What do you get when you combine Tomato fights, street theatre and Rex's hatred of Shakespeare?

That's right, on Sept 22nd we ventured into the territory of dinner theatre and Shakespeare, taking the bourgeoisie on on their own grounds. Except when we do it, the theatre is on the menu and the food is thrown at the actors. We had a blast and we'll be back next year. More info: Army of the Arts

MORE DETAILS ABOUT TOMATO ROMP:

Second Harvest To Benefit From Tomato Romp! - A New East Side Event

Milwaukee – Best Bloody Mary competition, plein air artists, hay wagon rides, salsa and marinara tastings, and a tomato fight are just a few of the activities planned for Tomato Romp! on Saturday, September 22 from 10 AM – 4 PM. 

The day kicks off at 10 a.m. with the East Side Market and the first ever North Avenue Bloody Mary Competition among the district’s favorite bars and restaurants.  Those of legal drinking age can purchase an official Tomato Romp! Bloody Mary punch card at The East Side Market and receive a free 7oz. sample from each participating bar (10 bars are already confirmed).  Judging will take place at 3:00 p.m. with the crowning of North Avenue’s Bloody Mary Champion and the fan favorite. 

If an art competition is more your style, check out the Second Annual East Side Plein Air Art Competition, which will take place between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.  All participating artists will be asked to paint, “en plein air”, a unique east side scene.  Judging will take place at 3:00 p.m.  Paintings will be auctioned off and on display at Beans and Barley (1901 E. North Avenue) through October 2.  

Tomato Rompers can hop on board a tractor-pulled hay wagon, presented by Whole Foods, and visit area retail shops while taking in the beautiful sites of Milwaukee’s beloved east side. Hay-wagon rides begin at 11 a.m. and run until 2:00 p.m.  

Tomato Romp! is an official “Harvest for the Hungry” donation site for Second Harvest Wisconsin. People are asked to clean our their gardens and donate excess produce to Second Harvest Wisconsin.  The Second Harvest truck will be at the festival from 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

Throughout the day the sidewalks will be filled with various buskers and tomato themed theater groups, including Milwaukee-based Insurgent Theater who will be entertaining crowds with a menu of Shakespearian sonnets, monologues and of course tomato throwing!  

The day will cap off with a smaller version of La Tomatina, Spain’s annual tomato fight at 3:30 p.m. sponsored by Alterra Coffee and Roastery. 

Tomato Romp! is presented by The East Side Business Improvement District, Maglio & Company, Three Olives Vodka, Alterra Coffee and Roastery, and Whole Foods. For more information visit TheEastSide.org or call 414.272.5823.