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SUN · MAY 17 · 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Maifest

ft. Long Line Riders, Social Cig, Known Moons +1 more

Lakefront Brewery· 1872 N Commerce St

Gluten-free fest with 40+ vendors, live music, and unique activities at Lakefront Brewery.

Part I

The details

About this event

Maifest at Lakefront Brewery is a celebration of all things gluten-free, marking its fifth anniversary as the Midwest's largest festival of its kind. With over 40 celiac-safe food vendors, attendees can indulge in a variety of gluten-free delights, from BBQ flavored cheese curds to Thai PB&J Fried Brussels Sprouts. The event also marks the release of Lakefront's Gluten-Free Cherry & Sakura Sparkling Mead and New Grist Radler, offering unique beverage options alongside their popular gluten-free cask beers. Beyond the food and drink, Maifest features live music performances, a parade of dachshunds, and activities like henna tattoos and brewery tours. It's a family-friendly event that promises a day of fun and flavor along the Milwaukee River.

From the organizer

It’s the five-year anniversary of the Midwest’s largest gluten-free festival, Lakefront Brewery’s Maifest! Join us outside Lakefront Brewery Beer Hall on Sunday, May 17th from 10am to 3pm for an expanded version of our popular event, which will spill into Commerce Street and into our auxiliary lot next door for the first time, doubling the festival space. A dedicated free shuttle service from Schlitz Park down the street (1555 N. River Center Dr.) will be provided during and after the event to accommodate additional parking demands. As producers of New Grist, the country’s first and best selling gluten-free beer, and founders of the CurdWagon all gluten-free food truck, we’ve become well aware of how underserved the regional gluten-free community is. We organized this fest for you to peruse, drink, and eat quality hard-to-find food with confidence. This year’s Maifest will feature over 40 celiac-safe food vendors and food trucks as well as a tasty array of gluten-free Lakefront munchies, including our famous GF cheese curds, at multiple stations throughout the festival grounds. Stroll the Lakefront Lane to enjoy specialty food offerings from yours truly including grilled burgers and sausages, soft pretzels, BBQ flavored cheese curds, Cheez-It crusted chicken tenders, and Thai PB&J Fried Brussels Sprouts – all gluten-free! It will serve as the official release of our Gluten-Free Cherry & Sakura Sparkling Mead aged in Wollersheim Brandy Barrels, the latest in our Beer Hall exclusive Brewers’ Reserve series. This one-off gluten-free rarity is our first entry in the mead category and will be available on-site and in 12oz cans to-go. We’ll also be celebrating the release of our freshest New Grist variety, the New Grist Radler, a gluten-free beer and grapefruit juice cocktail now available in six packs all over the market. Our gluten-free beverage options won’t stop there. Not only will we be serving up Bloody Marys, but our popular, limited, gluten-free cask beers will be returning with the following flavors: > Orange Marmalade New Grist IPA > Strawberry Lemonade New Grist > Jala-Piña Colada New Grist Aged w/ Rum > Jala-Piña Colada New Grist* > New Grist Radler Paloma Aged w/ Tequila > Ginger Mule Aged w/ Gin* > Ginger Mule* (*available after other varieties run dry) From Sunday, May 10th, through our Maifest event, we will be hosting a “round-up” donation drive for the Bonnie Lynn Mechanic Celiac Clinic at Children’s Wisconsin. Children’s Wisconsin will have a booth at Maifest offering information about their mission and other ways to get involved. LIVE MUSIC This will be our first year showcasing full band performances with a full stage and sound sponsored by Kneeverland Productions! 10:30AM | Long Line Riders 11:40AM | Social Cig 12:50PM | Known Moons 02:00PM | Wisconsin Space Program ACTIVITIES Join in or just take in the following activities over the course of the event: > German Dancers (12PM) > March of the Doxies – A Parade of Dachshunds (2PM) > Street Performances > Henna Tattoos > Flower Crowns > Festive Photo Ops > Brewery Tours on the Hour (Purchase HERE) > Beerionette Drinking Competition > Lakefront Brewery Rummage Sale Saunter through Milwaukee’s most extensive patio, take in views of the Milwaukee River and skyline as you sip and nosh on the best gluten-free food the Midwest has to offer. Maifest is a free, kid-friendly event; bring the whole family down for some fun. See below for a full vendor list: VENDOR LIST Batters That Matter Bethmayhem Big City BBQ Bite The Farm Bunny’s Bite Buzzshack Apiaries Chillwaukee Clean Cruisine Creative Crusts Pizza Devour Gluten-Free Don Arepas Cafe Elegant Henna EZ Tiki Fuelify Garrett Waite Magic Girl’s Got Balls Gluten-Free Lake Life HWY UFO Coffee Inspired Alchemy Johnny’s Hot Sauce Milwaukee Irish Fest Molly’s Gluten Free Bakery MOR Bakehouse MKE My Keto Corner Oak City Amaretto Old Country Style Nuts Olympia Granola

Getting in

  • Free — Just Show Up
  • Drop in anytime — no commitment needed

Pricing details

Free, kid-friendly event.

Pro tips

  • Transit & bike

    The free shuttle from Schlitz Park runs frequently, but the last one leaves at 3:30 PM. Plan your departure accordingly to avoid being stranded.

  • Bringing a dog

    The March of the Doxies parade at 2 PM is a highlight for dog lovers. Arrive early to get a good spot along the parade route.

What's It Actually Like?

Energy3/5
ZenMosh Pit
Family ChaosChillFestival Energy
Craft BeerFoodieMaker

Music

CountryIndieRock
Loud

Who'll Be There

Families with children enjoying a fun day out, young adults and couples interested in craft beer and gluten-free options, local community members who enjoy festivals, and individuals with dietary restrictions seeking gluten-free options.

How the Room Feels

Loud musicCrowdedStanding room

What You'll Leave With

A memory

Who It's For

Social style:
Group of 6+
Energy needed:
Light participation

Part II · The feel

How it feels

The details organizers don't always put in the description — pulled from the room, the crowd, and what people remember afterward.

The room

Loud and packed. Expect bodies within arms-reach and music you will feel in your chest.

Loud musicCrowdedStanding room

The crowd

Shines with 6+. Bring the crew.

You'll leave with

A memory

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