See You In Milwaukee for Bead Fest and Maker Festival

We’re thrilled to announce a brand new location for Interweave Bead Fest in 2023: Milwaukee! We are so excited to bring Bead Fest, Stitch Fest, and Yarn Fest to the Wisconsin Center, May 24-27, in downtown Milwaukee for a brand-new Maker Festival.

For many beaders, returning to the Wisconsin Center feels like coming home. From the grand entrance to the spacious classrooms to the lobster mac ’n cheese across the street at The Capital Grille, we can’t wait to meet you there.

Bead Fest Milwaukee Workshops

Come learn a new jewelry making technique or hone your beading skills with 10 all-star instructors including Julie Sanford, Adrienne Gaskell, and Kieu Pham Gray. There will be a full schedule of classes each day, along with other opportunities for education.

The classrooms are located in the Wisconsin Center, where you might remember the polka music near the escalator and poetry in the hallways. And don’t forget to say hello to everyone’s favorite (wax) security guard!

Maker Festival Marketplace

Plus, shop the marketplace Thursday through Saturday, where you can stock up on supplies, meet the vendors, and watch a live broadcast with Jewelry Television. Learn from experts at the demonstration stage and add your own special touch to Interweave’s traveling community scarf. Bring a friend to the Maker Festival—or make a new one—as you browse and enjoy your favorite craft.

Accommodations

The Wisconsin Center is within easy walking distance of many downtown hotels and restaurants. Maker Festival’s host hotel is the DoubleTree, which is located around the corner and has special rates for the event. Enjoy a warm cookie when you arrive! The DoubleTree is near the Harley-Davidson Museum and Milwaukee’s historic 3^rd Ward neighborhood.

We absolutely can’t wait to see you in Milwaukee for Maker Fest!

Let us know what you’re most excited about in the comments.