Third Ward Beer Garden Opens for the Season Friday, May 1, with Free Ceremonial Keg Tapping
MILWAUKEE – Cheers, MKE! Cold drinks and good times are back on tap in Catalano Square when the Third Ward Beer Garden opens for the 2026 season on Friday, May 1, at 3 p.m.
Opening day revelers can enjoy live music by local singer-songwriter Ben Harold 5-8:30 p.m., and a Ceremonial Keg Tapping at 5 p.m. The beer tapped from that keg will be FREE to all guests while supplies last.
The Third Ward Beer Garden brings together neighbors, visitors, local brews, and live music in the heart of the Third Ward. The menu features a curated selection of local craft beer, imported favorites, wine, canned cocktails, n/a options, and more — perfect for chill afternoons and relaxing summer evenings.
Guests can settle in at classic German-style picnic tables or gather around high-top tables crafted from repurposed beer barrels. Enjoy yard games daily and Wednesday Night Music Bingo (6-8 p.m.) — or visit Thursday-Saturday when live acoustic musicians take the rooftop stage, filling the park with the sounds of summer. In addition, an exclusive collaboration with 88.9 Radio Milwaukee will find local musicians and DJs filling the park with original beats on select Sundays.
The Third Ward Beer Garden is managed by longtime hospitality professionals — and Third Ward residents — Dave and Leanne Hock. Together, they bring deep local roots and a shared vision: To create a welcoming, social gathering space that reflects the spirit of Milwaukee summers.
“We’re thrilled to kick off another season at the Third Ward Beer Garden. There’s nothing like seeing the space come alive again — friends gathering, music in the air, and that unmistakable energy that makes this neighborhood so special,” says Dave Hock. “Every year, it feels like a true celebration of community, and we’re excited to welcome both familiar faces and new visitors all season long.”
A portion of proceeds from the beer garden benefit the Historic Third Ward Association and BID #2, supporting ongoing maintenance, programming, and improvements to Catalano Square and the surrounding neighborhood.
Starting May 1, the Third Ward Beer Garden will operate Wednesday-Sunday through mid-October. Hours are 3-8 p.m. Wednesdays & Thursdays; 3-9 p.m. Fridays; noon-9 p.m. Saturdays; and noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Live music is 5-8:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday and 3-6:30 p.m. Saturdays. Select Sunday music hours will be announced prior to each show on social media and the website.
Visit thirdwardbeergarden.com or @thirdwardbeergarden on Instagram for more information.
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.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Historic Third Ward Association
