While major fests and fairs have returned to the area this week, including Irish Fest and the Wisconsin State Fair, there are a variety of other events that people can check out in the upcoming week.
There will be Bronzeville Bike ride, where history is only a pedal away, a children’s-run farmers market, a hip hop and culture fest, block parties and school supply giveaways.
For those looking to build community, Tommy Baker, founder of NewFriendsMKE, has organized meet-ups for over 11 years, connecting people through activities such as volleyball, hiking, board games, and visits to beer gardens.
“I’m a teacher, and having to organize things with my students gave me confidence to organize events through a meet-up group,” Baker said.
Baker said his meetups are well attended, sometimes reaching over 80 visitors. Attendees also represent a wide range of ages, with guests between 20 and 60 years old, he said.
“It always makes me feel good seeing people of various ages socializing, having fun and laughing. It is not something you see normally,” Baker said.
Keep reading to learn more about NewFriendsMKE’s next meetup and all the other fun events coming up. If you would like to be featured in Next in the Neighborhood, email ejeaton@usatodayco.com.
Community events near you
Milwaukee Police host school supply drive for Lincoln Avenue School
The Milwaukee Police Department – District Two is hosting a “Back-to-School Supply Drive” for Lincoln Avenue Elementary School following the tragic fire on June 30.
Community members are encouraged to donate much-needed school supplies and other essential items to help students, teachers and staff prepare for the upcoming school year.
The police department aims to distribute 250 bookbags filled with school supplies during the event.
Donation boxes will be placed in the front lobby of every Milwaukee Police District stations.
Milwaukee Public Schools Foundation is also accepting monetary donations; just be sure to select Lincoln Avenue Elementary School in the dropdown menu.
When: Now through Aug. 24.
Where: All Milwaukee Police District stations.
What: To donate, visit here.
More info: Email Dellian Mendez Santiago or Carissa Sanchez at D2_CLO@milwaukee.gov or call (414) 935-7228.
Community health and resource fair
Outreach Community Health Centers will host a day of free health screenings, interactive educational exhibits, and resources designed to support individual well-being and stronger neighborhoods.
The family-focused event features free food, back-to-school supplies, fresh produce, music, games and raffle giveaways.
When: Saturday, Aug. 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Outreach Community Health Centers, 220 W. Capitol Drive.
More Info: Visit ochc-milw.org
The Bronzeville Ride
As part of the Bronzeville Week celebrations, join Red Bike & Green for their “Bronzeville Ride.”
The seven-mile trek traces the boundaries of historic Bronzeville, extending into Harambee, Brewer’s Hill, Riverwest, and the East Side, then back.
The nearly two-hour ride will be at a slow-to-moderate pace, with some hills.
The event honors the neighborhood’s legacy and history.
When: Saturday, Aug. 8, gather at 10 a.m.; ride begins at 10:30 a.m.
Where: Meet at Niche Book Bar, 1937 N Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Drive.
More info: Visit Red Bike & Green’s Facebook event page.
Open Play Saturday
The Airsoft Arena is holding an open play event on Saturday.
The event is a chance to test out new gear, practice or enjoy friendly airsoft competition, according to the event post.
There will be a variety of game modes during the event that cater to all skill levels.
Eye and face protection is required and gear rentals are available.
Where: 1020 W. Historic Mitchell St.
When: Saturday, Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
More info: Additional details can be found on the event page.
Rescheduled People Power Summer Celebration
Invisible MKE and several coalition partners will celebrate the power of the people with a daylong, family-friendly event featuring face painting, food, drinks, music, voter registration, and games such as political Scrabble and a mini civics workshop.
When: Saturday, Aug. 8, from noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Kuumba Juice & Coffee, 274 E. Keefe Ave.
More info: Visit here.
Hikes, beer gardens and board games
Tommy Baker, creator of NewFriendsMKE has organized a series of summer hikes that have brought together over 50 people at recent excursions, according to the event post.
The hike goes for about two miles along the Milwaukee River, and participants ranging from their early 20’s to their 60’s have participated.
There will be board and card games available after the hike for participants who want to stick around for a brew from the traveling beer garden.
Where: 2828 N. Humboldt Blvd.
When: Saturday, Aug. 8, from 1 to 4 p.m.
More info: Additional details can be found on the event page.
Kids Takeover: Deer District
The Deer District Farmer’s Market is hosting a kids’ takeover, where youth can secure a vendor space for free.
There will be back-to-school items available for purchase by the young vendors.
The market will also have its traditional weekly supply of farm-fresh produce, flowers, eggs and more.
Where: 1111 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave.
When: Sunday, Aug. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
More info: Additional details and a vendor list can be found on the website.
Dog lure at The Vine Humboldt
ALT Dog Run is holding a dog run at The Vine beer garden at Humboldt Park.
Dog owners must be at least 16 years old and accompany their dogs for the entire event.
Only one dog is allowed to do the run at a time
Registration is required and there is a participation fee.
Where: 3001 S. Howell Ave.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Registration: The cost is $5 per run per dog, and anyone interested can call 262-308-7538 or email Altdogrun@gmail.com.
More info: Additional details can be found on the event page.
Milwaukee Irish Fest 2026
Milwaukee’s annual Irish Fest is back this year and ready to continue its legacy as the worlds largest Irish music festival, according to the event page.
Enjoy the four-day long festival overlooking Lake Michigan at Henry Maier Festival Park with a Celtic kitchen, Firkin taps and Irish whiskey.
Where: 200 N. Harbor Dr.
When: Thursday, Aug. 13, from 5 to 10 p.m.; Friday, Aug. 14, from 4 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 15, from noon to 11 p.m.; and Saturday, Aug. 16, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
More info: Additional details can be found on the website.
