ENGAGE & ACTIVATE: DIVERSE PROFESSIONALS FORUM

Wednesday, October 4 
Doors 6:00 PM Event 7:00 PM
Company Brewing, 735 E. Center St.

Milwaukee Film’s popular Engage & Activate series brings together the city's diverse community of young professionals who have made Milwaukee their home. Attendees can expect to view a short film before splitting into anonymously assigned groups to discuss and share experiences that widen perspectives. 

Designed to create an atmosphere that fosters social wellness, networking, and a sense of belonging among a cross-sector of corporate and community leaders and employee resource groups, these in-person happy hour events include complimentary food, drink specials, and DJ Bizzon, curating the vibes. Free and open to the public.

RESERVE TICKETS HERE >>

SPINN M.K.E CYCLE CLASSES

Friday Oct. 6, Tuesday Oct. 10, Wednesday Oct. 11

Powered by a passion for creating culture, community, and holistic wellness awareness, lifestyle fitness brand Spinn M.K.E. is reshaping fitness norms to create a vibrant culture of health and well-being. Spinn M.K.E Cycle classes are specially designed around our love for hip-hop music, dope energy, and the inspiration that pushes us every day. Milwaukee residents can register for one of several classes during the Cultures & Communities Festival to begin their fitness journey.  Limited to 20 spots per class.

BUY TICKETS HERE >>

Sponosored by Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Health Network  and Safe & Sound

Free Event

POP-UP CINEMA: EPIKOS CHURCH - SHERMAN PARK

Join us for a captivating evening of film, dialogue, and community empowerment at the first Pop-Up Cinema event of the 2023 Cultures & Communities Festival, a collaborative effort between Safe & Sound, Milwaukee Film, and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Be part of this impactful evening as we watch compelling films and engage in meaningful conversations that can pave the way for a safer, more vibrant future for all of us: your presence, voice, and commitment matter. Let's stand together, foster understanding, and drive positive transformation in our community.  Free and open to the public.

MORE INFO HERE >>

Sponsored by Kohl's and HYFIN/Radio Milwaukee

Free Event

ANCESTRAL WISDOM: AFRO-LATINO MEMORY AND CULTURAL PRACTICES

Radio Milwaukee - 220 E Pittsburgh Ave

6:00 PM

Don’t miss this chance to deepen your understanding of the revolutionary potential of memory work to bridge the past, present, and future, preserving the African cultural lineage of Latinos over generations. Experience the living history of Afro-Diasporic cultural expressions as Marquette University’s Dr. Stephanie Rivera Berruz guides a panel of arts practitioners who explore how indigenous traditions evolve while staying rooted in their origins.

MORE INFO HERE >>

Sponsored by Cine Sin Fronteras and Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club

Free Event

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION FEATURING BOMBERX DE'CORA AND DE LA BUENA

Doors 7:00 PM - Event 7:30 PM

Radio Milwaukee, 220 E. Pittsburgh Ave.

Featuring performances by notable artists such as La Escuelita Bombera de Corazon, Bomberx de Cora, and the jazz harmonic sensibilities of De La Buena, the first of several celebrations of art and music at the 2023 Cultures & Communities Festival will be a captivating evening that highlights the rhythms and textures of Afro-Latin music and dance traditions. Free and open to the public.

MORE INFO HERE >>

FESTIVAL LATE-NIGHT: THE TURN UP WITH DJ BIZZON

Doors at 9:30 PM   Event 10:00 PM

Company Brewing, 735 E. Center St.

One of Milwaukee’s most popular party series, “The Turn Up,” is the first of several Festival after sets. Curated by DJ Bizzon, these late-night collaborations feature a mix of music that spans various genres, keeping the energy high and the crowd moving, bring a vibrant and energetic party atmosphere to the festival. Tickets at the door. This is a 21+ only event.

MORE INFO HERE >>

Sponosored by HYFIN and Radio Milwaukee

Free Event

FINDING LIGHT IN DEATH: A UNIQUELY MILWAUKEE EXHIBITION

Doors at 5:15 PM   Event 6:00 PM

Radio Milwaukee, 220 E. Pittsburgh Ave.

Join Salam Fatayer, host of Radio Milwaukee’s Uniquely Milwaukee podcast, for a conversation around mourning, memory, and joy. Finding Light in Death invites us to honor the relationships of those who have passed away, embracing the joy that springs from cherished memories and the profound impact these individuals had on others. Amidst this exploration, we also strive to recognize and celebrate the beauty and uniqueness inherent in each fleeting moment of life. Free event.

