Milwaukee will roll out the birthday candles on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, to honor beloved actor Henry Winkler on his milestone 80th birthday. The city will celebrate with a public party at the Bronze Fonz statue on the Milwaukee Riverwalk at Wells Street, located in the Milwaukee Theater District. The free event will feature a mayoral proclamation, a group singing of “Happy Birthday,” giveaways, and a video message from Winkler himself.

 

“Henry Winkler’s portrayal of The Fonz forever linked Milwaukee to television history,” said Peggy Williams-Smith, president and CEO of Visit Milwaukee. “The Bronze Fonz has become a joyful landmark for both residents and visitors, and celebrating his 80th birthday here is the perfect way to honor his legacy.”

 

Mayor Cavalier Johnson will issue an official proclamation declaring Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, Henry Winkler Day in Milwaukee, calling it “our city’s way of saying thank you for the cultural joy and recognition he has brought to Milwaukee.” He added, "I have to smile every time I see a Milwaukee visitor taking a selfie with the Bronze Fonz."

 

Winkler shared his gratitude for the city’s celebration, saying, “Milwaukee has been my adopted home for years, and I was honored in 2008 when the City dedicated a statue in my honor. My love for the city has never waned and I’m again honored that the city will be celebrating my milestone birthday on Oct. 30 and that my bronze likeness will be participating in the party, but unfortunately, I’m now on a sugar free diet…so no cake!”

 

The event begins at 2 p.m. CDT with Bill Walsh, CBS 58 anchor, serving as emcee. Williams-Smith will open the festivities with remarks about Winkler’s cultural influence and the Bronze Fonz’s role as a symbol of Milwaukee’s creativity and community spirit. David Fantle, former Visit Milwaukee Vice President of Public Relations, who helped bring the statue to life, will reflect on the Fonz’s lasting place in popular culture. After the proclamation, a special video message from Winkler will be released for media and public use at 2:30 p.m. CDT.

 

To encourage continued visits to the Milwaukee Theater District and RiverWalk, Visit Milwaukee has launched the Ultimate Bronze Fonz Getaway. One lucky winner will receive a leather jacket from the Harley-Davidson Museum, aviator sunglasses, a “Happy Birthday, Fonzie!” T-shirt, a two-night stay at the Dubbel Dutch Hotel, a $600 Southwest Airlines voucher, attraction tickets, and gift cards to Milwaukee favorites such as Mader’s, Gilles and Lakefront Brewery. Additional details are available at here.

 

The Bronze Fonz, created by artist Gerald P. Sawyer and dedicated in 2008, has become one of Milwaukee’s most recognizable landmarks and a highlight of the Milwaukee Theater District and Riverwalk. Fans can give two thumbs up to the statue anytime through Visit Milwaukee’s live camera.

 

Henry Winkler became a household name as Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli on “Happy Days” (1974–1984), which continues to air on MeTV on Sunday mornings. His career spans nearly five decades, including an Emmy-winning role in HBO’s “Barry,” acclaimed turns in “Arrested Development,” “Parks and Recreation” and “Children’s Hospital,” and authorship of more than 30 children’s books, including the Hank Zipzer series inspired by his experience with dyslexia. Winkler has visited Milwaukee several times, including the 2008 statue dedication and its 10th anniversary celebration in 2018.

 

Nearby Milwaukee Theater District businesses are joining the celebration with themed food and drink specials. The Newsroom Pub and Vagabond will both offer limited-time “Happy Days” inspired items on Oct. 30. The Newsroom Pub also features a historic collection of celebrity signatures, including Winkler’s.

Event Details

 

Henry Winkler’s 80th Birthday Celebration
Where: The Bronze Fonz, Milwaukee Riverwalk at Wells Street, within the Milwaukee Theater District
When: Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025
Time: 2 p.m. CDT

 

Highlights include:

  • Balloon arch and party hat on the Bronze Fonz for photo opportunities
  • Interactive community board where attendees can share what they love about Milwaukee
  • “Happy Birthday” sing-along led by performers from Skylight Music Theatre, soon to open “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
  • Giveaway items including T-shirts, air fresheners and more
  • Cupcakes for attendees
 

Can’t make the festivities? Fans can still celebrate Henry Winkler by visiting the Bronze Fonz on their own or taking a RiverWalk, which features the statue and nearly 20 additional public works of art.

 

Images of The Bronze Fonz and graphics related to the celebration can be found here.