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

The Third Ward Art Festival returns this Labor Day weekend, Sept. 5-6. This year's event features 200-plus juried artists from across the country. Plus, enjoy food, drinks, live music, children's activities and more!

ART LIVES HERE

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creativity

Commission House Mural painting underway

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Enjoy the limited-edition Three Cheers Lager at the Third Ward Beer Garden!

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Riverwalk Commons Concert Series Brings the Beats on Select Tuesdays

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FEATURED IN THE WARD

BEER HERE!

Third Ward Beer Garden

Say cheers at an urban beer garden in the heart of the Third Ward. Beer, wine, cocktails & n/a drinks are all on tap in Catalano Square, Wednesday-Sunday. Don't miss live music from local musicians Thu-Sat and select Sundays.

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capture the moment

Laurelyn Harrig Photo

Third Ward-based photographer Laurelyn Harrig partners with in the architecture/interiors, hospitality, and lifestyle brand spaces to reach their target audiences and increase their impact with stunning, storytelling visuals.

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catch the buzz

World's Largest Coffee Break

Presented by Healthpeak as part of Milwaukee’s Downtown Employee Appreciation Week, get your caffeine on with us during the World’s Largest Coffee Break! Free coffee, donuts and community networking.

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Third Ward Gallery Night 7-19-24-149.jpg

find inspiration

Gallery Night MKE

Fall Gallery Night MKE returns October 16 & 17! Showcasing art works from photography and sculpture to drawing, painting and more, the event offers visitors the opportunity admire and purchase original art.

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CATCH THE THIRD WARD VIBE

Getting our buzz on ☕️ ⚡️

World's Largest Coffee Break is BACK next Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in Catalano Square 🌳

Local coffee and tea shops — @colectivocoffee, @gracecoffeecompany, @discourse.coffee's Guest Coffee Collective, @honeybeesagewellness, @stylepopcafe and @valentinecoffee — will be serving up free drinks and treats 😋

Plus, we'll have plenty of free donuts, too!

World's Largest Coffee Break is part of @mkedowntown's Downtown Employee Appreciation Week, and is supported by our generous sponsor Healthpeak 👏

It's happening! 🎉 🎨 ✨️

The @commissionhousemural is underway on the northern border of the Historic Third Ward 🤩

Last week, artist @johnkowalczyk (with the help of a few key friends like fellow Milwaukee artist @sarobott) began the preliminary stages of "Portal to the Past." This landmark public art project celebrates every single layer of this building's heritage — honoring the workers, craftspeople, and innovators who built and sustained 400 N. Broadway over the last 115 years 💪

Click the link in our bio to learn more about this exciting public art initiative 🔗

📸: @erichalvie

The Moon rises once again 🌙 ✨

Great news, Milwaukee! The rain has subsided, and Museum of the Moon is back over the Catalano Square fountain starting at 3 p.m. 🌟

Don’t miss your chance to see this awe-inspiring art piece before it comes down for good at 9 p.m. tonight 🌖

Programming updates:
🤩 All previously scheduled activations for this evening are a go!
🎨 4 pm: Enjoy live painting of the Moon by @jkarthouse_, dessert vendors @benandjerrysmilwaukee and @petespops, plus a jazzy afternoon brought to you by @freshcoastjazz with live music by Marcus Daneille Collective
🎶 6 pm: Live music from Will Carter Jazz Trio
🎺 8 pm: @mamadigdowns closes the Third Ward Moon Festival with a live performance!

And don’t forget to grab a drink at the @thirdwardbeergarden and spend some time under the Moon!

