The Lakefront Festival of the Arts is an annual event held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is a celebration of art, music, food, and community that brings together people from all over the country. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a foodie, or just looking for a fun weekend activity, the Lakefront Festival of the Arts has something for everyone.
The festival has a rich history, dating back to 1963. It was started by a group of art enthusiasts who wanted to showcase the work of local artists. Over the years, the festival has grown in size and popularity, attracting artists and visitors from all over the country. Today, it is one of the premier art festivals in the Midwest, featuring over 170 artists and attracting over 30,000 visitors each year.
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Key Features
- The Lakefront Festival of the Arts is an annual event that celebrates art, music, food, and community in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- The festival has a rich history dating back to 1963 and has grown in size and popularity over the years.
- The festival features over 170 artists and attracts over 30,000 visitors each year.
History of Lakefront Festival of the Arts
Founding and Early Years
The Lakefront Festival of the Arts was founded back in 1963 and has since become one of Milwaukee’s most beloved annual events. The festival was the brainchild of a group of artists who wanted to create a platform to showcase local talent and promote the arts in the city.
The first festival was held in the parking lot of the Milwaukee Art Museum and featured just 50 artists. However, it was an instant hit, drawing in crowds of art enthusiasts from across the city. Over the years, the festival has grown in size and scope, attracting artists from across the country and even internationally.
Evolution and Growth
As the festival grew in popularity, it began to attract more and more artists from different disciplines. Today, the festival features a diverse range of art forms, including paintings, ceramics, fiber, metalwork, and jewelry. The festival’s organizers also introduced a jury-selection process to ensure that only the best artists are featured at the event.
Over the years, the festival has also expanded to include live music and entertainment, food and drink options, and activities for children. In 2024, the festival will return to the Milwaukee Art Museum for its 61st year, bringing together more than 100 artists from across the nation.
Despite its growth and evolution over the years, the Lakefront Festival of the Arts has remained true to its founding principles of promoting the arts and showcasing local talent. It continues to be a highlight of Milwaukee’s cultural calendar and a must-attend event for art lovers across the city.
Event Overview
If you’re looking for a fun-filled weekend of art, food, music, and activities for all ages, the Lakefront Festival of Art is the perfect event for you. This festival is held annually at the Milwaukee Art Museum, located at 700 N Art Museum Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202, and is one of the most popular art festivals in the region.
Dates and Location
The Lakefront Festival of Art is held every June and lasts for three days. The dates for the 2024 Festival are June 14-16. The festival is held on the Museum’s grounds, which are located on the picturesque Lake Michigan shoreline. The location provides an ideal backdrop for the festival, which features over 100 artists from across the nation.
Exhibitions and Attractions
The festival is a great opportunity to support the arts by shopping for paintings, ceramics, fiber, metalwork, and jewelry from talented artists. In addition to the art, there are many other attractions to enjoy. You can listen to live music, participate in hands-on activities, and enjoy delicious food from local vendors.
One of the highlights of the festival is the Museum’s exhibitions. During the festival, you can explore the Museum’s galleries and view the permanent collection and special exhibitions. The Milwaukee Art Museum is home to over 35,000 works of art, making it one of the largest museums in the United States.
Overall, the Lakefront Festival of Art is a must-attend event for anyone who loves art, music, and food. With its beautiful location, talented artists, and exciting attractions, it’s no wonder that this festival has become a beloved tradition in Milwaukee.
Planning Your Visit
If you are planning to attend the Lakefront Festival of the Arts, here is some information that will help you prepare for your visit.
Tickets and Entry
Tickets for the Lakefront Festival of the Arts can be purchased in advance or at the gate. Museum admission is included in the ticket price. Service animals are welcome. Children under 12 years of age get free admission.
Accommodations and Amenities
The festival offers a variety of amenities to make your visit comfortable. There are restrooms, ATMs, and water fountains available throughout the festival grounds. You can also find food and drinks at the Beer Garden or Wine Garden. The festival is wheelchair accessible.
If you are coming from out of town, there are many hotels and accommodations available in the Milwaukee area. You can find a list of recommended hotels on the Visit Milwaukee website.
Transportation and Parking
Parking can be limited, so it is recommended that you use public transportation or ride-sharing services. Many bus routes stop near the festival grounds. You can plan your trip using the Milwaukee County Transit System website.
If you choose to drive, there are several parking options available. You can park at the Milwaukee Art Museum garage or nearby parking lots. Be sure to check parking rates and availability before you arrive.
Overall, the Lakefront Festival of the Arts is a great way to spend a weekend enjoying art, food, and music. With a little planning, you can make the most of your visit.
