MILWAUKEE — Boredom will be hard to come by this weekend in Milwaukee. Three huge events at the Lakefront will make it busier than usual.
German Fest is hosting its 39th annual party at the Summerfest Grounds from Friday to Sunday. Officials expect some 80,000 to 100,000 people to walk through the gates over the course of three days.
"We really thrive on being a family friendly fest and really wanting people to enjoy our music and culture and to get involved," Deb Wolf, German Fest Director said.
"It's a fun time for people of this background," Alex Meixner, a Grammy nominated accordion player said. "It's a fun time for people that come here from different backgrounds so we can celebrate our cultures."
Meixner, shredding Ozzy and Metallica on his accordion provides the perfect background for the second largest lakefront event, behind the 3rd of July fireworks.
But there's no questioning it's the loudest as the Milwaukee Air and Water show comes to town for the 10th year.
"This show has a huge economic impact on the city," Kristin Settle with Visit Milwaukee said. "Our hotels are filled. Our restaurants are filled. Our attractions are busy. Our lakefront is busy."
They expect over 100,000 people to fill the lakefront near Bradford Beach to take in the spectacle from the sky and water. Some of the military's finest pilots will perform jaw dropping stunts only a couple of hundred feet off of Lake Michigan in aircraft civilians only see in movies.
"We're coming out here to rage," Capt. Anthony "Trick" Ortiz, an F-35 Instructor Pilot said. "We're coming out here to show everyone the capabilities of the F-35.
"We love this setting," Eric Gorney, Thunderbird Number 7, Team Operations Officer said. "Lake front shows like this are great. The energy is high and everyone is having a great time."
If you've been in Milwaukee over the last two days, you understand where the Thunderbird gets its name. While Air Boss Johnson won't be spilling any coffee during the flybys, people just south of the Air and Water show may be screaming, "I want some SUDS" after spilling their beer at the 10th annual Milwaukee Brewfest.
There will be more than 100 breweries, bringing food and beer pairings with live music to boot. Officials expect some 4,000 people to attend. For more information, visit the Brewfest website.
Other fun events in Milwaukee this weekend include Brady Street Fest, Riverwest 24 and the Racing Sausages 5K.
