It’s time to mark your calendars for the Milwaukee Public Market’s annual Harvest Festival and 18th Anniversary Celebration, which will take place on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Riverwalk Commons, located just across the street from the Market along the Milwaukee River. It will include a variety of autumnal activities, beer sampling and food from a variety of popular food vendors.

The family festival is free and open to the public, but the Public Market will be accepting donations on behalf of Milwaukee Downtown for the Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park project. In addition, the first 500 attendees at this year’s Harvest Festival will receive a complimentary Devin Williams bobble head, courtesy of the Milwaukee Brewers. 

The day will be filled with live music, including performances from Frogwater and the Barred Owl String Band. Guests can take part in an apple cider pressing, a carve-your-own-pumpkin station, pumpkin bowling and a variety of family friendly activities including build-your-own scarecrow, make-your-own s'mores. There will also be face painting and balloon artists sponsored by the Salvation Army. Brew City Brand will be on site hosting a pop-up sale featuring discounted apparel items.  

Attendees 21 years of age or older will be invited to take part in the tradition of sampling Lakefront Brewery’s Pumpkin Lager, which will be tapped from the market’s giant pumpkin. Draft & Vessel will also be onsite featuring a sneak peek at their newest beverage truck, which is slated to open at their next venture, the Giving Tree Garage.  

Food will be available from a number of popular local vendors including Street-Za, Flip’s Mini Donuts, Colonel’s Kettle Corn, and Isa’s Artisan Ice Cream. Public Market vendors including Margarita Paradise and Foltz Family Market will also participate the celebration by serving up fall inspired food and drink items. Additional food and beverage options will be available inside the market.