43RD+VLIET EVENT SERIES LAUNCHES ACROSS FROM HISTORIC PARK

/ Denizen MKE/

Denizen MKE, Washington Park Media Center, JazzyRae’ Jewels and Accessories, and Artists Working in Education (AWE) are thrilled to present 43rd+Vliet, a free neighborhood event series in our creative small businesses near Milwaukee’s Washington Park on the Near West Side. Starting this

Friday, January 31 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and continuing monthly on select Fridays from February to June 2025, our indoor and outdoor spaces will transform into lively artistic hubs showcasing performances, installations, media-making, refreshments and activities with local creatives. These events celebrate the neighborhood’s cultural diversity while fostering vibrant street life along Vliet Street.

To honor Lunar New Year this Friday night:

  • Live music nights are back at Denizen MKE with Adekola and Neal Davis performing from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed by a Live Jam Session inviting any and all artists to join the stage from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Drinks specials available at the Denizen MKE bar with charcuterie and cheese flights by Dom Sera Grazing Co.

  • Powering the livestream component of the event series on our YouTube Channel, Washington Park Media Center will also host a live marble dye makeshop c/o Invisual Group, where participants can decorate their own Washington Park Media Center accessory. Canni Cafe and Infusion Bar will be popping up with refreshing botanical infusions alongside Sauce MKE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing fresh, delicious food to communities across Milwaukee via bicycle.

  • JazzyRae' Jewels & Accessories offers a variety of trendy styles for women understanding fashion is ever-changing while DJ NettaRee performs from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

  • Meet local teaching artist and AWE program coordinator Marco Romantini whose work will be on display in AWE’s studio space. Supplies and an activity will be available for those who are looking to get creative.

Bringing the Neighborhood to Life

Inside and outside our buildings—and online—you’ll find an artistic assortment of experiences led by local creatives, many of whom live and work in the Washington Park area. This initiative, inspired by the 2 success of pilot events hosted in 2024, aims to support vibrant street life on Vliet Street, celebrating thearea’s rich diversity and creative talent.

At the heart of the series is a neighbor-focused streetscaping project, designed by us in collaboration with our neighbor Quorum Architects. Our sustainable landscape design on adjoining public and private properties will create welcoming and accessible gathering spaces with art, gardens, seating, bike racks and other nourishing features. We invite neighbors and visitors to share feedback on these designs, helping shape a local place that reflects our needs and dreams. By responding to ideas generated by neighbors, 43rd+Vliet aims to cultivate a joyful, inclusive beacon where any neighbor can create, connect and celebrate.

Rooted in Collaboration and Growth

43rd+Vliet isn’t just about events; it’s about realizing a long-term vision for a welcoming, safe, and joyful neighborhood beacon. Our collaboration seeks to bridge generations and cultural perspectives, building and strengthening relationships through art, conversation and shared experiences. By offering opportunities neighbors to participate and paying local creatives for their contributions, we aim to amplify culturally diverse voices often unheard and highlight the talents within our neighborhoods.

A Vision for Welcoming Spaces

This culturally rich area of Milwaukee is home to a wide range of neighbors, representing diverse races, ethnicities, genders and generations. An authentic experience of belonging is at the core of our mission.

Whether through ADA-compliant green spaces, playful intergenerational elements or working to remove barriers like food insecurity and street safety concerns, 43rd+Vliet ensures that everyone feels valued, celebrated and welcomed.

Lighting Up Our Corner with Possibility

From food to art, music to markets, 43rd+Vliet is growing a space where creativity thrives and neighbors and visitors alike feel at home. Together, we’re cultivating a community that’s brimming with opportunity, connection and joy. Join us in building a vibrant, sustainable model for neighborhood development that enriches lives and strengthens Milwaukee’s historic Washington Park and our surrounding streets and neighborhoods..

Additional Events every Month

43rd+Vliet free neighborhood event series will continue on select Fridays from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.:

  • February 28: Winter Game Night

  • March 21: Spring Equinox

  • April 25: Art Walk and Spring Clean Up

  • May 30: Park and Vliet Street Fundraiser

  • June 27: Night Market

https://www.washingtonparkmediacenter.com/live for more details.