There are 47 meetups on this week’s list, arriving in 1,344 Milwaukee-area inboxes (click the blue banner above to read in your browser, or visit the MKE Meetups website to view all the events on a calendar or map).
Good morning and a collected, comfortable (with caveats) Wednesday to you!
This week’s featured meetup is a cycling group that’s aiming to build a community of dads and a love for biking and being outside in our next generation.
(Sponsor) Truly Simple Tools is a (very) small Milwaukee company that makes cheap and free Mac, iPhone, and iPad apps. These apps compete with more expensive options, respect your privacy, and have no ads, no subscriptions, and (for those that do cost something) a one-time, lifetime price tag of $5.
— Peruse the TST app catalog
Want to support MKE Meetups? Buy me a coffee, sponsor a newsletter, and/or share the list with a friend who you think might enjoy it.
Please reply to this email with comments, suggestions, questions, recommendations, or just to say hello. I respond to every message and would love to hear from you :)
Okie dokie! Here are this week’s meetups:
Wednesday, July 29
November Project MKE / Free / More Info
6:03am / The Calling (Orange Sculpture), 941 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee
“What if we told you there was a great way to meet new people and get a great workout all before the work day starts? In-person workouts every Wednesday morning. Meet at “The Calling” sculpture at 6:03am.”
Stepping Out Walking Club / Free / More Info
10:15am-11:15am / Milwaukee Washington Park Library, 2121 North Sherman Blvd, Milwaukee
“Join us for a weekly walk through beautiful Washington Park. Get exercise, enjoy the company of others, and experience the wonders of nature in this sprawling neighborhood park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.”
Central Library Walking Club / Free / More Info
10:30am-12:00pm / Milwaukee Central Library, 814 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee
“Join us at Central library for a weekly walk. We will meet under the dome of the Central Library and take a two-mile loop through this historic neighborhood. It’s a wonderful opportunity to exercise outdoors and socialize. The club meets rain or shine, and we will use ADA accessible routes. People of all ages and abilities are welcome. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Please bring water and wear comfortable clothing.”
Open Game Night / $3-7 / More Info
5:00pm / Beyond the Board, 17800 W Bluemound Rd, Brookfield
“Come out tonight if you’ve got nothing going on and make some new friends and find players to play with!”
Crafty Collective / Free / More Info
6:00pm-7:30pm / Wauwatosa Public Library (Firefly Room), 7635 W North Ave, Wauwatosa
“Do you knit, crochet, sew, embroider, or enjoy other crafty projects? Join our Crafty Collective group! Bring the project you’re working on and craft with us. Find inspiration from other crafty people in our group.”
Social Society Book Club / Free / More Info
6:00pm-8:00pm / Al Wadi Coffeehouse, 200 West Layton Avenue, Milwaukee
“Join us for our Milwaukee Book Club meeting this June, where we’ll be discussing the novel “This Summer Will Be Different” by Carly Fortune. This month’s discussion promises an engaging conversation, great company, and a chance to connect with fellow book lovers. Whether you’re a long-time reader or just getting into the book club scene, this is a space where everyone is welcome! RSVP to reserve your spot, and be ready to share your thoughts on the book! We’ll break into smaller discussion groups to keep things intimate and interactive.”
Falcon Game Night / Free / More Info
6:00pm-11:59pm / Falcon Hall (Falcon Bowl), 801 East Clarke Street, Milwaukee
“If you’re into board games, card games, tabletop stuff, or just want to chill with folks who are, Falcon Game Night is your midweek hang. Every (okay, most) Wednesdays we set up shop in Falcon Hall with big tables, cheap drinks, and a low-key vibe that’s perfect for rolling dice, building decks, or figuring out what the hell this game even is. All skill levels welcome. Bring your own games or jump in on someone else’s. Magic, Catan, whatever. It’s casual and it’s all about community.”
Buena Tierra Run Club / Free / More Info
6:00pm / Zócalo Food Park, 636 S 6th St, Milwaukee
“Come on out Wednesday for our community run! 3 mile average at any pace. All people, backgrounds, distances, and paces welcome!”
Creative Club / Free / More Info
6:00pm / Dream Lab, 738 S 3rd St, Milwaukee
“Some of the best ideas happen when you’re surrounded by other people making things. Already working on something? Bring it. Don’t have a project? That’s okay too. We’ll have a community canvas, creative prompts, and collaborative activities so there’s always something to jump into. Whether you create every day or haven’t made something in years, you belong here. No class…..No instructor…..No pressure. Just good people making cool things together.”
Community Stitch Night / Free / More Info
5:30pm-8:00pm / La Merceria, 1219 Milwaukee Ave, South Milwaukee
“A casual stitch night for friends and community. All fiber arts are welcome!”
