25 Things to do in Westown in 2025
The Westown neighborhood offers entertainment for everyone, from sporting events, museums and even jumbo pretzels! Now’s a great time to mark your calendars and plan for a fun year ahead. Here are 25 things to do in Westown in 2025:
- Cheer on the Milwaukee Admirals
Are you a hockey fan, or looking for a fun activity for the whole family? Check out a Milwaukee Admirals home game at UWM-Panther Arena. With special promotions such as Pride night, student nights, teddy bear tosses, various giveaways and post-game concerts, these games guarantee fun for all! You can find their schedule here.
- Attend the St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The 57th Shamrock Club of Wisconsin St. Patrick’s Day Parade, presented by Miller Lite, travels through Westown on Saturday, March 15 at noon! With over 100 units, this parade is a great staple as an activity for all ages. Stop on over at Mo’s Irish Pub for some food and drink specials and to watch the Parade. You can learn more information about the Parade and special events here!
- Go to Fiserv Forum for a game or event
From the Bucks, Marquette Men’s Basketball, to unique events such as concerts, bull riding, comedy shows and even Disney on Ice, Fiserv Forum has fun all year around. Take a look at the Fiserv Forum calendar to find an event that suits you!
- Take the shuttle from the Old World Third Street Entertainment District to a Brewers game or Summerfest
Looking to go to a Brewers game or to Summerfest, but don’t want to deal with the hassle of parking? Look no further, because various bars and restaurants such as Who’s on Third in Old World 3rd Street Entertainment District offer a shuttle to and from area events! Stop in to learn more about how to catch a ride.
5. Explore The Milwaukee Riverwalk
When the weather is nice, take a nice stroll on the Milwaukee Riverwalk for some amazing sights of the city. Along the way, make sure to check out the Bronze Fonz and the Dream with the Fishes for Aurora mural! There’s tons of public art on the Riverwalk, like the River Sculpture and more
6. Order a Jumbo pretzel and German food at Mader’s
Mader’s Restaurant is one of the top Milwaukee destinations for German cuisine. While you’re there, enjoy their jumbo pretzels along with other happy hour dishes and drinks. Prost!
7. Expand Your Tastebuds at 3rd Street Market Hall
3rd Street Market Hall has food, events and fun for all ages! They offer a wide variety of food from pizza, tacos, wings, pies, empanadas, popcorn and so much more! Grab a bite, play bags or book a bay at the Top Golf Suite. The opportunities are endless!
8. Spend a Saturday night at Calderone Club
If you’re looking for some high-quality Italian food, look no further than Calderone Club. Calderone Club has served Milwaukee for decades and more to come. Open Tuesday-Saturday, they offer a soothing dine-in experience and a take-out option as well.
9. Go to Mo’s Irish Pub Happy Hour
Mo’s Irish Pub has been voted Milwaukee’s Best Irish Pub year after year. Stop by Tuesday-Thursdays from 3-6 for $2.92 drafts and $5 house wine. They also have various events and specials throughout the year!
Gertie the Duck on the Riverwalk.
10. Take a photo with Gertie
Along the Milwaukee Riverwalk and on the Wisconsin Avenue bridge, you might see a small statue of a duck. The duck, Gertie, appeared on that bridge in 1945 after World War II. Gertie was seen a sign of hope and became a nationwide treasure. On a nice day, visit Gertie and the other ducks on the Riverwalk!
11. Book the best hotel for your visitors
Whether you’re having guests in town or planning a staycation, there are many hotels in Westown with great deals year-round. Check out places in Westown such as Aloft Milwaukee Downtown, Brewhouse Inn & Suites, Courtyard by Mariott Downtown, Doubletree, Hilton Downtown, Springhill Suites by Mariott Milwaukee Downtown, and The Trade.
The Historic Bradley Symphony Center during a performance.
12. Attend a performance at the Bradley Symphony Center
The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra has performances year-round at the Warner Grand Theater. Enjoy classical, pops and holiday concerts by one of the finest orchestras in the nation. They also offer unique performances like the Casablanca Film with live orchestra and a Beatles-themed show.
