Smoke on the Water

media release: 

BBQ, Brews, and Lakefront Views

Smoke On The Water – MKE's BBQ & Brews Fest Returns

Saturday, May 30 at Henry Maier Festival Park

Presented by Harley-Davidson

MILWAUKEE, WI (March 11, 2026) – Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. (MWF) is excited to announce the return of Smoke On The Water – MKE’s BBQ & Brews Fest presented by Harley-Davidson, the ultimate celebration of bold flavors, cold brews, and live music, on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Henry Maier Festival Park (HMFP).

Kick off festival season lakeside as top BBQ vendors take over the lakefront, serving up slow-cooked favorites and mouth-watering bites.  Smoke on the Water food vendors will offer tasting sized portions of their signature menu items starting at just $5, along with full-size favorites, providing an opportunity for fans to try a wide variety of BBQ. The vendor list and sample menu items are listed below:

Atwood Hwy BBQ Shack - Jalapeno Brisket Twinkie’s, BBQ Chicken

Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que - St. Louis Ribs, Texas Burnt Ends

Johnny’s Kitchen Creations - Jerk Tips. Smoked Corned Beef Sandwich

Nino’s Southern Sides - BBQ Chicken Wings, BBQ Ribs

Pop’s BBQ Memphis Style - Pulled Pork Sandwich, Beef Brisket Dinner

Real Urban BBQ - Chicago Baby Back Ribs, Mac Attack

Roll MKE - Loaded Hog Sandwich, Korean Pork Belly Slider

Smokin’ Jack’s Bar-B-Que - Jamaican Jerk Smoked Chicken Sandwich, Smoked Pork Shoulder Slider

Inside the Mid Gate, live music takes over the Aurora Pavilion featuring electric country rock band, Crossfire, and a dynamic lineup of Top 40 hits from The Playlist. Attendees can also enjoy a variety of onsite activities including a local marketplace, 9-hole mini golf course, classic yard games, and the Northwestern Mutual Community Park featuring inclusive and accessible play equipment for children of all ages.

Beer lovers can enjoy various Molson Coors products, along with new selections from Leinenkugel’s. For those looking beyond beer, Smoke On The Water will offer a wide assortment of seltzers, non-alcoholic beverages, and specialty cocktails.

Tickets are on sale now HERE - buy early and save! General Admission tickets are just $6 in advance.

Smoke On The Water Ticket information:

• General Admission: $6.00 - (children 10 and under admitted free)

• VIP: $75 – includes the following:

Three Complimentary Tasting Size Menu Items

Two Complimentary Beverages (Beer or Seltzers)

Private Deck with Bar

Whiskey and Bourbon Tasting

Complimentary Soft drinks and Water

Dedicated Entry Lane