Beer garden season, hallelujah.
While the weather isn’t sticking with the program just yet – fingers crossed it will soon – some Milwaukee-area beer gardens have made their season debuts. Others will soon, and some are still working out their details.
From the already-open South Shore Terrace to The Traveling Beer Garden Tour, here’s your 2026 beer gardens guide:
This story will be updated as more beer gardens announce or update 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
Traveling Beer Garden, across Milwaukee County
WHAT TO EXPECT: Milwaukee County Parks and Sprecher Brewing Co. are again teaming to put on The Traveling Beer Garden. The beer gardens’ mobile beer trucks are repurposed old fire trucks. Beverage options will include Sprecher beer and root beer, offerings from Third Space, New Glarus and 3 Sheeps breweries, cider, gluten-free options and non-alcoholic drinks. For food, there will be hot dogs, bratwursts, Bavarian pretzels and more. Beer garden proceeds go toward park improvements and maintenance. The beer garden’s live music lineup can be found here. There will also be an Art & Hops Event the first Thursday night at each stop.
DATES AND LOCATIONS:
Pass Me a Pint Tour:
Roll Out the Barrel Tour
HOURS: 5 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays 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 has 20 tap beer lines, seltzers, nonalcoholic drinks and a robust food menu, including shareables, sandwiches, burgers, brats, salads, desserts, specials, a Friday fish fry and a kids menu.
LOCATION: 2900 South Shore Drive
DATES AND HOURS: Open for the season. 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 14, June 21 (Father’s Day), and August 30. The beer garden’s live music series – made possible by Molson Coors and Beer Capitol Distributing – runs Friday, Saturday, and many Sunday evenings. Whitnall Park is home to botanical gardens, a nature center, a golf course, trails, picnic sites and more.
LOCATION: 8831 N. Root River Parkway, Greendale
DATES AND HOURS: Open for the season – 4 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
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 opening. Check its website for updates.
LOCATION: Juneau Park, 900 N. Prospect Ave.
DATES AND HOURS: Its targeted opening date is May 15. After opening, its hours will be 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
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 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: It’s tentative opening date is May 21. Once open, its hours will be 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
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. For food, there are beer-garden basics, like bratwurst, hot dogs and giant fresh-baked pretzels. Note: The beer garden is cashless. The beer garden is a fundraising operation for Milwaukee County Parks, with 20% of the beer garden’s gross year revenue and 10% of food sales going to the county, said Hans Weissgerber III, who operates the beer garden. The beer garden’s entertainment schedule, which is continuously updated, can be found at estabrookbeergarden.com/events. Park amenities include trails, playgrounds, a disc golf course, a dog park, soccer fields and a riverwalk.
Estabrook is throwing a multi-day Maifest Beer Garden Season Opening Celebration. More on that here.
LOCATION: Estabrook Park, 4600 Estabrook Drive
DATES AND HOURS: Open for the season through mid-November. Its hours are noon to 9 p.m. daily.
MORE INFO: estabrookbeergarden.com
West Allis Beer Garden, West Allis
WHAT TO EXPECT: The City of West Allis and Third Space Brewing are partnering to open a new West Allis Beer Garden at Liberty Heights Park this summer, the local craft brewer announced in a news release. The menu will feature Third Space beers, a rotating beer from West Allis craft breweries, canned hard seltzers and cocktails, nonalcoholic soft drinks, and pre-packaged snack foods. A portion of all sales will go to the City of West Allis for park improvements and future programming, the release said. There will be live music on most evenings from 6 to 8 p.m., as well as food trucks on select nights. There will be a Mug Club: When customers buy a $5 West Allis Beer Garden 20-ounce plastic reusable mug, they’ll receive 20-ounce pours all summer for the price of a pint. Periodically during the summer, there will be Community Spotlight nights to support local nonprofits with a portion of sales and by raising awareness. The beer garden will operate out of the new Liberty Heights Park Pavilion, which includes a large outdoor covered patio area and picnic tables. There’s also a section of tables adjacent to the modern playground area. Park amenities include a splash pad, volleyball court, tennis courts and baseball fields.
