The Godmobile has been a Milwaukee fixture for at least 25 years, when, similar to a scene in The…read moreBlues Brothers, an ancient station wagon complete with an electronic bullhorn strapped to the roof began driving up and down Wisconsin Avenue, blaring out religious sermons. Scores of pious Marquette students were either spiritualized or traumatized by its appearance. The Godmobile still lives and reigns supreme, albeit in a newly incarnated 1982 Chevy Caprice Classic. For easy reference, current and past iterations of the Godmobile are attached so one can easily spot it. The Godmobile has been spotted all around town, from Lake Drive in Shorewood to Brady Street in front of the Dry Hootch to the intersection right outside Discovery World. No matter what you believe, you can have faith that if you are in downtown Milwaukee you will eventually spot and scope out - The Godmobile!

Every major city has it's share of...unusual...but beloved characters. Chicago has the Walking…read moreDude, Atlanta has the fabulous Baton Bob and NYC has the Naked Cowboy. Milwaukee is lucky - we've got Freeway, Milverine, the late Dick Bacon and of course, Brother Ron driving the Godmobile. There have been several iterations of the famous Godmobile over the years - generally all of them are total beaters and most have been station wagons. They start out subtle, with just a few bible verses and sayings painted on them but eventually the current Godmobile becomes a rolling art project - completely covered in verses, sayings, a giant megaphone, creepy baby dolls, a sandwich board and sometimes those giant plastic candles you put in your yard on Christmas. You can expect to see Brother Ron all over town - mostly cruising up & down Wisconsin and Water but sometimes you might see him parked at the McDonalds on South 27th St. Itinerant preachers gotta eat too, I guess. My favorite Brother Ron/Godmobile story comes from a former co-worker: he claims that he was in line behind Brother Ron at Leon's Custard and dude's total came to exactly $6.66 and the man FREAKED out and left. No Satan Custard for him! Anyway, I like to appreciate the Godmobile for what it is - a little piece of what makes Milwaukee unique.

Black Cat Alley is an eclectic art experience in Milwaukee. It's what Black Alley calls "an outdoor…read moreart gallery" or simply said a collection of cool murals. I love seeking out new street art, so I added this alley to my Milwaukee itinerary. You can say it was right up my alley. LOCATION: I Uber'ed to the East Side to the Axe Bar (AXE MKE) which is right next to the alley. You'll find the alley behind the historic Oriental Theater at the intersection of North Avenue and Ivanhoe. Entry from Prospect Avenue and Ivanhoe are both available. Personally, I get lost everywhere and found it right away entering from the Prospect Avenue. The locals must not all know about this alley because my Uber driver was unfamiliar with this location. The area has some cool businesses, grab some food nearby! ART: Free and open 24/7. You'll find 21 murals by 24 different artists in the alley. You'll find the stories behind the art on Black Cat Alley's website or via QR codes next to the art. All murals are vibrant and creative. It's an equivalent of a museum where you'll linger by the art and try to find some meaning. The art is by global artists from places like Germany, Colombia, and others. My favorite mural was Catalina Bayona's "We Are All Immigrants" depicting wild animals and migration. It's very powerful when you think about it a little longer. All art is photogenic but be sure to check what releases you'll need for any commercial use. I wish that every city had art alleys. It's such a creative way to beautify cities. I look forward to my next visit to Milwaukee and another visit to the alley. I'll read up more about the art here before my next visit.

[Please keep in mind I travel a lot and hunt graffiti everywhere so this review is a direct…read morecomparison to other graffiti areas.] It's a small alley dedicated to graffiti. Some professional, some tagging. Some look like they were commissioned, some you can tell some were definitely done on the fly. It's not the best graffiti but I appreciate that Milwaukee has a small dedication to one of my favorite things- graffiti. Also- it's a safe alley. We went early in the morning and got donuts nearby. Drove by again a day later and a boba place is right around the corner.

