TosaFest schedule, activities, music program and more

Although Labor Day—the unofficial end of summer—has already passed and the kids are back in school, we still have at least a few weeks of weather-friendly outdoor fun ahead of us. That sounds like just the right time for the return of TosaFest, which takes over the village center this Friday and Saturday, September 6-7.

The annual event essentially takes up the triangle-like area formed by State Street, Wauwatosa Avenue, and Harmonee Avenue, and is filled with activities, vendors, food, drinks, and something called the SpritzGarden. Let's go over it all so you know what to do when you head to the scenic fest this weekend.

TosaFest 2024 Activities

The organizers have again put together a nice selection of adult experiences over the two days, many of which include sophisticated drinking. One quick note: they ask that you sign up for these activities in advance, so you'll have little time to fit them in before the festival starts on Friday.

Arté In the Street painting experience with the Arté Wine and Painting Studio ($40): Choose from five of Arté's most popular paintings and you'll receive everything you need to create your masterpiece. Drinks are also available for purchase and music will be played from the nearby Wire & Vice Underwood Stage.

Friday night in the park with Le Reve and The Ruby Tap ($60): A 90-minute evening of food from Le Reve and a selection of wines from Ruby Tap. You'll receive five entrees from Le Reve, paired with five wines from Ruby Tap, and a guaranteed seat for The Squeezettes on the Root Common Stage.

Sangria under the stars ($40): This is history and mixology in one. You'll get helpful tips as you put together your own delicious sangria, learn where the drink comes from, and even pick up a paintbrush to decorate a few wine glasses.

Cheese curd eating contest ($15): Pretty self-explanatory, really. The Village Cheese Shop places a pound of the chewy dairy snacks in front of a line of competitors and whoever finishes first (or eats the most in 5 minutes) is the winner.

Flowers and Rosé with The Ruby Tap and Aromatic Acres ($60): Arguably the best-smelling option of the bunch (non-food category), you'll get three different varieties of rosé while carefully perusing the floral options to put together a vase arrangement to take home.

Pairings in the park with The Village Cheese Shop and The Ruby Tap ($60): A similar setup to Friday Night in the Park, this experience expertly pairs five wines with five cheeses (including some famous ones from the Wisconsin season of Top chef) and explains why the pairings fit together so well.

Oktoberfest Stein Holder Competition ($30): This falls into the “feat of strength” category, as the bravest festival-goers attempt to hold up a full mug of beer. Whoever can do it the longest gets a Draft & Vessel gift certificate, but everyone gets a commemorative mug (with discounted refills!) just for trying.

The ultimate charcuterie cheese board experience ($65 individual/$90 couple): If you've ever wanted to create an edible masterpiece, this all-inclusive experience gives you the chance. First, you'll make design and decorating decisions as you craft a beautiful wooden bowl, then fill it with meats, cheeses, and other accompaniments.

Children's Festival (free): Stop by the parking lot near the intersection of Wauwatosa and Harmonee Avenue on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and find a few things to help your little one feel welcome at the fest. They can enjoy giant inflatable slides, play a game of cornhole and try other activities.

Tosa Bike Garage Wheel Village (free): For the youngest bike riders, there is a course on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Hart Park, right next to the volleyball courts. It is for riders ages 3 to 6, and helmets are recommended.

Music program of TosaFest 2024

State Street Stage
Friday

• 5pm – Sugo (1970s New Orleans-style retro funk)
• 8:30 p.m. — Joe 2.0 (string quartet rock and pop)

Saturday

• Noon – Brett and The Dandys (three-piece rockabilly band from the 50s and 60s)
• 3:30 p.m. – Brewtown Beat (ska tribute band with a mix of 80s and 90s)
• 7pm – Mark Croft Band (singer-songwriter for roots, pop and Americana)

Common stem phase
Friday

• 5:30 p.m. – The Squeezettes (unashamedly nerdy, ironic polka)
• 8 p.m. – The Hungry Williams (Jump Blues and Swinging R&B)

Saturday

• 6pm – Third Coast Blues Collective with Jay Stulo and Andrew Gelles
• 8:30 p.m. – Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound (funky, soulful, free-swinging music)

Underwood Stage
Friday

• 19:00 – MD McNally (combination of classic rock, folk, world, grunge and alternative)
• 8:30 p.m. – Landline (Live alternative jukebox with your favorite hits)

Saturday

• 3:00 p.m. – Hanna Simone with Ellie Bird (blues vocals with a touch of energetic rock)
• 5:30 p.m. – Acoustix (your favorite songs filtered through guitar, congas and vocals)
• 9pm — Ben Mulwana and The Village (rock and soul sounds)

Vendors at TosaFest 2024

The list of restaurants, artisans and other businesses setting up booths at TosaFest is quite long. Food and drink vendors include many from the area, such as Buckatabon Tavern and Supper Club, Leff's Lucky Town and BelAir Cantina. You'll also find great delicacies from Uyghur Grill, Ćevapčići Chicago and Maxie's Southern BBQ.

The marketplace of manufacturers and service providers is even more extensive and ranges from handmade jewelry from Hidden Gems to Henna from Priti and Renewal from Andersen to Rustic Oak Cocktails. The sheer size of the two vendor lists is the reason why the festival has set up a dedicated page with the full overview and links to each vendor. You can view all food and drink people here And the marketplace here.