historic in the best way

TEN SQUARE
BLOCKS

OF O.G. MILWAUKEE

The Historic Third Ward is downtown Milwaukee’s top neighborhood destination for the arts, dining, shopping, recreation & more. Steps from Lake Michigan — and home to the city's top festivals — we are where historic meets modern, grit meets glam & renaissance happens on the daily.

WHAT'S UP
IN THE WARD

IN THE NEWS

Celebrate Women's History Month by shopping woman-owned businesses in the Ward all month long! Pick up a bingo card at a participating shop or restaurant — then shop and dine your way to BINGO! Click to learn more ...

LET'S PLAY BINGO!

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creativity

De-stress during yoga at the Catacombs of Neto gallery on March 16.

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Your fish fry guide!

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Theatre season plays on in the Ward.

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FEATURED IN THE WARD

Host a Posh soiree

The Starling

Host your party or event at The Starling! With turnkey amenities to plan your event such as on-site bar, catering and audio/visual services, The Starling makes planning a grand event for your social or business gathering a breeze.

MORE INFO

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Who let the dogs out?

Salty Paws

Salty Paws is Milwaukee’s first ice cream bar and bakery with sweets made just for dogs! Choose from several flavors of Fido-approved ice cream and toppings, bones, toys, treats and more.

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Creativity Flows Here

The Marshall Building

The Marshall Building is a dynamic building and creative hub. Art lovers — and those new to art — can explore six floors of inspiration. The building boasts dozens of studios and galleries. (Shown here, Kashes Collection)

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say "I do" in style

The Rivulet

Host your wedding at the Ward’s newest venue. Boasting a stunning staircase, arched doorways, and Cream City brick that creates the perfect backdrop for your special day, it isn’t just a venue — it’s a whole vibe.

MORE INFO

CATCH THE THIRD WARD VIBE

Chic & unique ✨

From 4-6 p.m. next Wednesday, March 26, join @missrubyboutique for a Women's Social Hour. Celebrate Women's History Month by connecting, sharing stories and networking with inspiring women from around the city in Miss Ruby's gorg space at The Pritzlaff 🫶

RSVP by clicking the link in our bio 🤝

��📸: @missrubyboutique

Zoomin' 🏃 through the week with the help of @performancerunning 👟

Every Wednesday at 6 p.m., shake off that mid-week slump — and meet fellow runners — during PRO's weekly Third Ward group run 😄

📸: @performancerunning

We're always wearing our Third Ward green 💚 Our signature color dots the neighborhood's landscape on everything from our iconic light posts to our gateway arches.

Where are you donning (and perhaps drinking 🍻) your green on this St. Patrick's Day? 🍀

📸: @natevomhof

Ring in spring with @girlswhowalkmke next Sunday 💐

Join us and @girlswhowalkmke Sunday, March 23, at 10 a.m. in Erie St. Plaza (the park next to Milwaukee Sail Loft) for a two-mile walk through Lakeshore State Park 🌊

Then, head to @mkebrisa for a post-walk brunch, including a special power plate and all you can drink mimosas 🥂

We'll see you there, friends!

📸: @erichalvie

In with the new ... and the old ⌛

Nearly 12 months ago, our friends at @hoffmanyork presented the project of a lifetime: Augmented History! Your phone becomes a window to the past 👓 while viewing century-old ghost signs via augmented reality 👻

Last month, the project was awarded at the @unitedadworkers for the best Event, Experiential or Guerilla ad campaign ⭐

Have you taken the walking tour yet? Take advantage of the weather this weekend and enjoy a trip into the past 👀

Click the link in our bio to take the tour today 🔗

Picture this: The weather is beautiful, and you’ve just picked up your weekend itinerary, The Historic Third Ward bingo card! Available at participating women-owned businesses now 🤩

Shop local this weekend and fill five spots on your bingo card when spending $5 or more at participating women-owned businesses around the Ward (more details below) ✨ Then, stop by @broadwaypaper to randomly select your $25 gift card to one of the participating businesses!

To give you some inspo, we’ve highlighted a few ways to win:
⬇️ DOWN: Treat yourself at @benandjerrysmilwaukee and @donutmonster414, stroll through lux styles at @thedistrictrow, then complete the day with a margarita at @margaritaparadise_mke’s counter 🍹
↗️ CORNER TO CORNER: Grab new spring staples at @lelaboutique and @shoostoremke, then sit down for a bite at @bavettebutcher, and maybe even a donut from @donutmonster414 👀
➡️ ACROSS: Find your new favorite journal at @broadwaypaper, get ready for outdoor walks at @performancerunning, and remember to fuel up at @thai_namite and @donutmonster414 (Can you tell we’re craving donuts? 🤣)

As a reminder, this promotion is running through March 31 🎉 One bingo card per person. Promotion valid at Third Ward locations only. Exclusions may apply. While supplies last.

