Youth dancers from Escamilla Entertainment perform on the Silver City InterNational Festival’s main stage in 2017. (Photo by Adam Carr)
Editor’s Note: Today we start the first of an ongoing series called NNS Summer Survival Guide, which will help you make the most out of everyone’s favorite season. What’s your best way to enjoy a summer day in Milwaukee? Email us at info@milwaukeenns.org and put “NNS Survival Guide” in the subject line or catch us on Facebook, where you can leave comments.
It’s no secret our city comes alive during the summer. All the options can be overwhelming, which can easily lead to an overflowing calendar and frustrating choices.
To help make your summertime fun decisions easier, we asked Milwaukeeans from different neighborhoods the same question: What do you love to do during a Milwaukee summer?
Here are their fun, affordable suggestions (edited for clarity) on how we all can make the most of the warm weather months.
Name: Francisco Arenal
Pick: Summerfest and Mexican Fiesta
In their own words: One of my favorite places to go to in Milwaukee is the Summerfest grounds. Summerfest is always a great and exciting time for the city, but my personal favorite is Mexican Fiesta at the end of August. It is a time to celebrate my culture and share it with all. It is always great to see the number of people that go to enjoy the culture, especially the food.
Name: Esperanza Gutierrez
Pick: Public water playgrounds
In their own words: A cool place to enjoy our city is a splash pad, kiddie or wading pool. It’s a place for children, young parents, grandparents and even daycare centers to enjoy the enclosed, safe, clean, refreshing waters at these sites. It’s very entertaining to watch the little ones test out their social skills and lose their fear of being in the water. Milwaukee city and county have numerous pools and splash pads throughout the area.
Name: Rae Johnson
Pick: Silver City InterNational Festival
In their own words: My favorite summer event is Silver City InterNational Festival. There’s nothing better. This festival is an underrated gem, organized by members of the community and LBWN, our neighborhood association. It’s scrappy but well done. There’s something for everyone — a variety of art, music and ethnic foods. It’s a place that’s welcoming and so alive that you’re transported to all parts of the world. You’ll forget that you’re on National Avenue in Milwaukee.
Name: Keith Stanley
Pick: Pete’s Pop and Ambassador Hotel
In their own words: This summer, I suggest you grab a pop at Pete’s Pop and walk through Washington Park on a warm summer evening! Or enjoy a drink and an appetizer at the new outdoor patio at the Ambassador Hotel. They have one of the best happy hours in the city.
Name: Ambrose Wilson-Brown
Pick: Introduction to Mindfulness sessions at the Menomonee Valley Urban Ecology Center or Moody Park
In their own words: SKY Schools (formerly known as YES for Schools) hosts free introduction to mindfulness sessions for Milwaukee community members. Mindfulness has become popular within the last few years, especially in schools as a replacement for detention or suspending students. But most people don’t actually know how to do it. Join one of our sessions and learn what it means to be mindful.
Adam Carr is deputy editor for community engagement at Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.
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