QWERTYFEST MKE: Milwaukee’s Typewriter Celebration 2025

"Typewriter Love," by Milwaukee artist dwellephant will be available as a sticker at QWERTYFEST MKE 2025

QWERTYFEST is Milwaukee’s quirky, three-day festival honoring the typewriter – an invention patented here by Christopher Latham Sholes in 1868.

It spans Friday–Sunday, Oct 3–5, 2025 at multiple historic locations around the city. This one-of-a-kind event features live music, writing workshops, history tours, and vintage keyboard demos.

Organizers proudly call it “the only full typewriter festival” in the country. Expect a creative, family-friendly atmosphere – there are hands-on demos and offbeat competitions for all ages.

Family Fun & Activities

• Kleinsteuber Pizza Party (Fri Oct 3, 4–6PM) – Kick off the fest at State Street Pizza (322 W State St), the site of the original Sholes typewriter shop. Everyone gets free pizza while local historians give short talks about Milwaukee’s invention. The menu includes kid-friendly items (e.g. chicken tenders with fries/applesauce) and vegetarian options (like Veggie Deluxe pie).

• Central Library Workshops (Sat Oct 4, 10AM–3PM) – The downtown Central Library (814 W Wisconsin Ave) hosts drop-in sessions. At 11 AM, “Creative (Type)writing” lets kids and parents try typewriting (typewriters provided). A family walking tour of the beautiful library is at 10 AM(meet at the rotunda). Note: seating is first-come, so arrive early for the popular programs.

• Voices from the Animal Kingdom (Sat Oct 4, 3–8PM) – This all-ages interactive show at Interchange Theater (628 N 10th St) is pure fun. Over 15 performers (comedians, writers, scientists) embody animals. Kids pick a question (“Why do owls hoot?” etc.) and get whimsical animal-themed stories typed out on vintage machines in real time.

• Typewriter Brunch ’n’ Bowl (Sun Oct 5, 11AM–2PM) – Head to Falcon Bowl (801 E Clarke St), one of Milwaukee’s oldest tavern-bowling alleys. Enjoy a relaxed brunch buffet (eggs, pancakes, sandwiches) and try out free open bowling on vintage lanes. Bring your own typewriter to clack out letters (or use one of theirs) and listen to live folk music. It’s free to enter – just pay for your food and lanes.

Other highlights (parents might enjoy): Friday’s Typewriter Ball (Turner Hall, 6–10PM) has swing music and a “spoken word” hour; Saturday night’s Newsroom Pub Party (7–10PM) is at a historic press-club bar with a buffet dinner and cash bar. Many events welcome all ages (though note the cash bar).

Food & Drinks

Friday, Oct. 3 (4-6pm), State Street Pizza: The Kleinsteuber Machine Shop, where Sholes invented the typewriter, is long gone, but the building in its place is occupied by State Street Pizza

• Friday – Pizza! Free pizza is served at State Street Pizza (home of Saturday’s Pizza Party). In addition to classic pepperoni, they offer veggie pizzas and even Italian beef or BBQ chicken pies. Kids can order from the “Kids” menu (chicken tenders & fries).

• Saturday – Library Café or local eateries: During library workshops, local coffees and snacks are available for purchase. The Historic Third Ward (a few blocks away) has family-friendly options: you’ll find burgers, sandwiches, and custard just a short walk from Central Library.

• Friday Night – Turner Hall: The Typewriter Ball provides complimentary snacks and a beer/wine cash bar. (Kids might enjoy the vintage “Oregon Trail” gaming lounge).

• Saturday Night – Newsroom Pub: A hot buffet dinner is included in the ticket. It’s a 19th-century dining room setting with lots of Milwaukee memorabilia.

• Sunday – Brunch at Falcon Bowl: A full brunch menu (waffles, omelets, pastries) will be available for purchase. Non-alcoholic drinks are on site (you can also grab items at the connected Hive & Reclaimed! Brewery taproom next door). Kids can bowl free; adults can add an alcoholic drink if desired.

• Nearby Restaurants: Many venues are near downtown dining. Families may want to sample Milwaukee favorites like custard stands or fish fry at a casual spot.

Tips for Families

• Tickets: The Pizza Party and Brunch ’n’ Bowl are free, but most other events require tickets. Ticket prices typically start around $10 per event. Families should buy tickets online in advance – check qwertyfest.com for family bundles and updates. (As of late Sep 2025 the schedule and tickets are live on the official site)

• Arrival: Some rooms (like the library auditorium) have first-come seating. Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early for popular sessions. A printed or digital schedule from the QWERTYFEST website is handy.

• Parking/Transit: Downtown Milwaukee has public garages (e.g. at 4th & Wisconsin or Marq2) and metered street parking. Free street parking is often available on evenings and Sundays. Consider a rideshare or the M-Line trolley (which serves downtown) to make hopping between venues easy.

• Accessibility/Strollers: Most indoor venues (Central Library, Turner Hall, Falcon Bowl) have step-free entrances and elevators. Bring a stroller if needed – facilities have wide pathways. The library has family restrooms and changing tables; some bars may have just single restrooms. Many events are smoke-free and crowd-friendly.

• Clothing: October evenings can be chilly. Wear layers and bring a jacket for outdoor walks between locations. Sunscreen isn’t needed, but a light raincoat or umbrella can’t hurt for fall weather.

• Pro Tip: Pack headphones or quiet games for little ones; some talks or music sets might be loud. Also bring paper/notebooks – kids will love trying out a vintage typewriter themselves!

Tickets & Info

Most QWERTYFEST events require advance registration on the official website. As of now, tickets for workshops and performances (10+ USD each) are on sale at the QWERTYFEST website. Visit QWERTYFEST.com to purchase tickets and see full schedules. Follow the festival’s social media for updates (Facebook/Instagram: @QWERTYFESTMKE).