As someone who relocated to the greater Milwaukee area almost 10 years ago, I recently stumbled upon the annual celebration of all things positive happening in Milwaukee called 414 Day or Milwaukee Day. Celebrated on April 14, Milwaukee Day is an homage to Milwaukee’s area code. This holiday is dedicated to celebrating the city of Milwaukee and inspiring positive, proactive action every April 14.
What was created in 2009 amongst a group of friends, as a silly video on social media, has now exploded into a phenomenon with fun celebrations, promotions, specials and freebies to honor the city. Governor Tony Evers has even proclaimed that 4/14 is Milwaukee Day as an ode to the city’s 414 area code. This would allow the entire state to recognize Milwaukee’s heritage, culture and traditions.
While the concept of associating 414 with Milwaukee is new, the idea of a Milwaukee Day is not. The first Milwaukee Day was celebrated on December 2, 1931, as a Depression-era Black Friday conceived by the local Association of Commerce to boost retail sales leading up to the Christmas holiday. Hundreds of local retailers participated in the day, offering special discounts.
Events and activities on Milwaukee Day may vary from year to year, but some common activities and events that have taken place in the past include community cleanup projects, local music and art showcases, food and drink specials, neighborhood block parties, charity events, historical tours and talks, as well as local sporting events and promotions.
Need some ideas on how to celebrate? Make every day feel like Milwaukee Day with this list!
- Find the Hank Aaron Home Run Marker 755 at Brewers 1 Parking Lot.
- Make the custard rounds and decide who has the best. Will it be Leon’s, Gilles, Kopps or Oscar’s?
- Vote for Milwaukee’s Best Sauce at Festa Italiana on June 2!
- Check out a Brew City Bruisers roller derby event.
- Learn how to pronounce and spell Antetokounmpo.
- Get a Milwaukee Public Library card and follow their TikTok.
- Visit the Mitchell Park Domes if you haven’t been in a while.
- Become a tourist in your own city and go on a brewery tour. There are so many to choose from!
- Do you know the password at The Safehouse? Find out or be forced to dance.
- Take a behind-the-scenes visit of Miller Park.
- Learn how maple syrup is made at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center.
- Mitchell Airport has the only designated Recombobulation Area – remember that as you recombobulate your items through security.
- Visit Havenwoods State Forest, Wisconsin’s only urban State Forest!
- Try your hand at curling! The Milwaukee Curling Club is the longest continually operating curling club in the US.
What started as a fun way for friends to honor their home city has gained momentum and created an opportunity to recognize and celebrate Milwaukee’s heritage, culture and traditions. My hope is that you are inspired to celebrate Milwaukee Day either for the first time, or in a new and unique way, and try something new in our great city!
