Visit Oak Creek Community Center: Hours, Events, Weddings & Rentals
Oak Creek Community Center is a nonprofit gathering and event venue at 8580 S. Howell Avenue, Oak Creek, WI 53154, in the southern Milwaukee area. It hosts weddings, receptions, community celebrations, business gatherings, fundraisers and seasonal activities. The center has served the area since 1994.
This is primarily an event and community gathering facility, rather than a traditional municipal fitness or swimming center. Your visit depends on whether you have an event invitation, want to attend a community activity or need to arrange a private rental.
Information reviewed October 26, 2026. Specific event schedules, availability, rental rates and holiday hours can change.
Opening Hours: When Can You Visit?
| Day | Office / visitor availability |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00 AM–4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM–4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM–4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM–4:00 PM |
| Friday | Open during events only |
| Saturday | Open during events only |
| Sunday | Open during events only |
If you are attending a reception, fundraiser or community activity, use the specific event start time. If you want to view rental rooms, call the office first to arrange a suitable appointment.
What Facilities Does Oak Creek Community Center Offer?
Ulrich Hall Ballroom
The main event ballroom, advertised for gatherings of up to approximately 350 people. It includes chandeliers, a bar area and sound equipment, with flexible room arrangements depending on the event.
Best for: wedding receptions, large celebrations, banquets, awards events and corporate gatherings.
The Lion’s Den
An updated multipurpose room developed in collaboration with the Oak Creek Lions. The venue describes a capacity of up to 100 guests, natural light, a bar and patio access.
Best for: showers, birthdays, community meetings, smaller celebrations and private social events.
Atrium & Reception Area
A welcoming reception space featuring a skylight approximately 28 feet high. It can support guest arrivals, social gatherings and event transitions.
Confirm whether atrium use is included with your chosen room or requires a separate arrangement.
Guest Parking & Accessibility
The center lists approximately 180 on-site parking spaces and describes the facility as ADA-compliant.
Ask about accessible entrances, restrooms, seating layouts and parking arrangements if a guest requires a specific accommodation.
Events, Weddings, Parties & Community Gatherings
The center’s official rental information identifies several kinds of events that can be hosted in its spaces.
Weddings & Receptions
Ask about ballroom layout, ceremony arrangements, catering, bar service, dancing, guest arrival and preparation access.
Family Celebrations
Birthday parties, baby showers, engagement celebrations, anniversaries, holiday parties and quinceañeras.
Business & Community
Awards banquets, training sessions, meetings, seminars, corporate events, fundraisers and nonprofit gatherings.
The center is located in southeastern Wisconsin, with the operator describing convenient access from Interstate 94 and Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. For another Milwaukee-area option with its own cultural programming and banquet spaces, see our Italian Community Center Milwaukee visitor and venue guide. That location operates independently with different rental and catering arrangements.
Oak Creek Community Center Rental Prices
Rental pricing is available by direct quotation. The center does not publish a complete, reliable fixed 2026 rental price sheet on its general wedding and event webpage. Exact charges depend on your preferred space, event date, guest count, timing and requested services.
| Cost component | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Room rental | Ulrich Hall versus Lion’s Den, reservation duration and day of the week |
| Deposit | Amount, due date, refundability and damage-related charges |
| Catering | Approved caterers, menu options, minimum guest numbers and service charges |
| Bar service | Staffing, packages, age-verification requirements and venue conditions |
| Equipment | Tables, chairs, microphones, sound system, linens, decorations and special setup |
| Additional time | Early access, late finish, setup, breakdown, staff overtime and cleaning |
| Cancellation | Refund deadlines, rescheduling conditions and force-majeure provisions |
Rental models differ between nonprofit and municipal venues. For a useful example of published banquet capacities, catering rules and deposits at another event-oriented center, review the Eagan Community Center rental and wedding planning guide. Its listed prices do not apply to Oak Creek.
