About this Event
Coffee & Contrast: Sauna, Cold Plunge and Coffee Experience
At The Hive, we exist to initiate social change in Milwaukee and beyond. We’re buzzing to shift the culture away from conventional social norms and toward more generative, sustainable ways of building community. When you join us, you become part of a movement dedicated to changing the world for the better by nurturing authentic relationships and promoting mindful, life-affirming ways of connecting.
At our Coffee & Contrast Event Series, we invite you to experience the power of contrast therapy through cold plunges in Lake Michigan and sauna sessions, complemented by breathwork, movement, connection, and the cozy warmth of exceptional coffee from world-renowned, locally sourced organic producers. Together, we’ll revitalize our energy, foster meaningful bonds, and create a hive of well-being that redefines how we come together.
Get ready to join our hive for a day intertwined with growth, connection, and filling our cups (literally and figuratively) ! At our Coffee & Contrast event, you’ll experience the same lineup of activities, with two sessions buzzing to life from 10am-12pm and 12pm-2pm
Thank you to our sponsor Fire Fly Suana
& Thank you to Milwaukee County Parks for letting us do our work at Bradford !
Here’s what’s in store for each session:
🐝 Welcome Warm-Up & Establishing Safety: Sip, Connect, Arrive, De-brief
PLEASE arrive 10 minutes before official start time so that we can get everyone checked and begin our session promptly. From there everyone can settle in with a steaming cup of carefully curated coffee. This is your time to ground yourself, meet others, and prepare for a morning of connection. We will do a brief formal welcoming, and safety debrief during this time as well.
🐝 Sauna, Cold Plunge, Breathe & Move: Embrace The Elements With Contrast Therapy
We’ll kick things off by buzzing into the heat of our wood-fired saunas, cranked up to an engaging 170°F. Like bees in a hive, we’ll soak in the warmth, allowing the heat to increase circulation, relax muscles, and release endorphins—the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. After 20–30 minutes, we’ll transition as a group and plunge into the crisp, invigorating waters of Lake Michigan. The sudden cold exposure activates your body’s fight-or-flight response, triggering a rush of adrenaline, reducing inflammation, and boosting immune function. This powerful contrast between heat and cold stimulates your cardiovascular system, sharpens mental focus, and leaves you buzzing with vitality. Together, we’ll brave the sting of the cold and emerge with sweet rewards: enhanced resilience, renewed energy, and a stronger hive bond with community.
🐝 Breathe & Move: Cultivating Connection
After the plunge, we’ll guide you through breathwork and movement techniques to reignite warmth and energy. Like a hive in harmony, this practice reconnects you to your body while deepening synergy withing the group. It’s a chance to feel your vitality and shared support reflected in the community.
🐝 Coffee Break: Warmth & Reflection
Between and during rounds, savor the rich flavors of our hand-selected coffee. Let its warmth be a moment of stillness or a spark for curious conversation and connection within the hive.
🐝 Rinse & Repeat: Flow with the Community
The remainder of the experience is yours to enjoy with the group. Cycle between the sauna’s comforting heat and the cold plunge’s invigorating reset as you wish, all while fostering meaningful connections with those around you. Share stories, laughter, and moments of authenticity that fill your cup and remind you of the power of collective support.
A Community-First Event
At The Hive, we’re all about fostering connection and creating accessible experiences. That’s why Coffee & Contrast operates on a pay-what-you-can basis, with a suggested $40 donation. Your contribution—whether it’s more, less, or simply your presence—helps us cover event costs and continue offering meaningful, community-driven experiences like this one. Thank you for being part of what makes this event special!
If the minimum donation of $1.00 required by Eventbrite is a barrier for you to join, please email us. We’ll happily secure your spot as an official participant.
What to Bring:
Essentials:
- Warm clothing, layers, and a towel (it’s all outdoors, so bundle up).
- Swimwear for the plunge into Lake Michigan.
- A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
- A COFFEE MUG. Our goal is to create as little waste as possible
Optional:
- A journal and pen for reflection.
- A blanket or chair for added comfort during breaks.
Ready to take bold action?!
Fill out the required liability waiver here if you have not already from a previous event: WAIVER CLICK HERE <<<<
We can’t wait to share the magic of contrast, coffee, and community with you!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Bradford Beach, 2400 n lincoln memorial dr, milwaukee, United States
