Baird Center

Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee Comes To Baird Center

Event relocates from Red Arrow Park. Plus: Much more across the city.

Visit Milwaukee’s Latest Collaboration with Milwaukee Bucks’ Star Bobby Portis Jr. Showcases Newly Expanded Baird Center

Downtown 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

Halloween 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

Monster Trucks Will Roar Downtown This Weekend

But peace and quiet will be found at HKE MKE.

Story of Milwaukee: An Interactive Greenhouse Experience

New Study – Gun Death in Wisconsin – Released by Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort (WAVE) Educational Fund and Violence Policy Center

Guns claimed 830 Wisconsin lives in homicides, suicides, and unintentional deaths, according to latest data

Milwaukee Ranked No. 3 Best Big City in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler Readers for the Second Year in a Row

Beets, Tattoos, Oktoberfest and a Pet Parade

A weekend of fun for people of all interests.

Milwaukee Downtown names its 2024 Downtown Achievement Award Winners

Key downtown projects and organizations recognized at Milwaukee Downtown’s 2024 State of Downtown

Milwaukee Named 2024 World Festival & Event City by the International Festivals & Events Association

Details Announced for Wild Card Games 1 and 2 on Tuesday and Wednesday

Brewers, Mets Begin National League Wild Card Series Tomorrow at American Family Field

Aycha Sawa Faces New Challenges as MPS Financial Officer

New CFO faces tough financial issues and sometimes tricky politics.

Milwaukee 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

Milwaukee County Pursuing Federal Funding to Advance Economic Development Project at Mitchell International Airport

Connect Marketplace Highlights Milwaukee as Convention Site

3 day event at Baird Center showcases city to some 1,000 meeting planners across U.S.

Milwaukee Welcomes Connect Marketplace 2024

In premier showcase event for Baird Center expansion, this conference will bring over 1,000 meeting planners to Milwaukee for week of meetings and networking events

Milwaukee Will Host ‘Super Bowl’ of Meetings… in 2034

Despite decade wait, Visit Milwaukee says hosting ASAE convention is a touchdown.

The Ethnic and Diverse Business Council Launches New Exclusive Digital Platform to Position Wisconsin’s Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Businesses for Success

Innovative online portal connects Wisconsin businesses with Fortune 500 companies seeking diversity in their supply chains and vendor pools

RNC Host Says Visitors, Locals Need To Spread Across Downtown

"It's quieter than I would like it to be," says host committee COO. MMAC encourages long-term view.

RNC Preview – Day 3, Wednesday July 17

Plus: A recap of day two.

RNC Preview – Day 2, Tuesday July 16

Our daily guide to what to expect, and where. And a look at what happened on Day One.

RNC Build Out Takes Over Westown

Here a tent, there a fence, everywhere an elephant image.

Street Parking Restrictions Begin For RNC

But parking structures are still available, as are alternative modes of transportation.

7 Businesses Located Inside RNC ‘Hard Zone’

They will only serve RNC attendees, not the general public during convention.

RNC Will Build on Milwaukee’s Growing Visibility, Tourism Leader Says

Visit Milwaukee’s CEO Peggy Williams-Smith salutes city's 'swagger,' rising tourism.

See Detailed RNC Street Closures, Demonstration Zones

'The city of Milwaukee is open for busines,' but you're going to want to plan ahead to come Downtown.

Actual Fractals, Act II

Milwaukee Saw Record-Breaking Tourism in 2023

Helping propel Wisconsin to back-to-back record-breaking years.

Effort To Ban Guns From Area Around RNC Fails

Ald. Robert Bauman wanted to challenge state law, but his colleagues demur.

Secret Service, City Find Themselves Targeted By Protesters, Republicans

Republicans want alternative to Pere Marquette Park. ACLU announces lawsuit.

