MKE It Back

Experience

MKE It Back

We can't wait to see you again. With the expiration of Moving Milwaukee Forward (Order #6), the City of Milwaukee has relaxed most COVID-19 restrictions and has ended its mask mandate. Although the mask mandate is lifted, local businesses may set their own mask requirements. Non-vaccinated individuals are still encouraged to wear masks and practice physical distancing. Let’s continue to be responsible neighbors to one another while supporting Downtown Milwaukee’s beloved destinations.

Let’s MKE It Back together.

Open Businesses

Downtown Milwaukee’s restaurants and shops await your reacquaintance. Our establishments have implemented a series of safety protocols to welcome staff and guests back safely. Check out the directories below to see what’s open and how you can patronize them. We recommend checking ahead with the business before making a visit.

MKE It Back – Downtown Milwaukee Restaurant Guide
MKE It Back – Downtown Milwaukee Retail Guide

Things To Do

From open waters to open skies and open doors, Downtown Milwaukee has all the right ingredients for a memorable staycation. Browse our MKE It Downtown blogs for news, events and itineraries or check out our most popular summer requests:

COVID-19 Resources

As Downtown Milwaukee begins to reopen we must stay safe and continue to protect ourselves and others in our community from COVID-19. By following public health guidelines and taking protective measures, you can keep yourself, your loved ones and our community safe. You can find more information at StaySafeMKE.org.

 

The 2020 Campaign

The “MKE It Back” 2020 campaign is a Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 initiative to highlight the responsible steps businesses have taken to welcome guests back safely and offer suggestions for socially-distanced activities throughout Downtown Milwaukee’s scenic landscapes. Check out our campaign creative below and MKE plans to see us again soon!

:15 OFFICIAL TV SPOT   
:30 OFFICIAL RADIO SPOT   
Campaign Creative (pdf)

“Milwaukee Strong” Song
The City of Milwaukee declared Friday, July 24 “Milwaukee Strong Day” in honor of our essential workers and frontline heroes' response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Mayoral Proclamation aligned with the release of the “Milwaukee Strong” song, written by Shonn Hinton, with lyrics by Shonn Hinton and Ray Nitti, and assistant produced by B~Free, and music video which features over 30 Milwaukee musicians. The song’s overarching message is one of hope and togetherness in the face of uncertainty. The words encourage the city to remain strong and united as we face the ongoing challenges of the pandemic risking lives and livelihoods. The project required the collaboration of several arts organizations, including Imagine MKE, 88Nine Radio Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Arts Board.

Over 30 artists – “The Milwaukee All-Stars” – were brought together to contribute to the song, resulting in a rich piece that highlights the diverse talent of Milwaukee’s musical community. Contributions include a string quartet of Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra musicians, a trio of student musicians that participated in 88Nine’s Grace Weber’s Music Lab, a vocal quartet of harmonies from band Ruth B8r Ginsburg members, favorite Milwaukee duos SistaStrings and REYNA, and much more.  

Complete artists featured are: Dena Aronson, Alex Ayers, B~Free, Alyssa Caroline, Roxi Copland, Olen Franklin, Ava Gessner, Trinity Grace, Paul Hauser, Shonn Hinton, Kyndal J., Terry Jeanes Jr., Jonathan Jones, Alex Julien, Timothy Klabunde, Greg Koch, Evan Lane, Alesia Miller, Ousia Moon, Ray Nitti, Danielle Renee, Elle Renee, REYNA, Johanna Rose, SistaStrings, Jesse Weinberg, Warren Wiegratz, Dee Yancey and Adrien Zitoun.

The “Milwaukee Strong” music video can be viewed here.