There are 52 meetups on this week’s list, arriving in 1,360 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 vital, vivid Wednesday to you!
This week’s featured local artist is a working artist based North of Milwaukee whose paintings explore connection, the loss of it, and introspection as a result of the busyness of everyday life, the influence of constant technological engagement, as well as ongoing political and social upheaval.
(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
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Alrighty! Here are this week’s meetups:
Wednesday, August 19
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.”
Tightknit Cactus Fibers Club / Free / More Info
4:00pm / Cactus Club, 2496 S Wentworth Avenue, Milwaukee
“Monthly meetup for fibers enthusiasts. All experience levels welcome. All mediums welcome. Bring your own materials and/or projects. Intergenerational free fun.”
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!”
MKE Grief Group / Free / More Info
5:30pm-8:30pm / South Shore Terrace Kitchen & Beer Garden, 2900 S Shore Dr, Milwaukee
“You don’t have to carry it alone. Come exactly as you are. Listening, sharing, or just sitting quietly are all welcome. DM us with questions (via link) or to RSVP so we know how many seats we need at the table.”
Girls Who Walk / Free / More Info
6:00pm / Hart Park, 7300 W Chestnut St, Wauwatosa
“Walks are always free and open to all, specific walk details posted on Instagram account (via link) a few days before!”
RPG Nights / Free / More Info
6:00pm-10:00pm / Faklandia Brewpub, 3807 S Packard Ave, St. Francis
“Every first and third Wednesday, choose from an array of one-shot games, all free (there’s even a car pool). Info on signing up to play or run a game, plus invite to event’s Discord via link.”
Board Game Club / Free / More Info
6:00pm-7:00pm / Tabletop Bookshelf, 134 W Pittsburgh Ave, Milwaukee
“Let’s grab a game from our games library and play! This is a great opportunity to learn a new game every month, meet fellow tabletop gamers, and try out one of the premium gaming tables in our lounge. Choices are provided at the beginning of each meeting and the group votes on what to play. Walk-ins are welcome, but seats are limited. Sign up to reserve your seat.”
West Allis Board Games / Free / More Info
6:00pm-10:00pm / Festival Foods (Food Court), 11111 W Greenfield Ave, Milwaukee
“The public is welcome to make new friends and play simple-to-complex board and card games for free in the food court of West Allis’s Festival Foods supermarket!The only requirements are a cooperative attitude, that minors be supervised, and that outside food and drink (other than water) are forbidden, so if you’d like dinner, the deli is open until 8 PM. If you want coffee, Caribou closes at 6 PM. Consider bringing an icebox if you’d like to grocery-shop for perishables and then stay for games (or just leave them in your car during colder months). Details about the types of games played and the WABG Facebook group via link.”
Companionably Quiet Reading / Free / More Info
6:00pm / UpTop Beer Garden, 507 S 2nd St 5th floor, Milwaukee
“Here’re the deets: You’re of course free to read the next Bookclub book, but you’re also welcome to bring any book you’d like. While we hope those who want to get a few chapters in will be able to do so, there’s no expectation that we are totally silent. This is still a social event! Feel free to chat any time—just remain respectful to those who wish to read. “Reading” is in the title, but knitters, stitchers, crossword puzzlers, journalers, sketchers, whittlers, and all manner of other hobbyists are encouraged to do their thing as well.”
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.”
Books & Coffee / Free / More Info
6:30pm / West Allis Public Library (Constitution Room), 7421 W National Avenue, West Allis
“Join us to talk about great fiction over tea and treats. This month we will discuss The Wedding People by Allison Espach.”
MKE Discord Board Game Club / Free / More Info
6:30pm-9:30pm / Haven Cafe, 1201 N Van Buren St, Milwaukee
“Let’s meet in the Haven Cafe for some games and friendship. Free Discord account required to view link.”
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!”
Thursday, August 20
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.”
MKE Fiber Friends / Free / More Info
5:00pm-7:00pm / Anodyne Coffee, 2920 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee
“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.”
Music Book Club / Free / More Info
6:00pm-8:00pm / Lion’s Tooth, 2421 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee
“Reading: Spanish Punk: Screaming for Democracy in a Postdictatorial State by David Vila Diéguez. Free and open to the public, just show up.”
Purl Jam Fiber Club / Free (suggested donation $5-10) / More Info
6:00pm-9:00pm / The Drawing Room (enter through To Hell and Back artwork), 700 S 5th St, Milwaukee
“Join us every 3rd Thursday, 6–9PM at The Drawing Room! Bring your fiber craft (knit, crochet, stitch & more), sip a drink, and hang with fellow makers. All welcome! RSVP via link.”
Boardwaukee Gaming / Free / More Info
6:00pm-10:00pm / Eagle Park Brewing, 823 E Hamilton St, Milwaukee
“Boardwaukee is a community-based group for gamers interested in tabletop and board games, open to anyone. We meet every other week at a different location in the Milwaukee area.”
Pages in the Park Silent Book Club / Free / More Info
6:30pm / Mill Pond Park, W164N9021 Water St, Menomonee Falls
“Bring food and drink, a new or current read, and a lawn chair or blanket. No assigned reading, no pressure! Meet early at Epilogue Books to browse our shelves.”
The Eclectic Art Collective / Free / More Info
6:30pm-8:30pm / Midwest Sad, 601 S 6th St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
“We are a welcoming community for multi-passionate, curious artists! Every 3rd Thursday of the month, we gather at our home base, Midwest Sad. The first 30 minutes feature an optional community skill-share or creative icebreaker, while the remaining time is open for independent creative working and casual socializing. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or looking to re-engage your curious side, we offer an opportunity to share skills, build relationships, explore, and rediscover the joy of making.”