Due to incoming weather, we’re making a few changes to the Third Ward Moon Festival programming today, Sunday, Aug. 9:

🌖 The Museum of the Moon art piece is coming down until the storms pass and we feel confident that the piece can be rehung. 🚨 UPDATE, 8/9 2 p.m.: The moon will be back as of 3 p.m., come visit before it comes down for good at 9 p.m. tonight 🚨

🛍️ The Moonlight & Mindfulness Market (scheduled from 12-3 p.m.) has been cancelled due to rain

🚨 Update as of 3:30 pm, 8/9 🚨

🤩 All previously scheduled activations for this evening are a go!
🎨 4 pm: Enjoy live painting of the Moon by @jkarthouse_, dessert vendors @benandjerrysmilwaukee and @petespops, plus a jazzy afternoon brought to you by @freshcoastjazz with live music by Marcus Daneille Collective
🎶 6 pm: Live music from Will Carter Jazz Trio
🎺 8 pm: @mamadigdowns closes the Third Ward Moon Festival with a live performance!

It’s the final countdown ... 🌙

Don’t miss your chance to experience the final day of this one-time, free and open to the public event — the Third Ward Moon Festival — today, Sunday Aug. 9 ✨

Official festival hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in Catalano Square (147 N. Broadway), with myriad activations to elevate your Sunday Funday:

🔮 Moonlight & Mindfulness Market: CANCELLED
🎨 Live painting of the moon by @jkarthouse_
🎺 Live performances throughout the day will include smooth jazz trumpet artist Nathan Mayfield and the Marcya Danielle Trio. The evening features the Will Carter Jazz Quartet, and a rousing set by Mama Digdown’s Brass Band

See you in Catalano Square, friends! 🎉

The Third Ward Moon Festival is presented by the Historic Third Ward Association and Business Improvement District #2, premier sponsors @llgmke and @thirdwardbeergarden, and sponsors @veolianorthamerica and Urban Law!

Plus, thank you to our in-kind sponsors @bensonsrestaurantgroup, @cafebenelux, @designwithinreach, @digitaledgecc, @josephpropertydevelopmentmke and @visitmilwaukee 👏

#museumofthemoon

Phase two ✌️ of the Third Ward Moon Festival continues today! 🤩 🌝 ✨

Join us today — Saturday, Aug. 8 — for another day of live music, interactive art, family-friendly activities, and an immersive atmosphere under the Moon 🎶 🎨

💫 Bring the kiddos for Cosmic Kids Morning, featuring music from @radiomilwaukee’s Dori Zori and glow-in-the-dark painting led by artists @netoatkinson and Louie Brewer
🌷 Watch live chalk art being created along Broadway (starting at 9 a.m.)
🩰 Enjoy a mini-lesson and pop-up performance by @milwaukeeballet, as well as cultural music from Val Sigal, Maestro della fisarmonica and @irishfest performers Sarah Sheehan and Kevin Shortall
🎶 Dance into the evening with a set by DJ Ku Mays and an electrifying show by Milwaukee-favorite @delabuenamusic

Well, Milwaukee ... 🌙 We’ll see you on the Moon 👩‍🚀

The Third Ward Moon Festival is presented by the Historic Third Ward Association and Business Improvement District #2, premier sponsors @llgmke and @thirdwardbeergarden, and sponsors @veolianorthamerica and Urban Law!

Plus, thank you to our in-kind sponsors @bensonsrestaurantgroup, @cafebenelux, @designwithinreach, @digitaledgecc, @josephpropertydevelopmentmke and @visitmilwaukee

#museumofthemoon

Today’s the day! Kick off the Third Ward Moon Festival with us tonight, Friday, Aug. 7, at 5 p.m. at the opening ceremony 👩‍🚀

Illuminate your weekend with:
🎤 Special performances by @mke_hittaz and a medley of moon-themed songs from @skylightmusictheatre
👠 A moving fashion presentation with lunar-inspired looks from @edessafashion with ambiance from @florentineopera
💃 Performances by @djkennyperez, @wispaceprogram and @dakdubois
🛻 Food trucks @cocinafilipinamke, @flourgirlandflame and @totsonthestreet

For more information and detailed daily lineups, click the link in our bio to view the event page on our website 🔗

See you tonight, MKE! 🚀

The Third Ward Moon Festival is presented by the Historic Third Ward Association and Business Improvement District #2, premier sponsors @llgmke and @thirdwardbeergarden, and sponsors @veolianorthamerica and Urban Law!

