Ornament Trail returns to Downtown as part of Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
15 larger-than-life, hand-painted ornaments will be displayed throughout Downtown and the Third Ward
Nov 18th, 2024Festive Season Begins Downtown with Holiday Lights Festival kickoff extravaganza on Nov. 21 at Pere Marquette Park
Kickoff ceremony to feature fireworks, giveaways and performances from local entertainers
Nov 7th, 2024Downtown Milwaukee’s Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee moves to new Halloween Village at Baird Community Commons on Oct. 26
Downtown’s pumpkin palooza returns with more free goodies and a backdrop of seasonal lights
Oct 17th, 2024Halloween lights debut in Downtown Milwaukee as part of new Halloween Village at Baird Community Commons
Interactive displays and a giant, walkthrough pumpkin delighting families now thru Oct. 31
Oct 14th, 2024Work on three Riverwalk murals to begin this month
Downtown Placemaking Task Force announces artists behind four mural concepts
Oct 8th, 2024Milwaukee Downtown names its 2024 Downtown Achievement Award Winners
Key downtown projects and organizations recognized at Milwaukee Downtown’s 2024 State of Downtown
Oct 2nd, 2024Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival to brighten downtown visits Nov. 21 – Jan. 1
Six-week festival returns with over 500,000 lights, an ornament trail and other festive happenings
Sep 24th, 2024Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 to host State of Downtown meeting addressing successes, future of Downtown Milwaukee on Oct. 1
Meeting to be held at Baird Center with keynote address from David Downey, president and CEO of International Downtown Association
Sep 19th, 2024Design Services RFQ Issued for Red Arrow Park
Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 seeking qualified firm to lead the design and public engagement for this central space
Aug 28th, 2024Groundbreaking Ceremony Announced for Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park
Project leaders, public officials and sponsors to gather for first dig on Sept. 5
Aug 22nd, 2024Downtown Employee Appreciation Week returns August 19
Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 will host five days of free lunches, Office Challenge Games, giveaways and more
Aug 12th, 2024Milwaukee Downtown to host “Wrap Party” featuring giveaways and limited open tabs at local restaurants
Giveaways will be “unwrapped” all week as a thank you to the Downtown workforce and residents for welcoming tens of thousands of visitors to Milwaukee this month
Jul 19th, 2024Pedal-powered art brings fresh sights and sounds to Milwaukee’s RiverWalk
Light Lane becomes summer show-stopper on the RiverWalk at Chase Tower now through mid-August
Jul 15th, 2024Artists Sought for Multiple Permanent Murals Coming to Milwaukee’s Riverwalk
Four new murals of various sizes to enliven the walls along the Milwaukee Riverwalk
Jul 11th, 2024Isabel Ullrich joins Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 as new Marketing, Events and Social Media Manager
Jun 27th, 2024
Lunchtime Concerts Return to Downtown Milwaukee This Summer
Heart(beats) of the City powered by MGIC and PNC presents Tunes@Noon to bring free, midday melodies to public spaces downtown
May 31st, 2024Menu details released for 18th annual Downtown Dining Week
Lunch and dinner menus for 30+ restaurants now available online ahead of the May 30 – June 6 event
May 20th, 2024Downtown Dining Week returns May 30 – June 6
More than 30 downtown eateries will offer lunch and dinner specials during the annual event
Apr 30th, 2024‘Big Truck Day’ returns to Downtown Milwaukee‘Big Truck Day’ returns to Downtown Milwaukee on Saturday, May 18, celebrating National Public Works Week on Saturday, May 18, celebrating National Public Works Week
Dozens of big rigs from the Department of Public Works, Milwaukee Police Department and Milwaukee Fire Department will be on site at Red Arrow Park for kids to check out
Apr 25th, 2024Downtown Milwaukee’s Taste & Toast returns February 26 – March 1
Five nights of discounted bottles and bites available at more than 20 restaurants from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. nightly
Feb 15th, 2024Third Annual Downtown Ice CAPE-Ade Returns to Red Arrow Park
Skate with local and national heroes during the third annual Downtown Ice CAPE-ade at Red Arrow Park’s “Slice of Ice” rink
Jan 24th, 2024Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for Cocoa with the Clauses on Dec. 9
The free, family-friendly event will offer cookies, hot cocoa and photo ops at Cathedral Square Park
Nov 29th, 2023Pfister Hotel chosen for this year’s Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival ornament
Celebrating 130 years, the hotel joins a collection of downtown’s most revered landmarks depicted in the annual ornament cast in pewter by local artist Andrew Schumann.
