MILWAUKEE — Joy Engine invites the community to its final ArtBlaze of the summer on Thursday, August 20, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at McKinley Beach. This free, family-friendly event transforms Milwaukee’s lakefront into an interactive playground featuring larger-than-life public art, live music, and hands-on creative experiences.
This Thursday marks the final opportunity for the public to experience Archaea, a striking installation of “giant, cute creatures” created by Milwaukee’s FuzzPop Workshop in collaboration with students from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Architecture & Urban Planning.
Event Highlights
Mainstage Schedule
- 4 p.m. | Barefoot Mike
- 5 p.m. | MKE Yoga Social
- 6 p.m. | The Quilz
- 7 p.m. | Xalaat African Drum and Dance Drum Lesson
- 8 p.m. | Fuzzy Surf
Interactive Activities
- Hands-on Art: Creative activities hosted by ViBEZ Creative Arts and Artists Working in Education (AWE); tie-dye with spun.out.dyes; kite-making with Gift of Wings kite shop; and vinyl spin-art with Soul Spin
- Wellness & Whimsy: Joy Intention Setting with Hattie Grimm; bubble art with Poppy; and a photo op with Prism the mermaid
- Sunset Sounds & Snacks: S’mores and live music from indie-pop band Fuzzy Surf.
“ArtBlaze is all about bringing people together to experience Milwaukee’s public spaces through art and creativity,” said Steph Salvia, Joy Engine executive director. “We’re excited to connect with our community for a night packed full of local talent, unique art, and beachside fun.”
Event Details
ArtBlaze
Thursday, August 20, 2026 | 4:00–9:00 p.m.
McKinley Beach, 1750 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr., Milwaukee, WI
Free and open to the public
Guests are encouraged to bring beach chairs, blankets, swimsuits and towels for an unforgettable evening along Milwaukee’s lakefront. For more information, the full event schedule, visit joyengine.org/artblaze.
