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Springtime in Milwaukee means there's no shortage of events happening around town. While the Brewers and Admirals are in action, there's also a number of Kentucky Derby parties, makers markets, live music and comedy and so much more to do. Here's what's happening with the Weekend Preview, brought to you by Potawatomi Casino Hotel!
FRIDAY
Grand Kyiv Ballet presents Swan Lake at The Pabst Theater
Swan Lake is a ballet masterpiece that tells the story of a prince who falls in love with a beautiful swan princess under a spell. The ballet is renowned for its stunning choreography, intricate set design, and Tchaikovsky's captivating music. Its themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption continue to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, making it a timeless classic that has endured for more than a century.
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Adult Skate Night at Story Hill FireHouse
Join for a night of skating at Story Hill FireHouse! This event is BYOS: Bring your own skates and enjoy a more intimate skating experience! 21+ Adult Skate only.
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Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues at Wilson Center for the Arts
Having chalked up over fifty years at the peak of the music and entertainment industry, Justin Hayward’s voice and guitar playing have been heard the world over. Though his song catalog contains many of the most influential songs in popular music, Justin is not one to rest on his laurels. He continues to perform regularly, including a stop in Milwaukee on Friday night.
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The Arcadian Wild at Vivarium
The Arcadian Wild is a four-piece indie folk/pop group from Nashville, TN. Led by songwriters Isaac Horn, Lincoln Mick and Bailey Warren on fiddle, TheArcadian Wild confidently inhabits and explores an intersection of genre, blending the traditional with the contemporary.
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The Hip Abduction at Turner Hall Ballroom
Evoking the ocean and guided by the spirit of travel, The Hip Abduction pilots a sonic expedition past genre barriers. The band is the moniker for singer/songwriter David New who writes and produces music in between travel excursions and touring.
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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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Thief Wine's Spring Grand Tasting
Enjoy a walk-around wine tasting featuring more than 100 delicious and distinctive fine wines from around the world, with almost all wines in the $15-$65 per bottle price range. All wines will be selected by Thief Wine and reflect our focus on artisanal, high-value, terroir-driven selections (i.e., not the mass-production wines you see at most large wine tastings).
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Rezn, High Gallows, Wretched Blessing at Anodyne Coffee Roasters
Since their inception, REZN have mined the stark monochromatic depths of underground metal and fused them with the kaleidoscopic delights of psychedelia, prog rock, and shoe gaze. With their last album Burden, they plumb the deepest, bleakest trenches of their sound while retaining a lifeline into the cosmos.
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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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Food House, Folie, Skymall at Cactus Club
Boston-based electronic act Food House comes to Milwaukee at Cactus Club, and joins forces with Folie from Chicago and Milwaukee's own Skymall. Move to some experimental music on a Friday night in Bay View.
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Vs. Self, Punxsutawney, Excuse Me Who Are You? at X-Ray Arcade
Vs. Self and Punxsutawney are currently on tour, and the emo rockers will make their way to Cudahy on Friday night for a show with Milwaukee band Excuse Me, Who Are You?
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Brett Newski & the Bad Inventions at Falcon Bowl
Singer/songwriter Brett Newski is gearing up for the release of a new record that you won't find on streaming, and you can catch him in the flesh at Falcon Bowl this weekend!
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Natalie Sue & The Steed, Katie Katchever, Bitch Creek at Linneman's
Born under Milwaukee’s summer sun, Natalie Sue and The Steed bring a fresh and dreamy twist to country music. Fronted by songwriter and vocalist Natalie Sue, the six piece band blends poetic romance with newfangled country licks and classic rock motion.
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Jphlip & Gettoblaster at The Miramar Theatre
DJs and producers JPHLIP and Gettoblaster bring the "Fries With That Shake" tour to Milwaukee, and they'll cap off a night that features nine DJs on the turntables. Don't miss this rager!
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SATURDAY
Milwaukee Admirals vs. Rockford IceHogs at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena
The Milwaukee Admirals are on beginning their quest to the 2025 Calder Cup, and that includes a series with the Rockford IceHogs. Don't miss the action for game two of this best-of-five series at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena!
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Ben Folds with the MSO
Emmy-award nominated composer, singer-songwriter, and pianist Ben Folds joins the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra for a night of exceptional performances. Widely regarded as one of the major musical influences of our generation, Folds’s enormous body of genre-bending music includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records.
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Cinco de Mayo Festival at UMOS
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo Festival with traditional Mexican Foods, Music, Dance, and some of the best Taco Trucks from Milwaukee.Tamale Eating Contest! Chihuahua Beauty Contest, Singing Contest, Live Entertainment and More!
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Festival of Flowers at Riverwalk Commons
Celebrate spring at the inaugural Festival of Flowers! This event is packed with flowers, free activities and entertainment, perfect for the whole family. The day will feature live music, a flower market, free family-friendly activities, and seasonal beverages.
