Experience the World in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"Schlemiel, schlimazel, hasenpfeffer incorporated."

Visualize two young women skipping down a Milwaukee street after a day of capping bottles at fictional Shotz Brewery.

If the popular television show, "Laverne & Shirley" provides your only images of Milwaukee, it's time to pay a visit to this wonderful city.

The city celebrates its varied cultures and ethnicities. There are still quaint old neighborhoods dotted with fabulous ethnic restaurants, specialty food stores, shops and historic churches. Together with its modern attractions, the city's cultural heritage helps make Milwaukee a popular tourist destination.

Visitors can connect with the Old World at Milwaukee's festivals. There are many opportunities to learn about the food, artwork, music, dancing and traditions of other cultures at Asian Moon Festival, Polish Fest, Irish Fest, Festa Italiana, Arab World Fest, Russian Fest, Mexican Fiesta, African World Festival, German Fest, Indian Summer Festival and more.

The popular events are held throughout the summer months at Henry Maier Festival Park on the shore of Lake Michigan.

Milwaukee's festivals aren't limited to ethnic celebrations.

The 11-day Summerfest, the world's largest music festival, takes place annually in early July at Henry Maier Festival Park. Numerous stages provide a variety of music that ranges from national headline acts to stars-in-the-making.

Other popular downtown events include the Lakefront Festival of Arts, Milwaukee Highland Games, Bastille Days, Historic Third Ward Jazz Festival, Labor Fest, Oktoberfest and Holiday Folk Fair.

The city's $12 million RiverWalk, completed in 1996, provides an additional venue for festivals and events including RiverWalk Arts Festival, Milwaukee River Challenge and River Splash!

Along with small parks, cafes, bars and shops on both banks of the Milwaukee River, the RiverWalk features decorative sidewalks, rails, street lamps and planters. Outdoor art is a popular addition. The large sculptures on display are made from a variety of materials including aluminum, steel and neon tubing.