Plan an Inclusive Wisconsin Summer with Wheelchair-Friendly Festivals and Accessible Transportation
The Wisconsin summer is bursting with live music, outdoor art fairs, cultural food fests, and lakeside celebrations. But for wheelchair users or anyone with limited mobility, a key question remains: Can we actually enjoy these events comfortably and safely?
The answer is increasingly yes! Thanks to growing awareness and improvements in accessibility, many of Southeast Wisconsin’s most popular festivals are now easier to navigate for individuals using wheelchairs or mobility devices.
Why Accessibility Matters
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 700,000 Wisconsin residents face mobility challenges, which can limit their participation in community events and outdoor activities.
Efforts like Wisconsin DNR’s Open the Outdoors program and Travel Wisconsin’s Accessible Travel guide are helping bridge the gap — ensuring more inclusive access to parks, trails, and public events.
To make these experiences even more accessible, BriteLift offers 24/7 wheelchair-accessible transportation throughout Chicagoland and Southeast Wisconsin — including Milwaukee, Waukesha, Kenosha, and even Madison — making it easier to enjoy every moment of the Wisconsin summer season.
Wheelchair-Friendly Summer Festivals in Southeast Wisconsin
Summerfest – Milwaukee
Dates: June 19–21, 26–28, & July 3–5, 2025
One of the nation’s largest annual music festivals, set along Lake Michigan. Expect top-tier performances, food vendors, and a high-energy atmosphere at this year’s Summerfest.
Accessibility:
- Fully paved grounds
- Accessible parking
- Companion seating at stages
- On-site assistance from trained volunteers
Pre-book your BriteLift ride with specific drop-off and pickup instructions to avoid long wait times or inaccessible areas.
Art Fair on the Square – Madison
Dates: July 12–13, 2025
Nearly 500 artists transform Capitol Square into an outdoor art gallery, featuring painting, sculpture, jewelry, and more.
Accessibility:
- Wide, level streets and sidewalks
- Accessible portable restrooms
- Circular layout makes navigation predictable
Accessible drop-off zones are limited near the Capitol, so scheduling with BriteLift ensures a smooth arrival and departure.
Bastille Days – Milwaukee
Dates: July 17–20, 2025
A lively French-themed street festival with food and music, held at Cathedral Square Park. Explore their international marketplace, and enjoy French and Cajun cuisine with roaming entertainment.
Accessibility:
- Flat, paved streets at Cathedral Square Park
- Accessible restrooms and entry points
- Staff and volunteers available for assistance
Aim for early evening hours to beat the crowd and book BriteLift in advance for seamless pickup.
Wisconsin State Fair – West Allis
Dates: July 31–August 10, 2025
A classic summer fair experience with farm animals, live entertainment, deep-fried everything, and more.
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair and scooter rentals available
- ADA restrooms
- Fully paved walkways between attractions
Use the BriteLift app to schedule your ride during off-peak times, like weekday mornings.
Milwaukee Brewfest
Date: July 26, 2025
Craft beer and cider lovers gather at McKinley Park for the 15th annual Milwaukee Brewfest. Enjoy unique beverages with a lakefront view.
Accessibility:
- Smooth, paved paths along the waterfront
- ADA restrooms
- Support available from event staff
Book roundtrip transportation early through BriteLift to avoid post-event delays, especially for groups or power chair users.
Disability Pride Madison Festival
Date: July 26, 2025
Celebrate disability culture and pride at Warner Park with performances, speakers, and community resources at the only event of its type in Wisconsin.
The organizers designed the festival with accessibility in mind, featuring wheelchair-accessible facilities and programming.
Bradford Beach – Milwaukee
Relax on one of America’s most accessible beaches, offering sun, sand, and lakefront views.
Accessible features include beach wheelchairs with wide tires for sand navigation, permanent concrete ramps, and seasonal portable rollout mats providing access to the water.
Milwaukee County Zoo
Home to over 2,200 animals across 190 acres, the Milwaukee County Zoo offers an engaging experience for all ages. From feeding giraffes to exploring diverse habitats, it’s a must-visit for animal enthusiasts.
Accessibility:
- All animal buildings and exhibits are ADA-compliant and accessible to visitors with disabilities.
- Wheelchairs are available for rent at $10/day, and mobility scooters at $35/day, with cashless transactions.
- The zoo features paved pathways throughout, making navigation smooth for wheelchair users.
Utilize BriteLift’s services to ensure a hassle-free journey to and from the zoo, especially during peak summer days.
Discovery World – Milwaukee
Situated along Milwaukee’s lakefront, Discovery World is a science and technology center featuring interactive exhibits, including the Reiman Aquarium and Les Paul’s House of Sound.
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, and ADA-compliant restrooms.
- Wheelchairs, including bariatric options, are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
Plan your visit on weekdays to enjoy a less crowded experience book BriteLift for convenient drop-off and pickup.
Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM)
Wisconsin’s premier history museum offers a journey through natural and human history with exhibits like the Streets of Old Milwaukee and the Puelicher Butterfly Wing.
Accessibility:
- The museum provides complimentary wheelchairs in various sizes.
- Elevators and escalators grant access to all exhibit floors, and accessible restrooms are located on the first floor.
- Additional features include open-captioned videos, tactile galleries with braille, and sensory-friendly programs.
With BriteLift’s door-to-door service, visiting MPM becomes a seamless experience, allowing you to focus on the exhibits without transportation concerns.
Accessible Travel Tips for a Stress-Free Wisconsin Summer
Whether you’re planning a single outing or a season packed with events, follow these best practices:
- Book transportation early via the BriteLift app or website
- Share details about your wheelchair type (manual or bariatric) or caregiver assistance
- Check ADA info on festival websites or call organizers directly
- Plan for the unexpected with backup charging options and mobility tools
Make This Wisconsin Summer the Most Accessible Yet
From Kenosha to Milwaukee and everywhere in between, Southeast Wisconsin offers something for everyone during the 2025 summer season. With the right transportation in place, mobility shouldn’t stand in the way of adventure.
Download the BriteLift app or visit us online to schedule your accessible ride and get a free quote today.
And let’s get the whole family together! Additional passengers ride free.
Go where you want, when you want — with confidence. This summer, let nothing hold you back!
