By Julie Lawrence Special to OnMilwaukee.com Published Oct 29, 2009 at 9:25 AM

Much like the city its named for, the annual gathering of music makers, fashion flaunters and creative crafters known as Made in Milwaukee just gets bigger and better each year.

What started seven years ago at Stonefly Brewing Co. (then known as Onopa) as a grassroots effort to celebrate Milwaukee's artillery of artists has evolved into a well-organized, highly attended -- we're talking a crowd more than 1,000 -- event with national pull.

And because it lands on All Hallow's Eve this year, the event's got a Halloween theme and is nicknamed the "Creatures and Creators." Teaming up with 88NINE Radio Milwaukee, Made in Milwaukee brings six bands, 14 visual artists, live art projects and a fashion show to Turner Hall Ballroom Oct. 31 beginning at 6 p.m.

This year's party features two national acts -- Great Lake Swimmers and Serena Ryder -- and local bands The Championship, Kid Millions, WillPhalen and the Stereo Addicts, and Chalice In The Palace.

And don't forget it's Halloween here, folks. There's a costume contest and the stakes are high. Show up in your best Andy Warhol for a chance to win a prize package to experience the Milwaukee Art Museum's "Andy Warhol: The Last Decade exhibition."

Tickets are $10 in advance or at the door.

Julie Lawrence Special to OnMilwaukee.com

OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Julie Lawrence grew up in Wauwatosa and has lived her whole life in the Milwaukee area.

As any “word nerd” can attest, you never know when inspiration will strike, so from a very early age Julie has rarely been seen sans pen and little notebook. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee it seemed only natural that she major in journalism. When OnMilwaukee.com offered her an avenue to combine her writing and the city she knows and loves in late 2004, she knew it was meant to be. Around the office, she answers to a plethora of nicknames, including “Lar,” (short for “Larry,” which is short for “Lawrence”) as well as the mysteriously-sourced “Bill Murray.”