1. Boo at the Zoo
ALL WEEKEND FROM 5:30-9 P.M. | MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO
This family-friendly event transforms the zoo into a Halloween extravaganza. Kids can pick up sweets along a trick-or-treat trail through the Adventure Africa exhibit, check out “eerie experiments” at a Mad Science of Milwaukee set-up, enjoy a light show, wind through a haystack maze, and of course visit the zoo’s animals. Tickets are available here.
2. NARI Home Remodeling Show
ALL WEEKEND | WISCONSIN STATE FAIR PARK EXPO CENTER
Over 100 home improvement and remodeling professionals exhibit their work at this annual show. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next project, trying to find a trusted contractor, or just want to peruse the latest in home design, check it out. Tickets are available here.
RELATED: 18 THINGS TO DO IN MILWAUKEE THIS OCTOBER
3. Milwaukee Muslim Film Festival
ALL WEEKEND | ORIENTAL THEATRE
Milwaukee Film and the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition team up to host this festival, which features eight films over the weekend, including Pain and Peace, a documentary about a hate crime survivor; All Static and Noise, a documentary about China’s Uyghur detention; and more. Find the screening schedule here.
4. Gallery Night MKE
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
This free event showcases Milwaukee’s visual arts scene, with showings at galleries across the Third Ward, the East Side, Walker’s Point and more neighborhoods. Find the dozens of participating galleries here, along with restaurants and shops that will be opening their doors for the event.
5. Live Jazz in the Ward: KASE
FRIDAY FROM 7-10 P.M. | 131 N. JACKSON ST.
Gibraltar MKE is hosting a night of improvised avant garde jazz in the Third Ward, featuring Jamie Breiwick on trumpet, John Christenson on bass and Jordan Lee on turntables and electronics. Cover is $7 and there will be pizza. Must be 21+ to attend.
6. InSite: Cycles
FRIDAY AT 7 P.M., SATURDAY AT 4 P.M. AND 7 P.M. | DAVIDSON PARK
Wild Space Dance Company is taking full advantage of Milwaukee’s new Davidson Park, a public space on Harley-Davidson’s corporate campus. The company’s new dance performance was choreographed specifically for the site, making thematic use of the circular design.
7. Madama Butterfly
FRIDAY AT 7:30 P.M., SUNDAY AT 2:30 P.M. AND 7:30 P.M. | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
The Puccini opera is reimagined in this retelling by acclaimed stage director Mo Zhou. Hear the iconic score and take in the thoughtful rethinking of the story. You can read our feature on the performance here, and find tickets here.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
8. Wisconsin Whisky Fest 2024
FRIDAY FROM 5:30-9:30 P.M. | BAIRD CENTER
This festival will offer samplings of over 150 whiskies from local and national breweries. Food will be available at the event, along with educational sessions focused on all things whisky. Tickets can be bought here.
9. Take it Outside Day
SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M.-2 P.M. | URBAN ECOLOGY CENTER
Spend the day fishing at the Urban Ecology Center’s Menomonee Valley location. Learn all about fishing in the Menomonee River at this family friendly event. Anyone over the age of 16 must have a state fishing license, and children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult.
10. Dogs Welcome: Sculpture Milwaukee Tour
SATURDAY FROM 11 A.M.-3 P.M. | CATALANO SQUARE
Experience the art that Sculpture Milwaukee brings to the city with your dog. This guided tour through the sculptures of the Third Ward and Downtown is free, and pet-related vendors will be offering all kinds of fun.
11 Lil Wayne
SATURDAY AT 7 P.M. | FISERV FORUM
His seconds, minutes, hours go to the almighty dollar, and this weekend he’s in Milwaukee. Hip hop superstar Lil Wayne is coming to Fiserv Forum, where he’ll perform along with Sweetie and Selfish Sons.
12. Kohl’s Family Sundays: Día de los Muertos
SUNDAY FROM 10 A.M.- 4 P.M. | MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM
Celebrate the Day of the Dead at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Enjoy live music and dance performances, alongside different art vendors. You can add to the community ofrenda on display, make pieces with local artists, and watch dance performances and hear live music.
13. Locust Street Bazaar
SUNDAY FROM 11 A.M.-5 P.M. | LINNEMANS RIVERWEST INN
The Locust Street Bazaar will be in full Halloween spirit this month. Come in costume and enjoy a pumpkin carving station, petting zoo, games and more. Vendors, live music, food and drinks will be available to all.
