NNS Summer Survival Guide: 15 things to do in your neighborhood | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
June 24, 2021
Check out this year’s recurring summer activities, including Washington Park Wednesdays. (File photo by Adam Carr)
Summer is officially here and with it are a plethora of activities that make for great family outings, fun dates and solo adventures.
Last year, many events were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But with vaccine rollout in full force, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Groups and organizations are hosting beloved Milwaukee events from weekly farmers markets to concert series and more.
Did we miss an event? Comment below or send an email to amartinez-ortiz@milwaukeenns.org with the subject line ‘Summer Activity NNS.’
Markets
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
Alice’s Garden Evening Markets
Alice’s Garden Urban Farm, 2136 N. 21 St., hosts evening markets from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. Local creatives and vendors will be selling their handcrafted food, jewelry, clothing, soap, juices, herbal products and more. The last day of the market is Tuesday, Aug. 31. The garden also offers weekly yoga classes, poetry circles and its series “Grow Curious” with Gayla Trail.
Jackson Park Farmers Market
Jackson Park Famers Market, which is sponsored by the Jackson Park Community Association and Milwaukee County Parks, is taking place at the boathouse, 3500 W. Forest Home Ave., from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays. The market will conclude on Thursday, Sept. 30. Attendees can purchase fresh produce, baked goods and more.
Fondy Farmers Market, 2200 W. Fond du Lac Ave., has returned. The market’s regular season is slated to begin Saturday, June 26. (NNS file photo)
Fondy Farmers Market
Fondy Farmers Market, 2200 W. Fond du Lac Ave., has returned. The market’s early season just ended, and its regular season is slated to begin Saturday, June 26. The market will be open four days a week: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays. For more information on the market’s late season and winter market, visit the Fondy Farmers Market website.
Victory Garden Initiative farm stand
The Victory Garden Initiative, 249 E. Concordia Ave., is having a farm stand from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays. The farm stand is free and will begin on Friday, June 25 and end on Friday, Oct. 22. Michelle Dobbs, the executive director, will also be offering farm tours from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays.
Vliet Street Oasis Market
The Vliet Street Oasis Market, 3743 W. Vliet St., is back. The market is open from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The market includes local fresh produce, flowers, snacks and more.
Tricklebee Café Markets
Tricklebee Café, 4424 W. North Ave., is hosting a summer farmers market on Sundays. The markets take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the following Sundays: July 25, Aug. 15, Sept. 5 and Oct. 3. Follow the Tricklebee Café Facebook page for more information.
Concerts
Washington Park Wednesdays
The Washington Park Wednesdays concert series is returning in July, but there’s a twist. This year, the first few concerts will take place at various locations through the Washington Park Wheels initiative. The concerts will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 7, 14, 21 and 28. Locations vary and more information can be found on the Washington Park Wednesdays Facebook page.
Starting in August, the concerts will return to the bandshell, 4599 W. Lloyd St. The bandshell concerts will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25.
Rhythm & Blooms in Havenwoods
Rhythm and Blooms, a concert series based in Havenwoods, is back. The concerts will take place at the Green Tree Community Garden, 6767 N. 60 St., from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays July 8, 15, 22 and 29 and Thursday, Aug. 5.
Festivals and Activities
District 2 Summer Park events
County Supervisor Sequanna Taylor is hosting a summer event series for District 2. The series is split into family game time, movie nights and educational sessions. The times and locations for each event vary, but the events all take place on Fridays at one of the following parks: Harriet Tubman Park, 4759 N. 48 St.; Brown Deer Park, 7835 N. Green Bay Ave.; or McGovern Park, 5400 N. 51 St. For additional details, click here.
Clarke Square Basura Bash: Saturday, July 10, Aug. 14 and Sept. 11
Clarke Square Neighborhood Initiative, in partnership with Safe & Sound, is hosting monthly garbage pickups and neighborhood cleanups known as Basura Bash. The locations of the cleanups are announced on the Clarke Square Neighborhood Initiative Facebook page. The upcoming cleanups begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 10; Saturday, Aug. 14; and Saturday, Sept. 11.
This year marks the ninth annual Heal the Hood block party. The celebration is taking place on North 9th and West Ring streets from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 17. Here, Ajamou Butler (left), founder of Heal the Hood, talks to an attendee. (NNS file photo)
Heal the Hood: Saturday, July 17
This year marks the ninth annual Heal the Hood block party. The City of Milwaukee and 414Life are co-sponsoring the event. The celebration is taking place on North 9  and West Ring streets from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 17. There will be music, food, resources, giveaways and more. Interested vendors can email HealTheHood@gmail.com or click here.
Puerto Rican Family Festival: Sunday, Aug. 1
The annual Puerto Rican Family Festival is back. The festival is taking place at Wilson Park, 1601 W. Howard Ave., from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 1. There will be traditional music, dance and food and more including a salsa and merengue dance contest, a domino contest and a baseball contest.
Bronzeville Week: Saturday, Aug. 7 to Saturday, Aug. 14
It is the 10 anniversary of Bronzeville Week. This year, the celebration will take place from Saturday, Aug. 7 to Saturday, Aug. 14. The week celebrates African American culture, history, art, commerce and entertainment with a variety of activities. It is hosted by Ald. Milele Coggs. The Bronzeville Cultural and Entertainment District is located in the 6 Aldermanic District. Follow the Bronzeville Week Facebook page for more details.
Silver City International Festival: Saturday, Sept. 11
VIA, formerly known as Layton West Boulevard Neighbors, is celebrating its 10 annual Silver City International Festival. The festival will take place in Arlington Park, 3439 W. Pierce St., from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11. There will be music, performances, food vendors, art, children’s activities and more.
Mexican Independence Day and Parade: Sunday, Sept. 12
UMOS is celebrating Mexican Independence Day with its annual parade and festival. The celebration will take place at UMOS headquarters, 2701 S. Chase Ave., on Sunday, Sept. 12. The time of the festivities is being determined. Join the celebration and enjoy the music, piñatas, face painting, resources, food and more. For more information, call Carmen Lerma at 414-581-9845.