New Northwest Side Taproom Opens Friday

Plus: A kite festival, oddities expo and a suburban festival hosted by a world-champion speed skater.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee Honors Nettles, Community Members and Organizations

MVP Salute to Youth, presented by Associated Bank, raised $1.23 Million for Milwaukee’s youth

Visit Milwaukee Celebrates National Travel & Tourism Week with Promotions & Activations

Big Truck Day Returns To Red Arrow Park

Plus: Metal Fest, Maifest and Baird Center open house.

$456 Million Baird Center Opens With Big Promises, Vision

100,000 more visitors every year, billions more in spending. See it yourself on Saturday.

Public Can Tour Baird Center Expansion

Open house for expanded convention center is May 18; event is free.

Draft & Vessel Owner Plans Cafe at Vel R. Phillips Plaza

Entrepreneur Nat Davauer has big plans for key downtown space.

Competitive Drone Racing Comes To Pettit Center

Plus: Estabrook Beer Garden opens and a westside art walk.

See Inside The Massive Baird Center Expansion

Crews are putting finishing touches, hanging art at $456 million project.

RNC Says Event, Restaurant Bookings Should Begin Soon

Why is pace of bookings behind those for Democratic convention in Chicago?

Midwest Gaming Classic Will Pack Baird Center

Plus: Batter up for one brewery's anniversary party.

First Stage announces date for next year’s Make Believe Ball: Saturday, May 10, 2025

Milwaukee’s premier black-tie event for the entire family will be held at Baird Center

The MPS World Fair Returns to Downtown Milwaukee

Over 2,400 students will honor countries and cultures from around the world

RNC Security Zone Revealed

Zone will cover portion of Downtown in July, with multiple layers of access.

Eitel Cancels Plans For Vel Phillips Plaza Cafe After Council Questions, Public Opposition

After Milwaukee Turners "pilloried" Eitel on Tuesday, things appear to have snowballed behind the scenes.

Baird Center Selects Artists, Works To Be Displayed

Who are 21 artists and artistic teams to be featured at expanded convention center?

Plan Would Improve Red Arrow Park, Overhaul Two Downtown Streets

And use downtown property taxes to bail out Century City TIF district.

Dinosaurs, RVs and Owls Bring In The New Year

Yes, it's an eclectic mix of events kicking off 2024.

The Salvation Army To Provide Christmas Day Dinner in Milwaukee

Event presented by the Forest County Potawatomi Foundation

Milwaukee Plans Big 2024 Early Voting Push

City will have at least nine early voting sites, including some new and expanded ones.

VISIT Milwaukee Announces New Hires, Increasing Ability to Capitalize on Milwaukee’s Momentum and Expanded Baird Center

Diverse businesses and leaders honored at 2023 MARKETPLACE

Governor’s Awards recognize excellence in business

Hundreds of National Media Members Descend On Milwaukee For RNC Preview

Republican Party, local host committee hold media walkthrough in advance of 2024 convention.

17 businesses named as finalists for 2023 MARKETPLACE Wisconsin awards

Winners will be announced at Dec. 7 conference

Wine Festival Will Uncork The Weekend

Plus: To Kill A Mockingbird at Marcus Center, Oddities Expo and Junkin' Market Days

Milwaukee’s Three Streetcar Extensions Need Mayoral Direction

Extensions to Fiserv Forum, East Side, Walker's Point and Bronzeville need local funding source.

Milwaukee 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.

Council Wants New Deal, Says Convention Center ‘Outsmarted’ City

No revenue sharing payments to city expected for next two years under 2020 deal.

Baird Center announces charitable partners for Grand Opening Gala

United Way and UPAF to benefit from proceeds of May 16, 2024 celebration

Downtown Gets New ‘Girl in the Moon’ Mural

Plus: New hotel opens and a recap of the week's real estate news.

Cheese Curds and Paranormal Conference Headline Weekend

But King Tut is also coming to town.

Baird Center announces production team for Grand Opening Gala

The gala will be held on May 16, 2024

Tattoos, Beets and a Pet Parade?

The Brewers are done, but the weekend still promises lots of fun.

