By Lori FredrichSenior Food Writer, Dining EditorPublished Jul 30, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Milwaukee’s biggest celebration of health, fitness and wellness returns to the lakefront later this summer as PULSE: A Health & Wellness Fest for All takes over Henry Maier Festival Park on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m
Powered by Aurora Health Care and Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., with support from Gatorade, the free event invites people of all ages and fitness levels to explore more than 50 workouts, interactive wellness experiences, live cooking demonstrations and activities presented by more than 75 health, wellness and fitness organizations
Advance online registration is free and encouraged
Fitness experiences
This year’s festival features an expanded lineup of fitness experiences led by nationally recognized athletes and local instructors. Among the headliners are five-time American Ninja Warrior competitor NinjaYari, Paralympic silver medalist and wheelchair basketball player Emily Oberst, Milwaukee fitness entrepreneur Laura Novotny and Milwaukee First Lady Dominique Johnson, who will lead an energetic community Zumba class
Visitors can also participate in small-group workouts hosted by more than a dozen local fitness organizations, including Orangetheory Fitness, Milwaukee Recreation, YMCA of Greater Milwaukee, Powercycle, REVIVAL Fitness and CrossFit Good Land
Those looking for something beyond traditional workouts will find plenty of options, including free kayaking and paddleboarding with Forward Outdoor, a sauna and cold plunge experience hosted by The Hive: Wellness & Social, instructor-led pickleball, yoga overlooking Lake Michigan and a dedicated Zen Den featuring meditation, sound baths and guided stretching
Meanwhile, music and movement come together on the Dance Stage, where participants can try everything from Latin dance and ballet to line dancing and Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian art form that blends martial arts, dance and acrobatics
One-mile run/walk
The festival’s Aurora Pavilion will also host a one-mile run/walk through Lake Shore State Park led by F.E.A.R. MKE (Forget Everything and Run). Participants will receive a commemorative event T-shirt and a Summerfest 2027 ticket while supplies last
Food & nutrition
Food is also part of the day’s programming. The Good Foods Cooking Stage, supported by Pick ‘N Save, will feature live demonstrations, recipes and Q&A sessions hosted by Taste of Home’s Mark Hagen
Featured chefs include Harbor House Executive Chef Michael Genre, Taste of Home’s Sarah Farmer, Chef Britta Kramer and Chef Amberlea Childs of Plant Joy
Whether you’re hoping to discover a new workout, sharpen your cooking skills or simply enjoy an active day along Milwaukee’s lakefront, PULSE offers a full day of free opportunities to get moving
For additional information, the full schedule and free registration, visit the PULSE website
Lori FredrichSenior Food Writer, Dining Editor@LoFredrich
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic’s role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the “Wisconsin Field to Fork” cookbook and “Milwaukee Food”. Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a “Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch” award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference
