14 Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: Oct. 30-Nov. 2

14 Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: Oct. 30-Nov. 2

Trains, powwows, Fonzie and the French – it’s an eclectic weekend in Milwaukee!

Featured Events

1. Les Misérables

ALL WEEKEND | MARCUS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

The touring Broadway production of Les Mis will bring a story of redemption, injustice and love to the Marcus Center this weekend. You can find tickets for the Tony Award-winning musical about revolution in 19th-century France here.

2. 3 Rivers Powwow

SATURDAY AT NOON | MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM

The Museum is kicking off Native American Heritage Month with its first annual 3 Rivers Powwow, a showcase of dance styles to songs shared by different Wisconsin drum groups. The event runs from until 7 p.m., during the Saturday’s community free day. Guests can also shop goods from Native artisans and visit resource tables with information on local waterways and Tribal organizations.

3. Trainfest

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY | BAIRD CENTER

This weekend, the Baird Center will be filled with model railroad and train enthusiasts, experts and merchandise. With more than 250 vendor booths and over 500 tables of finds, the space will be open to guests from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. Keep your eyes peeled for a visit from truTV’s “Impractical Jokers’” James “Murr” Murray – he’ll be on-site to accept the NMRA’s “Service to the Hobby” Award.


Tell us who you’d pick to be a Betty this year!

 

More Events

4. China Lights Closing Weekend

ALL WEEKEND | BOERNER BOTANICAL GARDENS

Immerse yourself into a magical forest, during the last days of the eighth annual China Lights, which ends Nov. 2. Explore the vibrant lantern displays that have transformed Boerner Botanical Gardens, watch live stage entertainment, and enjoy food from vendors on-site. 

5. Happy Birthday, Fonzie!

THURSDAY AT 2 P.M. | THE BRONZE FONZ

Henry Winkler – the man behind Milwaukee’s own Arthur Fonzarelli – turns 80 on Thursday, and to celebrate the momentous occasion, Visit Milwaukee is hosting a birthday party on the site of the Bronze Fonz. There will be giveaways, Fonzie-themed drinks and treats, and “cool-as-ice surprises.” (Winkler, sadly, will not be in attendance.) 

6. Skulloween

THURSDAY FROM 5-9 P.M. | HARLEY-DAVIDSON MUSEUM

MOTOR Bar & Restaurant at the Harley-Davidson Museum is throwing a Halloween party with monstrous bites, drink specials, and beats by DJ Joey Hollywood. Plus, prizes await for the winners of the night’s costume contest!

7. Halloween Paint & Sip

THURSDAY FROM 6-8 P.M. | ZÓCALO FOOD PARK

You can add to your collection of spooky decor at this Halloween-themed paint & sip in Walker’s Point. Zócalo’s bar and food trucks will be taking orders for artistic fuel, and an exclusive cocktail add-on is available online. Art supplies and Spanish and English instruction will be provided.

8. John Suess Art Exhibition

THURSDAY AND FRIDAY | GREENFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY

Witness this local artist and former Milwaukee librarian’s exhibit at the Greenfield Public Library during its final days. Known for his colorful Wisconsin landscapes and vivid floral works, John Suess draws inspiration from everyday beauty like gardens, golf courses and scenic drives. Over 20 of Suess’ original paintings, with several newer pieces on display, can be viewed for free during regular library hours.

9. Gallery Talk: ‘Reviving the Dance of Death’

FRIDAY AT NOON | MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM

Nikki Otten, MAM’s associate curator of prints & drawings, will talk about the themes behind the museum’s exhibition “Reviving the Dance of Death” at this gallery talk, open to drop-ins. The exhibition, which ends on Nov. 30, highlights two portfolios from the museum’s collection by Albert Besnard (French, 1849-1936) and Max Klinger (German, 1857-1920). The talk is included with museum admission.

10. Cedarburg Pumpkin Walk

FRIDAY FROM 5-9 P.M. | DOWNTOWN CEDARBURG

Bring your carved pumpkins to light up Washington Avenue for this year’s Pumpkin Walk through Downtown Cedarburg. Stop outside Brunch to receive a free hot chocolate on your creep down the street.

11. Port Washington Ghost Walk

FRIDAY FROM 6:30-8:30 P.M. | DOWNTOWN PORT WASHINGTON

This week’s Halloween ghost walk journeys into the history of Paranormal Port. The night will start in Port Washington’s historic downtown and end at Union Cemetery, with haunted local stories along the way. You can reserve your spot here.

12. Milwaukee Admirals vs. Cleveland Monsters

FRIDAY AT 7 P.M. | UW-MILWAUKEE PANTHER ARENA

Watch the Milwaukee Admirals face off against the Cleveland Monsters on Friday night inside the Panther arena – trick-or-treating on the ice will follow the game! The puck drops at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale here.

13. Desolate Acres

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY | WAUKESHA COUNTY EXPO GROUNDS

Face your fears at the closing weekend of the haunted Desolate Acres. Purchase general admission and “fast pass” tickets online for entrance times between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.

14. Bucks vs. Kings

SATURDAY AT 4 P.M. | FISERV FORUM

Watch our hometown team take on the Sacramento Kings inside Fiserv Forum (or at your favorite Milwaukee sports bar) on Saturday afternoon. Tip-off is at 4 p.m.


Want more great Milwaukee events? Check out our calendar