East Town is the unofficial name for the area of downtown Milwaukee that is east of the Milwaukee River. The East Town Association is a member-based organization that represents the area.

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Content referencing East Town

Storm the Bastille 5K Returns July 9, 2026. Registration Now Open for 40th Anniversary Race
Press Release

Storm the Bastille 5K Returns July 9, 2026. Registration Now Open for 40th Anniversary Race

Milwaukee's only nighttime downtown run celebrates four decades with early bird pricing available through May

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Two East Town Bars, Restaurant Left in Limbo

Two East Town Bars, Restaurant Left in Limbo

Business group drops applications for sports bar, cocktail lounge and burrito restaurant.

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This Is It (1968-2025) Approved for State Historic Marker
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This Is It (1968-2025) Approved for State Historic Marker

Wisconsin's second LGBTQ historic landmark will be installed in summer 2026

The Barry Company Represents Seller in Successful Transaction of Downtown Milwaukee Office Property
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Trio of Downtown Bars, Restaurants Have New Owners

Trio of Downtown Bars, Restaurants Have New Owners

Business line-up near Cathedral Square poised for major shakeup.

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117 New Bars and Restaurants That Opened in Milwaukee in 2025

117 New Bars and Restaurants That Opened in Milwaukee in 2025

The variety, passion and fun on display make the city more exciting.

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National Pop-Ups Returning to Milwaukee Bars

National Pop-Ups Returning to Milwaukee Bars

Sippin' Santa and Miracle on 2nd St open later this month with festive drinks and decor.

Bar Exam: Your Office Is New and Truly Unique
Bar Exam

Your Office Is New and Truly Unique

Tons of office memorabilia and jokes, reasonably-priced drinks and food.

Recent Transactions – September and October
Eddie Sturkey to Step Down as Executive Director of East Town Association
Press Release

Eddie Sturkey to Step Down as Executive Director of East Town Association

After leading the organization through a period of revitalization, Sturkey will conclude his tenure to pursue new opportunities

Bastille Days Returns to Downtown Milwaukee July 9–12, 2026
Ouzo Cafe is Closed

Ouzo Cafe is Closed

The downtown restaurant closes after a 21-year run.

Cherry Street Bridge Reconstruction Is Millions Over Budget

Cherry Street Bridge Reconstruction Is Millions Over Budget

But city says it is still saving money. How?

Milwaukee Downtown names its 2025 Downtown Achievement Award Winners
Press Release

Milwaukee Downtown names its 2025 Downtown Achievement Award Winners

Key downtown projects and organizations recognized at Milwaukee Downtown’s 2025 State of Downtown

Entertainment: A Boo-eautiful Weekend Awaits
Entertainment

A Boo-eautiful Weekend Awaits

Halloween is two weeks away, but Halloween events start now.

Fall Gallery Night MKE is tomorrow (Oct. 17) and Saturday (Oct. 18)
Fall Gallery Night MKE Returns October 17 & 18
Grand Openings: New Bars and Restaurants That Opened in July
Grand Openings

New Bars and Restaurants That Opened in July

New wine, juice bars among new businesses now open.

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Entertainment: Bastille Days Storms Into Milwaukee
Entertainment

Bastille Days Storms Into Milwaukee

But don't miss the first Riverwest Blueberry Fest.

Downtown Steakhouse Becoming Cocktail Lounge

Downtown Steakhouse Becoming Cocktail Lounge

Carbon Steak will become The Conroy, offering small plates and craft cocktails.

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Entertainment: Drone Shows Will Light Up The Sky
Entertainment

Drone Shows Will Light Up The Sky

Plus: it’s the final weekend of Summerfest

Franchisee Shares Plans For Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Franchisee Shares Plans For Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Health-focused cafe is a good fit for Ogden Ave. neighborhood, says Yash Patel.

Tootsie’s Tea Moving to Near West Side

Tootsie’s Tea Moving to Near West Side

The small-batch tea shop is looking to consolidate operations, launch retail space.

Design Your Weekend: Summer Gallery Night MKE Returns July 18-19
Streetcar Will Run On Consolidated Route During Summerfest

Streetcar Will Run On Consolidated Route During Summerfest

Consolidated Festivals Line will bring every streetcar to lakefront.

Bastille Days Festival Returns to Cathedral Square July 17-20
Press Release

Bastille Days Festival Returns to Cathedral Square July 17-20

Festival features new local, French-inspired eateries offering raclette, brasserie fare and crêpes

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Lupi & Iris Owners Announce New Concept

Lupi & Iris Owners Announce New Concept

Planning a New York-style Italian restaurant at Northwestern Mutual’s North Building.

Downtown Bar Gets 20-Day Suspension

Downtown Bar Gets 20-Day Suspension

City cites 5 altercations and a Water Street 'melee' at longtime Brother's Bar.

