14 Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: Oct. 27-29
A gravestone at the Forest Home Cemetery in Milwaukee.

14 Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: Oct. 27-29

Hop around Halloween festivals, costume contests, live film scores and more

1. The Last of Us Pop-Up

THURSDAY THROUGH SUNDAY AT 4 P.M. | LOST WHALE

The Bay View cocktail bar is hosting a pop-up themed after the hit video game series and HBO show. Guests can enjoy a specialty menu named after fan-favorite characters and rage-inducing moments, as well as fully decorated interior of cordycep-covered walls and hanging vines.

2. Haunted Barrel Halloween Party

FRIDAY FROM 3-9 P.M. | THIRD SPACE BREWING

Join Third Space in celebrating the release of this year’s Haunted Barrel – a barrel-aged candy bar stout. The party wil include free pumpkin carving, Ian’s Pizza and scary square dancing with Do-Si-Do To Go.

3. Bayshore Boogie Bash and Costume Contest

FRIDAY FROM 5-8 P.M. | THE YARD AT BAYSHORE, GLENDALE

Come costumed to this kid-friendly event at Bayshore for a chance to win prizes! Fairy tale princesses, light shows, Halloween shows and lots of dancing will fill the evening.

4. Dia de los Muertos Celebration

FRIDAY FROM 6-9 P.M. | MITCHELL PARK DOMES 

Celebrate the Day of the Dead at the Desert Dome, which will have ofrendas and be fully decorated for the night. The event will food, cultural crafts, art and a billingual story time.

5. Live Jazz at Edith

FRIDAY FROM 6-9 P.M. | EDITH COCKTAIL BAR

Milwaukee Jazz Institute presents a night with solo guitarist Paul Silbergleit at this cocktail bar inspired by the speakeasies in New Orleans, New York and London.

6. Dia de los Muertos Festival and 5K

SATURDAY AT 9:30 A.M. | FOREST HOME CEMETERY

Participate in a 5K around Milwaukee’s historic cemetery for this Day of the Dead celebration – traditional attire encouraged. See ofrendas created by local schools and graves decorated by families. The festival also includes mariachis, folkloric dancers, traditional decorations, local vendors and face painting.

7. Nightmare On Center Street Block Party

SATURDAY FROM 11 A.M.-2 A.M. | COMPANY BREWING

Jump down to Center Street for a Halloween block party! Along with costume contests for kids and pets, the party will feature live music from cover bands and DJs, a giant inflatable trampoline park, local vintage and maker vendors and food and drink specials.

8. Trick or Read

SATURDAY FROM 1-4 P.M. | 5531 W. NORTH AVE.

Join Mayor Cavalier Johnson for an afternoon of Halloween reading! Along with free books, crafts, healthy snacks and a discussion about youth literacy, children’s book author Dionne Grayson will sign books from her The Children’s Gift Series.

9. Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon

SATURDAY FROM 5:30-8 P.M. | MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM

This listening experience will give a new meaning to “The Great Gig in the Sky.” To celebrate 50 years since the album’s release, experience it alongside views of the solar system in a reality-transcending environment – the planetarium. 

10. Vampire Bash

SATURDAY AT 7:30 P.M. | UIHLEIN HALL

See Milwaukee Ballet’s Dracula, then attend the post-show Halloween party. As the ballet company commemorates Davit Hovhannisyan’s retirement and final performance as the titular vampire, there will also be a vampire costume contest, dancing, drinks, late-night bites and more.

11. The Nightmare Before Christmas: Film With Orchestra

SATURDAY AT 7:30 P.M., SUNDAY AT 2:30 P.M. | BRADLEY SYMPHONY CENTER

The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra will accompany Tim Burton’s classic Halloween (or Christmas?) stop-motion film with Danny Elfman’s soundtrack for an all-ages performance.

12. Die Stadht ohne Juden Film and Live Score

SUNDAY AT 5:30 P.M. | MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM

With a modern live score, Present Music will screen a recently rediscovered 1920s film that urges against the rise of antisemitism. Prior to the performance will be a panel discussion about the history, context and significance of the film.

13. Tea and Tarot

SUNDAY FROM 6-8 P.M. | STONE + SAGE, NEW BERLIN

Sip tasty teas and gain insight from tarot and oracle readers for the Halloween season! A ticket to the event includes a 15-minute reading, a goodie bag and a curated selection of teas.

14. Full Moon Costume Party

SUNDAY AT 9 P.M. | CACTUS CLUB

Show off your spooky costumes under the full moon at this party hosted by Cactus Club. The night will feature performances from DJs and drag performers.