Plus, thank you to our in-kind sponsors @bensonsrestaurantgroup, @cafebenelux, @designwithinreach, @digitaledgecc, @josephpropertydevelopmentmke and @visitmilwaukee

#museumofthemoon

48 hours until the Moon lands in Catalano Square 👀 🌙

Are you joining us at the Third Ward Moon Festival this weekend? From Friday, August 7 to Sunday, August 9, experience three exciting days of live music, dance, visual art, wellness experiences 🎶 🎨 🧘‍♀️

The centerpiece of the entire festival is the art piece "Museum of the Moon" by UK artist @lukejerramartist 🌕️ Don't miss your chance, Milwaukee is the only city to see it's wonder in the United States this year 🤩

Click the link in our bio to explore a full schedule of events — including a timed lineup 🔗

The Third Ward Moon Festival is presented by the Historic Third Ward Association and Business Improvement District #2, premier sponsors @llgmke and @thirdwardbeergarden, and sponsors @veolianorthamerica and Urban Law!

Plus, thank you to our in-kind sponsors @bensonsrestaurantgroup, @cafebenelux, @designwithinreach, @digitaledgecc, @josephpropertydevelopmentmke and @visitmilwaukee 🤩

#museumofthemoon

This weekend's celebration — the Third Ward Moon Festival happening Aug. 7-9 — would not be possible without our generous sponsors 👏 ✨️

The Third Ward Moon Festival is presented by the Historic Third Ward Association and Business Improvement District #2, premier sponsors @llgmke and @thirdwardbeergarden, and sponsors @veolianorthamerica and Urban Law!

Plus, thank you to our in-kind sponsors @bensonsrestaurantgroup, @cafebenelux, @designwithinreach, @digitaledgecc, @josephpropertydevelopmentmke and @visitmilwaukee 🤩

We at the HTWA thank you all for your support and partnership in putting this event together ⭐️

We'll see you in Catalano Square this weekend Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9 🌓

Taking a summer roadtrip 🚗 to the Third Ward Moon Festival this weekend? 🌙

Before you hit the road, make a plan and explore:

🚗 Parking options: Park at either of our affordable parking garages in the neighborhood at 212 N. Milwaukee St. or 225 E. Chicago St.

🏨 Hotels in the area: Stay at the @journeymanhotel, just steps away from the Third Ward Moon Festival in the heart of the Historic Third Ward. And within a 10-minute walking distance, find other hotels including Homewood Suites (500 N. Water St.), Home2 Suites (515 N. Jefferson St.), The Westin Milwaukee (550 N. Van Buren St.) and many more

🛍️ Unique boutiques and shopping destinations: The Historic Third Ward is home to myriad small businesses that are definitely worth a stop on your itinerary. Click the link in our bio and explore all neighborhood boutiques and shops 🔗

🍽️ Delicious dining options: Within the 10 historic blocks of the Third Ward, find any cuisine you're craving 😋 Click the link in our bio and find your new favorite lunch, brunch or dinner on our website directory 🔗

⏰️ Third Ward Moon Festival hours: Official hours are from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, August 7; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, August 8; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, August 9

We can't wait to see you this weekend for the Third Ward Moon Festival 🌙

📍 Catalano Square (147 N. Broadway)

We're taking it day by day 😉 at the Third Ward Moon Festival 🌙 ✨️

From Friday, August 7, to Sunday, August 9, explore the lunar landscape of Catalano Square in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward 👩‍🚀

Moonwalk all three daily lineups by scrolling through this post and plan your itinerary now 📍

We'll see you this weekend for non-stop live music, dance, visual art, wellness experiences — and the out-of-this-world "Museum of the Moon" floating sculpture by UK artist @lukejerramartist 🌕️

