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It's mom's weekend to celebrate in Milwaukee! From a plethora of Mother's Day events, to music, comedy, plays and more, there's something for everyone and their mother to do in the city. Here's what's happening with the Weekend Preview, brought to you by Potawatomi Casino Hotel!
FRIDAY
Gang of Four at Turner Hall Ballroom
2025 will be the 45th anniversary of the release of Gang of Four's "Entertainment!" in the US, and will be their final year as a band. On what will be the band's last US tour, they'll play two sets at each show: "Entertainment!" from start to finish in the first, and the best of the rest in the second.
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RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles
An electrifying concert experience celebrating the timeless music of the legendary fab four. With note-for-note precision, this mind-blowing performance transports you back to the iconic eras of Sgt. Pepper and Magical Mystery Tour, along with all your favorite hits.
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#IMOMSOHARD: The Flashback Tour
From the creators of #IMOMSOHARD, Jen and Kristin are heading out on a fall tour, with a brand new show: "Ladies Night!" Guaranteed to make you laugh, and maybe pee your pants, these two dive into all things womanhood, motherhood and friendship.
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Play Date with Art: Around the World at the Milwaukee Art Museum
It’s never too early to learn to love art! Smush, press, and shape air-dry clay to create travel-inspired texture tiles. 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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Mommy & Me Special Swim at The Ingleside Hotel
This two-hour swim is not just for Moms! Dads, Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles are encouraged to bring little ones for a daytime swim on select Fridays from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
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Jimmy Eat World, Diet Lite at The Rave
Jimmy Eat World's commercial breakthrough came with the release of several singles from their album Bleed American, with “The Middle” hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart and peaking at No. 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, where it spent 33 weeks total and became RIAA-certified Platinum.
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Sugo & Alpha Transit
Sugo is a 1970s New Orleans Style funk band out of Milwaukee, featuring some of the city's top musicians. Alpha Transit is an all original music ensemble that takes the usual elements of rock, funk, jazz, and blues and the not-so-usual elements of electronic music and puts them in the blender with a double shot of improvisation.
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Ice Nine Kills, The Word Alive, The Funeral Portrait, Melrose Avenue at The Rave
Ice Nine Kills' tour will offer fans a thrilling two-night experience in every city, that will see the band play both their hugely successful, seminal albums The Silver Scream and The Silver Scream 2: Welcome To Horrorwood in full on respective evenings, along with a selection of deep cuts and fan favorites.
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Beach Blanket Flamingo - Virtual Backyard Naturalist Series at Urban Ecology Center
More than just lawn ornaments, these five-foot-tall birds live in some of the harshest environments on Earth and have incredible adaptations because of this. Join us for stories of the Flamingo
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Bird Friendly Coffee – Conserving Birds One Cup at a Time at Wehr Nature Center
Join Greg DuBois of the Illinois Audubon Society in celebration of the Brew City Bird Fest. Greg will give a brief history of coffee consumption and production and explain how each of us can protect our migratory birds through the Smithsonian Bird Friendly certified coffee and cocoa program.
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Botany Walk at Washington Park
Beyond botanical names and beautiful blooms, join our knowledgeable land management staff for these seasonal flora and fauna-focused strolls. Discover what’s thriving, engage in conversations about plants and their connections to wildlife, and deepen your appreciation of urban nature’s diversity.
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Caley Conway, Lee Ketch, Maathu at Linneman's
There are moments in Caley Conway’s Latest album, Partner…when the ever-busy Milwaukee singer-songwriter finds herself caught in the humdrum duties of daily life. There are things to do—or not—people to see—or not—and the ones and zeros of technology to attend to. And then, suddenly, she’s off and dreaming, belly laughing with a distant friend or considering taking up “the work of birds.” When she comes back down to Earth, more often than not, she finds bliss in a comforting middle ground.
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Phillip-Michael Scales, ANDII at Anodyne Coffee Roasters
When Phillip-Michael Scales moved to Chicago he immediately began cutting his teeth as a musician. In 2018 he played 308 gigs. Phillip-Michael swears that “Chicago taught me how to hustle” which came in handy when he moved to Nashville and quickly found himself in rotation on the number one AAA radio station, Lightning 100. Celebrate the release of his new album on Friday.