Participating businesses: @atriojewelry, @bavettebutcher, @benandjerrysmilwaukee, @broadwaypaper, @c.adamsbakery*, @daasmokehouse*, @donutmonster414, @exploriumbrew, @freesescandyshoppe*, @lelaboutique, @mainstreamboutiquemke, @margaritaparadise_mke*, @missrubyboutique, @performancerunning, @saltypawsmke, @shoostoremke, @sweetlybakedmke, @thai_namite*, @thedistrictrow and @tiedhousemke. (*@milwaukeepublicmarket locations)

Click the link in our bio to learn more 🔗

The perfect backdrop for your weekend outing: @skylightmusictheatre's Cabot Theatre 💫

This Friday and Saturday (March 14-15), catch the world premiere staged reading based upon Daivd Dodge's "To Catch a Thief" 🎭

This story brings to life the thrilling tale of retired jewel thief John Robie, who must clear his name when a series of burglaries target wealthy tourists on the French Riviera 💎

Click the link in our bio to get your seats now 🔗

📸: @onmilwaukee

On pointe 🩰 ✨

Next week Friday, March 21, give the gift of life at @milwaukeeballet's Sleeping Beauty blood drive with @versitibloodcenterofwisconsin at the Baumgartner Center for Dance (128 N. Jackson St.) 🩸 After you donate, get a BOGO offer for tickets to @milwaukeeballet's production of Sleeping Beauty April 11 through 13 💤

Secure your spot in the link in our bio 🔗

📸: @milwaukeeballet (1), Saturn Lounge (2)

POV: You’re enjoying a sunny walk around the Ward before finding your new (secondhand) threads ☀️

Springing forward ⏰

Did you set your clocks ahead an hour? We may have lost an hour of sleep, but our sunsets are finally back to 7 p.m. 🌆 Are you ready for spring, MKE?! 💐

📸: @kayla_larsen_photography

Happy International Women’s Day ✨

To celebrate, we’ve partnered with 20 Third Ward woman-owned businesses to launch a fun and female-focused way to shop in the neighborhood this month: A Historic Third Ward bingo card!

Now through March 31, stop in any of the participating women-owned boutiques or restaurants to grab your card and get 👏 shopping 👏

Spend $5 (or more! 👀) and get your card stamped, then once you have a completed row (across, down or horizontal), bring your card to @broadwaypaper and claim your prize - a $25 gift card to one of the participating businesses. 🤩

Participating Third Ward businesses include: @atriojewelry, @bavettebutcher, @benandjerrysmilwaukee, @broadwaypaper, @c.adamsbakery*, @daasmokehouse*, @donutmonster414, @exploriumbrew, @freesescandyshoppe*, @lelaboutique, @mainstreamboutiquemke, @margaritaparadise_mke*, @missrubyboutique, @performancerunning, @saltypawsmke, @shoostoremke, @sweetlybakedmke, @thai_namite*, @thedistrictrow and @tiedhousemke. (*@milwaukeepublicmarket locations)

Let’s get into the details: One bingo card per person. Promotion valid 3.8.25-3.31.25 at Third Ward locations only. Exclusions may apply. While supplies last.

We can’t wait to see you out and shopping about 🛍️

It's Fryday 🐟 where are you catching your dinner? 👀

Dive into to a delicious fish fry at these Third Ward restaurants:
😋 @clubcharliesmke (pictured)
😋 @exploriumbrew (now gluten free!)
😋 @cafebenelux
😋 @smokeshacked
😋 @stpaulfishcompany
😋 @thewickedhop

Now the only question you need to answer: Coleslaw? Or no slaw?

📸: @fishfryguide

Cheers 🍻 to a hump day happy hour at @stpaulfishcompany ✨

Where are you warming up this evening?

📸: @aycrosby

Looking sharp 👔 👓

Two fab local businesses have teamed up for a cool collab: @metroeye and @hh_clothing1948 ✨

Now, when you shop at Metro Eye or Harleys, you can see how well the perfect specs pair with chic men's clothing. Talk about the best of both worlds! 🤩

📸: @metroeye

Set your sights on Saturday brunch at @cafebenelux 😋

📸: Meghan H. on Yelp

It's a beautiful day to shop small ☀️ What's your favorite local biz in the Third Ward?

📸: @mke_photo_stevestango

Think pink at @lashdollsmke 🎀 ✨

Did you know that Lash Dolls moved a block away to the Landmark building (316 N. Milwaukee St.) earlier this month? 🤯

Now with an expanded footprint, they are offering additional services at the upscale lash boutique, including dermaplaning, permanent jewelry, LED light therapy and brow services, such as brow lamination and tinting!

