By Allen Halas OnMilwaukee Staff Writer Published Mar 14, 2025 at 7:00 AM

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Sláinte! It's St. Patrick's Day Weekend in Milwaukee! With the holiday falling on a Monday this year, there's no shortage of weekend events to let you get your St. Paddy's party on when it's not a school night. It's also Bar Month on OnMilwaukee, if you'd like to find a place to belly up. Plus sports, music, markets and more! Make your plans with the Weekend Preview, brought to you by Potawatomi Casino Hotel!

FRIDAY

Martin Lawerence performs in Milwaukee on FridayX

Martin Lawrence at Riverside Theater
Comedy legend Martin Lawrence announced he will headline a national tour – his first comedy tour since 2016 – coming to the Riverside Theater on Friday. The “Y’all Know What It Is!” tourfollows the release of "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" co-starring Will Smith.
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Thank Cod It's Fryday! (Updated for Lent)
The Lenten season is upon us, and if you're looking for a good fish fry, our dining editor Lori Fredrich has you covered. Find your next favorite here!
Thank Cod It's Fryrday

David Howley at Vivarium
Indie folk artist from Ireland and founding member of Billboard No.1 band We Banjo 3, David Howley has been at the forefront of Irish guitar, banjo and mandolin for over a decade. An award-winning vocalist, he has performed with The Chieftains, Eileen Ivers, Carlos Nunez, Billy Strings, Bela Fleck, Altan, Ajeet and Mumford & Sons, amongst others.
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Play Date with Art: Enchanted Paintings at Milwaukee Art Museum
It’s never too early to learn to love art! Celebrate Women’s History Month and explore the magic of paint to create stain paintings inspired by the work of Helen Frankenthaler. Then, join in the sing-alongs at 10:30 and 11:15 a.m. This monthly program is designed especially for visitors ages five and under (with an adult).
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Designing Milwaukee: The Work of Ferry & Clas at Pabst Mansion
While the Pabst Mansion was the fledgling architectural firm's earliest and largest residential commission, Ferry & Clas would go on to design many of Milwaukee's most significant landmarks, including the Milwaukee Public Library, the Matthews Brothers building, the Gustave Pabst residence and many others. Join John Eastberg as he shares many rare early photos of the prodigious output of one of Milwaukee's great architectural firms.
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The Allison Mahal Band at Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts
The Milwaukee-based Allison Mahal Band has garnered national press from NPR, Under the Radar, and American Songwriter among others. Allison’s crowd-pleasing mix of indie-pop and rock, and songs from the likes of HAIM, Lucinda Williams, and Fleetwood Mac are seamlessly blended with her own guitar-driven original songs.
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Los Acosta, Los Caminantes HN, El Tpo de Mexico at The Rave
Los Acosta formed in the peculiar San Luis Potosí district of San Sebastián. Playing a mixture of pop, cumbia, mambo, bolero, and norteño. The group later becoming one of the most popular bands in the onda grupera field, an innovative style consisting of traditional Mexican music performed with electric instruments.
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Neon Brush
Switch up your weekend plans with Neon Brush! Get creative with glow-in-the-dark paints in a UV-lit art studio—all while enjoying great tunes and a drink or two. Get your tickets for Neon Brush: A Glow-in-the-Dark Painting Experience in Milwaukee!
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Music Bingo at MOTOR Bar & Grill
 If you can't get no satisfaction from your regular granny's bingo, then this is the bar game just for you! TuneMaster's live music bingo is coming to Motor Bar and Restaurant at Milwaukee's Harley-Davidson campus every Friday night!
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Friday Brewery Tours at Pilot Project Brewing
Head to Pilot Project Brewing for their weekly brewery tour! Your ticket includes five 5 ounce tasters of beer and/or booch, a taster glass to take home with you, the inside scoop on the origin story of Pilot Project Brewing, and a tour of their brand new facility. Friday tours are available at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
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Animal Encounters at Discovery World
Turtles and snakes are some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. Join the Discovery World team for an adventure in their Great Lakes Future exhibit as you meet the animal ambassadors that call Discovery World home.
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The Dollyrots, Jinksie, Doubter, Socially Suspect at Cactus Club
The Dollyrots combine the energy of punk with the bubblegum hooks of pop while nimbly mixing exuberant noise and sweet melody. Their sunny, hooky songs are easy to digest, and albums like 2010’s A Little Messed Up, 2017’s Whiplash Splash, and 2019’s Daydream Explosion show off a streamlined, mainstream brand of punk-pop that has landed their songs in numerous commercials and TV shows. 
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The Claudettes, The Stephen Hull Experience at Anodyne Coffee Roasters
Six albums into their lauded career, the Claudettes (of Chicago) continue to put a fascinating new spin on American roots music. Blues and R&B are laced with punk spirit and film-noir moods to create the band’s singular “garage cabaret” sound. The Claudettes have earned worldwide acclaim with their recordings and concerts that are equal parts heart, musicianship and theatrical flair.
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Flatfoot 56, Something To Do, The Crombies, The Malones at X-Ray Arcade
Playing a positive-natured brand of hardcore-tinged Celtic punk, Flatfoot 56 has been unleashing itself upon America and the rest of the world for over 20 years.
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White Dry Pages, 3 Springs, Little Otik at Linneman's 
A very talented original band for just several months, White Dry Pages are three weathered music nerds and a new young buck bassist. Ricky Ganiere, Rob Bueno, Ryan Elliott & Donovan Ganiere are ready to bring the alt-country singalongs and messy rock n’ roll to Linneman’s
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The SkEye Series Vol. 4 Featuring DJ Icey at Miramar Theatre
It's a stacked night of EDM at the Miramar Theatre, with eight DJs spinning sets throughout the night. Don't miss your chance to dance at the 'Mar!
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SATURDAY

