REAL TIME BUS – On Thu, July 17, 7-8:30PM representatives from the Milw County Transit System will be at the Gordon Park Pavilion to roll out their new services for riders. Starting this year MCTS will offer real-time bus information (the ability to go online and see exactly when the bus will be at your stop), the M-Card (a new way to pay for rides), and new fare boxes to make transit easier. A bus-bike will also be available to check out or practice with. There will be ample time for questions from the community on these new features, so get on board!

TALENT COMPETITION – Here’s something fun to do on RW24 Weekend! Art Bar (722 E Burleigh) hosts their annual MishMash Fest and Talent Competition on Fri, July 25, 3-11PM. Solo or group performers are invited to register by July 21: singers, dancers, musicians, comedians, acrobatics, jugglers, magicians, bike tricks, fire spinning, feats of strength, feats of danger…have fun and use your imagination! All performances take place on 25’ x 25’ of road surface, rain or shine. The audience determines the top three winners for cash prizes from $50 to $300. For full entry requirements, stop in or call the Art Bar at 414. 372.7880 (see ad Page 19).

ZINE CAMP – People’s Books (804 E Center) is hosting a Zine Camp for Kids on Sat & Sun, July 12 & 13, 10AM-4PM. Kids (ages 8-12) write, illustrate, and copy their own zines. They will also learn about DIY zine culture, history, and publication as well as experiment with different zine genres. No prior knowledge or skills necessary. Camp culminates with a public Zine Reading on Mon, July 14, 6PM. Free (donations welcome) – RSVP at zinecamp@gmail.com.

TAMARACK SCHOOL – Tamarack Waldorf School is pleased to announce the opening of their new High School and first 9th Grade Class this fall. Parents interested in Waldorf education are invited to an Open House and tour of the school (1150 E Brady) on Tue, July 29, 6:30-8:30PM. Enrollment is now underway for grades pre-K thru Grade 9 for the 2014-2015 school year (see ads Pages 10 and 13).

SECRET GARDEN TOUR – Bring your camera and take a self-guided tour of the lush garden retreats of Riverwest on Sun, July 13, Noon-4PM. A map of the 5th Annual Secret Garden Tour is available at Garden Park on the day of the event. Be sure to wear comfy shoes but no pets please (see ad Page 8).

EASTSIDE GARDEN TOUR – The Eastside Milw Community Council launched their first self-guided garden tour last year. This year’s tour on Sun, July 27, 10AM-4PM features 24 home gardens and 5 public gardens. Walk or take a tour by bike with Alderman Nik Kovac – gather at UEC at 9:45AM. Free maps are available at the North Point Lighthouse (2650 N Wahl Av) and Urban Ecology Center on the day of the tour. For more info, email emily.m.schoenfelder@gmail.com.

SOCIALIST PICNIC – The essence of Socialism is sharing the wealth and everyone’s invited to bring a dish to share at the annual Socialist Party Picnic on Sat, July 19, noon-4PM. This year’s picnic is at a new location on the west side at Washington Park (1859 N. 40th St, picnic area #10). For more info, call the Socialist Party at 414.332.0654 or spwi.org.

BREADFEST – Breadfest, a DIY music fest, returns to Riverwest for a second run from July 31 thru Aug 3. Venues include People’s Books, Jazz Gallery, Linneman’s, Riverwest Public House, Jackpot Gallery, Bremen Café, Stonefly, and an outdoor show at Garden Park. For show passes and the full line-up of 49 bands, visit milwaukeerecord.com/music.

BRASIL ON BRADY – Catch World Cup fever at the Brasil on Brady celebration on Sun, July 13, NOON-9PM (at Brady & Warren). Watch the final soccer match on a Jumbotron screen at 2PM and then party in the street with De La Buena and the WI Conservatory of Music Brazilian Samba Unit featuring The Panaza Dance Troupe and MPT Samba Puppets. For the full schedule of games & events, go to nomadworldcopa.com

CENTER ST DAZE – On your mark! Center St Daze is earlier this year on Sat, Aug 2 and is a great place to cruise the street with friends, family & neighbors. For more info or to be a vendor or sponsor, email centerstreetfestival@gmail.com (see ad Page 13).

HANK AARON RUN – The popular Hank Aaron 5K Run/Walk is coming up on Sat, Aug 9. Proceeds benefit the Hank Aaron State Trail. To register, see ad on Page 13.

RECLAMATION PARADE – Free workshops continue for MPT’s artery project: Reclamation Parade & Pageant (on Sat, Aug 30 on the Beerline Trail). Drop in at the Holton Youth & Family Center (510 E Burleigh) every Mon & Wed thru Aug 13, 1:15-3:45PM, and the Grand Avenue (161 W Wisconsin) on Saturdays, July 12 & 19 and Aug 2-23, 10AM-2PM. More info at milwaukeepublictheatre.org or call 414.347.1685.

STEAMPUNK WORKSHOPS – Help create hats, spats, bustles, and other costume elements to wear at MPT’s 40th “Circus of Metamorphosis”celebration (on Sep 19). Drop in on Fri, July 18, 4-7PM at RAA Jazz Gallery Center for the Arts (926 E Center) or Sat, July 19, 10AM-1PM at the Grand Avenue (161 W Wisconsin). More info at milwaukeepublictheatre.org.

FREE LUNCH – For hungry kids ages18 and under, free meals are available until mid-August at schools, parks, and rec centers throughout the city. Check impactinc.org for locations, dates, times, and whether breakfast, lunch, and/or supper is being served.

GUN HOTLINE – Help save a life – maybe your own. In response to a rash of shootings in Milwaukee, Mayor Barrett recently announced a new gun hotline. Residents can call 414.335.GUNS (414.335.4867) to anonymously report suspected illegal weapons in the city. Barrett is also working with legislators on stiffer penalties for gun offenses.

FIREWORKS – A reminder that all fireworks are illegal in the City of Milwaukee, even if they were purchased outside the city. Any item that emits smoke, a bang, or sparkle is considered illegal and, upon conviction, is subject to a fine of $500 to $1,000 for an adult who uses or consents to the use of fireworks by a minor. For more info, call the Safety Division at 414.935.7990.

EARLY VOTING – In Person Absentee Voting for the Fall Primary Election (on Aug 12) takes place at the Zeidler Municipal Building July 28-Aug 8. Milw County offices to be elected include Sheriff and Clerk of Circuit Court. State offices include Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Representative in Congress, State Senator (odd-numbered districts), and Assembly Representative (all districts). More info at myvote.wi.gov or city.milwaukee/election.

CITY HALL CLOSED – City Hall and most city departments, except for police and fire services, will be closed on Thu & Fri, July 3 & 4 for Independence Day. Offi