The 25th annual Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival is back, starting Thursday, November 16, with the Kickoff Extravaganza at Pere Marquette Park at 6:30 p.m. Throughout January 1, 2024, get in the holiday spirit by exploring the interactive displays at Zeidler Union Square Park and Pere Marquette Park, or take the Jingle Bus, a 40-minute narrated tour of downtown’s dazzling lights for only $5.   See the full festival guide at milwaukeeholidaylights.com!

Save the Date for the inaugural Milwaukee Theater Week. From November 9 to 19, participating Milwaukee Theater District performing arts groups and venues will offer discounts to shows, host giveaways, exclusive events and more. Participating Westown venues include Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Turner Hall, Miller High Life Theater, and many more.  Learn more at: MKE Theater District – Milwaukee Theater Week (visitmilwaukee.org)

Dog Day returns to the Milwaukee Admirals on Saturday, November 18 at 6 p.m. Bring your furry friend to help you cheer on the Admirals for $5. Part of the proceeds from each ticket purchase using the dedicated link here will support fundraising efforts for Milwaukee’s first Downtown Dog Park.

The Milwaukee Department of City Development’s commercial revitalization grants offer assistance to business and property owners interested in renovating their buildings. The grants support the following three programs: Signage, Facade and Storefront Activation. More information on the grants can be found here. Westown businesses interested in applying should reach out to Matthew Rejc, Commercial Corridor Manager, at mrejc@milwaukee.gov to see if their project qualifies. 

The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works is planning to reconfigure West Michigan Street to improve transportation for all users. As part of the Connec+ing MKE: Downtown Plan 2040, redesigning the street with protected bike lanes is one of the priority projects to enhance connections to downtown businesses, office buildings and residences. Learn more about the project here.

Save the date for Milwaukee Film’s Cultures & Communities Festival! From October 5 to 12, various events are scheduled throughout the week that highlight and amplify diverse cultural expressions. One of the noteworthy events is the Sneaker & Streetwear Summit on Saturday, October 7 at the Baird Center. From 12 to 7 p.m., see immersive activations and streetwear displays curated by local and national brands. Get tickets for the event here.

Milwaukee’s Central Library is celebrating it’s 125th anniversary! To mark the occasion, an MPL Staff Art show will be on display from September 5 to October 14. The anniversary celebrations are also highlighted by various events being held on October 7, including a Mayoral Proclamation. Click here for more information on the festivities!

The 22nd Annual Milwaukee River Challenge returns to the Menomonee and Milwaukee Rivers on Saturday, September 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring some of the best high school teams in the region, spectators can watch as they travel the three-mile course that comes through downtown Milwaukee. For more information on all the events happening during race weekend, visit milwaukeeriverchallenge.com