Merry Wednesday to all who celebrate!
This week’s incredible featured local artist is a character designer and illustrator: you can see an example of their work halfway down the meetup list, please admire/follow/share/support them (and fill out this form if you’d like to have your work featured in the future).
Check out the Meetup Matchmaking page if you’re looking for a spot to host your meetup (and fill out this form if you’d like to have your business/space listed).
And yes, MKE Meetups is now on Instagram.
Please reply to this email with comments, suggestions, questions, event/meetup recommendations, or just to say hello—I respond to every email I receive and would love to hear from you :)
Alrighty, here’s this week’s meetups:
Wednesday, January 21
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.”
Death Café / Free / More Info
1:00pm-3:00pm / Milwaukee Washington Park Library, 2121 North Sherman Blvd, 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.”
Game Demo Night / Free / More Info
6:00pm-8:00pm / Pink Bunny Games, 1204 Minnesota Ave, South Milwaukee
“Every Wednesday night at 6pm we meet at Pink Bunny Games to play board games, and hang out. If you don't know the game, that is ok, we will teach you how to play.
If you have a game that you would like to share, we would love to give your game a try. Please, come in and join us.”
Music Book Club / Free / More Info
6:00pm-8:00pm / Lion’s Tooth, 2421 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee
“Wine Academy Book Club, reading: “Wine Simple: A Totally Approachable Guide from a World-Class Sommelier” by Aldo Sohmn. A visual, beginner and user-friendly manual that will inspire you to have the confidence, curiosity, and enthusiasm to taste smarter, drink boldly, and dive headfirst fearlessly into the exciting world of wine.”
Boardwalkee Gaming / Free / More Info
6:00pm-9:00pm / Central Waters Brewing Co, 1037 W Juneau Ave, 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.”
Books & Coffee / Free / More Info
6:30pm / West Allis Public Library (Constitution Room), 7421 W National Avenue, West Allis
“In January we’re reading John Shen Yen Nee’s The Murder of Mr. Ma, about two unlikely allies who race through the cobbled streets of 1920s London in search of a killer targeting Chinese immigrants.”
Thursday, January 22
Thursday Wake Up Run / Free / More Info
5:15am-6:00am / Colectivo Coffee, 1701 N Lincoln Memorial Dr, Milwaukee
“Like to run on Thursday mornings? Join us at the Lake Front Colectivo (on Lincoln Memorial Drive across from the Marina) for a three to five mile run. 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.”
Practice Spanish (and Coffee) / Free / More Info
7:00am-9:00am / Stone Creek Coffee, 5th & St. Paul, Milwaukee
“It is never too early to practice our español so join us for coffee and a pastry. Exploremos la delicia y variabilidad del café, pero sobretodo la comañia y armonía que esta conlleva. Una taza de café siempre es el punto de partida de buenas conversiones y excusas infinitas para simplemente cometer, el acto. ¡No faltes!”
Craft & Chat / Free / More Info
4:00pm-5:30pm / Milwaukee East Library, 2320 N Cramer St, Milwaukee
“Bring your craft and hang-out for a cozy craft and chat! All-ages program to bring neighborhood crafters together. Every Thursday.”
Companionably Quiet Reading/ Free /More Info(Cancelled due to weather)6:00pm / Vendetta Coffee Bar, 524 South 2nd Street, Milwaukee“Join us in enjoying a delicious beverage while getting lost in a good book. 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.”
Thursday Yoga / Free (suggested donation of $1) / More Info
6:00pm-7:00pm / Society of Friends, 3224 N Gordon Pl, Milwaukee
“Join us for a fun and invigorating hour of yoga! This is a casual, beginner oriented group that will focus mainly on basic and a few intermediate poses. A yoga mat is recommended so please bring your own. We usually go for drinks/food afterwards so please join if you are free!”
Friday, January 23
Rise and Write / Free / More Info
7:00am-8:45am / Amaranth Bakery & Café, 3329 W Lisbon Ave, Milwaukee
“Rise and Write is a quick meetup for those who like to get their writing done in the early mornings. 7:00-7:15: Arrive, get settled, say hello, order coffee and a snack if you like (the croissants are highly recommended). 7:15-8:30: Write. 8:30-8:45: Chit chat about writing and the usual small talk topics.” RSVP via the link.
Code Pink MKE Community Potluck / Free / More Info
6:00pm / Zao MKE Church, 2319 E Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee
“Join us for a for a community potluck! Come hungry! And if you are able, bring a dish to share with the community Help us spread the word, bring a friend! We are supporting Riverwest Food Not Bombs and have an open donation request, high need items are period and hygiene products, as well as clothing (hats, gloves, scarves) in good condition.”
Sip and Stitch / Free / More Info
6:00pm-8:00pm / Vendetta Coffee Bar, 2268 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee
“Join us for a cozy Sip & 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!”
Milwaukee Contra Dance / $10 ($5 for students, $20 for families) / More Info
7:30pm-10:00pm / Society of Friends, 3224 N. Gordon Place, Milwaukee
“Live music, intro lesson at 7:00. Our callers teach and call with nongendered terms. We strive to be welcoming. Please wear clean, non-marking, soft-soled shoes. Many of us keep a separate pair to change into from street shoes.” More details about live acts and parking via link
Featured Milwaukee Creator: Rhiannon Morrison
Saturday, January 24
River Trail Run / Free / More Info
7:00am-9:00am / Colectivo Lakefront, 1701 N Lincoln Memorial Dr, Milwaukee
“Have you ever wanted to run on dirt instead of pavement? Here’s an opportunity. Don’t expect this to be your typical road run. Our pace is more relaxed and we enjoy our beautiful trail scenery. We meet in front of Colectivo and head to the Milwaukee River Trails. We honor our 5 minute grace period. If this is your first time ask for Veronica or the OMG host. We’d be happy to answer questions and explain options. Grab your bug spray and extra water and we’ll see you there!”