Participation and Submissions
Artist Participation
If you’re an artist looking to showcase your work, the Lakefront Festival of Art is an excellent opportunity to do so. The festival welcomes artists working in various mediums, including painting, ceramics, fiber, metalwork, and jewelry. The event attracts over 100 artists from across the nation, providing a unique opportunity to showcase your work to a diverse audience.
To participate as an artist, you must apply and pay a fee. The application process typically opens in the early months of the year, and the deadline for submission is usually in March. The application fee varies depending on the type of booth you choose, such as a single booth or a double booth. You can find more information on the official event website here.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Lakefront Festival of Art also offers volunteer opportunities for those who want to get involved in the event. Volunteers are essential to the success of the festival, and there are various roles available, such as assisting with artist check-in, greeting visitors, and helping with the children’s activities.
To become a volunteer, you must complete an application and attend a training session. The training session covers the event’s logistics, safety protocols, and volunteer responsibilities. You can find more information on how to become a volunteer on the official event website here.
Volunteering at the Lakefront Festival of Art is an excellent opportunity to give back to the community and meet new people. Additionally, volunteers receive free admission to the festival on the day of their shift and a festival t-shirt as a thank-you for their time and effort.
Festival Highlights
Featured Artists
The Lakefront Festival of Art showcases over 100 talented artists from across the nation. You can browse and purchase a wide variety of artworks including paintings, ceramics, fiber, metalwork, and jewelry. The festival also provides virtual artist booths feature where you can view works of art from the artists who planned to participate in the Museum’s 2020-2022 festivals. Visit their websites to explore more of their work and show your support.
Interactive Workshops
The festival offers interactive workshops where you can learn new skills and techniques from talented artists. These workshops are a great opportunity to explore your creativity and gain hands-on experience in various art forms. The workshops are open to all ages and skill levels, so don’t hesitate to join in!
Live Performances
The Lakefront Festival of Art also features live performances from local and national musicians. You can enjoy a variety of music genres including jazz, blues, and rock. The festival provides a great atmosphere for relaxing and enjoying live music with friends and family.
Overall, the Lakefront Festival of Art is a must-attend event for art lovers of all ages. With its diverse range of featured artists, interactive workshops, and live performances, you are sure to have a memorable experience.
Community Impact
Cultural Significance
The Lakefront Festival of the Arts is a cultural event that has been held for over 50 years, making it a significant tradition in the Milwaukee area. The festival showcases the work of over 100 artists from across the nation, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience a diverse range of art forms, including paintings, ceramics, fiber, metalwork, and jewelry.
The festival also features live music performances, food vendors, and activities for all ages, making it a family-friendly event that attracts a wide range of visitors. The festival’s location at the Milwaukee Art Museum provides a stunning backdrop for the event, adding to its cultural significance.
Economic Contributions
The Lakefront Festival of the Arts has a significant economic impact on the Milwaukee area. According to the Milwaukee Art Museum, the festival generates over $3 million in economic activity each year. This includes revenue generated from ticket sales, art sales, and food and beverage sales, as well as the economic impact of visitors to the area who stay in hotels, shop at local businesses, and dine at local restaurants.
The festival also provides economic opportunities for the artists who participate, many of whom can sell their work and gain exposure to new audiences. Additionally, the festival provides employment opportunities for residents, including event staff, security personnel, and food and beverage vendors.
Overall, the Lakefront Festival of the Arts is a significant cultural and economic event in the Milwaukee area, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience a diverse range of art forms while contributing to the local economy.
Future Events
Upcoming Dates
The Lakefront Festival of Art is an annual event that takes place every summer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. If you missed the festival this year, don’t worry! The next Lakefront Festival of Art is scheduled for June 14-16, 2024, and promises to be just as exciting as in previous years.
This three-day event is packed with activities for all ages, including art exhibits, live music, food vendors, and more. Over 100 artists from across the nation will be showcasing their paintings, ceramics, fiber art, metalwork, and jewelry. You can also participate in art activities, watch artist demonstrations, and enjoy local food and drinks.
Planned Improvements
The Milwaukee Art Museum, which hosts the Lakefront Festival of Art, is always looking for ways to improve the festival experience. In the past, they have added new attractions, expanded the festival grounds, and improved transportation options.
For the upcoming festival in 2024, the museum plans to make even more improvements. They are currently working on expanding the festival’s footprint, adding more food and drink options, and improving the festival’s accessibility for people with disabilities.
Additionally, the museum is always looking for ways to make the festival more sustainable. They have implemented recycling programs, encouraged vendors to use eco-friendly materials, and reduced the festival’s carbon footprint. They plan to continue these efforts in the future to make the festival more environmentally friendly.
Overall, the Lakefront Festival of Art is an exciting event that you won’t want to miss. With new improvements planned for the future, the festival promises to be even better than before. Mark your calendar for June 14-16, 2024, and get ready to enjoy a weekend of art, music, and fun in Milwaukee.
