Milwaukee’s new museum director wants MAM to be civic infrastructure, not an ornament. Her outreach and a student-art controversy are sharpening the plan.

HartFest turns 30 in Wauwatosa with The LoveMonkeys and The Gufs, Bunzel’s BBQ Cook‑Off, new tournaments and fundraising for local charities.

Imagine MKE unveiled a three-point plan to stabilize arts funding after convening nearly 100 experts. The proposal calls for steadier public investment, better data and coordinated philanthropy.

Owner John Dye announced the Jazz Estate will hold its final show on June 27 and a farewell party on June 28 as he looks for a buyer.

Milwaukee’s Polish Fest returns June 12–14 to the Summerfest grounds with polka, pierogi, vodka tastings and a full cultural lineup. New bag rules will be enforced.

The Lakefront Festival of Art returns June 12–14 at the Milwaukee Art Museum with 145 juried artists, live music and local food along the lakefront.

Luke Jerram's 23‑foot Museum of the Moon will hover over Catalano Square during the free Third Ward Moon Festival Aug. 7–9, 2026. The three‑day event will include music, dance, fashion and family programming.

MPM spotlights its Rainforest gallery and the Puelicher Butterfly Vivarium May 7–June 6 with family programming, a free Kohl’s kickoff and an adults‑only trivia night.

The Milwaukee Public Museum’s Streets Alive! returns May 2 for a final run of docents, performances and a last look at the Streets before the move downtown.

After a year of layoffs and a split with Villa Terrace, the Charles Allis Art Museum finalized purchase of its East Side mansion and says ownership opens new funding avenues. The nonprofit says it met county benchmarks and is plotting a two-year plan to rebuild.

Johnson Creek’s turkey‑shaped Gobbler has new owners who say they invested roughly $1.2M and aim to reopen the theater this summer with live music and events. Permits are in progress.

More than 60 galleries, pop‑ups and public installations open across the Third Ward, Walker’s Point and East Town on April 17–18. Find MIAD senior shows, outdoor paintings and an interactive map.

Chad Smith’s foundation launched AMP in Milwaukee to place paid music instructors in after‑school programs. Donations are being matched up to $100,000.