HartFest is rolling back into Hart Park in Wauwatosa for a milestone 30th anniversary weekend on Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 13, bringing two days of live music, local food and serious backyard-BBQ bragging rights. Longtime locals The LoveMonkeys will headline Friday evening, and Milwaukee favorites The Gufs will close out Saturday night. The free, family-friendly festival blends bands, neighborhood food vendors and a community BBQ contest that raises money for local causes.
Organizers unveiled the roster in a press release via Urban Milwaukee, which notes that The LoveMonkeys have announced 2026 will be their final year of performing. Maria Panno, executive director of the Village of Wauwatosa Business Improvement District, said, "For three decades, HartFest has been more than just a party, it's been our way to celebrate summer, support vital local causes, and have a great time doing it."
Lineup and schedule
On Friday, June 12, Brewtown Beat kicks things off at 5 p.m., with The LoveMonkeys taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday’s bill starts with the Wauwatosa School of Music at 11 a.m., followed by The 5 Card Studs at 1:30 p.m., JD Rankin & The Solomon Royals at 5:30 p.m. and The Gufs capping the night at 8 p.m. The Village of Wauwatosa lists the full running order and notes VIP seating and party-tent options for the headliner sets.
Food, competitions and new activities
At the heart of the weekend is the fourth annual Bunzel's BBQ Cook-Off, built around a ticketed People’s Choice tasting scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, with judging taking place earlier in the day. Organizers have also added a cornhole tournament presented by Exterior Pros and a Picklr pickleball tournament this year, alongside a full roster of food trucks and vendors, per the festival release via Urban Milwaukee.
Why it matters
Organizers estimate that HartFest has raised nearly $500,000 for local charities since the event began in 1996, with funds directed to groups such as the Tosa Community Food Pantry, Camp Hometown Heroes and Honor Flight. Admission is free, and organizers say proceeds from VIP seating and ticketed tastings help fuel those donations.
Practical details
The festival runs Friday, June 12 from 5 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, June 13 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Some extras, including VIP seating and tasting tickets, are available for purchase and may sell out. For full vendor lists, schedules, ticket links and organizer contact details, see the Village of Wauwatosa.
