Black Cat Alley

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Black Cat Alley

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The Black Cat Alley is a world-class street art destination comprised of over a dozen murals by a va
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The Black Cat Alley will be a new arts destination comprised of outdoor large-scale murals, all in one two-block alley which will serve as an open gallery walkway. It will be located between Kenilworth Blvd and Ivanhoe, in the alley between the Oriental Theatre on Farwell Avenue and Colectivo Coffee on Prospect Avenue in the historic East Side neighborhood of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A dark and quiet space, it is in urgent need of a makeover; in our vision, it will be a beautiful, cultural destination for the public. The alley will become an outdoor gallery, enhancing the local business community by drawing local visitors and tourists. A seven-day installation is planned for September 11-17, 2016, and it will be an exciting media event for the community to enjoy. Artists from around the world will join local Milwaukee professionals and students to create an amazing street art space.

10/15/2026

From the starting line to the block party rave. 🏃‍♀️🪩

Black Cat Alley After Dark: Yacht Week Experience presented by House & Espresso is coming up Saturday, October 24, and we're not exactly sure how you go from a community run to a full-blown rave, but we're very into it.

Start with a run at 3:30 PM with City Limits Run Club, ROAM MKE and Uncommon Run Club, then stick around for yoga with Cool People do Yoga, house music, four DJs, vintage vendors, and plenty of ways to recover and refuel. Think saunas, cold plunges, recovery with Onward Milwaukee, espresso and bevs from Vendetta Coffee Bar, and a permanent jewelry station.

Plus, there are giveaways, a hidden speakeasy from Shanghai MKE, an astrology bar from Star Bar MKE, and more surprises throughout the day.

And don't forget the dress code: old money or Halloweeny. 🎃

Come for the run, and stay for the party. 🛥️🪩

10/12/2026

Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Lake View Elementary back to Black Cat Alley! The students spent the morning exploring the Alley, taking in the murals, and creating some artwork of their own inspired by what they saw. 🎨🖍️

We’re always excited to see young artists getting curious about public art, and this visit was extra special thanks to the Milwaukee artists who took the time to meet with the students, answer their questions, and share a little about their own creative journeys.

A huge thank you to:
🖌 Alain Poma ()
🖌 Adam Melster (ACM Designs)
🖌 Arcadia Melster (AIM Creatively)
🖌 Hannah Tews (Terrible Tews)
🖌 And our Executive Director, Ryan Laessig (Milwaukee Makers Market)

Thank you for sharing your time, stories, and creative expertise with these young artists. Your willingness to connect with the students and give them a behind-the-scenes look at the people who make the art they were exploring means so much. 🖤🎨

And, of course, a big thank you to Lake View Elementary for spending the day with us! We loved seeing your sketches and creativity throughout the Alley. Come back and visit us again soon!

📸 Shoutout to Jim Sinicki (Sinicki Photo) for capturing all the moments of this day!

10/08/2026

Take the scenic route. 🌿👀

📸:
🎨: “In Full Bloom” by Emma Daisy Gertel ()

10/05/2026

Black Cat Alley After Dark is back this fall, and this time we're bringing Yacht Week to the East Side! On Saturday, October 24, House & Espresso Presents Black Cat Alley After Dark: Yacht Week Experience at Ivanhoe Plaza and Black Cat Alley.

Part of Yacht Week's global Onshore Tour, this event brings the energy and spirit of Yacht Week to Milwaukee for a day of fitness, wellness, music, art, and community. You don't have to have sailed with Yacht Week to join in. The Onshore Tour welcomes Yacht Week alumni, veterans, newcomers, and anyone ready to experience the party on dry land.

The day kicks off with a community 5K in partnership with City Limits Run Club, ROAM MKE and Uncommon Run Club. After the run, the fun continues with outdoor yoga with Cool People do Yoga among the murals, followed by an afternoon and evening of music featuring a mystery lineup of DJs.

Complimentary saunas and cold plunges will be available throughout the event, while local vendors fill Ivanhoe Plaza with plenty to explore. Fire pits will also be available for guests to enjoy as the afternoon turns into evening.

And since it's October, we're adding a little Halloween fun to the mix with a costume contest. Come dressed to impress and show off your best old-money or Halloween-inspired look.

Whether you're a longtime Yacht Week fan or a first-timer, come experience the Yacht Week Onshore Tour right here in Milwaukee. Expect music, movement, wellness, art, local vendors, and good times all day long.

Free admission | All ages | Dress code: Old Money

09/29/2026

We love seeing Black Cat Alley through your eyes. 🖤🎨

Thank you to for this unique perspective on the corner shared by “Dedication” by ALLDAY PAINTING and “In Full Bloom” by Emma Daisy Gertel. We love experiencing the Alley from angles we might not always notice ourselves!

📸:
🎨: “Dedication” by ALLDAY PAINTING ()
🎨: “In Full Bloom” by Emma Daisy Gertel ()

09/23/2026

If you haven’t visited Black Cat Alley in a while, Doors Open Mural Fest is the perfect time to return! We’ve added and refreshed 10 murals over the past two years, giving the alley a fresh look and plenty of new details to discover. 🐈‍⬛🎨

While you’re there, look for "Up Up and Away" by Arcadia Melster (AIM Creatively), the newest mural in Black Cat Alley, and "Wild Bill" by Brent Schoonover and Hannah Tews (Terrible Tews), the featured Brewers mural celebrating Milwaukee baseball. ⚾🎨

🌟 On Saturday, grab a drink at Star Bar MKE or Shanghai MKE (their gate will be open for walk-up service!) and then make your way to the House Circuit event in Ivanhoe Plaza starting at 5 PM.

☀️ On Sunday, grab a pastry from Poppy Bakery or a smoothie from Baya Bar Wisconsin before strolling through the alley and making a visit to the East Side Market in Ivanhoe Plaza from 10 AM to 3 PM.

There’s plenty to see, sip, and explore around Black Cat Alley during Doors Open Mural Fest, happening September 26-27! Make sure you snap some photos in the alley and tag us so we can see your visit!

09/17/2026

A little koi with a lot of color. 🐟🌈

A smaller take on Jeremy Novy’s iconic koi, hiding in plain sight.

📸:
🎨: “Koi” by Jeremy Novy ()

09/15/2026

POV: You won the goldfish at the fair and it immediately decided to chase bigger dreams. 🎈🐟✨

Up Up and Away by reminds us that sometimes the journey is a little unexpected.

🎨 & 📸: “Up Up and Away” by Arcadia Melster ()

09/10/2026

A smile this good deserves a mural this good. 🖤✨

Plus, we’re loving the little skull-to-cat connection.

📸:
🎨: “Black Cat Alley” by Walker’s Point Creative Collective

09/08/2026

Good conversations belong in good company…and in front of good murals. 🦌🖌

🎨: "Merlin the Albino Buck" by John Kowalczyk ()

Address

Milwaukee, WI
53202

Website

http://blackcatMKE.com/

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