The St. Patrick's Day Parade is this Saturday in MilwaukeeX

57th Annual Shamrock Club of Wisconsin St. Patrick's Day Parade
The 57th Shamrock Club of Wisconsin St. Patrick's Day Parade hits the streets of downtown Milwaukee on Saturday! Featuring over 100 units including floats, Irish dancers, bagpipe & marching bands and local celebrities & dignitaries, this is a party you'll want to be a part of!
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Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers
Just days removed from losing a heartbreaker on the road in Indianapolis thanks to a miracle shot from Tyrese Haliburton, the Bucks welcome the Pacers to Fiserv Forum. This time around, let's hope things go a little differently.
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Milwaukee Admirals vs. Hartford Wolf Pack
The Admirals are back in action on Saturday night against the Hartford Wolf Pack! It's also Dog Day, and you can get a Brewers cap, as well as a postgame performance from Pat McCurdy!
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Milwaukee Classical Guitar Society presents Berta Rojas Acclaimed Paraguayan classical guitarist, Berta Rojas, will delight the audience with Latin American treasures and classical masterpieces. Don't miss this extraordinary performance with this Latin GRAMMY® Award winner on Saturday, March 15 at Sharon Lynne Wilson Center. Get tickets Sharon Lynne Wilson Center · 3270 Mitchell Park Dr, Brookfield, WI

Chris Thile with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Acclaimed Grammy Award-winning mandolinist, singer, songwriter, composer, and MacArthur Fellow recipient of the prestigious "Genius" grant, Chris Thile is a multifaceted musical talent, worthy of high critical praise. Join him for this unique show with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra!
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Trey Anastasio at Riverside Theater
Over the past four decades, composer/guitarist/vocalist Trey Anastasio has forged a singular, multi-faceted career, winning acclaim and garnering accolades across genres and disciplines including rock, classical, musical theatre, and more. He is a founding member of Phish, one of today’s most successful and innovative rock bands. As a solo artist, Anastasio has released over two dozen studio and live albums and has toured extensively with the Trey Anastasio Band, Classic TAB, and other iterations.
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Totally Rad Vintage Fest at Wisconsin State Fair Park
Step into a time warp of style and nostalgia at Totally Rad Vintage Fest! Vendors specialize in iconic clothing and accessories from the 80s, 90s, and Y2K eras while also offering a selection of records, toys, video games, home goods, and more to complete your ultimate nostalgic shopping experience
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Milwaukee Winter Farmers Market
The Milwaukee Winter Farmers Market provides a venue for the community to access local and regional produce, meats, bread, honey and other value-added products throughout winter and early spring. In addition, it supports local family businesses & entrepreneurs and has become a social and educational gathering space.
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Martha Graham returns to Milwaukee for the first time in 50 years
March 15
Since 1926, the Martha Graham Dance Company has been a leader in the evolving art form of modern dance. Today, the world's oldest modern dance company is embracing a new programming vision that showcases masterpieces by Graham alongside newly commissioned works by contemporary artists. Get tickets Uihlein Hall, 929 N Water St, Milwaukee

