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With sunny days in the forecast all weekend, there's no reason not to make the most of everything that Milwaukee has to offer! Of course, it is Dining Month at OnMilwaukee, so you have to check out some great restaurants, but there's also concerts, cultural celebrations, spooky season activities and more happening throughout the city. Here's your Weekend Preview, brought to you by Potawatomi Casino Hotel!
FRIDAY
Steve Miller Band at Miller High Life Theatre
Steve Miller has been an enlivening presence on the American music scene for more than half a century – and, in the course of that era, his releases have sold tens of millions of records and been streamed several billion times. Miller’s Greatest Hits 1974-78 received the RIAA Diamond Award with sales of more than fifteen million copies.
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Halloween Legends & Lore at Old World Wisconsin
The veil between our world and the next grows thin at Old World Wisconsin... watch as troves of supernatural tales brought from cultures the world over come to life before your very eyes for an eerie evening of Halloween-themed spook-tacular activities! Explore the historic Crossroads Village after nightfall for a spirited, one-of-a-kind adventure full of ghost stories, games, performances and more.
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3rd Annual Wakanda Fashion Show at The Society
It's time for an evening of elegance, fashion, culture and community with the Wakanda Wellness Week 2024 Fashion Show! Join Milwaukee's top fashion designers on the runaway as they take us on a journey through time, chronicling the Black cultural experience embodied in style and grace.
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Horseshoes & Hand Grenades at Pabst Theater
Come on out for an hour of comedy followed by a live DJ.Laughs provided by Tory Ward, Jack Allen, Jakar Scott, Michael McChesney, Tika G and Syed.
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Partner Pick
Ernest, Graham Barham at The Rave
Critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter Ernest has his fall headlining tour, The Legalize Country Music Road Show, rolling through Milwaukee on Friday night. The tour comes in a record year for Ernest, who this year earned multiple ACM Award nominations- for both New Male Artist of the Year and Artist-Songwriter of the Year- after the release of his highly-anticipated sophomore album in April.
Nada Surf at Vivarium
For the past 30 years, Nada Surf has given us bittersweet anthems, soaring harmonies and play-on-repeat heart punches that you want to sing out at the top of your lungs! You can do just that at Vivarium on Friday night.
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Lake Drive, The Keystones, Micah Emrich, Superglue at X-Ray Arcade
Lake Drive are a new age take on a hair band celebrating the release of their new EP “Post Internet Romance.” They'll headline an eclectic bill that features various indie rock-adjacent acts in Cudahy.
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Dak DuBois, HOSTS, Bro. Malik at The Cooperage
Blending flavors of modern indie pop, 70’s funk/soul, and psychedelia of the ’60s/’70s, Dak DuBois uses his intricately guitar-infused melodies and well-placed chilled-out pop vocals to unfold anecdotes of a blurred psyche within a changing dynamic of society. He'll release his second album on Friday with a three-act bill at The Cooperage.
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UWM Band Concert at Peck School of the Arts
The UWM Wind Ensemble & Symphony Band will perform on respective halves of this concert. Both the Wind Ensemble and Symphony Band regularly perform repertoire ranging from the Renaissance to the present.
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Thank Cod It's Fryday!
Thank cod it’s Fryday! Celebrate all things weekend, fun, and relaxation with this Milwaukee tradition! Find your favorite restaurant to grab a fish fry – or find a new favorite – with dining editor Lori Fredrich’s fish fry guide right here:
Thank Cod It's Fryday!
SATURDAY
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™ Glow Party™ at Fiserv Forum
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™ Glow Party is coming to Fiserv Forum for the first time on Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13 for three epic performances. Fans of all ages will experience the thrill of watching their favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks in the dark at this one-of-a-kind, action-packed live show.
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Milwaukee Public Market's Harvest Festival
Join the Milwaukee Public Market as they celebrate the Milwaukee Public Market's 19th anniversary with a packed line-up of free activities and entertainment, perfect for the whole family. The day will include live music, seasonal beverages, a mini harvest market and more.
