Please find the fest at milwaukeezinefest.org

The Bindery was the main steward of Milwaukee Zine Fest from 2019 to 2025, in partnership with The Milwaukee Public Library (the fest's host site). When The Bindery closed in 2025, MZF remained strong with a core team of former fest leaders forming the Milwaukee Zine Consortium to carry the fest forward into 2026 and beyond!

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The fest's 7 years with The Bindery was a time of great transformation and success for which we are very proud. Through the steadfast work of an amazing volunteer Zine Team, MZF transformed into a festival that was more than twice as large, and abundantly more diverse than it ever had been prior. Vendors now attend from all over the country.

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We updated DEI policies, formed stronger bonds with the library, expanded the fest's day-of programming and hands-on workshops, added food trucks, a scholarship, and more! All while keeping the fest 100% free for the public to attend and enjoy. Our lottery system for vendors was updated annually to be more and more ethical and fair: it became a model for other fest lotteries across the country.

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Milwaukee Zine Fest has always been a completely independent entity: it relies on no grants, no "angel donors," no corporate sponsorships--aka no one sways the fest's vision, goals and policies other than those who are directly involved in running it. We are are just stewards of this safe space as it evolves: it was an honor to be its steward for so many years.

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This page now sits as an archived note of celebration for what occurred--and gratitude for those who not only made it happen, but who now carry it forward. Head over to the new steward page for all the info on how to vend, visit, and enjoy one of the longest-standing and most-wonderous zine fests in North America. Mazel tov and happy stapling!

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