Tophy at The Wicked Hop
Every Saturday night, Milwaukee's own Tophy curates the sounds at The Wicked Hop in the Third Ward. Join at the Jackalope Lounj for a free night of dancing to all of your favorites including throwback pop, hip hop and much more. 
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Art*Bar's 21st Anniversary Toga Party
This weekend, Art*Bar becomes "Animal House," with music from the SenSations as they celebrate their anniversary! From current hits to classic rock and a heavy dose of Motown, this band continually packs dance floors with upbeat, positive songs that everyone loves and few other bands do! 
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Punk Rock Rummage Sale at X-Ray Arcade
It's time to sham-rock your socks off at the X-Ray Arcade for the Punk Rock Rummage Sale! It's an afternoon full of vendors, selling all sorts of wares new and vintage, and a lineup of DJs as well!
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Kelly's Greens St. Patrick's Day Party!
Kelly's Greens knows a thing or two about greenery. Join for a full day of shenanigans at the shop, including live Irish music, a best legs in a kilt costume, and more!
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Duotone Modern Store Opening
Join for the store opening of Duotone Modern in the Third Ward, a vintage modern store for design enthusiasts! The shop looks to provide an artful collection of timeless vintage furnishings and design objects to enrich your home.
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Lucky Leprechaun 7k
St. Patrick's Day weekend will start bright and early on Saturday at Leff's at 9 a.m. with the Lucky Leprechaun 7k benefitting the MACC Fund. It's not your average run/walk, though; it's a party run! After the race, head back into Leff's for their post-race party, with live music from Power Take Off from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Lyfe Jennings at The Rave
Lyfe Jennings has set himself apart as a self-produced singer and guitarist who balances love songs with acute societal observations, wisdom regarding day-to-day life and romance, and unflinching reflections on his personal struggles. Since achieving takeoff at Harlem's Apollo Theater, Jennings has hit the upper reaches of the R&B/hip-hop chart. He'll headline a night filled with seven acts in total.
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Old Pup, Joseph Huber, Dandy L. Freling at Cactus Club
Old Pup is a warmly haunted folk outfit led by Milwaukee-based pedal steel player/songwriter, Will Hansen, who writes lyrically vivid (at-times experimental) country-tinged songs. Sophomore album, "Spider Towns" released independently on February 28 and features intimate, ethereal recordings captured in living rooms, warehouse hallways, & wide-open fields spanning Milwaukee, New Orleans, & New Mexico.
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BERMS, Addicus, Meadowers, Royal Mill at Anodyne Coffee Roasters
BERMS, started by songwriter Aaron Wienss, came out of a love for songwriting in college. Wienss spent a majority of his early twenties writing and touring with the band Often Home who opened for bands such as Wildermiss, The Beths, Brother Elsey and many others. As the band members each started to head different directions, Wienss chose to carry on the music journey through the moniker BERMS. 
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Bella Brutto, The Aimless Blades at Linneman's
Bella Brutto is a veteran Milwaukee rock band playing an eclectic mix of original and danceable cover tunes from the far reaches of your odd cousin’s vinyl collection.
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Corrupt UK at Miramar Theatre
The heavy EDM continues all weekend at the Miramar, with Corrupt UK heading a bill that also includes Thomas Xavier and Aspen
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SUNDAY

The Milwaukee Admirals play this Sunday in MilwaukeeX

Milwaukee Admirals vs. Rockford Ice Hogs
The Admirals have back-to-back games this weekend, and on Sunday, they'll meet up with their rivals, the Rockford Ice Hogs. It's also the annual Charity Game and the first 1,000 kids get a practice jersey giveaway!
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Mermaid Echo at Discovery World
Mermaid Echo connects kids with aquatic ecology in a creative way. Enjoy a spectacular performance! Watch Echo swim with underwater friends while you learn about freshwater and the creatures that call the water home.
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Frederick's Fables at the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Michael Abels synchronizes words and music to tell magical tales and teach life-long lessons. First Stage joins the MSO to add their dramatic flair to the storytelling!
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Wedding & Quinceanera Expo at Tripoli Shrine Center
Meet with top vendors, get inspired by beautiful displays, and enjoy special discounts only available at the expo. Whether you're planning your big day or a memorable Quinceañera, this is the place to be! Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to make your dream event a reality.
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MIAD "Narrow Gauge" Film Screening at Cactus Club
Help MIAD Narrow Gauge Film Club to raise money to purchase film stock for their student projects! The screening features works by Aaliyah Hill, Darwin Childers, Lyle Atkinson, Mason Burton, Megan Butler, Natalie Rogers, Nati Rodriguez, and more from the Milwaukee film community.
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Faire Folk Spring Revel at Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery
Good morrow, faire folk - t's yond timeth of the year again! Layer on your garb, top it with a cloak, and celebrate St. Patrick's Day with this Ren Faire-themed event.
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Pretendacle, Automatic Lover, Play Machine at Anodyne Coffee Roasters
After living on opposite ends of the country for more than 10 years, brothers Jason (bass) and Adam Braatz (keys) reunited in Milwaukee to bring their dream band to life. Combining their vast experience as professional touring musicians with a love of boundary-pushing progressive rock and an eclectic style that pays homage to the video game-centric sounds of their childhood, the brothers assembled a virtuosic team of performers to form Pretendacle.
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Outlier at Linneman's
Three veterans of the Milwaukee Music scene are bringing their experience to a new project under the name of Outlier. The group is a three-piece acoustic-based band that is intent on keeping the focus on original material with a smattering of retooled covers (many by local songwriters) that features strong vocal harmonies.
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ALL WEEKEND LONG

