The Third Ward Beer Garden is opening Friday with free beer and live music

The Third Ward is gearing up for summer with the opening of its beer garden in Catalano Square Park, 147 N. Broadway, on April 19.

The Third Ward Beer Garden will open at 5 p.m. when it taps its first keg of beer this season — Explorium Brewpub's Copper Lager, which will be free until the keg runs out.

The beer garden will feature a seasonal menu of beer, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails, along with live music Thursday through Saturday. It also will have games like cornhole and outdoor Jenga.

Nearby restaurants Club Charlie's, 320 E. Menomonee St.; Copper Turtle Taverne & Brewery, 330 E. Menomonee St.; and Riley's Social House, 411 E. Menomonee St. are options for food.

The beer garden opening coincides with Gallery Night MKE, a quarterly two-day event where galleries and venues across the city are open to show off artwork. There will be nearly 30 participating galleries and venues in the Third Ward, including the beer garden.

The beer garden is open 3-9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 12-9 p.m. Saturday and 12-6 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit thirdwardbeergarden.com.