For more details, visit historicthirdward.org/third-ward-moon-festival or click the link in our bio 🔗

See you soon, friends 🌛

The Third Ward Moon Festival is presented by the Historic Third Ward Association and Business Improvement District #2, premier sponsors @llgmke and @thirdwardbeergarden, and sponsors @veolianorthamerica and Urban Law 👏

One week until the Moon rises 🌙 ✨️

The Third Ward Moon Festival hits Catalano Square in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward Friday, August 7, through Sunday, August 9 🎉

If you've been looking for a reason to make a trip to Milwaukee this summer, this is it! The Third Ward Moon Festival is the ultimate stop to add to your itinerary 📍

Make a plan and join us for three illuminating days of live music, dance, visual art, wellness experiences — and the out-of-this-world Museum of the Moon floating sculpture 🤩 🎶 🌗

Click the link in our bio to learn more about this official celebration of 50 years of the Historic Third Ward Association 🎂

The Third Ward Moon Festival is presented by the Historic Third Ward Association and Business Improvement District #2, premier sponsors @llgmke and @thirdwardbeergarden, and sponsors @veolianorthamerica and Urban Law 👏

(Sun) salutations, MKE ☀️

Have you heard about @milwaukeepublicmarket's free yoga series? 🧘‍♀️ On select Saturdays through the end of August, you have the chance to practice yoga at Riverwalk Park, the green space directly across from Milwaukee Public Market! 🌳

Starting at 9 a.m. on Aug. 1, 22 and 29, go with the ✨️ flow ✨️ at an all-levels class to start your Saturday with fresh air, movement, and the best views 🤩

Pre-registration is available (link in bio 🔗), but walk-ups are always welcome 👏

See you there 👀

📸: @milwaukeepublicmarket

Happy hour views at @outsiderrooftop 🍹 ✨️

📸: @erichalvie

FOMO is NOT an option ❌️

Don’t miss the Third Ward Moon Festival Friday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 9 🌙 ✨️

Next week, experience three exciting days of live music, dance, visual art, wellness experiences — and the out-of-this-world Museum of the Moon floating sculpture above Catalano Square 🤩 🎶 🌗 Get ready to moongaze and read below for all activities happening next weekend:

Friday, Aug. 7: The festival opens with a bang! ✨️
🎤 Special performances by @mke_hittaz and a medley of moon-themed songs from @skylightmusictheatre
👠 A moving fashion presentation with lunar-inspired looks from @edessafashion with ambiance from @florentineopera
💃 Performances by @djkennyperez, @wispaceprogram and @dakdubois will keep the energy flowing throughout the night

Saturday, Aug. 8: Celebrate the Historic Third Ward's creativity and culture ✨️
💫 Bring the kiddos for Cosmic Kids Morning, featuring music from @radiomilwaukee's Dori Zori and cyanotype demonstrations and painting led by artists @netoatkinson and Louie Brewer
🌷 Watch live chalk art being created along Broadway
🩰 Enjoy a mini-lesson and pop-up performance by @milwaukeeballet, as well as music by @irishfest performers Sarah Sheehan and Kevin Shortall
🎶 Dance into the evening with a set by DJ Ku Mays and an electrifying show by Milwaukee-favorite @delabuenamusic

Sunday, Aug. 9: Your Sunday Reset ✨️
🔮 Shop local vendors and artisans at a mini market: Relaxing chair massages from @goodlandmassage, floral trucks, @boltbabesmke permanent jewelry and fine line tattoos, libations from @honeybeesagewellness, tarot and astrology readings, and tintypes by @margaretmuza
🎺 Live performances by Nathan Mayfield, the Marcya Daneille Collective, Will Carter Jazz Quartet, and a rousing set by Mama Digdown's Brass Band

What are you most excited for? Let us know 🌙 ✨️ To explore a full schedule of events — including a timed lineup — click the link in our bio to learn more 🔗

The festival is presented by the Historic Third Ward Association and Business Improvement District #2, premier sponsors @llgmke and @thirdwardbeergarden, and sponsors @veolianorthamerica and Urban Law.

