By Allen Halas OnMilwaukee Staff Writer Published Oct 18, 2024 at 7:00 AM

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The Weekend Preview is brought to you by Potawatomi Casino Hotel. Get there this weekend! 

Whether you're into getting spooky or celebrating culture, looking for music or sports, there's someting for you to do in Milwaukee this weekend. One thing is for sure, you definitely shouldn't spend the next few days in the house. Here's your Weekend Preview, brought to you by Potawatomi Casino Hotel!

FRIDAY

Lewis Black at Pabst TheaterX

Lewis Black at Pabst Theater
Two-time Grammy award winning comedian/actor/writer Lewis Black uses his trademark style of comedic yelling and finger pointing to expose the absurdities of life. His comedic brilliance makes people laugh at life’s hypocrisies and the insanity he sees in the world.
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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.
Event Info

Partner Pick

Home Show this Weekend! The NARI Home & Remodeling Show is THIS weekend at State Fair! It’s your last chance this year to meet the best local home improvement professionals all in one place! 100+ vendors will be on-site ready to talk about your home & dreams. Admission is $10; kids & veterans are free. Learn more

Wisconsin Whiskey Fest 2024 at Baird Center
Guests can expect over 150 whiskies to sample from 35+ local and national distillers. In addition to the sampling, you can expect great food throughout the night.
Event Info

Vin Baker Bouncing Back Foundation Par-Tee at Luxe Golf Bays
Former NBA star and current assistant coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, Vin Baker, and his Vin Baker Bouncing Back Foundation are hosting a Par-Tee at Luxe Golf Bays in Franklin on Friday to raise money to treat, educate and motivate those who are most endangered by addiction.
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Dani Flow at The Rave
Latin artist Dani Flow's "El Rey Del Morbo" tour is set to take over The Rave on Friday night! Catch a night of modern reggaeton with Dani's unique style.
Event Info

Madama Butterfly at Florentine Opera Company
Indulge in the timeless allure of Puccini's masterpiece, Madama Butterfly, where Japanese traditions meet American dreams. As the exquisite melodies of Puccini's iconic score unfold, experience an exploration of love, sacrifice, and cultural collision.
Event Info

Fall Gallery Night at Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel
Get to know Saint Kate's latest Artist in Residence, Megan Woodard Johnson! Her abstract work explores nostalgia and is imbued with the joy found in common memories and shared experiences, sparking curiosity, and encouraging close inspection.
Event Info

Avatar: The Last Airbender In Concert at Pabst Theater
Join for a unique opportunity for fans and music enthusiasts to fully immerse themselves in the mesmerizing world of Aang, Katara, Toph, Sokka, Zuko, and more. Composed and arranged by Jeremy Zuckerman, the mastermind behind the show’s original music, this spectacular concert will feature a specially curated live orchestra that will breathe life into the show’s iconic score, perfectly synchronized with the series’ most unforgettable moments on a full-size cinema screen.
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Adeem the Artist at Vivarium
As they began working on a new batch of songs, Adeem the Artist was busy thinking about the way a lifetime of experiences can pile up in a person’s brain. Experience the result of that work live on the East Side.
Event Info

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

Lil Wayne at Fiserv ForumX

Lil Wayne, Saweetie, Selfish Sons at Fiserv Forum
With a legacy that solidified him as "one of the best-selling artists of all time," Lil Wayne has sold over 100 million records worldwide, with an astounding 25 million albums and 90 million digital tracks sold in the United States alone. The multi-hyphenate rapper and entrepreneur will take the stage alongside Saweetie on Saturday night.
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Milwaukee Admirals vs. Rockford Ice Hogs
It's hockey season! Your Milwaukee Admirals take the ice at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena this weekend for their home opener against their fierce rivals the Rockford Ice Hogs. Don't miss out!
Event Info​

Flannel Fest at The Cooperage
On Saturday between the hours of 2-10 p.m., the parking lot outside of Boone & Crockett and The Cooperage will be alive with autumnal activity. There will be tasty food, live music, plenty of drinks available and much more!
Event Info

Partner Pick

Dells On Tap 2024 Ales, porters, stouts, lagers, the beer’s all here. Get your tickets to Dells On Tap and the Craft Beer Walk and tap into the fun! A weekend full of fun and flavor. Get a taste of it all at the Craft Beer Walk and Dells On Tap October 18-19. Fill your weekend with 70+ breweries and over 200 microbrews to sample at Dells On Tap and the Craft Beer Walk in Wisconsin Dells! More Info

Gallery Day MKE at David Barnett Gallery
Join David Barnett Gallery in supporting a young artist who in turn needs our help supporting other children who are currently battling cancer. Prints of Eva’s work will be available for purchase during our Animals in Art show, on display October 19th through January 11th. All profits go directly towards benefiting Children’s Hospital WI. Free admission, and complimentary wine for visitors.
Event Info

The Black Crowes at Miller High Life Theatre
15 years after their last album of original music, the Robinson Brothers present Happiness Bastards - their 10th studio album. Some may say the project has been several tumultuous years in the making, but we argue it's arriving at just the right time.
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Nineteen Thirteen at Vivarium
The mesmerizing trio, Nineteen Thirteen, features Janet Schiff playing the 1913 Romanian Cello and creating a Live Cello Orchestra by using a powerful looping pedal technique. We find Victor DeLorenzo playing a dynamic and ever changing Drum System, and Matt Meixner who weaves a subversive and melodic web of exotic Keyboard + Synthesizer textures.
Event Info

Partner Pick

Madama Butterfly | Oct 18 & 20 Indulge in the timeless allure and iconic score of Puccini's masterpiece, Madama Butterfly, where Japanese traditions meet American dreams. Experience an exploration of love, sacrifice, and cultural collision. Delve into a world brimming with raw emotion as Cio-Cio San faces heartbreak, and her unwavering devotion leads to a devastating sacrifice for the future of her child. Get tickets

