Merry Wednesday, and happy almost new year!
Real quick notes as we step into 2026:
Relatively few meetups this week, but there’ll be substantially more in next week’s email!
If you’re a business that would like to bring meetups to your space, or a meetup (or planned meetup) that’s looking for spots that would love to host you, fill out this Meetup Matchmaking form and I’ll share your info on the Matchmaking page (and try to matchmake a little myself, when I’m able) (this is free!).
If you’re a Milwaukee-area creative who would like to have your work featured in this email in 2026, fill out this form (this is also free!).
And yes, there’s now an Instagram account for MKE Meetups—I’m not big on social media, so I’ll mostly be using it to share other people’s stuff (meetups and meetup-adjacent Milwaukee things) in the Stories (hopefully goes without saying that this is free).
I hope you have an absolutely spectacular tail-end-of-2025 and early-days-of-2026!
And as always, please reply to this email with any 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 :)
Here’s this week’s meetups:
Wednesday, December 31
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.”
Thursday, January 1
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.”
Friday, January 2
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.
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. The staff will also attempt to direct you to the MeetUp Organizer(s). 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
Salsa Social / $15 / More Info
6:00pm-10:00pm / Delaware House, 2491 S Delaware Ave, Milwaukee
“Experience Latin dance bliss every “first Friday” of the month at the beautiful Delaware House studio in Bay View! Enjoy a beginner salsa/bachata lesson at 8PM followed by social dancing and refreshments until midnight; no partner or experience required! Dance to a mix of old-school and contemporary salsa, bachata, cumbia, merengue, and cha cha in a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. Come see what’s made this event a local dancing mainstay since 2009! $15 at the door, cash/credit.
Hosted by Mezclando Milwaukee Dance Company, Music by DJ Saffiro, DJ Furcio, and DJ Mateo. First Friday Salsa Socials are an alcohol-free event. Youth under 18 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.”
Might I ask a quick favor? If you’re finding value in this list, consider sharing it with someone who you think might enjoy/benefit from it, or on a social platform where you think it might reach the right people. Thanks in advance!
Saturday, January 3
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!”
New Year Guided Nature Walk / Free / More Info
1:00pm-3:00pm / Havenwoods State Forest (Park Office), 6141 N. Hopkins St, Milwaukee
“Begin the new year with a mindful walk through Havenwoods’ crisp winter landscape. Guided by a certified nature and forest therapist, this experience offers an opportunity for you to slow your pace, awaken your senses and notice the textures, sounds and patterns that winter brings: snow softening the ground, sunlight catching icy surfaces and life persisting in hidden ways. After our walk, we’ll share some reflections and enjoy a cup of hot tea. This event will be held rain or shine. ”
Sunday, January 4
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
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).
Monday, January 5
Dance Lessons / $12 (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 6
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, 2320 North Cramer Street,
Milwaukee
“A Death Cafe is a place for people of all ages to discuss issues of death and dying. Beverages and snacks will be offered. The goal of a Death Cafe is to support one another and share thoughts/ideas related to death and dying. This free gathering is participant-led; participants will thoughtfully and respectfully talk and listen.”
Art Club MKE / Free / More Info
5:30pm-7:00pm / Kelly’s Greens, 8932 W. North Ave, Wauwatosa
“Art Club MKE is a casual, come-as-you-are art meetup for adults happening in the Milwaukee area. We meet up twice a month and create with the intent to find joy in making art and connecting with community. Bring your own art supplies and join the fun! Future meetups will take place the first Tuesday and third Monday of the month. Follow kendraninmannj (on Instagram) for more info!”
I hope you have a phenomenal week :)