historic in the best way

TEN SQUARE
BLOCKS

OF O.G. MILWAUKEE

The Historic Third Ward is downtown Milwaukee’s top neighborhood destination for the arts, dining, shopping, recreation & more. Steps from Lake Michigan — and home to the city's top festivals — we are where historic meets modern, grit meets glam & renaissance happens on the daily.

WHAT'S UP
IN THE WARD

IN THE NEWS

Third Ward boutiques are stocking up with fresh spring styles — from clothing to shoes, jewelry and more. Visit our Directory to plan your shopping excursion in Milwaukee's fashion district.

SPRING SHOPPING STARTS NOW

MORE INFO

creativity

De-stress during yoga at the Catacombs of Neto gallery on March 16.

MORE INFO

Warm up at the Milwaukee Public Market's Soup, Stew & Beer Fest on March 5.

MORE INFO

Skylight Music Theatre thrills with "Frankenstein," through March 9.

MORE INFO

FEATURED IN THE WARD

Host a Posh soiree

The Starling

Host your party or event at The Starling! With turnkey amenities to plan your event such as on-site bar, catering and audio/visual services, The Starling makes planning a grand event for your social or business gathering a breeze.

MORE INFO

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Who let the dogs out?

Salty Paws

Salty Paws is Milwaukee’s first ice cream bar and bakery with sweets made just for dogs! Choose from several flavors of Fido-approved ice cream and toppings, bones, toys, treats and more.

MORE INFO

Creativity Flows Here

The Marshall Building

The Marshall Building is a dynamic building and creative hub. Art lovers — and those new to art — can explore six floors of inspiration. The building boasts dozens of studios and galleries. (Shown here, Kashes Collection)

MORE INFO

say "I do" in style

The Rivulet

Host your wedding at the Ward’s newest venue. Boasting a stunning staircase, arched doorways, and Cream City brick that creates the perfect backdrop for your special day, it isn’t just a venue — it’s a whole vibe.

MORE INFO

CATCH THE THIRD WARD VIBE

Set your sights on Saturday brunch at @cafebenelux 😋

📸: Meghan H. on Yelp

It's a beautiful day to shop small ☀️ What's your favorite local biz in the Third Ward?

📸: @mke_photo_stevestango

Think pink at @lashdollsmke 🎀 ✨

Did you know that Lash Dolls moved a block away to the Landmark building (316 N. Milwaukee St.) earlier this month? 🤯

Now with an expanded footprint, they are offering additional services at the upscale lash boutique, including dermaplaning, permanent jewelry, LED light therapy and brow services, such as brow lamination and tinting!

Stop in and congratulate our friends at @lashdollsmke during your next appointment 👏

📸: @erichalvie

Starting the week off strong -- literally -- at @spire_fitness 💪

📸: @spire_fitness

Enjoying the icy river while we can 🧊

Are you ready for the "heat wave" this week, MKE? 🔥

📸: @mke_photo_stevestango

Saturday morning brews at @gracecoffeecompany always hit 🔥

📸: Lico J. on Yelp

What's cookin' at the @milwaukeepublicmarket? 👩‍🍳

From exciting new vendors like @forage_kitchen and @daasmokehouse, delicious events such as the 2025 Soup, Stew & Brew Fest (March 5) to upcoming classes on the science behind mixology, there's always a reason to visit this Milwaukee gem ✨

📸: photos.by.fabio

Can you believe we're over halfway through performing arts season?! 😮🎭

If you haven't visited our charming theatres this winter, support local and secure your tickets for the following shows:
☢️ The Children at @nextacttheatre through March 9
🧟 Frankenstein: The Musical at @skylightmusictheatre from Feb. 21-March 9
🍦 Every Brilliant Thing at @mkechamber from Feb. 28-March 16
👾 Buyer & Cellar at @renaissance.theaterworks from March 23-April 13

We'll see you before curtain call 🎬

📸: @getintotheveuve

Lace up ⛸️ and get your yearly Dinky Rink fix at the @milwaukeepublicmarket 🧊

With spring quickly approaching 👀 be sure to experience this free ice rink before winter melts away!

