Near West Side Partners

Plastic Free MKE Spring Community Meeting
2026-05-06 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Urban Ecology Center – Riverside, 1600 Park Place, Mwilaukee
Packaging Pros

Hear from a local packaging expert
Learn what to look for when choosing the right option for you.

This spring, join us for a deep dive into packaging and become a Packaging Pro! With so many options available, how do we choose the best type of packaging to use or look for when buying our products? Hear from PFMKE volunteer and local packaging expert, Georgia Rockwell, on the pros and cons of various packaging materials and discuss best practices for wading through options.
Register here
Plastic-Free MKE hosts in-person gatherings bringing together community members, individuals, coalition partners, and everyone who wants to learn, connect, and take action on reducing unnecessary plastics in Milwaukee. At these events, we focus on a specific topic, break out into fun, engaging activities, and share our resources on how to take steps toward a plastic-free community.
All are welcome.

This Side of the Stars: Rauschenberg’s Stoned Moon in the Company of Kite, Paglen, and Yi
2026-05-07 10:00 - 16:30, 2026-05-08 10:00 - 16:30, 2026-05-09 10:00 - 16:30, 2026-05-10 10:00 - 16:30, 2026-05-11 10:00 - 16:30, 2026-05-12 10:00 - 16:30, 2026-05-13 10:00 - 16:30, 2026-05-14 10:00 - 16:30 and 2 more dates | Haggerty Museum of Art, 1234 W Tory Hill St, Milwaukee, WI, 53233, United States
In the 100th year since the birth of pioneering artist Robert Rauschenberg (October 22, 1925 – May 12, 2008), this exhibition highlights a selection of the artist’s “Stoned Moon” prints from the Haggerty’s collection shown alongside the work of three active artists: Oglála Lakȟóta performance artist, visual artist, and composer Kite; artist, geographer, and author Trevor Paglen; and Milwaukee-based multimedia artist Jason S. Yi. Rauschenberg’s color lithographs spark a conversation about humanity’s technological ambitions across the modern era that is brought into our current moment through these artists’ recent work. Kite’s dyed deer hides embroidered with Lakȟóta geometric semiotics are meditations on black holes, functioning also as sonic scores. Paglen’s sumptuous photographs capture unidentified flying objects both in and beyond Earth’s atmosphere, raising questions about surveillance by human and non-human actors. Yi’s installation of Red-crowned cranes cast from mulberry pulp, forms a towering column of the endangered birds that have found a resurgent nesting ground in the demilitarized zone separating North Korea and South Korea.
For his large-scale “Stoned Moon” lithographs, Rauschenberg drew on his experience witnessing the Apollo 11 lunar launch, melded with a range of popular imagery and NASA-provided photographs to reflect on a new sense of human possibility brought about by a leap in technological potential. The three contemporary artists featured in this exhibition consider the ethics of technological innovation and its varied outcomes by taking up current issues such as covert surveillance, humans’ relationships with the non-human, and the upspring of new life under repressive conditions. These artists prompt us to reconceive the dividing lines between what we know and what we believe, between human and non-human agency, and between our impact on nature and its response.
“This Side of the Stars: Rauschenberg’s Stoned Moon in the Company of Kite, Paglen, and Yi” is curated by Jennifer Johung, PhD, Professor of Contemporary Art and Architecture, and Director of the Center for 21st-Century Studies, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and Kirk Nickel, PhD, Haggerty Museum Curator of European Art.
Support for this exhibition is generously provided by Friends of the Haggerty Museum of Art Forward Funders and the Martha and Ray Smith, Jr. Endowment Fund.
Image: Robert Rauschenberg, “Trust Zone (Stoned Moon)”, 1969, Lithograph, 40 x 33 inches, Ed. 22/65, published by Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles, Collection of the Haggerty Museum of Art, Marquette University ©Robert Rauschenberg Foundation and Gemini G.E.L.

Green Tech Station Spring Volunteer Workday
2026-05-09 09:30 - 12:30 | Green Tech Station, 4101 N. 31st St., Milwaukee, WI, United States
Join the Northwest Side CDC, Reflo, and partners for a spring volunteer workday at Green Tech Station to ready the space for springtime field trips & tour groups! Free lunch provided.

