What started with organizing pop-up markets turned into something much bigger in 2017, when local makers asked Ryan Laessig to create a larger, more intentional platform.
That spark became Milwaukee Makers Market—now the city’s largest and longest-running monthly makers market, filling spaces like Discovery World, The Ivy House, and even American Family Field with artists, bakers, crafters, and dreamers building something of their own.
As Milwaukee Makers Market heads into its 10th season, Ryan has navigated everything from venue changes to snowstorm pivots (Shop Small Sunday, anyone?)—all while growing a fiercely loyal community.
Along the way, M.M.M. has earned official proclamations from city, county, and state leaders and even expanded into a brick-and-mortar storefront inside the Hide House in Bay View. But at its core, the mission hasn’t changed: create a free, welcoming space where Milwaukee’s makers, including women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and veteran-owned businesses, can thrive, connect, and turn passion into possibility.
How did Milwaukee Makers Market get its start?
I started running small markets around Milwaukee, such as Brady St. Sunday Funday’s, Art Beat In The Heat, and assisting with Farmers Markets & Street Festivals. In 2017, after having the experience of running markets, many makers reached out to me to start something bigger, and the “Milwaukee Makers Market” was brought to life.
Bringing the best elements of markets around Milwaukee into a one-stop-shop local showcase of Milwaukee’s artists, makers, and bakers looking to start a small business, with makers ranging from students to seasoned crafters in all backgrounds.
How long have you been in business? Have you faced any major challenges with growing your business or any triumph stories?
2026 will mark our “10th Season Anniversary”. During these years, we of course have had to navigate many factors to help M.M.M. grow, such as working with new venues, growing our maker line-up, and bringing in a larger audience to support local.
Even recently, we had to navigate the winter weather and take our Shop Small Saturday market and pivot to “Shop Small Sunday” to keep our patrons and makers safe during the Saturday snowstorm.
It has been great to see the support we have gained over the years, including in 2024, receiving the Proclamation for “Milwaukee Makers Market Day” (August 9th) from Mayor Cavalier, and in 2025, receiving the Proclamation Day from County Executive David Crowley and a Letter of Recognition from Govener Evers on our work of supporting & pushing Milwaukee’s small businesses forward.
We have now grown into opening up our own Brick & Mortar store, the “Milwaukee Makers Marketplace,” to showcase even more makers on days that people are unable to make it to a Pop-up Market.
What is Milwaukee Makers Market ?
Milwaukee Makers Market is so much more than a makers and artisan fair. It’s a celebration of the city’s creators and our local community. I curate each market to create a perfect opportunity for small business owners to sell their wares and make connections with fans and other makers.
What started in 2017 as a small outdoor event in the Colectivo Bay View parking lot has grown into the largest, longest-running monthly markets where makers and guests fill venues like Discovery World Museum, The Ivy House, and local venues. Loyal fans know that MMM creates a safe, fun and unique market experience. With no at-the-door admission fee, anyone and everyone is welcome to shop or browse.
What’s the mission behind Milwaukee Makers Market?
Our mission is to support local makers by creating a fun and safe one-stop-shop experience, connecting our artisans with current and future fans, and celebrating Milwaukee’s incredible makers community.
What is it like being a small business in MKE?
It can be very scary to be a small business in Milwaukee, giving it your all and following your dreams. M.M.M. strives to showcase all small businesses, including those owned by women, BIPOC, Hispanic, Native, LGBTQ+, & Veteran owned businesses.
What do you like about being in Milwaukee?
Milwaukee is a melting pot of cultures and is thriving with small businesses. We tend to support local and wear our pride on our sleeves. We know what it is like to belong to a community and look out for your neighbors—continuing to answer the call when small businesses need us.
What’s your favorite part about what you’re doing?
My favorite part of M.M.M. is seeing the community gather monthly at our markets, hearing the stories, seeing a longtime friend or family member and catching up, to hearing from so many makers about how they are able to follow their dreams and support their families by doing so.
Makers have shared many stories with me about how we are a stepping stone to help them achieve that Brick & Mortar goal or help them succeed in growing their business while supporting their community.
What can people expect when going to both the Milwaukee Makers Marketplace physical location (inside Hide House) and the pop-up markets you host?
When visiting the Marketplace in Bay View you will find something for everyone. We won the 2025 Best Of Milwaukee Award for Best Gift Shop, and we pride ourselves on showcasing a rotating shop of over 60 local makers ranging from soaps, candles, clothing, bath and body products, ceramics, stationery, and of course local artwork in our M.M.M. Gallery, along with so much more!
We are looking forward to our 2026 M.M.M. season going from April to Dec. with partnerships from Discovery World Museum, American Family Field, and Ivy House MKE.
Anything else we should know about your business or anything you’d like to mention? Any favorite stories?
We encourage everyone to apply as long as you make what you sell. With M.M.M., we take pride in showcasing Milwaukee’s creative community and look forward to seeing Milwaukee continue to support these local small businesses and bring amazing quality and locally handcrafted products to the city.