13. Dance at the Milwaukee Night Market
The MKE Night Market presented by Clover is back in action this summer! At the Night Market, you’ll see a variety of food, beverage and art vendors, perfect for if you want to grab a bite or shop for gifts! You can also show off your dance moves in the Kohl’s Entertainment Zone and see live musicians/DJs at each Market. Check out mkenightmarket.com to stay up to date with the latest news. 2025 Night Market dates are June 11, July 16, August 13, and September 10.
14. Take a Skywaukee tour
Do you want to go get some steps in, but want to stay inside? Want to learn more about the history of some of Milwaukee’s oldest buildings? The Skywaukee Tour, produced by Historic Milwaukee, is a two-hour walking tour that provides a brief indoor tour of Westown one story up — from the skywalks. Book your ticket through VISIT Milwaukee and receive a BOGO Deal!
15. Have an Evening of Fine Dining at Capital Grille
The Capital Grille is a great option for a fine dining environment. They use the freshest ingredients for their crafty dishes. Make sure to reserve a table to secure your spot, or you can order online as well. Be sure to try the French onion soup!
16. Go Back in Time at 90s2K Cafe
90s2K Café is the perfect place to take a blast to the past. Relive the Y2K nightlife and feel a sense of nostalgia with the drinks they offer and the music played.
17. Enjoy Authentic Sausage at Usinger’s
If you’re looking for some great sausage, look no further
than Usinger’s Famous Sausages made in Westown since 1880. Usinger’s retail store is open Monday-Saturday from 9AM-4PM. Shop at their deli store, gift store and their unique items offered on a limited-time basis. Each year on February 23 is Fred Usinger Day at Old German Beer Hall, which includes free sausages and beer!
18. Walk through the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame
The Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame, located outside of UWM Panther Arena, is a Westown hidden gem. Founded in 1951, it was the first athletic Hall of Fame in the country. It includes athletes such as Hank Aaron, Vince Lombardi, Bart Starr, Oscar Robertson, Al McGuire, and more. It is free and open to the public, rain or shine!
19. Test Your Knowledge at Trivia
Grab your buddies and test your knowledge at Trivia! Check
out places like 90s2K, Milwaukee Brat House, Mo’s Irish Pub, and more to catch some of Westown’s best trivia.
20. Spend a Day at Milwaukee Public Museum
The Milwaukee Public Museum offers various events throughout the years along with ticket deals for Milwaukee County residents and teachers. The array of exhibits makes it one of Westown’s most interactive activities for all ages. Milwaukee Public Museum is well-known for their planetarium and butterfly exhibit, brining you a taste of warm weather year-round!
Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame.
21. Visit Millie and Sadie at the Hilton Milwaukee
Having friends or family in town? Suggest the stay at the Hilton Milwaukee. Not only does the hotel feature great restaurants like the Miller Time Pub and Milwaukee Chophouse, but it also gives you the chance to meet four-legged friends guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Millie and Sadie are well-known concierge dogs at the hotel. These pups are guaranteed to spark more joy to your visit to Milwaukee!
22. Tour Best Place at Historic Pabst
The Best Place at Historic Pabst is known for their award-winning venue spaces and tavern. They have brewery tours, a gift shop with cool beer merch, and a café to visit. If you’re looking to host a private event, you can do that here as well!
23.Shop at The MIAD Gallery @ The Ave
The Milwaukee Art of Institute and Design (MIAD) has a gallery at The Avenue is located next to 3rd St. Market Hall. Exhibits rotate regularly, so there is always something new to see during each visit. They also sell handcrafted goods from local artists!
Millie and Sadie.
24. Cherish the Milwaukee Central Library
Opening its doors in 1898, the Milwaukee Central Library is a historic gem West Wisconsin Avenue. Free public tours of the library are available on Saturdays at 11AM. Check out the Green Roof and 100 things to explore at the Milwaukee Public Library!
25. Say Cheese at Wisconsin Cheese Mart
Wisconsin Cheese Mart has been open since 1938 and features hundreds of cheeses along with drinks, meats and sweets to pair with. Wisconsin Cheese Mart offers various specials and discounts throughout the year and is perfect for any occasion. Fun fact: they were in a Super Bowl LIX commercial! It might sound cheesy, but this place is really grate.
