What’s New in Milwaukee in 2025?

We may already be halfway through 2025, but we wanted to take a look at what is new and upcoming for Milwaukee this year. From a new sculpture taking over Wauwatosa, to being one of the few casinos with a specific table game, and a host of new dining experiences, 2025 is host to many new experiences for Milwaukee residents. Check out our list below of some of the new experiences for 2025.

Thomas Dambo Troll Sculpture – Arrived Spring 2025

Wauwatosa became home to a gentle giant, Mama Rosa, a 25-foot 4,000-pound troll built by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Dambo is known for creating magnificent works of art out of upcycled materials, and his project in Wauwatosa is no different. Constructed from upcycled trees and lamps, almost everything on Mama Rosa is original to Wisconsin. A unique feature of this sculpture is that the bouquet of lights is illuminated with solar power from the rest of the park. Our friends at OnMKE wrote an article featuring an exclusive interview with Thomas Dambo during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. You can read the full article here.

Lucky Cat Keiko at Potawatomi Casino Hotel – May 2025

This past May, we welcomed a purr-fect addition to RuYi – Keiko the Lucky Cat. A 5-foot-tall Maneki-neko, or "beckoning cat," typically found in restaurants, shops, and businesses throughout Asia and beyond, the Lucky Cat is a timeless symbol of prosperity and positivity. To add this excellent addition to RuYi, we hosted a cat hoist on May 22, 2025. We welcomed guests and team members to watch and try a curated menu, including the Lucky Cat Dim Sum Platter and the Lucky Cat Cocktail. We needed to determine a name once our Lucky Cat reached its perch at RuYi. What better way than with a naming competition? We had hundreds of submissions across social media and email, and on May 30, 2025, our CEO, Dominic Ortiz, selected Keiko, meaning Lucky child. You can visit Keiko and take a selfie with our 5-foot-tall lucky cat next time you visit RuYi.

Relive the excitement of the Giant Lucky Cat Hoist here.

New Table Game – 3-Shot Poker

Things are always moving and changing here at Potawatomi Casino Hotel, and this summer we brought a brand new table game to the floor – 3-Shot Poker. Straight out of Las Vegas itself, this game is the only one in the state of Wisconsin. The only other way to play 3-Shot Poker is online or to take a trip to Las Vegas or Arizona. To break in our new game, we invited Beyond Blackjack – Casino Kelly to try a hand. You can see her interview with the Morning Blend here. You can find this new table game in our ElevenHundred gaming section on the second floor of the casino. Let us know in the comments or on social if you have tried this new poker variation.

Midwest Sad – Arrived August 7

Midwest Sad will be opening its second location and first stand-alone restaurant in Walker's Point this August! In addition to breakfast and lunch, this new location will also feature a dinner service. The evening vibe will be speakeasy with cocktails, burgers, salads, and sandwiches, including breakfast sandwiches as an option for dinner. Besides being a dining establishment, Midwest Sad’s new location aims to give back to the community by hosting various events and making the Midwest Sad kitchen available for use by other small food entrepreneurs. Stay up to date on Midwest Sad by following their social media page.

Banderas – Arrived August 15

A new Latin American tavern came to Walker’s Point this August, bringing agave-based spirits, South and Central American food, and a love of soccer. This new bar, Banderas, is the brainchild of a diverse ownership group with roots around the Americas, including Milwaukee, Mexico, Brazil, and Honduras. The bar will feature agave-based spirits like tequilas, mezcals, and sotols while serving flights of sangrita and micheladas. The food options will feature flavors of South and Central America, including foods like arepas, tortas, rice bowls, and more. Banderas will have weekly Latin nights with a DJ and air soccer games with Spanish announcers for guests to enjoy. This new restaurant is set to give Milwaukee a fresh new atmosphere to enjoy soccer.

Downtown Milwaukee Dog Park – Grand Opening on August 20

The first downtown dog park opened its gates on August 20, 2025! Located in a previously vacant lot underneath I-794, this area has been transformed into a dog lover's dream. This area will have space for both large and small dogs, a washing system, and a Milwaukee RiverWalk connection. Those looking to take advantage of this area can do so during operating hours of Monday-Sunday 6 AM to 10 PM. This new area does require a County dog park pass so be sure to purchase that ahead of time. To find out more about the dog park or donate to the foundation, visit MKE Dog Park.

Cassis – Opening Fall of 2025

Set to open in the fall of 2025, this new restaurant, Cassis, will bring French dishes to the Historic Third Ward. James Beard-recognized chef Kyle Knall and his wife, Meghan Knall, who also own Birch, plan to open this French bistro-style restaurant near the Milwaukee Public Market. It will be able to host about 200 guests and will include staple French dishes and new twists on European cuisine, offering a new dining experience for Milwaukee residents to enjoy.

Things are always moving and changing in Milwaukee and at Potawatomi Casino Hotel. To see more of what is coming soon to Milwaukee in 2025 and beyond, check out this article by Visit Milwaukee.

What are you looking for to the most for 2025?

Check out Potawatomi Casino Hotel’s events page to stay up to date on events happening at the casino! This fall we have APFC returning, Hunting Moon Pow Wow, and for the second year, Deer Widows Weekend featuring the Magic Men.

What would you add to the list? Let us know on Facebook, Instagram, or X.

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