Nov 20th, 2023Gabriel Yeager, Director of Public Space Initiatives, Leaving Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21
Nov 13th, 2023
Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival begins Nov. 16 with kickoff extravaganza
Kickoff ceremony to feature fireworks, Santa, and performances from local entertainers
Nov 2nd, 2023Milwaukee Downtown introduces new Holiday Lights Festival attraction: Ornament Trail
15 larger-than-life, hand-painted ornaments will be displayed along Wisconsin Avenue and Water Street.
Nov 1st, 2023Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival to dazzle downtown visitors, Nov. 16 – Jan. 1
Six-week festival to ring in holiday season with festive lights and jubilant happenings
Oct 9th, 2023Downtown Milwaukee hosts 2nd annual Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee on Oct. 28
Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 casts a spell on Red Arrow Park for a family-friendly Halloween event
Sep 20th, 2023Downtown Employee Appreciation Week kicks off August 14
Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 to host free lunches, Office Challenge Games, giveaways and more, Aug. 14 – 18
Aug 1st, 2023Downtown Shines with Two Art Experiences Planned for April 21 & 22
Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 to host “Light Club” and “Lights In Bloom” for a multisensory experience
Apr 11th, 2023Milwaukee Admirals announced as signature sponsor of downtown’s first dog park
Milwaukee’s professional hockey team joins Fromm Family Pet Foods and area businesses in advancing project
Apr 6th, 2023Downtown Milwaukee’s Taste & Toast returns February 27 – March 3
Five nights of discounted bottles and bites available at 18 restaurants from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. nightly
Feb 16th, 2023Superheroes and A Touch of Arendelle On Tap For Red Arrow Park’s “Slice of Ice” Rink
Downtown Ice CAPE-ade and “Broadway Skates” featuring Disney’s FROZEN among the themed skating events for February
Feb 9th, 2023“Lightfield” by HYBYCOZO coming to Cathedral Square Park in January
World-renowned art duo bringing 24 light-emitting sculptures to Milwaukee for an immersive experience
Dec 13th, 2022Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival kicks off Nov. 17 with magical lineup
Kickoff ceremony to feature holiday acts, fireworks and Santa at Pere Marquette Park
Nov 1st, 2022Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival to dazzle downtown visitors, Nov. 17 – Jan. 1
Seven-week festival to ring in holiday season with festive lights and jubilant happenings
Oct 20th, 2022Milwaukee Downtown names its 2022 Downtown Achievement Award winners
Key projects and downtown players recognized at Milwaukee Downtown’s 2022 annual meeting
Oct 19th, 2022Downtown Dining Week begins today, runs Sept. 8 – 15
“From steak and seafood to BBQ and global cuisine, there’s something for every palate on this year’s list of Downtown Dining Week participants,” said Beth Weirick, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21.
Sep 8th, 2022Downtown Dining Week Returns Sept. 8 – 15
The event features prix-fixe menus at $15 or $25 for lunch and $35 or $45 for dinner at 28 restaurants
Sep 2nd, 2022Downtown Dining Week sets the table for a September return
Annual feast returns September 8 – 15 with 25+ downtown eateries offering lunch and dinner specials
Aug 8th, 2022“Top Gun” movie night scheduled for Aug. 19 in downtown Milwaukee postponed
Jul 22nd, 2022
MKE Airport presents “Top Gun” film screening Downtown
Museum Center Park to host outdoor screening of the 1986 classic movie on National Aviation Day, August 19
Jul 20th, 2022Downtown Employee Appreciation Week kicks off August 15
Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 to host free lunches, Office Challenge Games, giveaways and more, Aug. 15 – 19
Jul 12th, 2022Milwaukee Downtown announces summer schedule, reveals Heart(beats) of the City series
“Summer in the City” campaign to bundle Downtown’s summer happenings and offer a staycation giveaway
Apr 28th, 2022Downtown Milwaukee’s Taste & Toast returns March 7 – 11
Five nights of discounted bottles and bites available at 15 restaurants from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. nightly
