Shakers Cigar Bar Celebrates 40 Years with a Summer of Rooftop Events, Live Music, and Immersive Experiences

Milwaukee, WI — Shakers Cigar Bar, one of Milwaukee’s most iconic and storied destinations, is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a full season of events, programming, and experiences designed to carry guests through the summer and beyond. Marking four decades in Walker’s Point, the anniversary will be celebrated not with a single event, but with an ongoing series of curated experiences—spanning dining, live music, immersive tours, and rooftop gatherings. With additional announcements expected throughout the season, Shakers’ summer calendar is set to unfold in stages, offering something new for both longtime patrons and first-time visitors.

The season begins with a Derby Day Rooftop Celebration on Saturday, May 2, where guests are invited to watch the Kentucky Derby before continuing the evening across Shakers’ tri-level rooftop. Signature cocktails—including Mint Juleps, Kentucky Mules, and a Bourbon Pineapple Smash—set the tone, followed by a live performance from Clarissa, bringing soul and funk to the rooftop from 8–11 PM.

On May 10, Shakers’ Whorin’ 20s Walking Tour returns for the season. This outdoor experience explores Milwaukee’s Prohibition-era vice district through immersive storytelling and has become one of the Midwest’s most talked-about bachelorette activities. The tour runs seasonally and offers a distinctive look into the city’s layered past, with the bride attending complimentary for group bookings.

The summer continues with the Father’s Day Rooftop Cigar Dinner on June 20, a multi-course dining experience set against the backdrop of the rooftop. Designed as an evening to settle into, the event brings together curated dishes, thoughtful pairings, and an atmosphere that reflects Shakers’ long-standing approach to hospitality.

Beyond these featured events, Shakers is home to Hangman Tours, a collection of immersive experiences that explore the darker and more storied side of Milwaukee:

• The Original Ghost Tour — A nightly journey through true accounts of spirits, secrets, and the presence said to remain
• The Cream City Cannibal Tour — A deeper look into one of Milwaukee’s most infamous true crime cases
• Ghost Hunting 2.0 — A hands-on paranormal investigation using interactive tools and guided exploration
• The Haunted Penthouse — A private, year-round experience in the building’s most storied suite

These tours, along with tarot readings on Friday and Saturday evenings, create a consistent rhythm of weekly programming—where a visit can easily evolve into a full evening.

Live music will also play a central role in the 40th anniversary celebration, with performances scheduled throughout the summer. Artists and dates will be announced on a rolling basis, contributing to a growing lineup that emphasizes atmosphere, discovery, and return visits. With rooftop season approaching, guests can expect an evolving calendar of outdoor programming to be revealed throughout the summer months.

At the core of the experience is a menu 40 years in the making—inspired by global travel and refined over decades. Seasonal offerings include dishes such as Cajun Garlic Shrimp, Blackened Red Grouper, Swordfish Loins, Pacific Rockfish, Bouillabaisse à la Marseilles, and Prime New York Strip.

Complementing the kitchen is a bar program defined by depth and distinction—featuring rare brown spirits, a curated selection of boutique wines, and a cocktail list built on classic technique and precision. Each drink is approached with the same level of intention that has defined the space for decades, offering guests an experience that feels both timeless and considered.

In addition to public programming, Shakers is now booking private events and celebrations, including graduation parties, corporate gatherings, and custom experiences. With both indoor spaces and rooftop access, events can be tailored to fit a range of formats while maintaining the character of the space.

Housed in a preserved 1894 building, Shakers Cigar Bar continues to stand apart as a destination shaped by history, atmosphere, and consistency. Forty years in, it remains a place where evenings unfold naturally—and where each visit offers something slightly different than the last.

With a full summer of programming ahead and new announcements expected throughout the season, the 40th anniversary celebration is not a single moment—but an entire season.

Plan Your Visit:

Shakers Cigar Bar is located at 422 S. 2nd St., Milwaukee, WI. Reservations, tours, and private event bookings can be made at shakerscigarbar.com or hangmantours.com, or by calling (414) 272-4222.

About Shakers Cigar Bar & Hangman Tours:

Shakers Cigar Bar is a historic 1894 speakeasy offering an unparalleled blend of heritage, atmosphere, and authenticity. As one of the last fully licensed cigar bars in the nation, Shakers unites rare spirits, handcrafted cuisine, and immersive storytelling under one roof. Together with Hangman Tours, Shakers preserves Milwaukee’s hidden past through experiences that are as thrilling as they are timeless.

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.

Recent Press Releases by Shaker's Cigar Bar & Hangman Tours

Shaker’s Cigar Bar Presents a Gatsby-inspired New Year’s Eve Celebration

Dec 18th, 2024 by Shaker's Cigar Bar & Hangman Tours

“Roaring into 2025” Offers Timeless Elegance, Luxurious Dining, and Unmatched Ambiance