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

Shop Local. Shop the Ward!

With hundreds of businesses in the neighborhood, it's easy to find something special for everyone on your list. Support your Milwaukee community by season long by shopping small.

MAKE A BIG IMPACT —
SHOP SMALL

MORE INFO

creativity

One-of-a-kind holiday gifts abound at the Marshall Building's galleries

MORE INFO

Tied House "Up Nort" winter experience now serving up seasonal sips

MORE INFO

Joseph and the Amazing Technocolor Dreamcoat shines at Skylight Music Theatre

MORE INFO

FEATURED IN THE WARD

GIVE THE GIFT OF HANDMADE

MIAD Holiday Sale

Meet the emerging and established artists and designers behind the amazing creations; purchase one-of-a-kind art and design works created by MIAD students and alumni at affordable prices Dec. 4-6.

MORE INFO

GOOD GASTRONOMY

Las Gardenias

Experience Mexican cuisine through the Guadalajaran lense: Las Gardenias offers handmade tacos, tamales and aguachiles with a carefully crafted selection of tequila, mezcal and spirits.

MORE INFO

ALL THE BUZZ

Honeybee Sage

A new feel-good spot in the Marshall Building — Honeybee Sage Wellness Cafe Nuc — brings a cozy herbal apothecary to the Third Ward. Stop by and explore a curated selection of teas, bakery items, body products and much more.

MORE INFO

CHIC SECONDHAND

Maggies's Closet

Find new-to-you pieces at the newest consignment shop in the neighborhood. With secondhand clothing, vintage clothing, retro furniture and home decor, there's something for everyone at Maggie's Closet on Broadway.

MORE INFO

CATCH THE THIRD WARD VIBE

On your big day, you gotta glow 👰 ✨

Find your perfect dress at @missrubyboutique, then get ready to walk down the aisle with a Signature Facial from @aesthetics360mke 🤩

You could win a Signature Facial Treatment (valued at $235) from @aesthetics360mke or a $25 @missrubyboutique gift card!

TO ENTER TO WIN:
🎁 Like this post
🎁 Follow @historicthirdward, @aesthetics360mke AND @missrubyboutique (we check!)
🎁 Tag two friends in the comments
🎁 Share to your story (must be public) for an extra entry

Enter as many times are you desire all month long! We won't judge 😉

Winners will be announced tomorrow via our Instagram story 💫 Remember to check back daily — we're giving away gift cards from neighborhood businesses through Tuesday, Dec. 23!

Good luck and remember to Shop the Ward this holiday season! 🎄

📸: @aesthetics360mke (1), @missrubyboutique (2)

I scream, you scream ... you know the rest 😉 🍦

It might be cold outside, but we're not above a little winter sweet treat 😋

You could win a $25 @benandjerrysmilwaukee gift card!

TO ENTER TO WIN:
🎁 Like this post
🎁 Follow @historicthirdward AND @benandjerrysmilwaukee
🎁 Tag two friends in the comments
🎁 Share to your story (must be public) for an extra entry

Enter as many times are you desire all month long! We won't judge 😉

Winners will be announced tomorrow via our Instagram story 💫 Remember to check back daily — we're giving away gift cards from neighborhood businesses through Tuesday, Dec. 23!

Good luck and remember to Shop the Ward this holiday season! 🎄

📸: @milwaukeefoodbabes

The view from up here is oh so merry and bright 🤩 ✨

Join us tomorrow in Catalano Square for the cutest kick off to the holidays at Christmas in the Ward from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. 🎄

Witness Santa's magic as he lights the tree with a flick of the wrist, sip hot cocoa with friends and family, listen to local musicians play holiday favorites and so much more 🎆

Click the link in our bio to see all the activities happening in our little park tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 5 🔗

See you there, MKE! 🎅

📸: @abovemke

Christmas in the Ward, but from your POV 🤩

Are you ready, MKE? Your kick off to the holidays returns with a 🎆 bang 🎆 to Catalano Square this Friday, Dec. 5 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. 🎄

Brings your friends and family to enjoy our old-fashioned tree lighting ceremony with a warm cup of hot cocoa (spiked or NA if that’s your journey), watch our 38-foot tree light up with Santa’s magic, buy cookies from local bakeries at our cookie sale benefitting @rmhcmilwaukee, meet live reindeer and oh so much more ✨

Click the link in our bio to plan your festive evening now 🎅

Christmas in the Ward is presented by our friends at @nicolet_law

📸: @mamabreets (1), @robsoncorrea (2), @celestrellas (3), @sbl121 (4)

Ah ... caffeine: Our strongest shopping companion ☕ ⚡💪

On a Sunday morning shopping spree? Us too 🤝 On day two of Shop the Ward, we're celebrating all things chic and energized by giving away $25 gift cards to @shoostoremke and @colectivocoffee! 🎉

TO ENTER TO WIN:
🎁 Like this post
🎁 Follow @historicthirdward, @shoostoremke AND @colectivocoffee
🎁 Tag two friends in the comments
🎁 Share to your story (must be public) for an extra entry

Enter as many times are you desire all month long! We won't judge 😉

Winners will be announced tomorrow via our Instagram story 💫 Remember to check back daily — we're giving away gift cards from neighborhood businesses through Tuesday, Dec. 23!

