The 12th International Public Markets Conference is coming to Milwaukee on June 12-14, and our very own Executive Director, Ryan Laessig, is leading a workshop! 

The Milwaukee Public Market will host Project for Public Spaces’ 12th International Public Markets Conference this year. ‍The International Public Markets Conference is the largest global conference for public market professionals. Over three days, this global gathering will allow you to delve into the forefront of market practices.

Ryan will be leading a workshop titled, “Pop-Up Markets & Pedestrian Spaces in Milwaukee's East Side Neighborhood” which will explore how the East Side BID has transformed its commercial corridor through creative programming, including Black Cat Alley, an underused alley reimagined as an open-air art gallery and public event venue.

This mobile workshop will examine how pedestrian spaces can host meaningful programming through a guided tour, a real-time activation of Black Cat Alley featuring Milwaukee Makers Market, and an interactive discussion. Attendees will learn strategies to foster partnerships with vendors and private stakeholders. This session will provide practical tools for creating vibrant public spaces that engage communities and support local businesses.

Register here >

Get ready for an unforgettable day of live music, delicious food, and fun activities at the Summer Soulstice Music Festival! This year, the festival will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, and it's FREE for everyone to attend! 

Located in the heart of East Side Milwaukee, the festival showcases top local bands, visuals artists, makers, creation stations, activities, East Side businesses, and more. So, mark your calendars for June 14th and join us for a day of celebration, community, and great music. 

View full information and event sponsors here >

Milwaukee’s most iconic outdoor gallery is coming to life after hours!

Black Cat Alley After Dark is a brand-new event series transforming this vibrant art space into a lively evening destination. Mark your calendars for the first event on Friday, April 25 from 6-10 PM for a night of immersive experiences. 

Each edition of Black Cat Alley After Dark will bring something new and unexpected, but you can always count on a mix of libations, music, and art to set the scene. 

Get ready to dance the night away for our first of three events. Join us in Black Cat Alley for a silent disco surrounded by some of the most vibrant art in the city, and raise a glass to a fun-filled evening with libations from The Pharmacy Bar. 

Whether you're sipping on a craft cocktail, dancing under the stars, or admiring Milwaukee’s largest open-air gallery under the glow of the city lights, there’s no better way to experience the alley. 

Start your evening early with a peaceful flow at Yoga in Black Cat Alley with Milwaukee Yoga Social from 5-6 PM, just before the party kicks off! It’s the perfect way to stretch, breathe, and set the vibe before dancing the night away at Black Cat Alley After Dark. 

Both events are FREE, but prior registration for Yoga in Black Cat Alley is appreciated: https://app.fitdegree.com/t/dashboard/registrables/3362016?f=667&co=627

Huge thanks to our sponsors the East Side BID, PKSD, and The Pharmacy for helping us turn up the volume (in our headphones ) for an unforgettable night in Black Cat Alley!

Join us and see Black Cat Alley in a whole new light—literally! 

Sponsored by: 

Come enjoy the spring weather while moving your body and connecting with the community! 

We are excited to present FREE Community Yoga at Black Cat Alley! This event is hosted by MKE Yoga Social and sponsored by the East Side BID. 

The class sequence begins with stress-releasing shapes and movements and builds up to balancing and strength building poses. No experience is needed—beginners are welcome!   

Yoga in Black Cat Alley will take place entirely outdoors, so dress accordingly! A water bottle and yoga mat is recommended.

Allow ten minutes for parking, and plan to arrive 5 - 10 minutes before the start of class. Class will only be canceled if the weather is bad.

Yoga in Black Cat Alley is free, but prior registration is greatly appreciated: https://app.fitdegree.com/t/da...

After Yoga in Black Cat Alley, stay to enjoy the first Black Cat Alley After Dark event of the year!

Gallery Nights are coming to the East Side! Event attendees will be able to browse and appreciate local art, enjoy food and drink specials from local businesses, and even create some art of their own with community chalk art in Ivanhoe Plaza. Come support East Side artists and makers and maybe even discover a new favorite! 

Sponsored by:

Learn more about PKSD > 

More information coming soon!

Sponsored by: 

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of some of your favorite East Side businesses, the Oriental Theater, Black Cat Alley, and more.

Sponsored by:

Experience the magic of Black Cat Alley at an exquisite gala featuring a four course meal and awe-inspiring entertainment surrounded by some of the city's most spectacular outdoor art.

Enjoy a ghoulishly good time at your favorite haunts while showing off your creative costume for a chance to win prizes. Spooktacular fun and specials will be available from Black Cat Alley, Izzy Hops, Crossroads Collective, Hooligans, Pomona Cider Co., Von Trier, and more.

This ever-growing event in celebration of Small Biz Saturday is the perfect opportunity to show your support for local and small businesses. Shop local businesses and makers at markets across the East Side, with locations including Kind Oasis, Triple Taproom & Kitchen, Pomona Cider Co, and Milwaukee Public Library. You'll also be able to snag gift card specials to your favorite bars and restaurants. Get a jump on holiday shopping while supporting our local economy!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! From special gifts for loved ones to nights out with friends and family, the East Side is the place to make memories. Explore the East Side and discover all the holiday cheer it has to offer at our Holiday Open House. 

Join Von Trier and Pomona Cider Company for an evening of cozy creativity at their monthly Yarn Nights!

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, Yarn Night is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow crafters, swap stories, and indulge in your passion for all things yarn. Bring your latest project or start something new - our cozy atmosphere is the ideal setting for knitting, crocheting, and everything in between.

Wednesday, February 5th is Learn to Knit/Crochet night at Von Trier, so if you’ve been curious about Yarn Night—this is the perfect night to give it a try!

Pomona Cider Co. will host the second event of the month on Wednesday, February 19th.

All fiber arts crafts welcome, including crochet, knitting, plarning, embroidery, sewing, and more! This is a totally free event, no signup required! Bring your needles, hooks, and skeins, grab a drink and enjoy!

Looking for a fun, laid-back way to get crafty? Bring your own project or try one of the provided crafts at this cozy, biweekly craft night. Perfect for teens and adults looking to unwind, create, and connect with fellow makers.

This event is FREE and held at MPL East Branch—come make something, no skill required!

No art skills? No problem! Bring your friends and/or loved one to make the most atrocious art you can out of random, goofy stuff.

Take part in a Bad Art Exhibit, vote on your least favorites, and compete for the coveted title of worst artist at the library.

Winners will be crowned with terrible tiaras and will receive a ridiculous prize.

This event is FREE and held at MPL East Branch—come make something, no skill required!

MKE Black’s Pitch Black Marketing Series is a nine-session training covering essential marketing strategies like media training and AI-driven techniques. Business owners who attend will be eligible to win free Canva Pro, Hootsuite, and ChatGPT Plus subscriptions, iPads, radio ad campaigns, and more!

 Register now >

This interactive training, led by Emilio De Torre and his team, will equip hospitality professionals with real-world strategies for handling challenging situations with confidence, empathy, and professionalism. Learn de-escalation techniques, stress management skills, and ways to foster inclusivity in your workplace.

 Register now >

Save the date for the 17th Annual Milwaukee Film Festival!

Since 2009, the annual Milwaukee Film Festival has brought together film fans and filmmakers to celebrate the power of cinema.

This two-week-long event features hundreds of hand-picked films that showcase a variety of topics and film styles. There truly is something for everyone!

In addition to film screenings, Milwaukee Film Festival is stuffed full of parties, panels, secret screenings, and events from April 24th through May 8th!

Tickets and passes for the 2025 Milwaukee Film Festival are available now: mkefilm.org/mff25