Milwaukee is Wisconsin´s largest city and the 23rd largest in the United States based on its population. In 2008 its estimated population was 2,014,032 making it the regional center of seven-county Greater Milwaukee Area. One of the great lakes cities found on the southeastern portion of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is home to both Miller brewing and Harley Davidson corporations, an enormous celebration on every fifth anniversary attracting millions each time.

For many years, Milwaukee was the number one beer producing city in the world, thus advertising itself as the "City of Festivals." A lakefront party called Summerfest is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest musical festival in the world, attracting about a million visitors a year to twelve of its stages. Smaller ethnic festivals held in the summer also celebrate the city´s strong Italian, Irish, African-American, Native American, Serbian, Greek, French, Asian and Polish heritage. First-timers are somewhat surprised that aside from Harley´s and beer a thriving large well-supported arts community also exists. The Milwaukee Art Museum whose building was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava proves the diversity that is Milwaukee.