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Starfish 5K Walk/Run and Silent Auction
Help raise funds for Royal Family KIDS Milwaukee and Milwaukee Teen Reach Adventure Camps. Join for a meaningful morning of community, fitness, and giving back! Every step you take helps send Milwaukee County foster children to summer camp and provides mentoring opportunities throughout the school year.
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151st Kentucky Derby at NorthSouth Club
Dress to your derby best to celebrate “the most exciting two minutes in sports” with 90 minutes of shuffleboard, a complimentary mint julep in hand and watch the Derby live at 5:57 PM. Every guest will be entered into a drawing to get a chance at winning a 2025 Kentucky Derby bottle of Woodford Reserve!
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Ali Siddiq at The Pabst Theater
Ali Siddiq is a stand-up comedian and public speaker out of Houston, TX. Ali’s unique style of stand-up began behind the walls of incarceration, an incubator for interesting experiences and good stories.
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Bayside Beer Garden
Torzala Brewing Company is excited to kick off the beer garden season on Saturday at Ellsworth Park in Bayside. Enjoy locally crafted beer from TBCo, food from EZ Tiki and some music.
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Free Range Art: Spring Show
A small but spectacular fine art and craft show held at a beautiful turn-of-the-century Wisconsin farm! Featuring exceptional jewelry, pottery, fine woodworking, sculpture, paintings, printmaking and more by a hand-selected group of the region's best artists.
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Jacob Slade at Vivarium
Milwaukee-based indie-pop artist Jacob Slade celebrates the release of his fourth album Brain Fog with special guests Max & The Fellow Travelers and Chutes.
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Kentucky Derby Day at Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel
Get Down and Derby! Put on your fanciest hat or best bowtie and celebrate the annual "Run for the Roses" at Saint Kate .
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Member Swap Weekend at Milwaukee Art Museum
Receive free general admission to Betty Brinn Children’s Museum and Milwaukee Public Museum when you show your Milwaukee Art Museum Member card. Please check each museum for hours.
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Kentucky Derby Watch Party at Mason Street Grill
Celebrate the most exciting two minutes in sports at Mason Street Grill. Guests have a chance to win a Kentucky Derby Gift Basket valued at over $500—packed with premium bourbon, a $100 Mason Street Grill gift card, select wines, beer, and more.
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Talk Derby to Me 2025
The Iron Horse Hotel, in partnership with Bulleit Bourbon, presents Talk Derby to Me 2025—Milwaukee's largest Kentucky Derby event! Bringing southern charm with a midwestern twist, this celebration kicks off at 2 PM. Watch the preshow and races on the jumbotron while enjoying music by DJ Korbel, food trucks, local vendors, a cigar station, and, of course, Derby-themed beverages from the bar.
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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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Nightly, Mico, Brooke Alexx at Turner Hall Ballroom
Nightly is the electrifying alt-pop indie trio that's taking the industry by storm. Their latest album, "Wear Your Heart Out" followed their consistent success with their earlier EPs, their debut album, and singles, as well as varied collaborations with artists including: Knox, Ayokay, NOTD, Mokita, Georgia Webster and K-Pop artist Jeong Sewoon.
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The Ghost Club, The Burkharts, 5 PM to Nowhere at Cactus Club
A pair of east coast indie rock bands come to Cactus Club on Saturday, when Pittsburgh band The Ghost Club headlines a show that includes The Burkharts from Buffalo, and Milwaukee singer/songwriter 5 PM to Nowhere.
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Magic Sword, Starbenders, Mega Ran at X-Ray Arcade
Riot Fest presents an eclectic night of music at X-Ray Arcade in Cudahy. Don't miss the all-ages show when Magic Sword, Starbenders, and Mega Ran take the stage!
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Wurk, Chili The Band at Linneman's
Wurk is a 6-piece funk-fusion group that formed in Madison, WI in 2016. Inspired by Snarky Puppy, Umphrey’s McGee, Herbie Hancock, and many others; their innovative original songs and ambitious interpretations of popular covers offer an impressive multi-genre exploration of funk, jazz fusion, prog rock, reggae, and more.
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Upon A Burning Body, Left To Suffer, King 810, Half Me, Bury My Demons at Miramar Theatre
The night is about to get heavy on the East Side, when the Miramar Theatre welcomes five metalcore bands to their stage. See you in the pit!
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SUNDAY
Walk MS: Milwaukee 2025 at Henry Maier Festival Park
Experience the Power of the MS MovementCentered around the theme of Circles of Support, the Walk MS® experience emphasizes the people and organizations that help improve a person’s life with MS.
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Wisconsin Bridal & Wedding Expo – Spring 2025
The Wisconsin Bridal and Wedding Expo is a unique, interactive event, with food to taste, dresses to see, flowers to enjoy, music to dance to and fun to be had. Bring your friends and family and enjoy a day filled with laughter, ideas and inspiration at the Bridal & Wedding Expo!
