The world’s largest coffee break. Photo courtesy of the Historic Third Ward Association.

The Historic Third Ward Association will hand out cups to the crowds at the “World’s Largest Coffee Break” on Tuesday, August 20.

The annual tradition has been ongoing since 2006 with the introduction of Downtown Employee Appreciation Week, organized by Milwaukee Downtown BID #21.

This year’s event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Catalano Square, with vendors including Anodyne Coffee Roasters, Colectivo Coffee, Dunkin’, MARN Art + Culture Hub, Starbucks Coffee, Sweetly Baked and Valentine Coffee.

The world’s largest coffee break – perhaps a slight exaggeration – draws hundreds of inner-city workers to the historic Third Ward Park, 147 N. Broadway, giving them the opportunity to unwind, network and enjoy a cup of coffee outdoors.

The event usually features a musician and other entertainment.

Catalano Square, home to the Third Ward Beer Garden, is well-equipped with picnic tables, shade trees and spacious concrete platforms overlooking the shops on Broadway.

The park is anchored by the living sculpture “New Pink Planet”, which was created by Richard Edelman.

The coffee break will energize downtown employees for a jam-packed Employee Appreciation Week, which will include other festivities including giveaways, guided meditation, trivia contests, happy hour, live music, fitness classes and more.

Free lunch is available daily from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday at Red Arrow Park, Tuesday at Cathedral Square Park, Wednesday at Schlitz Park, Thursday at Zeidler Union Square, and Friday at Pere Marquette Park.

Those interested in attending multiple Employee Appreciation Week events should be sure to pick up a Downtown Passport, which can be downloaded online or purchased in person from a Public Service Ambassador at the Milwaukee Downtown Information Booth.

There is a chance to win prizes when returning passes that have been stamped at three or more activities.

Additional pop-up giveaways will be announced throughout the week on Downtown Milwaukee’s social media profiles, including Facebook, XInstagram, Linkedin and TikTok.

A full schedule and map of weekly events are available to view online.

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