Milwaukee Night Market Hosts College Night on September 16, presented by Educators Credit Union

Milwaukee Night Market hosts College Night on September 16, presented by Educators Credit Union. Photo provided

MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Night Market is back on Wednesday, September 16 for College Night, presented by Educators Credit Union. Supported by MATC, Marquette University and UW-Milwaukee, College Night invites students to engage with the Milwaukee community beyond university walls, and experience local food, art and entertainment in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. Produced by Westown Association, the MKE Night Market is open from 5 to 9 p.m. and is located on West Wisconsin Ave. between 2nd St. and Vel R. Phillips Ave.

“This is the fifth year of College Night at the Market, and we are excited for another opportunity to introduce a new group of students to downtown Milwaukee,” said Stacie Callies, Executive Director of Westown Association. “The Milwaukee Night Market is the perfect place for students to start exploring the Westown neighborhood, connect with new friends from campus and discover the local flavor that makes Milwaukee special. We hope through College Night, students will feel more connected to the Milwaukee community right from the start of their university experience.”

During College Night, current students will have the opportunity to participate in a scavenger hunt to win an exclusive prize. The first 300 students to complete three scavenger hunt activities and show their student ID at the Night Market Info Tent will receive a free tote bag.

Future students, parents and alumni can also participate in the College Night by showing off your school pride. Dress in a university shirt, hat or other type of spirit wear and stop by the Educators Credit Union tent for the chance to get a free giveaway item.

The MKE Night Market features 100 local makers each night selling hand-made, hand-crafted and artisan goods. See the full lineup of artists, restaurateurs and makers participating in August at mkenightmarket.com/september-vendors.

In the Educators Credit Union Entertainment Zone, see live music from Hanna Simone, a dance routine by KRUSH Dance Crew, a fire performance by Taylor Flows and a high-energy set from DJ Mando. Plus, hear smooth sounds by UREKA! featuring Nalani at the FPC Live Unplugged tent.

Swing by Baird Community Commons at the Baird Center for more music by EUREKA! at the FPC Live Unplugged tent, can’t-miss giveaways and more vendors. The fun continues at Vel R. Phillips Plaza with yard games, foosball tables and Draft & Co.’s Beer Garden Bazaar with even more vendors. Plus, visit the Milwaukee Brewers Art Alley next to the Bradley Symphony Center featuring a collaborative paint by numbers mural with local artist Olivia Lombardi, a trading card photo op, see your favorite Brewers mascots and more. See more details on all activations at mkenightmarket.com/special-activations-september.

Thanks to Interstate Parking, those coming downtown for the Night Market are encourages to take advantage of the $5 parking rate at The Avenue structure (entrances at 615 N. Plankinton Ave. and 258 W. Michigan St.). Guests should also consider using ride share services or public transit such as The Hop and MCTS to travel safely and responsibly.

W. Wisconsin Ave. will close at 10 a.m. for event set-up at 2nd St. and Vel R. Phillips Ave., along with mid-block closures on N. MLK Dr. between Wells St. and W. Wisconsin Ave. and Vel R. Phillips Ave. north and south of W. Wisconsin Ave. Streets will reopen after 11 p.m.

Additional sponsors of the 2026 Night Market include 310W, Absolut, ASQ, Bota Box, GRAEF, Gruber Law Offices, Potawatomi Casino Hotel and VISIT Milwaukee.

The final MKE Night Market of 2026 will be held on October 7, which is the rescheduled date for the June Market that was canceled due to severe weather. The Milwaukee Night Market provides a unique opportunity to gather on West Wisconsin Avenue, creating an environment for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to experience Milwaukee. You can view highlights past seasons of the Night Market at mkenightmarket.com/media.

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.

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