Featured Events
1. Día de los Muertos
SATURDAY 9:30 A.M.-3 P.M. | FOREST HOME CEMETERY
Celebrate Día de los Muertos this Saturday at the self-claimed oldest cemetery in Milwaukee, with the help of the Mercadera Market. The party begins with a 5K/2K run/walk starting at 9:30 a.m., leading into the start of the market itself at 10 a.m. A community market will be open to the public alongside food-trucks, live music, dancing and more. Traditional ofrendas will be available to check out in the Forest Home Chapel as well. This event is free.
2. Sherman Park Harvest Fest
SATURDAY FROM 2-6 P.M. | SHERMAN PARK
Marcelia Nicholson-Bovell, the Milwaukee County Board chairwoman, is hosting the 5th annual Sherman Park Harvest Festival this Saturday. The event is a community based celebration open to the public. There will be free food provided by Palermo’s Pizza and MKE Burger, a live DJ set, booth to booth trick or treating and much more. Chairwoman Nicholson-Bovell will be in attendance at the County Budget Booth to discuss County plans with neighbors.
3. Buena Vista Orchestra
FRIDAY AT 8 P.M. | PABST THEATER
Experience the sounds of Cuba at Milwaukee’s historic Pabst Theater this Friday with a performance from Buena Vista Orchestra. The ensemble brings together musicians who have performed with the Buena Vista Social Club, Afro-Cuban All Stars, Celia Cruz and other major names in Cuban music. Led by virtuoso violinist Rolando Morejón Reyes, the group keeps the traditions of classic Cuban music alive through a mix of seasoned performers and musical influences. Doors open at 7 P.M. with the show at 8 P.M.Tickets vary in price and can be purchased here.
Celebrate this year’s winners of the Betty Awards!
Other Events
4. Trick or Cheese! Halloween Candy, Wine and Cheese Pairing
THURSDAY FROM 6:30-7:30 P.M. | MILWAUKEE CHEESE BAR
Experience a Wisconsin spin on spooky season with this candy, wine and cheese pairing. Located at the Milwaukee Cheese Bar, this tasting includes Halloween fun with three sweets, along with three curated wines and three artisanal cheeses for a sophisticated take on the holiday. These quality wines and cheeses are produced by Hill Valley Dairy, a family-run Wisconsin cheesemaker known for small‑batch, handcrafted cheeses made with local milk and traditional processes. This event is open to all above the age of 21 – candy lovers, cheese connoisseurs, wine fanatics or anyone who enjoys the flavors of fall. Tickets are $45 and are available here.
5. The Tubs at X-Ray Arcade
THURSDAY FROM 6:30-11 P.M. | X-RAY ARCADE
London indie rock band The Tubs are bringing their Celtic-inspired, guitar-jangle sound to X-Ray Arcade this weekend. The group is returning to the U.S. and recently released their third album, “Hard Life,” in September, expanding their sound with the intriguing addition of a fiddle. They’ll be joined by Philly indie rock band Mopar Stars, as well as Milwaukee power pop group Trolley to bring some local flare. The all-ages show starts at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 here, and cash at the door is accepted.
6. MAM After Dark: Halloween Bash
FRIDAY FROM 7-11 P.M. | MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM
The Milwaukee Art Museum’s popular MAM After Dark series is taking a spooky turn this Friday for its annual Halloween Bash. The after-hours party will feature live music from Social Cig and Lorna Dune, tarot card readings, arts and crafts, magic shows, ghost tours, dancing and spooky cocktails among the museum’s state-of-the-art (pun intended) galleries and events spaces. Guests can also participate in an on-brand costume contest by dressing up as their favorite artwork on display, with winners announced at 9 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door, and museum members receive discounted admission at $15, available here. Costumes are encouraged – make sure to check costume guidelines and get creative!
