Milwaukee summers hit different — and OnMilwaukee’s Great Milwaukee Summer guide has everything you need to make the most of it. From patio season and lakefront fun to can’t-miss eats, drinks, concerts, and adventures, we’re your go-to for the best of summer in the city. Brought to you by Geis Garage Doors, The Park People and UPAF (United Performing Arts Fund)!
The Westown Association's Milwaukee Night Market – aka Milwaukee's biggest block party – will debut for the season on Wednesday, June 24. It takes place on West Wisconsin Avenue between 2nd Street and Vel R. Phillips Avenue, from 5 to 9 p.m. It is free to attend.
The Night Market will take on a new feel this year with the expansion to Vel R. Phillips Avenue and inclusion of two public plazas: Vel R. Phillips Plaza and Baird Community Commons. Vel R. Phillips Avenue will be known as Clover Corner, thanks to Milwaukee’s hometown payments company, Clover, and will feature 14 food trucks, beverage tent and more seating and tables.
This Wednesday's theme is Western Night so the main stage will feature live music by Brecken Miles and line dancing performances from Redd’s LineUp. The new FPC Live Unplugged tent on Baird Community Commons will host bluegrass band Frogwater.
The Brewers Art Alley, also new, is located west of the Bradley Symphony Center. The Art Alley includes a CARCADE gaming experience featuring MLB the Show, a collaborative paint-by-numbers mural with local artist Olivia Lombardi, DIY vinyl painting with Soul Spin, a trading card photo op, and DJ set by DJ Kenny Perez. Plus, the Racing Sausages, Bernie and Barrel Man mascots will make an appearance.
Night Market attendees can park for $5 at The Avenue (entrances at 615 N. Plankinton Ave. and 258 W. Michigan St.). Guests can also consider using ride share services or public transit such as The Hop and MCTS to travel safely and responsibly.
More than 230 small businesses will participate throughout the season, showcasing a diverse mix of artists, restaurateurs and makers of all kinds. Baird Community Commons at the Baird Center will host additional vendors.
See the full list of participating vendors here.
“June seems to be flying by, but the best of summer is yet to come! This year, the Night Market continues to have the variety of vendors and exciting performances that attendees have come to know and love, along with new theme nights, special activations and an expanded footprint with a fresh energy to the event,” said Stacie Callies, Executive Director of Westown Association. “We can’t wait for you to experience it all on opening night this Wednesday!”
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
