The 2024 Republican National Convention is currently in full swing at Fiserv Forum in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, and with it has come heightened political tension.
Over the weekend, Republicans gathered for a solemn vigil following the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, signing a large "Get Well Soon" poster board in solidarity. Monday, protesters filled the streets on the first day of the RNC, rallying against U.S. support for Israel, attacks on reproductive rights, Republican plans for mass deportation of immigrants and Trump himself.
But in the midst of that tense atmosphere, joyful rebellions are unfolding throughout the city’s neighborhoods in the form of The Great Milwaukee Block Party. This vibrant collection of events, spaces and activities is all about uplifting and celebrating Milwaukee, crafted by the community for the community.
On this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee, we sit down with Amy Horst and Stephanie Rhodes to delve into The Great Milwaukee Block Party. We explore the spirit behind this vibrant event and discover how community organizers united to make it a reality.
As you listen, take a look at what the party has planned for today, then head over to The Great Milwaukee Block Party’s Facebook or Instagram page for a comprehensive list of everything on tap this week.
Great Milwaukee Block Party events for July 16
- Noon — Civic Education & Political Engagement Training for Young Adults and BIPOC Community, Freedom School, Voces de la Frontera: Mitchell Park, 524 S. Layton Blvd.
- 6 p.m. — Film Screening and Discussion, Suppressed and Sabotaged: The Fight to Vote, Souls to the Polls, Redeemer Lutheran Church, 631 N. 19th St.
- 6 p.m. — Entrepreneur Night hosted by Jamie Robarge Photography, Canni-MKE, 810 S. 5th St.
- 6:30 p.m. — Tuesday Night Bike Ride from Zocalo Food Park (636 S. 6th St.) to Mitchell Park (524 S. Layton Blvd.)
- 6:30 p.m. — Funk Our Differences: Coming Together Through Music featuring Funkclub Wagon, Lady Gaga Tribute Artist Cynthia Starich, and John Carroll & Ben Caron of Braver Angels Music, Shank Hall, 1434 N. Farwell Ave.
- 7 p.m. — Tequila Tasting (ticketed event), La Pina, 1801 S. 3rd St.
- 7 p.m. — Trivia, Sugar Maple, 441 E. Lincoln Ave.
- 7 p.m. — Film Fatale double-feature screening of Kenneth Anger’s Scorpio Rising and William Friedkin’s Cruising, Amorphic Beer, 3700 N. Fratney St.
- 7 p.m. — DJ Night featuring midtempo trance by DJ Ed Cetera, and prog house and French touch with DJ Joan Hell at The Backyard, 2155 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
- 8 p.m. — Gag Order Fundraiser concert with Free Country, Already in Jail, Lightening at Cactus Club, 2496 S. Wentworth Ave.
- 10 p.m. — The Daily Show watch party and interactive vision board for “Our Project 2025,” Art*Bar, 722 E. Burleigh St.
