Near West Side Week will officially kick off with an unforgettable day of music, art, and community at The New State Music Park on September 8th from noon - 4 p.m.! This outdoor event will feature good food, live music, performances by local artists, and art displayed around the space. Talented youth artists will kick off the afternoon with a captivating performance from Your Move Milwaukee Hip Hop Chess Club. Throughout the event, you’ll be able to experience the diverse cultural showcase with the Next Narrative Monologue Competition hosted by Milwaukee Rep, and chill to Latin jazz rhythms of Mitch Shiner Latin Vibes, featuring the incredible Flamenco dancer Kerensa DeMars. You can also see the Unique Classic Car Show which will run all day, providing a spectacular backdrop for the array of performances and activities. Hear Kavon Jones’ poetry flow throughout the day, and rock out into the afternoon with the eclectic sounds of Sandwich the Band. Art enthusiasts will delight in hands-on projects from Vibez Creative Arts Space and the live creations of en plein air artists sponsored by the Community Art & Funk Festival. Don't miss this vibrant celebration of local talent and creativity, perfect for all ages. See you there!

How much do you know about your neighborhood? Each day during Near West Side Week, participants will have the opportunity to answer Near West Side trivia questions for a chance to win a gift card to a local Near West Side business. Participants can text NWSWEEK to 414-677-3300 to get daily question prompts. A new question will be added each day at 9:00 a.m., so you can text each day to test your knowledge about the Near West Side, and increase your chances of winning!

Start the day with free coffee and donuts at the Near West Side’s newest coffee shop, Fruition MKE, and learn about all the great resources for residents and employees who live, work, and play in the Near West Side. There will also be opportunities to tour Concordia 27, which is a welcoming community center and resource hub in the Near West Side.

Near West Side Partners will host the seventh Rev-Up MKE 2024 live pitch competition at the Rave on Wednesday, Sept. 10. During this event, Rev-Up MKE finalists - local entrepreneurs who have received business training and support from Marquette University mentors - will pitch their business idea to members of their community and a panel of judges. Attendees will be able to vote for an “Audience Choice Winner,” and awards will go to top contenders. Before and after the Live Pitch event, attendees will also be treated to a Taste of the Near West Side, refreshments provided by favorite restaurants in the Near West Side.  Attendees will get to vote for their favorite idea! Attendee registration is free, but encouraged: https://nearwestsidemke.org/revupmke/.

Gather the family for an afternoon of fun at Penfield Childrens’ Center, where the Milwaukee Bucks Rim Rockers will perform their stunts. Learn about family-supporting resources from over 30 local community partners, and enjoy some refreshing ice cream while you’re there.

Teams of Near West Side enthusiasts are encouraged to participate in a virtual scavenger hunt, with missions and clues directing participants to explore the Near West Side and discover its hidden gems while competing for prizes. The scavenger hunt will launch via the GooseChase app at noon on Thursday, Sept. 12 and will close at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15. Additional details and rules are available here.