“A VERY STRONG LIKENESS OF HER,” MILWAUKEE
June 23-Oct. 22
Focusing on a singular work from the Milwaukee Art Museum’s collection, “A Very Strong Likeness of Her” explores the challenging and sometimes conflicting histories that an artwork can represent. On its surface, the English artist Francis Cotes’ portrait of Miss Frances Lee is a charming image of a young girl and her napkin-turned-rabbit companion. The exhibition’s close study of the painting, however, reveals a complex story of identity, family dynamics and British colonialism in Jamaica. The exhibit employs a range of materials to bring to life the underlying narratives in this deceptively simple painting. Free lectures on July 27 and Aug. 10. mam.org
ELKHORN ANTIQUE FLEA MARKET, ELKHORN
June 25, Aug. 13 & Sept. 24
One of the largest flea markets in Wisconsin with more than 500 dealers, this show takes over the Walworth County Fairgrounds. You’ll find everything from “well-lived” furniture to fine refinished, glassware to pottery, advertising memorabilia to linens, decoys to dolls, and everything in between. $5 admission. elkhornantiquefleamarket.com
RIVERFEST, LA CROSSE
June 30-July 4
A Fourth of July tradition since 1984, this festival is a family- friendly celebration featuring the area’s largest fireworks display, a parade, food and entertainment. Self-funded and volunteer-run, the event donates proceeds back to local groups and charities. Musician Cooper Alan headlines the 2023 event. riverfestlacrosse.com
BRISTOL RENAISSANCE FAIRE, KENOSHA
July 8-Sept. 4
Party like it’s 1599 with merry maids and noble knights as you meander through an English village during the time of Queen Elizabeth. Enjoy games, crafts and food classic to the 16th century. You might even run into Robin Hood himself! Weekends, July through Labor Day weekend. renfair.com
EAA AIRVENTURE, OSHKOSH
July 24-30
Aviation enthusiasts from across the globe converge on Oshkosh the last week of July, where they are treated to a variety of exhibits, daily air shows and hands-on workshops, and get to peruse the hundreds of aircraft flown in for this annual convention, the largest gathering of its kind in the world. eaa.org
WISCONSIN STATE FAIR, WEST ALLIS
Aug. 3-13
You’ll find everything from pig races to an 11-story Ferris wheel at this annual celebration dating back to 1851. A variety of entertainment, including REO Speedwagon and Alabama will take the stage this year. Enjoy all of the classic midway rides, interact with baby farm animals at the Discovery Barn, explore a variety of agricultural exhibits, and indulge in just about anything that can be either deep fried or eaten on a stick. wistatefair.com
NATIONAL MUSTARD DAY, MIDDLETON
Aug. 5
Celebrated the first Saturday in August each year on National Mustard Day, this unique event pays homage to the king of
all condiments! Look for a variety of culinary delights, ranging from unique flavors like Razzle Dazzle Mustard Ice Cream to the expected condiment vehicles such as hot dogs, bratwursts and pretzels. Located outside of the famed National Mustard Museum, be sure to explore this unique treasure that boasts more than 6,500 mustards on display from all 50 states and 70 countries. Live music, games and the Mustard Marketplace round out the schedule of events. mustardmuseum.org
BALLOON GLOW FESTIVAL, MANITOWOC
Aug. 18
Enjoy an evening filled with hot air balloons, delicious food trucks and cold drinks, family-friendly activities in the large- scale kid zone, entertainment, fireworks and more! Located along downtown Manitowoc’s riverfront. chambermanitowoccounty.org
Picture: Bristol Renaissance Faire, courtesy Travel Wisconsin
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