MORE INFO HERE >>

Sponosored by Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club

LA ESCUELITA BOMBERA DE CORAZÓN PERCUSSION & DANCE WORKSHOPS

Event 10:30 AM│ Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W Walnut St. [Percussion]

Event 12:30 PM│ Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W Walnut St. [Dance]

"Bomberxs De'Cora" is a collective of Bomba practitioners with over 25 years of experience committed to preserving Bomba, Puerto Rico's oldest surviving music and dance form established by the African descendants on the island. To promote wider recognition and appreciation of Afro-Latin music and dance forms, Bomberxs De'Cora will host two workshops showcasing Bomba's rhythms, movements, and traditions that foster a deeper understanding and connection to Puerto Rico's rich cultural tapestry. Perfect for kids of all ages. Please note that ticketing is per workshop participant. Parents of younger children are welcome to stay and watch if they don't choose to participate.

TICKETS HERE >>

FESTIVAL LATE-NIGHT: ADI ARMOUR AND KLASSIK

Event 10:00 PM

We’ve paired acclaimed soul-singer Aaron “Adi Mac” Armour, 2021 Milwaukee Arts Board Performing Artist of the Year, rapper and singer Klassik for an eclectic evening of neo-soul, hip hop, and contemporary R&B. This is a 21+ only event.

TICKETS HERE >>

PRESENTED BY: Harley-Davidson Motor Company

FREE EVENT

MOTORCYCLE DIARIES: THE LEGACY OF MOTORCYCLE MUSIC, FASHION AND COMMUNITY 

Event 11:00 AM 

Pilot Project Brewing, 128 N 9th St.

An influential piece of Americana brewed through decades of innovation and social movements, motorcycle culture has become the quintessential symbol of nonconformity and rebellion worldwide. This event centers a conversation on music, fashion, and community. Panel Discussion at 11:30 AM. Free event.

MORE INFO HERE >>

Sponsored by Kohl's, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County

FREE EVENT

TANGLED ROOTS: UNRAVELING HAIR DISCRIMINATION AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE CROWN ACT

5:00 PM (Doors open 4:30 PM)

Wisconsin Black Historical Society- Museum 

2620 W. Center St.

Led by Black women, the “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair” (CROWN) Act was started to stop race-based hair discrimination. Since then, 22 states have enacted CROWN Acts. Join this important conversation about the need for legislation to protect hair textures, the politics of race-based hair discrimination, and the implications on mental health within the workplace and in educational spaces. 

MORE INFO HERE >>

PSYCHOHAIRAPY WORKSHOP

9:00 AM

Milwaukee Film - 1037 West McKinley Ave, Suite #200

Don't get it twisted, we cannot get well without understanding the relationship between our hair and mental health! Dr. Afiya, a clinical psychologist, and hairstylist, is offering a PsychoHairapy workshop on how we can use hair as an entry point into mental health. First, she will cover thousands of years of hair history, followed by identifying the signs and symptoms of mental illness in communities of color, and she will close out by helping you to practice active listening, narrative therapy, and mindfulness, all related to your hair! Space is limited. Advance registration required.

MORE INFO HERE >>

SOUND BATH HEALING WITH MELISSA BLUE MUHAMMAD

6:30 PM

Honeybee Sage Wellness -1819 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr, 

Undergo the deeply immersive, full-body listening experience of meditative sound therapy. Facilitator Melissa Blue Muhammad harnesses the healing power of sound to engender a gentle yet powerful therapeutic and restorative process to nurture your mind and body. Limited to 30 spots per class. Advance registration required.

MORE INFO HERE >>

Sponsored by Zilber Family Foundation, WUWM 89.7 FM - Milwaukee's NPR

FREE EVENT

THE ART OF STORYTELLING - EXPLORING NARRATIVE CRAFT AND THE RIPPLE EFFECTS OF REPRESENTATION

Doors at 5:30 PM.  Event 6:30 PM

Sam's Place Jazz Cafe, 3338 N. MLK Dr.

In a world teeming with diverse voices and untold narratives, the role and responsibility of storytelling takes on new dimensions. Join us as we unravel the art of capturing stories that reflect the vibrant tapestry of our society. Acclaimed Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reporter, James Causey, guides an enlightening discussion with a distinguished panel of local journalists that transcends boundaries and uncovers the power of representative storytelling.

Panelists include Milwaukee PBS producer Everett Marshburn, Radio Milwaukee audio storyteller Salam Fatayer, TMJ4 News anchor Shannon Sims and Project Director of the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service Ron Smith, each a trailblazer, sharing their experiences, challenges, and rewards as they shed light on the hidden gems within our communities. Free and open to the public

MORE INFO HERE >>

SPINN M.K.E CYCLE CLASSES

Friday Oct. 6, Tuesday Oct. 10, Wednesday Oct. 11

Powered by a passion for creating culture, community, and holistic wellness awareness, lifestyle fitness brand Spinn M.K.E. is reshaping fitness norms to create a vibrant culture of health and well-being. Spinn M.K.E Cycle classes are specially designed around our love for hip-hop music, dope energy, and the inspiration that pushes us every day. Milwaukee residents can register for one of several classes during the Cultures & Communities Festival to begin their fitness journey.  Limited to 20 spots per class.

