Milwaukee, Krampusnacht and the Brewery District can all be used in the same sentence, and they go together well. On Sunday, December 7, Juneau Avenue, from Ninth to 11th streets, will be blocked off, from 3-9 p.m., for one of the town’s great surreal events. Food, music, dancing, imaginative costumes, a parade, fun, the night air and who knows what?
The Krampus is the mythical beast of the Austrian lore—hairy, horns, a long tongue, and a basket to carry away naughty children. Adults can qualify as naughty children too. The Krampus comes the day before St. Nicholas arrives, rewarding all the good children for behaving all year.
Milwaukee’s editions of a festive Krampusnacht have taken off over the last eight years, with four of them convening in the intimate setting of the Brewery District. Vendors are on the streets, Krampus-costumed iterations roam the streets, and it’s one big community party.
Lots of Visitors
“The businesses would probably have a slow night otherwise, and there are a lot of visitors that come to take it all in,” said Tea Krulos, the event organizer. “Best Place (917 W. Juneau Avenue) is our base of operations and a lot of fun. It looks like a German castle. People visiting there love to take pictures and listen to stories…