Mark your calendars, Milwaukee. The downtown area is set to buzz again with the return of the Milwaukee Night Market for four nights this summer. The free event will populate West Wisconsin Avenue between 2nd Street and Vel R. Phillips Avenue from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. starting June 24, followed by additional dates on July 22, August 19, and September 16, as reported by WISN 12.
The event is not just about to entertain locals and visitors but also showcases over 100 local vendors, including handcrafted, handmade, and artisan goods. It’s a considerable opportunity for the city's entrepreneurs. Last year, the event saw a participation of 235 small businesses, mainly from Milwaukee and the broader Wisconsin area, according to a news release mentioned by FOX 6 Now. Applications for vendor spots are now open with a deadline on March 13 at midnight. April will bring notifications for selected vendors.
The Night Market has become a trademark experience for Milwaukee since its inception in 2014, equivalent to the city's much-celebrated summer festivals. "The 'City of Festivals' is a name that Milwaukee wears proudly, and we’re always thrilled to be part of an amazing lineup of events," Stacie Callies, Executive Director of Westown Association, told Milwaukee Record. She anticipates an exciting kickoff to this year's market season on June 24.
Milwaukee-based businesses are not just eagerly set to participate but also to sponsor the event. Companies like Educators Credit Union and Gruber Law Offices are on the sponsor list. GRAEF takes pride in its sustained support and will be engaging with the community through activities such as offering complimentary s’mores. "Being part of the Market allows us to celebrate the energy, creativity and small businesses that make Milwaukee thrive while connecting with the community in a meaningful way," remarked Justyce Dixon, Director of Communications & Marketing at GRAEF, in a statement to Milwaukee Record. Additional sponsorship opportunities, including that of a title sponsor, are open for inquiry through Westown Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
With an estimated nightly attendance of 25,000 and the prospect to directly engage with the community, Milwaukee's local businesses and entrepreneurs seem ready to light up the summer nights once again with culture, commerce, and camaraderie.
