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.

Near West Side’s first-ever Near West Fest will kick off our 10-Year Anniversary celebration! Presented by the Harley-Davidson Foundation, this festival will be in the brand new Davidson Park. Free admission for the public will give attendees a chance to hear live music from DJ Kenny Perez, grab a bite to eat from food trucks, try the Molson Coors’ Near West Side 10 Year Beer, enjoy a special toast at the 1903 Tavern and beer garden, watch The Little Mermaid starting at dusk, and more! This is a rain or shine event, so you can walk, bike, or motorcycle over to do what Milwaukee does best - festivals!

Near West Side Partners and Menomonee Valley Partners are teaming up for a family-friendly bike ride through the Valley and Near West Side neighborhoods. Two routes are available for those of all abilities, and bike resources and tune ups will be available from the Milwaukee Bicycle Collective. Cool off with a Pete's Pop at the finish and enjoy food from local vendors.