Grill & Chill
2026-05-09 14:00 - 17:00 | WI
MPD District 3 Police and Community Police & Community Pop Ups
Free food, drinks & Fellowship
Activating Community Spots
Meet your District Three Community Partnership Unit (CPU), and other neighbors from the community.

Milwaukee Flooding Listening Session and Resource Fair
2026-05-13 17:00 - 18:30 | Safe and Sound, 4422 W. Leon Terrace, Milwaukee, 53216
We want to know:

What would help you feel safer in your homes in future flood events?
What would an ideal disaster response look like?
Do you have ideas on how to reduce the risk of flooding in your neighborhood?

What resources will be available?

Mold kits & masks
Clean-up buckets
Referrals on-site for UMCOR’s free flood clean-up and rebuild services
Emergency to bags & supplies (i.e., weather radios)
Refreshments
And more

Sherman Park Community Association Sherman Park Earth Day in May Community Event
2026-05-17 12:00 - 16:00 | WI
Join the Sherman Park Community Association for this popular community-centered event. Earth Day in May will bring together residents, ECO Ambassadors and local partners for an afternoon of sustainability education, resource sharing and neighborhood activities. It will feature the Bloom & Groom Plant & Vegetable Sale and a Plastic Free MKE “Stuff Swap,” as well as community resources focused on environmental education, sustainability and neighborhood beautification. For more information and to download the flyer, visit the website here.

Family Focused Town Hall for the Washington Park Aquatics Center
2026-05-21 08:00 - 17:00 | Washington Park Senior Center, 4420 W Vliet St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53208
The meeting will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Washington Park Senior Center.

Please stop by to learn more about the plan from our project team and provide feedback on the project.

Learn more about the project by visiting the Washington Park Aquatics Center

Community Access Day
2026-05-21 09:00 - 19:00, 2026-06-18 09:00 - 19:00 | Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, 929 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53202, United States
All guests to the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum (excluding groups of 10 or more) receive free admission on the third Thursday of every month from 9 a.m-7 p.m. Some restrictions apply. Advanced reservations are recommended.

Chalk Your Way to SWIM
2026-05-21 16:00 - 17:30 | Concordia 27, 801 N 27th St, Milwaukee, WI, 53208, United States
Drop in and chalk with us at the SWIM HUB (parking lot north of the building) to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month on Thursday, May 21st from 4-5:30 pm. Whether you’d like to draw a beautiful picture or write an affirmation, we’d love to have you spread awareness and joy in the community and attend the last session of Mindful Movement 4 Youth. Adults can join the Strength and Conditioning class. Both begin at 5:30 pm.
Mindful Movement 4 Youth Class registration
Strength and Conditioning registration

Memorial Day - NWSP Office Closed
2026-05-25 | WI

Memory Social
2026-05-30 11:00 - 14:00 | Urban Ecology Center – Washington Park, 1859 N 40th St, Milwaukee, 53233, United States
Petals & Peace:
Join us for a calming, hands-on fresh flower arranging experience designed for caregivers. During this Memory Social, you’ll work with a variety of fresh, seasonal flowers to create your own arrangement to take home—offering a moment to slow down, engage your senses, and create something beautiful.
Onsite respite will be available, so your loved one can be safely engaged nearby while you take this time for yourself. Together, we center wellness, respite, and meaningful connection.
Use this link to REGISTER

Wisconsin Bike Week Ride with the Mayor
2026-06-01 10:00 - 11:30 | Zeideler Square, 301 W. Michigan, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Grab your bike and bring your neighbors! Join Mayor Cavalier Johnson for a fun, slow-roll community ride through Downtown Milwaukee. We’ll gather at 10 a.m. at Zeidler Union Square Park, then roll out together at 10:30 a.m. Participants should know how to stop, turn, and balance. A limited number of Bublr e-bikes will be available for use on a first-come, first-served basis.