Milwaukee named a top-three U.S. large city in Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards

Reader vote amplifies recent national recognition for Milwaukee, coming off a record year for tourism

2023 Women’s Convention Set to Take Place in Milwaukee to Bring Together Feminist Advocates in Preparation for 2024 Elections

Event Kicks Off 2024 Election Season with Abortion Rights, Democracy Front & Center in Fight to Shape the Future of the Country

Diverse businesses encouraged to attend MARKETPLACE Wisconsin

Discounted early-bird registration available through Nov. 1

Vel R. Phillips Plaza Takes Shape

New downtown park aims to spur nearby development and create a sense of community.

Get Ready For The Cultures & Communities Festival

From principal Ava Coleman to Charlie Sykes, there is event or film for every taste.

How Milwaukee Could Have Hosted The 2028 Summer Olympics

New book by veteran radio broadcaster reveals how this dream could have become reality.

Milwaukee Businesses Pitch Republicans

300 businesses at Baird Center seek customers and contacts for 2024 convention.

Deer District Venue Downsized, But New Hotel Could Join It

Plus: Wine distributor sets up shop on Bradley Rd. and a recap of week's real estate news.

‘Polka Time!’ Escalator Gets Celebratory Sendoff

The 'Polkalator' gave its final ride Friday afternoon.

Polka Time! (1998-2023) Deaccession Ceremony on Friday, August 18th

Baird Name Will Be Added Atop U.S Bank Center

Financial company extends its lease of nearly half of Wisconsin's tallest building.

Downtown’s $456 Million Construction Project

Steel structure for expanded convention exhibition hall being assembled.

Will Deer District Concert Halls Hurt City?

Will proposed venues bring more concerts to town or crush its current concert promoters?

$420 Million Convention Center Expansion Moving Forward

Biggest construction project in Milwaukee is just under two years from completion.

Wisconsin Center Expansion Over Budget

WCD exploring value engineering, additional bonding, federal grants and cutting features.

Inside Milwaukee’s Biggest Construction Project

Mayor, Wisconsin Center CEO tour convention center expansion. Johnson says Milwaukee will land RNC.

Wisconsin Center Skywalk Design Okayed

New skywalk would accommodate expanded convention center. And future streetcar line.

Skywalk Between Hyatt Regency and Wisconsin Center Demolished

A new skywalk will be constructed in its place.

WCD Celebrates Start of Convention Center Expansion

$420 million project is intended to boost business, fully realize Wisconin Center's potential.

Construction Ramping Up on Wisconsin Center Expansion

Plus: A recap of the week's real estate news.

Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Opens Friday

'Gogh This Way' to the Wisconsin Center's new immersive experience.

See Inside Convention Center Expansion

Plus: A recap of the week's real estate news.

Who Wants To Name the Wisconsin Center?

National group hired to sell naming rights as part of center's expansion plan.

City Shows Off Wisconsin Center Vaccination Hub

Public could be vaccinated there in future weeks. Effort starting with frontline workers.

Recount Will Be at Wisconsin Center, Streamed Live

Just where does that $2 million go? We examine.

Wisconsin Center Gives Final Approval for $420 Million Expansion

District will issue bonds this year in order to complete expansion in 2024.

DNC Security Costs Down 50 Percent

Event will cost $20 to $25 million to secure, feds will reimburse city.

Virtual DNC Dims City’s Moment in the Sun

Lost chance to show Milwaukee can compete with the bigger cities.

City Approves Wisconsin Center Deal

Expansion approved and could pay $1 million per year to Milwaukee. But Bauman, others doubt it.

Convention Center, State Fair Park Could Become 1,200 Bed Facilities

"Alternative care sites" could be operated by federal government.

Convention Center District Authorizes $420 Million Expansion, Raises Hotel Tax

District still aiming for 2023 opening even though bonds can't be sold.

Wisconsin Center Faces 50% Revenue Cut

But CEO Marty Brooks still pushing to expand center, issue bonds during pandemic.