Good luck and remember to Shop the Ward this holiday season! 🎄

📸: @celestrellas (1), @colectivocoffee (2)

Is your morning fueled by coffee? Likewise 😉 ☕ ☀️

Get your buzz on for a weekend of shopping while supporting small! Small Business Saturday is tomorrow, Nov. 29, and we also kick off our 25 days of Shop the Ward 😍

Enter to win gift cards from nearly 50 Third Ward retailers every day from Nov. 29 to Dec. 23 on our Instagram page 🎉

📸: @celestrellas at @likewisemke

Happy Turkey Day, MKE! 🦃

Our Thanksgiving morning walk took us to some beautiful places 😍 Where will you be walking, running or biking to burn off your Thanksgiving meal? 🍗 🍠 🥧

📸: @mke_photo_stevestango

Gifts with a whole lot of he(art) 💓

@miadcollege's annual MIAD Holiday Sale returns next week Dec. 4-6 🧶

This is your opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind art and design works created by MIAD students and alumni at affordable prices. 🤝 Plus, you can meet the emerging and established artists and designers behind the amazing creations 🎨

Gifts range from sculptures, paintings and photographs to jewelry, stickers, greeting cards and more.

📸: @miadcollege

Staycation at the @journeymanhotel? We'll cheers to that 🥂

📸: @journeymanhotel

Get a taste of the Ward 😋

From a unique Holiday Hop around the neighborhood to an inside look at the newest public art installation, you'll be ready for seconds after reading the Fall/Winter 2025 edition of THREE Magazine ✨

Click the link in our bio to read the digital version now 🔗

📸: @erichalvie

Here come the holidays 🚒 🎄 🎅

In just two weeks, Christmas in the Ward returns to Catalano Square on Friday, Dec. 5! 🎆

The Historic Third Ward transforms into a scene from a Hallmark movie — with all that holiday magic — at our old-fashioned tree lighting ceremony:

🎄 Light it Up: Gather ’round for an old-fashioned tree lighting ceremony — brought to life by Santa’s holiday magic!

🍷 Sip & Celebrate: Enjoy hot drinks like cocoa (spiked or simply sweet) and mulled wine, or, opt for a cool local beer or wine.

🎤 Feel the Festive Beat: Enjoy live music from local musicians and performing arts groups throughout the evening.

🍕 Savor the Flavors : Grab dinner or a snack from local food trucks — and warm up by the fire with DIY s’mores roasting!

🎅 Visit Santa: Share your wish list with the big guy himself in Jolly’s House from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

🍪 Give Back: Treat yourself to delicious cookies at our sale benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities.

🎆 See the Sky Sparkle: Don’t miss these rare winter fireworks following the tree lighting!

Bring your friends, family and festive spirit to Catalano Square (147 N. Broadway) for one unforgettable night of holiday cheer! 🎁

Click the link in our bio to learn more about our celebration of joy and all things festive ☃️

Christmas in the Ward is presented by our friends at @nicolet_law.

📸: @erichalvie

Cheesin’ 😄 in our new merch ✨

Exclusively designed for the Historic Third Ward by local artist @whitneynettles, you can snag new merch from hats and crewnecks to stickers and doggie bandanas! 🤩

Ready to show your love for the Historic Third Ward? Stop by @broadwaypaper on Friday, Dec. 12 from 12 to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 13 from 12 to 4 p.m. to shop this limited-edition run of merch 🥳

Your handmade holiday at @hovercraftmke is just a few weeks away 🧶 🕯️

On Sunday, Dec. 7, shop over 100 local vendors in the historic Pritzlaff building at 315 N. Plankinton Ave. from noon to 6 p.m. 🤩

Click the link in our bio to explore vendors and get your tickets now 🎟️

Sunny Sundays in the Third Ward? Now that's a walk in the park 😉

This is your reminder to get outside and enjoy the outdoors, no matter the season 💞

