Your Local Parties and Events Guide

Your Local Parties and Events Guide

Planning a wedding? Corporate event? Even just an intimate luncheon? Check out the local planners and caterers in this guide, who can help bring your event to life.

Photo courtesy of Scott Paulus

41Fork Hospitality

Woman-owned and -operated, 41Fork’s collective of hospitality brands thrives on bold creativity, passion and putting the guest first. 41Fork’s Noble Catering specializes in tailored catering for elevated events, while NEAT provides custom cocktails. 41Fork also operates catering at its own brick-and-mortar event spaces: 41Fork Exchange at Wantable Café, Pearl & Cade, and coming soon, Brixton’s Turn. 

Bartolotta Catering & Events

Set your next event apart with Bartolotta Catering & Events, which exclusively caters four of our area’s most distinct venues: Discovery World, The Grain Exchange, The Italian Community Center and The Commodore. With capacities ranging from 30-1,500 guests, the portfolio offers a diverse range of atmospheres, from intimate and classic at The Commodore to grand and opulent at The Grain Exchange, all backed by Bartolotta’s restaurant-quality cuisine. 

Bradley Symphony Center

The former Warner Grand Theatre in the heart of Downtown has been reborn after a massive renovation as the Bradley Symphony Center, a beautiful venue offering stunning city views with floor-to-ceiling windows. A striking grand staircase serves as a focal point, connecting the center’s two levels, which can accommodate large-scale gatherings. The elegant setting is complemented by a food and beverage menu from Indulge Catering, the Bradley Symphony Center’s exclusive hospitality partner. 

Lakefront Brewery

Photo courtesy of Lakefront Brewery

A cornerstone in Wisconsin craft beer, Lakefront’s riverside brewery has become a local landmark. The Cream City brick building has been transformed from an early-1900s coal-fired power plant to one of the top gathering and event spaces in Milwaukee. Lakefront hosts events of all sizes. Events with 120 people or fewer can have a large section in the back of the beer hall sectioned off so they can still enjoy the lively atmosphere. The space can also be rented out in its entirety – inside and out.

Milwaukee County Zoo

What other event venue has tigers and hippos? The Milwaukee County Zoo offers multiple spaces available to rent, from its smaller, indoor multi-purpose rooms to its 5,000-capacity outdoor spaces. Events at the Zoo offer an unparalleled opportunity for fun, with a plethora of habitats to explore and animals to visit. 

Northern Lights Event Venue

Along the riverside, just south of the Third Ward, you’ll find this elegant venue. The versatile space includes a waterfront patio and can be tailored for weddings, corporate events, dinners and more. It’s also perfect for photos, as Northern Lights operates an adjacent studio. That means the venue can provide backdrops, lighting equipment and much more to ensure your event is Instagram-worthy. 

Saz’s Hospitality Group

Bubon Ortho Holiday Party at South Second

For 50 years, Saz’s has been a local legend, best known as the purveyors of fried delights at the Summerfest grounds. The group brings that signature deliciousness to its private event catering, from backyard gatherings and corporate celebrations to galas and weddings across Southeastern Wisconsin. Saz’s also owns and operates South Second, a sleek venue in Walker’s Point. The open concept honors the historic charm of the building while creating the vibe of a bustling neighborhood. 

The Vig

The VIG is Milwaukee’s newest restaurant and venue: a 1950s-inspired sports parlor, located inside the lakefront Couture tower. It offers a casual yet elevated environment featuring exceptional food, handcrafted beverages and engaging entertainment. The VIG will feature two private dining rooms capable of accommodating both seated and cocktail-style events for groups of up to 100 guests, making it an ideal destination for corporate gatherings, celebrations and special occasions. 

Shully’s

From elegant weddings and milestone celebrations to corporate events and community gatherings, the Shully’s team brings thoughtful hospitality, creative cuisine and seamless service to every occasion. Host your event at one of their distinctive spaces, including Shully’s Watermark, the Thien Room, ATS, and The George + Madcap Lounge. Planning an event elsewhere? The full-service catering team can bring the Shully’s experience throughout the Milwaukee area and beyond. 

Uncle Wolfie’s Downtown + The Wolf

Photo courtesy of Worlfpack-Wuncle Wolfies

Located inside the Kinn Guesthouse, Uncle Wolfie’s Downtown + The Wolf has established a reputation as a cornerstone of Milwaukee’s Downtown dining experience. It offers catering and private rentals for events – share some of Milwaukee’s best food at your occasion or host your next event with The Wolf. 

The Brewery

Photo courtesy of Water Street Brewery

In 1987, Water Street Brewery opened inside the historic Tinicum Flats building as Milwaukee’s first brewpub. Reimagined in 2022 as The Brewery, the original Downtown location pairs 1889 Cream City brick with vintage memorabilia, local artwork and neon details. Flexible spaces accommodate groups of 10-300 for business lunches, weekend brunches, buffet dinners, holiday parties and private celebrations, with catering, craft cocktails and locally brewed beer. 

The Woman’s Club of Wisconsin

Founded in 1876, the Woman’s Club of Wisconsin is one of Milwaukee’s most beautiful historic venues. Its graceful architecture, richly detailed rooms, and warm atmosphere create a memorable backdrop for celebrations, corporate events, luncheons, lectures, meetings and private dinners. There are six distinctive spaces, from intimate rooms to a grand ballroom accommodating up to 200 guests. With an executive chef, an experienced service team, private parking and valet service, the Woman’s Club makes every event feel effortless, elegant and unmistakably special. 


This story is part of Milwaukee Magazine’s September 2026 issue.

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