Featured Events
1. Milwaukee Public Museum Exposed: Exhibits Revealed
THURSDAY AT 5:30 AND 6:45 P.M. | MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM
With the Milwaukee Public Museum preparing to leave its longtime home, it’s time to learn the secrets hiding behind its iconic exhibits. Pay homage and get the inside scoop this Thursday with “MPM Exposed: Exhibits Revealed,” a special edition behind-the-scenes tour in honor of the museum’s last year at its current location. During the hour-long guided tour, visitors can discover new details that are not on the exhibit labels, such as more stories about the Streets of Old Milwaukee. The tour is open to adults ages 18+ with two time slots at 5:30 and 6:45 P.M. Tickets are $10 here.
2. BIG: The Musical
ALL WEEKEND | SKYLIGHT MUSIC THEATER
Careful what you wish for! It’s opening weekend of Skylight Music Theater’s “BIG: The musical,” a tune-filled theatrical adaptation of the 1988 film starring Tom Hanks, where a 12-year-old named Josh wakes up in the body of a 30-year-old man after wishing to be “big.” When he is met with grown-up responsibilities and the general messiness of adulthood, Josh rediscovers the blissful magic of being a child. Tickets can be purchased here; starting at $50 and vary in price based on seat.
3. Holiday Market 2026
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 11 A.M.-4 P.M. | MILWAUKEE COUNTY SPORTS COMPLEX
Get a head start on holiday shopping this weekend at Franklin’s Milwaukee County Sports Complex, with this two day holiday market. Featuring more than 160 artists, makers, vintage curators and boutiques from across the Midwest, there will be plenty of options. Plus, enjoy live music from local musicians or grab a bite from vendors like BelAir Cantina and Chozzie’s Bakery while you shop. Early birds can get a head start on the crowds with special ticket times, available online here. General admission is pay-at-the-door, and it varies in price with an array of ticket deals to check out on their website. For the cheapest option, stop by after 3 P.M. either day for $1 tickets.
Celebrate this year’s winners of the Betty Awards!
Other Events
4. Tell me Lies: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute
THURSDAY AT 8 P.M. | THE ARGO
You can go your own way… preferably to The Argo this Thursday night for Tell Me Lies: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute. This show brings the band’s music back to life with a performance that celebrates the sound. Instead of simply pretending to be Fleetwood Mac, this tribute seeks to pay homage and encapsulate the spirit of their legendary 1970s performances. Whether you’re a serious Mac fan or just know the hits, get ready to rock out to timeless bangers. Plus, $1 from every ticket sold supports a fund for local artists’ mental health. General admission tickets are $25 plus fees and are available here. The Argo’s restaurant & lounge will be open at 4 p.m., for a pre show meal and cocktail.
5. Gravity and Other Myths
FRIDAY AT 7:30 P.M. | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
“Gravity and Other Myths” will bring physics-defying acrobatics to the city, featuring eight world-class acrobats. The performance explores seemingly-impossible skills, from balancing and flipping to flying through the air. Besides the tricks themselves, the show celebrates the practice and dedication to the acrobatic craft. Whether you’re a seasoned circus-goer or just looking for a unique experience this weekend, the performance is sure to leave you re-evaluating what’s truly impossible. Tickets range from $26-80 and can be purchased here.
6. Bingo Loco
FRIDAY AT 7:30 P.M. | TURNER HALL
Bingo Loco will invade Turner Hall Ballroom this Friday with crazy twists thrown into the game. The internationally touring party will bring its “Name That Song” show to Milwaukee, where it combines bingo-style music trivia and a game show sentiment with dance-offs, lip-sync battles, throwback hits and a whole lot of confetti to celebrate. Forget the usual bingo prizes – past winners have won anything from vacations and cars to air fryers! Get your high-energy side ready for a three-hour-long night of music, festival vibes and competition at this 21+ event. Tickets are $35 plus fees, available here.
7. Sarah Perry at The Laughing Tap
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY | THE LAUGHING TAP
What’s a weekend without a good laugh? Chicago comedian Sarah Perry is bringing relatable humor up to Milwaukee for three shows this Friday and Saturday at The Laughing Tap. Perry has comedic acclaim on her side – to name a few, she was awarded Best Stand Up Comic by the “Chicago Reader” in 2021, has performed at the “Netflix Is a Joke” Festival and released a comedy special called “SPERRY” in 2025. Known for fearlessness on stage, Perry is sure to get plenty of giggles this weekend. Grab a ticket for $25 here and get ready for a night (or nights, if you attend both Friday and Saturday) of comedy!
8. Living Archives: An African Community Day
SATURDAY FROM NOON-4 P.M. | HAGGERTY MUSEUM OF ART
Celebrate the traditions and cultures of the African diaspora this Saturday at the Haggerty Museum of Art’s “Living Archives: An African Community Day.” In tandem with the museum’s fall exhibition that calls visitors to experience African culture through art and beyond, titled “The Otherworld is Home,” this event explores how cultural traditions are passed down and honored over generations. Visitors can enjoy exhibition viewing, African art-inspired storytelling, a youth dance performance, an African food tasting and an interactive art passport challenge. Born from collaboration between artists, students and community organizations, the afternoon is designed for learning and engaging with the traditions of African communities – all in the heart of Milwaukee. Better yet, this event is free; spots can be reserved here at no cost, but walk-ins are welcome.
