Big Truck Day Returns to Downtown Milwaukee on Saturday, May 16
Red Arrow Park to host to dozens of big rigs from the Department of Public Works, Milwaukee Police Department, and Milwaukee Fire Department
Big Truck Day. Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Downtown BID #21.
MILWAUKEE (May 8, 2026) – For the fifth year in a row, Milwaukee Downtown BID #21 is partnering with the City of Milwaukee to host Big Truck Day on Saturday, May 16 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Red Arrow Park. The free event provides kids and families with the opportunity to explore dozens of big rigs from the Department of Public Works, Milwaukee Fire Department, Milwaukee Police Department, and Milwaukee County Transit System.
At the event, kids will have the opportunity to not only check out the trucks and equipment, but also meet the people who operate the machinery. Featured Public Works’ vehicles will include a front-end loader, road patcher, street sweeper, grapple saw, plow truck, trackless skid steer, and more. Milwaukee Police Department will have a mounted patrol unit, squad car, and BearCat tactical enforcement vehicle. Milwaukee Fire Department will have a fire engine and its mobile Survive Alive House unit for exploration. Milwaukee County Transit System will showcase a bus and Milwaukee Public Library will have an outreach vehicle present. Plow trucks, a dump truck, a John Deere Wheel Loader, and two semi-trucks will also be on-site, thanks to event sponsors.
In addition to the sights and sounds, family-friendly activities will include arts and crafts with Artists Working in Education (A.W.E.), free face painting, a book sale with Friends of the Milwaukee Public Library, and a performance by 2000 & Late. Kids will also have the chance to play lawn games and take photos with costumed characters. A food truck park offering a variety of meals and snacks for families will be on site. Plus, there will be numerous giveaways during the event, including 1,000 construction-themed goodie bags, as well as construction hats and vests on a rotating schedule throughout the event.
Mayor Cavalier Johnson will provide opening remarks at 11:15 a.m. Big Truck Day is held in advance of National Public Works Week, which will occur May 17 – 23. The week is dedicated to honoring the individuals in public works who keep cities running smoothly.
“We’re thrilled to welcome families to the 5th annual Big Truck Day,” said Daisy Perez, Placemaking and Program Manager for Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21. “This action-packed event returns with more big rigs and massive machines, giving kids a chance to learn about the people and tools that keep our city clean, safe, and welcoming.”
The event will be staged in and around Red Arrow Park. Street closures include Water Street from Kilbourn Avenue to State Street, State Street from Water Street to Market Street, and Kilbourn Avenue from Water Street to Market Street. Attendees are encouraged to park at the 1000 N. Water Street parking structure where parking will be $3.
To provide a quality experience for all guests, a sensory-friendly hour will be offered from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., at which time no horns or sirens will take place.
For more information on Big Truck Day, visit www.milwaukeedowntown.com. If weather is inclement, a rain date is scheduled for Saturday, May 30.
Big Truck Day is supported by the Office of Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Department of Public Works, Milwaukee Fire Department, Milwaukee Police Department, Milwaukee County Transit System, Friends of the Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee County Parks, and Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21. It is sponsored by Brooks Tractor, Truck Country, RNOW, Lakeside International Trucks, Casper’s Truck Equipment, Kriete, Monroe Trucks, and Events By Design.
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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