Near West Side Partners will celebrate Near West Side Week from Saturday, Sept. 7, to Saturday, Sept. 14. Throughout the week, there will be a variety of events highlighting the Near West Side’s thriving neighborhoods and businesses.
For more information, visit the Near West Side website.
Each day during Near West Side Week, participants will have the opportunity to answer Near West Side trivia questions for a chance to win a gift card to a local Near West Side business. Participants can text NWSWEEK to (414) 677-3300 to get daily question prompts. A new question will be added each day at 9 a.m.
Saturday, Sept. 7
- Fruition MKE Market Party | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Concordia 27 (825 N. 27th St.)
- Join Fruition MKE in supporting local artists and makers at the Fruition MKE Market Party, where neighbors can find original art, jewelry, fashion and more from 30 local Milwaukee makers. The event will feature DJ DRiPSweat, food and art demonstrations from the city’s emerging designer/artist scene.
Sunday, Sept. 8
- NWS Block Party, presented by The New State | Noon to 4 p.m. at The New State (2612 W. State St.)
- Near West Side Week will officially kick off with a full-scale celebration at The New State. Celebrate the kickoff event with food, live music and performances by local artists and art.
Monday, Sept. 9
- Near West Side Coffee Social | 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Fruition MKE (825 N. 27th St.)
- Start the day with free coffee and donuts at the Near West Side’s newest coffee shop, Fruition MKE, and learn about all the great resources for residents and employees who live, work and play in the Near West Side. There will also be opportunities to tour Concordia 27, which is a welcoming community center and resource hub in the Near West Side.
Tuesday, Sept. 10
- Rev-Up MKE, presented by Town Bank | 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Rave (2401 W. Wisconsin Ave.)
- During this event, Rev-Up MKE finalists – local entrepreneurs who have received business training and support from Marquette University mentors – will pitch their business idea to members of their community and a panel of judges. Attendees will be able to vote for an “Audience Choice Winner,” and awards will go to top contenders. Before and after the live pitch event, attendees will be treated to a Taste of the Near West Side, with refreshments provided by favorite restaurants in the area. Attendee registration is free, but encouraged.
Wednesday, Sept. 11
- Near West Side Safety Safari presented by Penfield Children’s Center | 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Penfield Children’s Center (833 N. 26th St.)
- Gather the family for an afternoon of fun and watch the Milwaukee Bucks Rim Rockers perform their stunts. Learn about family-supporting resources from over 30 local community partners and enjoy some ice cream.
Thursday, Sept. 12
- Near West Side Scavenger Hunt | Virtual
- Teams of Near West Side enthusiasts are encouraged to participate in a virtual scavenger hunt, with missions and clues directing participants to explore the Near West Side and discover its hidden gems while competing for prizes. The scavenger hunt will launch via the GooseChase app at noon on Thursday, Sept. 12, and will close at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15. Additional details and rules are available online.
Friday, Sept. 13
- Near West Fest presented by Harley-Davidson/HD Foundation | 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Davidson Park (3725 W. Juneau Ave.)
- Near West Side’s first-ever Near West Fest will kick off the 10-year anniversary celebration in the new Davidson Park. Free admission for the public will give attendees a chance to hear live music, grab a bite to eat from food trucks, try the Molson Coors’ Near West Side 10 Year Beer, enjoy a special toast at the 1903 Tavern and beer garden, watch a family-friendly movie starting at dusk, and more.
Saturday, Sept. 14
- Pedal & Picnic with NWSP and MVP | 10 a.m. to noon at Menomonee Valley Community Park (212 S. 36th St.)
- Near West Side Partners and Menomonee Valley Partners are teaming up for a family-friendly bike ride through the Valley and Near West Side neighborhoods. Two routes are available for those of all abilities, and bike resources and tune ups will be available from the Milwaukee Bicycle Collective. Cool off with a Pete’s Pop at the finish and enjoy food from local vendors.
- Brew City Match Business Crawl | Noon to 6 p.m. at Washington Park Media Center (4303 W. Vliet St.)
- Visit the Near West Side’s unique small businesses during the NWS Brew City Match Business Crawl. Meet the owners and learn how this program helped bring their business dreams to life. Visit the Brew City Match website for more details.