Cheers, friends ☕️ We're three weeks away from the World's Largest Coffee Break 🤩

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. to get the ultimate caffeine buzz ⚡️

Local coffee and tea shops — @colectivocoffee, @gracecoffeecompany, @discourse.coffee's Guest Coffee Collective, @honeybeesagewellness, @stylepopcafe and @valentinecoffee — will be serving up free drinks and treats 😋

Plus, we'll have plenty of free donuts, too!

World's Largest Coffee Break is part of @mkedowntown's Downtown Employee Appreciation Week, and is supported by our generous sponsor Healthpeak 👏

ICYMI, @bluebatkitchen is on Shark Watch 🦈 👀

Through Saturday, Aug. 1, catch two limited-time specials like the $10 Shark Bite Margarita and the Shark Tank Fishbowl 🐟️

Stop by for happy hour, dinner or patio drinks before they swim away 🌊

📸: @bluebatkitchen

The summer 2026 edition of THREE Magazine is out now 📖 ✨️

As the second publication celebrating 50 years of the Historic Third Ward Association, this issue dives into the deep-rooted creativity that flourishes in the neighborhood 🎨 From galleries and studios to public art and performing arts, creativity has shaped the identity of the Historic Third Ward for more than 5 (‼️) decades 🤩

Click the link in our bio to read through THREE Magazine now 🔗

📸: @erichalvie

The countdown is on! ⏰

The Third Ward Moon Festival is landing in Catalano Square in just two short weeks Friday, August 7, through Sunday, August 9 🌙

Get excited for myriad lunar activations and themed offerings like:

🌕 A 23-foot illuminated sculpture, Museum of the Moon, created by UK artist @lukejerramartist that has captivated more than 30 million people worldwide. Created using high-resolution NASA imagery and paired with a surrounding sound experience, this installation brings a detailed and immersive representation of the moon into the heart of the neighborhood

🎶 Live music (with plenty of space to dance 👀) from local musicians like @delabuenamusic, @dakdubois, @wispaceprogram, @mamadigdowns, Marcya Daneille Collective, performances by DJs @djkennyperez, @ku_mays1, @dori.zori, lunar-themed music from @skylightmusictheatre and many more

🎨 Kid’s activities with @netoatkinson and Louie Brewer featuring cyanotype demonstrations and painting; and moon-themed chalk art by local artists

✨ A Moonlight & Mindfulness Market featuring relaxing chair massages from @goodlandmassage, floral truck @daisysbloombar, libations from @honeybeesagewellness, tarot and astrology readings, plus tintypes by @margaretmuza

Mark your calendar today and join us at the official 50th anniversary celebration of the Historic Third Ward (HTWA) 🎉

Click the link in our bio to explore the full timeline of events now 🔗

The festival is presented by the Historic Third Ward Association and Business Improvement District #2, premier sponsors @llgmke and @thirdwardbeergarden, and sponsors @veolianorthamerica and Urban Law

#MuseumoftheMoon

Summer selects at @shoostoremke 🤭 👠

Fabulous news! @shoostoremke's End of Season sale starts today, Thursday, July 23 and runs through Monday, July 27 🤩

Get 50% off clothing and shoes 👚 👟 PLUS, get an extra 50% off all clearance items 🛍️

Go on ... get shopping 👀

📸: @shoostoremke

Ruff day? Turn it around by taking your pup to @mkedogpark for an afternoon of play 🐶 🥎

And if you're headed to the @mkenightmarket tonight, get those zoomies out for a pre-Bark After Dark outing starting at 4:30 p.m.:

🦴 Get a free @frommfamily Crunchy Os treat voucher redeemable at the @frommfamily Night Market tent

🐕️ Join in on a group walk to the @mkenightmarket at 5 p.m.

