Milwaukee Night Market returns downtown Wednesday night

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Night Market returns downtown Wednesday night for the summer. 

The free, outdoor event puts the excitement right in the center of downtown with food trucks, local pop-up shops and entertainment. 

West Wisconsin Avenue will be closed between 2nd St. and Vel R. Phillips Ave. from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. Wednesday, June 14 for setup and tear-down.

The Milwaukee Night Market brings local, diverse artists, restaurateurs, and crafters together from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

"We expect about 100 vendors, 20 more than we have in the past. We have expanded our footprint a bit to include the 2nd street intersection. We'll have a great lineup of entertainment at MLK and Wisconsin," said Stacie Callies, executive director of Westown Association.

"All natural yes, handmade, vegan and organic," said Vafeth Zerda, vendor.

Milwaukee Night Market draws an estimated 30,000 people to Westown.

"And it's, you know, people coming out of their offices and being really excited about spending time in Westown as a neighborhood, so that's exciting as well," said Stacie Callies, Westown association executive director.

And there are financial gains for the rest of the area too.

"Those people are parking in parking structures. They're going to bars and restaurants to grab a drink, but also they're coming back later," said Callies.

And it's not just people, it's pups too.

"She's just walking around. She's getting some treats and some pets," said Sydney Gresens with her dog Poppy.

We found "Doodles", Marlo and Maggie impressing their mom as they walk through the crowds.

"They're killing it. They're being super calm and great (giggles)" said Sophia Hunsaker with her dogs Marlo and Maggie.

Even the smell of food didn’t trip up these pups, but for many of us, snacking's a must.

"The loaded pork fries from Roll MKE. Love them? Love them," said Holly McCutcheon.

"They're easy to eat while walking around and they're also very good. The jalapenos are like really fresh," said Laura Hoff.

"Down here having fun eating and walking around and that's what Milwaukee's all about in the summertime," said Doug, who didn't want to give his last name.

There's a performance in the center of the market at the top of every hour. 

Tonight, that includes DJ Stretch, DJ Oshie, and Bembe Drum & Dance. 

New this year, a mobile karaoke suite will be located in the alley next to Bradley Symphony Center. 

The nearby avenue parking structure has $3 parking for the event. Organizers also encourage using the MCTS Bus Rapid Transit line. 

With food, drinks, games, and more, the market is fun for all ages. 

"To be able to stand right in the middle of West Wisconsin Avenue with 30,000 Milwaukeeans is really a truly unique experience," Callies said.

The Night Market will return to the same location on July 19, Aug. 16 and Sept. 13 this season.