City Could Get Cash From Convention Center Expansion

Wisconsin Center District still pushing for expansion even though it can't sell bonds.

Council Delays Convention Expansion?

9-4 vote seeks to prevent convention center expansion during pandemic.

Convention Center Expansion Paused

Market uncertainty will prevent necessary bond sale to finance Wisconsin Center expansion.

Renderings Released for Convention Center Expansion

District board releases final design of expanded Wisconsin Center.

City Wants $5 Million of Hotel Tax Per Year

Council may rescind support for convention center expansion without its historic cut of tax restored.

City Okays Convention Center Expansion

Cost of $300 to $375 million. Murphy questions whether it will fill more hotel rooms.

Wisconsin Center District Announces Architectural Team for Wisconsin Center Expansion

International Firm tvsdesign and Milwaukee-Based Eppstein Uhen Architects (EUA) Selected

New Apartments Near Streetcar Line

Plus: Where does the Strauss deal stand? State office building moving forward.

Convention Center Expansion Advances

No new taxes used, with grand opening planned for 2023.

State Aids Convention Center Expansion

Plus: Affordable housing developer buys south side site, Irgens plan to redevelop M&I building

Convention Center Expansion Inches Forward

Wisconsin Center District hiring Morgan Stanley as banker.

Wisconsin Center District Updates Timeline for Completion of the Wisconsin Center

The WCD funding subcommittee has reviewed the submissions and has identified Morgan Stanley as the lead investment banking firm for the potential debt offering.

Evers Budget Overlooks Convention Center

Wisconsin Center District plans downtown expansion by 2020, still hopes for state funding.

City Extending Streetcar to Convention Center

Short extension can be built without federal funds, adding more ridership.

About That New Convention Center Plan

Renderings for expansion look beautiful, but where’s the money?

Edens: Bucks will develop master plan for arena development

Arena district board hires team to negotiate Milwaukee Bucks lease, bond issue

SpringHill Suites Marriott Hotel

New 150-room downtown hotel will be connected to convention center.

Wisconsin Center District Board Approves Milwaukee Arena Team

The WCD Board unanimously approved the Chairman’s selections.

Bucks will break ground on arena in November, owners say, but when will real work begin?

New Bucks Arena Approved

City completes final step of financing puzzle for new Bucks arena.

Street Closing on Arena Agenda

Murphy makes appointments to WCD board; City to retain naming rights for garage

Milwaukee Bucks arena funding likely to win Common Council support

Jobs Lacking After State Subsidy of Kohl’s

After qualifying for up to $62.5 million in state taxpayer subsidies, the retail giant is falling short of creating jobs and making capital investments

Disagreement on closing street could affect Bucks arena plan

Ald. Murphy seeks stronger non-relocation clause in Bucks arena lease

Bucks, Ald. Bauman at loggerheads on street-closing near arena

City panel OKs $47 million for Bucks arena; opening may be delayed to 2018

Governor Scott Walker Announces Three Appointments to Wisconsin Center District Board

Today, Governor Scott Walker announced three appointments to the Wisconsin Center District Board.

Many Killed by Teens Illegally Carrying Guns

Laws make possession illegal, but 6% of MPS teens reported having guns.

Going Crazy in Solitary

Psychologist studied effects of isolation on many prisoners; the findings are grim.

Downtown Milwaukee SpringHill Suites set for spring 2016 opening

Should City Approve Subsidy for Bucks Arena?

The costs keep rising. And the benefits seem iffy.

Making Friends With a Fly

Prisoner's 360 days in "the hole" shows impact of solitary confinement.

Brewery Collectibles Club “CANvention” makes history in Milwaukee Sept 2-5

Show open to public on Saturday, Sept 5

City comptroller recommends approval of Milwaukee Bucks arena plan

Wisconsin Curbs Solitary Confinement

State joins national reform movement, but prisoner advocates say more could be done.

Historic Brewery Bike Tour on Tap this Weekend

Hop Head Beer Tours build interest in Milwaukee

Why Wisconsin’s a Magnet for Wild Animals

It's one of five states with no laws against keeping dangerous animals as pets.