Feb 18th, 2022Public art elevated to a new level – two skywalk murals on the docket in downtown Milwaukee
Jan 26th, 2022
Cathedral Square Park to host Cocoa with the Clauses on Dec. 11
Free, family event featuring Santa, Mrs. Claus, cookies, hot cocoa, and photo ops galore
Dec 7th, 2021Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival to set Downtown aglow Nov. 18 – Jan. 1
Six-week festival bundles more than a half million lights and downtown’s most cherished happenings
Oct 21st, 2021Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park wins $25,000 Bark for Your Park™ grant
Fundraising campaign continues at www.mkedogpark.com
Sep 2nd, 2021Downtown Milwaukee to host “Inside Out Project: Citizenship for U.S.” on 16-city public art tour
Photo booth truck to visit Chase Tower at Water and Wisconsin on August 27
Aug 24th, 2021City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 announce project partners for Downtown Area Plan
P3 Development Group and TKWA among lead consultants
Aug 24th, 2021Public fundraising campaign for downtown Milwaukee’s first dog park officially kicks off
Donations now accepted at new website; Downtown Neighbors Association commits first fundraising pledge
Aug 18th, 2021Beginning tomorrow, Buskerfest brings music, magic and storytelling to downtown Milwaukee’s streets
Aug 5th, 2021
Downtown Milwaukee dog park project selected as a finalist for a 2021 PetSafe® Bark for Your Park™ Grant
Voting Period Runs Through August 31 — Ten U.S. Communities Will Win Funds to Build or Improve a Local Dog Park
Aug 3rd, 2021Rebecca Sue Button joins Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 as Marketing, Events and Social Media Director
Jul 21st, 2021
First annual “Buskerfest” brings music to downtown as part of Jumpst(ART) Downtown campaign
Featuring over 60 musicians performing nearly 100 hours of live music, Aug. 6 - 8
Jul 14th, 2021New box lunch campaign encourages downtown employers to support neighborhood eateries
Comeback Cuisine to inspire the purchase of 3,000 lunches from downtown restaurants within 30 days
Jun 3rd, 2020Downtown buildings to shine in red, white and blue as beacons of hope and strength
Mar 24th, 2020
Grab a bite and beverage during downtown Milwaukee’s Taste & Toast, March 2 – 6
Five nights of sipping and sampling at 25+ downtown Milwaukee restaurants
Feb 10th, 2020Cocoa with the Clauses returns to Cathedral Square Park on Saturday, Dec. 14
A free afternoon filled with outdoor winter fun and sweet treats for the whole family
Dec 9th, 2019Mauricio Ramirez wraps up large-scale mural on Community Advocates, Inc. building in heart of downtown Milwaukee’s Westown neighborhood
Community encouraged to help artist paint Tuesday and Wednesday; Ribbon-cutting ceremony slated for Thursday
Oct 21st, 2019Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival to illuminate downtown visits, Nov. 21 – Jan. 1
Six-week festival to bundle light displays and holiday happenings
Sep 30th, 2019James Davies
"You experience a city differently depending on how you move through it, and I think a bicycle is just about the best way."
Sep 16th, 2019Marilu Knode
"I am so impressed to see up-close all the incredible energy and investment that is happening in downtown."
Aug 29th, 2019Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 launches Downtown Community Perceptions Survey
The survey aims to understand how the community interacts with downtown Milwaukee and what perceptions are on downtown’s offerings, amenities, attractiveness and more.
Jul 11th, 2019Downtown Employee Appreciation Week kicks off July 22
Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 to host Downtown Employee Appreciation Week, July 22 - 26
Jul 9th, 2019Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 mixes up Thursday lunchbreaks with PNC presents Tunes@Noon
Courtyard concerts to be held at 411 East Wisconsin Center, June through September
Jun 18th, 2019Westown to blossom this summer with new gateway mural by Emma Daisy Gertel
Gertel will seek input from the community to design the final composition.
May 29th, 2019Milwaukee Downtown seeks artist applications for gateway mural in Westown
A request for qualifications has been issued seeking submissions from an artist or artist collective.