A grand opening event for the beer garden, with a ribbon cutting by Mayor Dan Devine, will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, June 5.
LOCATION: 1540 S. 62nd St., West Allis (one block south of Greenfield Avenue)
DATES AND HOURS: Following its June 5 grand opening, the beer garden’s hours will be 4 to 9 p.m. Fridays and 3 to 9 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 29.
MORE INFO: thirdspacebrewing.com
Croatian Park Beer Garden, Franklin
WHAT TO EXPECT: The Croatian Park Beer Garden will be expanding its beer selection this season and is finalizing its menu. Other beverage options will include Croatian Cordials, wine, mixed drinks, Twisted Tea, hard seltzer, Simply Spiked Lemonade and nonalcoholic drinks. Every week, the beer garden will host “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 (dates listed here). The beer garden’s “free beer night” (one per customer, while supplies last) will be May 21. 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 here) and more. The beer garden has a new pavilion that made its debut partway through last season.
LOCATION: 9100 S. 76th St.
DATES AND HOURS: Opening for the season on May 14. Its hours are 5-10 p.m. Thursdays.
MORE INFO: croatianparkbeergarden.com
The Third Ward Beer Garden at Catalano Square, Milwaukee
WHAT TO EXPECT: The Third Ward Beer Garden at Catalano Square Park features local craft beer, imported favorites, wine, canned cocktails, nonalcoholic options and more. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Historic Third Ward Association and Business Improvement District No. 2, supporting ongoing maintenance, programs and improvements to the square and surrounding neighborhood, a news release said. Entertainment will include yard games, Music Bingo from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays and live acoustic music from the beer garden’s rooftop stage from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 3 to 6:30 p.m. Saturdays. Local musicians and DJs will fill the park with original beats on select Sundays in collaboration with 88.9 Radio Milwaukee.
LOCATION: Catalano Square Park, Broadway and Menomonee Street
DATES AND HOURS: Open for the season through mid-October. Its hours are 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3 to 9 p.m. Fridays, noon to 9 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
MORE INFO: thirdwardbeergarden.com
The Landing at Hoyt Park, Wauwatosa
WHAT TO EXPECT: The Landing at Hoyt Park’s beer garden features draft beer, packaged brews and drinks, wine and nonalcoholic options. Food offerings include Cranky Al’s pizza, Milwaukee Pretzel Company pretzels and more. There will be “Mellow Mondays” with chill, acoustic music and relaxed vibes; Tuesday family nights with open play in May and scheduled activities starting in June; Quizmaster Trivia on Wednesdays; Third Space Thursdays; live music on Firefly Fridays and Saturdays; and on Sundays, live music and/or specialty trivia. Check out this calendar for the live music lineup, events and activities.
LOCATION: 1800 N. Swan Blvd., Wauwatosa
DATES AND HOURS: Outdoor beer garden season starts May 1. Its hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
MORE INFO: friendsofhoytpark.org/the-landing
The Tap Yard at Schlitz Park, Milwaukee
WHAT TO EXPECT: The Tap Yard at Schlitz Park features 18 craft beer drafts, wine, canned cocktails and hard seltzers, Pops Popcorn, Carrie’s Crispies and Heavenly Roasted Nuts. Games include big Jenga, big Connect Four, bags and Nagelbaken. Events include music bingo on Tuesdays, trivia on Thursdays, makers markets, paint nights, plant & sip, beer events, workshops and more.
LOCATION: Schlitz Park, 1555 N. River Center Drive, Milwaukee
DATES AND HOURS: Opens for the season on May 1. Its hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, and 2 to 8 p.m. Saturdays.
MORE INFO: facebook.com/thetapyardmilwaukee or thetapyards.com
The Deer Garden in Deer District, Milwaukee
WHAT TO EXPECT: Deer District’s Beer Garden has been transformed into The Deer Garden, presented by Michelob Ultra. The Tap Room features rotating taps that celebrate Wisconsin craft beer, as well as additional beverages, the garden’s says. “Deer District continues to evolve as a vibrant destination for the Milwaukee community, and we’re excited to introduce The Deer Garden to our world-class dining and entertainment lineup,” Michael Belot, Milwaukee Bucks senior vice president of business operations & chief real estate development officer, said in a news release. “With a premier drink menu, The Deer Garden will offer an elevated outdoor experience for Deer District visitors to enjoy throughout the summer.” Throughout the season, there will be community events and programming, like a summer concert series, local vendors and more.
