By Allen Halas OnMilwaukee Staff Writer Published Sep 20, 2024 at 7:00 AM

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

The weather has yet to turn in Milwaukee, which means you can squeeze out the most of this great weekend! The city has so much to offer, from concerts to Oktoberfest celebrations, and of course plenty of fall family fun as well. Here's your Weekend Preview, brought to you by Potawatomi Casino Hotel!

FRIDAY

The String Cheese IncidentX

The String Cheese Incident at Riverside Theater
The String Cheese Incident has long held a reputation as live music vibe innovators...and they're bringing those vibes to The Riverside Theater for the weekend. Catch them for two shows on Friday and Saturday.
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For King + Country at Fiserv Forum
Brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone are hitting the road to give audiences an innovative new production unlike any other For King + Country show to date. The duo will perform brand new music, as well as fan favorites from its award-winning albums.
Event Info

Cubanitas 21st Anniversary Party
Cubanitas is celebrating 21 years in business in Downtown Milwaukee, and you can join in on the fun! Live music, discounted drinks and more are all part of the fun.
Event Info

Partner Pick

Raise your steins, it's Elktoberfest! Elkhart Lake's Elktoberfest brings a unique twist to Oktoberfest with plenty of beer, pretzels, games, and family fun. Put on your lederhosen or dirndl, raise a stein, join the 5K fun run, and celebrate German heritage all weekend long. Check out all of the events happening Elktoberfest Weekend! Plan your visit

J.K. Lee Martial Arts Fundraiser Open Mic at Linneman's
Poets, musicians and performers are welcome! Donations at the door support City Youth Martial Arts, a local Riverwest 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing youth and families, who would otherwise not have access, an opportunity to learn martial arts. 
Event Info

Kashus Culpepper at The Rave
Alabama-born country crooner Kashus Culpepper encompasses the sound of the South. A student and reverent purveyor of Southern music – country, soul, blues, folk, and rock – Culpepper’s husky, sandpaper growl bellows like a freight train over self-penned stories that are as raw and real as they are haunting.
Event Info

Dessa at Vivarium
Dessa works in most fields that traffic in words: she's recorded rap bangers as part of the fiercely independent Doomtree collective, released a live album with the Grammy-winning Minnesota Orchestra, delivered a TED Talk on the intersection of romance and neuroscience that's notched more than 4 million views; hosted two seasons of the Deeply Human radio program, and published a memoir recounting most of the above called "My Own Devices." Catch her live at Vivarium. 
Event Info

Morgan Jay at Turner Hall Ballroom
Morgan Jay is a musician and comedian based in LA who has made numerous TV appearances. His world class training and journey as a stand-up comedian has won him multiple awards and prestigious festival appearances. Catch him for one night only in Milwaukee.
Event Info

Living In Oblivion: 80's & 90's Underground Dance Party at X-Ray Arcade
Join DJ Synthia for the latest installment of Living In Oblivion! It’s going to be a night of the best ‘80s & ‘90s new wave and alternative music videos from the Golden Age of MTV through the 120 Minutes era.
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

88Nine's Fall BallX

88Nine's Fall Ball at Radio Milwaukee
88Nine's Fall Ball is back and ready to drum up support for Radio Milwaukee with a rooftop party, dancing, DJs and live-band karaoke.
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Bay View Bash
The Bay View Bash takes place on the 3rd Saturday of each September between Potter and Clement on Kinnickinnic Avenue in Bay View. Established in 2004, the Bay View Bash is a community festival of food, art, music, crafts, books, and community organizations. 
Event Info

Dierks Bentley: Gravel & Gold at American Family Insurance Amphitheater
Dierks Bentley is bringing the Gravel & Gold tour on the road with special guests Lee Brice and Ella Langley. It's country night at American Family Insurance Amphitheater!
Event Info

Partner Pick

Grooving Under Glass at the Mitchell Park Domes
Thursday, September 26
Join the Friends of the Domes for two spectacular light shows choreographed to music in the Mitchell Park Show Dome and enjoy food and drink from Uncle Wolfie's Breakfast Tavern, Double B's BBQ, Pete's Fruit Market and Zilli Hospitality. Plus get access to all three domes while you're there. Performances include:
  • Extra Crispy Brass Band
  • Brylor
  • David HB Drake
  • Awake the Echoes
  • English & Spanish Story Time
Get tickets

Leff's 30th Anniversary Block Party
Join Leff's for a block party on 72nd Street in Hart Park from 1-9 p.m. Featuring live music by Lights Out and the LoveMonkeys. Food and beverages by Hot House Tavern, Revere's Wells Street Tavern and of course, Leff's!
Event Info

Dog Days of Summer at The Iron Horse Hotel
The hotel’s pet-friendly promotion, Dog Days of Summer, continues the tradition of the YAPPY Hour. This summer, we’ve partnered with Good Boy Vodka for the series. A portion of the proceeds from Good Boy Vodka support the Dog 2 Dog Tags Foundation.
Event Info