It's St. Patrick's Day Weekend in MilwaukeeX

It's St. Patrick's Day Weekend!
We've got events happening from Saturday-Monday, just in case you'd like make it a long, lucky weekend.
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It's Always Sunny at Lost Whale
For St. Patrick's Day, Lost Whale in Bay View are once again turning themselves into Paddy's Pub from "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." The bar features specialty drinks like Wine in a Can (for more range of motion), Caribbean Paradise, and everyone's favorite, Fight Milk. There's also whiskey sampling, Pallino food truck, and plenty of other shenanigans. No word on if a game of CharDee MacDennis will break out.
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Sabbatic's 15 Year Anniversary
Walkers Point punk bar Sabbatic is 15 years old, and they're celebrating with special guest shifts, DJs, a special reunion show from Whiskey of the Damned and more.
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The Balloon Adventure at Pier 290 (Williams Bay)
Embark on a magical journey between March 6th and 16th beneath more than 100,000 balloons, created by 14 balloon artists in support of the 531 Fund, which has donated over $900,000 to an assortment of local charities. Be immersed in a world filled with vibrant colors, larger-than-life sea creatures, and breathtaking balloon displays, and marvel at the attention to detail and creativity that will make attendees feel like they have truly dived into the deep sea. 
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10 days of deals and tons of restaurants participating It's the 4th annual Tosa Restaurant Week. Learn more

Finding Nemo at Marcus Performing Arts Center
The beloved 2003 Pixar movie comes to life on stage, with new music by the award-winning songwriting team behind Frozen. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean.
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Choices of Consequence: Denmark and the Holocaust at Milwaukee Jewish Museum
Explore "Choices of Consequence: Denmark and the Holocaust" at the Jewish Museum Milwaukee from February 14 to May 25. This exhibit, featuring powerful photos, artifacts, and personal stories, highlights how ordinary Danes saved 95% of Danish Jews through courage and resistance.
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Milwaukee Chamber Theater's "Every Brilliant Thing"
1: Ice cream. 2: Kung Fu movies. 3: Staying up past your bedtime to watch TV. Those are just the start of a list of every brilliant thing that makes life worth living created in this luminous mix of theater and stand-up and delivered in alternate performances by two of Milwaukee’s best-loved actors.
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Josh Adam Meyers at The Laughing Tap
Comedian Josh Adam Meyers has appeared at the Just For Laughs comedy festival, the show "You're An Idiot" and more. Now you can catch him on Friday and Saturday at the Walkers Point comedy club!
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"The Craic" at Stackner Cabaret
Step in to one of South Kerry's most welcoming pubs, somewhere along the Dingle peninsula, where stories and songs flow as easy as a whiskey and a pint – with a group of master storyteller-musicians leading the way. From jigs and fairy tales, to drinking songs and war stories, you’ll enjoy good cheer and great company while having some craic along the way.
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Billy Gardell at Milwaukee Improv
Billy Gardell currently stars in the CBS series Bob Hearts Abishola, from award-winning creator, executive producer and writer Chuck Lorre. Bob Hearts Abishola is a love story about a middle-aged compression sock businessman from Detroit who unexpectedly falls for his cardiac nurse, a Nigerian immigrant, while recovering from a heart attack and sets his sights on winning her over.
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Parallel Play: The Art of Science
Parallel Play was created as an integral component of Marquette’s Biology class, Creative Problem Solving. This cross-disciplinary course teaches STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) students to embrace divergent thinking as a path to innovative problem solving. Through art-based activities and small group interactions with artists and STEM faculty, the class emphasizes the similarities between the creative processes of scientists and artists.
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Try a new restaurant!
Regularly supporting our locally owned restaurants is among the most impactful things we can vow to do. Lori Fredrich's list of 52 Restaurants for 2025 is here!
#52Restaurants