Experience Downtown Blog

The Perks of Working Downtown Return, Aug. 18-22

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If you work in Downtown Milwaukee, you might want to clear your calendar for this year’s Downtown Employee Appreciation Week – Milwaukee’s biggest thank-you festival for its workforce! Returning Monday, August 18 through Friday, August 22, 2025, this annual tradition celebrates 20 years of rewarding the people and places who power Downtown’s economic engine. Throughout the week, employees will experience a signature mix of free treats, live outdoor concerts, lunchtime games, and exhilarating activities!

What's Happening Every Day? - Daily Downtown Perks
Some things are too good to enjoy only once a week, so during Downtown Employee Appreciation Week, drop by any daily delight location to add a big spark of energy to your workday! Starting from morning coffee runs to mini festival-like lunch hours, these daily events will make your day feel a little brighter!

Morning Jolts
First-come, first-served! Stop by any of the Morning Jolt coffee locations from 8 AM-9:30 AM to get a kickstart to your day! If you arrive early, you can enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee (first 150 employees) and a free Milwaukee Downtown mug (first 25 employees)! 

        Mon, 8/18 | Biggby Coffee - 920 N. Water Street
      Wed, 8/20 | Fiddleheads Coffee - 790 N. Water Street
      Thu, 8/21 | Colectivo - 777 E. Wisconsin Avenue
      Fri, 8/22 | Stone Creek Coffee - 422 N. 5th Street

Moment of Movement
To add more to the mornings, don't miss out on Moment of Movement wellness activities from 7 AM-8:30 AM. Each session is designed to help you move, breathe, and recharge! While all sessions are free, pre-registration is required here. 

      Tue, 8/19 | Moment of Movement with Embody Yoga - Cathedral Square Park
     Wed, 8/20 | Moment of Movement with Girls Who Walk (registration not required) - Riverwalk Commons
      Thu, 8/21 | Cathy Stadler Yoga - Pere Marquette Park
      Fri, 8/22 | Moment of Movement with Barre3 - Baird Community Commons

Daily Downtown Employee Celebration - Lunch Hour
Lunch giveaways, live outdoor concerts, and exciting competitive games... who can ask for more?! During the lunch hour (11:45 AM-1 PM), head over to some of our favorite Downtown parks for some lunchtime fun!

    Mon, 8/18 | Red Arrow Park - 920 N. Water Street
      Tue, 8/19 | Cathedral Square Park - 520 E. Wells Street
      Wed, 8/20 | Schlitz Park - 1543 N. 2nd Street
      Thu, 8/21 | Pere Marquette Park - 900 N. Plankinton Avenue
      Fri, 8/22 | Zeidler Union Square - 301 W. Michigan Street

Special Highlights! - Don't Miss These One-Day Events!
While daily events happen throughout the week, mark your calendars for these not-to-miss, one-time happenings! 

      8/18 | 11:45 AM-1 PM | Downtown Employee Appreciation Week Opening Ceremony at Red Arrow Park
      8/18 | 6 PM-8:30 PM | Service Industry Night at Riverwalk Commons
      8/19 | 9 AM-10:30 AM | World's Largest Coffee Break at Catalano Square
      8/19 | 4 PM-6 PM | I Work Downtown Happy Hour at Central Standard Kitchen & Crafthouse
      8/19 & 8/21 | 4 PM-7 PM| Discounted Kayak and Paddleboard Rentals at Milwaukee Kayak Company
      8/20 | 3 PM-7 PM | Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Yappy Hour at MKE Dog Park
      8/21 | 5:15 PM-6:15 PM | Moment for Meditation at Pere Marquette Park
      8/22 | 4:30 PM-6:30 PM | Schlitz Park Beer Giveaway at The Tap Yard

Prizes Galore Available to Passport Travelers
Employees are encouraged to complete a Downtown Employee Appreciation Week passport throughout the week. Those who participate in three or more activities will be eligible for fabulous downtown prizes. Print out your passport here or pick one up from a Public Service Ambassador at the Milwaukee Downtown info table. Passports must be turned in by 12:30 PM on Friday, August 22.

Downtown Employee Appreciation Week 2025 is certain to be the most fun you have at work all year! For more info, visit www.iworkdowntownmke.com or download the 2025 brochure.