There’s no day like 414 Day.
Every April 14, the city of Milwaukee celebrates all that makes it special – everything from the tried-and-true diet of cheese curds and beer to local touchstones like the Domes, bubblers and saying “Ope.” The casual holiday lands on a Monday this year, and the surrounding weekend yields a cornucopia of deals, releases and celebrations. (This isn’t the city of festivals for nothing!)
Here are a few ideas and events to make the most of Milwaukee’s day.
Tell us who you’d pick to be a Betty this year!
1. Snag Some 414 Day Sneakers
SATURDAY, APRIL 12 | CLICKS KICKS, SHOREWOOD
Last year, Clicks owner Eric “Shake” James and Adidas Cornerstone Community dropped a cheese-emblazoned shoe fit for Milwaukee, and they’re back with two brand-new designs this year. Both limited-edition Forum Low CL sneaks draw inspiration from Milwaukee’s new and old flag, with waves representing Lake Michigan. The shoes drop on Saturday online and in store with a release party featuring complimentary flash tattoos and sneaker customization.
2. Drink Unlimited Half-Pours at Milwaukee Brewing Co.
SATURDAY, APRIL 12 | MILWAUKEE BREWING CO. TAPROOM
Unlimited beer? Say less. Eagle Park Brewing is bringing back the Milwaukee Brewing Co. Tour minus the tour for 414 Day weekend – just the bottomless pours contained in an hour-and-a-half timeframe. There’ll also be exclusive beer releases made for the holiday.
3. Cool Down at the Milwaukee Marathon Post-Race Party
SATURDAY, APRIL 12 | HUMBOLDT PARK
The second-annual Milwaukee Marathon kicks off this Saturday, but you don’t need to kill your legs to enjoy this Cream City celebration after the race. Sip beers from Bay View breweries and food from neighborhood vendors while enjoying live music and congratulating the runners.
4. Shop Around Cactus Club’s 414 Day Vendor Market
SUNDAY, APRIL 13 | CACTUS CLUB
Bay View’s hippest venue is throwing a small makers market for Milwaukee’s special day, with local vendors selling zines, prints, tea, natural skin care products, and merch supporting dementia care. Consider a flash tattoo from local artist Sydney “Goose” Lange, grab coffee and a baked treat from Style Pop Cafe and Hooch MKE, and hear tunes spun by DJ Queen Méabh.
5. Celebrate Latino Culture at Cuatro Uno Cuatro Day
SUNDAY, APRIL 13 | 3RD STREET MARKET HALL
This celebration recognizes the impact of Milwaukee’s Latino community and culture on the Cream City. Shop from many local Latino vendors through Mercadera Market, play kids lotería, catch dance performances by Ballet Folklórico Xanharati and Cultura Viva, and listen to mariachi, cumbia, salsa and more.
6. Shop Local Goods at the Milwaukee Makers Market
SUNDAY, APRIL 13 | DISCOVERY WORLD PAVILLION
You can’t choose a better weekend to launch this year’s season of Milwaukee Makers Market. Along with over 50 local vendors, the events comes with free admission to Discovery World to pair your finds with fishes.
7. Cheers to 413 Day at Lincoln Warehouse
SUNDAY, APRIL 13 | LINCOLN WAREHOUSE
If you’re not prone to party on a weeknight, the residing businesses of Bay View’s Lincoln Warehouse are throwing a party the day before. Drink newly released beers, eat food from K&L’s BBQ and Not Bad Foods, and enter raffles for Summerfest and Admirals tickets, local merch, gift cards and more. And at 4:14, raise your glass for a toast.
8. Watch the Flag Drop at City Hall
MONDAY, APRIL 14 AT 11:15 A.M. | MILWAUKEE CITY HALL
For the sixth-annual flag drop, clothing brand 414 Milwaukee is teaming up with the Indian Community School to highlight Indigenous voices during 414 Day. The countdown will be led by ICS Our Ways coordinator Audra Two Thunders and Mayor Cavalier Johnson, and Joe Rainey – Ojibwe hand drum singer and member of the band Bizhiki – will perform an original song. Bel Air Cantina will give out free burritos and coffee, and a special release T-shirt inspired by a trailhead at ICS will benefit the organization.
9. Party at the 414 Day Festival
MONDAY, APRIL 14 FROM 2-8 P.M. | DEER DISTRICT
The Deer District is also going all-in on Milwaukee Day. This free all-ages outdoor festival will feature live music, food, art and activities, and loads of vendors.
10. See the Milverine at 414 Day at Elwood’s
MONDAY, APRIL 14 | ELWOOD’S LIQUOR & TAP
This Water Street bar is known for its limited-edition Milwaukee T-shirts – like last year’s Milverine design – and this year is no exception with a crude tribute to the city’s iconic Mitchell Park Domes. You can also get inked with a Milwaukee-themed tattoo, and the legendary Milverine will make a return appearance.
11. Catch a Brewers Game and Get a Free Shirt
MONDAY, APRIL 14 | AMERICAN FAMILY FIELD
Nothing says springtime in Milwaukee like early-season baseball. Luck has it that the Brewers play at home this 414 Day, and to celebrate, they’ll be giving away a special T-shirt designed by local streetwear brand Unfinished Legacy to the first 10,000 fans.
12. Deals and Discounts, Oh My!
ALL WEEKEND | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
It’s a good thing our area code is under $5. Many spots in Milwaukee are offering deals and discounts with a 414-inspired price point, including Bars & Recreation, Historic Milwaukee, Harley-Davidson Museum, Summerfest and more. Cafe Corazon is even forgoing price, giving out free pint-sized margaritas between 4:14 and 5:15.
The Best 414 Day Deal Around
On April 14, Milwaukee Magazine has an exciting deal coming – our best deal of the year! Watch our social channels and subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to get this special, one-day-only offer.
13. Grab Milwaukee-Themed Stickers at Ebb & Flow
ALL WEEKEND | EBB & FLOW DESIGN CO.
Make this 414 Day stick in your memory with limited-edition stickers. Riverwest home decor store Ebb & Flow is giving away a sticker sheet, designed by MIAD artist Kaitlyn Powers, free with each purchase. Designs include famous Milwaukee symbols like beer, pretzels, cream puffs, the Hoan Bridge and more.
14. Take a Walk in Our Many Parks and Trails
ALL WEEKEND | MILWAUKEE COUNTY PARKS
If you’re not the big-loud-crowd type, you can still show appreciation for Milwaukee. The simplest way to celebrate our city is by enjoying it at a local park. Take a stroll in Lake Park, ride the Oak Leaf Trail, and pick up trash while you’re there.
