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More than 180 local businesses will participate in the Milwaukee Night Market this season, the summer event that transforms West Wisconsin Avenue into the city's biggest and best block party.
The diverse lineup of vendors features a variety of artists, restaurateurs, farmers, crafters and makers who will showcase their talents for the estimated 30,000 attendees each night.
The 2023 Night Markets – presented by Clover® from Fiserv – will be held on the following four Wednesdays: June 14, July 19, August 16 and September 13 from 5 to 10 p.m. on West Wisconsin Avenue between 2nd Street and Vel R. Phillips Avenue. This year, the event footprint has expanded to include 2nd Street between Wells Street and Michigan Street, adding nearly 20 more vendor booths.
“We had an overwhelming number of applications for 2023, with over 450 businesses applying to vend at the Milwaukee Night Market,” said Stacie Callies, Executive Director of Westown Association. “Our curation team thoughtfully reviewed each and every application with the goal of featuring as many businesses as possible that represent the diversity of our city. There will be something for everyone at each Market, and we can’t wait to see the thousands of people show up to support these local entrepreneurs.”
Attendees can expect legacy vendors at the Night Market including Lush Popcorn, Tots on the Street, Yoko Ceramic and Nourish Natural Products, as well as entrepreneurs making their Night Market debut such as:
- Hot Box Pizza MKE – Offers a large selection of wood-fired personal sized pizzas.
- Inmoxicated – Based in Racine, Inmoxicated provides an extensive selection of premium, alcohol-free beverage alternatives.
- Rooted MKE – A BIPOC centered children’s bookstore, makerspace and literacy center.
American Family Insurance returns for the third year, sponsoring vendor fees for five entrepreneurs at each of the four Markets by selecting an array of vendors that feature ethnic diversity and gender parity. The five sponsored vendors are:
- Beauty from the Root – A holistic skin care company that prides itself on creating handcrafted, natural skin care products.
- BonBon Boba MKE – Fresh boba tea flavors including Lavender Milk, Thai Tea and more.
- Brava Blooms & Bouquet Bar – Woman-owned floral studio in Milwaukee.
- Corazoncito Styles Boutique – Modern jewelry & accessories with the special touch of Mexican culture.
- Rhubarb & Ice – Nourishing the community with their Lavender Lemonade, Taco Dope Dip and eclectic copper and brass jewelry designs.
“American Family is proud to sponsor these talented BIPOC entrepreneurs as they participate in the Milwaukee Night Market, including assisting in creating opportunities with other partners who champion diversity, equity and inclusion efforts,” said Ranell Washington, American Family partnership advisor. “We’re excited to work with these five vendors for a third year at the market, share their inspiring stories, and provide support during this popular summer series.”
The full list of participating vendors can be found at mkenightmarket.com. The deadline to apply as a vendor has passed, however, Westown is still accepting applications for the waitlist at mkenightmarket.com/applications.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