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Freak Heat Waves, Jack J at Cactus Club
For more than a decade, Freak Heat Waves have been steadily amassing a cult following and garnering acclaim from both critics and underground aficionados alike. Their music is a heady cocktail that defies any attempts at easy categorization, incorporating elements of post-punk, psych, dub, ambient, house, and techno. Their four LP discography has served as the soundtrack to countless DIY punk shows, outsider galleries and sleazy discos, establishing the Freaks as real-deal music makers with a reputation for evolving their sound.
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Age of Fable, Whiskey and the Devil, Rustbandit, Sharp Left Turn at Falcon Bowl
The Falcon Nest at Riverwest's Falcon Bowl will once again present an intimate night of music, with Age of Fable and Whiskey and the Devil headlining an eclectic night of folk and Americana.
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SATURDAY
Kohl's Design It Lab at Discovery World
Bring the whole family to the Kohl’s Design It! Lab to make wonderfully creative projects that you can take home. You’ll choose a project from our rotating menu and we’ll guide you through the creation process. Projects can take anywhere from 5-20 minutes.
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Slow Art Saturday at Milwaukee Art Museum
Explore a single work of art from the Museum’s collection in depth with Amy Kirschke, Barbara Brown Lee Senior Director of Learning and Engagement, during this program that encourages presence and promotes well-being.
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Maria Knier at Il Bosco
Step into a magical world at IL Bosco. Maria Knier will unveil her new collection. The store will transform their boutique into a rainforest filled with beautiful art. Forest bathe in art this Saturday at IL Bosco.
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Partner Pick
Women & Girls Self-Defense Class at Black Husky Brewing
Don't be scared, be prepared! Under the thoughtful guidance of Martial Arts Instructor Charles Freeman Merna, you'll learn the knowledge, skills, and abilities to stay safe and be able to defend yourself if attacked. This class is specific to women and girls 12+. No previous skills or experience needed.
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Future of Sports at Discovery World
Dream of going pro? There’s more to sports than being on the field! Future of Sports is a family-friendly event that explores the game-changing role of STEM in athletics.
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Women’s Milwaukee Tour
Explore Milwaukee through the lens of women who walked before! Downtown Milwaukee's narrative has most often focused on the stories of Milwaukee's three founders, omitting the many contributions of women. This walk will explore these stories and connect them to places, familiar and new, downtown.
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Guest Gallery Talk: “The Brilliance of the Spanish World” at Milwaukee Art Museum
Explore the exhibition The Brilliance of the Spanish World: El Greco, Velázquez, Zurbarán with Jacobo Lovo, Managing Artistic Director of Latino Arts, Inc. and City of Milwaukee
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The Return of Lasagna Cat: A Garfield Themed Pop Up Market at X-Ray Arcade
Last year, so much love was shown for a feline who hates Mondays…let’s do it again! The Return of Lasagna Cat: A Garfield Themed Pop-Up Market will be back at the Very Famous X-Ray Arcade!
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Raptors in Focus Photoshoot at Schlitz Audobon Nature Center
Head to the Schlitz Audobon Nature Center for their annual Raptors in Focus Photoshoot featuring our feathered ambassadors. This is a unique opportunity to photograph eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls up close and learn about their species. The birds will be on the trails in natural settings, giving you an advantage to take exceptional photographs.
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Dylan Scott, George Binge, Graham Barham at The Rave
Dylan Scott is a triple threat — a powerful vocalist with a deep, unmistakable drawl, an old-soul songwriter with a young spirit and a family man with a tender heart. The ACM-nominated, multi-Platinum singer has notched four No. 1 singles at radio, as well as Top 5 hit “Hooked.” Check him out on the Country Till I Die tour this Saturday.
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Pat McGann at Turner Hall Ballroom
Pat McGann is quickly rising as one of the sharpest stand-ups in the comedy world. A relative latecomer to the scene, Pat began stand-up at the age of 31 after realizing he was not very good at selling packaging. He hustled his way to become the house emcee at Zanies Chicago, where he distinguished himself as especially adept at working the crowd.
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North Warren, Lunar Moth, The Rotundos, Old Timer at Linneman's
North Warren, named after the street he lived on as he began releasing music, is the creative endeavor of Luke Esperes. His influences come from bands such as Harvey Danger, Let’s Wrestle, and Built To Spill making grungy indie rock with an emotional weight.
