Experience the Energy of Milwaukee’s Deer District
Milwaukee’s Deer District gained worldwide fame in 2021, when some 65,000 fans packed its plaza for the Bucks’ NBA title-winning watch party. But the neighborhood that’s blossomed around Fiserv Forum is a great place to visit any time of year for dining, shopping, entertainment, and events that cater to tastes of all types. So make plans to see for yourself why Milwaukee’s winningest neighborhood has become one of its most electric destinations.
A Destination Built Around Sports & Connection
When Fiserv Forum opened in 2018, it marked a new era of basketball and entertainment for downtown Milwaukee. In addition to hosting Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, it became the focal point of Deer District, which grew into the city’s hottest new gathering place.
Fiserv Forum and Deer District revitalized the northwest side of downtown. Within three years, the Bucks celebrated the franchise’s second NBA championship, matching the first title they won in 1971. Fiserv Forum is also home to Marquette University’s storied men's basketball program, a perennial powerhouse in the Big East conference.
Beyond basketball, Fiserv Forum brings a variety of entertainment to the city. From world-renowned musical artists to top comedians, the excitement of WWE wrestling to the roar of monster trucks, the arena delivers it all.
So it’s no wonder that such an energetic neighborhood like Deer District has grown around Fiserv Forum. It brings together residents and out-of-town visitors alike to revel in an endless stream of memorable events.
Restaurants, Breweries, & Local Favorites
Your plans don’t necessarily need to include a game or a concert to make a Deer District trip worthwhile because this is where you’ll find some of the best dining, drinking and shopping in Milwaukee.
Il Cervo, which aptly translates to “The Deer,” offers modern Italian cuisine with Instagram-worthy views of the city skyline from its perch atop The Trade hotel. The Trade is also where you’ll find the laid-back elegance of Solomon’s, with its shareable small plates and craft cocktails, as well as Craft’s dynamic culinary and mixology expertise.
For livelier atmospheres, check out the modern takes on classic Wisconsin cuisine a The New Fashioned, where you can pair food and drinks with duckpin bowling, shuffleboard and curling, or gather at Tom's Watch Bar, the newest addition to the district, with wall-to-wall 360° screens, elevated game-day favorites, signature cocktails and local brews.
If drinks are the priority, there’s no shortage of options. Work your way through Explorium Distilled with their dozens of craft beers and classic cocktails. Check out The Beer Garden’s open-air space and massive 40-foot LED TV. Or immerse yourself in all things Badger State at Drink Wisconsinbly.
And, of course, there’s no better place to stock up on the latest Bucks gear than the Bucks Pro Shop, open year-round in the Fiserv Forum lobby. Just across the street, you’ll find the AntetokounBros store, home to the notable streetwear fashion brand launched by Giannis and his brothers.
The New Fashioned is a restaurant that celebrates Wisconsin’s famous culinary…
What’s Happening in the District
The Deer District was designed with community in mind, and its picturesque plaza is the nexus for year-round events big and small.
Enjoy the camaraderie of Fitness on the Plaza, the Morning Glory Art Fair, or concert and movie nights throughout the summer. Visitors can also warm up to winter celebrations at Milwaukee’s annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Face-Off basketball tournament. And, of course, gather with thousands of your closest friends to cheer on the Milwaukee Bucks, especially during playoff time.
No visit to this destination is complete without a visit to the Deer District. It’s become a modern town square for this forward-looking city. So be sure to plan your visit today, and join in all of the events, entertainment, and camaraderie that make this great neighborhood so inviting.
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