Follow the yellow brick road ... to @onesto_mke! 💛

From Nov. 24 to Dec. 1, immerse yourself in the world of Wicked at @onesto_mke's "Oz at Onesto" activation 💗💚

Indulge in a night of pure Oz magic with whimsical photo ops, wickedly delicious bites, scandalocious drinks, and surprises at every turn! Dress up or come as you are 👠

Click the link in our bio to reserve your spot now ✨

📸: @onesto_mke

Shopping ... but make it chic and charitable ✨

Explore @wearesilverlinings' Marketplace on the ground floor of the Marshall Building (207 E. Buffalo St.) for a curated collection of handcrafted pieces from local makers 🤩 Plus, with every purchase, Harmonic Harvest gives back to the community 👏

From candles to clothing, jewelry, home goods and more — you're sure to find something you'll love 🥰

📸: @88nine.mke

Hop on the gravy train by enjoying Thanksgiving from award-winning Third Ward restaurants 😋

Take the stress out of cooking for your family by ordering to-go meals from @smokeshacked, @saffron_mke or @bavettelaboucherie 🍗 Or, dine-in at @trerivalirestaurant's popular Thanksgiving buffet 🍽️

Most to-go orders must be placed by next week, so act fast!

📸: @smokeshacked

Work(shop) it out ✨

Transport yourself into Milwaukee's local art scene through ceramic classes of all levels at @katharrisonstudio — from beginners ready to dip their toes to experts honing their skills 👏

📸: @katharrisonstudio

Those sacred moments before the lights go down ✨

Escape the world for a few hours and dive into these upcoming performances this month:
🎭 Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat at @skylightmusictheatre Nov. 14-Dec. 28
🎭 Murder Girl Nov. 14-Dec. 7 from @mkechamber
🎭 Boswell at @nextacttheatre Nov. 19-Dec. 14

Click the link in our bio to learn more and explore other happenings coming soon to the Historic Third Ward 🔗

Feeling oh so pine 🌲 on tree day ✨

Okay … it’s not a pine but it’s in the same evergreen family! This Colorado blue spruce - which weighs over 3,000 pounds and 38 feet tall - traveled from Bay View to its final home in Catalano Square this morning🎅🏼

The donors - Kim and Michael - have been coming to Christmas in the Ward with their children for over a decade. Now, it’s their turn to see their very own tree light up from Christmas magic 🎄

This tree was selected from a long line of donors interesting in having their tree taken down in an easy and sustainable way. This giant will stand in our park until mid-January, where then it will be converted to mulch for city-wide projects.

On Friday, Dec. 5, celebrate the holidays with us at our old fashioned tree lighting celebration, Christmas in the Ward. Festivities start at 5:30 p.m. 🦌

Click the link in our bio to explore all our holly jolly activities this holiday season! 🔗

See you there 🎁

Digging into the Friday eve vibes at @saltypawsmke 😋 🍨

📸: @dori.the.sheltie

Just a touch of Christmas magic 🎅 🎄 ✨

T-minus one month until Christmas in the Ward returns to Catalano Square (147 N. Broadway) on Friday, Dec. 5, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. 🎁

Bring your friends and fam to celebrate the most joyous time of year at our little Hallmark movie in the Ward:
☕ Fill your cup with Christmas cheer: We're serving up hot cocoa (NA and with schnapps 😋), wine, local beer on tap and more!
🎅 Bring Santa your wishlist in Jolly's House from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
🍪 Cookie sale benefitting our charity partner @rmhcmilwaukee
🎆 Fireworks post-tree lighting
... and so much more!

We'll see you at Christmas in the Ward, presented by @nicolet_law, on Dec. 5 🔔

📸: @erichalvie

Heating up our fall workout routine at @flying_squirrel_pilates 💪 🔥

📸: @flying_squirrel_pilates

Order up! Your lunch inspo for National Sandwich Day is here 😋 🥪

We feel so lucky to have countless mouth-watering sandwiches in the neighborhood, from piled-high delights to mouth-watering burgers (and yes, burgers are considered sandwiches 😉)

What is your favorite Third Ward sandwich spot? 🤤

📸: @cafebenelux (1), @clubcharliesmke (2), @milwaukeesailloft (3)

Turning back time 💫

Did you turn your clocks back? While we aren't excited about the early sunsets, we did enjoy that extra hour of sleep, hbu?

