Skip to content

Streetfilms: Going Car-Free in Milwaukee

Summer Streets may be getting most of the attention lately, but New York isn’t the only US city opening its streets to public use. On a recent visit to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Streetfilms contributor Nick Whitaker captured two car-free events happening at once.

First, the Brady Street Festival, which has roots going back to the
1970s, was recently revived. Brady Street Festival is a car-free event
featuring delicious fare from award winning Wisconsin cheese makers and
organic seasonal treats, live music, crafts, beer, and a camel ride!

A short distance away is the Downer Ave Race, celebrating its 40th
anniversary. Bicycle racers have chosen it frequently as one of the top
races in the U.S., according to VeloNews. More than 12,000 people attend
the race each year to enjoy the music, food, and fun that make this
event a great neighborhood party that lasts long after the races are
over.

Photo of Brad Aaron
Brad Aaron began writing for Streetsblog in 2007, after years as a reporter, editor, and publisher in the alternative weekly business. Brad adopted New York'’s dysfunctional traffic justice system as his primary beat for Streetsblog. He lives in Manhattan.

Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.

More from Streetsblog New York City

Art of the Steal: Congress Sets the Stage For Trump Land Grab To Fund Penn Station

May 27, 2026

NYPD Cancels Community Meeting After Super-Speeder Cop Rattles Staten Island

May 27, 2026

Wednesday’s Headlines: The Squared Circle Edition

May 27, 2026

Knicks Watch Parties Are Back — Just Not Outside the Garden

May 26, 2026
See all posts