Milwaukee Night Market returns, 2022 season begins June 15
MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Night Market returns to downtown Milwaukee for four nights this summer on June 15, July 13, Aug. 17 and Sept. 21.
The free, outdoor event showcases a variety of vendors, performers and artists, transforming West Wisconsin Avenue into an exciting fusion of all the city has to offer. The Market is held from 5 to 10 p.m. on West Wisconsin Avenue between 2nd Street and Vel R. Phillips Avenue.
The Westown Association took over the street-fest last year and was hit with limitations during the pandemic. It was held on just one night in 2021.
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This summer, it will be held monthly.
"There’s really not many opportunities to stand right in the middle of W. Wisconsin Avenue with thousands of people," said Stacie Callies, Westown executive director.
There have been even fewer opportunities during the pandemic. The Milwaukee Night Market was canceled in 2020 and condensed to one night in 2021.
"The event attracted 25,000 people on that one night," said Callies.
The free outdoor event is roaring back this summer. West Wisconsin Avenue will transform for one Wednesday night in June, July, August and September. Callies says it feels like downtown is getting back to normal.
"I think, in general, it was one of those big social events that we missed during the pandemic," said Callies. "It was that sense of community."
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The Night Market will feature 100 different vendors with incentives for ethnically diverse businesses to participate.
"It really supports our entrepreneurs that struggled, as well, during the pandemic," said Callies.
The Westown area has also changed dramatically since the last full market in 2019. In January, 3rd Street Market Hall opened where Grand Avenue Mall used to be.
"Which we really feel like will be a natural indoor component of the night market," said Callies.
From food to fire dancers, the summertime staple is back where it belongs.
"Things are changing for the positive coming out of the pandemic," said Callies.
Westown is currently seeking vendors to participate in the Milwaukee Night Market. Applications can be found at mkenightmarket.com. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 18. Selected vendors will be notified in early April.
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