Over its 10-year run, Burnhearts 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 returning for another installment on Saturday, February 3, from noon until 8 p.m. However, as we told you back in December, there will be one noticeable change.
The 2024 edition of Mitten Fest will take place outside Boone & Crockett (818 S. Water St.), a temporary venue change to allow Burnhearts ownership to take a year away from hosting the ever-growing block party “to re-envision [their] location.” In many ways, this year’s Mitten Fest will be a lot like its predecessors. In other ways…not so much. Figuring readers might have a few questions about the first/only Boone & Crockett-hosted version of the event, Milwaukee Record—an official media sponsor—has put together a guide with everything you need to know about Mitten Fest 2024.
What’s it going to look like this year?
Good question! Much like last fall’s Flannel Fest, the event will take place in the parking lot of Boone & Crockett and The Cooperage. Though folks of all ages are welcome to attend, those who are 21+ and wish to drink can show their ID at the main entrance of the lot in order to get a wristband that allows them to order alcoholic beverages. So bring your ID! There will be outdoor bars. The stage will be situated near the back of the parking lot, facing out towards Water Street.
Where can I escape the cold?
As of the time this is being written, Saturday’s temps are expected to be in the low 40s for much of the day. Still, we recommend you dress warm. Organizers tell us there will be some outdoor propane patio heaters and a few burn barrels scattered around the lot as well. However, those looking to escape the elements entirely will be able to hang out inside both Boone & Crockett and The Cooperage (as space allows).
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 — Rat Bath
4:00 p.m. — Force
2:30 p.m. — Emmitt James
1:00 p.m. — Hanna Simone
As usual, WMSE on-air personality and local treasure Christreater will DJ before and after each set. Speaking of WMSE (also a media sponsor of this fine event!), the station’s Saturday Afternoon Boogie Bang will have a live remote broadcast from Mitten Fest from 12-3 p.m.
What am I drinking?
As if the stacked cast of musicians isn’t enticing enough, the Mitten Fest bars will be pouring “insanely rare and limited-run” beers from Central Waters Brewery and Founders Brewing, as well as popular selections from those craft breweries. If beer isn’t your thing, Mitten Fest will also have an array of other alcoholic options, including Brandyland old fashioneds (available at Boone’s waterfront patio bar). There will also be a Tullamore Dew Honey Toddy and Tullamore Dew Hot Cider available inside The Cooperage. Valentine Coffee will have both regular coffee and “boozy coffee” creations on hand. Boone & Crockett and The Cooperage will also have their full bar selection available inside.
But let’s get back to the beer! Here’s what Central Waters and Founders will have on tap for Mitten Fest…
Central Waters Brewery
Gingersnap Stout
24th Anniversary Stout
Bourbon Stout
Black Gold
Peruvian Morning
Toppling Waters
25th Anniversary Stout 12 Year Elijah Craig
25th Anniversary Stout 18 Year Elijah Craig
25th Anniversary Stout Pappy Van Winkle
25th Anniversary Stout
Founders Brewing
KBS
CBS
Blushing Padre
Highball Drifter
Backwoods
Sweet Repute
KBS Spicy Chocolate
Vanilla Porter
But carry-ins are allowed, right?
Nope! There’s a bunch of great (and rare!) craft beer on hand, brandy cocktails, and two full indoor bars. The event is free to attend, but if you’re going to be drinking while you’re there, plan to buy some beverages on-site and leave a tip for the bartenders. A lot of time, planning, and money went into putting this event on, so don’t be a jerk.
Will there be anything to eat?
Yep! In addition to Boone and The Cooperage’s ever-present Taco Moto and Dooby Dogs food vendors, Pig Tailz, Roll MKE, Sweet Smoke BBQ, Tots On The Street, Happy Dough Lucky, Jandy’s Base Camp, Valentine Coffee, and Voyager will be serving up goodies that folks can purchase on the Mitten Fest grounds.
Any other vendors?
The extra space will also bring about a wide range of retail vendors, who will be selling goods at the event. We’ve also been told Shock Treatment Tattoo will be doing Mitten Fest flash tattoos inside The Cooperage, with appointments scheduled on a first come, first serve basis on Saturday. Here’s the full vendor lineup.
BB Cakes
Floral Prisims
Nostalgia Xicana
Virginia Day Studio
Wander & Co
Dope Fanny
Uncommon Wild
Rivet + Bezel
RA Hemp
The Skeleton Bird
Abigail Hausman Designs
Fresh To Death Vintage
Kelly’s Greens
Shock Treatment Tattoo
Pickle Feather Records
Canni Hemp Co.
Anna Ellie Art
Da Real Aztec
Seventh Scorpio
Paloma Bond Bar
Are dogs allowed?
Yes!
Parking?
Will be limited. The parking lot will be devoted to the event itself, so that just leaves street parking, as availability allows. Otherwise, make a plan to use Uber/Lyft or ride the bus. The number 15 bus stops at 1st and National, which is about a three-block walk from the action. Make a plan and be prepared to make adjustments to that plan. Since you’ll already be dressed for the elements, potentially walking a few blocks should be no issue, right?
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” prior to Mitten Fest or at the event itself by scanning a QR code that will be present on Mitten Fest signage. That QR code can also be found here.
Anything else?
Actually, yes. There will be a limited number of special edition “Boonehearts” shirts available for purchase at the event. And in that same collaborative spirit, both Boone & Crockett ownership and Burnhearts owners urge folks to make their way back to Bay View after Mitten Fest to offer some support to neighborhood bars. Blackbird will have a DJ and dance party post-Mitten Fest. Tonic Tavern will also have a DJ and all night drink specials. The Newport and Burnhearts will both be far less busy than they usually are during Mitten Fest.
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 3. We’ll see you there, Milwaukee!
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