As gluten intolerances continue to see a significant increase around the globe, Lakefront continues their longstanding support of providing world renowned gluten-free food and beverage, with Maifest as their pinnacle celebratory event.
MILWAUKEE (April 9th, 2026) – It’s the five-year anniversary of Maifest, the Midwest’s largest gluten-free festival featuring an expansive array of safe-to-consume food and beverage for those with gluten intolerances. On Sunday, May 17th from 10am to 3pm, venture outside Lakefront Brewery to enjoy an expanded version of their popular event which will spill onto Commerce Street and into their auxiliary lot next door for the first time. Additional parking will be available down the street at Schlitz Park (1555 N. River Center Dr.) where a shuttle service will be providing rides from 10am to 4pm. As producers of New Grist, the country’s first and best-selling gluten-free beer, and founders of the CurdWagon all gluten-free food truck, they’re ready to embrace their gluten-free audience with a plate of yummy food and a full cup of something tasty.
This year’s Maifest will welcome a record number of vendors, including over 40 gluten-free food vendors and food trucks. This includes their CurdWagon, serving Mesquite BBQ flavored fried cheese curds, Cheez-It crusted chicken strips, as well as the tented Lakefront Lane, dishing out soft pretzels, grilled burgers, sausages, Thai PB&J Brussels sprouts, and multiple stations serving up fried cheese curds – all gluten-free!
New to Maifest is the official release of the Brewers’ Reserve: Sparkling Mead. The latest in their Brewers’ Reserve series and produced specifically for Maifest, this gluten-free sparkling mead is made with cherry and sakura, then aged in Wollersheim brandy barrels. The one-off gluten-free rarity is their first entry in the mead category and will be available on-site and in 12oz cans to-go. They’ll also be celebrating the release of their freshest New Grist variety, New Grist Radler, a gluten-free beer and grapefruit juice cocktail available on-site and to-go. Like in years past, Lakefront will also be serving Bloody Marys as well as six different gluten-free cask beers from a Strawberry Lemonade to a Jala-Piña Colada.
In their continued efforts to give back to the community, starting Sunday, May 10th through their Maifest event, they will be hosting a “round-up” donation drive for the Bonnie Lynn Mechanic Celiac Clinic at Children’s Wisconsin. A booth will be available at the festival to learn more about their mission and other ways to get involved.
Another first for Maifest will be a showcase of full band performances with stage and sound production sponsored by Kneeverland Productions. Stop by to see some of the best local talent Milwaukee has to offer.
10:30am | Longline Riders
11:40am | Social Cig
12:50pm | Known Moons
02:00pm | Wisconsin Space Program
Join in or just take in some of the special activities including German Dancers at 12pm, the March of the Doxie’s (a parade of Dachshunds) at 2pm, as well as street performances, magic, and much more! Visit Lakefront’s website HERE for additional information and a full list of vendors.
