Wolski’s Tavern to Serve Potential Last Keg of Schlitz in Milwaukee

Milwaukee’s Wolski’s Tavern will serve what could be the last keg of Schlitz beer in the city on Saturday, June 7, 2026, marking the end of an era for the iconic American lager after 177 years of production. The final pour will take place as part of a special celebration at the family-owned tavern, located at 1836 N. Pulaski St. in Milwaukee’s Lower East Side.

The announcement comes after Pabst Brewing Company, Schlitz’s parent company, ceased production of the beer, which was once the largest brewery in the United States and a staple of Milwaukee’s brewing legacy. Wolski’s Tavern, which has been operating since 1908, has long been a bastion for Schlitz, serving it alongside other local favorites like Miller High Life and Lakefront IPA.

Sean McCarthy, co-owner of Wolski’s Tavern, described the event as an opportunity for Schlitz enthusiasts to gather and share stories before the brand’s final Milwaukee serving. "Our hope is to have a bunch of people who have known the brand, or are familiar with it, to come and tell some stories and have a couple more beers," McCarthy said in a statement.

The celebration begins at 4 p.m. on Saturday, with patrons unable to pre-order Schlitz ahead of the event. The tavern’s location near Pulaski and Hamilton streets has made it a local landmark, and its "I Closed Wolski’s" bumper stickers—a tradition earned by late-night patrons—have become a cultural touchstone.

Schlitz’s retirement follows decades of decline in the American beer market, as craft breweries and international brands have reshaped consumer preferences. Yet for Milwaukee, Schlitz remains a symbol of the city’s brewing heritage, and its final keg at Wolski’s Tavern will serve as a poignant farewell.

The event underscores the intersection of history and modernity in Milwaukee, where long-standing institutions like Wolski’s Tavern continue to honor traditions even as the industry evolves. For beer lovers, the occasion is a rare chance to toast the past—and reflect on what comes next for the city’s brewing future.

Why It Matters
Schlitz’s legacy extends beyond beer—it is tied to Milwaukee’s identity as a brewing hub. The brand’s retirement reflects broader trends in the industry, where regional favorites often fade as tastes shift. Wolski’s Tavern, however, remains a bridge between generations, offering a final toast to a beer that once defined the city.

What Happens Next
After Saturday’s celebration, Schlitz will no longer be available in Milwaukee, though Pabst Brewing Company may continue limited production elsewhere. For now, Wolski’s Tavern will preserve the moment as a tribute to Schlitz’s enduring place in local history.

How to Attend
The final keg celebration begins at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2026, at Wolski’s Tavern (1836 N. Pulaski St., Milwaukee, WI 53202). No pre-orders will be accepted, and the event is open to the public. For more information, patrons can contact the tavern directly at (414) 276-8130.