LOCATION: 1133 N. King Drive, Milwaukee
MORE INFO: thedeergarden.com and deerdistrict.com
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 a Friday fish fry. The Hubbard Park Lodge offers Friday fish fry seating, plus a Sunday lumberjack brunch buffet. Private cabanas are available to rent and feature beer garden offerings, Friday fish frys and “unique packages.”
LOCATION: 3565 N. Morris Ave.
DATES AND HOURS: Beer garden open daily, weather-dependent. The Lodge is open year-round for the Friday fish fry, Sunday lumberjack brunch and special events.
MORE INFO: hubbardparkbeergarden.com or facebook.com/hubbardparkbeergarden
Giving Tree Garage beer garden, Milwaukee
WHAT TO EXPECT: Draft MKE’s Giving Tree Garage beer garden serves craft beer, draft cocktails, nonalcoholic options, and more from an International Harvester bread truck-turned-custom bar under a huge elm tree, according to its website. Inside the garage building, there are retro cars and funky artwork. The beer garden is dog-friendly.
LOCATION: 902 S. 2nd St., Milwaukee
DATES AND HOURS: The Giving Tree Garage’s opening date will be announced on its Facebook page. Once open for the season, the beer garden will be open on Fridays and Saturdays, weather permitting.
MORE INFO: draftandvessel.com/gtg or facebook.com/givingtreegarage
Kegel’s Inn Beer Garden, West Allis
WHAT TO EXPECT: Kegel’s Inn has been a cornerstone of Milwaukee’s German culinary scene since its inception as a Prohibition-era speakeasy in 1924, co-owner Julian Kegel previously told the Journal Sentinel. From mid-February through May, Kegel’s adjacent beer garden is transformed into “Lent in the Tent,” a heated, lively, German-style gathering place with beer, fish fry Wednesdays and Fridays, scratch-made German fare on Saturdays, and live music on the weekends, according to an April 22 post on its Facebook page. “It’s part fish fry hall, part winter festival, part neighborhood living room — and all unmistakably Kegel’s Inn! Ready to shake off cabin fever?” the post said. Info on Kegel’s summer beer garden plans will be added here as they become available.
LOCATION: 5901 W. National Ave.
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. More info on this beer garden will be added as it becomes available.
LOCATION: 750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive
DATES AND HOURS: Opens for the season May 22.
MORE INFO: warmemorialbeergarden.com
Waukesha County
Elm Grove Beer Garden, by Third Space Brewing, Elm Grove
WHAT TO EXPECT: The Elm Grove Beer Garden, by Third Space Brewing, features Third Space beer, wine, canned cocktails, hard seltzer, and nonalcoholic options. Food trucks are onsite most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. There’s trivia from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, live music from 6 to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and a seasonal volleyball league with MKE Sport + Social on Sundays. Through a Mug Club, customers who buy a $5 Elm Grove Beer Garden 20-ounce plastic reusable mug receive 20-ounce pours all summer for the price of a pint, as well as buy-one, get-one pints on Wednesdays. My Third Space Club members also get BOGO pints on Wednesdays. The beer garden will host Community Spotlight Nights to raise funds for local nonprofits.
