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!

 The Near West Side is a thriving community with exciting and unexpected opportunities for residents, employees, and visitors alike. To celebrate our neighborhood of neighborhoods, Near West Side Partners will hold the fourth annual Near West Side Week from Sept. 8 – Sept. 14, 2024. 

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!

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 and chess games 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. 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!

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. 14. 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! 

You can walk, bike, or motorcycle over to do what Milwaukee does best – festivals!

In addition, you can sign up to volunteer for the event here!

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. Cool off with a Pete’s Pop at the finish and enjoy food from local vendors.

Register for the event here.

Interested in volunteering? Sign up to support here.

Visit the Near West Side’s unique small businesses during the NWS Brew City Match Business Crawl. Meet the owners and learn how this program helped bring their business dreams to life.  Visit brewcitymatch.com for more details. 

NWSP would like to thank this year’s Near West Side Week sponsors for their generous support. In particular, NWSP is grateful to Town Bank, the presenting sponsor for Near West Side Week and the Rev-Up MKE live pitch competition. In addition, Aurora Health Care, Berrada, CG Schmidt, Inc., Five O’Clock Steakhouse, Harley-Davidson, Milwaukee Center for Independence, Marquette University, Molson Coors, Mueller Communications, Potawatomi Ventures, VISIT Milwaukee and WE Energies have generously partnered with NWSP to support Near West Side Week.