Mar 19th, 2019Grab a bite and beverage during downtown Milwaukee’s Taste & Toast, Feb. 25 – March 1
Five nights of sipping and sampling at 25+ downtown Milwaukee restaurants
Feb 4th, 2019Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 announces move to West Wisconsin Avenue
Downtown advocacy group signs 10-year lease at The Avenue
Jan 21st, 2019Milwaukee Downtown seeks Key to Change donations during season of giving
Ongoing campaign aims to end homelessness through an outreach coordinator and housing placements
Dec 19th, 2018Jingle Bus tour captures downtown Milwaukee’s lights and sights for $2
See downtown Milwaukee’s festive panorama with a 40-minute narrated tour, Thursdays through Sundays, until Dec. 30
Dec 7th, 2018Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival gives visitors “watts” of reasons to “glow” downtown
Six-week festival to bundle lighting displays and holiday happenings, Nov. 15 – Jan. 1
Oct 25th, 2018Downtown activates parking spaces into vibrant public spaces for one-day event
Parking spaces transformed for global movement, PARK(ing) Day, is Sept. 21
Sep 12th, 2018Downtown GO! Kart debuts on Wisconsin Avenue with tabletop games
The Downtown GO! Kart offers an assortment of games for all ages and skill levels to play.
Aug 21st, 2018Sample the city during Milwaukee’s 13th annual Downtown Dining Week
Three-course meal deals available at nearly 40 downtown establishments, May 31 – June 7
Apr 5th, 2018Follow Bob the dog’s “tail” of downtown exploration for a good cause
All proceeds from the book will go toward Key to Change, an initiative created by Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 to end chronic homelessness, in memory of Joe Weirick.
Mar 27th, 2018Savor the flavors of downtown Milwaukee during Taste & Toast, March 5 – 9
Five nights of sipping and sampling at 30 downtown Milwaukee restaurants
Feb 8th, 2018Santa and Mrs. Claus return to Cathedral Square Park for Cocoa with the Clauses on Saturday
A FREE afternoon filled with outdoor winter fun and sweet treats for the whole family
Dec 6th, 2017Area schools continue decorating Cathedral Square Park for Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival
“Community Spirit Park” at Cathedral Square Park is one of three downtown parks decorated for the Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival.
Nov 8th, 2017Milwaukee Downtown names its 2017 Downtown Achievement Award winners
Catalytic projects and downtown leaders were honored for their contributions to the central business district.
Oct 4th, 2017Downtown Activates 11 Metered Parking Spaces for One-Day Event Tomorrow
Parking spaces transformed for global PARK(ing) Day on Sept. 15
Sep 14th, 2017Downtown debuts Key to Change meters on Sept. 13 to aid in ending chronic homelessness
Seven parking meters retrofitted to collect coin donations for quality-of-life programs
Sep 11th, 2017Downtown employees to bask in week of summertime freebies and perks
Milwaukee Downtown to host Downtown Employee Appreciation Week, July 31 – Aug. 4
Jul 17th, 2017Wisconsin Avenue utility box mural project concludes with ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 11
All 10 utility box murals were composed and created by Mauricio Ramirez
Jul 3rd, 2017Milwaukee Downtown launches West Wisconsin Avenue audio walking tour
12-block tour highlights public art and historical buildings along the Avenue
Jun 14th, 2017Sculpture Milwaukee kicks off May 31 with mayoral proclamation, live entertainment and free lunch
Chase Tower at Water and Wisconsin to host ribbon-cutting ceremony from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
May 25th, 2017Statement Regarding Downtown Gentlemen’s Club
We have discussed this request with our property owners and tenants and cannot in good conscience recommend a Downtown location that would not be subject to adverse secondary effects.
Apr 24th, 2017Sample downtown Milwaukee’s flavor during Taste & Toast March 6 – 10
Five nights of discounted bottles and bites at 24 downtown Milwaukee restaurants
Feb 15th, 2017Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 announces design competition for Wisconsin Avenue utility boxes
The utility box mural installations will serve as the pilot initiative for Arts on Wisconsin Avenue.
Feb 1st, 2017Downtown Milwaukee’s holiday lights go bright November 17
Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kick-Off to feature switch-flipping ceremony, music and fireworks
Nov 3rd, 2016Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival to brighten downtown visits
Six-week festival to bundle lighting displays and holiday happenings, Nov. 17 – Jan. 1
Sep 7th, 2016Downtown Employee Appreciation Week Begins Monday July 25
The opening ceremony well be held at Red Arrow Park from 11:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Jul 22nd, 2016Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 among 15 new communities accepted into WEDC Downtown Revitalization Program
Program to help communities revitalize downtown and urban commercial districts
Jul 5th, 2016Milwaukee Downtown names its 2016 Downtown Achievement Award winners
At the conclusion of the annual meeting, catalytic projects and leaders were honored for their contributions to the central business district.
