Milwaukee’s Bronzeville Week returns for 15th year with expanded programming

Bronzeville Week, the City of Milwaukee’s official celebration of African American culture, business and community in the Bronzeville neighborhood, will return for its 15th year from Saturday, August 2 through Saturday, August 9, 2025. The event, founded and hosted by Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, includes a full slate of activities designed to celebrate the neighborhood’s historic legacy while promoting its continued growth and revitalization.

Anchored in the Bronzeville Cultural and Entertainment District, the weeklong festival offers a blend of returning staples and new additions. Popular events such as the HaRUNbee 5K Walk/Run for Healthy Birth Outcomes, the Bronzeville Cultural & Arts Festival, and the Crowned in Color Art Walk remain central to the celebration. Newer additions include the Bronzeville Good Neighbor Block Party and community storytelling sessions like “Echoes of Bronzeville: Voices of the Past, Voices of the Future.”

The opening weekend features the HaRUNbee 5K on Saturday, August 2, followed by the Bronzeville Cultural & Arts Festival on Sunday, August 3, which will stretch along North Avenue with food vendors, live music on three stages, and a Kids’ Zone. In conjunction, “Empowerment Sunday” offers outdoor church services hosted by King Solomon Baptist Church and The Infinite Church.

Throughout the week, a wide variety of programming will highlight the arts, entrepreneurship, community health, and cultural education. Monday brings “Dear Black Girl I See You,” a virtual event with author Ebony Haynes, and a lunch-and-learn session on housing resources. Other events include family-friendly art workshops, wellness gatherings, business panels, and a community baby shower.

Wednesday’s schedule includes the Bronzeville Good Neighbors Block Party, trolley rides, and a line dancing session on Garfield Avenue. On Thursday, the Business Breakfast at America’s Black Holocaust Museum and an acting workshop with television actor Rotimi bring both commerce and creativity into the spotlight.

Cultural programming continues Friday with “Voices of Milwaukee Bronzeville,” a talkback session with author Dr. Sandra E. Jones at Niche Book Bar, and a free day at America’s Black Holocaust Museum in honor of the festival’s milestone year.

The week concludes with a robust Saturday lineup, including the Bronzeville Ride cycling event, the Crowned in Color art walk, and a cultural evening with actor LaRoyce Hawkins of NBC’s “Chicago P.D.” at Rise & Grind Café.

Most events are free and open to the public, although some require registration. A number of programs will also be streamed or offered in a virtual format at facebook.com/BronzevilleWeek. The full schedule, including updates, can be found here.

Bronzeville Week is supported by the City of Milwaukee, Historic King Drive BID No. 8, and numerous sponsors and community partners including Bader Philanthropies, Brewers Community Foundation, ThriveOn Collaboration, and Walmart.

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Key Events for Bronzeville Week 2025

Saturday, August 2

• HaRUNbee 5K Walk/Run – 7:30 AM
• Brunch in Bronzeville – 10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Sunday, August 3

• Bronzeville Cultural & Arts Festival – 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
• Empowerment Sunday Outdoor Church Service – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Monday, August 4

• “Dear Black Girl I See You” (Virtual) – 10:00 AM
• Lunch & Learn on Housing Resources – 12:00 PM
• “United We Stand” Panel at America’s Black Holocaust Museum – 5:30 PM

Tuesday, August 5

• Cool Aid & Canvases Kids’ Workshop – 12:00 PM
• BronzeHeal Wellness Gathering – 5:30 PM–8:00 PM
• Wardrobe Wellness (Virtual) – 4:00 PM

Wednesday, August 6

• Bronzeville Good Neighbors Block Party – 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
• Bronzeville Trolley Tours – 2:00 PM & 3:30 PM
• Line Dancing with Lady Jai Janay – 4:00 PM–6:00 PM

Thursday, August 7

• Bronzeville Business Breakfast – 8:30 AM–11:00 AM
• “Echoes of Bronzeville” Storytelling Workshop – 2:00 PM
• From Script to Screen Acting Workshop with Rotimi – 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
• Bronzeville Sleepover for Education – 7:00 PM–8:00 AM

Friday, August 8

• Community Day at YWCA – 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
• “Voices of Milwaukee Bronzeville” Talk with Dr. Sandra E. Jones – 4:00 PM

Saturday, August 9

• Pancakes & Poetry with Mario the Poet – 9:30 AM
• The Bronzeville Ride (Cycling Event) – 10:30 AM
• Crowned in Color Art Walk – 4:00 PM–7:00 PM
• Evening with LaRoyce Hawkins – 6:00 PM–9:00 PM

Note: Some events require registration or may have limited space. Visit Milwaukee.gov/Bronzeville for full details.