See you (and your pup!) tonight ❤️

📸: @cash_goldenboy22

Raise a glass to 18 years of @thiefwine 🥂 ✨️

Just yesterday, Thief officially became an adult since stepping onto the scene — aka the @milwaukeepublicmarket — in 2008 🍷

Help us in congratulating Phil Bilodeau and his team 🤝 We're excited to continue working with them at Gather coming up on Thursday, Sept. 17 🍽️

📸: @haasandhaas

That post-sweat smile at @clubpilates_thirdwardmke 💪

The hardest decision you'll have to make this weekend: Brunch or lunch at @saffron_mke before your Saturday @gallerynightmke run 👀

Stop in for modern Indian fare before or during your Saturday @gallerynightmke stops, such as:

🛍️ @milwaukeepublicmarket's Pop-Up Art Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Enjoy free live music, refreshing drinks from the container bar, delicious bites from food trucks and browse handmade goods by talented local artists 🎶 🍹 🚚

👩‍🎨 Discover incredible student art at two inspiring @miadcollege exhibitions: �Don't Call Me Junior! showcases outstanding work from emerging artists and designers across all BFA majors, highlighting projects that prepare students for creative careers.

Really BIG PRINTS! A Decade of Steam Roller Printmaking features striking large-scale relief prints created by artists from across the country 🖌️

🏬 Meet artists at @themarshallbuilding: Take a break from the heat in the Third Ward's artistic hub. Located on the corner of Water and Buffalo streets, art lovers can wind their way through galleries and creative spaces like @aquaenguvugallery, @weavingsilverlinings, @kashescollection, @kimstoragegallery, @material_studios_and_gallery, @pamelaandersonstudio, @portraitsocietygallery, @catacomb.1 and more ✨️

We'll see you out there for day ✌️ of @gallerynightmke 🎨

📸: Lico J on Yelp

Your weekend plans have arrived 💌

Summer @gallerynightmke begins today, Friday, July 17, and runs through tomorrow, Saturday, July 18! 🎨 ✨️

Transform your weekend outing by hopping to 40+ venues throughout four distinct neighborhoods — including the Historic Third Ward, Walker's Point, East Town and the West side 🤩

Fill your itinerary by visiting @gallerynightmke or click the link in our bio to explore all participating venues 🔗

See you there, art lovers ❤️

📸: @weavingsilverlinings

Picture perfect 🐶 ❤️

Tomorrow, July 16, and Thursday, July 23, get a live, custom-painted portrait of your dog from local artist @caylathepainter from 4-7 p.m. at @journeymanhotel's Paws, Portraits & Patio Bites 🖌️

Then, relax and unwind on Broadway at @trerivalirestaurant's patio for Mediterranean-inspired bites and refreshing summer cocktails 😋 🥂

📸: @trerivalirestaurant

Starting the morning with strong coffee for twos-day ✌️ at @likewisemke ☕️

📸: @foodsfavsflights

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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

ART LIVES HERE

creativity

Commission House Mural painting underway MORE INFO

cuisine

Enjoy the limited-edition Three Cheers Lager at the Third Ward Beer Garden! MORE INFO

culture

Riverwalk Commons Concert Series Brings the Beats on Select Tuesdays MORE INFO

3 SURE THINGS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW

FEATURED IN THE WARD

BEER HERE!

Third Ward Beer Garden

capture the moment

Laurelyn Harrig Photo

catch the buzz

World's Largest Coffee Break

find inspiration

Gallery Night MKE

CATCH THE THIRD WARD VIBE

​

Join our mailing list

TEN SQUARE
BLOCKS

WHAT'S UP
IN THE WARD

Commission House Mural painting underway

MORE INFO

Enjoy the limited-edition Three Cheers Lager at the Third Ward Beer Garden!

MORE INFO

Riverwalk Commons Concert Series Brings the Beats on Select Tuesdays

MORE INFO