Police Fleet Expo 2015 Draws 1,500 to Milwaukee Aug 18-21

Expo at Wisconsin Center / Ride & Drive event in Oak Creek

Governor Scott Walker Signs Senate Bill 209, Relating to Milwaukee Bucks Arena

Senate Bill 209 – relates to the appropriation of funds to construct a sports and entertainment arena and related facilities in Milwaukee.

Will Bucks Break Their Lease?

Why the new arena deal will not lock down the franchise in Milwaukee

Milwaukee Irish Fest to Turn Milwaukee Green

Area Landmarks to Help Celebrate 35 Years of World’s Largest Irish Festival

Is Abele Dumping the Marcus Center?

Its takeover by new “Super District” running Bucks arena looks fishy.

More Problems at Gov. Walker’s Jobs Agency

Two companies fail after getting $1.4 million from WEDC.

Cost for Taxpayers In Latest Bucks Deal?

Bucks gave ground. But it’s still a huge bite for taxpayers.

Locations of Next 35 Bike Stations Announced

New Bublr stations will blanket East Side with other locations in 12 neighborhoods. Here is complete list.

Bucks Arena Winners and Losers

We count 33 winners, from strip clubs to Scott Walker to the streetcar, and 12 losers, including Frank Gimbel, the Brewers and Seattle.

Northwestern Mutual Annual Meeting Draws 10,000 to Milwaukee Venues

Annual event for Milwaukee-based financial security company to pump about $12.9 million into local economy

Sen. Taylor statement on Senate passage of Bucks arena deal

"This is about more than basketball"

Wind Turbines Threaten Bats Here

Study shows they kill about 1 million per year and Wisconsin has some of region's largest bat hibernation sites.

Walker Admits Role in Curbing Open Records

Fitzgerald says governor involved and Walker’s office admits his role. Legislative drafting notes hid the authors.

Wisconsin Center District excluded from arena hearing

The district was the only financial partner of the deal excluded from speaking at today’s hearing.

Walker Still Mum On Role Curbing Public Records

Legislature's proposal used language previously crafted by Walker administration, but governor and Vos won't discuss governor's involvement. Update of story published on July 3rd.

Republican Leadership Fumbles the Ball on Arena Funding; Time for Plan B.

Statement from Alderman Robert J. Bauman July 2, 2015

Supervisor Weishan Calls Out County Executive on Selling Out Taxpayers

Weishan Calls Giving Away County Assets Irresponsible

The City’s Real Costs for Bucks Arena

The exact total is unknown, but will be much higher than media has reported.

Communication Breakdown at Milwaukee County?

Will Wisconsin Center District take over the Marcus Center? Frustrated supervisors grill Abele administration and get nowhere.

How Abele Bailed Out Walker

Governor made fatal error on Bucks arena, but Abele volunteered county taxpayers to solve the problem.

After Bartolotta anecdote, Northwestern Mutual denies moving agents convention from Milwaukee

342 More Apartments Approved

New projects approved for Water Street and East Side. Plus, a 120-unit complex coming to Walker's Point would increase total to 462 apartments.

Arena funding plan would kill convention center expansion, officials say

President Murphy schedules committee briefing on arena funding plan

Statement of Common Council President Michael J. Murphy

Cheaper to Keep Them: State and Local Arena Plan

For every dollar the state invests, state taxpayers will get a $3 return through income tax revenue

Data Calls into Question Fairness of WEDC’s Jobs Impact

Partisan imbalance found in WEDC’s own data

VISIT Milwaukee Launches MKE Toolkit

“Selling Milwaukee” Made Easy for Local Businesses

Arena Funding Plan on Life Support; Time for Plan B

Statement of Alderman Robert J. Bauman June 2, 2015

Bucks Bailout Gets Even Bigger

And the proportion paid by local taxpayers keeps rising, which the Journal Sentinel still doesn't report.