BUY TICKETS HERE >>

FREE EVENT

HEY, HIGH, HELLO: A CONVERSATION ON CANNABIS

(Doors at 6:30) Event at 7 PM 

Company Brewing, 735 E. Center St.

Utilizing clips from cult classics and pop-culture favorites like Friday, Half-Baked, and Harold & Kumar, this evening brings together experts, advocates, and the community to explore the legalization, criminalization, and wellness of cannabis and CBD. Think you’re in the know? Follow up the conversation by testing your trivia knowledge on the music, movie, and culture born out of cannabis.

MORE INFO HERE >>

Sponsored by Bavette la Boucherie

EVERY BOTTLE HAS A STORY: AN EVENING OF WINE, DINNER, AND STORYTELLING WITH EDGAR TORRES

Bavette La Boucherie, 217 N Broadway
6:30 PM (Doors 6:00 PM)

Join us for an evening of eating, drinking and storytelling with Winemakers Edgar and Erika Torres. This collaborative wine dinner pairs the unique wines of California based Bodega de Edgar with the culinary prowess of our Third Ward’s Bavette La Boucherie. Immigrating from Mexico with his father and believing in the American Dream, Edgar worked for years to invest in four barrels of wine. Dine with us as we hear Edgar’s journey celebrating identity, purpose, and heritage. This is a 21+ only event.

MORE INFO HERE >>

Sponsored by Milwaukee Repertory Theatre

Speaking of Legacy
A postpanel conversation about Hip-Hop's Past, Present & Future

Pre-Show Reception starts at 6 pm 

Curtain at 7:30 pm, Panel Discussion to Follow

Milwaukee Rep,  Stiemke Studio, 108 E Wells St

Pre-Show Reception, Play, and Post Show Discussion

Geraud Blanks, Chief Innovation Officer, Milwaukee Film (moderator)

Element Everest-Blanks, HYFIN Music Director and Radio Milwaukee On-air Host, 

Dameon Ellzey, political activist and MC

Kyle Ashley, Milwaukee Director for the Office of the Governor

MORE INFO HERE >>

FREE EVENT

ENGAGE & ACTIVATE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS PROGRAM

Wednesday, Oct 10 - 5:00 PM

Lincoln Avenue School, 1817 W. Lincoln Ave.

Join Milwaukee Film and Milwaukee Community Schools Partnership for a double-feature screening of short films THE HEARTLAND and THE STIGMA OF THE DURAG by local directors Marquise Mays and Justin Goodrum. After the screenings, students will engage in a guided intergenerational discussion focusing on self-acceptance and reclaiming narratives about Black & Brown youth. This family-focused event is free, open to the public, and includes pizza and snacks.Don't miss this inspiring and thought-provoking experience!

MORE INFO HERE >>

FREE EVENT

GANGSTAGRASS PRESENTS: THE HISTORY OF POLARIZATION IN AMERICAN MUSIC

(Doors at 5:30) Event at 6 PM 

Radio Milwaukee, 220 E. Pittsburgh Ave.

#1 Billboard bluegrass charting hip-hop band Gangstagrass leads an inclusive dialogue on the origins of American music, revealing how marketing created artificial genre distinctions during the Jim Crow era when the recording industry emerged -- leaving a legacy of segregation that still persists today. The wide-ranging discussion explores the origin and development of the banjo and the cotillion, providing historical context that upends modern ideas of "black music" and "white music". Gangstagrass's own music fuses cherished American traditions into a fresh sound that is greater than the sum of its parts and underscores music's ability to unite across boundaries. Free event.

MORE INFO HERE >>

SPINN M.K.E CYCLE CLASSES

Friday Oct. 6, Tuesday Oct. 10, Wednesday Oct. 11

Powered by a passion for creating culture, community, and holistic wellness awareness, lifestyle fitness brand Spinn M.K.E. is reshaping fitness norms to create a vibrant culture of health and well-being. Spinn M.K.E Cycle classes are specially designed around our love for hip-hop music, dope energy, and the inspiration that pushes us every day. Milwaukee residents can register for one of several classes during the Cultures & Communities Festival to begin their fitness journey.  Limited to 20 spots per class.

BUY TICKETS HERE >>

PU 20: POETRY UNPLUGGED 20TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION SHOWCASE

Event 8:00 PM

The Cooperage, 822 S Water St

In celebration of two decades of Poetry Unplugged, Milwaukee’s longest-running open mic experience and spoken word collective, founder and host Kwabena Nixon curates an evening filled with mesmerizing performances from an all-star line-up of local and national poets and special guest performers, backed by Milwaukee’s favorite live band, Cigarette Break. VIP tickets include a table for four in the VIP section

GET TICKETS HERE >>

Sponsored by Cine Sin Fronteras, Alverno College

FREE EVENT

POP-UP CINEMA: LATINO ARTS

Doors 5:30 PM  Screening: 6 PM

Latino Arts, 1028 S 9th St.

