Downtown Employee Appreciation Week returns August 19

MILWAUKEE (August 12, 2024) – Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 is teaming up with downtown businesses and organizations to celebrate downtown employees during the 19th annual Downtown Employee Appreciation Week, Aug. 19 – 23. The weeklong event features morning wellness sessions, free lunches, Office Challenge Games and after-work events for downtown Milwaukee’s workforce.

The celebration begins Monday, Aug. 19 at 9 a.m. with a Morning Jolt event, featuring free coffee for the first 150 employees at Baird Community Commons, located along Vel R. Phillips Avenue between Wisconsin Avenue and Wells Street. Following Morning Jolt, festivities will kick off at 11:45 a.m. at Red Arrow Park with an opening ceremony, 1,000-item lunch giveaway, Office Challenge Games sponsored by Educators Credit Union and a performance by KOJO at Heart(beats) of the City powered by MGIC.

Throughout the week, lunchtime activities will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Red Arrow Park (Monday, Aug. 19), Cathedral Square Park (Tuesday, Aug. 20), Schlitz Park (Wednesday, Aug. 21), Zeidler Union Square (Thursday, Aug. 22), and Pere Marquette Park (Friday, Aug. 23). Each day will include free eats, live music and the popular Office Challenge Games sponsored by Educators Credit Union. This year’s games include Corporate Ladder, LinkedIn One and Axe-Ceiling at Work. Daily prizes are up for grabs for the top contenders in each Office Challenge game. The Milwaukee Bucks will be onsite to host their popular basketball shootout, plus there will be appearances from the Milwaukee Brewers and Milwaukee Admirals.

“We can’t wait to celebrate with our downtown workforce during our annual spirit week,” said Beth Weirick, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21. “Downtown Employee Appreciation Week is a showcase of all the wonderful perks accessible to employees in our vibrant downtown.”

New Events In 2024

New this year, employees can participate in a free meditation session on Monday, Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. in Sampson Square at Schlitz Park. During this one-hour class, employees will learn mindfulness meditation techniques that promote multiple health benefits, including reducing stress, anxiety and cortisol levels. Pre- registration is required at www.iworkdowntownmke.com.

The Milwaukee Admirals will join in on the fun with a new lunchtime game. Plinko for Prizes will encourage employees to drop a puck on a classic plinko board for a chance to win Admirals prizes. Plinko for Prizes will be offered from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Cathedral Square Park (Tuesday, Aug. 20), Schlitz Park (Wednesday, Aug. 21) and Zeidler Union Square (Thursday, Aug. 22).

In addition, the Milwaukee School of Engineering’s Grohmann Museum will offer free admission to all downtown employees during Downtown Employee Appreciation Week with proof of employment at a downtown workplace.

Returning Pre- and Post-Work Functions
Employees will be encouraged to take a Moment of Movement throughout the week with free wellness sessions offered by various fitness instructors, Tuesday, Aug. 20 – Friday, Aug. 23. Classes will be offered from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. at various locations. Advanced registration is required for all fitness classes, which can be completed at www.iworkdowntownmke.com.

Morning Jolt returns daily with free coffee at various locations from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. On Monday, Aug. 19, 150 cups of coffee will be poured at Baird Community Commons by Levy Restaurants. The World’s Largest Coffee Break returns to Catalano Square on Tuesday, Aug. 20, highlighting coffee and bakery items from several neighboring cafes. On Wednesday, Aug. 21, 200 employees can sip on free coffee from the AARP Coffee Truck at Museum Center Park, highlighting coffee from Lola’s Empanadas. On Thursday, the AARP Coffee Truck will visit Zeidler Union Square. Then on Friday, Colectivo will serve 150 cups of coffee to downtown employees at its U.S. Bank Center location.

Kayaking and paddleboard excursions return on Tuesday, Aug. 20 and Thursday, Aug. 22 at Milwaukee Kayak Company’s main location. Register at www.milwaukeekayak.com to book one of three launch times (4:30 p.m., 5 p.m. or 5:30 p.m.). A $25/person reservation fee is also required. Rentals are due back by 7:30 p.m.

The “I Work Downtown” Trivia Competition presented by VISIT Milwaukee returns at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 3rd Street Market Hall. Advance registration is required for participation and can be completed at www.iworkdowntownmke.com.

Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen will host the “I Work Downtown” Happy Hour – a downtown-wide happy hour from 3:20 p.m. to 6:20 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 21. The first 75 employees will enjoy buy-one, get-one specials. Meanwhile, regular happy hour deals will also be available.

On Friday, Aug. 23, starting at 4:30 p.m., the first 50 employees will enjoy a free pint of beer at the Tap Yard – Schlitz Park, compliments of Schlitz Park.

Downtown Employee Appreciation Week will conclude with a closing ceremony featuring live music, games, free lunch and an ice cream social on Friday, Aug. 23 from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Pere Marquette Park. In addition, completed Downtown Employee Appreciation Week passports will be pulled for a prize drawing that recognizes employees who participated in three or more events. Passports must be turned in by 12:30 p.m. onFriday, Aug. 23 to a Public Service Ambassador to be eligible for the drawing.

For more information on Downtown Employee Appreciation Week 2024 and to register for events, visit www.iworkdowntownmke.com.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.