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The Serve: Don't Motocross Me Edition at Cactus Club
Susie Starlet is a local Milwaukee drag queen that has been performing for 2 years. Her performances and styles are a mix of camp, glamour, pinup and high fashion. You are always bound to remember an iconic moment every show! She loves pizza, drinks, and men – making her an audience favorite!
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Jantsen at The Miramar Theatre
DJ and producer Jantsen caps off a night full of EDM at The Miramar Theatre. In total, five DJs will hit the turntables on Saturday, keeping the party going all night long.
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Sensual Daydreams Presents: The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Oriental Theatre
Sensual Daydreams presents The Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Oriental Theatre, the longest-running screening of the original Rocky Horror Picture Show in the world! Costumes are encouraged! Carry-in food, drinks, and props are not allowed.
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SUNDAY
Mother's Day at the Milwaukee County Zoo
Celebrate Mom and take her to the Zoo for a special day. All mothers receive free admission. Be sure to visit some of the Zoo’s animal moms including prehensile tailed porcupine Quinn, grizzly bear Ronnie, and African lion Patty Sharp Tooth.
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Mother's Day Brunch at the Harley-Davidson Museum
Give mom the ultimate day out with a visit to the Harley-Davidson Museum! treat her to a memorable brunch, a stroll through the exhibits, and time well spent with family. All moms receive free Museum admission as our way of saying thanks for everything they do — no brunch purchase required.
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Mix & Sip: A Mother’s Day Mixology Party at Tropic MKE
Celebrate Mother’s Day in style with a hands-on mixology experience that’s all about flavor, fun, and raising a glass to the amazing women in our lives.
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Milwaukee's Memorable Mothers at Forest Home Cemetery
Bring Mom along for a Mother's Day walking tour of Forest Home Cemetery's notable moms.
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The Iron Horse Hotel Mother's Day Buffet
Enjoy a deluxe spread of brunch classics prepared specially for your closest loved ones. Featuring baked ham, salmon, french toast, steak, and even a parfait station!
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The Milwaukee Jazz Orchestra-Live at the Skylight
Under the direction of Curt Hanrahan, this ensemble features top Milwaukee jazz musicians who deliver dynamic performances, blending classic and contemporary standards with original works.
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Free Swim Artist Market at Cactus Club
Head over to Cactus Club to support local artists and makers with a special art market. The first market of the season features crochet, art, jewlery, ceramics, oils and more!
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Special Needs Swim at The Ingleside Hotel
The Springs Water Park will offer a special swim from 4-7 p.m. on select Sundays for children and adults with special needs. A special rate is applicable for special needs individuals and up to four others (parent, siblings and/or therapist).
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Candlelight Spring: A Tribute to Adele
Candlelight Spring concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Milwaukee. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Adele at St James 1868 bathed in a lush, floral display dedicated to spring.
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Uncured, Haunter, Always Alive, Fallen Condition at X-Ray Arcade
Uncured combines the raw energy, power and aggression of 2000s metal with the huge hooks, catchy choruses and brutal breakdowns of today’s metal scene to deliver an intense, fresh experience that can best be described as “Nu Metalcore”.
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ALL WEEKEND LONG
Million Dollar Quartet at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater
Rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins are brought together by an extraordinary twist of fate on a December evening in 1956. This meeting at Sun Records would become one of the greatest jam sessions of all time.
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Tea and Tulips at Mitchell Park Domes
Inspired by the classical beauty of English gardens, “Tea and Tulips,” the spring floral show at The Domes, features stunning tea-inspired garden art. The Show Dome is filled with hyacinths, tulips, and daffodils galore. Garden vignettes display hydrangeas, Asiatic lilies, and an assortment of popular tea herbs. Treat yourself to spring with a floral show that’s sure cause a stir!
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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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Gianmarco Soresi at Milwaukee Improv
Gianmarco Soresi is a New York-based stand-up comedian, actor, and creator known for his sharp societal observation and spry, energetic stage presence. Gianmarco effortlessly commands a room with his animated style, blending upbeat candor with dark comedic beats — which has garnered him critical acclaim
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Ali Sultan at The Laughing Tap
You've seen Ali Sulatan on Comedy Central, The Late Show, Roots of Comedy 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
