Milwaukee

Washington Park Bandshell

  • August 3 2026
  • Within Walking Distance
Overview
Getting To and From
Inside the Venue
Onsite Accessibility
Our Guidelines
Comments
About
The Washington Park Bandshell — the historic Emil Blatz Temple of Music — is an open-air concert venue in Milwaukee County's 128.5-acre Washington Park (4420 W. Vliet Street; the bandshell side of the park is listed at 1859 N. 40th Street). One of the county parks' outdoor special-event venues, it can be rented for concerts, wedding ceremonies, and special events through the summer months (Band Shell permits: 414-257-4503), and it hosts the Washington Park Wednesdays community concert series (July–August, happy hour 5 p.m., concerts 6–8 p.m., with local food trucks and vendors). The park around it offers multiple parking lots, restrooms, reservable picnic shelters, a lagoon loop, a pool and splash pad, the Urban Ecology Center, and the Washington Senior Center. Bandshell-specific accessibility is not published — see Milwaukee County Parks' "For All Abilities" resources and call (414) 257-7275 with access questions.
Getting To and From
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
On Site Parking Garage or Lot
Yes
Yes
Multiple parking lots inside Washington Park are marked on the official park map, including near the Band Shell. Accessible/handicap spaces are not specified on the map — confirm with Milwaukee County Parks at (414) 257-7275.
Drop Off/Pick Up Lanes/ Ride Share
Off site Parking
Accessible Entrance
Site Map/Floorplan
Yes
Yes
An official Washington Park map (PDF) shows the Band Shell, parking lots, restrooms, picnic shelters, and the park's other facilities, with the bordering streets (N. 40th St., Vliet St., Lloyd St., Lisbon Ave.).
Inside the Venue
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
Dedicated Accessible Entrance
Street Level Access and Automatic Doors
Security Checkpoint
Use of Mobility Aids
Yes
Milwaukee County Parks publishes system-wide "For All Abilities" resources — ADA-compliant play areas, adaptive swings at 15 play areas, and 135+ miles of paved, accessible Oak Leaf Trail — but nothing specific to Washington Park or the bandshell. Loaner wheelchairs are offered only at select other county locations (Bradford Beach, Wehr Nature Center, the Domes), so bring your own mobility device and call (414) 257-7275 with access questions.
Accessible Seating (Theater)

Getting To and From

Find essential details on parking, drop-off points, and accessibility to make your visit smooth and hassle-free.
Check the table below for more information.
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
On Site Parking Garage or Lot
Yes
Yes
Multiple parking lots inside Washington Park are marked on the official park map, including near the Band Shell. Accessible/handicap spaces are not specified on the map — confirm with Milwaukee County Parks at (414) 257-7275.
Drop Off/Pick Up Lanes/ Ride Share
Off site Parking
Accessible Entrance
Site Map/Floorplan
Yes
Yes
An official Washington Park map (PDF) shows the Band Shell, parking lots, restrooms, picnic shelters, and the park's other facilities, with the bordering streets (N. 40th St., Vliet St., Lloyd St., Lisbon Ave.).

Inside the Venue

Get to know what to expect indoors—from seating layouts to restrooms and concessions.
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
Dedicated Accessible Entrance
Street Level Access and Automatic Doors
Security Checkpoint
Use of Mobility Aids
Yes
Milwaukee County Parks publishes system-wide "For All Abilities" resources — ADA-compliant play areas, adaptive swings at 15 play areas, and 135+ miles of paved, accessible Oak Leaf Trail — but nothing specific to Washington Park or the bandshell. Loaner wheelchairs are offered only at select other county locations (Bradford Beach, Wehr Nature Center, the Domes), so bring your own mobility device and call (414) 257-7275 with access questions.
Accessible Seating (Theater)

Onsite Accessibility

Learn about ramps, elevators, restrooms, and other accessible features available during your visit
Features Information Available on Website Available at Venue Notes Additional Info / Things to Know Links
Restrooms
Yes
Yes
Restrooms and a seasonal portable toilet are marked on the official park map. The map does not specify their accessible status — confirm with Milwaukee County Parks at (414) 257-7275.
Elevators
 
On-Site Dining
Yes
Yes
During the summer Washington Park Wednesdays series at the bandshell, local vendors and food trucks offer a variety of food and beverages for purchase (happy hour from 5 p.m.). There is no permanent dining at the bandshell itself.
Theater, Auditorium, etc. (Museum)
Yes
Yes
The Washington Park Bandshell — the Emil Blatz Temple of Music, donated to the people of Milwaukee by Emil Blatz — is an open-air concert venue in Washington Park, one of Milwaukee County Parks' rentable outdoor special-event venues for concerts, wedding ceremonies, and special events through the summer months. It hosts the Washington Park Wednesdays community series (July–August, concerts 6–8 p.m.). Band Shell permits: (414) 257-4503; picnic reservations: (414) 257-8005; Milwaukee County Parks: (414) 257-7275. The surrounding 128.5-acre park includes a lagoon loop (0.9 miles), a pool and splash pad, play areas, the Urban Ecology Center, and the Washington Senior Center.
Our Guidelines
1. Make Accessibility Info Easy to Find - Dedicated Website Accessibility Page

Clearly post detailed accessibility information online, covering parking, entrances, interior pathways, site plans, and more.


2. Include All Mobility Devices

Consider walkers, canes, crutches — not just wheelchairs. Provide specifics for a variety of mobility needs. Include people who use different devices in the conversation.

3. Go Beyond ADA Compliance

ADA is the minimum. Strive for real-world accessibility through thoughtful design and ongoing improvements.

4. Visibility = Accessibility

If disabled visitors aren't present, barriers may exist. Transparency and preparation are the keys to inclusion. Empower everyone to attend.

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