Rochambo Art Club / Free / More Info
7:00pm-8:30pm / Rochambo Coffee & Tea House, 1317 E Brady St, Milwaukee
“Every Wednesday, come create with fellow artists at Rochambo! Bring your art supplies!”
Sugar Maple Book Club / Free / More Info
7:30pm / Sugar Maple, 441 E Lincoln Ave, Milwaukee
“Open to the public, all ages welcome. Meets the last Wednesday of the month.”
Thursday, July 30
MKE Fiber Friends / Free / More Info
3:00pm-5:00pm / Copilot Coffee Co, 279 W Main St, Waukesha
“Bring whatever you’re working on. Any project, any stage. I truly love seeing what everyone is creating and the energy people bring each week.”
Craft & Chat / Free / More Info
4:00pm-5:00pm / Milwaukee East Library, 2320 North Cramer St, Milwaukee
“Bring your craft and hang-out for a cozy craft and chat! All-ages program to bring neighborhood crafters together.”
Clarice Lispector Book Club / Free / More Info
6:00pm-8:00pm / Lion’s Tooth, 2421 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee
“Reading: Complete Stories by Clarice Lispector. Free and open to the public, just show up.”
LGBT Waukesha Game Night / Free / More Info
6:30pm-9:00pm / Waukesha State Bank (Community Room), 151 E Saint Paul Ave, Waukesha
“Come hang out with local members of the LGBTQIA+ community in and around Waukesha! Bring a friend, a snack a game, or just bring yourself! Out of respect for anyone in our community who is immunocompromised or disabled, has friends or family who are at risk, or who don’t want to risk exposure to Covid-19 and other diseases, we are requiring masks at this event. If you don’t have one we have disposable masks you can use.”
Uncommon Running Club / Free / More Info
7:00pm / Gift of Wings Kite Store (Veterans Park), 1300 N Lincoln Memorial Dr, Milwaukee
“Thursdays, 5k runs. Run or walk, all paces welcome.”
Friday, July 31
Morning Happy Hour Run / Free / More Info
6:00am-7:00am / Humboldt Park (corner of Logan and Idaho), 3000 S Howell Milwaukee
“This run is every Friday at 6 am, leaving from the corner of Logan and Idaho for 3-6 mile lakefront run. We try to have 2 pace groups: of approx. 10 and 8 min/miles, depending on who attends. If it’s your first time at this run, ask for James or Jonathan.”
Rise and Write / Free / More Info
7:00am-8:45am / Colectivo Coffee, 170 South 1st Street, Milwaukee
“Rise and Write is a quick meetup for those who like to get their writing done in the early mornings.” RSVP via the link.
Friday Night Fun Run / Free / More Info
5:10pm-6:10pm / Riverside Park (in front of the Riverside Park Urban Ecology Center), 1500 E. Park Place, Milwaukee
“Join us for our Friday Night Fun Run! We’ll be running a 3.5mi route around the Upper East Side. This run is all about fun, so following most runs we hang out after - grabbing food/drinks, volleyball, and bowling are all favorites! Runners of all paces and abilities are welcome, most of our runners typically run 9:00 - 11:00/mi pace!”
Critical Mass / Free / More Info
6:00pm / Red Arrow Park, 920 N Water St, Milwaukee
“Join a group of your neighbors riding bikes around Milwaukee while having fun and drawing attention to the need for better bicycle infrastructure in the city. This is a social slow roll ride that moves at a pace of around 10mph. You are welcome to leave the ride when you’d like, but as a “no drop” ride, no one will get left behind the group because of pace. We will make sure everyone makes it through traffic lights and intersections as a group.”
Let’s Climb Together / $12-16 / More Info
6:00pm-8:00pm / Adventure Rock MKE, 2220 N Commerce St, Milwaukee
“It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned climber or this will be your first time on a wall. There’s a route for anyone of every skill level. When you walk in mention, you are here for the meetup. First-timers who are MeetUp participants enjoy a day pass discount. $12 for a day pass without gear and $16 for a day pass with all the necessary rental equipment. You don’t need to bring anything special to climb, but we recommend gym attire to aid in movement on the wall.” More details at the link.
Featured Meetup: Milwaukee Dads Cycling Club
Meetup hosts: I’d love to feature your meetup!
Artists/creatives/craftspeople: I’d love to feature your work!
Respond to this email and we’ll make it happen (this is completely free, I just want to help share your work or group with more people).
Saturday, August 1
Saturday Long Run / Free / More Info
8:00am-10:00am / Colectivo Lakefront, 1701 N Lincoln Memorial Dr, Milwaukee
“All levels of experience, running a wide variety of different speeds and distances, are usually represented. Feeling anxious? Just show up, we’ll take care of you. If this is your first time ask for Patrick or the OMG host. We’d be happy to answer questions, explain options, and do our best to match you up with someone your speed and distance. Meet on the lawn just north of Colectivo before and after the run. If the weather is nice all are welcome to stay after and share breakfast or a beverage.”
