To name just a few of the films from Japanese animation film studio Studio Ghibli is to name some of the greatest animated films of all time: Grave Of The Fireflies, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away. Hell, even Porco Rosso is pretty good. And from Thursday, October 20 through Sunday, October 23, Milwaukee’s beloved craft beer bar Sugar Maple (441 E. Lincoln Ave.) will transform itself into a “whimsical Ghibli-world immersive experience.”

According to a press release, the experience will include “Ghibli-themed decor, a Ghibli-themed cocktail menu, music from Studio Ghibli films, screenings of the Studio Ghibli catalog of films, a costume competition, and a showcase of local art.” The press release continues:

The Sugar Maple will undergo a head-to-toe transformation. Ghibli-themed decorations throughout the bar and walls adorned with Ghibli-inspired art (courtesy of Milwaukee area artists) will be the focal point of this immersive event. The bar is currently accepting submissions from Milwaukee area artists that wish to participate.

Costumes are encouraged for all four days, but the official costume contest will be held on Saturday, October 22 at 7 p.m. Voting will begin at 10 p.m. There will be prizes. “Costumes of an offensive or otherwise insensitive nature will not be considered or tolerated,” says The Sugar Maple. (Easy on the sexy Totoro getups?)

Want to submit your own Ghibli-themed art for the group art showcase? Just contact The Sugar Maple via DM, Instagram, or email ([email protected] and/or [email protected]). “Larger pieces are preferred but not required,” The Sugar Maple says, “as the bar has four spaces at 3′ x 6′ and six spaces at 4′ x 6.” The deadline for art submissions is Friday, October 7. The art show will remain up for four weeks, October 20 – November 17.

Seriously: Porco Rosso is pretty good!

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Co-Founder and Editor

Matt Wild weighs between 140 and 145 pounds. He lives on Milwaukee's east side.