9. Mixology Masterclass
SATURDAY FROM 5:30-7 P.M. | DREAM LOUNGE SOCIAL
Join Dream Lounge Social for their Mixology Masterclass this Saturday to learn the arts of cocktail making and charcuterie board arranging. Under guidance from a pro bartender, students will whip up two signature cocktails from scratch while learning mixing techniques, flavor pairings and presentation prowess. Students will also be able to build a unique charcuterie board from a selection of bites, to go along with a drink. This 21+ experience is open to all looking for a delectable new skill. Tickets are $60 each here and include all materials and guidance.
10. Flamenca Classes
SATURDAY AT 6-8 P.M. | CORK WINE & COCKTAIL BAR
Trade your usual weekend plans for a pair of dancing shoes this Saturday at Milwaukee’s Cork & Wine Cocktail Bar for a beginner-friendly Flamenco dance class. Come to watch, dance or both – dancers and instructors José Serrano and Nancy Azevedo will showcase this traditional Spanish style with two live performances throughout the night and two 30-minute-long beginner classes. Enjoy the lively music and no-pressure atmosphere as instructors teach traditional moves step-by-step. For those who meet the 21+ event requirement, grab tickets for $15 here.
11. Pentatonix: Christmas in the City Tour
SATURDAY AT 7 P.M. | FISERV FORUM
Get into the holiday spirit this Saturday when Grammy-winning acappella group Pentatonix brings the “Christmas in the City” tour to Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum. Known for harmonies and spins on familiar songs, the five-member group will perform festive favorites. Whether you’re already jamming out to Christmas music (pre-Thanksgiving) or still kicking off the festivities, this sing-a-long worthy experience is a fun way to begin the holiday season. Tickets vary in price and are available here.
12. Christmas Candle Workshop
SUNDAY FROM 10 A.M.-NOON | STORY HILL FIREHOUSE
Head over to Story Hill FireHouse this Sunday for their Christmas Candle Workshop, where you can choose from an array of seasonal scents to craft your own festive candle. Led by veteran candle artisan Jodie Schauer of Blue Dawn Candle Company, the workshop will tackle go step-by-step through the candle-making process, from selecting a fragrance to making a custom wax masterpiece in a decorative jar. As home decor staples, these DIY candles are the perfect gift for a loved one – or a new addition to your home mantle! All supplies are included in the ticket price, along with one beverage to sip on while you craft. Plus, enjoy giveaways and a raffle for a little extra holiday fun! Tickets are $50 and can be purchased here.
13. Kids MusicFest
SUNDAY FROM 1-5 P.M. | MILWAUKEE YOUTH ARTS CENTER
Bring the whole family to explore their musical side as Kids MusicFest returns to the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center this Sunday for a jam-packed day of harmonious fun. This free festival features live performances from local youth ensembles, a musical “petting zoo” dedicated to testing instruments, drum circles and hands-on music-related workshops. Kids can also decorate their own t-shirts, join a parade, make art at a creation station and meet classic characters like Clifford, Curious George and Pete the Cat for photo ops. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the event. Plus, it’s free to attend – RSVP here at no cost.
14. Wild Kratts LIVE 2.0 – Activate Creature Power!
SUNDAY AT 1 AND 5 P.M. | MILLER HIGH LIFE THEATRE
The Wild Kratts will bring their adventures from their hit PBS Kids series to the stage this Sunday at the Miller High Life Theatre. “Wild Kratts LIVE 2.0 – Activate Creature Power!” features daring brothers Martin and Chris Kratt as they start a new wildlife adventure. The show will combine live performers playing the brothers with animation featuring the rest of the Wild Kratts crew on a screen. Kids can learn tidbits about their favorite animals – what the Kratt brothers famously call “WOW! Facts” – as well as experience the action as they activate their creature powers. With two performances to choose from, it’s a fun way for the whole family to explore the animal kingdom, without even leaving Milwaukee! Tickets vary in price based on seating and are available here.
15. Festival of the Spheres
SUNDAY FROM 5-6:30 P.M. | SHATTUCK AUDITORIUM
You don’t need a spaceship to explore the galaxy when you attend “Festival of the Spheres,” an intergalactic concert performed by the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra’s flagship Senior Symphony this Sunday at Waukesha’s Shattuck Auditorium. These talented young musicians will bring the wonders of outer space to Earth through orchestral works by Claude Debussy, Lili Boulanger and John Williams, including music from sci-fi film “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” The evening will end with Gustav Holst’s “The Planets,” a composition inspired by the planets of the solar system. To take this celestial trip, general admission tickets are $20 for senior citizens and students, and $25 for general admission adult tickets, all available here.