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414Flea
414Flea is a community-driven market celebrating local creatives, small businesses, and artists. We host vibrant, inclusive events featuring over 40 unique vendors, food trucks, and a live DJ, creating an energetic atmosphere for all.
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Lower East Side Makers Market
Eagle Park Brewing Co. hosts 45 makers and artists with a drink in hand! Products will be a wide variety of handmade goods such as jewelry, knit goods, home decor, metal working, prints, soap, paintings, candles, etc.
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53212 Marketplace (Mother's Day Edition)
Shop unique & local gifts for everyone you know including specialty foods, unique art & jewelry, health & wellness products, apparel, candles, plants, plant accessories and more.
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A Night of Empanadas & Salsa Dancing
Head to The Starling for an evening of bold flavors, handcrafted cocktails, and lively salsa dancing! Hosted by Two Birds Event Group, this celebration will bring together delicious empanadas, handcrafted drinks, and an energetic atmosphere right on Milwaukee’s riverfront.
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Arm's Length, Prince Daddy & The Hyena, Riley! Bike Routes at Vivarium
Arm's Length is hitting the Vivarium, bringing their latest tracks from "There’s A Whole World Out There" to life. With special guest Prince Daddy & The Hyena and faves Riley! and Bike Routes, this is gonna be a pop-punk/emo powerhouse you won’t wanna miss.
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Falcon Flea at Falcon Bowl
Falcon Flea is a Milwaukee market bringing a curated selection of local and regional vintage, handmade, art, and small business goods to the Falcon Hall inside the Falcon Bowl in Riverwest. Over 30 vendors in the hall and Falcon Nest, as well as Beer Garden weather permitting.
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Milwaukee Monarchs vs. New York Gridlock
Head to Hart Park for a professional women's ultimate frisbee game between your Milwaukee Monarchs and the visiting New York Gridlock.All games include a great family-friendly atmosphere with concessions, face painting, a bounce house, and giveaways.Go Monarchs!
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Si Dos Quiere, 100% Pure, Muzzle, Majesty, World of Fear at Cactus Club
New Chicago hardcore band Si Dios Quiere!'s album “A Hell Like No Other” firmly sees this Chicano band take a stand and hold their ground when it comes to contemporary issues around the world and in their own communities.
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Waste, Grimrose, Droogz, Fyts, Obscure, Lost For Words, Big Fat Tony at X-Ray Arcade
Based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Waste brings elements of Metalcore, Beatdown, Downtempo, and Deathcore into one chaotic and heavy hitting sound. They lead a multi-genre show with rap, electronica and more at X-Ray Arcade.
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ALL WEEKEND LONG
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are in town, which means that it's time for Brewers fans to show up to American Family Field and make some extra noise this weekend!
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2025 Milwaukee Film Festival
Now in its 17th year, the festival does an amazing job of curating a mixture of works from national, international and Milwaukee filmmakers. Here's what to know before you go.
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Explore the Kenosha Public Museum
Make Kenosha your next getaway! Stroll along the scenic lakeshore, enjoy a local bite to eat, and explore fascinating exhibits at the Kenosha Public Museum. Then hop aboard the historic electric streetcar to the Dinosaur Discovery Museum and uncover the incredible link between dinosaurs and modern birds.
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Circle Mirror Transformation at Next Act Theatre
Breathe in. Breathe out. Start again. Four lost New Englanders enroll in Marty’s community center drama class to experiment with theatre games and try to find meaning in their lives. Over the course of six weeks, hearts are quietly torn apart and tiny wars of epic proportions are waged and won. Annie Baker’s beautifully-crafted diorama of a comedy shows us, with terrific detail and clarity, the hilarious sadness of a motley quintet.
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Espejos: Clean at Milwaukee Repertory Theater
The lives of two women with vastly different life experiences intersect at a resort in Cancún. Adriana manages the housekeeping staff and a world away from the home she left. Sarah, the sister of the bride and the self-declared disaster of the family is just trying to keep it together at this destination wedding. A torrential downpour forces the women together, and through a series of misunderstandings breaks open the secrets both women have taught themselves to ignore. A bilingual play with Spanish and English supertitles, “Espejos: Clean” is a potent look at isolation and the power of being seen.
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TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre
In this Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, brothers Lincoln and Booth struggle for the upper hand as they grapple with unresolved inheritances and how to play the cards they’ve been dealt.
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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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Steph Tolev at Milwaukee Improv
Steph Tolev has been well-received at festivals all over the world, she can be seen performing all around LA, including The Comedy Store where she is a paid regular, and headlines clubs across the country.
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Louis Katz at The Laughing Tap
You've seen Louis Katz on NBC, HBO, Comedy Central and more! Now you can see his standup in person this weekend at The Laughing Tap.
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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