MobCraft Mobtoberfest 2024
Get your lederhosens and dirndls ready for Mobtoberfest! Join MobCraft for a spin on a true Wisconsin tradition: Oktoberfest. They'll have live polka music, Hammerschlagen, stein holding, the return of sausage sculpting and more games and contests. Oh, and of course, German-inspired food and plenty of beer!
Event Info

Piala's 14th Annual Fall Festival at Piala's Nursery & Garden Shop
Join Piala's for a fun-filled family friendly weekend at the nursery! At the free event, enjoy a vendor craft fair, live music, fresh food, exclusive festival only sales and plant specials, the peacock palace, and more!
Event Info

Art:Forward Gala 2024 at Milwaukee Art Museum
Save the date for the Art:Forward Gala celebrating internationally acclaimed artist Robert Longo. All proceeds from the Art:Forward Gala will support the contemporary art program at the Milwaukee Art Museum.
Event Info

Apple Harvest Festival at Retzer Nature Center
Enjoy this family-friendly autumn celebration event at Retzer Nature Center, featuring the Apple Market, Delafield Brewhaus Beer Garden, arts and crafts vendors, sweet treats, Scarecrow Lane with a scavenger hunt, children's activities and more.
Event Info

SUNDAY

Bean Plant Block Party at Anodyne Coffee RoastersX

Bean Plant Block Party at Anodyne Coffee Roasters
The event will take place outside on Bruce St. between 2nd and 3rd streets and will feature skateboard ramps and obstacles provided by Cream City Skatepark, a portable rock wall from Adventure Rock, beer from Indeed Brewing Co, snacks and beverages from Station 1848 (City Tours MKE), vintage market by 414Flea, live music, food trucks and more!
Event Info

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.
Event Info

EVOLVE: A Mindful Market at Ivy House
A Mindful Market, this event presents an abundant curation of talented vendors with personalized approaches and a diverse range of disciplines in one place to empower you with education and inspiration for self-exploration. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit community partner Core El Centro.
Event Info

Partner Pick

OTR Cocktails: Go A Little Extra After many a flight and hotel room, the founders of OTR saw an opportunity to bring premade, bar-quality cocktails to the clear skies and night stays. That’s when OTR was born – a new kind of ready to drink cocktail experience, delivering all the complexity and craftsmanship you would find at your local bar, in a convenient bottle. Learn More

Rooftop Pride 365 Party at Pilot Project Brewing
Come join Courage Milwaukee, Chosen MKE and Pilot Project for a Queer Crush Social Pride event on the rooftop at Pilot Project Brewing! There will be drink specials, games and a drag sing-off hosted by Dear Ruthie and music by DJ Dripsweat. 
Event Info

R&B Live Milwaukee 15th Anniversary at The Cooperage
R&B Live is celebrating 15 years of concerts, and you're invited to the party! Head to The Cooperage in Walker's Point for a night full of great music with a great view of the city.
Event Info

The Lemonheads: It's A Shame About C'mon Feel Tour at Turner Hall Ballroom
Alternative rock band The Lemonheads come to Turner Hall Ballroom this Sunday. The band will be performing their two classic albums “It’s a Shame About Ray” & “Come on Feel The Lemonheads” back to back in their entirety!
Event Info

Sleeping With Sirens, Holding Absence, Teenage Joans at The Rave
Rock vets Sleeping With Sirens are on a run of tour dates celebrating the band's second studio album, "Let’s Cheers To This." The stretch of dates will include a full performance of the album on each night of the tour.
Event Info

ALL WEEKEND LONG

Apple Picking GuideX

Apple Picking!
Whether you’re looking for a weekend activity to enjoy with your kids, gathering apples for seasonal baking or homemade caramel apples, there’s nothing like spending part of a beautiful day at the local apple orchard.
Apple Picking Guide

The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity at Next Act Theatre
In this corner, Chad Deity: the greatest champ professional wrestling has ever seen. But behind every winner lies the story of a really excellent loser. Enter Macedonio “The Mace” Guerra: a wrestler paid to lose night after night. For the chance to tell his own story in the ring, he’ll do almost anything. Kristoffer Diaz’s play is a high-octane powerbomb of thrilling spectacle, larger-than-life characters and pop culture commentary that you can’t find on pay-per-view.
Event Info

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. 
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.
Event Info​

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

Dustin Nickerson at Milwaukee Improv
A Seattle native now suffering in Southern California, Dustin Nickerson is an in demand comic on the rise. In 2020, he released his debut comedy special Overwhelmed which is currently one of the highest rated specials on Amazon Prime Video.
Event Info

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

Rachel Mac at The Laughing Tap
You've seen comedian Rachel Mac on Lights Out with David Spade, Comedy Central and more! Now catch a pair of nights with the standup this weekend.
Event 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