South Shore Water Frolics

The South Shore Water Frolics, or as it is currently called, the ‘South Shore Frolics’ is a Bay View neighborhood festival that is held every year at South Shore Park. It is a weekend-long festival that is sponsored by the Bay View Lions Club.

Fireworks are held every night, and there are lots of activities to keep the kids occupied during this festival!

If I were a kid, (actually, I think my first comment when I arrived at the festival was, “I wish they made those for adults!”) the air-filled slides, trampolines, mazes, and other fun carnival-like stuff would keep me occupied for hours! Literally!

They even had a rock climbing wall – too cool!!

There are other fun family-friendly activities like a free movie on Friday night and organized games for the kids on a daily basis.

Because the South Shore Water Frolics is located in South Shore Park, you’ve also got access to the beach, running water in the pavilion (seriously, this is a BIG deal if you are a regular street/park festival goer – no one wants to be forced to use the ‘Port-o-Let’) and the kids play area. You can also save quite a bit of money by bringing your own picnic supplies and setting up an area to relax, grill out, and enjoy tasty beverages. :)

Make sure you catch the parade on Saturday – ok, I’m a hypocrite, I actually do not like parades too much, but those who attend this one seem to really enjoy it! – and then there’s a car show and an arts and crafts show on Sunday.

I caught the arts and crafts show, and I was actually quite impressed! The quality and original works that were displayed at this festival were unique to the other festivals that I’ve seen around town. If I had been prepared to do so, there are a number of pieces I would have liked to have purchased!

And if NONE of this appeals to you, there’s a huge music tent along the water that many people seemed to enjoy.

Oh, and one more thing, if you’ve never been to the South Shore Water Frolics before, do not be misled...this is NOT about wearing your swim suite and getting wet! (Yes, I really did think it was.) It’s just named ‘water frolics’ because it is literally on the shores of Lake Michigan, not because you’ll find water park fun! :)

To read more about the festival, and see the full schedule, visit the official festival website (opens new window).

Enjoy all of the festivals Milwaukee and the surrounding areas have to offer!

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