The UPAF Ride for the Arts, presented by Miller Lite, returns to Henry Maier Festival Park June 2 with Hoan Loop Course

MILWAUKEE, March 21, 2024 – The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) announced today that the 44^th annual UPAF Ride for the Arts, presented by Miller Lite, will be held on Sunday, June 2, with the return of the “Hoan Loop Course” completely closed to vehicle traffic for the entire event. Additionally, the event will mark the introduction of UPAF Fest at Henry Maier Festival Park, the official finish line festivities for riders and community members.

From Milwaukee to Cudahy, a 20-mile loop on Interstate 794 and Lincoln Memorial Drive extends to the N. Lake Park Rd. turnaround. Cyclists of all ages and abilities can ride over the Hoan Bridge multiple times from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., selecting the distance of their choice with various turnaround points and rest stops throughout the course. Riders will enjoy panoramic views of Milwaukee from the Hoan Bridge as well as the beautiful lakefront along Lake Drive.

In addition to the Hoan Loop Course, participants can enjoy a leisurely Arts Path roll through Lakeshore State Park. This 1.5-mile route offers an accessible, family-friendly option so all can celebrate the performing arts.

Following the Ride, UPAF Fest will be held from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Henry Maier Festival Park. This celebration of the performing arts in our community will feature entertainment and displays from UPAF’s local performing arts groups, activities for kids, food, beverage and more. UPAF Fest is free and open to the public, whether or not you are participating in the Ride.

UPAF is also pleased to have Miller Lite return as the Presenting Sponsor for the 34^th consecutive year.

“At Molson Coors, we believe in bettering the community that we call our home and the performing arts play a great role the vibrancy of the Greater Milwaukee Area,” said Alison Hanrahan, Community Affairs Manager for Molson Coors. “We are happy to support the great community tradition that the UPAF Ride for the Arts is and contribute to our performing arts scene in the process.”

Since the Ride’s inception in 1981, more than 296,000 riding participants, thousands of volunteers and hundreds of sponsors have helped raise over $12 million for the United Performing Arts Fund, helping to ensure the best of music, dance, song and theater in Southeastern Wisconsin.

Registration for the UPAF Ride for the Arts is open now at http://upafride.org. The registration fee includes a Ride for the Arts tee shirt and bike bib providing access to the Hoan Loop Course and Arts Path. Participants and teams can register at the price of $55 through April 1. Kids 12 and under ride free with a registered adult, thanks to the Brewers Community Foundation.

Future registration pricing is as follows:

• Adult Registration March 1 – April 1: $55
• Adult Registration April 1 – June 2: $65
• Fundraiser Discount (available through May 31): $35 with commitment of raising $150 on fundraising page

Participants are also encouraged to fundraise with their registration. Once again in 2024, all participant fundraising up to $25,000 will be matched by Johnson Financial Group. 100% of dollars raised through the UPAF Ride for the Arts, including registrations, fundraising, and sponsorships, directly support UPAF Performing Arts Members, representing the best of music, dance, song and theater in Southeastern Wisconsin.

UPAF is incredibly grateful to all Ride sponsors who make this event possible, especially our long-time presenting sponsor, Miller Lite in addition to our premier sponsors, Johnson Financial Group, Husch Blackwell and West Bend Insurance Company, Wheel & Sprocket who has served as the event’s bike shop partner since the event’s inception and our media sponsors WISN 12, Radio Milwaukee and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

About UPAF

The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) has been setting the stage since 1967 by providing critical investment in our region’s vibrant performing arts scene. UPAF’s mission is to secure community resources, promote the performing arts as a regional asset and improve the quality of life through responsible investment in and financial support of the performing arts in Southeastern Wisconsin. UPAF proudly bears Charity Navigator’s highest distinction for nonprofits – a four-star rating – and is the No. 1 united performing arts fund in the country in terms of dollars raised.

With generous community support, UPAF funds over 50 diverse local performing arts organizations that provide our community with the best of music, dance, song and theater. In addition to entertainment excellence, these organizations provide transformative educational programs for local children, ensure that individuals from marginalized neighborhoods have opportunities to participate in the arts and expand arts access for people with disabilities.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.