Milwaukee Downtown BID #21’s annual thank you to everyone who works in and around the downtown area got off to a damp start Monday. Rain pretty much washed out the early events, although they still snuck in the free food and ribbon-cutting at lunchtime.
Fortunately, there’s plenty of week left and just as many ways to take advantage of all the free and discounted stuff lined up — from coffee to kayaks and music to marketplaces. You can find the full schedule below and more information on the event webpage.
Monday, Aug. 14
- 4-7 p.m. — I Work Downtown Happy Hour at PufferFish – Hotel Metro. Come to the rooftop for a complimentary welcome cocktail sponsored by Bacardi while enjoying DJ RONCO. RSVP here.
Tuesday, Aug. 15
- 7:30-8:30 a.m. — Moment of Movement with Embody Yoga at Cathedral Square Park. A free yoga class for all levels led by Embody Yoga. Participants must bring their own mat. Pre-registration required. Register here.
- 9-10:30 a.m. — World’s Largest Coffee Break at Catalano Square. Get a morning boost with free java from local coffee shops, treats and music.
- 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. — Daily Downtown Employee Celebration at Cathedral Square Park featuring office challenge games, Bucks shootout, music from Donna Woodall Group, and free food and drinks from Cousins Subs and 600 EAST Café
- 4:30-7 p.m. — Kayak Milwaukee’s Riverways courtesy of Milwaukee Kayak Company at Jerry’s Dock (318 S. Water Street), featuring discounted rentals for Downtown employees and one guest. All single kayak rentals are $25 each. Kayaks launch at 4:30, 5 and 5:30 p.m. Pre-registration required here.
Wednesday, Aug. 16
- 7-8 a.m. — Moment of Movement at Milwaukee County Historical Society's Wake Up Wednesday. Join this all-level yoga class set in the serene MCHS historic bank building. Please bring a towel and a mat. Pre-registration required here.
- 8-9:30 a.m. — The Morning Jolt with Pilcrow Coffee at Schlitz Park. The first 150 Downtown employees will receive a complimentary cold brew.
- 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. — Daily Downtown Employee Celebration at Schlitz Park featuring office challenge games, Bucks shootout, music from Jon Hintz, and free food and drinks from Modern Maintenance, JP Cullen and Corner Bakery Cafe.
- 5-9 p.m. — Milwaukee Night Market at Wisconsin Avenue & Dr. Martin King Jr. Drive. Come to this downtown summertime event, which draws a diverse lineup of 100+ vendors, and be sure to visit the Milwaukee Downtown info tent to pick up a free drink voucher.
Thursday, Aug. 17
- 7:30-9 a.m. — Barre & Baristas at 330 E. Kilbourn Avenue. Enjoy a free class led by Barre Code, and pick up free espressos and burnt lemonade from Discourse Coffee. Pre-registration required for the barre lesson here.
- 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. — Daily Downtown Employee Celebration at Zeidler Union Square featuring office challenge games, Bucks shootout, music from Frogwater, and free food and drinks from Cubanitas and DoubleTree by Hilton.
- Noon-1 p.m. — PNC Presents Tunes@Noon with Joe Wray at the Courtyard of 411 East Wisconsin Center.
- 4:30-7 p.m. — Kayak Milwaukee’s Riverways courtesy of Milwaukee Kayak Company at Jerry’s Dock (318 S. Water Street), featuring discounted rentals for Downtown employees and one guest. All single kayak rentals are $25 each. Kayaks launch at 4:30, 5 and 5:30 p.m. Pre-registration required here.
- 5-8 p.m. — Schlitz Park Beer Giveaway and Hoanchella Boat Parade Viewing at The Tap Yard at Schlitz Park. The first 50 employees to arrive will receive a free beer, sponsored by Schlitz Park, plus everyone gets the perfect viewing location for Light The Hoan's Hoanchella boat parade at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 18
- 8-9:30 a.m. — The Morning Jolt with Fiddleheads Coffee at BMO Tower (790 N. Water St.). The first 150 Downtown employees will receive a complimentary coffee from Fiddleheads.
- 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. — Daily Downtown Employee Celebration at Pere Marquette Park featuring office challenge games, Bucks shootout, music from Cache MKE, free hot dogs from Bev’s Hospitality Catering and an ice-cream social courtesy of Milwaukee County Historical Society.
- 5-9 p.m. — Summer Spinz at Red Arrow Park. It’s the last Summer Spinz of the season, so get down to the community roller rink with your own skates, or rent a pair on site for free while supplies last. Even if you don’t skate, you’re welcome to hang out and check out everyone’s moves set to the soundtrack of DJ Bam.