Downtown Employee Appreciation Week takes place from Aug. 15 through Aug. 19, 2022. The weeklong celebration will feature free lunches, Office Challenge Games and after-hours socials.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music and prize opportunities at Red Arrow Park will kick things off on Monday, Aug. 15 at 11:45 a.m. Lunch for 1,000 employees will be provided by Cousins Subs and Davians, while supplies last. Plus, local musician V Funk powered by MGIC will play upbeat jams while the Bucks host their popular basketball shootout game.
Throughout the week, lunchtime giveaways and live music will travel to various downtown locations and include 1,000-item treats ranging from egg rolls and brats to ice cream and boba tea.
In addition to food and live music, employees can play the Office Challenge Games, which include Corporate Ladder, Donut Dunk and Paper Clip Toss. Daily prizes are up for grabs for the top contenders in each game.
All lunchtime activities will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Red Arrow Park (Monday, Aug. 15); Cathedral Square Park (Tuesday, Aug. 16); Schlitz Park (Wednesday, Aug. 17); Zeidler Union Square (Thursday, Aug. 18); and Pere Marquette Park (Friday, Aug. 19).
“As more and more employees return to the office, we’re thrilled to welcome them back with our annual homecoming event,” said Beth Weirick, CEO of Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21. “Each year we hope to showcase the vibrant offerings surrounding our work environment and inspire others to say ‘I work Downtown’ as well.”
New Events Perk Up the Week in 2022
New this year, Downtown employees can enjoy a morning jolt with free coffee at Downtown cafes on select days. Starting at 7:30 a.m., the first 200 employees will receive a free cup of joe at Colectivo at US Bank on Monday, Aug. 15 only; Pilcrow Coffee at Schlitz Park on Wednesday, Aug. 17 only; and Fiddleheads Coffee at BMO Tower on Friday, Aug. 19 only.
Milwaukee Paddle Tavern will extend $10 off a seat for public tours to Downtown companies and their employees on Monday, Aug. 15 and Wednesday, Aug 17. Paddle Taverns can accommodate up to 14 people. Reservations can be made at www.milwaukeepedalandpaddletavern.com.
After a multi-year hiatus, the “I Work Downtown” Happy Hour will resume at 3rd Street Market Hall on Monday, Aug. 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. Downtown employees will be treated to a special, complimentary cocktail, sponsored by Badger Liquor, featuring 21 Seeds Tequila, while supplies last. In addition, shuffleboard, bags and complimentary admission to the Selfie Museum will be accessible to downtown’s workforce.
On Wednesday, Aug. 17, Downtown employees are encouraged to attend the Milwaukee Night Market from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. along West Wisconsin Avenue. While there, employees who participate in the Connec+ing MKE: Downtown Plan 2040 will receive a free drink coupon for the Night Market’s main bar. Also on Wednesday evening, downtown employees can bring their families to enjoy a lakeshore hike and beach bonfire at Lakeshore State Park beginning at 6 p.m.
On Thursday, Aug. 18, employees can participate in the “I Work Downtown” Scavenger Hunt to win awesome swag prizes and goodies at each stop. Registration is $5 with proceeds benefitting United Way’s Safe and Stable Home Mission.
Also new this year is an outdoor showing of the 1986 original "Top Gun" presented by MKE Airport on Friday, Aug. 19. The movie will begin at dusk at Museum Center Park, Prospect Avenue and Mason Street. Downtown employees, friends and family are invited to pack a picnic or purchase snacks on-site for this one-night-only public event.
Returning Pre- and Post-Work Functions
Employees can take a moment for movement with free wellness sessions offered by various fitness instructors. Advance registration will be required for all fitness classes.
In addition, employees and one guest can paddle Downtown’s waterways on Tuesday, Aug. 16 and Thursday, Aug. 18, thanks to Milwaukee Kayak Company. Register at www.milwaukeekayak.com to book one of three launch times (4 p.m., 4:30 p.m. or 5 p.m.) A $20/person reservation fee is also required.
Other returning crowd-favorites include daily rounds of the Bucks Basketball Shootout, the World’s Largest Coffee Break in Catalano Square at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 16 and the “I Work Downtown” Trivia Competition presented by VISIT Milwaukee at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 16 at The Tap Yard at Schlitz Park. Advance registration is required for participation in trivia and can be completed at www.iworkdowntownmke.com.
Downtown Employee Appreciation Week will conclude with a closing ceremony featuring live music, games, lunch and an ice cream social for 1,000 Downtown employees on Friday, Aug. 19 from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Pere Marquette Park.
In addition, completed Downtown Employee Appreciation Week passports will be pulled for a prize drawing that recognizes employees who participated in three or more events. Passports must be turned in by 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19 to a Public Service Ambassador to be eligible for the drawing.
For more information on Downtown Employee Appreciation Week 2022 and to register for events, visit www.iworkdowntownmke.com.