📸: @getintotheveuve

ICYMI, beloved Third Ward shop @modgenmke is closing 💔 We want to thank @modgenmke, owner Doug McDonald and the amazing MOD GEN team for their many years as a neighborhood gem in the Historic Third Ward 🙏

Now is the time to shop — and save 🌱 As of this week, everything in the shop (including plants) is 20 percent off! 🛍️ MOD GEN will be open until everything is gone, and the stock is depleting fast. They're open Wednesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Here's to the next chapter, friends 🥂 You will be missed! 💞

📸: @erichalvie

Tasting and toasting to the fall season at @thiefwine's Fall Grand Tasting event 🍷

On Friday, Nov. 7, enjoy an extraordinary selection of wines, meet expert sommeliers and fellow wine lovers plus complimentary light bites for your tasting experience on the second floor of the @milwaukeepublicmarket 😋

Tickets are limited, so click the link in our bio to reserve your spot now 🔗

📸: @milwaukeepublicmarket

Explore the Ward with the fall/winter edition of The Guide 🍂 ✨

Navigate through the neighborhood with ease: Find your new fave boutique, coffee shop or regular weeknight hangout 🤝

Pick up a copy at any Third Ward retailer or click the link in our bio to read the new Guide now 🔗

📸: @erichalvie

It's in the details ✨

@michal_studios is bringing the vibes with their elegant displays 🤩 Stop in and browse luxury lingerie, perfumes and so much more 💞

📸: @michal_studios

Rolling into Halloweek like ... 👻 🎃

📸: @groomformen

Three words you need to hear right now: All 👏 week 👏 brunch 👏

@the.edison.mke now offers brunch all week long from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.! Dig into delicious dishes including crepes, cast iron pancakes and more elevated takes on breakfast classics 🤤

Make your reservation now ‼️

📸: @the.edison.mke

Get the gang together, we're going to @rileysocialhouse 🐶 🍺

There's always fun to be had at Riley's, like these upcoming events:
👻 Halloween Party (today!), Oct. 25 at 5 p.m.: Make a statement with your pooch by donning your favorite Halloween costume, then enjoy spooky refreshments, weenie bobbing and a costume contest for humans and dogs!
🎨 Paint Your Pup, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.: Take home the cutest painting of your picture-perfect furry companion from local artist @danielledoetschart 🖌️

Plus, enjoy weekly specials and events all year long at @rileysocialhouse 🐾 Your dog will thank you 👏

📸: @rileysandwich

Grab your bestie: It's happy hour o'clock 🥂

Celebrate the weekend by grabbing a bite and a drink or two at a few of our neighborhood spaces and places:
🥃 @outsiderrooftop
🍸 @aperitivomke
🍷 @2awinemerchants
🍹 @saffronmke

We'll see you out there 👀

📸: @outsiderrooftop (1), @aperitivomke (2), @mke_mason (3), @saffronmke (4)

Strolling through the @milwaukeepublicmarket for great views, good company and delicious local bites 😋

Did you know that the @milwaukeepublicmarket celebrated their official 20th anniversary last Wednesday, Oct. 15? 🥳 We want to take a moment to say congrats to our friends over at our iconic foodie venue 👏

Use this as your sign to stop in and celebrate with them this weekend 🎉

📸: @live333water

Soft sunset hues for your Tuesday evening 🌆

📸: @photos.by.jw

Stocking up for the busy week ahead at @gogrocerthirdward 🍅 🥪

📸: @jeffersonblock

We're saying "cheers!" to the finale day of the 2025 @thirdwardbeergarden season today 🍻

Enjoy local brews and good vibes on tap from noon to 6 p.m. and send the third season off on a high note 👏

📸: @exploriumbrew

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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

MAKE A BIG IMPACT — SHOP SMALL

creativity

One-of-a-kind holiday gifts abound at the Marshall Building's galleries MORE INFO

cuisine

Tied House "Up Nort" winter experience now serving up seasonal sips MORE INFO

culture

Joseph and the Amazing Technocolor Dreamcoat shines at Skylight Music Theatre MORE INFO

3 SURE THINGS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW

FEATURED IN THE WARD

GIVE THE GIFT OF HANDMADE

MIAD Holiday Sale

GOOD GASTRONOMY

Las Gardenias

ALL THE BUZZ

Honeybee Sage

CHIC SECONDHAND

Maggies's Closet

CATCH THE THIRD WARD VIBE

​

Join our mailing list

TEN SQUARE
BLOCKS

WHAT'S UP
IN THE WARD

MAKE A BIG IMPACT —
SHOP SMALL

One-of-a-kind holiday gifts abound at the Marshall Building's galleries

MORE INFO

Tied House "Up Nort" winter experience now serving up seasonal sips

MORE INFO

Joseph and the Amazing Technocolor Dreamcoat shines at Skylight Music Theatre

MORE INFO