May 20th, 2016The Table is Set for Milwaukee’s 2016 Downtown Dining Week
Three-course meal deals at 44 downtown eateries June 2-9
Apr 18th, 2016Raise a glass to the return of Milwaukee Downtown’s Taste & Toast Feb. 29 – March 4
Five nights of bottles and bites at downtown Milwaukee restaurants
Jan 28th, 2016Downtown Milwaukee ignites its holiday cheer on November 19
Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kick-Off to feature switch-flipping ceremony, music and fireworks
Nov 11th, 2015Downtown Milwaukee ignites its holiday cheer on November 19
Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kick-Off to feature switch-flipping ceremony, music and fireworks
Oct 19th, 2015Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival to illuminate downtown Milwaukee
Six-week festival to bundle lighting displays and holiday happenings, Nov. 19 – Dec. 27
Aug 27th, 2015Downtown employees to enjoy week of summertime perks
Milwaukee Downtown to host Downtown Employee Appreciation Week July 27 – July 31
Jul 8th, 2015Milwaukee Trolley Loop adds vehicle and extends hours for July 3rd service
Downtown service to assist in alleviating congestion during Summerfest and U.S. Bank Fireworks
Jul 1st, 2015Downtown Dining Week kicks off June 4
Area foodies to dig into dining deals at over 45 restaurants
May 27th, 2015Downtown’s summer trolley bells will toll again beginning June 4
The service will run Thursdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., June 4 through Sept. 5.
May 27th, 2015Get a flavor for downtown Milwaukee during Downtown Dining Week 2015
Three-course meal deals at over 45 eateries to entice foodies June 4 – 11
Mar 30th, 2015Taste & Toast to lift spirits downtown beginning Monday
Five nights of specially priced bottles and bites at over 25 downtown Milwaukee restaurants
Feb 26th, 2015Milwaukee Downtown announces first Taste & Toast event March 2 – 6
Five nights of bottles and bites at downtown Milwaukee restaurants
Jan 29th, 2015Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 endorses Mayor’s streetcar plan
“The Milwaukee Streetcar is a game changer for downtown.”
Dec 8th, 2014Downtown Milwaukee turns on holiday cheer Thursday
Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival Kick-Off to feature music, dancing and fireworks in Pere Marquette Park
Nov 19th, 2014Milwaukee Downtown Names Matt Dorner as Economic Development Director
Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 has hired Matt Dorner as its new Economic Development Director
Sep 29th, 2014Downtown launches Dining Week and Milwaukee Trolley Loop tomorrow
Signaling the start of summer, Milwaukee Downtown, Business Improvement District #21 will roll out two programs tomorrow – Downtown Dining Week and the Milwaukee Trolley Loop.
Jun 4th, 2014Downtown trolleys begin summer loop Thursday
Milwaukee Trolley Loop – Thursdays through Saturdays, June 5 – September 6, 2014
Jun 2nd, 2014Downtown’s summer trolleys to ring again June 5
Downtown Milwaukee’s trolley service, the Milwaukee Trolley Loop presented by VISIT Milwaukee, will roll out Thursday, June 5.
Apr 18th, 2014Downtown restaurants prep for Downtown Dining Week 2014
Three-course meal deals to be served June 5 – 12 at 40 eateries
Apr 4th, 2014Downtown employees get a boost of appreciation
Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 to host Downtown Employee Appreciation Week July 29 – August 2
Jul 17th, 2013Downtown Dining Week kicks off next Thursday
40+ dining destinations to serve meal deals June 6 – 13
May 31st, 2013Downtown Milwaukee restaurants prep for Downtown Dining Week 2013
40+ dining destinations to serve meal deals June 6 – 13
Apr 11th, 2013Downtown Employee Appreciation Week kicks off Monday
Monday marks the start of the 7th Annual Downtown Employee Appreciation Week, July 30 – August 3.
Jul 26th, 2012Milwaukee Downtown names Steven Looft new Economic Development Director
Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 has hired Steven Looft as its first Economic Development Director.
Jul 25th, 2012Grand Theatre ticket booth transformed to meet needs of visitors and newcomers
Downtown Milwaukee is finding creative ways to revitalize Wisconsin Ave.
Jun 27th, 2012