre begins its summerlong Shakespeare in the Park series with performances at Wisconsin Lutheran College on July 12 and Washington Park on July 13. Seating for the shows starts at 1 p.m.; the five-hour program includes workshops, Renaissance-era music and abridged performances of “Much Ado About Nothing” (with puppets!) and “The Taming of the Shrew.” Info: optimisttheatre.org.
Whitefish Bay Art Fest
More than 100 juried artists will show (and sell) their stuff at the Whitefish Bay Art Fest, along East Silver Spring Drive from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 12-13. Live music and food vendors will be there, too. Admission is free. Info: amdurproductions.com/whitefish-bay-art-fest.
Tory Lowe Walk Against Violence
Radio host and community activist Tory Lowe’s annual Walk Against Violence is from 9 a.m. to noon July 12, starting at Victory Over Violence Park, 2625 N. King Drive. It’s free to join. Info/registration: goodkarmabrands.com/101-7-the-truth.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Things to do in Milwaukee this weekend (besides the Harley-Davidson Homecoming festival)
Reporting by Chris Foran, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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