My Office or Yours? New Bar Planned For Downtown

My Office or Yours? New Bar Planned For Downtown

Your Office will bring new life to vacant East Town building.

Cathedral Square Market Holds Extended Season
Press Release

Cathedral Square Market Holds Extended Season

New hours, new themes, and more ways to shop local

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Jazz in the Park Announces Eight Nights of Live Music in Cathedral Square
Press Release

Jazz in the Park Announces Eight Nights of Live Music in Cathedral Square

Milwaukee’s free concert series returns with a lineup of salsa, soul, indie rock & more

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Storm the Bastille 5k Run/Walk Returns July 17
Press Release

Storm the Bastille 5k Run/Walk Returns July 17

Milwaukee’s only nighttime run kicks off Bastille Days with a dash through downtown

Three-Way Standoff on Workforce Housing in Milwaukee

Three-Way Standoff on Workforce Housing in Milwaukee

Council, administration, developers seek solution between low-income and luxury.

Entertainment: Watch Out For The Milwaukee Marathon
Entertainment

Watch Out For The Milwaukee Marathon

Plus: Drone racing and Spring Gallery Night.

See New Options To Slim I-794 in Downtown or Make It A Boulevard

See New Options To Slim I-794 in Downtown or Make It A Boulevard

WI Department of Transportation has narrowed study to effectively two options.

Now Serving: Drag Shows Will Honor This is It
Now Serving

Drag Shows Will Honor This is It

Plus: Ballpark eats, a new Korean restaurant and the return of MobCraft.

Different Seafood Restaurant for East Town

Different Seafood Restaurant for East Town

Three-story restaurant has new name, will move from sushi to Louisiana cajun style.

Midwest SAD Finds Permanent Home in Walker’s Point

Midwest SAD Finds Permanent Home in Walker’s Point

New location, with expanded menu, is set to open in May.

Freeway-to-Boulevard Option Still On Table for 794 Rebuild

Freeway-to-Boulevard Option Still On Table for 794 Rebuild

But "it is too early" for the city to take a formal position says City Engineer. Downtown plan favors boulevard.

Entertainment: Indoor Events For An Ice Cold Weekend
Entertainment

Indoor Events For An Ice Cold Weekend

Plus: A onesie bar crawl?

City Advancing Street Reconfiguration Projects In Historic Third Ward

City Advancing Street Reconfiguration Projects In Historic Third Ward

Plus: New plaza to be named for Gary Grunau.

New Plaza, Protected Bike Lanes, Street Reconstructions Proposed

New Plaza, Protected Bike Lanes, Street Reconstructions Proposed

$33 million effort aims to improve Downtown, Historic Third Ward and Walker's Point.

Save the Date: Bastille Days & Storm the Bastille 2025
Press Release

Save the Date: Bastille Days & Storm the Bastille 2025

Same Bastille Days festival, brand new weekend!

See Inside Mutual Market, Opening Monday in East Town

See Inside Mutual Market, Opening Monday in East Town

New, high-end convenience store opening on Northwestern Mutual's downtown campus.

Entertainment: Pumpkins To Take Over Bay View
Entertainment

Pumpkins To Take Over Bay View

Plus: Flannel Fest and Gallery Night.

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City Hall: Cost Soars to Replace Milwaukee’s Least-Used Downtown Bridge
City Hall

Cost Soars to Replace Milwaukee’s Least-Used Downtown Bridge

How could project's cost rise by 80%, DPW is asked. Two reasons.

14th Annual Milwaukee Oktoberfest Returns to Cathedral Square Park
Press Release

14th Annual Milwaukee Oktoberfest Returns to Cathedral Square Park

Celebrate German Culture with Live Music, Authentic Food, and Festive Activities October 4-6

Officials Admit RNC Issues, But Say Event Was Success

Officials Admit RNC Issues, But Say Event Was Success

Hotel revenue surged and AT&T spent millions but some businesses say it was a bust.

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Urban Guide: Guide to Milwaukee Oktoberfest 2024
Urban Guide

Guide to Milwaukee Oktoberfest 2024

From beer releases to full-scale festivals, there's many ways and places to celebrate.

3 Businesses Celebrating August Anniversaries With Public Events

3 Businesses Celebrating August Anniversaries With Public Events

Amilinda, Gathering Place and Central Standard are gearing up for major milestones -- and parties to match.

Yummy Bones Joins Crossroads Collective, Exits Paper Table

Yummy Bones Joins Crossroads Collective, Exits Paper Table

The barbecue purveyor will replace Ready to Roll at the East Side food hall.

Council Kills Streetcar’s ‘Festivals Line’

Council Kills Streetcar’s ‘Festivals Line’

Improved access to lakefront came with delay for other riders.

Help Take Cathedral Square to the Next Level
Press Release

Help Take Cathedral Square to the Next Level

 Cathedral Square Friends is hosting a fundraiser to further our efforts to maintain and enhance the square.

