Annual Community Events
Specific dates, locations and details about each event will be posted here on our Events Calendar and on our social media channels. Please check back frequently for updates. Below is an overview of our annual events.
Art Walk
Spring and Fall
Held twice a year (April and November), the Art Walk gives participants a chance to view and buy unique, original art from local artists and shops on Vliet St. Hosted by West Vliet Street Business Association.
Association Annual Meeting
Third Thursday in May
Meet the current Board of Directors, elect new board members, hear from our elected officials, and meet your neighbors.
Bastille Day West
Mid-July
Spanning several blocks on Vliet Street and held annually in mid-July, this free 1-day street festival features live music, French cuisine, arts and crafts and various entertainment activities. It’s a vibrant celebration that brings a taste of French culture to the heart of Milwaukee.
Learn more about Bastille Day West and West Vliet Street.
Block Parties
May – October
Plan a party for your block. Bring your neighbors together for a fun day of food, games and fellowship. Each block plans their own block party event in cooperation with their neighbors. Visit the City of Milwaukee’s Block Party page for more information on obtaining a permit.
Bloom & Groom
Mid to late May
Establish in 2000, Bloom & Groom is an opportunity for our Washington Heights’ community to purchase beautiful plants and flowers at a significant discount as the result of WHNA support and the Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation’s (NIDC’s) matching funds. Bloom and Groom is held at the Community Garden northwest corner of 49th and Lloyd.
Boulevard Bash
Saturday in Late August or Early September
The neighborhood’s biggest block party takes place on Washington Boulevard featuring food, music, artists/makers marketplace, activities for youth and so much more.
Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday before Easter
The free outdoor event for children 12 and under, features hundreds of hidden eggs filled with candy.
Mulchfest
Early to Mid January
The Green Committee organizes and hosts a yearly holiday tree recycling event, keeping trees out of the landfill. Drop your tree at the designated location so it can be mulched by the City of Milwaukee Department of Forestry and recycled into mulch that is used in our parks and throughout the city.
Neighborhood Clean-Up
Saturday Morning in April
Neighbors come together at the Community Garden (49th and Lloyd) for a morning of spring cleaning and trash pick-up throughout the neighborhood. Hosted and organized by the WHNA Green Committee.
Rummage Sale
First Saturday in June
The neighborhood comes alive with bargains galore. Residents are invited to set up a rummage sale in their front yard, driveway or garage on the first Saturday in June during the time frame that works best for them.
Spooktacular
Saturday Evening before Halloween
Spooktacular is Washington Heights nighttime trick-or-treating event and rotates around the neighborhood to a new area each year. Streets are closed for a fun and safe Halloween event. Registration is required for all youth that wish to trick-or-treat and receive candy.
Washington Park Wednesdays
Wednesdays in July and August
Head east to the Washington Park Bandshell on Wednesday evenings in July and August for Washington Park Wednesdays Concert Series. The concert series is presented by Washington Park Neighbors with support from the Milwaukee County Parks. Washington Heights Neighborhood Association is a long-time financial supporter of the concert series.
Learn more about the concert series and view the schedule.
Winterfest
Late January / Early February
Sponsored by the Urban Ecology Center (UEC) at Washington Park, enjoy a Saturday of sledding, ice skating, snow shoeing and many fun winter activities for all ages. The UEC offers gardening, recreation and environmental programs for kids and adults all year long.
Learn more about Urban Ecology Center and its programs.
Get Involved
It takes many volunteers to ensure the success of these events. Please consider getting involved in your community. Send us a message so we can add you to our volunteer list and share opportunities with you.