When summer finally rolls into Green Bay, we don’t waste a second of it. After months of frozen eyelashes and debating whether 40 degrees counts as “shorts weather,” Green Bay locals are more than ready to squeeze every last drop of sunshine out of the season.
To find out how to make the most of these glorious warm months, we once again turned to the experts — the people who live right here in the Green Bay area! We asked friends, neighbors, and strangers on the internet: What’s on your Green Bay summer bucket list?
From dancing at Invasion Fest, chasing foul balls at a Rockers game, getting crafty at Paint & Sip nights, and dominating at laser tag, Green Bay folks know how to do summer. If you’re looking for local-approved ideas to make the most of the season, read on!
GBUFO Invasion Fest
Topping the list for a handful of locals we talked to, this two-day music takeover, presented by Green Bay UFO Museum Gift Shop and Records, features 36 bands spread across two iconic Green Bay venues. Things kick off July 25th at Badger State Brewing Company, where you can enjoy craft beer and killer tunes. Then on Saturday, July 26th, the action moves to the legendary Riverside Ballroom.
If live music, good vibes, and a sea of fellow music lovers sound like your kind of scene, consider this fest a must-do. Follow Green Bay UFO Museum Gift Shop and Records for more info!
GBASO (Green Bay Action Sports Organization)
A few locals we surveyed (granted, all under the age of 11) were very clear about their summer priorities: “riding my new scooter at the skate park.” And honestly? Solid choice.
GBASO is a go-to spot for kids (and kids-at-heart) looking to shred, scoot, or skate their way through summer. With a huge indoor skate park and plenty of ramps, rails, and good vibes, it’s the perfect place to burn off some energy and maybe even learn a new trick or two.
Check out their summer open hours and skate camps on their website.
Green Bay Rockers Games
Another popular summer bucket list was catching a game with our hometown sluggers, the Green Bay Rockers! With 30+ home games on the schedule, there’s really no excuse not to head to the ballpark at least once. Plus, the Rockers keep things fresh with theme nights and promos galore, like Dodgeball Day, Christmas in July, and the always highly anticipated bobblehead giveaways.
Check out their website to snag your tickets, scope out theme nights, and plan your ultimate evening under the stadium lights. Batter up!
Summer Reading Program at the Brown County Library
If your idea of summer fun includes page-turners, plot twists, and prize incentives, the Brown County Library’s Summer Reading Program is calling your name. Designed for ages 0 to 100 (and beyond!), this program is all about keeping those reading muscles strong while racking up rewards.
Whether you're diving into picture books, graphic novels, beach reads, or biographies, there's a program tailored just for you. Oh, and did we mention the prizes? Yes, reading can earn you cool stuff. Plus, all Brown County Library locations are hosting fun and educational events throughout the summer, so there’s always something happening beyond the bookshelves.
But you'd better sign up soon! One young reader we talked to is already on a mission to “read every single book in the library.” Your move.
Crepe Bistro & Cafe
If your summer bucket list includes “try something delicious and possibly develop a mild crepe addiction,” then you’ll want to make a beeline for Crepe Bistro & Cafe, one of Green Bay’s newest foodie hotspots.
Opening its doors in May, this charming spot is already winning hearts (and stomachs) with its lineup of made-from-scratch crepes, both sweet and savory. Fan favorites include the Triple Berry, Caramel Obsession, Bruschetta, and the always classic Ham and Swiss.
As one enthusiastic local put it, “I’d eat nothing but crepes all summer if possible.” Honestly? Same.
Green Bay Zine Spectacular
Calling all creatives, collectors, and curious minds—the Green Bay Zine Spectacular is back for its third year, and it’s ready to wow you with all things zine!
Happening August 9th from 11am - 3:00pm at the Brown County Library downtown, this one-of-a-kind event showcases the work of local poets, photographers, illustrators, comedians, non-fiction writers, and more. It's a celebration of DIY publishing and the wonderfully weird, personal, and powerful world of zines.
Want to try your hand at self-publishing? You can make your own zine on-site using the provided supplies and even crank out copies on the photocopier to trade with vendors. It’s hands-on, low-pressure, and high on creative energy.
Presented by SAGE, this event is the perfect way to tap into Green Bay’s vibrant creative community and leave with a few handmade gems of your own.
Titletown Night Market
Looking for that perfect mix of summer vibes, good eats, and of course, the iconic Lambeau Field in the background? The Titletown Night Market, presented by Circle K, checks all the boxes.
Happening every Thursday evening throughout the summer, this weekly event turns the Titletown District into a hub of local vendors, live music, and food and drinks. Whether you’re shopping handmade goods, sipping something cold, or just vibing to the sounds of a local band, it’s the kind of summer night you’ll want to make a habit.
Plant Bingo at Roots
Ready for a fun night that’s equal parts garden party and game night? Roots invites you to their lively Plant Bingo, an event where you bring your friends, your favorite drink, and a dabber ready to play for some seriously stunning garden prizes.
Expect classic bingo rounds mixed with a garden-themed twist, with prizes like starter kits for your own backyard oasis, beautiful succulent displays, fresh veggies, colorful hanging baskets, and even kits to grow herbs perfect for cocktails.
Feel free to show up in your best botanical-inspired outfit, like flowery dresses, wide-brim hats, overalls, or anything that screams garden chic. There’s a prize for the most stylish attendee!
Keep a lookout for their next event night and get ready to pounce. One Green Bay local warned us, “Tickets sell out fast, you have to get on their email list to be notified when the next one drops!”
Urban Cultural Arts & The Art Garage
One local Redditor, hellgawashere, shared a brilliant summer plan: “My husband and I are having an art summer. We're taking advantage of the Urban Cultural Arts center and The Art Garage with emphasis on creating things.” If you’re looking for a creative way to spend your summer days (and nights), these two spots have got you covered.
Urban Cultural Arts offers a variety of fun ways to unleash your inner artist — from Paint & Sip evenings to Blacklight Paint Nights, plus hands-on workshops like candle making and pottery. Meanwhile, The Art Garage is serving up unique classes like Pet Portraits, Abstract Florals with acrylics, and Watercolor Greeting Cards. They’ve also recently launched some awesome new programs, including Writer’s Gone Wild weekly meet-ups, a Mixed Media Monthly, and calming Mindful Mondays to feed your creative soul.
Check out both Urban Cultural Arts and The Art Garage websites for details and to sign up.
Honorable Mentions
Music at the Botanical Gardens