Mom Walk / Free / More Info
10:00am / Grant Park, 100 Hawthorne Ave, South Milwaukee
“Join us for a weekend stroller walk at Grant Park!” RSVP info via link.
Queer Crafternoon / Free / More Info
12:00pm-2:00pm / Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, 315 West Court St, Milwaukee
“Do you knit? Cross stitch? Tat? Draw? Color? Macrame? Join other Queer folx as we get our craft on! Craft-maven Sarah will bring knitting needles and yarn for any folx who want to learn to knit, or just want to play with yarn and needles. Feel free to bring your own craft to work on. Join us for a safe, supportive space to create. Our Queer Crafternoon is presented by Bi+Pride Milwaukee; all are welcome.”
Sunday, January 25
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!”
Riverwest Sunday Walk / Free / More Info
9:30am / The Daily Bird, 818 E Center St, Milwaukee
Meet at the Daily Bird, leave around 9:45am, and walk along the river; kids, dogs, everyone welcome; walk is about 2 miles total and ends back at the Daily Bird. Check the host’s FB updates for specifics about the walking route based on the day’s weather.
Late Morning Shorewood Run / Free / More Info
10:00am-11:00am / Corner Bakery Cafe, 1305 E Capitol Dr, Shorewood
“This meetup is great for folks of all paces from Speedy McSpeedies to walkers and everything in between, including plenty of folks like your host who enjoy an 11- to 13-minute pace. The tone is relaxed as we all put in a chill 2 to 4 miles on the Oak Leaf Trail. We’ll meet up behind the Corner Bakery at Capitol and Wilson in Shorewood, which is also a good place for coffee and eats afterward for those so inclined.”
Sunday Reading Group / Free / More Info
1:00pm-2:00pm / Kuumba Juice & Coffeehouse, 274 E Keefe Ave, Milwaukee
Read with other human beings in companionable silence! Show up a little early and/or stay after if you want to meet some new people and chat about books (or whatever else comes up).
Riverwest Board Game Meetup / Free / More Info
3:00pm / Gathering Place Brewing, 811 E Vienna Ave, Milwaukee
“Let’s get together to play some board games after the Winter Farmers Market.”
Junk Journaling Club / $20 / More Info
5:00pm-7:00pm / Story Keepers Books, 7035 W Greenfield Ave, West Allis
“A cozy, creative evening of journaling and connection. You’re welcome to bring scraps, paper, or ephemera, but it’s not required—feel free to come just as you are. Please bring your own journal or notebook to work in. Registration is required, space is limited, and the cost to participate is $20. This relaxed, welcoming session is open to both beginners and experienced journallers alike.”
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, January 26
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.”
Cozy Crafting / Free / More Info
5:30pm-7:00pm / Milwaukee Central Library, 814 West Wisconsin Avenue,
Milwaukee
“Get cozy, craft, and meet up with friends and neighbors at 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!”
Silent Book Club / Free / More Info
6:00pm-8:00pm / MobCraft Beer, 505 S 5th St, Milwaukee
“Meetings are two hours long, starting with silent reading and wrapping up with socializing. Bring your own book and get recommendations from others! Feel free to team up with some friends (new or old) and buddy read, too. Everyone is welcome as long as you want to read and talk about books, explore Milwaukee venues, and make new friends!”
Swing Dance Lessons / $10 (social hour is free) / More Info
6:45pm-10:15pm / Falcon Bowl, 801 East Clarke St, Milwaukee
Ages 18-and-up; registration/check in/warm-up at 6:45pm, Lindy Hop 200 at 7:00pm-8:00pm; registration/check in/warm-up at 8:00pm-8:15pm; Lindy Hop 101 at 8:15pm-9:15pm; social Hour/open practice at 9:15pm-10:15pm.
Tuesday, January 27
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.”
Brush Hour / Free / More Info
2:00pm-3:00pm / Milwaukee Atkinson Library, 1960 West Atkinson Ave,
Milwaukee
“Enjoy a relaxing afternoon sipping a refreshing drink and spending time with great company while creating your own artistic masterpiece. Not quite Picasso? No worries! Our fun and easy paint-by-number sip and paint has you covered—no experience needed, just good vibes!”
Death Café / Free / More Info
5:30pm-7:30pm / Milwaukee MLK Library, 2901 North Doctor MLK Jr Drive, 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.”
Tuesday Night Ride / Free / More Info
6:00pm-9:00pm / Last Rites, 625 S 6th St, Milwaukee
“Bring your ice bike and potentially ice skates to go to the Riverwest People’s Rink for some fun. Backup plan is to go to the Red Arrow Dontre Hamilton Rink if the Riverwest Rink isn’t open. Start point is at Last Rites 625 S 6th St. 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 via link
Open Meditation / Free / More Info
6:30pm-7:15pm / Shambhala Meditation Center, 2344 N. Oakland Avenue, Milwaukee
Group sitting meditation, reading, discussion, and socializing; no experience necessary; free event, but donations welcome
Tuesday Swing Dance / Free / More Info
7:00pm-10:00pm / Falcon Bowl, 801 E Clarke St, Milwaukee
“Every Tuesday is a live band swing dance at Falcon Bowl in Riverwest! The absolute best way to spend a weekday night. Don’t (yet) dance? Come for the basic lesson at 7:00 or just take a seat and enjoy the spectacle. 7:00 to 8:00 Free swing dance lesson (no partner needed). 8:00 to 10:00 Live swing band (free to enter, please tip the band). Always free. Always fun. Tip the band to keep it going!”
I hope you have a phenomenal week :)