FEATURED EVENTS

The skies over Milwaukee’s lakefront will once again come alive with color and excitement as Gift of Wings hosts the IKEA Frank Mots International Kite Festival on Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, 2026. The event will run from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday (until 5:00 PM on Sunday) at Veterans Park, a beautiful Milwaukee County park on the lakefront. The highlight of each day is the spectacular Grand Launch at Noon, when more than 600 kites will fill the sky at once. Gift of Wings will also have a full selection of kites and delicious food available for purchase throughout the weekend. The IKEA Frank Mots International Kite Festival is FREE to attend and offers plenty of FREE parking.

Get ready to leaf through incredible bargains at the Fall Friends of Milwaukee Public Library Used Book Sale, held in the Rotary Community Room at Central Library on Friday, September 11, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and Saturday, September 12, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Shoppers can stock up on reading material with adult hardcovers for just $1, adult paperbacks at 2 for $1, and children’s and young adult titles at 4 for $1. While you are there, be sure to stop by The Bookseller across the hall to browse even more bargain-priced books and magazines.

The 2026 Walk in the Woods Art Fair is Saturday, September 12th from 10am-4pm! This year, over 80 artists will be displaying their wares along our trails. You'll be able to browse and purchase paintings, sculptures, garden art, pottery, furniture, artistic photography, and more. While the Walk in the Woods is known as an art fair primarily, there will be plenty of other things going on to keep everyone interested. There will be kid’s activities such as face painting and nature play, and live music in the amphitheater. Additionally, a wide selection of food and beverages, including wine and craft beer, will be available for purchase. The Walk in the Woods Art Fair is Hawthorn Hollow's largest annual event and fundraiser- all proceeds benefit Hawthorn Hollow's mission. Admission is $5 per person, cash only please! We can't wait to see you there!

Join us for 16th annual Watermelon Festival Cruise-In! Dash Plaques to the first 50 cars & Motorcycles. Trophies awarded to the top 3 entries (must be present to win). Exciting Adventures, Live Music and Great Food! Free registration! Swan's Pumpkin Farm celebrating 50 years in business!