Milwaukee Public Market Named #1 Best Public Market in the U.S. for Second Year in a Row

Milwaukee, Wisconsin – April 23, 2025 – The Milwaukee Public Market has once again been named the #1 Best Public Market in the United States by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This back-to-back win marks a milestone moment for the Market as it celebrates its 20th anniversary and prepares to co-host the prestigious 12th International Public Markets Conference this June.

“This is more than just a win for us—it’s another win for Milwaukee,” said Paul Schwartz, Executive Director of the Milwaukee Public Market and Business Improvement District #2. “We’re humbled and deeply grateful to our hardworking vendors, our staff, our board, and our patrons, whose support helps make the Market what it is today.”

Owned and operated by Business Improvement District #2, the Public Market is guided by a mission to support entrepreneurs, serve as a catalyst for economic growth, foster social connection, and deliver dynamic public programming that enhances the area’s quality of life. Since opening in 2005, the Market has grown into a vibrant hub that attracts nearly 2 million annual visitors, hosts year-round cooking classes and events, and is home to 18 local vendors offering high-quality goods, ranging from prepared foods to grocery and specialty retail items.

“The Market has grown and evolved over the past two decades, but what hasn’t changed is our belief in what a public market can do for a city. We’re here to serve the community, and we’re thankful for the chance to keep doing that every day,” Schwartz added.

The Market’s momentum continues this summer as it welcomes a global audience of public market advocates, and urban leaders for the 12th International Public Markets Conference, co-hosted with Project for Public Spaces. Previously held in cities like Toronto, London, and Barcelona, the event will spotlight Wisconsin markets such as Sherman Phoenix and Dane County Farmers Market and nonprofit organizations such as Hunger Task Force, amplifying conversations around food access, placemaking, and inclusive economic opportunity.

While the Milwaukee Public Market celebrates its anniversary and these national and global recognitions, community members are encouraged to join in the celebration by getting involved with the Market’s upcoming programming.

“Public markets thrive thanks to the support of their communities,” Schwartz said. “We invite everyone to visit, support our local entrepreneurs, and be part of this exciting year.”

Upcoming public events include:

• Market After Hours: An ‘05 Party with BG GooD – April 25
• Festival of Flowers – May 3
• Riverwalk Commons Concert Series – Launches June 3
• 12th International Public Markets Conference – June 12-14

For a full schedule of events, 20th anniversary plans or more information about the Milwaukee Public Market, visit MilwaukeePublicMarket.org or follow along on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or X.

About Milwaukee Public Market: Since opening its doors in 2005, the Milwaukee Public Market has emerged as Milwaukee’s iconic food and event destination, recently earning recognition as the #1 Best Public Market in the country. Home to 18 independently owned vendors, and a hub for public and private community events and cooking classes, the market celebrates the best of local Milwaukee flavors and traditions.

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.