We’re (slowly) defrosting from the winter blues and gearing up for warmer weather, which means it’s time to start planning new things to see, do, and explore. Luckily, Milwaukee has no shortage of entertainment, from live theater and major sporting events to museums and festivals. The best part? When you stay at The Plaza Hotel, you’re just a short walk away from some of the city’s most exciting spots.
A Night at the Theater
Milwaukee’s theater district is vibrant, varied, and a short walk from The Plaza Hotel. If you’re looking to catch a touring broadway show or ballet, the Marcus Performing Arts Center is the place to be with productions like Frozen and Mamma Mia! coming this season. If stand-up is more your vibe, the Riverside Theater and Pabst Theater regularly host some of the biggest names in comedy, as well as live podcasts and concerts.
Game Day in the City
For sports fans, Milwaukee has no shortage of excitement. The Plaza Hotel is a five minute drive from Fiserv Forum and the Deer District, home to the Milwaukee Bucks. On game nights, the entire area comes to life with crowds and watch parties. Even if there’s no game to catch, the Deer District and surrounding area is packed with great restaurants and bars, like Drink Wisconsinbly Pub or The New Fashioned, that give that same pre-game energy.
Festival Season
Every year, Summerfest draws roughly half a million concert goers to Milwaukee’s Henry Maier Festival Park. With hundreds of performances along the lakefront, it’s definitely worth a visit whether you’re seeing a major headliner or rocking out to an indie favorite. The grounds stay busy long after Summerfest ends, with events like Pridefest, UPAF Ride for the Arts, and Oktoberfest, to name a few.
Film lovers will want to keep an eye out for the Milwaukee Film Festival, hosted at the East Side’s Downer and Oriental Theatres – both minutes from The Plaza Hotel. This year, the festival runs April 16-30, bringing together independent and acclaimed filmmakers for two weeks of screenings, panel discussions, and parties.
Museum Hopping
If your idea of a good time lies in quieter moments, Milwaukee’s museums are among the best in the Midwest. Sitting directly on the lakefront, The Milwaukee Art Museum is an easy walk from the East Side. The lake views alone are spectacular but the world-class art collection makes the museum an unforgettable experience.
And for the motorcycle enthusiasts, the Harley-Davidson Museum is a must-visit. It showcases more than a century of motorcycle history, featuring everything from vintage bikes to interactive exhibits celebrating the legacy of one of Milwaukee’s most iconic brands.
After a day spent exploring Milwaukee’s theaters, cheering on the home team, seeing a new band, or discovering something new at a museum, it’s good to know that your home base is just around the corner at The Plaza Hotel.