October 1st, 2025
Welcome to our series, Spotlighting Wisconsin! This series will spotlight arts organizations across the state (including some of our wonderful grantees), and showcase the amazing work they do in their communities, along with sharing the why, or what drives them as an organization to do the work they do.
Cactus+
Past Wisconsin Arts Board Grantee
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cactus+ is the arts education nonprofit at Cactus Club, a storied artist-run, queer-owned music venue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Cactus+ prioritizes representation and participation that reflects the many communities that we are a part of and serve. We’re thoroughly Midwestern and reclaim how that is reflected through our programming: centering queer, BIPOC, working class and working poor, artists and community members.
In 2024 we hosted 68 learning programs, 22 film screenings and 12 artist markets. Learning programs include Cactus Book Club, Open Decks (free DJ classes twice monthly), Wavy Lines (monthly art classes), our Seed Swap and educational workshops from publishing to understanding performance contracts. From creative workshops to health education, we do our best to keep art accessibility (financial, physical, social) at the core of each program.
These intergenerational initiatives create meaningful opportunities for shared resources, collaboration, playfulness, skill development, and networking. By partnering with many community organizations and offering a space for many voices to thrive, we cultivate a strong, resilient cultural ecosystem that supports individual growth and collective action.
As of July 2025, we finally have a ramp to our front door! After years of advocating and community support, we were able to complete the concrete portion of the project. By the end of summer, the ramp will be complete with railings and a beautiful mosaic facade by Kate Klingbeil. This is the first phase of our Accessibility Initiative. In 2026 we will launch organizing efforts for our second phase: a substantive building addition that centers accessibility. This will include an accessible stage, greenroom, bathrooms, improved sightlines, and a lowered bar section for ordering. This project will enhance the user experience for all attendees and artists, broadening our capacity to better host the versatile programming we all love and believe in.
Watch
this video to learn more about Cactus Club and Cactus+!
Beet Street Festival 2025
Bay View’s annual, collaborative autumn festival, Beet Street, celebrates live music, community building, and film with seasonal drinks, local food vendors, numerous local artists and vintage purveyors.
On Saturday, October 4th, 2025, Cactus Club, Palomino Bar, and Goodkind will team up once again to host the 10th annual Beet Street Fall Festival. This all ages, family-friendly event runs 1-7pm with an 18+ indoor after-party to follow.
Curated by the Cactus+ team – Cactus Club’s nonprofit – this year’s lineup showcases talented musicians, both local and international. Legendary Brazilian psychedelic rock outfit Os Mutantes headlines. Linked with the Tropicália movement of the 1960s, Os Mutatntes’ blend of psychedelic rock, bossa nova, tropicália, and samba has continued to inspire contemporary musicians across the world. Direct support from Brooklyn-based alt-pop rapper Sophie Hunter as well as local favorites FTBK, Fellow Kinsman, Klan414 and Beet Street alum DJ Cozmiika.
The Beet Street Music Video Showcase will highlight a wide-range of filmmakers in Milwaukee and beyond through a curated selection of music videos, documentary shorts and more. This showcase will screen on loop in the live room of Cactus Club throughout the day.
Honeypie’s Great Midwestern Pie Championship is a crucial part of the festivities. Attendees are invited to bake and enter their favorite pie for the chance to win prizes. Seasonal cocktails will be available from all three hosting establishments in addition to caramel apples and food from Frida’s Cocina Taco Truck, Xankia and more.
Many inclusive community organizations make this block party stand out from the rest. Expect to see Froedtert Inclusion Health Clinic, Milwaukee Freedom Fund, Teens Grow Greens, Plastic Free MKE, Planned Parenthood, Milwaukee Riverkeeper, Cathedral Center and more tabling with interactive activities.
A variety of local and independent artists round out the artist market, including independent book and zine vendors, custom print clothing, face painting and a punk rock rummage sale.
This year’s festival is sponsored by Educators Credit Union.
Beet Street Fall Festival continues to curate a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all to enjoy. The all-ages event aims to connect people, communities and causes in an enriching and exciting environment. Join the festivities over the 2400 block of S. Wentworth Avenue between Cactus Club (Russell Ave) and Goodkind (Potter Ave).