Washington Park Monthly Meeting
2026-06-01 17:30 - 18:30 | UMCS, 3910 W Lisbon Ave, Milwaukee, WI, United States
Information sharing and an opportunity to connect with neighbors and providers.

Bike to the Brewers during Wisconsin Bike Week
2026-06-02 16:30 - 21:00 | Harley Davidson Museum, 400 W Canal St, Milwaukee, WI, 53201
Bike to the Brewers during Wisconsin Bike Week
In honor of Wisconsin Bike Week and the 25th Anniversary of the WI DNR’s Hank Aaron State Trail (HAST), the Bike Fed and Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail are cohosting a casual group ride to the Tuesday, June 2nd Brewers vs San Francisco Giants baseball game at American Family Field. With construction underway on the I-94 East-West section, riding a bike to the game on the HAST is a safe and efficient alternative!
Click here for general details and a link to sign up for the ride, as well as a link to your special June 2nd Brewer game ticket offer: $26 includes a $20 Right Field Loge game ticket (Section 207) plus a pre-game tailgate party at Helfaer Field 1st Base Side Pavilion.

Ride through the Parks with County Executive David Crowley
2026-06-03 17:30 - 19:30 | Estabrook Beer Garden, 4600 Estabrook Pkwy, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, United States
Celebrate Wisconsin Bike Week! Join County Executive Crowley and the Wisconsin Bike Fed on an all-abilities bike ride through Milwaukee County’s trails and parks. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just getting back in the saddle, this group ride is a perfect way to experience the county’s park system from two wheels.
Attendees should bring their own bicycles, helmets, water, and bike lights.
Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Meet at: 5:30 p.m. | Ride Begins: 6 p.m.
Ride Begins at:
Estabrook Beer Garden
4600 Estabrook Pkwy
Milwaukee, WI 53217R

9th Annual Promise Zone Bike Rid
2026-06-06 10:00 - 13:00 | Garden Homes Park, 2600 W. Atkinson Ave., Milwaukee
Join us for a slow-paced, family-friendly bike ride through Milwaukee’s North Side. We will start and end in the Garden Home Park, including several stops along the route to highlight various neighborhood features and initiatives.
Arrive early for repairs & tune-ups: 9 am to 10 am
The event is free and open to the public – all ages are welcome! Some rental bikes are available.
Snacks, raffle prizes, and free t-shirts.
Questions? Contact the NWSCDC Planning and Community Development Manager, Sarah Bregant.
sarah.b@nwscdc or 414-444-8200 x 8104
Use this link to register: NWSCDC Bike Ride

Near West Side Partners Supper Club
2026-06-18 17:30 - 19:00 | Concordia 27, 801 N 27th St, Milwaukee, WI, 53208, United States
Summer is here! Save the date for Thursday, June 18. The garage door will be open and the grill will be fired up! Doors open at 5:00 pm.
Shop at the Greater Goods Pay What You Can Pop-up shop at Concordia 27.
Use this link to register.

Juneteenth Day - NWSP Office Closed
2026-06-19 | WI

15th Annual Martin Drive Neighborood Under the Stars Movie Series
2026-06-19 20:45 - 23:00 | Martin Drive Community Garden, 1335 N. 46 St., Milwaukee, WI, 53208, United States
At Sunset (about 8:45pm) enjoy a movie at our Community Gardens (46th & Vliet).

Bring a blanket, snacks, possibly bug spray, and enjoy a movie with your neighbors. A reminder to also make sure the kids use the bathroom before leaving the house. We recommend keeping liquids to a minimum. If there is a problem with the weather, you’ll get an email via martin-drive@googlegroups.com by 7:30 p.m. on the day of the event. It’ll also be announced on Facebook and Twitter.
Information, etc.

Nutrition in the Neigborhood
2026-06-23 15:00 - 18:00 | Davidson Park, 3725 W Juneau Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53208, United States
Food For Health alongside with community organizations and local businesses to provide thousands of healthy meals, health education, and connections to valuable resources in neighborhoods most impacted by these challenges.
First 200 attendees will receive 5 take-home meal packages from Food For Health.
