A Giant Moon Lands in Milwaukee This Weekend

Third Ward Moon Festival Brings One of the World’s Most Recognized Public Art Installations to Catalano Square

In just a few days, one of the world’s most recognizable public art installations will descend on Milwaukee, marking its only Midwest stop on its international tour.

Beginning Friday, Aug. 7, the Historic Third Ward will transform into an immersive celebration of art, music and community as the Third Ward Moon Festival takes over Catalano Square for a three-day event centered around Museum of the Moon, artist Luke Jerram’s breathtaking, 23-foot illuminated lunar sculpture created using detailed NASA imagery. The installation has captivated tens of millions of visitors around the world and will be on display in Milwaukee for one weekend only.

Presented as part of the Historic Third Ward Association’s 50th anniversary celebration, the free festival pairs the monumental artwork with an eclectic lineup of live music, interactive art experiences, performances, family programming, wellness activities and local food and drink throughout the neighborhood.

Highlights include:

• The internationally acclaimed Museum of the Moon suspended above Catalano Square
• Live performances from De La Buena, Mama Digdown’s Brass Band, Wisconsin Space Program and more
• Moon-inspired performances from Skylight Music Theatre and Milwaukee Ballet
• Interactive art experiences, including cyanotype-making with artist Neto Atkinson, live painting, chalk art and family activities
• A Moonlight & Mindfulness Market featuring chair massage, permanent jewelry, henna, tarot, tintypes and more
• Extended hours at the Third Ward Beer Garden and dozens of restaurants, galleries and boutiques throughout the neighborhood

The Third Ward Moon Festival runs 5-11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8; and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9.

The complete schedule is available at historicthirdward.org/third-ward-moon-festival.