Lakefront Brewery Brings Back Its Fest Of Ale, Taking Its Popular Handcrafted Artisan Market Outdoors

Fall is arriving in Milwaukee, and Lakefront Brewery is taking one of its popular handcrafted markets outside for a special celebration along the Milwaukee River. The Lakefront Brewery Fest of Ale is set for October 11, bringing together more than 70 local artisans, food vendors, live music and plenty of Lakefront beer for a free, family-friendly autumn event.

The outdoor festival will make use of Lakefront Brewery’s newly expanded green space, giving shoppers the opportunity to browse handmade goods, vintage and thrifted finds, antiques, produce, flowers, plants and packaged foods while enjoying the brewery’s riverside setting. The event also continues Lakefront’s commitment to providing a showcase for Milwaukee-area makers and entrepreneurs.

For beer fans, the event will feature additional outdoor beer service, new releases and seasonal favorites, while the Lakefront Beer Hall opens at 11 a.m. with its full menu and expanded tap selection. With live music, food trucks, CurdWagon, family-friendly beverages and free admission, the Handcrafted Fest of Ale looks like a strong addition to Milwaukee’s fall event calendar.

Join us at the Lakefront Brewery Fest of Ale for an unforgettable experience celebrating local craftsmanship and community spirit.

Here is the official announcement from Lakefront Brewery:

MILWAUKEE (August 31^st, 2026) – Lakefront Brewery will bring its Handcrafted Fest of Ale outdoors on October 11^th, transforming its newly expanded green space into an autumn marketplace featuring more than 70 local artisans, food vendors, live music and tasty beverages.

Lakefront began their Sunday Handcrafted Markets in early 2024, hosting them monthly through the colder months. To kick off the 2026 Handcrafted season, they’re taking the longtime indoor event outdoors, utilizing newly expanded landscaping to the east. Freshly planted arborvitae, shady trees, and brand-new sod, create a picturesque layout along the river to stroll all the handmade goods, thrifted & vintage wares, prepackaged food items, antiques, fresh produce, florals/plants, and more.

“Breweries attract amazing, creative individuals,” says Lakefront Executive Chef, Kristin Hueneke. “We’ve become sort of a seedbed for artists to express themselves, collaborate and grow. Handcrafted is our way of giving back, creating a space where we can showcase the dedication and hard work of these local makers.”

“Breweries attract amazing, creative individuals,” says Lakefront Executive Chef, Kristin Hueneke. “We’ve become sort of a seedbed for artists to express themselves, collaborate and grow. Handcrafted is our way of giving back, creating a space where we can showcase the dedication and hard work of these local makers.”

“Breweries attract amazing, creative individuals,” says Lakefront Executive Chef, Kristin Hueneke. “We’ve become sort of a seedbed for artists to express themselves, collaborate and grow. Handcrafted is our way of giving back, creating a space where we can showcase the dedication and hard work of these local makers.”

Lakefront’s all-gluten-free CurdWagon will make one of its final appearances before winter hibernation. Guests can also grab fresh fried curds from their Curds à la Carte or choose from a variety of local food and beverage trucks.

Extra outdoor service stations will offer a wide selection of award-winning beers, including new releases and seasonal favorites. The event runs from 10am to 3pm with their Beer Hall opening at 11am with its full menu, 18 additional taps, Bloody Marys and America’s favorite brewery tours offered hourly.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss the Lakefront Brewery Fest of Ale

Bring the whole family and enjoy live music from some of the best local talent that graced Lakefront Brewery’s Current Sounds summer concert series stage. Cans of soda, lemonade, their Golden Maple Root Beer, Purple Door Ice Cream, and more yummy treats will be available for kids. Handcrafted Fest of Ale is free to attend with free street parking. If spots fill up, additional paid parking is available at Schlitz Park nearby. While their all gluten-free CurdWagon and gluten-free New Grist beers will be available, this is not a strictly gluten-free event.

For more information and a full list of vendors, visit Lakefront Brewery’s website HERE.

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Related Lakefront Brewery news from MyBeerBuzz:
Lakefront has been busy throughout 2026, including the launch of Tropical Rabbit, a new year-round tropical IPA, its continued expansion of the New Grist gluten-free lineup, and the brewery’s growing presence at Milwaukee-area events. Lakefront Brewery Unveils Tropical Rabbit MyBeerBuzz also recently covered Lakefront’s new Grapefruit Radler in the New Grist series. Lakefront Brewery Expands New Grist With Grapefruit Radler And for another look at Lakefront’s Milwaukee event activity, check out the brewery’s Current Sounds summer concert series. Lakefront Brewery Current Sounds

Lakefront Brewery, Inc. is an independent craft brewery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin founded by brothers Jim and Russ Klisch in 1987 when they scaled up their homebrew equipment to a 7-barrel brewhouse. They have grown to produce over 20 full-scale offerings yearly including Riverwest Stein Amber Lager, Hazy Rabbit IPA, Dive Beer Milwaukee Lager, and New Grist Gluten-Free Pilsner, the first Certified Gluten-Free beer in America.

Lakefront Brewery is committed to using business as a force for good by achieving the high social and environmental standards verified through B Corp™ certification. Experience Milwaukee’s brewing legacy by taking their award-winning brewery tour and indulge in top notch traditional Bavarian and Midwestern fare at Lakefront Brewery Beer Hall, one of Milwaukee’s premier tourist destinations. Lakefront distributes its best-in-class products to over 30 states, Canada, Ukraine, and Sweden. For more information, visit lakefrontbrewery.com or call 414-372-8800.

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