Harbor Fest – Harbor District

Save the Date for harbor fest 2025

Mark your calendars for Harbor Fest 2025 on Sunday, September 28th!

Join us at Harbor Fest, a day where more than 4,500 people celebrate Milwaukee’s Inner Harbor and all the things that make it great.

At Harbor Fest you can release a baby sturgeon, tour UWM’s School of Freshwater Sciences, or spend hours doing other fun stuff all along the water. Take a free boat ride on the Inner Harbor, listen to great music, check out cool things happening in the Harbor District. Kids will love our bounce house, rock climbing wall, makers space, STEAM stage, and face painter! All for FREE!

Sturgeon Blessing and Release with Riveredge Nature Center

Sturgeon parade

Sturgeon Blessing by Richard Gonzalez

Sturgeon Release

More information can be found HERE

UW-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences Tour

Explore the UW-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences building, open for Doors Open Milwaukee, while scientists share examples of their work including a look at the research vessel – Neeskay, fish ecology, nutrition and aquaculture; beach health; water chemistry; invasive species; weather; and climate science.

Pounce the UWM Mascot will be available for pictures and high fives.