15 Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: May 14-17

15 Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: May 14-17

Grab some pulled pork for National BBQ Day, check out the city’s biggest gluten-free festival and more this weekend.

Featured Events

1. BBQ Week at Smoke Shack

THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY | SMOKE SHACK 

It’s BBQ week at the Smoke Shack! Leading up to National BBQ Day on Saturday, the Smoke Shack has BBQ specials including loaded BBQ Baked Potatoes all week, $5 pulled pork or chicken sandwiches on Thursday, Pig Mac (pulled pork mac and cheese) on Friday and backyard BBQ Pig Roast on Saturday. On Saturday there will be live music and drink specials all day. 

2. Brava: A Titillating History of Bras

THURSDAY AT 6 P.M. | ORIENTAL THEATRE 

Have you ever wondered how the modern bra came to be? Producer, writer and director Pam Percy’s film Brava: A Titillating History of Bras is debuting this weekend at the historic Oriental Theatre. The documentary explores the history of bras through animation, music and lyrical verses. After the screening, a runway show of exotic bras created by local artists will take place. Tickets to this event are available online for $25 each and a discounted student ticket is available for $10. 

3. Maifest

SUNDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 3 P.M. | LAKEFRONT BREWERY 

Milwaukee’s largest gluten-free festival is back and bigger than ever. Check out 40+ celiac-safe food vendors and food trucks serving an array of cuisine. Lakefront Brewery is releasing a gluten-free cherry and sakura sparkling mead during the festival among other gluten-free cask beers in fun flavors. Check out the website for a full schedule of live music and activities taking place all day long. 


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

 

More Events

4. Milwaukee Auto Show

ALL WEEKEND AT VARIOUS TIMES | WISCONSIN STATE FAIR PARK 

The Milwaukee Auto Show is back with a major upgrade. The event has moved from the winter to the spring and has been relocated to the Wisconsin State Fair Park. The new location allows for indoor and outdoor displaces, test drive experiences, expanded vehicle exhibits and so much more. Guests can explore a wide variety of vehicles from 25+ brands in a sales-free environment. Admission to the event is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, military and first responders and free for children 12 and under. 

5. Market on the Riverwalk

THURSDAY FROM 4 P.M. TO 8 P.M. | SCHLITZ PARK 

Come celebrate the third annual Market on the Riverwalk hosted by Schlitz Park. The market features handcrafted goods, jewelry, candles, clothing and more made by local vendors. After shopping, check out the selection of craft beer from The Tap Yard, jam out to live music, participate in trivia and play yard games. Admission to this event is free and there are free parking options. 

6. Scrapbooking and Sips

FRIDAY FROM 6:30 P.M. TO 8:30 P.M. | 2A WINE MERCHANTS 

Slow down, create and sip with the Simple Joys Club. This night of scrapbooking invites participants to connect with friends while sipping on wine. A ticket includes a glass of champagne, found curated wine pairings, charcuterie boards throughout the evening, a collection of premium papers, textured fabrics and more and access to the flower bar to create a custom bouquet. Tickets are $60 each and are available for purchase online. 

7. Heirloom at Lion’s Tail Brewing

FRIDAY FROM 4 P.M. TO 8 P.M. | LION’S TAIL BREWING 

The Heirloom MKE food truck is back and better than ever. Serving from-scratch foods that support local farms and purveyors, Heirloom’s food is good for the soul and for the community. The full food truck menu will be available including a Friday Fish Fry special. 

8. 2026 Bloom and Groom Plant Sale

SATURDAY FROM 9 A.M. TO 11 A.M. | ENDERIS PARK 

Celebrate the beauty of the Enderis Park neighborhood at the 2026 Bloom and Groom Plant Sale. A variety of annuals, hanging baskets and perennials are available for purchase at a discounted price. 

9. Spooky Frog Horrifying Book Fair

SATURDAY FROM 11 A.M. TO 4 P.M. | SHERATON MILWAUKEE BROOKFIELD HOTEL

Get spooked at the Spooky Frog Horrifying Book Fair this weekend. Spooky Frog Events is transforming the Sheraton Hotel into the place to be if you’re in the horror community. Indie horror authors, spooky artists and vendors are coming together to sell their wares. Beyond the book fair there’s a cash bar, free snacks and music by Goth Barge and others. This event is open to all ages and admission is $5.   

10. May Color Theory Mini Workshop

SATURDAY FROM 9:45 A.M. TO 10 A.M. | 414LORAL

This mini crash course lesson will explore hue, tone and feelings associated with spring colors. The expert florists at 414loral will share their approach to color while training the eye to understand how color works, shifts, balances and speaks. This class is only 15-minutes making it a fast and immersive experience. Tickets are $25 each and include one free featured stem from the byobouq bar, a mystery gift from the shop and early access. 

11. Meditation Workshop – Forces for Positive Change

SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 1 P.M. | FRIENDS MEETINGHOUSE 

Join Lowanna Mobley, education program coordinator for Meditation in Madison, for this meditation workshop. The Forces for Positive Change workshop focuses on the “five forces” or five positive mindsets that can help empower the maintenance of a peaceful mind during challenging times. The workshop is divided into two 30-minute sessions with a refreshments break between. No prior experience is needed and all levels all welcome. The class is $25 each and tickets can be purchased online. 

12. Festival of Flowers

SATURDAY FROM 11 A.M. TO 3 P.M. | RIVERWALK COMMONS 

The second annual Festival of Flowers is this weekend! The celebration transforms the Riverwalk Commons into a flower-filled experience with flower displays, outdoor flower markets, local vendors and more. Interactive activities, live music and seasonal food and drink will be onsite all day. 

13. Urban Harvest Brewing 10th Anniversary Block Party

SATURDAY FROM 1 P.M. TO 8 P.M. | URBAN HARVEST BREWING COMPANY 

Celebrate 10 years of Urban Harvest Brewing at this block party. Abraxes is getting the band back together from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and food from Taqueria la Vecindad food truck is available for purchase. Two beer releases will be featured to celebrate a decade of the brewery. 

14. Hazelwood Farm Plant Sale

SUNDAY AT 11 A.M. | CACTUS CLUB 

The folks from Hazelwood Farm are heading to the Cactus Club for their annual seedling sale. A variety of vegetables, herbs, flowers, native plants and perennials and annuals are for sale this Sunday, all grown and cared for in Oak Creek. The Cultivation Club is offering a free DIY Seed Bomb activity alongside the plant sale as well.

15. Chef’s Table: A Pop-Up Dinner

SUNDAY AT 4:30 P.M. | THE ARGO

This 8-course pop-up dinner features a Korean-inspired menu curated by Chef Bailey Troyer and Chef Isaac Bahn. Inspired by Korean flavors and traditions, the menu showcases seasonal ingredients and refined technique, telling a story with bold, vibrant presentation. The full menu is available online. Tickets are $105 each and an optional $40 wine pairing is available.