Jean Dawson, Quadeca at The Rave
The enigmatic polymath Jean Dawson is undeniably one of today’s most essential artists with a one-a-kind sound that is deeply unbound and not beholden to a specific genre.
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 Boos, Barks and Brews at The Explorium Brewpub Southridge
Bring your pup for an evening on the patio and enjoy treat samples, raffles and more while supporting Lucky Mutts Rescue! Enter your furry friend in our puppy costume contest and visit our vendors for some doggie goodies and treats!
Event Info

SUNDAY

Dia De Los Muertos at Milwaukee Art MuseumX

Kohl’s Family Sundays: Día de los Muertos at Milwaukee Art Museum
Gather together with family and friends to celebrate the beauty and tradition of the Day of the Dead. Add to the community ofrenda, make art with local artists, enjoy dance and music performances, and more.
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Sesame Street Live at Miller High Life Theatre
At Sesame Street Live! Say Hello, sing, dance, and play alongside your favorite furry friends, all while you follow Elmo’s puppy, Tango, in a fun game of hide & seek. So put on your dancing shoes and make your way to where the air is sweet for this all-new celebration on Sesame Street!
Event Info

"Band People" Book Talk at Boswell Book Co.
Attend this conversation with musician Franz Nicolay (Hold Steady, Frank Turner, Dresden Dolls, etc.) hosted by our own Molly Snyder about "band people" – the session musicians, backup singers, rhythm and horn sections, etc. who are not center of stage and often not officially a member of the band, but are integral to touring, recording and live performance.
Event Info

Junior and Co.'s Spooky Sessions
Are you fan of Halloween? Do you enjoy dressing up and having your picture taken? Then join Junior and Co. for Spooky Sessions! Wear your favorite costume or makeup for a mini photo shoot in a studio setting.
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Partner Pick

Boo at the Zoo is back! Carve out some fun at the Milwaukee County Zoo, October 17-20, from 5:30-9:00 p.m. Explore the Trick-or-Treat Trail, see live pumpkin carving demonstrations, and enjoy spooky light shows. Costumes are encouraged! Don't forget to grab your tickets early—Zoo Pass members save 15% with code halloween15. Parking is included. Tickets are limited, so get yours before they're gone! Get tickets

Milwaukee Makers Market at The Society
Milwaukee Makers Market is so much more than a makers and artisan fair. It’s a celebration of the city's creators and our local community. Creator Ryan Laessig curates each market to create a perfect opportunity for small business owners to sell their wares and make connections with fans and other makers.​
Event Info

Flavors of Ghana Traditional Cuisine (Jollof Rice, Suya) at UbuntuMKE
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
Event Info

Fall Flea Market at Crossroads Collective
Enjoy live music and don’t miss out on fall-themed cocktails from the Pharmacy Bar. Satisfy your cravings with delicious food from Crossroads vendors inside. Come support small businesses and discover something special at this vibrant community event!
Event Info

Birds and Water at Urban Ecology Center
Join the Wisconsin Academy, Hillary Thompson (Whooping Crane Project Manager at the International Crane Foundation), and Danielle Washington (Program Manager at Community Water Services) for an insightful talk on the importance of clean and healthy water for waterbirds and humans, respectively. 
Event Info

Set It Off, From Ashes To New, New Year's Day, If Not For Me at The Rave
It's a night full of emo and metalcore at The Rave, when Set It Off headlines the "Deathless" tour! Blending a vast spectrum of sonic influences, writing music is a means of catharsis for Set It Off. Let it all out on Sunday night.
Event Info

ALL WEEKEND LONG

Hunting Moon Pow Wow at Potawatomi Casino HotelX

Hunting Moon Pow Wow at Potawatomi Casino Hotel
Celebrate Native American Culture & Tradition! Hunting Moon Pow Wow is three days of excitement, bringing together a host of Native American cultures for a celebration of singing, drumming and dancing in the heart of downtown Milwaukee
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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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Riverwest Radio Ghost Walk
A collection of 22 short ghost stories, both fiction and non-fiction, penned by local writers, including illustrations from local artists, compiled into a book. Each story revolves around homes and business in the Riverwest & Harambee neighborhoods that have volunteered to be part of the event. 
More Info

Partner Pick

Who you gonna call? Gift of Wings! Gift of Wings is gearing up for the BEST Hallowings ever and in Greendale from October 22-27. Carve a pumpkin for FREE and leave it for us to light up and create a spectacular Halloween display in Gazebo Park.

NEW this year, Gift of Wings is looking for a lot of spooky kids and adults to march down Broad Street in their really scary costumes for the Greendale Halloween parade at 2:30, on Sunday October 27th.

Plus, we’re really excited to feature The Ghostbusters Ectomobile, Ghostbusters, Stay Puft Marshmallow Man and other cool floats. You don't want to miss this event!
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Gothic History Tour at Cedarburg Cultural Center
Celebrate 20 spirited years of the Gothic History Tour where you and your favorite ghost, phantom, or apparition can raise a glass of earthly spirits. Leave the soul searching to us. Tours begin at 6 pm and run every 10 minutes throughout the evening.Must be 21 to sample cocktails.
Event Info

The Tap Yard Waukesha's Beer Garden
Over 60 degrees? Sounds like beer garden weather to us. Join at The Tap Yard in Waukesha where they'll have events all weekend long to enjoy one last patio day for the year.
Event Info

"Waitress" at Skylight Music Theatre
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.
Event Info

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. 
Exhibit Info

Try a new restaurant!
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 a number from 1-52, and visit that restaurant this weekend!
#52Restaurants