Third Ward Moon Festival celebrates historic association's 50th anniversary

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Milwaukee is known as the City of Festivals, and this weekend, one celebration is looking to the night sky.

The Third Ward Moon Festival is underway in downtown Milwaukee, marking the Historic Third Ward Association's 50th anniversary.

The festival features live art, dancing, music and a large-scale moon installation at the center of the event.

The installation was created by English artist Luke Jerram and measures more than 23 feet in diameter. Organizers say it is the only time the piece will be displayed in the United States in 2026.

"It has over 23 feet in diameter, high-definition photography from a NASA mission in the 2000s, and he has created this amazing replica of the moon," said Jim Plaisted, executive director of the Historic Third Ward Association.

The festival runs until 11 p.m. Saturday and returns Sunday from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.