Marcus Center Reveals Rainbow Summer 2026 Artist Line-up And Interactive Art Installation
The Milwaukee outdoor series will feature artists including Lila Downs, Combo Chimbita, and a community mural project.
The Marcus Performing Arts Center will present the return of Rainbow Summer, taking place on July 14-19th. Rainbow Summer is a free music and art festival that offers six nights of live music, interactive art installations, and free creative activities for the whole community.
Rainbow Summer 2026 invites the community to join a festive takeover of the grounds of the Marcus Center, featuring family activities and vendors on the beautiful South Lawn, live music performances on the covered stage of Peck Pavilion, and additional family-friendly activations along the riverwalk leading to KidZ Stage, a dedicated outdoor venue designed specifically for young audiences.
In continued partnership with Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21, a new interactive art installation from LeMonde Studio will be featured! Harmonies introduces Milwaukee to a collection of larger-than-life musical instruments and objects that invite audience interaction.
The 2026 Rainbow Summer lineup of musical performances has been curated with Milwaukee's vibrant community in mind, offering a different themed experience with a musical pairing each evening:
July 14: “Americana Night” featuring Goldpine.
July 15: “Soul Night” featuring The Soul Rebels.
July 16: “Feel Good Pop Night” featuring Boy Band Review.
July 17: “Latin Night” featuring Zonk Rolan and Nicole Nicolalde.
July 18: “Family Day and Night” featuring Milwaukee Ballet, Marcus Center's “Broadway Bridges”, School of Rock Shorewood, Kid Boogie Down, CJ Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band. Family activities include bounce houses, Carcade games, and the Bubble Lady!
July 19: “America250 & Veterans Recognition” featuring Angela Walker, Anthony Hibbler, The Lloyd Stevens Band.
Rainbow Summer is made possible through the support of Milwaukee Downtown, Bid #21, Ascension, U.S. Bank, and MGIC. Family Day is sponsored by Bader Philanthropies, Inc.
Vendor Applications are now open through July 1, 2026. They are inviting local artists, makers, and small businesses to join the festivities each evening. Vendor information and application can be accessed by visiting the Rainbow Summer website: https://www.marcuscenter.org/get-tickets/rainbow-summer/.
Know before you go:
• MPAC Grounds will open at 5:00 pm from Tuesday – Friday, and 12:00 pm on Saturday/ Sunday.
• Event parking will be available at the Marcus Center Garage for $20.00 each night.
• Food and beverages will be available for purchase on site, from a variety of food trucks and from Marcus Center Food and Beverage.
• Chairs and blankets can be carried in for the lawn, but no carry-in food or beverage items are permitted.
• No tickets are required to attend Rainbow Summer activities, and new acts are still being added!
• To see the most up to date Rainbow Summer lineup, join the Rainbow Summer email list at https://www.marcuscenter.org/get-tickets/rainbow-summer/.
Videos
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The Play That Goes Wrong Racine Theatre Guild (9/11-9/27) |
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Churchill Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall (10/01-10/01) |
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Ibsens' GHOSTS Wisconsin Classic Stage (7/10-7/19) |
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Disney's Descendants The Musical Lake Country Playhouse & Academy (7/23-8/02) |
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Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None Milwaukee Repertory Theater (5/26-6/28) |
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Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Racine Theatre Guild (12/11-12/20) |
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Weird Al Yankovic at Fiserv Forum Fiserv Forum (10/17-10/17) |
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Happy Together Tour Uihlein Hall (9/03-9/03) |
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& Juliet Uihlein Hall at Marcus Center For The Performing Arts (6/09-6/14) |
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Disney's Dare to Dream Jr The Historic Sprague Theater (7/17-7/26) |
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