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Not all Milwaukee festivals occur during the summer. Party for four weekends after Labor Day at the Bavarian Inn's annual Oktoberfest, the oldest and most authentic Oktoberfest in the Midwest. Enjoy delicious food and local brews, as well as music, dancing and live performances.

If you feel the urge to dance, hit the floor at the Mad Planet. Milwaukee's only alt-rock dance club, Mad Planet hosts a retro-themed dance night every Friday, when you can dust off your parachute pants and get down to the funky sounds of the 80s and 90s. Live music shows on Saturdays have included big-ticket national acts like Arcade Fire and Lucero.

Food lovers will want to stop by the Milwaukee Public Market. Choose from a variety of high-quality artisan and ethnic produce. Pick up some freshly prepared, ready-to-go foods, perfect for a quick and easy meal. Schedule some time to take a cooking class from local chefs or nationally known cookbook authors.

Take in the celebrated art, dramatic architecture and scenic gardens at the Milwaukee Art Museum, the city's premier destination for art and culture. Whether you only have an hour or the day to spend at the museum, be sure to see the collection highlights of the 1,500 pieces on display. Missed the scheduled drop-in tour? Try the self-guided tours instead.