Featured Events
1. Milwaukee Muslim Film Festival
ALL WEEKEND | ORIENTAL THEATRE
Presented by local nonprofit Muslim Women’s Coalition and Milwaukee Film, the 10th Annual Milwaukee Muslim Film Festival will showcase four days of films that celebrate Islamic cultures and perspectives. Each film will have a post-screening talkback with filmmakers. Find the full lineup and ticket information online.
2. Milwaukee Oktoberfest
FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY | HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK
The 15th annual event is returning to the Summerfest Grounds for three days of bier and brats, provided by Kegel’s Inn. Beyond the steins, you’ll find a wiener dog pageant, a Miss Oktoberfest contest and a cornhole tournament. General admission tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Kids 10 and under are free all weekend.
3. Milwaukee Tattoo Arts Festival
FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY | BAIRD CENTER
Hundreds of tattoo artists, some recognizable from their time on “Ink Master” and VH1, will gather inside the Baird Center for this festival’s 15th year. Look out for walk-up sessions, or reach out to your favorite artist in advance to get tattooed at the show. Not into ink? Expert piercers, tooth gem artists and other vendors will also be on-site. Plus, you can catch a lineup of live entertainment throughout the weekend.
4. Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY | DOWNTOWN MILWAUKEE
The city’s biggest race is back at the lakefront for its 43rd edition. Cheer on thousands of runners participating in full and half-marathons, or register here to join in on the less strenuous 5K Run and Walk the Hoan.
Tell us who you’d pick to be a Betty this year!
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5. Summer Beer Garden
THURSDAY FROM 5:30-9 P.M. | CEDARBURG ART MUSEUM
This summer beer garden is coming to a close on Thursday evening. Head out to enjoy one last night of live music, food trucks, on-tap cocktails and Lakefront Brewery beer in the Outdoor Courtyard & Sculpture Garden at the Cedarburg Art Museum.
6. Fall Hootenanny
THURSDAY AT 6:30 P.M. | URBAN ECOLOGY CENTER – RIVERSIDE PARK
Local musician Peter Irving and the band Hootenanny Delux will fill the woods at Riverside Park with the sweet sounds of old-time and folk music, during this free gathering hosted by the Urban Ecology Center.
7. Zoo Brew
THURSDAY FROM 7-10 P.M. | MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO
The Zoological Society is raising funds at Zoo Brew, a 21+ event that will fill the Milwaukee County Zoo with beers from local, craft breweries and top national breweries. Plus, there will be a musical performance by Spielmannszug Milwaukee Drum and Bugle Corps to add a German flair to the evening. Get tickets here.
8. Martin Amini
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY | MILWAUKEE IMPROV
This Los Angeles-based comic is on the road for his “Martin Had a Dream” tour, and he’s in town for four showtimes across Friday and Saturday. Grab tickets here to explore Amini’s dual cultural upbringing through his comedic lens.
9. Desolate Acres
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY | WAUKESHA COUNTY EXPO GROUNDS
Face your fears at the opening weekend of the new haunted attraction Desolate Acres. You can purchase general admission and “fast pass” tickets online for entrance times between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.
10. HKE MKE
SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M.-1 P.M. | URBAN ECOLOGY CENTER – RIVERSIDE PARK
Presented by the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, this annual urban hike through Riverside Park and the Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum will have trailside activities and a party at the finish line for all ages to enjoy. Plus, each hiker will receive their own eco-friendly Urban Ecology Center adventure journal. Register groups, adults and children here.
11. Plein Air Art Fair
SATURDAY FROM 2-8 P.M. | DOWNTOWN WAUKESHA
Hundreds of artists at 20 galleries and showplaces will be featured at this seasonal event. The Plein Air artists are spending the week painting Downtown Waukesha, and their works will be showcased at an artists reception and exhibit at the Waukesha Civic Theatre on Crawl Night.
12. Layman Brewing Fish Boil
SATURDAY FROM 4-8 P.M. | LAYMAN BREWING
Dinner is served at 6 p.m. at Layman Brewing’s Annual Fish Boil. This is a celebration of cooler weather, so plan to dine outside and dress accordingly. Also on the menu is the returning Tequila Gourdita Smoked Pumpkin Beer. Tickets are $30 at the door.
13. Old Fashioned Fest
SATURDAY FROM 6-9 P.M. | RACINE ZOO
Sample competing old fashioned cocktails with live music at the Racine Zoo. A crowd-favorite vote and a panel of judges will reveal winners at the end of the fest. Food is included with admission.
14. Taylor Swift Album Release Dance Party
SATURDAY AT 9 P.M. | THE RAVE/EAGLES CLUB
This one’s for the Swifties. The Rave/Eagles Club is hosting an album release dance party for The Life of a Showgirl on Saturday night. DJ Kenny Braasch, from “Bachelor in Paradise,” and Chicago’s DJ Real Co will play the full album, followed by a set of Swift’s biggest hits.
15. MKE Studio Tour
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Step into the workspaces of local artists all around Milwaukee, during this free, annual self-guided tour. More than 20 studios will participate in this year’s MKE Studio Tour. See the artist map here.
16. Battle of the Beets: 7th Annual Borshch-Off for Ukraine
SUNDAY FROM 1-4 P.M. | TURNER HALL
Sample 16 different recipes of borshch, the traditional Ukrainian beet soup, and vote to crown the champions at the 2025 Borshch-Off for Ukraine. Plus, Ukrainian baked goods and souvenirs will also be available for purchase. Register with a donation online. Proceeds from the event will support Wisconsin Ukrainians, Inc., a nonprofit providing medical and humanitarian aid to those affected by the war in Ukraine.
17. Adam Sandler
SUNDAY AT 7:30 P.M. | FISERV FORUM
Adam Sandler is at Fiserv Forum on Sunday for the Milwaukee stop on his “You’re My Best Friend” tour. Following his sold-out performances in 2022 and 2023, the comedian is on the road, bringing this arena tour to more than 30 cities across North America this fall. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show are on sale here.
