Wauwatosa is a city filled with opportunities for creativity, outdoor fun, and culinary delights. 2025 is shaping up to be packed with exciting new developments, bigger and better events, and some of our favorites returning for another great year. Whether you're a local or planning a visit, there's something for everyone in Wauwatosa this year. Here's a look at the highlights of what's coming in 2025:

Moss Universal Park: A Park for Everyone

Led by Wauwatosa-based nonprofit The Ability Center, the country’s first universally inclusive park is slated to open in 2025. George F. Moss Universal Park is an 18-acre recreation space for people of all ages and abilities. With a fully accessible playground, wooded trails, three sports fields, a fitness area, challenge course, bathrooms and clubhouse, this space was designed with everyone in mind. Their goal is to make sure people of all abilities are able to be in on the fun. Parents with disabilities won’t have to worry about their kids’ safety on the playground, because they can access every part of the park. And for people with different sensory needs, there will be dedicated quiet spaces. This park is set to be a regional attraction and is planning to open in phases starting in the fall. For more information, visit universalpark.org.

Firefly Grove Park: A Year-Round Destination

Wauwatosa will welcome Firefly Grove Park at the corner of 116th Street and Gilbert Avenue after Memorial Day. The park will boast walking trails, a sledding hill, a playground, a pavilion, a mountain bike pump track, solar panels, and a [THUMP! THUMP!] … giant troll! The park will serve as a space to get outside year-round, offering something for everyone no matter the season.

Thomas Dambo's New Troll Installation

Something big is coming! Internationally renowned artist Thomas Dambo, famous for his larger-than-life wooden trolls, is bringing his latest creation to Wauwatosa just in time for the summer. His sculptures are made from reclaimed wood and recycled materials, and are playful and whimsical additions to any landscape. While we won’t know what it will look like until it’s built, we know it will be a welcome addition to the vibrant art scene of Wauwatosa. The troll will live in Firefly Grove Park and be joined by several public art benches throughout the park. As we get closer to summer, be on the lookout for signs of a troll on our social media.

Welcome 2025!

Flannelpalooza: Bigger and Better in 2025

Flannelpalooza returns February 8th, and this year, it's bigger and better than ever! It’s bigger with Harwood Avenue being closed, extending the fun from Root Common to the heart of The Village. It’s better as there will be several new attractions – a DJ, a wood carving demonstration, and games from First and Bowl! Don’t worry about the activities you loved last year going away; axe throwing, best dressed dog, and beard contests will also be making their returns. And just like 2024, local restaurants are happy to feed the flannelled masses!

Tosa Restaurant Week: A Culinary Extravaganza

For food lovers, Tosa Restaurant Week is always a highlight, but in 2025, it will feature even more restaurants, more deals, and more chances to explore the culinary scene of Wauwatosa! Whether you’re a fan of classic American fare, international cuisine, or something unique, you’ll find plenty of options to savor at a great price. With 10 full days of deals, you can try delicious offerings from different locations each day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

ART 64: A Fusion of Food and Art

Speaking of food, in 2025 the culinary art at ART 64 may rival the art on display at the Midwest’s largest bracket-style live painting tournament. This two-day event is back by popular demand on June 6th and 7th, taking over the streets of The Village. While the 64 artists compete head-to-head, you can enjoy food and drinks from local vendors and support artists by bidding on the masterpieces they create! Whether you're an art lover, a foodie, or both, ART 64 promises to be a treat.

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