Over its 12-year run, Mitten Fest has earned the undisputed distinction of being Milwaukee’s favorite wintertime celebration. We’re pleased to report the sprawling block party and one-day escape from the seasonal doldrums will be coming back for another installment in its rightful home outside of Burnhearts in Bay View from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, February 7.
Though it’s become an iconic Milwaukee winter event, some of you might not know much about Mitten Fest. Others have surely attended, but might not be aware of what to expect from this particular edition. Fear not, citizen. Milwaukee Record—an official Mitten Fest media sponsor—has assembled a guide of everything you need to know about Burnhearts Mitten Fest 2026.
Where can I escape the cold?
With the word “Mitten” being in the name, you should probably prepare for cold conditions. Dress appropriately. It’s too early to make any weather-based declarations, but temps have dipped below freezing in previous Mitten Fests. There will be a few propane heaters scattered around, but that’s about it. If you need to thaw out, Burnhearts will be open, but space will be extremely limited.
In the past, Burnhearts owner and Mitten Fest organizer William Seidel told Milwaukee Record: “Remember that our whole neighborhood will be open and waiting for friendly Mitten Festers—so if we are at capacity, please visit one of our neighborhood bars or restaurants.”
Who’s playing again?
As always, Mitten Fest organizers brought in something for almost everyone. Whether you time your visit to catch your favorite act or you stay all day and let the eclectic musical mix serve as your celebratory soundtrack, you’re going to leave happy. Here’s the lineup and set times (listed headliner to opener):
5:30 p.m. start — The Hallelujah Ward
4:00 p.m. — Shrinestone
2:30 p.m. — Hello, Face
1:00 p.m. — Bellends
As usual, WMSE on-air personality and local treasure Christreater will DJ before and after each set.
What am I drinking?
As if the stacked cast of musicians isn’t enticing enough, Burnhearts will serve rare and limited beers from Central Waters Brewery and Founders Brewing, including sporadic tappings of Central Waters specialties like: 25th Anniversary Stout, 26th Anniversary Stout, 27th Anniversary Stout, 28th Anniversary Stout, Black Gold, Hot Honey Black Gold, and stouts aged in Brandyland barrels and Ginger Brandyland barrels. Founders will be pouring variants of its CBS and KBS offerings.
As always, Mitten Fest will also be offering its famous Brandyland old fashioneds (with Bittercube Bitters), house made Ginger Brandy Hot Toddies, a Rishi chai lemonade-infused “Mitten Palmer” cocktail, and Valentine Coffee that can be spiked with peanut butter whiskey or hot chocolate tequila.
There will also be beers from Central Waters and Founders TBA on tap inside Burnhearts, as well as a full bar for those bold enough to venture inside. And for the fourth year, Mitten Fest will do its part to address long beer lines by offering a “Cracking Can Cart”—a strolling cooler that sells cans of Central Waters and Founders beer mainstays, some N/A beers from Central Waters (making their worldwide debut!) and Founders, High Waters THC seltzers, water, and more.
“We are hoping this will help minimize the long lines,” Seidel told Milwaukee Record in advance of a prior Mitten Fest installment. “Or at least help keep it tolerable so you have something to sip on while you wait in line.”
But carry-ins are allowed, right?
Nope! If you bring in your own booze, not only would you be risking a fine, you’d also be threatening the continuation of Mitten Fest itself. As dramatic as it sounds, it could take as little as a few empty cans on someone’s lawn to risk casting this overwhelmingly positive event in a negative light. C’mon, people! There’s a bunch of great (and rare!) craft beer on hand, brandy cocktails, and like a dozen bars within walking distance. And with all the time, money, resources that are going into planning this winter event, the least you can do is buy some beverages and leave a tip for the staff that’s freezing their butts off outside.
Will there be anything to eat?
Yep! Roll MKE, Tots On The Street, Hue, Troublemakers Cocina, and Offshore will be parked on-site selling food. Otherwise, if you wish to break away for a bite, Vanguard is a short walk away, as are Hi-Fi, Honeypie, Crafty Cow, Bellis Bistro & Spirits, Hungry Sumo Sushi Bar, and a number of other excellent restaurants. While you step off the beaten path to grab a bite, you can also browse goods from Mitten Fest retailers Kelly’s Greens and Orchard Street Press.
How does this benefit charity again?
Beyond being a means of celebration and a cause for local businesses to have a major single-day boom during a typically slow season, there’s also a beneficial side of Mitten Fest. Previous installments have brought in considerable donations to Hunger Task Force. Unlike most previous years, Hunger Task Force will NOT BE ACCEPTING PHYSICAL DONATION OF FOOD OR CLOTHING. Cash and credit cards will still be accepted on-site. Otherwise, you can donate to a virtual food drive now or at the event itself by scanning a QR code that will be present on Burnhearts’ signage. In addition to Hunger Task Force’s involvement, Compost Crusader will also be on site to help limit waste.
Now that you know everything you need to about this year’s Mitten Fest, you should be ready to bundle up, get off the internet, and go outside for a few hours on February 7. We’ll see you there, Milwaukee!