Just Write It On Saturday / Free / More Info
10:00am-1:00pm / Anodyne Coffee, 224 W Bruce St, Milwaukee
“Just Write It On Saturday is a loosely structured meetup where you just show up and write. We’ll talk briefly at the beginning and have a recap at the end, but mostly we’ll just write. RSVPs not required, but appreciated.”
Shorewood Shuffles / Free / More Info
10:30am / Shorewood Public Library (Program Room), 3920 N Murray Ave, Shorewood
“Do you enjoy board games? Looking to learn a new board game? Drop in for tabletop fun! Experienced and new board game enthusiasts ages 16 & up are welcome. An assortment of games will be provided. Bring your own games too!”
LGBTQ+ Game Night / Free / More Info
4:00pm-8:00pm / Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, 161 S 1st St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
“All adults (18+) are welcome to join us for an inclusive, fun and welcoming gaming experience. We will have Game Masters on hand for facilitating a number of games that align well with any level of experience and/or ability. Bring your own games, snacks and beverages. We will be providing games and light refreshments as well. There is no need to RSVP or register, simply show up ready to game! Drop-ins always welcome!”
Sunday, August 2
WI Metro Audubon Society Bird Walk / Free ($5 parking) / More Info
8:00am / Wehr Nature Center (front entrance), 9701 W College Ave, Franklin
“Join us on our walk through woodland, prairie and lake habitats on the nature center trails. Depending on weather and bird activity, we typically walk for 1.5 to 2 hours, and cover 1 to 2 miles. It’s not uncommon to see over 40 species in migration seasons! All birding levels are welcome. Mentoring is offered to beginning birders.” More details via the link.
Play Catch Tosa / Free / More Info
9:00am-11:00am / Hart Park Baseball Field, 7300 W Chestnut St, Wauwatosa
“A casual, all-skill-level group for adults who just want to throw around and have a good time. Football, baseball, frisbee—whatever you want to bring! No fees, no tryouts, no pressure. Just good people throwing stuff.”
Chess at The Shop / Free / More Info
9:00am-2:00pm / Colectivo Coffee, 2999 N Humboldt Blvd, Milwaukee
“Everybody is welcome from absolute beginners to seasoned players! Bring a set, come through sit down, sip some coffee, and play a game of Chess!”
Dance Joy / Free / More Info
11:00am-12:30pm / Kern Park, 3614 N Humboldt Blvd, Milwaukee
“Every Sunday at Kern Park, rain or shine, by the tennis courts. Unplug and move to the music! Come one, come all - free & fun, no phones and yes community!”
Just Write It On Sunday / Free / More Info
12:00pm-3:00pm / Anodyne Coffee, 224 W Bruce St, Milwaukee
“Just Write It On Sunday is a loosely structured meetup where you just show up and write. We’ll chit chat in the beginning and break for a chat in the end, but mostly we’ll just write. RSVPs not required, but appreciated.”
Milwaukee Area Riichi Mahjong / Free / More Info
1:00pm-5:30pm / Vennture Brew Co, 2970 N Brookfield Rd, Brookfield
“Come on by and play Riichi! We meet up on most Sundays to learn about and play this fascinating classic tile game. If you have never played before, we will teach you how to play!” More meetup details via the link.
Sunday Reading Group / Free / More Info
1:00pm-2:00pm / Kuumba Juice & Coffeehouse, 274 E Keefe Ave, Milwaukee
“Spend an hour reading with other human beings in companionable silence. Show up a little early (around 12:45pm) and/or stay after (we often stay till about 2:30pm) to meet some new people and chat about books (and all sorts of other things).”
Monday, August 3
Cozy Crafting / Free / More Info
5:30pm-7:00pm / Milwaukee Central Library (Art, Music & Recreation Room), 814 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee
“Get cozy, craft, and meet up with friends and neighbors at the Central Library! Bring along your latest work in progress, or try out an easy, librarian-selected crochet pattern. We’ll enjoy hot seasonal drinks, and browse a curated selection of pattern books available to scan or check out. Bring along a skein or two of yarn if you’re looking to de-stash. We will have a mini yarn exchange at each meeting!”
Art For All / Free / More Info
5:30pm-7:30pm / Milwaukee East Library, 2320 North Cramer Street, Milwaukee
“Bring your own art supplies and feel free to join me for art making of ANY kind (paint, crayon, ink, pencil, collaging, digital, fiber, etc.) at the Milwaukee Public Library East Branch. Bring your own coffee and snacks if you’d like. Do you have to stay for the full time? Absolutely not! Can you? Of course! Also feel free to show up late if you need to — people often arrive at various times. Please note that these meetups are for adults only!”
