Events and Marketing

Facilitating Fun, Increasing Foot Traffic

There’s always a good time to be had in Downtown Milwaukee. Along with creating opportunities for community gathering and celebration, the events we coordinate are designed to benefit you—our downtown business community.

Erica Green speaks at an event.

43%

of diners try a restaurant for the first time during Downtown Dining Week

16,000+

free lunch items distributed during Downtown Employee Appreciation Week

59

food trucks slotted for lunchtime concert series

500,000+

lights illuminated for the holiday season 

Showcasing Downtown Businesses

Year-round, we organize events that showcase the best of our downtown business community. From featuring the city’s dining scene during Downtown Dining Week, to promoting theater productions through Broadway Skates, and even celebrating our municipal services on Big Truck Day. Many of our events also offer sponsorship opportunities for more business visibility.

A ice skating performance at Red Arrow Park.
Three members of a band perform at Tunes@Noon.

Giving Back to You

What we accomplished at BID #21 would not be possible without the support of the Downtown Milwaukee business community. To show our gratitude, we also organize events with you in mind—from our Taste & Toast happy hour event, to lunchtime concert series, and to Downtown Employee Appreciation Week.

Explore Our Events

Crowds exploring Department of Public Works trucks for Big Truck Day.

Big Truck Day

Partnering with the City of Milwaukee, we bring dozens of big rigs to Red Arrow Park in advance of National Public Works Week. Kids and families can explore fire engines, street sweepers, city buses, skid steers, and more.

Broadway Skates

Skaters take to the rink at Red Arrow Park to the tunes of Broadway shows headed to the Marcus Performing Arts Center. Ticket giveaways, face-painting, and more activities round out the fun.

A chef cooking over a stove.

Downtown Dining Week

More than 25 restaurants and bars participate in this highly anticipated annual event. Diners get to enjoy multi-course menus for lunch and dinner as they explore Milwaukee’s vibrant, diverse, and delicious food scene.

A downtown employee puts on a mini-golf course.

Downtown Employee Appreciation Week

Every August, we organize a spirit week to celebrate Downtown Milwaukee’s dedicated workforce—offering free perks such as coffee and lunch gatherings, fitness classes, office challenges, and more.

Someone takes a photo of a family in front of Halloween lights.

Halloween Village

New in 2024, this free, family-friendly lighting installation transforms the Baird Community Commons into a true Halloween scene. The space includes interactive light displays, fall-themed photo ops, oversized Halloween figures, and more festive décor.

Two downtown employees enjoy a lunchtime concert.

Heart(beats) of the City

For 13 weeks during the summer, MGIC presents a lunchtime concert and food truck series at Red Arrow Park every Wednesday. Attendees can enjoy local bands, delicious local eats, and snag some fun giveaways.

A band performs at Tunes @ Noon.

Tunes@Noon

PNC presents Tunes@Noon is a summerlong concert series that brings live music to 411 East Wisconsin Center’s courtyard every Thursday. With local performers and featured food vendors, it’s the perfect summer lunch break.

Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee

Kids ages 2 to 10 are invited to the Baird Community Commons for a fun, Halloween-themed day. The event features story time, live music, pumpkin decorating, and plenty more free goodies to enjoy. 

Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival

Over 500,000 lights illuminate Downtown streets and parks, bringing together the community for a season of holiday events. Guests can take narrated light tours, meet Santa, check out the Ornament Trail art installations, and more.

A plate of food and drinks.

Taste & Toast

This five-night event takes weekday happy hour to a new level. Participants are invited to sample appetizers and sip mixers, brews, wines, and more from more than 20 Downtown Milwaukee spots.