Cathedral Square Park

Cathedral Square Park is one of those places that really feels like the heart of downtown Milwaukee. I love coming here, especially in the summer when Jazz in the Park is happening. There’s something special about relaxing on the grass, listening to live jazz, and watching the community come together. The music is always great, and the vibe is so welcoming. Parking can definitely be a challenge on those Thursday nights, so I always try to get there early or find another way in. Once you’re there, though, it’s worth it. There are lots of food trucks with different options, and while you can bring your own food and drinks, the event organizers encourage everyone to support the vendors to help keep the event free. Either way, it’s a perfect spot to unwind after a long day, meet up with friends, or just people-watch in the city. Cathedral Square really shines during these events, but even on quieter days, it’s a nice spot to relax, use the free WiFi, or just enjoy a bit of green space in the city.

Literally did an impromptu DJ set there and it was a wonderful space to be apart of. They usually have cultural events there like Bastille Days and Jazz in the Park. Highly encourage folks to come by for a walk, lunch, etc. on the perfect day!

Cathedral Square Park in Milwaukee is a charming urban green space that hosts a variety of events throughout the year. One of its standout events is Bastille Days, a vibrant French-themed festival that transforms the park into a lively celebration with live music, an international marketplace, and French and Cajun cuisine. The festival attracts over 250,000 visitors annually, making it one of the nation’s largest French-themed celebrations.  While the park’s central location and active event schedule make it a cultural hub, the noise levels during major events like Bastille Days can be quite high, which might be disruptive for nearby residents. Overall, Cathedral Square Park offers a dynamic urban experience, but the bustling atmosphere during events may not appeal to everyone.

Riding The Hop to see the air show and Bastille Days at Cathedral Square Park. The children had a lot of fun! 😊

This is a beautiful place to go on a nice evening during the Christmas season. The different designs of Christmas lights does the heart good! If you missed it last, don’t worry. The decorator team will take of your holiday needs this coming Christmas season!

Bastille Day evening was very well spent. Lot of food stalls, the music was lively, and the crowd added to the festive atmosphere. Roaming around the streets and taking in the celebrations was truly enjoyable. It was an evening well spent, filled with joy and vibrant energy.

Great square of greenery located in the city. They host jazz in the summer which is awesome, it's always packed. They sell wine and have food trucks around, which makes for a cozy event. Port-a-potties located on site if needed.

This is a beautiful little park in the middle of downtown Milwaukee. It's not large, but clean and up to date. The playground has this awesome modern rubberized base to it that is superior to mulch or rocks, and the equipment works really well for even children as young as 2 years old.

Nothing like some great green space smack dab in the middle of the city. Much-needed and much-appreciated! With the recent nice weather, I decided to take my son here for some fresh air. I totally forgot that they also have a playground. And a nice one at that! Slides, swings, and climbing galore. Also plenty of benches and picnic tables to break for snack time. This park is really nicely kept, with cut grass and trimmed trees. A sidewalk wraps around the whole thing sending you in directions of so many places that are walking-distance. The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist sits on one side as well, which is a pretty sight. From here you can also jump on the Hop, as the line runs right along it. Cathedral Square also brings tons of outdoor festivals, concerts, and picnic opportunities. Don't skip on spending time outdoors!

14th Milwaukee Octoberfest was held here on these grounds. the 80 degree day was pretty perfect, drinking dunkel with a bunch of strangers from all walks of life. Would I substitute going to Germany for Octoberfest, hmm, maybe not, but I was just in Germany a few weeks ago just missing the start of the Octoberfest so this is as close as I'll get for the real thing. Food was okay, and the Bier is Bier. Currywurst, brats, port shank hoagies, giant pretzels, 0.5 to 1 liter beers were available. The lines, well, are still long and silly, but that is part of these events. I think the next one to try is in Lacrosse, WI, but it's a bit further away.

Cute, much-needed green space in the downtown area. They had free Christmas lights and tons of locally decorated Christmas trees when I went. A great space to disconnect from the busyness of the city life.

There is not a single event that takes place in this park that has not been positively thought out and exceptionally implemented. So many great events by the Easttown Association. They have turned one of Milwaukee smallest parks into one of Milwaukee's largest social destinations.

Loved the tree display and picture opportunities at the square! Kids especially loved the park with many playing options!

A beautiful little downtown park, I'd like to point out it's the product of the Socialists who ran Milwaukee government so well so long. The location of the park is historic for two other reasons, it's where escaped slave Joshua Glover was jailed under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, but an Abolitionist Mob led by Sherman Miller Booth broke him free to escape to Canada. Also, the park is in front of the venerable St. John the Evangelist Cathedral established in 1845. The park itself has live music in the summer, a few very well attended festivals, decorated Christmas Trees in December and when none of that is happening it's a nice place to bring a bag lunch and have a lunch time picnic, weather permitting.