Arena Plan is Massive Tax Shift to Milwaukee

County taxpayers will pay far more than predicted, as state legislators back away from the deal.

Cuts In DNR Scientists Could Hurt Walleye Fishing

Longterm DNR efforts to reverse Walleye decline in state lakes could be hurt by Walker's proposed cuts.

SpringHill Suites entering downtown hotel market

Downtown’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.

Dee J. Hall named first managing editor of Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism

Hall becomes the first managing editor of WCIJ

We Must Imitate Other Cities

New study says we must build a Bucks arena and bigger convention center. But its data actually tells a much different story.

How to Fix Wisconsin Avenue’s Black Hole

Creative Alliance Milwaukee has plans to activate 4th and Wisconsin. Will they work?

We Want a New Arena!

Bradley Center rally organized by MMAC featured five speakers touting the benefits of building a taxpayer-subsidized NBA arena.

Developers buy downtown Milwaukee office for $17M hotel conversion

Weishan Pushes Ahead With Arena Resolutions

"Now is the Time to Speak Up" on Funding for New Arena, He Says

Bradley Center, Wisconsin Center efforts should go hand-in-hand

Alderman Witkowski news conference will call for changes in board structures

Office building near convention center to be converted to hotel

Sup. Weishan “Disappointed” That Committee Does Not Take Up Arena Referendum Resolution

Says Public Deserves Right to Express Itself on New Arena, Wisconsin Center Expansion

Supervisor John Weishan, Jr., Praises Judiciary Committee for Approval of Referendum on Sales Tax for New Downtown Arena

Resolution Calls for Public Voice in Arena Decision

County Executive Abele Celebrates the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele will attend a number of events Sunday and Monday to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Pheasants Forever Taking “National Pheasant Fest” Event to Milwaukee in 2014

Wisconsin Center to host nation’s largest upland event

Did Sue Black Pay Nothing to “Buy” Wave Team?

The Milwaukee Wave has been a money loser, which might explain why she paid little, and why she's under pressure to turn the team around.

County Executive Abele Celebrates the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele will attend a number of events Sunday and Monday to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Important Hoan Bridge and Milwaukee Streetcar Meetings this Week

This week there are two important public meetings regarding the future of Milwaukee's built environment.

Rethinking and Expanding Milwaukee’s Frontier Airlines Center (Delta Center)

The Frontier Airlines Center performs an important function for the Milwaukee region as a whole, bringing thousands of people to Milwaukee for conventions both big and small. It helps inject life into downtown by filling hotel rooms, restaurants, and bars. The convention center building itself though lacks that vitality.

What’s Milwaukee?

Thou art thyself, though not Milwaukee. What’s Milwaukee? It is not block nor building, not park or plaza or any other part belonging to a city. Would a city by any other name have so much potential? So Milwaukee would, if not Milwaukee called, retain that dear structure which it owns without that title. What is in the name Milwaukee anyway? Fortuitously, the name is derived from the Algonquian word Millioke, which literally means “good/beautiful/pleasant land”.

Buffett Tour on Hold

“Spirit – The Seventh Fire” has been put on hiatus.

My Campaign Blog

Two hundred fifty bucks or a free press pass?

The Truth About the Di Suvero Sculpture

It's been amusing to see all the hand wringing by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel as to whether we dare move the Di Suvero sculpture.

Rally ‘Round the Convention Center, Boys

It was a mere three years ago that the Midwest Express Center opened, as a state-of-the-art solution to the city's convention needs.

Will A New Soccer Stadium Help or Hurt the Bucks?

The proposal to build a soccer stadium downtown adds another complication to what has become a political minefield around the proposed Bradley Center renovation.

Is David Skiles Stalling Efforts to Save the Bucks?

Community leaders seem to agree the Bradley Center and Wisconsin Center should combine forces to save the Milwaukee Bucks.

Personal Foul – Norquist Loses Points With the Business Community

The Greater Milwaukee Committee thinks it's found a way to get more revenue for the Milwaukee Bucks.