MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Fifty years after the M&M Club first opened its doors in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward, community members will gather this summer to celebrate the bar’s enduring legacy and its role in shaping the city’s LGBTQ+ history.

The M&M Club, located at 124 N. Water St., debuted on July 4, 1976, during a period when LGBTQ+ spaces were emerging as vital centers of connection and visibility. According to a 1976 issue of the GLIB Guide, the bar’s grand opening drew such a large crowd that it spilled into the street, with staff “really put[ting] in a day’s work” as the community turned out in force.

Over the next three decades, the M&M became a cornerstone of Milwaukee’s LGBTQ+ nightlife and a fixture in the broader revitalization of the Historic Third Ward. Though the bar closed in May 2006, its legacy has endured through regular reunion events that have kept its community — often described as chosen family — connected for nearly 20 years.

This year’s reunion, marking the club’s golden anniversary, is expected to be especially significant.

The 2026 M&M Club Reunion will take place Sunday, July 5, beginning at 1 p.m. at La Cage NiteClub, 801 S. 2nd St. Organizers say the event will bring together longtime patrons and friends to celebrate five decades of memories while honoring the contributions of Bob Schmidt, a central figure in the club’s history.

Schmidt, who will attend the event in person, is set to receive a BeSeen Award from the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project, as well as an honorary proclamation from Gov. Tony Evers recognizing 50 years of community service.

In addition to the reunion, organizers announced that the former M&M Club site will be commemorated with a State Historic Marker later this year, recognizing its cultural and historical significance within Milwaukee and the state.

The reunion event will feature a retro-themed lineup, including a drag show hosted by Miss Karen Valentine, drink specials, a DJ and dance party, a photo exhibit, and food service, along with available sidewalk seating.

Organizers noted that, due to operational challenges, this year’s gathering will not be held at the original M&M Club location. They expressed gratitude to La Cage NiteClub for hosting the milestone celebration.

The event is presented in loving memory of Ron “Rona” Thate (1951–2023), a beloved member of the M&M community.

Those unable to attend can still support efforts to honor the club’s legacy, including the installation of the historic marker, through a tax-deductible contribution to the ongoing fund drive.