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History

NEWaukee was founded in 2009 by Jason Larcheid and Ian Abston with the intent of giving Milwaukee’s young professionals a way to socialize and explore the city with their peers. Being new to the city post-college, the founders quickly realized how hard it can be to meet new people outside of your office cubicle. There were formal business networking and the bar scene, but there no outlets for the young professional to meet new friends and build long-lasting relationships.

Gathering a group of their friends together, Ian and Jason charged each of original crew with the task of bringing ten of their friends to the first NEWaukee event. From that point, the group expanded rapidly as Milwaukee young professionals found an unconventional mode to travel throughout the city, break out of their comfort zones and meet other like-minded people.

The group started with biweekly meet up that changes location and always includes live, local music and sense of frivolity. Due to the public’s great reception of the concept, NEWaukee has expanded its programming and events to include quarterly large cultural events, a fitness club and more intimate networking opportunities.

NEWaukee Socials

NEWaukee Socials consist of a group of young professionals that love the city of Milwaukee and the people in it. The happy hour events occur every other week and always highlight a different community resource or establishment. Live, local musicians play and drink and food specials are offered exclusively to the NEWaukee members.

In addition, each NEWaukee Social supports a different local non-profit organization with a donation percentage of the event’s proceeds as well as an opportunity for that organization to showcase their mission to a group of Milwaukee’s young professionals.

All are welcome to join the NEWaukee Socials, either individually or in a group. There is no cost or membership fee and the dress code is open. The NEWaukee membership core is made up of young professionals ages 23 – 35, who are looking for a way to get to know the city of Milwaukee and the people in it.

For upcoming NEWaukee Socials, be sure to check out our event calendar.

NEWaukee Explore

Based on the popularity of the Socials, NEWaukee expanded its options for Milwaukee’s young professionals to network and delve deeper into Milwaukee’s remarkable assets with NEWaukee Explore. With these small group excursions, members are able to explore in further depth the inner workings of Milwaukee’s restaurants, park system breweries and many other community resources.

The smaller attendance allows participants to get to know one another during the 2-3 hour activity based event at a greater level. The guided tours and hands-on activities explore Milwaukee’s most loved places and businesses.

Some examples of NEWaukee Explore include a Sushi Rolling and Sake Tasting, Tour of Miller Park Stadium and Ice Skating at Red Arrow Park. For upcoming NEWaukee Explores, be sure to check out our event calendar.

NEWaukee Adventure

NEWaukee Adventure was created especially for the fitness and healthy lifestyle advocates within Milwaukee. The smaller attendance of NEWaukee Adventure activities allows participants to get to know one another at a greater level while exploring Milwaukee’s many outdoor and indoor fitness opportunities.

Whether you are an expert in the type of adventure offered, or a complete novice, all are welcome to join NEWaukee as it traverses the city and state. Some examples of NEWaukee Adventure include Rock Climbing at the Urban Ecology Center, Canoeing and Kayaking the Milwaukee River, Indoor Dodge Ball League and Beach Volley Ball at Bradford Beach. For upcoming NEWaukee Adventures, be sure to check out our event calendar.

Large Events

Several times a year, NEWaukee partners up with other community advocacy organizations to host large-scale events that showcase Milwaukee’s unique destinations. For upcoming NEWaukee Large Events, be sure to check out our event calendar.

Young Professionals Week

A week-long celebration of the Milwaukee young professional. Morning coffee sessions, lunch and learn seminars, networking happy hours and Young Professional Gala supporting local non-profits and the young professionals that run them. For more information check out this year’s line up here.

Urban Island Fundraiser

In collaboration with the Friends of Lake Shore Park, NEWaukee hosts a weekend-long celebration of Milwaukee’s most critical asset – fresh water. Housed on Wisconsin’s only urban state park, Lake Shore, this two day festival includes water activities for young professionals and families alike. For more information checkout this year’s event schedule.

Oktoberfest – Das Block Party

NEWaukee brings a little German flair to Old World 3rd Street for this two day block party. The event features a 1.5 Block Brat Trot, Bier Gartens, Traditional German Music and Dancers and a ton of Milwaukee German Pride. For more information about this year’s Oktoberfest, click here.

New Year’s Eve

Nobody does New Year’s Eve like NEWaukee. Offering Milwaukee’s most exclusive private (sold-out) event four years in a row, the event includes a double ball drop, mulitiple live bands, djs and video djs, dance floors and VIP lounge experiences. For more information about this year’s NYE, click here.

Behind the Scenes