In 1985, a Milwaukee police officer named Butch Roberts proposed adding a celebration of American Indian groups to the numerous ethnic festivals at the Summerfest grounds. Now, 31 years later, Indian Summer Festival is still Milwaukee’s favorite way to close out the season.
The festival features a Native Fashion Show, exhibits on Native American culture, the return of the tribal farmers market and traditional marketplace and more. Traditional foods like frybread, Indian tacos, bison burgers and wild rice will be available, as well as a variety of non-traditional options.
Where: Henry Maier Festival Park
Hours: Friday from 4 p.m. to midnight; Saturday from noon to midnight; Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Mid-gate opens at 9:30 a.m. for the 10 a.m. non-denomination prayer ceremony on Sunday.)
Admission: $15; $12 for elders 60 and over; kids 12 and under are free. Advance tickets are available online.
Highlights: Pow wows, amateur boxing, Circle of Art, parades, traditional food and more.
FYI: As always, alcohol is not allowed on the northern end of the festival grounds. Beer and wine can be consumed south of the children’s area.
