Join the fun with Sugo’s evening kayak event on Milwaukee River—music, community, and paddling collide for a summer to remember!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic paddling skills recommended
Wildlife
History
Milwaukee’s river system has been a vital part of the city since the 19th century, evolving from industrial uses to vibrant recreational space.
Conservation
Efforts to maintain clean waterways ensure safe paddling experiences and support local wildlife.
Funk Enterprises LLC
Join the fun with Sugo’s evening kayak event on Milwaukee River—music, community, and paddling collide for a summer to remember!
Funk Enterprises LLC is a Milwaukee-based event operator that produces the MKE River Roundup, a series of kayaking and live-music evenings on the Milwaukee River. The company runs themed paddle experiences aboard the Funktoon, pairing on-water performances with lively afterparties hosted at nearby venues such as Twisted Fisherman. Bands featured in the program include Garrett Waite Trio, Los Mitoteros, Wire and Nail, Valley Fox, Sugo, Joe Wray, People Brothers Band, The Taxmen, Ivy Ford, Honest Monday Trio, Fightin Bob, and others that appear on weekly lineups.
Each trip combines guided paddling with curated live music; participants board the Funktoon, paddle segments of the river, and then join an afterparty for extended performances and community socializing. Runs occur throughout the summer season, with several summaries indicating weekly events and rotating artists that create a varied schedule for returning attendees.
Funk Enterprises LLC emphasizes safety and local partnership by operating established routes on the Milwaukee River and coordinating with neighborhood venues. The company’s offerings focus on outdoor recreation, live entertainment, and community connection, appealing to paddlers and music fans seeking a summer evening experience. Reservations and event details are typically provided through listing platforms and promotional materials for each week’s lineup. Funk Enterprises LLC is identifiable by its Funktoon vessel and the MKE River Roundup branding that appears across trip summaries.
Public schedules highlight curated lineups, paddling routes, and afterparty locations so guests can plan logistics, group bookings, and accessibility needs before attending summer events with start points and safety briefings provided.
Live Music
Rotating bands
Live bands onboard each trip
Location
Milwaukee, WI
Paddles on the Milwaukee River
Event Rhythm
Weekly (summer)
Runs throughout the summer season
Tours Offered
7 trips
Seven named paddle experiences
Find this week's lineup, secure tickets, and plan a memorable Milwaukee river night — spaces fill fast for summer events.
Wear quick-drying clothing
Opt for moisture-wicking and quick-drying gear to stay comfortable during the paddle and music event.
Arrive early for the best spots
Get to Twisted Fisherman early to secure a prime launching spot and catch the live music start.
Bring waterproof bags
Protect your electronics and valuables in waterproof dry bags during the river cruise.
Stay hydrated
Keep a water bottle handy to stay refreshed during the paddling and festivities.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Keep a PFD on at all times for safety while kayaking.
Sun hat or cap
Protect yourself from the sun during daylight hours.
summer
Waterproof phone case
Safeguard your phone from splashes and rain.
Lightweight towel
Use to dry off after paddling or before the afterparty.
summer