1. Milwaukee Film Festival
ALL WEEKEND | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
This weekend marks the first of the Milwaukee Film Festival, and this year for the first time you can attend in-person or virtual programming thanks to a brand-new hybrid format. The legendary Opening Night Party will be in person, along with events all weekend long such as a Filmmaker Happy Hour, Troublesome Women and more.
2. 30x30x30 Exhibition Opening
FRIDAY AT 5 P.M. | VAR GALLERY
This Friday is the opening of the eighth iteration of Var Gallery’s ‘30x30x30’ exhibition, a juried group show of original works by 40 artists at the gallery’s location on Second Street. The exhibition invites selected artists to make one 6” x 6” x 6” piece every day in January, with the goal of jumpstarting an art-making marathon to kick off a new year and resulting in a Spring show open to the public.
3. Milwaukee Riverkeeper Spring Cleanup
SATURDAY FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON | MILWAUKEE RIVER BASIN
Spring cleaning doesn’t stop with your home – Milwaukee Riverkeeper is hosting their 27th annual Spring River Cleanup to remove thousands of pounds of trash from the greater Milwaukee area’s river system. They’ll provide any supplies you will need, so make sure to register in advance!
4. Brickworld LEGO Expo
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY | WISCONSIN STATE FAIR PARK
LEGO enthusiasts and hobbyists of all ages will appreciate the myriad of events and booths to learn and grow their collections at Brickworld MKE. The expo will feature 40 displays, and guests will have the opportunity to contribute to a fantasy exhibit alongside professional LEGO builders and LEGO Masters contestants.
5. Earth Day at Discover World
SATURDAY FROM 9 A.M. TO 4 P.M.
Celebrate Earth Day with workshops and interactive demonstrations, fun for all ages, at Discovery World. Make a wildflower seed bomb, listen to Earth Day songs, try a science sensory activity and participate in activities and giveaways from the U.S. Forestry Service.
6. Rock the Green
SATURDAY FROM NOON TO 3 P.M. | HARLEY-DAVIDSON MUSEUM
If you’re looking to celebrate Earth Day this weekend, Rock the Green’s 11th annual celebration covers every base – and it’s all zero-waste, too. There will be live performances by Bendigo Fletcher and Milwaukee’s own V FUNK, sustainable food and local beer from Motor and eco-education from a laundry list of prominent nonprofits and organizations from Bublr Bikes to the Urban Ecology Center.
7. Ramadan Market
SATURDAY AT 1 P.M. | MILWAUKEE MUSLIM WOMEN’S COALITION
Fanana Banana, an artist collective that uplifts Muslim creatives in the community, are teaming up with the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition to host an evening market in celebration of Ramadan. The event is open to the public and will include local vendors and creators, henna and activities for children.
8. Raisin
SATURDAY AT 2 P.M. OR 7:30 P.M. | CABOT THEATER
This Saturday is the last time you will be able to catch Raisin, an adaptation of Larraine Hansberry’s play, A Raisin in the Sun, at Cabot theater. Set in 1951, the play follows a struggling Chicago family as they navigate becoming the first African Americans to buy a home in the all-white neighborhood of Clybourne Park.
9. Milwaukee’s Best Bloody
SUNDAY FROM 11:30 A.M. TO 3 P.M. | ITALIAN COMMUNITY CENTER
The 10th annual Best Bloody contest is back this Sunday, in-person for the first time since 2020. Raise awareness and funds for the Wisconsin bleeding disorders community while sipping on the best bloodies the city has to offer from restaurants like Café Hollander, Crafty Cow, Elsie Mae’s, Walkers Pint and more.
10. Keg Stand Up Comedy Show
SUNDAY AT 6 P.M. | LAKEFRONT BREWERY
For the first time, experience Lakefront Brewery’s beer hall as a comedy club thanks to a partnership with Milwaukee Comedy. Enjoy an intimate show full of laughs, beer and Lakefront’s full food menu available during the show. Organizers recommend grabbing tickets to this 21+ show early and arriving when doors open at 5:30 to secure your spot.