Learn more or secure your spot by clicking the link in our bio 🔗

📸: @milwaukeepublicmarket

Valentine's Day might be over, but you still have the chance to celebrate the month of love at @catacomb.1 💞

This Saturday, Feb. 22, grab a friend or lover and join @catacomb.1 at "Flowers and Love" — an evening featuring the poetic process of Milwaukee poet Kavon Cortez Jones with works featuring themes of love, flowers, connection and more 💐

Learn more by clicking the link in our bio 🔗

📸: @catacomb.1

Our love language? 💞 Dinner reservations at a dreamy Third Ward restaurant, of course 🥰

Celebrate Valentine's Day all weekend at these picture-perfect eateries:
✨ @saffron_mke for modern Indian flare and Insta-worthy cocktails
🍻 @cafebenelux for delish from-scratch dishes and frothy bier
🍖 @bavettebutcher for high-quality, regional provisions from a James Beard-nominated chef
🍷 @cavas.mke for a delicious paella perfectly paired with your new favorite wine

Visit historicthirdward.org for a full Directory of dining destinations. Where are you celebrating love this weekend?

📸: @saffron_mke (1), @cafebenelux (2), @bavettebutcher (3), @cavas.mke (4)

After yesterday’s white out, Mother Nature is turning up the saturation 🔆

📸: @erichalvie

Picture this: You've finished your free espresso at @likewisemke and now you're wondering if you should order one of their seasonal lattes to go ... 🤔

Did you know that throughout the month of February you can enjoy a free daily shot of espresso when you enjoy it in-house at @likewisemke? ☕

Make plans to jumpstart your day — or for an afternoon pick-me-up! — with that espresso shot this month ✨

📸: @becyeahhh

Take a walk, make a friend! 🤝 ✨

Just because it's cold outside — and we know, it's cold 🥶 — doesn't mean you can't meet up with fellow outdoor enthusiasts and enjoy the fresh air 👟

📣 EDIT: 📣 The Galentine's Day walk has been POSTPONED due to incoming inclement weather - stay tuned for the new date coming soon!

Join us and @girlswhowalkmke this Saturday, Feb. 15, at 10 a.m. in Erie St. Plaza (the park next to Milwaukee Sail Loft) for a two-mile Galentine's Day walk through Lakeshore State Park ❄️ Then, head to @mkebrisa for a post-walk brunch, including a special power plate and all you can drink mimosas 🥂

We'll see you there, friends!

📸: @lakeshorestatepark_mke

Stretching out the Monday blues at @yamayogamke this morning 🧘‍♀️ ✨

📸: @yamayogamke

Raise that glass: It's Sunday Funday! 🤩

If you need yet another reason to order that @thewickedhop Bloody Mary ... you can give back when you order the tomato-based cocktail! 😋 🍅

Throughout the month of February, @thewickedhop will donate $1 from each Bloody Mary sold to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation 🚒

So get your brunch crew together and get ready to give back this month, MKE 🍻

📸: @happytravelerco

Three words: Super 👏 Bowl 👏 Sunday 👏

Whether you're there for the football or the halftime show, catch the big game in style in the Third Ward tomorrow:
🍕 Enjoy @mkebrisa's unique Mediterranean fare and special cocktails starting at 4:15 p.m. Plus, hang out with LeRoy Butler, the creator of the Lambeau Leap as you watch the game! 🧀
🍺 Cheer on your fave team (and get a shot when they get a touchdown 👀) at @exploriumbrew
🏈 Grab your buds for a frothy brew, delicious bite and exciting evening at @districtforemke
🦌 Gather 'round one of @campbarmke's screens with your fellow campers and a seasonal cocktail

Where are you cheering on your team this weekend?

📸: @mkebrisa

This is your sign to take your lunch break at @dandanmke's all-you-can-eat buffet 🤤 🥢

Every Friday, fill up on egg rolls, noodles and more from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

We'll see you in buffet line 😋

📸: @dandanmke

Let's hear it for the gals 💞

Take your Galentine's Day to the next level at these neighborhood events:

💓 Feb. 6: @goodlandmassage's Galentine's Day Mini Market from 4-6 p.m.: Celebrate friendship tonight with an evening of connection, mingling — and stocking up on everything from handmade crafts to self-care — at this mini market, featuring items from woman-owned businesses.

🍷 Feb. 13: Girl Dinner package at @trerivalirestaurant: Enjoy the Grand Mezze platter and a bottle of Prosecco. Perfect to share with your closest friends or the entire table.

🍝 Feb. 13 Galentine's Day Celebration at @onestomke: Gather your gal pals and enjoy an evening filled with delicious food and drink on the very-Instagrammable second floor.

