Riverwest, Milwaukee
Lectures, workshops, films, readings, music, and community meetings — each on its own rolling schedule. Click a program to see its upcoming dates.
Lectures
Community Lecture Series
3 events
Free
Engaging multi-media presentations with local scholars, artists, and activists that challenge us to imagine and work towards collective liberation.
Schedule
Sat, Jun 20, 2026
Multimedia lecture
with Dr. Lila Yarwood
From WPA murals through the Black Arts Movement to today’s organizers — a guided survey of art that argued for collective liberation.
Sat, Jul 18, 2026
Multimedia lecture + discussion
with Riverwest Reading Circle
Activists and writers walk through what worlds become possible when we let go of the present’s assumptions.
Wed, Apr 15, 2026
Past lecture
with Marquette Co-op Studies Project
Co-ops, mutual aid, time banks — what we have, what we’re trying. Recording available on request.
Workshops
Workshop Series
3 events
Local game designers lead us in original fun. Explore your creativity with games, art, music, theatre, movement, language, and improvisation.
Inside this program
Schedule
Fri, Jun 12, 2026
Workshop
with MSL
Two hours of structured improvisation games led by visiting masters of the form. No experience required, every body welcome.
2 hours
Wed, Jul 8, 2026
Workshop
with Style Machine collective
Bring an instrument, a kitchen utensil, or your voice. We’ll layer sounds together and listen for what emerges.
Sun, Aug 2, 2026
Workshop
with Visiting collective — TBA
A weekend devised-theatre lab. We start with bodies and prompts and end with a 10-minute piece performed for friends.
Film Screenings
Local, Independent, and Avant-Garde Film Series
3 events
$20–30
Riverwest Film Fest. Introduction shorts, feature film, intermission, second half. With artist talk and Q&A.
Schedule
Sat, Sep 19, 2026
Feature + shorts + Q&A
with Riverwest Film Fest
Introduction shorts, feature film with the director, intermission, second half. Doors 6:30, lights down 7.
Entertainment license required.
Sat, Jul 25, 2026
Shorts program
with Curated by Cinema 514
Eight short films from the regional weird-cinema undercurrent. Filmmakers in attendance.
Sat, Oct 10, 2026
Feature film + lecture
with Cinema 514
Maya Deren to Kenneth Anger. A lecture, a feature, and time to talk afterward.
Readings
Divinations
3 events
Oracles by Style Machine artists, plus Tarot and Lenormand readings. Browse our boutique of up-cycled fashion, housewares, and original art, and enjoy a seasonal craft beverage from our apothecary bar.
Schedule
Sat, May 30, 2026
Walk-ins welcome
with Style Machine artists
Style Machine artists offer 15-minute and 30-minute card readings. Browse the boutique while you wait. Apothecary bar is open.
Mon, Jun 15, 2026
Group reading evening
with Anna & Amanda
Group oracle reading paired with a small ritual. Limited seats; reservations recommended.
By appointment
with Style Machine
Book the room for your party or gathering. Multiple readers available, plus snacks and drinks from our apothecary bar.
Music
Live Music Series
3 events
Inside this program
Schedule
Tue, May 12, 2026
DJ Series
with Resident DJs + guests
Weekly DJ night downtown — dance floor open, drinks pouring, see you there.
Entertainment license required.
Sun, Jun 21, 2026
Live Music Series
with Various
Three local acts, one Saturday a month. Doors 7:30, music 8:00.
Fri, Sep 4, 2026
Headliner + opener
with TBA
Riverwest mainstays with a touring headliner. Acoustic-friendly room, intimate stage.
Meetings
Post-Gruber Planning Council Meeting Series (Riverwest Chapter)
3 events
Schedule
Fri, May 22, 2026
Open meeting
with Council co-organizers
Kickoff for the Riverwest chapter of the Post-Gruber Planning Council. Agenda-setting and introductions.
Fri, Jun 26, 2026
Working session
with Council + visiting facilitators
A hands-on session for residents to map needs, propose projects, and slot them into the chapter’s 2026–2027 plan.
Fri, Aug 14, 2026
Closed session
with Strategy committee
Working group sets the strategy roadmap. RSVP required.