The Calling has been a symbol of Milwaukee since its inception and placement in 1982, in what was…read morethen an Urban Park with an unfettered view of Lake Michigan. It made the album cover of Milwaukee's second-most famous band, Citizen King. And while its industrial design predated Milwaukee buying it, what better way to honor Milwaukee manufacturing, than a world-class sculpture made with industrial materials? "When the piece was first commissioned, the Milwaukee Art Museum did not extend to its present location. The sculpture's backdrop consisted of the bluff and Lake Michigan. With the rising sun behind it, The Calling truly captured di Suvero's intent." Santiago Calatrava deferred to world-famous sculptor di Suvero when asked if The Calling should be moved 20 years after installation. Game respects game, Calatrava himself understood The Calling and its relation to the Art Museum's extension. The Calling got a fresh coat of paint in 2023, and looks better than ever! I love that the annual Sculpture Milwaukee exhibition starts nearby on Wisconsin Avenue, I'm not sure why there are so few reviews of Sculpture Milwaukee here, but art appreciation isn't Yelp Milwaukee's strong suit. I encourage making Sculpture Milwaukee an annual visit and grab those pictures of The Calling-Henge with straight sightlines west down Wisconsin Avenue, and appreciate the view to the east. The Calling is real Milwaukee.

Special thanks and Shout out to Carrie G. For adding (The Calling) A piece of MKE art on Yelp!…read more So. What is Art? I'm certainly not an expert but I've been moved by a positive, warm way. A good feeling like a good song or a happy memory. Or like a phone call from an long lost friend. I never really knew the real name of the artist or the sculpture. I'm guessing 95% of Milwaukee's residents may not even know either. I've always called it the Big Orange Asterisk. Or Sunburst sculpture. When it was first installed the MAM wasn't even built yet. There it sat at the east end of E. Wisconsin avenue. A reminder to turn L as it becomes N. Prospect ave. Some of my friends who don't Yelp HATE IT. They called it junk art some complained of the cost. Not really sure who paid but it. But I like the color and symmetry of this modern I beam sculpture. Coincidentally the 4 stars above almost match the color of the big orange asterisk. There are parking structures nearby as it's nearby a park. I recommend walking or biking to really enjoy. If you drive by you really can't appreciate its size and its surroundings. It would be nice to have more seating or perhaps allow a food vendor to setup a food cart. Food: none BYOF. And beverage. Amb: 5 Serv: none Loc : 2 minimal seating and close parking in structure. Oddly placed IMO but it kind of goes with the Calatrava. Value: 5 free but somebody paid pile to get it here, my guess the Milwaukee art museum owns and maintains it. 77/2014

It's so great to see a community of people who work together to help make this event happen year to…read moreyear. Talk about a group people who love celebrating for more than just 24 hours. I had a chance to experience this event on a reservoir rd aka twizzler alley this is an open road event with intersection spotters at a few locations hopefully in the future they could have more volunteers help warn bikers as they approach some of the most heavily traveled sections day and night. it made me nervous watching how fast they go and how easy a collision can occur Riverwest is a community that cares. Roll on Thank you sponsors and community volunteers! 36/2016

RW24 is as good as the soul of a city can breathe out! It is the culmination of good vibes and…read moremasterful planning, uh hum, or at least flying by the seat of your pants. My Milwaukee neighborhood of Riverwest is alive more than usual for a full 24 hours of parties and camaraderie. Anywhere you walk the streets are shut down or at least barricaded off. A buzz is in the air from an event so killer, only a Milwaukee neighborhood nestled on the West side of the river could dare pull it off. All things Riverwest are in full swing, all hands on deck for a truly good time. Most streets are a mayhem of elated pandemonium to show the world or at least Wisconsin how much it means for a neighborhood to come together. Some sleep and others don't. Either way by the time the 24 is up any involved are feeling it. Long live the RW24!

