1. Jack-O’-Lantern Nights at the Racine Zoo
ALL WEEKEND AT 6 P.M. | RACINE ZOO
A dazzling array of 1,000 jack-o’-lanterns – carved with cats, owls, scarecrows and more – will line the Racine Zoo as visitors see their favorite animals. This family-friendly Halloween spectacle also has other light displays, seasonal food and beverages and pumpkin sculptures.
2. Milwaukee Muslim Film Festival
ALL WEEKEND AT VARIOUS TIMES | ORIENTAL THEATER
Organized by Milwaukee Film and the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition, this four-day festival of eight films will celebrate Muslim stories and hold meaningful dialogue for all to participate in. The program also includes food and music from Indiana duo Salaam.
Tell us who you’d pick to be a Betty this year!
3. Blithe Spirit
ALL WEEKEND AT VARIOUS TIMES | SUNSET PLAYHOUSE, ELM GROVE
In this dark comedy, the ghost of a novelist’s first wife reappears and stirs up trouble with him and his second wife. The seasonally appropriate production has mediums and spirits.
4. The Bridgewater Modern Grill One-Year Anniversary
ALL WEEKEND AT 10 A.M. | THE BRIDGEWATER MODERN GRILL
The riverfront restaurant will celebrate one year of operations with ghoulish decorations. The festivities include family-friendly Halloween movie screenings, a “spooky” speciality cocktail menu, and lawn games, as well as live music on Sunday.
5. Women’s Convention 2023
ALL WEEKEND AT 3 P.M. | BAIRD CENTER
With more than 50 breakout sessions, this convention presented by Women’s March is designed to connect activists with each other and teach attendees how to bring change to their communities. The event includes meet and greets, workshops, trainings, panels, art and live performances.
6. Disney’s Aladdin
ALL WEEKEND AT 7:30 P.M. | MARCUS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
The Broadway adaption of this Disney story features fan-favorite songs from the movie along with new music composed by Alan Menken and lyrics written by Howard Ashman.
7. Good News: Artist Residency Opening Night
FRIDAY AT 6 P.M. | ARTS @ LARGE
The Walker’s Point gallery will welcome its newest artists in residence: Karlies Kelley and Kiran Vedula from Flutes at Dawn, a nonprofit that offers a diverse range of arts education. Performances include a youth hip-hop showcase, Panadanza Dance Company, an open mic cypher and more.
8. Hales Corners Pumpkin Fest
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AT 2 P.M. | HALES CORNERS PARK
Carve a pumpkin and compete! The family fall festival will give each attendee a free pre-cleaned pumpkin and gather the resulting jack-o’-lanterns for a display.
9. Gallery Night MKE
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AT 5 P.M. AND 10 A.M. | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Over 50 venues across Milwaukee neighborhoods will display the works of local artists. Jump from gallery to gallery during this two-day event to immerse yourself in the city’s art scene and buy original art, if you’d like.
10. Scary Bloody Mary Walk
SATURDAY AT 10:30 A.M. | DOWNTOWN CEDARBURG
Stroll down historic downtown Cedarburg and try Bloody Marys from five of the twelve bars competing for the crown title – costume-clad or not. Proceeds from the event benefit the Cedarburg Friends of Parks & Recreation.
11. Downer Avenue’s Haunted Halloween
SATURDAY AT 12 P.M. | DOWNER AVENUE BID DISTRICT
This seasonal showcase of Downer Avenue’s local businesses will have trick-or-treating for both children and adults. Attendees will vote for the best jack-o’-lantern displayed at each business, and Boswell Book Company will host author Anna Lardinois, who wrote The Ghostly Tales of Milwaukee.
12. Homiefest 2.5
SATURDAY AT 6:30 P.M. | FOUR SEASONS SKATEPARK
Eight local, regional and national indie bands will perform in the half pipes of Milwaukee’s warehouse-style skate park. Performers include Wisconsin acts Excuse Me, Who Are You? and Tiny Voices, and Milwaukee’s own Bug Moment.
13. Flannel Fest 2023
SATURDAY AT 7 P.M. | THE COOPERAGE
Pull out the plaid for this varied lineup of Midwest musicians, food, drinks and local vendors. This all-ages festival is free to attend.
14. Broadway Tonight Live!
SATURDAY AT 7 P.M. | OCONOMOWOC ARTS CENTER
This musical revue highlights Broadway greats and classics – from Oklahoma! to West Side Story to Wicked – in a two-hour production of dazzling performers and costumes.
15. Stephen Sanchez
SATURDAY AT 8 P.M. | PABST THEATER
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Stephen Sanchez takes the stage on the heels of his 2023 debut album, Angel Face. The 20-year-old artist comes with his discography of emotional ballads including “Until I Found You.”
