East Side Business Improvement District
Latest News
Exciting News, Events and other Neighborhood Updates!
Latest News

September 30, 2026

Two Years, A Lot to Celebrate!

Two years ago, Ryan Laessig stepped into the role of Executive Director of the East Side BID. Somehow, in just two years, he’s managed to squeeze a whole lot of ideas, events, murals, new businesses, bike rides, plaza parties and ambitious neighborhood projects into the mix.

June 22, 2026

Summer Soulstice 2026 Brings Music, Community, and Summer Energy to Milwaukee's East Side

On Saturday, June 13, thousands of people filled the streets of the East Side for another unforgettable Summer Soulstice Music Festival. The neighborhood came alive with live music, art, delicious food, shopping, and the kind of community energy that makes Summer Soulstice one of Milwaukee's favorite summer traditions.
More News

March 09, 2021

Don't you forget about me: Von Trier

Mark Zierath, co-owner of Von Trier, says if it weren't for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans the beloved, German-themed tavern and eatery in the heart of Milwaukee's East Side would be shuttered today.

March 09, 2021

Crossroads Collective opened two years ago on Milwaukee’s Eastside and is filled with tasty food options

Brian is with one of the vendors whose mission is to be a noble ambassador of Peru through the food they cook.

March 09, 2021

Louie’s Char Dogs & Butter Burgers coming to East Side strip mall where Blockbuster used to be

Fans of gourmet hot dogs and butter burgers rejoice: A new restaurant called Louie’s Char Dogs & Butter Burgers is coming to 2336 N. Farwell Ave. The location—formerly occupied by Bee’s Cuisine—is part of that East Side strip mall where Blockbuster used to be.

February 16, 2021

Business owners tackle air quality issues to prepare for post-pandemic reality

Time will come when COVID-19 is behind us in Milwaukee. Whether that’s sooner or later, the psychological scars of more than a year of restricted social behaviors will remain. Milwaukeeans will return to restaurants, sporting events and concerts.

January 14, 2021

'Hell's Kitchen' features local Milwaukee chef this season

If you love to watch 'Hell's Kitchen,' an American reality competition hosted by Chef Gordon Ramsay, you might recognize a new face this season. Chef and owner of 'Egg & Flour' Adam Pawlak will be on the new season, which airs Thursday, Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. CT.

January 05, 2021

Milwaukee gym owner hoping to see spike in business as people make New Year’s resolutions

Gyms are one of the businesses hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, owners are hoping to see a spike in business as people make New Year’s resolutions.

December 22, 2020

Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 and near Downtown neighborhoods launch “MKE It Local” campaign to support locally-owned businesses

Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 is spearheading a “MKE It Local” campaign to call attention to restaurants, bars and shops in the central business district and more than 10 surrounding neighborhoods.

December 22, 2020

Prof. Pinkerton's Christmas Caravan coming to East Side & Downer Ave. Dec. 18

Head to the East Side on Friday, Dec. 18 and you’ll catch a glimpse of some of musical magic thanks to the appearance of Professor Pinkerton’s Christmas Caravan, which will be making its way through the East Side and Downer Avenue Business Improvement Districts beginning at 4 p.m.