Jazz in the Park

«who played last night?»
«oh, God, how do I know? It’s not like I ever go to hear the music.»
I didn’t start going to jazz until i moved away from Cathedral Square (well, so I’m 12 blocks away now instead of 1 block,) but I still feel like this is my neighborhood gettogether (as opposed to say, chill on the hill or tosa tonight.) So in the interest of repping home base and all, I have to increase it to 5 stars.
That, and really, does summer in milwaukee get any better than sitting on the grass in cathedral square with a bottle of wine (Louises will even deliver a whole pizza to your staked out spot,) or roaming the grounds with a watermelon mojito in hand? I think not. It’s always better the hotter the weather gets.
There’s all kinds of other stuff available for purchase, from kettle corn to beer and wine to tacos to risotto! And you’ll see all sorts of milwaukee and neighborhood characters here for good measure.
Disclaimer: the music and performers are generally very good… but I’m just more there for the festive atmosphere.
Be sure to stop in one of the neighboring restaurants or bars around the square before or definitely after Jazz in the Park ends for the full effect.
See you there!

Jazz in the Park is awesome! Honestly, it’s so much fun it reminds me of a Seinfeld episode — with recurring themes and hilarious hijinks to match! Here’s why —
–Happens weekly. Same bat time, same bat channel. This sets you up for a pattern of consistency that, like watching your favorite TV show, is not to be missed.
–Fabulous music. It’s always fun to watch entertainers in a relaxed atmosphere. The music is infectious and don’t worry if you see someone in the crowd spontaneously start dancing — it’s a sign they are having fun. If it stops, much like a Seinfeld episode, it will pop up somewhere else, unexpectedly, a bit later on, for your entertainment!
–Good food and drink. With the ability to purchase food, beer, and wine by the glass or the bottle it feels like a festival, but I don’t pay to get in. I freely admit it — I’ve been known to buy a huge bag of kettle corn and snarf on it all by myself — contentedly — enjoying the remainder for breakfast the next morning. You can have a whole pizza delivered in the crowd via Flannery’s, and Louise’s has some good, individual options. I enjoyed their Asparagus Risotto with Lobster when I needed something more substantial. Mmm. Mmmmmmmmm!
–People watching. This, my friends, is what makes Jazz so Seinfeld-​esque. Talk about serious fun! With a recurring theme, characters pop on and off your radar. The guy carrying his pet lizard, usually found on Brady Street, makes an appearance. So do the dudes who every week look like they’ve just come from a wedding. Men in suits? Niiiice. The bicycle guy who catches my friend’s eye every time. The next time we are there, I swear I am going to push her into him, so she’s got an excuse to meet him.
But don’t mind me. I got my eye on a handsome bachelor who’s checking me out… oops…did he just go into Elsa’s? The Seinfeld/​Jazz episode is over for the week and I’ve got things to do — like find out if he’s a dentist! GAME ON!
See you next week!

JitP might be the longest running outdoor neighborhood concert series in MKE. I can’t confirm this 100%, but I’m pretty close to sure. It’s definitely one of the most popular, that’s for sure.
Free live music each and every Thursday during «summa-​summa-​summa-​tyyyyyme» courtesy of the East Town Association in centrally-​located Cathedral Square. Huzzah!
Like Peter C said, parking = no picnic on this one, so I’d suggest stretching those gams and talking a walk, using a Bublr or riding yr own bike, or even rocking public transit. (I mean, you can drive if you want, you’ll just have to park kind of far away, probably.)
Buy wine! Buy food! Bring food! Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to sit on! People watch! Take in Brew City in all her summertime glory.
Complete listing of the musical line-​up = here, y’all:

Love the fact of having a great park with live and free music every Thursday during summer. MKE is so much fun with events like this during the warmer times of the year.
The street parking is difficult for the most part so be prepared to walk a few blocks if you don’t live close. Better yet — bike here since you can lock up your bike right on the grounds and don’t have to worry about all the parking issues.
Get here early since well… the word is out on Jazz in the Park and it is completely packed with people by the time the music starts. A few years back you could stroll in right before the music and grab an amazing spot yet now you have the pros with the fold up tables, big chairs, etc. and then there is my looking for a spot to put my blanket on (I’m a little old school).
The band listing is online so you can check what band is playing and get a bio on them if you don’t already know them. I haven’t been to one where the music disappointed. Who doesn’t like rocking out to any type of live music while soaking in the rays with some wine/​beer in hand?!
When it comes to food and drink you can bring your own or you can select from one of the 6 or so street carts that are parked on site. Also, Louise’s takes your order and can bring it to you in the park, which is awesome if you’re looking for your Italian fix. You can buy bottles of wine for a decent price (I want to say around $ 15) that come with plastic cups for you to use. Otherwise there are beer stands too.
Super fun event to go to with friends on a sunny Thursday — just make sure you get there early to get a spot parking wise and seating wise.

Fantastic local concert series! My first time in Cathedral Square Park and well worth it. Well prepared with a cooler full of Groppi Market goodies, car valet parked, and in the company of good peeps.
Jazz in the Park is definitely a well deserved summer treat for any and every Milwaukeean. A very diverse crowd, great music, food and drink vendors, and an atmosphere all it’s own. This is what Milwaukee is all about.
If you are a Milwaukee resident and have not enjoyed a night out with Jazz in the Park, shame on you as this is a great event that is now permanently on my Milwaukee radar. A great way to enjoy the arts and a great free date night spot.

