1. Lake Geneva Winterfest
ALL WEEKEND | RIVIERA PLAZA & FLAT IRON PARK
Head to lake Geneva for a wintry weekend as they host the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship. Take a walk among the ice sculptures, snack on local concessions, enjoy live entertainment and check out daily activities. You can find the full itinerary at Visit Lake Geneva.
2. Anime Milwaukee
ALL WEEKEND | WISCONSIN CENTER
Though Anime Milwaukee started as a college club, this gathering will move off-campus and into downtown. Attendees will experience a weekend of music, manga, gaming, panels, cosplay and local restaurant perks.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Brews & (Snow)Shoes
FRIDAY FROM 5:30-7 P.M. | WEHR NATURE CENTER
Strap into your snowshoes and explore Wehr’s snowy trails after-hours. Afterwards, warm up by the bonfire with a local brew. Rental information is available on the registration page.
4. A Leap Into Afrofuturism
FRIDAY AT 7 P.M. | RADIO MILWAUKEE
February is Black History Month, and it’s starting off on an exciting note at Radio Milwaukee. Listen to local creators as they share their visions for the future and speak on the cultural aesthetic that joins black heritage with science and technology. Later, the event will become its own afterparty as DJ Freakish Nerd leads the dance floor.
5. Milwaukee Winterfest
SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M.-2 P.M. | WASHINGTON PARK
Grab your skis, sleds, snowshoes and skates! The Urban Ecology Center’s Winterfest will have snowy sports and sweet snacks. The event is free and open to all ages.
6. Great Lakes Pet Expo
SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M.-5 P.M. | WISCONSIN EXPOSITION CENTER AT STATE FAIR PARK
Got a furry friend? What about a scaly one? All of the pet lovers out there can enjoy a day of shopping, education and entertainment with vendors from all over the Midwest. Ticket information can be found online.
7. Mitten Fest 2023
SATURDAY FROM NOON-8 P.M. | BURNHEARTS
Bundle up because Burnhearts is back with Mitten Fest 2023! This outdoor festival will feature an afternoon of food, drinks and live music. Instead of an entry fee, attendees can donate to the Hunger Task Force food drive here.
8. 2023 Scholastic Art Awards: Wisconsin Exhibition
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY | MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM
The Scholastic Art Awards program, which acknowledges and supports the artistic efforts of youths all over the country, celebrates 100 years this year. In addition to the work of notable past recipients, over 350 visual artworks by Wisconsin students will be presented this year at an exhibit that is free with museum admission. Read the details at the Milwaukee Art Museum’s website.
9. Repeal of Prohibition Party
SATURDAY AT 9 P.M. | IRON HORSE HOTEL
This roaring 2020’s celebration remembers the night the U.S. lifted the ban on alcohol complete with a costume contest, themed cocktails and a vintage swing band. More details are available at The Iron Horse Hotel website.
10. MKE Chili Bowl
SUNDAY FROM 11 A.M.-5 P.M. | POTAWATOMI HOTEL & CASINO
The beans are back! With an assortment of traditional, spicy or vegetarian chilis from local vendors, the 15th-annual tasting and competition might have the one you’re stewing for. Ticket and event information available online.
11. Walker’s Point Makers Market & Bar Hop
SUNDAY FROM NOON-5 P.M. | WALKER’S POINT
Explore the neighborhood watering holes while shopping 70 makers, with treasures including artwork, home goods, jewelry, candles, soaps and much more. Details available at the event’s Facebook page.