Join us for a truly special community event, as we bring the magic of cinema right to your neighborhood with our beloved "Pop-Up Cinemas"! In collaboration with Latino Arts, we’re bringing you an old classic: DOS TIPOS DE CUIDADO (1953). Starring one of the stars of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema, Pedro Infante, this is a drama you cannot miss! There’ll be Latine food and vendors - and don’t worry, there’ll also be English subtitles! Free event.

MORE INFO HERE >>

Sponsored by Kohl's, Milwaukee Artist Resource Network (MARN)

FREE EVENT

A SENSE OF BELONGING: HOW DO YOU SAY YOUR LAST NAME? 

Doors at 5:30 PM - Event at 6:00 PM

 MARN Art + Culture Hub, 191 N Broadway

What does “Asian-American” even mean anyway? We’ve put this and other existential questions of identity to a group of esteemed Asian American artists, including Brooklyn author and illustrator Vanessa Nguyen, whose new coloring book How Do You Say Your Last Name? explores the duality of growing up as a first-generation Asian kid in America. Free event.

MORE INFO HERE >>

FREE EVENT

GENREQUEER PRESENTS QUEER TRIVIA NIGHT

Doors 6:00 PM - Event 7:00 PM

Promises, 538 W National Ave.

Join us for a celebration on National Coming Out Day with a night of music, dancing, and all things queer. Test your knowledge over topics about queer history, entertaiment, icons, and so on. Teams of 4-6 people will have to register before the trivia begins and compete for amazing prizes. Come out with your friends, flex your brainpower, and be the team to beat! This is a 21+ only event. Free event.

MORE INFO HERE >>

FREE EVENT

ENGAGE & ACTIVATE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS PROGRAM

Thursday, Oct 11 - 5:00 PM

Browning Elementary School, 5440 N. 64th Street

Join Milwaukee Film and Milwaukee Community Schools Partnership for a double-feature screening of short films THE HEARTLAND and THE STIGMA OF THE DURAG by local directors Marquise Mays and Justin Goodrum. After the screenings, students will engage in a guided intergenerational discussion focusing on self-acceptance and reclaiming narratives about Black & Brown youth. This family-focused event is free, open to the public, and includes pizza and snacks.Don't miss this inspiring and thought-provoking experience!

MORE INFO HERE >>

FREE EVENT

ELEVATION WITHOUT INTOXICATION WORKSHOP

Event at 6:30 PM 

Honeybee Sage and Wellness & Apothecary Café, 1819 N. MLK Dr.

Learn to create an elevated home environment and discover herbs and tinctures for a healthy mind and body. Includes alcohol-free spirit and cocktail tasting. Limited to 40 spots per class. Free event. Registration required.

MORE INFO HERE >>

Sponsored by Center for Urban Research, Teaching and Outreach (CURTO) - Marquette University, Marquette Civic Dialogues Program

FREE EVENT

THE STATE OF MODERN CONSERVATISM FEATURING CHARLIE SYKES

Doors 3:30 PM - Event 4:00 PM

 Marquette University –Weasler Auditorium, 1506 W. Wisconsin Ave.

Milwaukee Film invites you to participate in a thought-provoking forum navigating the complexities of the current political landscape. With the Republican National Convention set to take place in Milwaukee in July 2024, there is no better time to delve into the current state of local and national Republican politics. Led by GOP diagnostician Charlie Sykes and featuring insightful discussions on a range of topics pertinent to conservatism and Republican constituents, this event aims to foster understanding and encourage civil discourse.

MORE INFO HERE >>

Sponsored by Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago, Lubar Entreprenuership Center, Wisconsin Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (WiscAMP) - University of Wisconsin, UWM Black Student Cultural Center

FREE EVENT

THE COLLABORATIVE CONNECTION: A STEM EDUCATION MENTORSHIP MATCH

Event 9:00 AM

Lubar Entrepreneurship Center & UWM Welcome Center, 2100 E Kenwood Blvd.

A partnership with the WiscAMP STEM-Inspire Program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, “The Collaborative Connection” is a unique mentorship experience for local youth, mirroring a typical young professionals networking session.

Through short, 20-minute rotations, high school students connect with an esteemed group of experienced mentors offering expertise in various STEAM-related fields. The combination of peer group interaction and candid feedback will foster an engaging opportunity for future leaders to articulate their aspirations and set clear goals without fear of ridicule or judgment. 

MORE INFO HERE >>