MILWAUKEE – To celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the Historic King Drive Business Improvement District’s (BID) inception, the BID is hosting BID Days – a weeklong celebration of community with a focus on recognizing the vibrancy of the district. Beginning on Saturday, June 8 and running through Saturday, June 15, BID Days will include daily events, opportunities to patronize businesses and prizes for participants.
“The Historic King Drive BID exists to uplift and preserve the authentic essence of Milwaukee’s King Drive. We’re proud to host BID Days and welcome visitors to the district, where they can experience all that our local businesses have to offer,” said Ray Hill, executive director of the Historic King Drive BID. “From June 8 through June 15, we hope Milwaukeeans will join us for BID Days events in our vibrant district to celebrate the rich culture and the incredible entrepreneurship here, and to support the local businesses that are the foundation of our community.”
Prizes available to those who participate in social media photo “BID Bingo”
To be entered for a chance to win prizes, all are invited to participate in BID Bingo throughout the week. Participants can obtain a bingo card starting June 8th, 2024 from the Bronzeville Collective MKE (339 W North Avenue) or the Martin Luther King Branch Library that identifies local businesses participating in the game. Snap photos at any businesses listed five in a row on the card and post those photos to Instagram and/or Facebook, using the hashtag #BIDBINGO, and tagging @HistoricKingDrive. Completed cards can be turned in between Monday, June 10 and Friday, June 14 at the BID office, at Bronzeville Collective MKE, at the Martin Luther King Branch Library, or at the Bike the BID event on Saturday, June 15. Completed bingo cards with verifiable social media posts will be entered to win a gift basket featuring an item from the Bronzeville Collective MKE and a local business gift card. The winner will be notified by phone and email, and announced via social media.
Community invited to events throughout the week
A complete lineup of events and activities to engage in during BID Days is here:
Saturday, June 8:
Happy Birthday, BID!
Kicking off BID Days is a special digital celebration! All are invited to share their birthday wishes for the BID on social media. Tag @HistoricKingDrive in posts with your memories of the BID or an image of your favorite BID business.
Sunday, June 9:
Business Brunches
Discover new favorite spots, enjoy delicious offerings, and connect with fellow community members by visiting the following restaurants:
- Sam’s Place and Jazz Cafe, 3338 N. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Rise and Grind Cafe, 2737 N. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Rise and Grind Cafe will offer a 10% discount on all purchases during this event!
- Bronzeville Kitchen and Lounge, 2053 N. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Mi Casa Su Cafe, 1835 N. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
- Garfield’s 502, 502 W. Garfield Avenue, 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Monday, June 10:
Service Appreciation Mixer, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Historic King Drive BID Office, 1726 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
Our local USPS postal worker Jose is a longstanding, true example of service in the community. To celebrate his legacy, stop by the Historic King Drive BID Office to meet, chat, and enjoy snacks to show appreciation for Jose and thank him for his years of service and support for our BID businesses.
Tuesday, June 11:
KING Legacy Project Interactive Gallery & Discussion, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
MLKEDC Gallery, 2775 N. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
A collaborative effort between the BID and TRUE Skool, and supported by the Joy Engine 2024 Community Challenge grant, this interactive gallery and discussion features artwork honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, created by Milwaukee-based artists such as Mystic Phoenix Art Studio (CaBeatrice Hart & Tayla Hart), Kaelyn Hart, Adjua Nsoroma, Ras Ammar Nsoroma, Pamela Graham, Amira Graham, Tyrone Randle, Mahala SY Taterczynski, and Cecilia Hall. Lead digital artist Ernesto Gomez incorporated Dr. King’s words into the final pieces displayed at businesses along King Drive. Free to attend, for more information and registration KING Legacy Project Interactive Gallery & Discussion | Facebook
Wednesday, June 12:
Guided Historic King Drive Property Tour and Mixer, 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Fortress (in the Club Room), 1726 N 1st Street
Join us for the Guided Historic King Drive Property Tour and Mixer, an event that embodies our intentional and equitable approach to commercial real estate ownership, development, and leasing. Discover unique opportunities for collaboration with potential buyers and sellers as we navigate through the rich history and promising future of King Drive.
Guided by Ray Hill and the City of Milwaukee Real Estate Division, this tour will feature insightful stops at newly renovated properties. Highlights include in-depth visits to spaces developed by Deshea Agee of Emem Group and others where participants can step inside and hear inspiring property stories firsthand. Join the mixer at the Fortress club room for networking and snacks Participants must register in advance.
Thursday, June 13:
BID After Dark
Experience the vibrant nightlife of our community at BID After Dark. Stop by a variety of local food and beverage businesses that are open late, and indulge in the unique offerings that the following locations have to offer:
- Dead Bird Brewing Company, 1726 Dr. William Finlayson Street, 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Bronzeville Kitchen and Lounge, 2053 N. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
- Mi Casa Su Cafe, 1835 N. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
- The Tap Yard, 1555 N River Center Drive, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Garfield’s 502, 502 W. Garfield Avenue, 4:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
- Pepper Pot, 2215 N. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Paradise Creative Arts and Entertainment Social Lounge. 3413 N. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Rise and Grind Cafe, 2737 N. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Rise and Grind Cafe will offer $3.00 cocktails before 7:00 p.m.
- Tee’s Lounge: 4:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Friday, June 14:
The Dope Art Xperience, 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
CopyWrite Magazine, 2209 N. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
As part of their Homecoming Week, SOCIAL X MKE and collaborators like the Historic King Drive BID are hosting The Dope Art Xperience, where captivating exhibitions showcase the brilliant works of local artists. This event is a celebration of creativity, community, and culture, offering an unforgettable evening filled with art, food, and music. Tickets are required.
Saturday, June 15:
Bike the BID, 12:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Victory Over Violence Park, 2625 N Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
This fun community bike ride includes a guided stretch session led by Dr. Shakkiah Curtis, owner of Spinn M.K.E, bike resources, Historic King Drive BID goodies and the opportunity to turn in your completed BINGO card for a chance to win exciting prizes. Come out, enjoy the ride, and connect with our community.