Wow, so cool.
I believe the arts should be available to everyone, just not those who can afford a ticket.

Even though it has been on my radar for a looong time, tonight was my first experience with Milwaukee’s Jazz in the Park, located in Cathedral Square.
Shame on me. I didn’t know what I’d been missing.
A free venue, you just show up, bring a blanket and some snacks and libations, and let the fun begin.
The crowd was super diverse, (especially for Milwaukee, I love you but I’m from Chicago…) well behaved and really into the groove.
Fo/​Mo/​Deep was playing (check them out, they RULE), and the vibe was amazing.
Lots of great people watching, but not overly crowded.
Plenty of places to grab a drink and head back to hear the music.
Some folks brought chairs, tables and «Ravinia-​like» spreads.
To each their own.
My date and I traveled light and enjoyed the music as much as anyone.
Check it out folks. It’s free, fun, and awesome.

A cute outdoor festival. A nice place to relax and have some wine and cheese while listening to music and socializing. It would be a great place to take a date or just to go with friends. Its a fun Thursday tradition and ends early so it is a perfect place to go before heading out to the bars.

I love this idea — outdoors, bring what you want, sit where you want, do what you want.
Street parking can be challenging, so get there as early as possible (not to mention if you get there between 5 and 6 you score cheap happy hour prices)!
A lot of people, I’d say the majority, bring bag chairs. I opted for a blanket which was fine too. They ‘don’t allow’ dogs or carry in alcohol, but people were flocking in with great danes and coolers. There were plenty of cops on bikes and horseback, but I got the impression that they were there mostly for crowd control and in case someone made the grave mistake of knocking over my wine.
I sat over to the side of the stage, so it was a little difficult to hear the music, but what can be expected I suppose.
There were a few food trucks: Rudy’s (mexican), Louise’s (sanwiches etc) and plenty of booze. There were cocktails for sale for $ 6 which I found reasonable, and you could buy a bottle of «Jazz» wine for $ 11. For that price it makes sense in my opinion to just buy it there and support the event.
This is a great FREE event, where most people are super friendly and you can relax with good people, good wine and good music.

Jazz in the Park is undoubtedly deserving of 5 stars!
It’s incredibly diverse, and you as an attendee can truly make what you want of it. Yes, in recent years past, they discourage you from bring liquid carry-​ins. At the same time, this is loosely enforced and at $ 11/​bottle (cheaper during happy hour), you really can’t go wrong. From my experience, attendees are extremely friendly and Jazz is a great place to go on a casual date or with a group of friends. Street parking can be a little challenging but the walk is fun!
This is by far one of my favorite summer hang-​outs! :)

Great music and a good way to start the long weekend. Reasonably priced bottles of wine.
I find that the crowds always get big around closing time, and then spill out to the bars next door. Which results in a much busier thursday night crowd.
Tip, if you want to mingle and meet new people, head on the back, where everyone is just standing around and having a good time. If you want to just relax with your friends just bring a blanket and sneak in some wine. Or if you want to be «safe» you could always just get some cups and dump the booze in there.
Overall something everyone should enjoy!

I summer must-​do every year! Something about the weather + music + wine + good company= magical

We (two hip young parents and our charming 11-​month-​old) had a delightful time at Jazz in the Park recently. We’d heard it was rather «sceney» (as in, the scene to which one goes in order to see and be seen) but didn’t find it so at 6pm when we got there — just crowded, as it should be – quality free outdoor entertainment in the downtown Milwaukee area, after all. Apparently it can get «scenier» later in the evening and indeed as we headed out around 8pm we were seeing more high heels and fitted button-​ups, but there was still a diverse crowd of music/​outdoors enthusiasts so we were thankfully able to avoid any kind of Dance Club in the Park vibe.

Quintessential Milwaukee summertime activity. This weekly gathering brings all types of people out of the woodworks, all enjoying downtown Milwaukee, good food, music, drink, and more.
Carry-​in booze is a no-​no now, but you’ll see some people trying to bend the rules a bit. Bring a blanket, chairs, and plenty of snacks. If you buy food onsite, you’re probably better off walking over to Dogg House, Real Chili, Flannery’s, etc and getting food to go (better priced and better quality).
Great way to kick off summer weekends early!

Jazz in the Park can be many things to many people. It all starts with the performers.
If you want a laid back summer evening in a patio chair with a nice glass of wine surrounded by the soothing sounds of a saxophone and the murmur of your neighbors, then Jazz in the Park is for you. If you want a high energy experience with beer in hand dancing to funk and full audience participation, Jazz in the Park is also for you. They just will not occur on the same Thursday. Do a little research on the performer that night to help you determine what you are in for. It’s a great time! There are plenty of vendors or bring your own snacks. I have returned since the days of the carry-​in and it’s not as apocalyptically bad as predicted. Do yourself a favor and check out the lineup and plan a great Thursday evening.

Never a full moment at Jazz. Opening day officially marks the start of summer. Great music, excellent vendors and a fantastic way to partake in the festivities with family and friends. Bring your blanket or chairs, snacks and dancing shoes or purchase a beverage and walk around and enjoy the scenery! Guaranteed to be a great night hands down!