Silent Book Club / Free / More Info
5:30pm-7:00pm / Milwaukee Good Hope Library (Fireplace), 7715 Good Hope Road, Milwaukee
“There is no assigned reading, and no pressure! Come with your own book, studying material, work or other silent task and relax with a friendly group of book lovers! Silent Book Club is for people who love to read and want to meet new people, without the pressure to finish the selected book or to have something smart to say. All readers are welcome—ebooks, audiobooks, textbooks, comic books... it’s BYOBook. Following an hour of silent reading, there will be an opportunity to socialize and discuss your books in a welcoming environment.”
Fantasy Book Club / Free / More Info
6:00pm-7:00pm / Tabletop Bookshelf, 134 W Pittsburgh Ave, Milwaukee
“Join us for a monthly meetup to discuss a new fantasy book from our collection!”
Mystery Book Club / Free / More Info
6:00pm-7:00pm / Milwaukee Mitchell Street Library, 906 West Historic Mitchell Street, Milwaukee
“Join our Mystery Book Club to discuss mysteries and share ideas for other good reads. Read the book and come prepared to share your thoughts and opinions and help dissect the mystery! August book: Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney.”
Lit Group Book Club / Free / More Info
6:30pm / Boswell Books, 2559 N Downer Ave, Milwaukee
“Reading: Slow Horses by Mick Herron. No registration necessary.”
Rochambo Writing Club / Free / More Info
7:00pm-8:30pm / Rochambo Coffee & Tea House (Second floor), 1317 E Brady St, Milwaukee
“Do you like writing? Socializing? Getting a taste of something new? In that case we’d like to introduce……our writing club! One of our baristas, Caleb, is hosting this every Monday here at Rochambo on the second floor! We hope to see you there! No RSVP necessary.”
Tuesday, August 4
Tuesday Wake Up Run / Free / More Info
5:15am-6:00am / Colectivo Lakefront, 1701 N Lincoln Memorial Dr, Milwaukee
“Join us on Tuesday mornings starting at Colectivo at the Lakefront for a three to five mile run on the well lite paths along Lincoln Memorial Drive. Paces are anywhere from 9:00 to 12:00 minutes per mile - something for everyone. Beginners are welcome! New to running? Ask for Dia and we’ll get you started.”
Death Café / Free / More Info
1:00pm-3:00pm / Milwaukee East Library (Community Room), 2320 North Cramer Street, Milwaukee
“The goal of a Death Café is to support each other in normalizing talk about death, which is such an important part of life. This free gathering is completely participant led; there is no agenda. We will take turns speaking thoughtfully and listening respectfully. Light refreshments will be served.”
Drop-In Dungeons & Dragons / Free / More Info
5:30pm-7:30pm / Shorewood Public Library, 3920 North Murray Avenue, Shorewood
“Curious about Dungeons and Dragons? Looking for a friendly local campaign? Drop in to the Shorewood Public Library every Tuesday this summer. Participants must be sixteen or older. First time players welcome!”
King Makers Fiber Arts Group / Free / More Info
5:30pm-6:30pm / Milwaukee MLK Library (Community Room), 2901 N Doctor MLK Jr Dr, Milwaukee
“A place to work on your favorite fiber arts or mending project. Beginners and Experts welcome! Start from scratch or bring your knitting, crochet, sewing, mending or other fiber-related project for an hour of conversation and community at King Library. Some supplies on hand for new knitters (basic knowledge is assumed), but feel free to bring your own if you have them.”
Bad Moon Craft Night / Free / More Info
6:00pm / Bad Moon Saloon, 4035 S Clement Ave, Milwaukee
“Bring your craft projects, skills, extra supplies (if you want to share), or just your curiosity to learn something new! Roll up every other Tuesday at 6pm or later with your crafts, and your second round of drinks is on us!”
Romance Readers Book Club / Free / More Info
6:00pm-7:00pm / Milwaukee East Library (Study Room 115), 2320 North Cramer Street, Milwaukee
“Romance readers seasoned and new to the genre are invited to join the Romance Readers Book Club. We’ll explore different subgenres and diverse voices, meeting every other month. August book: August Lane by Regina Black.”
Tuesday Night Ride / Free / More Info
6:00pm-9:00pm / Last Rites, 625 S 6th St, Milwaukee
“Start point is at Last Rites. Meet and pre-ride social starting at 6pm. Roll out at 6:30pm prompt. Always slow roll around 10mph. Never drop riders for pace. Never cancel for weather. Bring lights!” Map of tentative route and weekly schedule via link.
It’s going to be a great week, you’ve got this!