From backyard barbecues to neighborhood potlucks and from outrageous block parties to exotic ethnic fests, Milwaukee consistently offers a full-flavored menu of seasonal sensations—and summer is no exception! Whether you like to sink your teeth into a flame-broiled favorite, garden-fresh great or frosty finale, this city consistently serves up stick-to-your-ribs fare.
We’re more than cheese curds and beer—although I do love cheese curds and beer (a lot!). Just take a look at some of the finger-licking festivities going on this week. In fact, I’m so hungry, let’s bypass my advice column and dig into the tasty happenings occurring around the city this week!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
July 16: HamBingo at Hamburger Mary’s (2130 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.): Love furry friends and juicy burgers? Join Marilynn Mee of WKLH and me as we play 10 crazy games of totally free bingo in honor of my charity, Ruthie’s Kennel Club! There’ll be more than $425 worth of prizes at hand and a whole lotta fun at the 8 p.m. fundraiser. Call 414-988-9324 for reservations and then get ready to play with your dauber and a couple of balls!
July 17: Miss Gay Softball Pageant at FIVE Nightclub (5 Applegate Court, Madison): What happens when hunky ballplayers trade their cleats for heels? Find out during this kooky pageant. The boys of Badger Land Softball step into evening gowns and the spotlight during this 8 p.m. contest where your tips determine the queen of all balls! A $5 cover gets you access to the pageant, silent auction, raffle and other surprises.
July 17 to July 19: Festa Italiana at Henry W. Maier Festival Park (200 N. Harbor Drive): Mangia! It’s time to eat Italian, drink Italian, party Italian and live Italian at this red, white and green bash. The grounds open at 11:30 a.m., but see Festa Italiana’s website for entertainment lineups, ticket specials and other details regarding this deliciously fun Brew City staple.
July 18: Rainbow Community Potluck at the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center (1110 N. Market St.): Whether you call it a potluck, a covered-dish dinner or a bake-and-take picnic, you don’t want to miss the 11th anniversary of this nosh-fest! Hosted by the gang at the LGBT Community Center, the popular potluck runs noon to 4 p.m., rain or shine. Bring a dish to share as well as an appetite for laughter and friendship!
July 18: Walker’s Point Block Party in Walker’s Point (corner of Second St. and National Ave.): Join the fun with D.I.X., La Cage, Walker’s Pint, Fluid and all the other Walker’s Point bars during this lively block party! The streets will be closed on National from First to Second streets and down south Walker. You’ll find live entertainment on the main stage as well as DJs for dancing, beer, food, cocktails and more during this kick-ass street party that runs from 2 p.m. to midnight.
July 18: Dancing Through the Decades at Soulstice Theatre (3770 S. Pennsylvania Ave.): Shake your groove thing to the South Side, because this quirky theater is transforming into a nightclub for a toe-tapping gala. DJ Red Baron celebrates the best music from the last four decades as well as the club beats of today. Shimmy to the songs of the ’60s at 6 p.m., disco classics at 7 p.m., ‘80s favorites at 8 p.m. and…well, you get the idea. A $10 cover charge gets you on the dance floor in addition to food, beverages and more.
July 19: Ruthie’s Ultimate Backyard BBQ at The Backyard (2155 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.): Say what?! Ruthie is hosting a barbecue? You got it! Join me, my co-host Cynthia and the entire crew of our Web series “Ruthie’s Bitchin’ Kitchen” at one of the best beer gardens in Bay View…The Backyard bar! The boisterous barbecue starts at noon and runs to 5 p.m. A door charge of $20 gets you a pulled pork dinner, a free drink, a ticket for the Ultimate Backyard Door Prize and the opportunity to participate in games, including the men’s wet T-shirt contest (with a twist). Won’t you join me?
July 20: Trans Youth Group at the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center (1110 N. Market St.): If you’re between the ages of 13 and 24 and identify as Trans, GenderQueer, Fluid, Non-Binary or other, don’t miss this new social group! The gang meets the third Monday of each month 4-5 p.m.
Want to tell Ruthie about an event? Email Dear Ruthie. Catch her Web series at Ruthie’s Bitchin’ Kitchen, and learn about her charity at Ruthie's Kennel Club.