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The Big 5 Bash: First and Bowl's Anniversary Celebration!
It's activity bar First and Bowl's fifth anniversary, and they're bringing open play back by popular demand! With unlimited gaming every day—what could be better?
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Becky G at The Rave
Multi-platinum, award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, and activist Becky G is bringing her “Casa Gomez: Otro Capitulo” tour to Milwaukee this weekend! The show is a heartfelt homage to her Mexican heritage that will feature a setlist rich in Regional Mexican songs from chart topping album “Esquinas.”
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Jamming for Jimmy - Celebrating the Life of American Journalist James Foley at Pabst Theater
Legendary Wisconsin rockers, BoDeans, headline this celebration of the life and sacrifice of American journalist James “Jim” Foley. The Thriftones, Milwaukee music scene stalwarts, and The Predictors, featuring multiple Marquette alums, open. All proceeds from “Jamming for Jimmy” support the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, the James W. Foley Archives at Marquette University, and Marquette’s Center for Peacemaking.
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Fall Into Grafton
Fall Into Grafton is a free family event held at Paramount Plaza between Bridge and Beech Street in downtown Grafton. Fall Into Grafton features children's activities, mini golf, the annual pumpkin derby, live entertainment, and much more!
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8th Annual Limb Shaker Day at Gathering Place Brewing Company
The Limb Shaker is back! Come celebrate the much-anticipated return of one of Gathering Place's favorite seasonal brews on Saturday. Try this year's batch of the Belgian-style Tripel made with Door County Cherries, along with some batches from previous years!
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Judah and the Lion, Abe Parker, Wildered at The Rave
Having navigated "The Process," both Judah Akers and partner in crime, mandolinist, Brian Macdonald have emerged with a record that is buoyant, impassioned and emotionally connective. The band has a reinvigorated sense of purpose with its aim to create music that resonates deeply, believing in music’s power to connect people and make them feel less alone in life’s journey.
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SUNDAY
Empty Bowls Milwaukee at Kern Center
Guests are invited to attend the event and purchase one of over 1500 unique bowls handmade and donated by local artisans to support food security for all. Bowls are $30 each and include two free soup samples donated by local restaurants and food businesses.
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Sensory-Friendly Sessions at Betty Brinn Children's Museum
Families can enjoy the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum in a calmer, quieter space during our Sensory-Friendly Sessions. These special playtimes include open-play and facilitated Programming. Advanced reservations are recommended.
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Drink Wisconsinbly's 5th Annual Curd Fest
Curd Fest returns to the Deer District on Sunday at the Drink Wisconsinbly Pub. VIP Tickets for this year's event include a cup coozie, limited edition sticker, cheese curd samples from local vendors, and, for those who are 21 and older, a shot of DW Cheese Curd Vodka. And what better to chase Curd Vodka than with a shot of Supper Club Ranch?!
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Building Community: Fruition Milwaukee & Flavors of Cameroon at Fruition MKE
As part of Flavors of Africa & Diaspora in Wisconsin: Best Chefs, UbuntuMKE organizes 8 immersive cultural workshops centered on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Each of the 8 Workshop tackles a specific educational topic that educates, entertains, nourishes and builds connections.
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Punk Rock Brunch with Kepi Ghoulie and Avenues at X-Ray Arcade
With a cartoony voice, a love of The Ramones, and inclusive spirit, Kepi (aka Kepi Ghoulie aka Jeff Alexander) injects his silly, funny, and friendly music with warm feelings and lots of hooks. Milwaukee's Avenues will join, and the Packer game will be on the TVs, as well!
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The Magic of Motown at Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Take a journey through Motown's best including music by The Temptations, The Jackson Five, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, & more!