How to Rent Oak Creek Community Center: Step by Step
- Choose your event type. Decide whether this is a wedding, birthday, fundraiser, memorial gathering, shower, meeting or corporate event.
- Estimate attendance. Count adults, children, event staff and other attendees when planning room capacity.
- Select a suitable room. Use Ulrich Hall for larger banquet-style events or the Lion’s Den for gatherings of up to around 100 people.
- Prepare preferred dates. Have one preferred date and at least two alternatives, with an approximate start and finish time.
- Open the official weddings and events page. Review the room descriptions, amenities and catering information.
- Contact the rental team. Email amy@occenter.com or call 414-768-5840. Give the event purpose, date, expected attendance, preferred room and catering requirements.
- Request an itemized quotation. Ask for space charges, catering, staffing, bar arrangements, deposits, taxes, equipment and any extra charges.
- Arrange a viewing. Confirm an available date to inspect the room, guest flow, accessible entrance, restrooms and parking.
- Review the agreement. Examine permitted decorations, vendor restrictions, cancellation terms, cleaning obligations, arrival access and final payment deadlines.
- Confirm the booking officially. Complete the operator’s contract and payment process. Keep your written approval, invoice, receipts and event contact details.
Catering, Bar Service & Event Planning
Oak Creek Community Center works with partner caterers. The official rental page directs customers to request the current approved-caterer information rather than assuming every outside vendor can serve at the venue.
Food Planning
- Check which approved caterers are available.
- Ask about buffet or plated dining.
- Confirm dietary accommodations and children’s meals.
- Ask whether outside desserts are permitted.
- Confirm delivery, refrigeration and cleanup responsibilities.
Reception Planning
- Confirm bar service and staffing arrangements.
- Check dance floor and sound requirements.
- Ask about microphones and presentation equipment.
- Confirm decoration and candle restrictions.
- Discuss arrival, setup and guest departure times.
For a comparison of how another public venue handles banquet room configurations, outside catering considerations and wedding receptions, our Brookhurst Community Center event-space planning guide provides a separate facility example. Confirm Oak Creek’s own contractual rules rather than assuming the policies are interchangeable.
Community Events & Seasonal Activities
Oak Creek Community Center also supports community gatherings and charitable initiatives. Its history includes food and clothing drives, veterans’ support activities and donations benefiting children.
Examples of recurring or previously hosted community activities described by the organization include:
- Summer Concert Series
- Ladies Night Out
- Halloween Carnival and Trunk or Treat
- Community Christmas Tree Lighting
- Breakfast with Santa
- Community donation and outreach drives
- Volunteer recognition and local appreciation activities
If your family is attending a scheduled seasonal celebration, confirm whether tickets or reservations are needed. Private functions and community events may have different entrances and parking instructions.
Parking, Directions & Accessibility
| Street address | 8580 S. Howell Avenue, Oak Creek, WI 53154 |
|---|---|
| Area | Southern Milwaukee metropolitan area, Wisconsin |
| On-site parking | Approximately 180 spaces, as stated by the operator |
| Accessibility | Facility described by the operator as ADA-compliant |
| Nearby travel corridor | Interstate 94 |
| Telephone | 414-768-5840 |
Before traveling
- Use the complete street address rather than searching only for “Oak Creek Community Center.”
- Confirm your event’s starting time and the correct entrance.
- Ask the organizer about guest parking during busy events.
- Contact the center beforehand if you need accessible seating or entrance assistance.
- For deliveries, ask where vendors are permitted to unload.
Is Oak Creek Community Center a City Recreation Center?
No. Oak Creek Community Center describes itself as a self-funded nonprofit, separate from the City of Oak Creek. It is known primarily for venue rentals, public gatherings and community outreach rather than general-access fitness facilities.
| If you need… | Correct place to start |
|---|---|
| Wedding or banquet hall | Oak Creek Community Center event rental team |
| Community celebration | Oak Creek Community Center event calendar |
| Public sports classes or youth recreation | Oak Creek Community Education & Recreation, 7630 S. 10th Street, 414-768-6166 |
| Municipal park shelter or sports-field rental | City of Oak Creek Recreation Department and its reservation portal |
| Library services | Oak Creek Public Library, 8040 S. 6th Street |
For City-run recreation programs, use the City of Oak Creek recreation information page. This distinction can save visitors from arriving at an event venue expecting a gym, pool or municipal class registration desk.