Plenty of parking all around Lucky of you get some during the weekend. Be patient and maybe you will get lucky. plenty of restaurants and things to do within walking distances. Every Friday a group of specialty food trucks meet up and are open for your choosing Pizza, Mexican, Greek and East Indian. along with other events listed below. The statue allows a photo ops and plenty of people get a picture of the tower with the clock. The grass is clean meaning not filled with piles of Dog Poo. Thank goodness for conscientious and responsible dog ownership! We love you and your dogs! I have no clue if cats or catdogs are in the area.

Lots of these little green spaces hiding in plain sight and scattered throughout Milwaukee. I first spotted this park when I was nearby for Bastille Days, but now that I know it's only two blocks from my customer's office I have been back few times to eat lunch in the sunshine. There's a Dogg Haus right on the corner and you can bring your hot dog goodness over here to one of the park benches to enjoy. And for dessert, hit up the popcorn lady for a bin of caramel corn. There's also a small playground in the corner and I've seen moms and kids playing in the sun. So very peaceful!

It's a very beautiful clean park with a nice city view. Walking distance from town and to the lake. But the focal point is that beautiful church which has nothing to do with the park. The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist just sits on the road near it hence the name of the park

Always a great time here during Jazz in the Park. If you're looking for a great time with a diverse crowd, make sure you come down on Thursdays. Great Music, dancing, and selections of food vendors. Get there early to lay your blanket down or place your lawn chair in the perfect spot

I have been here at Cathedral Square Park many times experiencing different events I love coming to relax and Fred the birds ! ! I have a great day when I come here ; Peace to you all !

I'm surprised I've never written a review of Cathedral Square Park. It's one of my favorite places in the city. Summer at the park features live music, farmers markets, and Bastille Days, one of the best festivals in town! Winter features holiday lights and a mailbox for kids to send letters to Santa. Santa writes back if you remember to include a return address. The park is also surrounded by plenty of bars and restaurants for just about every taste, so you really could spend an entire day and night on that block. Then visit the Cathedral of St John across the street for your spiritual side. ;-)

Dear Cathedral Square Park, Mad props and major thanks for playing host to so many amazing Milwaukee events! From MKE's beloved Jazz in the Park series to beer festivals to Bastille Days to Lebowski Fest when it rolls though... From your quaint and oh-so-charming Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings to holiday gatherings geared towards families and so much more, you're a gem of a tiny little park smack dab in the middle of East Town. You're conveniently surrounded by more bars and restaurants than I can currently count, so visitors will never be want for more to do than what's going on in the square. Additionally, since parking around you can be tough, I recommend folks park a few blocks away and walk over to the festivities at hand. See you this summer, Cathedral Square! Love, Rachel

Visited during the Bastille Day Festival last weekend, and I had a blast while there. Ended our Milwaukee tour here and it was a very lively experience. The Cathedral itself is beautiful as well.

This is the little hub downtown that is sort or the center area where everyone comes together. The holiday parade passes by there, Bastille Days goes on there, one of the bunch of art festivals is there, and of course every weekend in the summer is jazz in the park. It's just a cool little patch of earth amongst the city dwellers. :)

I really enjoy this park in the middle of downtown Milwaukee. It is Just large enough to play host to a number of summer events and programs during the summer and is the location of Milwaukee Christmas tree in the winter. I think this place needs a beer garden or some kind of active merchant selling water and snacks year round.

One of many really nice Parks in the Milwaukee Area. When I lived on the Eastside and worked downtown, I stopped here a lot. I love Food Truck Friday, The Farmer's Market, Jazz in the Park, Bastille Days, etc.,etc., but remember the neighborhood itself makes it a cool place to hang out any time. The only negative is that the last time I was there the Wheelchair Accessible Porta-Potty's were locked. Not Good!!!

I dislike imprecise terms. I'm looking at you, large gathering space in the city. Cathedral Square? You're not square. You're rectangular. Sure, I get that people sometimes call gathering places in the center of town 'Squares'. You know what they also call them? Plazas. Parks. Commons. Greens. Piazzas. All of those are more precise, and could work in your circumstances. You are across from The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, so that part is appropriate. You're a great space for people to gather though, so don't get me wrong. Firkin Festival, Bastille Days, and Jazz in the Park are all great reasons to be there. Believe me, I enjoy being there; but just like you, Cathedral [Plaza|Park|Green|Piazza], I just won't be square.

I've been to this park on previous visits. The most recent was in July when I caught the last day of Bastille Days. It's a good place for a smaller event. Location is a definite plus as well. Close to Downtown and the East Side.

Great place for Bastille Days and the Holiday Lights display. But Jazz in The Park has gone a bit downhill over the years and the crowd just isn't the same and there's not much offered besides good music (most weeks).

Cute little patch of park land in the middle of the city. Great gathering spot all year round. In the summer you'll find fests like Jazz in Park and Bastille. In the winter the park is dressed up with holiday lights.

Nice park for the summer. They have free jazz in the park each week with live band and food beverage tints.