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Jim Hensen's Labyrinth: In Concert at Pabst Theater
Experience Jim Henson’s original masterpiece Labyrinth like never before with “Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert!” Watch the full movie, as a live band performs in sync with David Bowie’s original vocals, playing the songs and score composed by Bowie and Trevor Jones. Feel the power of the music from the cult classic live!
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Ask Carol, Beams, Martha Cannon at Cactus Club
Beams is a psychedelic folk-rock band that formed in 2011 in Toronto, Canada. Their beguiling sound pairs the stunning harmonization of female voices with the shimmering textures of banjo and vibraphone, earning them comparisons to artists ranging from Wilco to Fleetwood Mac. They'll be joined by Milwaukee's own Martha Cannon.
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The National Parks at Vivarium
You know the feeling when the clouds part and the sun shines down on you, the rush you get when you run and jump into a lake at full speed, or the moment a gust of morning air brings new life as you step outside and look at the world around you? The National Parks translate these sensations into songs. Check out the Utah quartet at Vivarium on Sunday night.
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ALL WEEKEND LONG
"Waitress" at Skylight Music Theater
Brought to life on Broadway by a groundbreaking, all-female creative team, Waitress features original music and lyrics by six-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles ("Brave,""Love Song"), and a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson. Nominated for four Tony Awards (including Best Musical), Waitress is inspired by Adrienne Shelly's beloved film and offers a special recipe for finding happiness in unexpected places.
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Autumn at the Streets of Old Milwaukee
From Sept. 19 until Nov. 4, the Milwaukee Public Museum's Streets of Old Milwaukee will experience autumn for the first time, including Halloween.
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Bill Bellamy at Milwaukee Improv
Bill Bellamy became a staple on MTV as one of the first “VJs” on the network. He hosted several of their programming blocks, including MTV Jams and MTV Beach House, while interviewing everyone from the late Kurt Cobain to Janet Jackson. In 1996, Bill landed his own series, “The Billy Bellamy Show." Catch him doing standup in Milwaukee this weekend.
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China Lights: Year of the Dragon, at Boerner Botanical Gardens
Experience China Lights 2024, a world-class lantern festival with the magical glow of more than 40 larger-than-life sculptural light displays. The Dragon King, flower tunnel and zodiac lanterns are just some of the highlights of this year’s event at the renowned Boerner Botanical Gardens.
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Affirmation/Transformation: Fandom Created at the Haggerty Museum of Art
Cheeseheads, Swifties, Beatlemaniacs, Trekkies, Whovians, Potterheads, Beyhive, the Cenation, ARMY. People are fans of all sorts of things. But what makes someone a fan? Is there a difference between enjoying something and being a fan of that thing? This exhibit explores that and more.
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Oktoberfest!
Prost! Oktoberfest is already upon us, and Milwaukee's celebrations begin this weekend. To make things easier, we've compiled an Oktoberfest guide to all of the beer, pretzels, and hammerschlagen you can handle.
Oktoberfest Guide
The Big 4-0: New Views of the Collection at Haggery Musuem of Art
The Haggerty Museum of Art at Marquette University presents an exhibition in celebration of its 40th anniversary. Curated by Dr. Kirk Nickel, Marc and Lillian Rojtman Curator of European Art, the show comprises a two-part installation of the exhibition galleries, in fall 2024 and spring 2025, and features well over 100 works of art from the Museum’s collections.
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Milwaukee Jewish Film Festival
The 27th annual Jewish Film Festival will take place Sunday, October 27 - Thursday, October 31 at Marcus North Shore Cinema in Mequon. Celebrating the finest in Jewish films and filmmaking, the 2024 festival will feature five films featuring a wide array of subjects and themes speaking to Jewish traditions, culture and history.
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Try a new restaurant!
October is Dining Month at OnMilwaukee, so now's a great time to support Milwaukee restaurants! And how convenient: Our own Lori Fredrich has compiled a list of 52 Restaurants to try in the Milwaukee area. Pick one of her selections, and visit that restaurant this weekend!
#52Restaurants