👟 Feb. 15: Girls Who Walk Galentine's Day event: Lace up your sneakers, text your besties and head out to Lakeshore State Park with @girlswhowalkmke. Then, join us for a post-walk brunch at @mkebrisa (yes, there will be all-you-can-drink mimosas 🥂) 🔥

📸: @trerivalirestaurant

Suit up 👔 and glow up ✨ with @hh_clothing1948 and @facefoundriemilwaukee this Saturday, Feb. 8, from 12 to 4 p.m. 🙌

You can enter to win a free closet consultation and free custom shirt from Harleys (no purchase necessary 👀), then purchase a raffle ticket at FACE FOUNDRIÉ for a chance to win a facial and gift cards 🤩

We'll see you this weekend!

📸: @hh_clothing1948 (1), @mariahkotvis (2)

Stacks on stacks on stacks 😍 ✨

Get your Valentine something chic — and everlasting, just like your bond 😉 — at @atriojewelry 💞

📸: @atriojewelry

Bright Sunday mornings at @marn_arts are giving spring vibes 🌱

Who else is hoping the groundhog sees his shadow today? 🤞

📸: @marn_arts

The first day of February is feelin' fresh at @stpaulfishmarket 🦞 😋

📸: @eowt.bkk

The sun is rising over a 179-year-old Milwaukee 😍

Happy birthday to the city we love so well ✨

📸 : @mke_photo_stevestango

In case you needed a reminder of how quickly time is moving, we're celebrating two years of @gogrocerthirdward this week! 🥂 ✨

From local bites to fresh produce, you'll find top-notch products at this small but mighty one stop shop 💫 Stop in and wish the team a happy anniversary while you're out and about!

📸: @gogrocerthirdward

Raise your hand if you're catching @mkechamber's "A Doll's House" this weekend 💁

Click the link in our bio to learn more about the show described as "the door slam heard ‘round the world" 🚪

📸: @visitmilwaukee

Manifesting warm vibes with a delicious hot chocolate at @benandjerrysmilwaukee ☕ 🍫 😋

P.S. to our plant-based friends, you can get a dairy-free version (yes, whipped cream too!) with your favorite toppings 👀

📸: @celestrellas

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PLAN

your visit

Building designed by important Milwaukee architect Henry C. Koch for wholesale grocers Wellauer & Hoffmann.

1893

THE BROADWAY

chronicles

PLAN

your visit

Building designed by important Milwaukee architect Henry C. Koch for wholesale grocers Wellauer & Hoffmann.

1893

THE BROADWAY

chronicles

PLAN

your visit

Building designed by important Milwaukee architect Henry C. Koch for wholesale grocers Wellauer & Hoffmann.

1893

THE BROADWAY

chronicles

PLAN

your visit

Building designed by important Milwaukee architect Henry C. Koch for wholesale grocers Wellauer & Hoffmann.

1893

THE BROADWAY

chronicles

historic in the best way

TEN SQUARE BLOCKS

OF O.G. MILWAUKEE

The Historic Third Ward is downtown Milwaukee’s top neighborhood destination for the arts, dining, shopping, recreation & more. Steps from Lake Michigan — and home to the city's top festivals — we are where historic meets modern, grit meets glam & renaissance happens on the daily.

WHAT'S UP IN THE WARD

SPRING SHOPPING STARTS NOW

creativity

De-stress during yoga at the Catacombs of Neto gallery on March 16. MORE INFO

cuisine

Warm up at the Milwaukee Public Market's Soup, Stew & Beer Fest on March 5. MORE INFO

culture

Skylight Music Theatre thrills with "Frankenstein," through March 9. MORE INFO

3 SURE THINGS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW

FEATURED IN THE WARD

Host a Posh soiree

The Starling

Who let the dogs out?

Salty Paws

Creativity Flows Here

The Marshall Building

say "I do" in style

The Rivulet

CATCH THE THIRD WARD VIBE

​

Join our mailing list

TEN SQUARE
BLOCKS

WHAT'S UP
IN THE WARD

De-stress during yoga at the Catacombs of Neto gallery on March 16.

MORE INFO

Warm up at the Milwaukee Public Market's Soup, Stew & Beer Fest on March 5.

MORE INFO

Skylight Music Theatre thrills with "Frankenstein," through March 9.

MORE INFO