With all the events in Milwaukee, particularly when the weather starts to cooperate as it is now, it seems like a constant celebration around the city. But only one day is the “official” MKE party: 414 Day, which has become a sort of de facto kickoff for the aforementioned pleasant period on the calendar.
As a result, there are plenty of options to fill this Sunday’s 414 Day festivities, some of which you’ll find listed below. We’re highlighting one in particular, though, in large part because we’re playing a role in helping you usher in the nighttime portion (or the finale considering it’s a school night and all).
At 8 p.m., the Hoan Bridge will come to life via one of its patented dancing light shows, and we’ve teamed up with the folks from Light the Hoan and Harmonic Harvest to provide the musical accompaniment. Tune in to 88Nine at the top of the hour while you gaze at that beautiful bridge, and you’ll hear “Look for the Silver Linings” recorded by Milwaukee Jazz Institute being played in sync with the show.
In support of its mission to weave the fabric of our communities one silver lining at a time, Harmonic Harvest has also lined up some daytime activities around the city. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, you can visit one of four Harmonic Hubs to participate in creative workshops, storytelling and unity-building opportunities. The free, family-friendly events are happening at:
- MARN Art + Culture Hub, 191 N. Broadway Suite 102
- Carmen Playfield, 320 W. Carmen Ave.
- Mitchell Street Arts, 710 W. Historic Mitchell St.
- La Gente Art, 2478 N. Murray Ave.
To get more info on the program and register, visit the Harmonic Harvest website.
414 Day events and activities
Official Milwaukee Day event
Milwaukee City Hall
10 a.m.
The annual flag drop will kick off this event right across the street from The Pabst Theater, but there’s plenty more happening besides that. FUEL Cafe and Bel Air will serve free breakfast burritos and coffee, you can pick up a free limited-edition shirt from 414 Milwaukee, and there will even be a 414 Day wedding ceremony.
414 Mercadera Market
3rd Street Market Hall
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dozens of local businesses will gather at the hall, which will host 34 vendors and present other activities ranging from face painting to a celebration ceremony to 414 Day cocktails.
Artist market and concert
Cactus Club
Noon, 6 p.m.
The venerated live-music venue has a full day lined up, starting with an artist market featuring local vendors and community organizations. Later in the evening, they’ll present a Milwaukee Day show with Sandwich, Lagoon and YUSI feat. miur and AG.
4/14 MKE Day
The Cooperage
5 p.m.
Not terribly far from the illuminated Hoan Bridge, The Cooperage will host a party featuring local vendors, artists, foodmakers and musicians. On that last front, you’ll be able to enjoy a packed concert lineup that includes Sex Scenes, The Mighty Deerlick, Emmitt James, Force and Video Sex Priest.
Milwaukee Day Celebration
Harley-Davidson Museum
11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Our friends from OnMilwaukee have teamed up with the H-D Museum and Motor Bar & Restaurant on a daylong shindig that includes a burger-eating contest, Milwaukee trivia and the official 414 Day toast. Show up early, and you might score a free pour of Lakefront Brewery Dive Bar.
Fresh, Flavor, Forward
J. Leinenkugel’s Barrel Yard
11 a.m.-9 p.m.
The Brewers may be out of town on 414 Day, but the brewer hard at work inside the Barrel Yard at AmFam Field has come up with something special for the occasion. Pilot brewer Corrine Georges cooked up “Fresh, Flavor, Forward,” a Berliner Weisse (or German wheat ale) in recognition of Milwaukee’s and Leinenkugel’s German heritage.
Milwaukee Day Party
Vivarium
7 p.m.
The city’s newest music venue has joyfully embraced local artists when filling out its concert calendar, and this event continues that trend. Taking the stage at the plant-festooned Vivarium are Gerald Walker, Mike Regal, Valerie Lighthart and Will Pfrang & The Good Land Gang.
