MKE River Roundup 2025

It’s that time of year again! MKE River Roundup: Powered by Joy Engine and sponsored by:
Milwaukee Kayak Company
The Harp Irish Pub
The Twisted Fisherman Crab Shack
Indeed Brewing Company
Milwaukee Riverwalk District

Who:
MKE River Roundup, you, your friends, family and everyone who wants to have a great time following the Funktoon and some local live music on the river this summer.

Dates:
Wednesdays in Summer beginning Wednesday, June 18th

Time:
5-8pm
*Funktoon departs Twisted Fisherman at 5pm, kayaks follow behind
*Please arrive for check-in anytime after 4pm
*Enjoy appetizers, dinner and/or a beverage at Twisted Fisherman before or after
*After party at Twisted Fisherman 8pm-10pm

General timeline:
• 5pm: Launch from Twisted Fishermaan
• 5pm-6pm: Paddle up to The Harp 5pm-6pm
• 6:15pm-7pm: Break at The Harp
• 7pm: Launch from The Harp and paddle back down to Twisted Fisherman
• 8pm: Return back to our dock at Twisted Fisherman


Reserve your kayaks:
Kayak rentals are provided by Milwaukee Kayak Company (#MKC) thru the www.mkeriverroundup.com site. Please contact MKC with questions about your reservation or kayak rentals at (414) 301-2240 or info@milwaukeekayak.com

Launch site:
Kayak rentals for the MKE River Roundup launch from our Twisted Fisherman location at 1200 W. Canal Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233. You can launch your own for $20 or meet us on the river using any public dock. For a list of public docks, please visit our blog. Donations are encouraged to help support the bands. “Launch your own” can be purchased on the mkeriverroundup.com website – cash or Venmo on the river is appreciated too, thanks.

Summer 2025 line up:

6/18 The People Brothers Band
After Party: The Taxmen

6/25 The Stephen Hull Experience
After Party: @Evan Christian

7/2 Midnight Hound
After Party: @Johanna rose

7/9 The Hot and Dirty
After Party: Cream City Hotclub

7/16 SUGO
After Party: Joe Wray

7/23 Wonderfunk
After Party: Jesse V and Ernie B4

7/30 De La Buena
After Party: Los Mitoteros

8/6 Ivy Ford
After Party: Honest Monday Trio

8/13 Wire and Nail
After Party: Valley Fox

8/20 Funkclub Wagon
After Party: Fightin Bob

8/27 The MilBillies
After Party: Bomber & Red

9/3 Another One
After Party: Garrett Waite Trio

Kayak rentals are provided by Milwaukee Kayak Company (#MKC) thru the www.mkeriverroundup.com site. Please contact MKC with questions about your reservation or kayak rentals at (414) 301-2240 or info@milwaukeekayak.com – thanks!

Some more info for ya:

What to Bring:
• You!
• Water bottle filled with water
• Sunscreen
• Small coolers okay
• Snacks okay
• Dress for the weather – consider bringing a windbreaker
• ID
• Towel to sit on (optional)

What we will provide:
• Kayak
• Life jacket
• Paddle
• Safe and fun atmosphere

What to Wear:
• Lightweight clothing
• Sandals, flips or shoes with a thin sole
• Rain jacket/windbreaker
• Sunglasses and/or hat

Upon arrival:
• We will check you in.
• We will outfit you with the proper kayak, life jacket and paddle.
• We will provide introductions, review information and rules of the river.
• Life jackets must be worn at all times when you are near or on the river.
• Life jackets must be worn at all times when you are near or on the river.

Participants:
• All participants must be 12+ to paddle their own kayaks
• All participants must know how to swim
• All participants under the age of 12 can share a tandem kayak with parent/guardian age 18 or older*

Cancellation Info:
If an event is cancelled for weather, it will be rescheduled. Contact us if you cannot attend the rescheduled date or you would like to use your kayak for different event. 

Contact Information:
Please contact MKC with questions about your reservation or kayak rentals at (414) 301-2240 or info@milwaukeekayak.com – thanks!

MKC is owned and operated by Beth Handle, who grew up on the north side of Milwaukee. Beth is active in our community and is on the Board of Directors for Milwaukee Riverkeeper and Milwaukee Riverwalk.