LOCATION: Elm Grove Village Park, 13600 Juneau Blvd., Elm Grove
DATES AND HOURS: Open May 1 through mid-October. 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 – which puts on the Depot Beer Garden at Old Falls Village Park – is celebrating its 60th anniversary. In honor of that, the first 60 tap beer drinkers at each garden event will be given a special commemorative keepsake aluminum cup. The beer garden 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). There will be food from the Depot Grill, including burgers, brats, veggie burgers and more, and on select dates, food trucks. The live music lineup can be found here. Special events on select dates will include the Historical Society’s Civil War Encampment, a Poker Run, a classic car show, a craft fair and more. On Aug. 8, the Historical Society will have a 60th anniversary celebration, and a special anniversary beer, in collaboration with the Hop Yard and Old Germantown, will be tapped. 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: Weather permitting, the beer garden will be open from 4 to 9 p.m. May 16, 4 to 9 p.m. May 23, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 6, 4 to 9 p.m. June 13, 4 to 9 p.m. June 27, 4 to 9 p.m. July 17, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 18, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 19, 4 to 9 p.m. July 25, noon to 9 p.m. Aug. 8, 4 to 9 p.m. Aug. 15, 1 to 9 p.m. Aug. 22, 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 29, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 19, and noon to 9 p.m. Sept. 26.
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 at Old Falls Village Park – 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). Upcoming live music at the beer garden can be found at facebook.com/OldFallsVillagePark/events. This will be updated as more details become available.
LOCATION: Old Falls Village Park, N96W15791 County Line Road
DATES: May 1-3, June 19-21, Aug. 1-2, Sept. 11, and Oct. 9-11.
MORE INFO: oldfallsvillagepark.org
The Tap Yard at Minooka Park, Waukesha
WHAT TO EXPECT: The Tap Yard – Waukesha features about two dozen craft beer drafts, wine, hard seltzers, canned cocktails, nonalcoholic drinks, and beer collaborations with local breweries. For snacks, there’s Pop Stop Popcorn, Heavenly Roasted Nuts and Carrie’s Crispies, and on select dates, food trucks. The beer garden hosts events, like music bingo, trivia, Grilled Cheese Fest, Taco Fest, Dessert Food Truck Fest, workshops, giveback days, fundraisers and more (event schedule here). A Daily Park Entrance Permit or Annual Park Membership is required for all vehicles. Note: This is a dog-friendly location, but they must be on a 6-foot leash.
LOCATION: Minooka Park, 1927 E. Sunset Drive
DATES: Opens for the season on May 1. 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 24 craft beer drafts, wine, hard seltzers, canned cocktails, nonalcoholic drinks, beer collaborations with local breweries, and on select dates, food trucks. The beer garden hosts events, like music bingo, jackpot bingo, Grilled Cheese Fest, workshops, fundraisers and more (event schedule here). A Daily Park Entrance Permit or Annual Park Membership is required for all vehicles. Note: This is a dog-friendly location, but they must be on a 6-foot leash.
LOCATION: Fox Brook Park, 2925 N. Barker Road.
DATES: Opens for the season on May 1. 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 10 craft beer drafts, wine, hard seltzers, canned cocktails, nonalcoholic drinks, and beer collaborations with local breweries. For food, there’s Melt & Company Grilled Cheese, and “upscale” concessions. The beer garden hosts events, like music bingo, jackpot bingo, workshops, and more (event schedule here). 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: Opens for the season on May 1. 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, noon to 9 p.m., and noon to 7 p.m.
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, seltzers and onsite food trucks, according to the village’s website. More details will be posted on that webpage or the events’ Facebook pages as the beer garden dates get closer.
DATES AND LOCATIONS:
MORE INFO: villagesussex.org/services/special-events or the events’ Facebook pages
Bass Bay Brewhouse, Muskego
WHAT TO EXPECT: Bass Bay Brewhouse is planning to have a beer garden with cold beer, cocktails, food trucks, live music, pontoon rides and kayak rentals. The setting will be laid back and family-friendly. Bass Bay announced its beer garden proposal in a Facebook post April 23. Days later, the Brewhouse shared on Facebook that the beer garden’s liquor license got approved. The beer garden is actively looking for food trucks, musicians and sponsors to be a part of it. This comes just months after the Brewhouse burned down and was deemed a total loss. In February, Bass Bay posted on Facebook that “plans are already in motion, we are working toward rebuilding, and we will return!”
LOCATION: S79W15851 Aud Mar Drive
DATES AND HOURS: “Opening day is getting closer!” the Brewhouse said on Facebook. Check its page for updates.
MORE INFO: facebook.com/bassbaybeergarden
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: If you’re looking for a Milwaukee-area beer garden, here’s your guide
Reporting by Hannah Kirby, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