Constructed in the early 1970's, this lakefront bridge is a sight in the evening when it's lit up…read more They occasionally do light shows which are lovely to watch from the Milwaukee Pierhead lighthouse. We've also watched from the rooftop bar, The Outsider, which made a wonderful view as well. The bridge lights up for a variety of events. Currently, I'm betting it's lit up in blue and yellow for the Brewers who are currently in the NLDS playoffs. Driving over it offers lovely view of Lake Michigan as well as downtown. Depending on the wind, you may get an unpleasant whiff from the water reclamation plant--but really can't blame the bridge for that. A beautiful bridge that has only gotten more beautiful as they've added lights on both sides. I've wanted to see it from the lake and boat under it for a while now and happy to have done so recently! It was lovely from beginning to end.

named in honor of Daniel Webster Hoan (a socialist before the cool kids wrecked socializing)…read moreun-originally dubbed the Harbor Bridge it was finished in 1972 but only opened to traffic five years later - but still not completely connected up until 1998 because, well, you know... Milwaukee!! clocking in at just over 10,000 feet long the Hoan Bridge carries six lanes of I-794 some 120' above the Milwaukee River. the crazy yellow arch dominates the view eastward during the day and multi-color LEDs create a spectacle after sunset. one more thing: contrary to local rumor the Blue Brothers' car chase was NOT filmed here (M. J. Prigge, Sheppard Express, 12-Sep-2016)

This was the inaugural year for the CCC Craft Fair and they opened like a season pro…read more Turner Halls seems to lend itself well to these type of events (it was the home to two other large scale fairs this season) and CCC had no trouble finding their way. The second floor ballroom and the third floor balcony were packed with fun and exciting (and local) vendors with awesome wares to sell to the large and eager to shop crowds. There was a great mixed of vendors from soapmakers to jewelry designers to accessory crafters to card makers to fair trade stands. And plenty of suggestions for those on your list that are challenging to buy for. CCC is a very welcome addition to the holiday fair game and the local artisans I know are very glad to have a fair this wonderful to sell their merch! PSA - Not all vendors take plastic, on sight ATM with big fees so plan ahead! #shoplocal

It's changed a lot. This year there were only three stages, one beer vendors, and a few food…read moreoptions. It was crammed with vendors to the point that moving through was a problem. Typically this is our fav festival but this year was really disappointing for the lack of music alone. Meh.

One of Milwaukee's best festivals! It's Riverwest, through and through, and I love it all. See some…read moregreat local bands, the food selection is really good and diverse, as is the crowd. There was a good variety of Lakefront Brewery beers on tap, and I also enjoy spending a little time in Riverwest Public House for WMSE DJs, and conviviality. Make sure to leave some money with the many high-quality DIY makers that sell here. Overall, this is a great summer hang in Milwaukee.

Very relaxing street festival with lots of vendors, activities, food and music. Good entertainment…read moreabounds. Of course it does! So many tastemakers and hip businesses are in Bayview, like the Rush-Mor Records stage. We enjoyed old people bands, young people bands (like No/No), a DJ stage, and a Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra segment called name that tune. Two horn players played selections from all walks of music, while people got to guess the tune and win prizes. We enjoyed fresh juices and my son got to try his first Cevapcici! (Chicago Yelpers are well acquainted with Phil and the other Cevap guys, so that was kind of special). Good beer was on hand, thanks to MKE Brewing Company and Lakefront Brewing. Kids! Kids! Kids! This is a kid-friendly festival. There's a bouncy house in the church parking lot, chalk drawing, activities and games. The Bay View Community Association had a tent and was taking donations, but honestly, who wouldn't donate a couple dollars at the entrances? Nice festival!

Over the years, the Bay View Bash has gotten bigger and better and let's be honest, so have I…read more (Well, at least the bigger part...) The Mister and I hadn't been in a few years and were surprised at how big & crowded this street fest has gotten. But that's ok because for the most part things were still super "Bay View" with stands from local businesses, pet rescues, community organizations and stuff that hipsters like. Honestly, it was a great time - I ran into one million people including at least a few lovely Yelpers, I ate delicious empanadas, I watched a really good metal cover band and I petted like 100 cool dogs. Why can't every day be more like BVB? I saw people of every ethnicity, age and viewpoint hanging out, getting along and being neighborly. People supporting local businesses, making new friends and trying new things is awesome. The only thing that isn't awesome - that stank ass portajohn I had to use.