Milwaukee Public Market Celebrates 20 Years at Annual Harvest Festival

Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Oct. 1, 2025) — The Milwaukee Public Market is celebrating its 20th anniversary at its annual Harvest Festival. This year’s event will take place Saturday, Oct. 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Riverwalk Commons, located across from the Market at 423 N. Water St. As the Market’s longest-standing tradition, Harvest Festival has become a fall favorite for families and visitors alike. Attendees can enjoy programming that embodies the spirit of the season, including:

• Free tastings of Lakefront Brewery’s pumpkin lager, tapped straight from a giant pumpkin
• Free tastings of fresh apple cider from the Market’s antique cider press
• Family-friendly activities such as scarecrow building, pumpkin painting, and a s’mores station
• Live music from bluegrass bands Pay the Devil and Bluegrass Allstars

Back again this year is the Mini-Harvest Market, featuring local growers and producers. Festivalgoers will have the chance to shop and sample seasonal goods such as fresh and caramel apples, maple syrup, cheese and more.

In addition, limited-edition anniversary merchandise featuring artwork by Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) student Eleri Extence will be available for purchase. The design was chosen by community vote from three student submissions created through the MIAD Innovation Lab. Two dollars from each item sold will be donated back to MIAD.

While the main celebration takes place outside at Riverwalk Commons, the festivities continue inside the Market. Visitors can find Harvest-themed items from Market vendors and try their hand at guessing the weight of a giant pumpkin.

“Harvest Festival is our way of thanking Milwaukee for supporting us,” said Paul Schwartz, Executive Director of Milwaukee Public Market and Business Improvement District #2. “This year is particularly meaningful as we celebrate and reflect on the past 20 years and what it means to continue supporting the Milwaukee and Historic Third Ward communities.” The Harvest Festival is free to attend, with optional donations supporting the Hunger Task Force.

The 2025 Harvest Festival is made possible thanks to 333 Water,Radio Milwaukee,Beer Capitol Distributing, Educators Credit Union, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Duckhorn Vineyards.

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.