Entertainment: Brady Street Festival Headlines Weekend of Post-Political Fun
Entertainment

Brady Street Festival Headlines Weekend of Post-Political Fun

Plus: Armenian Fest, Music on the Beerline, Black Cat Alley music series and more.

Entertainment: Bastille Days Headlines Pre-RNC Weekend
Entertainment

Bastille Days Headlines Pre-RNC Weekend

Plus: Pints with a Purpose, Frida Fest and a Black Cat Alley concert series.

Help Take Cathedral Square to the Next Level
Press Release

Help Take Cathedral Square to the Next Level

Cathedral Square Friends is hosting a fundraiser to further our efforts to maintain and enhance the square.

Street Parking Restrictions Begin For RNC

Street Parking Restrictions Begin For RNC

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

MCTS Updates RNC Bus Detours To Better Serve Downtown, Riders

MCTS Updates RNC Bus Detours To Better Serve Downtown, Riders

The initial plan left a 1.4-mile gap between stops on many routes.

Streetcar Will Use Festivals-Oriented Route Through Summer

Streetcar Will Use Festivals-Oriented Route Through Summer

Line makes it easier to access lakefront, but slower to travel north.

Fundraiser For Cathedral Square
Press Release

Fundraiser For Cathedral Square

Cathedral Square Friends is hosting a fundraiser to further our efforts to maintain and enhance the square.

See CNN, Fox News Plans To Transform Buildings For RNC

See CNN, Fox News Plans To Transform Buildings For RNC

Turner Hall and GATHER will become homes for CNN and Fox News.

Streetcar Route Changed Until Summerfest’s End

Streetcar Route Changed Until Summerfest’s End

'Festivals Line' merges two lines. Easier lakefront access, slower northern trips.

New Cafe Opens in East Town

New Cafe Opens in East Town

Bear & Bean on Jackson St. offers breakfast, lunch and Valentine coffee.

Bastille Days Returns July 2024
Press Release

Bastille Days Returns July 2024

Four-day French festival boasts enhanced entertainment lineup and French flair

Grand Openings: New Bars and Restaurants That Opened in May
Grand Openings

New Bars and Restaurants That Opened in May

14 new openings include a chicken shack, downtown bar and Mediterranean restaurant.

Lunchtime Concerts Return to Downtown Milwaukee This Summer
Press Release

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

The Hop’s Lines Will Merge For Easier Summerfest Service

The Hop’s Lines Will Merge For Easier Summerfest Service

'Festivals Line' will make it easier for first-time riders to get to lakefront.

Gallery Night MKE Showcases Summer Event July 19 & 20
Dining: Ouzo Café Is Classic Greek Fare
Dining

Ouzo Café Is Classic Greek Fare

Downtown restaurant has authentic cuisine in big and small plates.

Jazz in the Park is Back Thursday Nights Starting June 6
Press Release

Jazz in the Park is Back Thursday Nights Starting June 6

Ten weeks highlighting local musicians in Cathedral Square Park

Reset & Recharge at the Cathedral Square Market
Press Release

Reset & Recharge at the Cathedral Square Market

Downtown Milwaukee wellness market opens June 2 and runs most Sundays until Sept. 29

New Steakhouse Planned For East Town

New Steakhouse Planned For East Town

Restaurant 801 would open at corner of E. Wells and N. Jefferson streets.

Midwest Sad Opening East Town Location

Midwest Sad Opening East Town Location

Nostalgic bakery and cafe will welcome customers on May 1.

Entertainment: Gallery Night, Zines and Record Store Day
Entertainment

Gallery Night, Zines and Record Store Day

Plus: The second weekend of the Milwaukee Film Festival.

Mason Street Grill Adds Brunch

Mason Street Grill Adds Brunch

Eggs benedict, lobster omelets and four types of bloody marys now available at the steakhouse.

Convenience Store Coming to Northwestern Mutual Campus, Starbucks Moving

Convenience Store Coming to Northwestern Mutual Campus, Starbucks Moving

Public-facing store will offer snacks, grab-and-go items and more.

Now Serving: Two Milwaukee Coffee Shops Expanding
Now Serving

Two Milwaukee Coffee Shops Expanding

Colectivo and Discourse opening new cafes in and outside the city. Plus: all the week's dining and bar news.

Nostalgia-Inducing Bakery Midwest Sad Is Opening A Downtown Carryout Counter

Nostalgia-Inducing Bakery Midwest Sad Is Opening A Downtown Carryout Counter

The bakery and treat shop will open a permanent location in East Town.

Central Standard and Leinenkugel’s Launching Ready-To-Drink Cocktail

Central Standard and Leinenkugel’s Launching Ready-To-Drink Cocktail

The canned drink features locally-made North Brandy from Central Standard.

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