Add NNS to Google
The 2026 HaRUNbee 5k Run/Walk for Healthy Birth Outcomes will happen on Aug. 1. (NNS file photo)

It’s Friday in Milwaukee, and here are some things we think you should know about. If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please submit your news by clicking here at least two weeks in advance.

1. Art in Action for the Water: Friday, July 31

Milwaukee Water Commons is showcasing new artwork that follows the themes of “water as freedom” and “protecting water.” The event will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 31 at 1836 W. Fond du Lac Ave. More information here. 

Advertisement

2. HaRUNbee 5K Run/Walk: Saturday, Aug. 1

As part of Bronzeville Week 2026, the 11th annual HaRUNbee 5K Run/Walk for Healthy Birth Outcomes will take place on Saturday, Aug. 1 at 7:30 a.m. with registration at 6 a.m. Runners/walkers will start and end the race from North Martin Luther King Drive and West North Avenue. Register to participate or get more information here. 

3. Black Arts Fest MKE: Saturday, Aug. 1

Black Arts Fest MKE 2026 will feature a full day of celebrating art, education, poetry, music, dance and more on Saturday, Aug. 1 from noon to 10 p.m. at the Summerfest grounds, 200 N. Harbor Drive. General Admission tickets are $30, $20 for seniors, $15 for youths and free for kids 7 and under and credentialed veterans. Purchase tickets here. More information here.

4. Grown Up Summer Camp: Sunday, Aug. 2

The Urban Ecology Center Washington Park Branch is hosting an opportunity for adults to tap back into their inner camper from 1 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2 at 1859 N. 40th St. Activities include paddling, yoga, linocut stamping, music and more. Tickets are $55. More information here.

5. Shakespeare in the Park: Sunday, Aug. 2

Residents can head to Jackson Park, 3500 W. Forest Home Ave., on Sunday Aug. 2 at 1 p.m. to enjoy Shakespeare in the Park. In addition to a performance of Richard III (Puppet Edition) and The Merry Wives of Windsor: Falstaff’s Tale, there will also be live music. More information here.

Bonus: Here are 11 free summer concert series in Milwaukee.

Share your news through our Posts From Community portal

Creative Commons License

Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.

Raised in a South Side neighborhood where he still lives, Edgar Mendez is the managing editor of the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service. Mendez is a proud graduate of UW-Milwaukee, where he double majored in journalism and sociology, and of Marquette University, where he earned a master’s degree in communication. He won a 2018 Regional Edward R. Murrow Award and 2014, 2017, and 2018 Milwaukee Press Club Awards for his reporting on taverns, marijuana law enforcement, and lead in water service lines. In 2008, he won a Society of Professional Journalists’ regional award for columns dealing with issues such as poverty, homelessness and racism. His writing has been published by the Associated Press, Reuters, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and other media. He has also co-authored three articles published in scholarly journals.