Stop in and congratulate our friends at @lashdollsmke during your next appointment 👏

📸: @erichalvie

Starting the week off strong -- literally -- at @spire_fitness 💪

📸: @spire_fitness

Enjoying the icy river while we can 🧊

Are you ready for the "heat wave" this week, MKE? 🔥

📸: @mke_photo_stevestango

Saturday morning brews at @gracecoffeecompany always hit 🔥

📸: Lico J. on Yelp

What's cookin' at the @milwaukeepublicmarket? 👩‍🍳

From exciting new vendors like @forage_kitchen and @daasmokehouse, delicious events such as the 2025 Soup, Stew & Brew Fest (March 5) to upcoming classes on the science behind mixology, there's always a reason to visit this Milwaukee gem ✨

📸: photos.by.fabio

Can you believe we're over halfway through performing arts season?! 😮🎭

If you haven't visited our charming theatres this winter, support local and secure your tickets for the following shows:
☢️ The Children at @nextacttheatre through March 9
🧟 Frankenstein: The Musical at @skylightmusictheatre from Feb. 21-March 9
🍦 Every Brilliant Thing at @mkechamber from Feb. 28-March 16
👾 Buyer & Cellar at @renaissance.theaterworks from March 23-April 13

We'll see you before curtain call 🎬

📸: @getintotheveuve

Lace up ⛸️ and get your yearly Dinky Rink fix at the @milwaukeepublicmarket 🧊

With spring quickly approaching 👀 be sure to experience this free ice rink before winter melts away!

Learn more or secure your spot by clicking the link in our bio 🔗

📸: @milwaukeepublicmarket

Valentine's Day might be over, but you still have the chance to celebrate the month of love at @catacomb.1 💞

This Saturday, Feb. 22, grab a friend or lover and join @catacomb.1 at "Flowers and Love" — an evening featuring the poetic process of Milwaukee poet Kavon Cortez Jones with works featuring themes of love, flowers, connection and more 💐

Learn more by clicking the link in our bio 🔗

📸: @catacomb.1

Our love language? 💞 Dinner reservations at a dreamy Third Ward restaurant, of course 🥰

Celebrate Valentine's Day all weekend at these picture-perfect eateries:
✨ @saffron_mke for modern Indian flare and Insta-worthy cocktails
🍻 @cafebenelux for delish from-scratch dishes and frothy bier
🍖 @bavettebutcher for high-quality, regional provisions from a James Beard-nominated chef
🍷 @cavas.mke for a delicious paella perfectly paired with your new favorite wine

Visit historicthirdward.org for a full Directory of dining destinations. Where are you celebrating love this weekend?

📸: @saffron_mke (1), @cafebenelux (2), @bavettebutcher (3), @cavas.mke (4)

After yesterday’s white out, Mother Nature is turning up the saturation 🔆

📸: @erichalvie

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PLAN

your visit

Building designed by important Milwaukee architect Henry C. Koch for wholesale grocers Wellauer & Hoffmann.

1893

THE BROADWAY

chronicles

PLAN

your visit

Building designed by important Milwaukee architect Henry C. Koch for wholesale grocers Wellauer & Hoffmann.

1893

THE BROADWAY

chronicles

PLAN

your visit

Building designed by important Milwaukee architect Henry C. Koch for wholesale grocers Wellauer & Hoffmann.

1893

THE BROADWAY

chronicles

PLAN

your visit

Building designed by important Milwaukee architect Henry C. Koch for wholesale grocers Wellauer & Hoffmann.

1893

THE BROADWAY

chronicles

historic in the best way

TEN SQUARE BLOCKS

OF O.G. MILWAUKEE

The Historic Third Ward is downtown Milwaukee’s top neighborhood destination for the arts, dining, shopping, recreation & more. Steps from Lake Michigan — and home to the city's top festivals — we are where historic meets modern, grit meets glam & renaissance happens on the daily.

WHAT'S UP IN THE WARD

LET'S PLAY BINGO!

creativity

De-stress during yoga at the Catacombs of Neto gallery on March 16. MORE INFO

cuisine

Your fish fry guide! MORE INFO

culture

Theatre season plays on in the Ward.

MORE INFO

3 SURE THINGS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW

FEATURED IN THE WARD

Host a Posh soiree

The Starling

Who let the dogs out?

Salty Paws

Creativity Flows Here

The Marshall Building

say "I do" in style

The Rivulet

CATCH THE THIRD WARD VIBE

​

Join our mailing list

TEN SQUARE
BLOCKS

WHAT'S UP
IN THE WARD

De-stress during yoga at the Catacombs of Neto gallery on March 16.

MORE INFO

Your fish fry guide!

MORE INFO