Skate Night at MMSD West Basin
Join the Northwest Side Community Development Corporation for the 5th annual Skate Night at the MMSD West Basin, an unforgettable evening of family fun.
MKE Rec will bring its Skate Van offering free roller skate rentals for kids and adults.
The free event is open to the public, with music and free food while supplies last.
When: Thursday, Aug. 13, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: MMSD West Basin, 4350 N. 35th Street
Registration: Advance registration is appreciated. Sign up here.
More info: Visit NWSCDC’S website or contact Danitra Jones, NWSCDC’s Economic Development Coordinator, at 414-444-8200 ext. 8204 or danitra@nwscdc.org
Milwaukee’s biggest Hip Hop culture festival Returns
Join TrueSkool for a powerful weekend of creativity, Hip Hop music and dance as it hosts its Summer Park Jam Weekend.
The two-day event features presentations on monetizing podcasts and apparel branding, as well as an appearance by “City of Hip Hop” author DJ Rob Swift.
Hear from Milwaukee Hip Hop legends Yo-Yo, Rah Digga and more.
Test your creative skills with a breakin’ and live graffiti battle.
There are still vendor opportunities available.
When: Friday, Aug. 14, from noon to 4 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 15, noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Marcus Performing Arts Center, 929 N. Water St.
More info: Visit TrueSkool’s website
Clean out your closet and help Cream City Medical Society
To celebrate its centennial, Cream City Medical Society is hosting a “fundrive.”
The organization is collecting clean, gently worn clothing for men, women, and children; household items such as bedding and blankets; small household goods, including pots and pans; and books and media.
Proceeds will directly support three priorities: the organization’s 100th-anniversary events and legacy projects, student scholarships, and operational expenses to continue serving the community.
When: Saturday, Aug. 15, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Drop off items at St. Joseph Hospital Professional Office Bldg., 3070 Noth 51st St.
What: See full list of requested items here.
More info: To make a pledge or donate, visit here.
Sherman Park 10 Years Later
Safe and Sound and Sherman Phoenix are hosting a community reunion to discuss the Sherman Park neighborhood over the past 10 years.
The two-day event comprises of a talkback session for reflection and a block party the following day.
Where: 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave. for an evening of reflection. Sherman Park for the block party.
When: Friday, Aug. 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. for an evening of reflection. Saturday, Aug. 15, from noon to 4 p.m. for a block party.
More info: Additional details can be found on the event post.
Wisconsin State Fair
The Wisconsin State Fair is back for its 175th year with corn on the cob, animal shows, big yellow slides and events for everyone to enjoy.
The eleven-day event will have over 80 new food and beverage options, and for the first weekend, attendees can enjoy music from Nelly, Bailey Zimmerman, Wynonna Judd, and Melissa Etheridge on the Bank Five Nine main stage.
For a food review of the good, bad and wildest new foods at the State Fair, check out the Journal Sentinel review of this year’s delicacies.
Where: 640 S. 84th St.
When: Thursday, Aug. 6, to Sunday, Aug. 16.
Tickets: General admission for people 12 and over is $20. Seniors, 60 and older, are $15; Veterans and military are $15. Youth, ages 6 to 11, are $13. Children 5 and under are free. Admission can be purchased on-site or online.
More info: Additional details can be found on the State Fair website.
Civic and health engagement
Veterans Benefits Administration outreach
The Veteran Benefits Administration’s Milwaukee Regional Office is setting up a outreach table at the south entrance of the Milwaukee Veteran Affairs Medical Center.
Veterans with questions about benefits or looking for assistance can find help at the outreach table. The table will be set up on the second Wednesday of each month.
Those who are unable to make it to the outreach table can schedule an in-person or virtual meeting with a representative.
Where: 5000 W. National Ave.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Schedule an appointment: Find a time through Visitor Engagement Reporting Application (VERA).
More info: Additional details can be found on the event page.
Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation meeting
The NIDC is meeting to discuss progress on initiatives and resources available to residents.
There will be an update on Healing Spaces Initiative, a program launched in 2021 to incorporate more natural environments for residents to enjoy.
There will also be a discussion about HOME rehabilitation, homebuyer assistance, the STRONG loans program and Tax Incremental District loan activity.
Finally, there will be a discussion about the ARPA programs, like Homes MKE.
Where: 526 E. Concordia Ave. at Riverworks Development Corporation
When: Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 8:30 a.m.
More info: Additional details can be found on the city calendar.
Community Building and Outreach Committee
The MKE Community Impact Committee’s Community Building and Outreach Workgroup is meeting on Thursday, Aug. 6.
The workgroup will look to define what building and outreach means for the committee, identify demographics and figure out the committee’s role to support community members and build outreach, according to the agenda.
Where: Virtual through this link.
When: Thursday, Aug. 6, at 5:30 p.m.
More info: Additional details can be found on the council calendar.
Everett Eaton covers Harambee for the Journal Sentinel’s Neighborhood Dispatch. Contact: eeaton@usatodayco.com.
Neighborhood Dispatch reporting is supported by Bader Philanthropies, Zilber Foundation, Journal Foundation, Northwestern Mutual Foundation, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, and reader contributions to the Journal Sentinel Community-Funded Journalism Project. Journal Sentinel editors maintain full editorial control over all content. To support this work, visit jsonline.com/support. Checks can be addressed to Local Media Foundation (memo: “JS Community Journalism”) and mailed to P.O. Box 85015, Chicago, IL 60689
The JS Community-Funded Journalism Project is administered by Local Media Foundation, tax ID #36-4427750, a Section 501(c)(3) charitable trust affiliated with Local Media Association, and EnMotive, a subsidiary of USA TODAY Co.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Next in the neighborhood: Aug. 8 to the 14 events near you
Reporting by Everett Eaton, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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By Everett Eaton, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
