Catalano Square | AUG. 7-9, 2026

UPDATED DUE TO WEATHER: SUNDAY, AUG. 9

The Museum of the Moon art installation will be removed from 10 AM-2 PM due to weather.

The moon will rise again by 3 p.m., and be on display until 9 p.m.​

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4 PM

• Live painting of the moon by JK Art House

• Dessert Vendors: Ben & Jerry's and Pete's Pops

• Fresh Coast Jazz Festival Presents Live Music by Marcya Daneille Collective 

6 PM - Fresh Coast Jazz Festival Presents Live Music by Will Carter Jazz Quartet 

8 PM - Live music by Mama Digdown's Brass Band

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In honor of the Historic Third Ward Association’s 50th anniversary, the Third Ward Moon Festival will transform the neighborhood into a luminous, open-air celebration of art, community, and creativity. Over three days, the district will become an immersive experience where historic charm meets contemporary expression — blending large-scale public art, live entertainment, wellness, and local culture into one unforgettable weekend.

At the heart of the festival is Museum of the Moon, a breathtaking illuminated installation by artist Luke Jerram. Suspended above the Catalano Square fountain, the piece features a detailed, internally lit moon created using imagery from NASA — offering a rare opportunity to experience a globally recognized work of art in an accessible, public setting.

Both a striking visual centerpiece and an emotional focal point, the installation invites moments of reflection, connection, and awe — while creating stunning, shareable scenes day and night. ​​

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The Third Ward Moon Festival, presented in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Historic Third Ward Association, is free and open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to explore the neighborhood's galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and public spaces in addition to scheduled programming. The Third Ward Beer Garden will also be open for extended hours throughout the festival weekend.

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The Third Ward Moon Festival is presented by the Historic Third Ward Association and Business Improvement District #2, premier sponsors Laffey, Leitner & Goode LLC and Third Ward Beer Garden ,  and sponsors Veolia | North America and Urban Law. Additional in-kind sponsorship is provided by Benson's Restaurant Group, Cafe Benelux, Digital Edge Copy & Print Center, Design Within Reach, Joseph Property Development and Visit Milwaukee.

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Museum of the Moon has been co-commissioned by a number of creative organisations brought together by Luke Jerram and Norfolk & Norwich Festival. These include: Greenwich+Docklands International Festival, Brighton Festival, Without Walls, Cork Midsummer Festival, We The Curious, Lakes Alive, Provincial Domain Dommelhof, Les Tombées de la Nuit, Rennes and Ensemble Arts Philly. The artwork has also been created in partnership with the UK Space Agency, University of Bristol and The Association for Science and Discovery Centres.