One Of Milwaukee's Most Creative Neighborhoods Blends Eclectic Festivals, Local Art, And A Strong Community

Milwaukee may be mostly known for its legendary beer industry, but it actually has quite a bit more going for it, making it a prime spot for those looking to visit (or even move to) the Midwest. With its beaches, breweries, and bliss, is it any wonder that it has become America's most affordable lake destination? If you're considering taking a trip to Milwaukee, be sure to stop in its Riverwest neighborhood. With a population of talented local artists, strong communal vibes, and festivals you won't find anywhere else, it perfectly encapsulates why Milwaukee should be on every vacationer's wish list.

Riverwest is conveniently located 12 miles north of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, making it easy to get to. If you're not used to cold weather, it's best not to visit Milwaukee in the winter as that's when it's at its iciest; Cream City is best visited in the summer, which rarely gets too hot there. There are quite a few lodging options near Riverwest, such as Holiday Inn Milwaukee Riverfront, Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Milwaukee, and The Trade, an Autograph Collection Hotel by Marriott.

On the surface, Riverwest may seem like many other hip neighborhoods tucked away in major cities. However, what sets Riverwest apart from those kinds of districts is its ability to make out-of-towners feel like they're part of one big happy family. For example, step into the Daily Bird coffee shop, and you'll be greeted by cheerful locals and an abundance of uplifting messages to help you start your day right. Riverwest is also a neighborhood that loves to show off its talent, such as at Fischberger's Variety, a gift store that carries quirky goods crafted by artists from the city.

Riverwest loves to let its freak flag fly, and nowhere is this more evident than in its wonderfully eccentric festivals. Many festivals began as a way to attract tourists, drive customers to local businesses, or celebrate holidays. But not Riverwest's annual Locust Street Festival of Music and Art; no, this annual event kicked off in the 1970s to celebrate a successful effort to stop the city from widening Locust Street, proving that you can, in fact, beat city hall sometimes. Since then, this celebration of rebellion has grown to feature all kinds of food and drink vendors, live entertainment, and fun for the whole family. Unless you count the Beer Run, of course, as this part of the festival is obviously for attendees 21 and over. However, it is a great way for adults to get their steps in for the day while sipping on delectable craft brews.

Riverwest's wonderful weirdos really come out for the yearly Center Street Daze Festival, which is yet another demonstration of how much the locals love supporting each other. Riverwest resident Byron Thompson told TMJ4 News, "I really feel a sense of community when I come here. I just think it's always a peaceful day. I always say I'm going to stop at Center Street Daze, then I run into everybody, and next thing you know, I'm here for hours." Vendors sell their unique goods, musical acts perform throughout the event, and attendees can partake in all manner of zany activities. Past festivals have included such happenings as a mannequin model competition, a pool tournament, and a cart race. And if you want to experience even more local love and funky festivities in Wisconsin, visit this riverfront Midwest city full of eclectic festivals, shops, and undiscovered charm.

Many of Riverwest's residents have been touched by the muse, and it shows. Music and the visual arts come together at the Jazz Gallery Center for the Arts, one of the main pillars of the creative community. This space doubles as an art gallery showcasing the works of local artists and a music venue that hosts jazz concerts, although it welcomes musicians from a wide swath of genres, giving it an independent edge other venues lack. Musician Jamie Breiwick tells Milwaukee Magazine that the Jazz Center Gallery is "one of the few places where you can present music that's more outside the box, a little more creative, adventurous and even avant-garde. The room is very intimate, and the history of the space is so deep." It's the perfect place for people to view and listen to high-caliber artistry and to get involved in the creative process themselves.

In case you didn't notice, Riverwest really loves spots that have more than one function, such as Art Bar, a bar and restaurant that also features a rotating art exhibition, each with a different theme. Many local artists congregate at Yours Truly, a studio that offers various art classes, hosts events, and provides space for collaborative projects. House of RAD is another source of support for Riverwest's creative community, producing unique artistic experiences that blend multiple backgrounds through kinship and cooperation. But Riverwest isn't Wisconsin's only arts hub; situated between Madison and Milwaukee is an underrated lakeside village that's also brimming with art.