Lower Eastside Yak n Yarn / Free / More Info
7:00pm-9:00pm / Haven Cafe, 1201 N Van Buren St, Milwaukee
“We’re temporarily holding our Thursday meetups at Haven Cafe moving forward! Their usual menu will be available for purchase. Please bring whatever craft you like, whether it’s knitting, painting, coloring or legos. No RSVP needed! You’re welcome to stay for however Long you want, whether that’s the whole 2 hours or just a bit to say hi.”
Friday, August 21
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.”
Meet and Stitch / Free / More Info
5:00pm-7:00pm / Vendetta Coffee Bar, 2268 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee
“Join us for a cozy Meet & Stitch at Vendetta Coffee Bar—a relaxed evening to unwind, make alongside others, and enjoy good company. All fiber arts welcome! Bring whatever you’re working on, or just come by and enjoy the night with us!”
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!”
Featured Local Artist: Daniel Fleming
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 22
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.”
Saturday Morning Run-Walk / Free / More Info
8:30am / North Point Water Tower, 2288 N Lake Drive, Milwaukee
“Weekly run-walk hosted by FEAR (Forget Everything And Run). Walkers and runners of all pace levels are welcome, meet weekly at the North Point Water Tower, 8:45am warm-up and takeoff. Fill out waiver/register via link.”
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.”
Queer Crafternoon / Free / More Info
12:00pm-2:00pm / Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, 161 S 1st St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
“Do you knit? Cross stitch? Tat? Draw? Color? Macrame? Join other LGBTQ+ folx to get our craft on. Bring your own craft or craft maven, Sarah, will have knitting needles and yarn for any folx who want to learn to knit. Join us for a safe, supportive space to create.”
Sunday, August 23
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!”
The Week Ends with Book Club (for Moms) / Free / More Info
10:30am / Copilot Coffee, 279 W Main St, Waukesha
“This month we’re reading ‘Wild Dark Shore’ by Charlotte McConaghy. Bring your coffee and join us for conversation and discussion. New readers always welcome. Even if you didn’t finish the book.”
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).”
Climbers of Color Meetup / $15 / More Info
6:00pm-8:00pm / Adventure Rock, 2220 N Commerce St, Milwaukee
“Join our Climbers of Color Meetup Group—where diversity meets altitude. We’re all about building an inclusive climbing community, sharing techniques, and reaching new heights together. Come for the climb, stay for the camaraderie. See you at the gym!”
Monday, August 24
History Buff Book Club / Free / More Info
5:30pm-7:00pm / Milwaukee Tippecanoe Library (Community Room), 3912 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee
“Calling all history buffs, History Buff Book Club is here! Please join us for a monthly non-fiction, history related book discussion. August read: I Live Underwater by Max Nohl.”
Knot Just Knitting / Free / More Info
5:30pm-6:30pm / Milwaukee Good Hope Library (Community Room), 7715 Good Hope Rd, Milwaukee
“Knit, crochet, embroider, tat, sew, mend or work on other fiber-related projects in community. Beginners and Experts welcome! The group meets twice monthly, from 5:30-6:30 on the second and fourth Monday of each month. Start a new project or bring one in progress and come work on it in community. Some supplies on hand for new knitters (basic knowledge is assumed), but feel free to bring your own if you have them.”
Silent Reading Party / Free / More Info
6:00pm-7:00pm / Milwaukee East Library (Community Room), 2320 North Cramer Street, Milwaukee
“While your book club is on summer break, keep up your reading streak with an hour of sustained, silent reading time to avoid the summer slump. Light refreshments and air conditioning will be provided.”
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 25
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.”
Craft & Chat / Free / More Info
10:30am-12:00pm / Shorewood Public Library (Program Room), 3920 North Murray Avenue, Shorewood
“Unwind, get inspired, and meet fellow makers! Bring your own materials or project to work on. Adults only, all skill levels and mediums welcome!”
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!”
Fourth Tuesdays Blood On the Clocktower / Free / More Info
6:00pm-9:00pm / Milwaukee Brewing, 2335 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee
“Blood on the Clocktower is “a social game played in-person, seated in a circle, where each player receives either a ‘good’ or ‘evil’ token with their unique character on it.” Newcomers wanted! The game is super approachable; if you’ve played Werewolf or Mafia, you’re halfway there. However unlike in those classics, “death is just the beginning” so you stay engaged and participating to the very end. We start every night with a quick tutorial, and all games feature a storyteller who is always available to answer questions and helps keep the game balanced and fun while it inevitably careens towards its dramatic conclusion. (Free Discord account required to view link.)”
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.”
Milwaukee Animators Club / Free / More Info
6:30pm-8:00pm / Haven Cafe , 1201 N Van Buren St., Milwaukee
“Working on animation? Want a group of people to share with and encourage you? Bring your work and join us monthly critique and other activities!”
Comics at the Beer Garden / Free / More Info
7:00pm-9:00pm / Juneau Park Beer Garden, 900 N Prospect Ave, Milwaukee
“Anyone can come and bring a comic that they would like to talk about and share with others! If we have rain then we will relocate to Haven Cafe on Van Buren! We will give a heads up on insta/discord if that’s the case...But let’s hope for a sunny day!!”
It’s going to be a great week, you’ve got this!