UPAF Ride for the Arts Returns May 31, Bringing Milwaukee Together in Support of the Performing Arts
MILWAUKEE, WI (May 22, 2026) – The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) will once again welcome thousands of riders, families, supporters, and arts advocates to Milwaukee’s lakefront for the annual UPAF Ride for the Arts on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
Recognized as Wisconsin’s largest recreational biking event, the UPAF Ride for the Arts combines cycling, wellness, and community celebration in support of the performing arts organizations and educational programs that strengthen the vibrancy of Southeastern Wisconsin.
Since the Ride’s inception in 1981, more than 300,000 participants have taken part in the event, helping raise more than $12 million to support local performing arts organizations throughout the region. More than 3,000 riders are expected to participate in this year’s Ride.
The Ride features the return of the iconic Hoan Loop Course, a 20-mile route stretching from Milwaukee to Cudahy along Interstate 794 and Lincoln Memorial Drive while offering exclusive access the Hoan Bridge. Participants can customize their Ride experience with route options ranging from 7, 12, 15, and 20 miles (or more), designed for riders of varying ages and skill levels.
In addition to the Hoan Loop Course, participants can enjoy the Arts Path through Lakeshore State Park. This leisurely 1.5-mile route offers an accessible, family-friendly option that allows riders of all ages and abilities to participate in celebrating the performing arts community.
The event will also feature live entertainment, wellness activations, food and beverages, and UPAF Fest – a start and finish line celebration at Henry Maier Festival Park. Children under 12 ride free thanks to the Brewers Community Foundation.
This year’s Ride will place an expanded focus on rider health and wellness, offering participants access to interactive wellness experiences, recovery support, health screenings, and educational resources from community wellness partners throughout the festival grounds.
“The Ride for the Arts is Milwaukee’s most visible celebration of the performing arts community and the impact it has on the vitality of our region,” said Annemarie Scobey-Polacheck, President & CEO of UPAF. “Every rider, volunteer, sponsor, and supporter plays a role in helping sustain the performances, arts education programs, and cultural experiences that enrich our community and make our region such a dynamic place to live and work.”
“The arts are part of what defines southeastern Wisconsin,” Scobey-Polacheck added. “The Ride is a uniquely Milwaukee tradition that brings together wellness, community, and the performing arts while demonstrating the collective impact we can make when we invest in our cultural future together.”
Miller Lite returns as presenting sponsor of the UPAF Ride for the Arts for the 36th consecutive year, continuing one of Milwaukee’s longest-standing corporate partnerships supporting the arts community.
“At Molson Coors, we’re proud to continue our longstanding support of the UPAF Ride for the Arts and Milwaukee’s performing arts community,” said Alison Hanrahan, Community Affairs Manager at Molson Coors. “For more than three decades, this event has brought people together in a way only Milwaukee can while supporting organizations that help make our city vibrant, creative, and connected.”
Additional premier sponsors for the 2026 Ride include Johnson Financial Group, Husch Blackwell, and West Bend Insurance Company. Media sponsors include WISN 12, Radio Milwaukee, and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Funds raised through the Ride for the Arts directly support UPAF Member organizations and Affiliate partners across Southeastern Wisconsin, helping ensure continued access to music, theater, dance, and arts education programs throughout the region.
Event Details
Event: UPAF Ride for the Arts
Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026
Location: Henry Maier Festival Park
Routes: 7, 12, 15, and 20 miles (or more)
Registration: upafride.org
About UPAF
Since 1967, the United Performing Arts Fund has advanced the vitality of Southeastern Wisconsin by raising essential funds, providing strategic stewardship, and inspiring involvement in the performing arts. As the nation’s largest united fund dedicated to the performing arts, UPAF supports 14 Member organizations and 17 Affiliate partners, strengthening a balanced ecosystem of organizations that deliver artistic excellence, expand access, and invest in arts education throughout the region. More than 150 Southeastern Wisconsin companies support UPAF with corporate gifts, sponsorships or workplace giving campaigns each year. More than 12,000 individuals contribute to UPAF annually.
Through collective investment, UPAF ensures that music, theater, and dance remain a defining part of Southeastern Wisconsin’s identity and quality of life.
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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