17 Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: Oct. 16-19

17 Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: Oct. 16-19

A Brewers watch party, Gallery Night, a Violent Femmes hometown concert and more things to do this weekend.

Featured Events

1. Brewers Watch Party

THURSDAY AT 5:08 P.M. | DAVIDSON PARK

Cheer on the Brew Crew as they take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS at the team’s free watch party. Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets or other seating, and enjoy the lineup of food trucks like Chucho’s Red Tacos, MKEats and Big City BBQ, on site at Davidson Park. Our executive editor went to last week’s watch party, and wrote a hearty endorsement here

2. Fall Gallery Night

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

Gallery Night MKE is returning for its fall event: two days of gallery-hopping and art-viewing throughout Milwaukee neighborhoods, including the Historic Third Ward, East Town, Walker’s Point and more. Visitors can purchase original and local art at  more than 50 participating venues. Admission is free to all venues during event hours.

3. Violent Femmes

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY | RIVERSIDE THEATER

The Femmes are returning to the Riverside Theater to play two of their classic albums: their self-titled debut and Hallowed Ground. These local legends have sold out the first night in their home city, but tickets to Sunday’s show remain.


It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!

 

More Events

4. Steve Trevino

ALL WEEKEND | MILWAUKEE IMPROV

Catch comedian Steve Trevino while he’s in town for five showtimes at the Improv. Along with having stand-up specials with Amazon, Netflix and Showtime, Trevino has also co-hosted the “Steve Trevino and Captain Evil” podcast with his wife Renae, since 2020.

5. Harry Potter Film Festival

ALL WEEKEND | RIVOLI THEATRE

This fest, which runs through Oct. 23 in Downtown Cedarburg, will feature multiple showings of movies in the Harry Potter franchise. Keep your eyes peeled for local businesses turning Washington Avenue into a mini Hogsmeade Village, with costume contests, photo ops, food and drink specials, Potter-themed decor and more. Find showtimes and tickets online.

6. Giselle

ALL WEEKEND | MARCUS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Head to the Marcus Center this weekend to catch Milwaukee Ballet’s haunting season opener, Giselle. This reimagination of the famous classical ballet is presented with the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra and Violins of Hope. Grab tickets to a show on Friday, Saturday or Sunday here.

7. Schlitz Audubon After Dark: Neon Night

THURSDAY FROM 6:30-9 P.M. | SCHLITZ AUDOBON NATURE CENTER

Join environmental educators in some bioluminescent fun, during this 21+ event. The night will begin with a lighted walk to the Lake Michigan shoreline, where guests will use UV flashlights to spot Yooperlites (glowing rocks). Back at the Visitor Center, there will be a neon dance party, fluorescent crafts, a glow-in-the-dark scavenger hunt and a black light photo booth to capture the memories. Register here. One drink is included with a ticket, and additional drinks will be available for purchase.

8. Pierce the Veil

FRIDAY AT 6:30 P.M. | AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE AMPHITHEATER

Pierce the Veil will perform at the Summerfest Grounds for the Milwaukee stop on their “I Can’t Hear You” world tour. The band will be joined by special guests HEALTH, Ecca Vandal and Like Roses.

9. Pumpkin Party

SATURDAY AT 9 A.M. | DAVIDSON PARK

This free, family-friendly autumn fest will have pumpkin-painting and potion-making stations, a giant inflatable pumpkin, train rides through the park and more. Don’t forget kids’ costumes – there will be candy for trick-or-treaters!

10. Autumn Celebration

SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M.-2 P.M. | URBAN ECOLOGY CENTER – WASHINGTON PARK

Head over to Washington Park on Saturday to celebrate with the Urban Ecology Center. This free, annual event will include pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating. Plus, enjoy the park’s outdoor activities like hiking, pedal boating and canoeing, fishing and more.

11. Ope! Haunts & Hops Maker’s Market

SATURDAY FROM 11 A.M.-4 P.M. | OPE BREWING 

More than 30 local makers will be at this West Allis market. They’ll be set up inside and outside the taproom, which will be serving craft beer and seltzers, along with seasonals like Jack-Ale-Lope! and German Apple Streusel H2Ope!

12. Milwaukee Admirals vs. Texas Stars

SATURDAY AT 6 P.M. | UW-MILWAUKEE PANTHER ARENA

Watch the Milwaukee Admirals face off against the Texas Stars on Saturday night at the team’s home opener! The puck drops at 6 p.m. inside the Panther Arena. Tickets are on sale here.

13. Jack & Jack

SATURDAY AT 7 P.M. | VIVARIUM

Head to Vivarium for an intimate performance by this best friend pairing turned gold-selling duo. Tickets to the 7 p.m. show on Farwell Avenue are available here.

14. Milwaukee Record Show

SUNDAY FROM 10 A.M.-4 P.M. | FOUR POINTS CONFERENCE CENTER

The Milwaukee Record Show is back at the Four Points, with 50 tables of LPs, 45s, CDs and DVDs. From soul to heavy metal, these vendors are selling a range with classic bands and current artists. 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. “early bird entry” is $10 and admission to regular show hours is $3.

15. Hocus Pocus Drag Brunch

SUNDAY AT 2 P.M. | MILWAUKEE IMPROV

Join Mary, Winifred and Sarah for this Halloween-themed event paying tribute to the hit film Hocus Pocus, with dancing witches and more. You can reserve a seat online.

16. Packers vs. Cardinals

SUNDAY AT 3 P.M. | CACTUS CLUB

Watch the Packers take on the Arizona Cardinals at Cactus Club in Bay View on Sunday. Allison Mahal will be the Milwaukee Record Halftime Show performer, and DJ KK will play during commercial breaks. Plus, regular and non-alcoholic touchdown shots will be on offer.

17. Spicy & Spooky Paint and Sip

SUNDAY FROM 8-10 P.M. | CAFÉ CORAZÓN

Local Milwaukee artist Jenny Jo Wennlund will lead this after-hours paint and sip at Bay View’s Café Corazón. The $35 ticket includes art supplies, chips and guac and Corazón’s house-made spicy salsa verde. The bar will also be open and serving liquid inspiration for participants and non-painting sippers. Attendees are also welcome to bring their own brushes and paint.


Want more great Milwaukee events? Check out our calendar