Voting Location & Severe Weather Information
Election-day voting
The City of Oak Creek identifies the community center at 8580 S. Howell Avenue as the District 6 polling location. This does not mean every Oak Creek resident votes here. Voters must use their assigned polling location based on their registered address.
Check your voting district and current election instructions through MyVote Wisconsin before Election Day.
Warming and cooling center listing
The City also includes Oak Creek Community Center in its South Shore warming and cooling center directory for severe temperature events.
The City provides more information on its official warming and cooling centers page.
Quick Visitor Checklists
Attending an Event
- Confirm the event date and time.
- Have your invitation or ticket ready.
- Check the room or hall name.
- Confirm dress code, if applicable.
- Check whether seating is assigned.
- Follow event-specific parking instructions.
- Ask about accessibility needs early.
Renting a Venue
- Prepare guest count and event type.
- Choose a preferred room.
- Have alternate dates ready.
- Request an itemized quote.
- Confirm approved catering arrangements.
- Review contract, deposit and cancellation terms.
- Keep written booking confirmation.
For another example of the difference between public facility hours and privately booked event hours, see our Sherwood Community Center visitor and rental guide. Although located in Virginia, its event-planning details illustrate useful questions to ask before confirming a private venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Oak Creek Community Center located?
Oak Creek Community Center is located at 8580 S. Howell Avenue, Oak Creek, Wisconsin 53154, in the southern Milwaukee metropolitan area.
2. What is the Oak Creek Community Center phone number?
The main telephone number is 414-768-5840. General inquiries can also be sent to info@occenter.com.
3. What are Oak Creek Community Center’s opening hours?
The published standard office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 4 PM. Friday, Saturday and Sunday access is event-based. Individual events may operate at different times.
4. Can you rent Oak Creek Community Center for a wedding?
Yes. The center hosts weddings, receptions and other private celebrations. Its Ulrich Hall ballroom accommodates approximately 350 guests, depending on the approved setup.
5. How many people can the Lion’s Den accommodate?
The operator describes the Lion’s Den as a multipurpose space for up to approximately 100 guests. The final allowed attendance depends on the event arrangement and venue approval.
6. How much does it cost to rent Oak Creek Community Center?
Current rental prices are supplied by quotation rather than a complete fixed public price list. Call 414-768-5840 or email amy@occenter.com with your date, guest count and preferred room to request pricing.
7. Is parking available at Oak Creek Community Center?
Yes. The center states that it offers approximately 180 on-site parking spaces. For large events, ask the organizer whether special parking instructions apply.
8. Is Oak Creek Community Center wheelchair accessible?
The operator describes the facility as ADA-compliant. Guests who need a particular accessible entrance, restroom arrangement, seating configuration or other accommodation should confirm details with the center before visiting.
9. Is Oak Creek Community Center operated by the City?
No. It is a self-funded nonprofit organization separate from the City of Oak Creek. City recreation classes and park reservations use different municipal departments and services.
10. Where can I find upcoming Oak Creek Community Center events?
Use the official calendar at occenter.com/calendar/ for community activities, seasonal celebrations and announced events. Check each event’s entry time, price, registration requirements and availability.
Official Contact & Useful Links
Oak Creek Community Center
8580 S. Howell Avenue
Oak Creek, WI 53154
Phone: 414-768-5840
General email: info@occenter.com
Rental email: amy@occenter.com
Official Weddings & Event Rentals
This independent visitor guide does not operate or represent Oak Creek Community Center. Booking, payments, current hours and accessibility arrangements must be confirmed with the venue operator.