1. Wisconsin Highland Games
ALL WEEKEND | WAUKESHA COUNTY EXPO CENTER
This annual festival celebrates Scottish, Irish and Celtic culture with athletic competitions, local dancers, a Celtic marketplace and plenty of bagpipers. The opening ceremony is on Friday night, and the games are on Saturday and Sunday.
2. Lavell Crawford at Milwaukee Improv
ALL WEEKEND | MILWAUKEE IMPROV (MAIN ROOM)
Standout comedian and actor Lavell Crawford performs at Milwaukee Improv this weekend. Crawford’s skill has earned him national recognition including appearances on Comedy Central and a recurring role on the critically acclaimed TV show, “Breaking Bad.”
3. Mildred Fish Harnack Memorial Concert
FRIDAY AT 6:30 P.M. | TURNER HALL BALLROOM
Mildred Fish Harnack was a World War II era hero and American literary historian. The memorial concert will feature several regional acts including hardcore band ‘Glutton for Insurrection’ and multi-instrumentalist Brandon Payton-Carillo, and many more. All proceeds from the concert will go toward funding the event and providing anti-fascism education and organization.
4. Friday Live Music ft. Jake Brewer, Jillian Dawn and Kara Hanson
FRIDAY AT 7 P.M. | NŌ STUDIOS
Catch live music at the chic Nō Studios collaborative space, featuring award-winning professional singer, Kara Hanson, indie-alt singer-songwriter Jake Brewer, and Nashville-based pop singer Jillian Dawn.
Tell us who you’d pick to be a Betty this year!
5. Phillies vs. Brewers College Night
FRIDAY AT 7:10 P.M. | AMERICAN FAMILY FIELD
College students, this one’s for you. Grab a jersey and join the Brewers for a college-themed night. Benefits include a free one-of-a-kind baseball cap, $10 for concessions and all the baseball fun one could wish for.
6. The Ocean Blue with The Hangups
FRIDAY AT 8 P.M. | SHANK HALL
At the closing of the 1980s came “The Ocean Blue,” with music ethereal and uplifting enough to summarize the decade prior. The critically acclaimed band has been touring nationally for their dynamic latest release, “Kings and Queens/ Knaves and Thieves.”
7. 11th Annual Third Ward Art Festival
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. | HISTORIC THIRD WARD
This weekend, the Historic Third Ward will host a variety of talented artists for its 11th annual ‘Third Ward Art Festival.’ Many different mediums of art including fiber, ceramics, paintings, sculptures and more will be available for purchase. Additionally, artists will be present to answer questions and talk about all things art. This interactive element in combination with live music and food from neighboring restaurants makes the festival accessible and enjoyable.
8. Amy Miller at The Laughing Tap
FRIDAY AT 7:30 P.M. AND SATURDAY AT 7:30 P.M. AND 10 P.M. | THE LAUGHING TAP
Fiery comedian Amy Miller takes the stage at The Laughing Tap this weekend. The nationally-touring, highly-decorated comedy club performer is known for her self-assurance and razor sharp wit.
9. Shrekfest
SATURDAY FROM NOON TO 9 P.M. | HUMBOLDT PARK
This unconventional outdoor festival highlights laughter, community and, of course, the most infamous green ogre around. Shrekfest features a movie screening, costume contest, live music and even an onion-eating contest.
10. It Did Happen Here Talk and Q&A
SATURDAY FROM 5:30-7 P.M. | LION’S TOOTH
Lion’s Tooth is hosting an in-depth conversation with Mic Crenshaw and Moe Bowster, co-authors of the novel It Did Happen Here: An Antifascist People’s History and creators of a podcast by the same name. The novel is a deep-dive into anti-fascist history and cultural activism. At the book’s core is an illustration of the collaboration between queer organizers, immigrants, civil rights activists and militant youth.
11. Daniel Caesar at The Rave
SATURDAY AT 8 P.M. | THE RAVE
Grammy Award-winning Canadian R&B singer Daniel Caesar takes the stage at the Rave this Saturday as part of his world tour. Montell Fish will open for him.
12. Artisan Soap Making Workshop
SUNDAY FROM NOON TO 2:30 P.M. | THE CACTUS CLUB
Learn all about the process of creating nourishing, artisanal soap from local business owner Yaneth from Alquimia Holistica. All materials are provided and DJ Zae will play music in the bar while you relax and make soap.
13. Sunday Pupday
SUNDAY FROM 1-3 P.M. | THE DEER DISTRICT
Dog parents and their well-socialized pups can to take a trip down to the Deer District this Sunday for an afternoon of local vendors, entertaining activities, free treats and furry friends.
14. Blackbird September Pinball Tournament
SUNDAY AT 6 P.M. | BLACKBIRD BAR
The September edition of this energizing tournament with prizes in-store for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners is this Sunday. Attendees will receive $1 off Lakefront Brewery drinks, and participants have the chance to win free Lakefront Brewery Tour tickets.
15. Laborfest
MONDAY FROM 11 A.M. TO 5 P.M. | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK
Put together by labor unions in the Milwaukee area, Laborfest celebrates the dedication of workers everywhere. The day includes live music, children’s entertainment such as science and magic shows, a raffle and a classic car show.