7. Milwaukee Bucks Vs. Chicago Bulls
FRIDAY AT 3 P.M. | FISERV FORUM
Amidst the Halloween and fall festivities, watching a sporting event is still a thrilling way to spend a Milwaukee weekend. Catch some serious basketball action as the Milwaukee Bucks take on their rivals, the Chicago Bulls, for their first home game of the season. Take a chance to see the new players on the Bucks live and get a glimpse of the future. Tickets vary in price and can be purchased here.
8. Rory Makem: Irish Songs, Stories & Samhain
FRIDAY AT 7:30 P.M. | CELTICMKE CENTER
Before modern Halloween traditions, there was Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Experience a lesser-known side of the holiday when Irish folk musician Rory Makem brings some of these traditions to life through an evening of Irish songs, stories and folklore at the CelticMKE Center. He will explore his family’s legacy and accompany it with guitar, banjo, mandolin or bouzouki to evoke the spirit of Ireland. Of course, draft Guinness will be offered, along with other beverages. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased here.
9. BuckFest 2026
FRIDAY FROM 3-5 P.M. AND SATURDAY FROM 1-3 P.M. | TURNER HALL
Dive into the world of arcade hunting as BuckFest returns to Turner Hall Ballroom this weekend for the 19th Big Buck World Championship. Watch as 128 players from the U.S., Canada and Australia compete for a share of $125,000 in cash and prizes, including a $25,000 grand prize in the virtual hunting game “Big Buck Hunter.” Visitors can watch the competition, enjoy unlimited free arcade games, browse local vendors and more. There’s also a free amateur tournament on Saturday for players 13 and older who haven’t competed in the championship before. The festival is all-ages and free to attend. If you’re feeling fancy, upgrade your experience with a 2-day VIP package, including access to an exclusive player lounge and various goodies for $250. General admission and upgrades can be accessed here.
10. Illuminating the Dark Tour at Pabst Mansion
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AT VARIOUS TIMES | PABST MANSION
Experience the season with the historic Pabst Mansion this weekend with a special candlelight tour. Visitors will explore the dimly lit mansion, including hidden compartments and rarely seen lower-level spaces, while learning about the home’s history and the role of both tangible and metaphorical sources of lightness and darkness. The event is on the spookier side and not recommended for children. Tickets also include a super-secret souvenir, and are available for $30 each here, with discounts for certain groups and members.
11. Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee
SATURDAY FROM 11 A.M.-2 P.M. | BAIRD COMMUNITY COMMONS
Bring the whole family for some fall festivities at the fifth annual Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee, featuring Halloween-themed activities, seasonal giveaways and entertainment for all ages. Visitors can also check out the returning Halloween Village, featuring illuminated seasonal displays that can be enjoyed into the evening. Plus, it’s free!
12. Howl-O-Weenie 6: Bark to the Future
SATURDAY FROM 3-6 P.M. | THE COOPERAGE
Halloween is known for its ghosts and monsters, but what about the beloved furry creatures at home? Off Leash MKE’s annual Howl-O-Weenie party invites dog lovers for its sixth year with a “Bark to the Future” theme, featuring dog costumes, raffles and activities for pups and their owners alike. Inspired by the 1985 sci-fi film “Back to the Future,” this year’s party encourages owners to dress their pups in costumes inspired by the past, present or future in the spirit of time travel. The highlight is a pet costume contest at 4 p.m., with prizes for best overall, pop culture and pet-and-owner costumes. The event is free to attend, while costume contest entry costs $20 in advance, with proceeds benefiting local rescue animals. Registration for the contest closes Friday or once all 30 spots are filled, and can be done here.
13. Threads of Power: Reclaiming Belonging Fashion Showcase
SATURDAY FROM 5-9 P.M. | AN OX CAFE
Indigenous Fashion Week MKE is bringing a celebration of fashion, culture and creativity to An Ox Cafe this Saturday. “Threads of Power: Reclaiming Belonging” will showcase contemporary and traditional designs that explore cultural identity and belonging. It is open to all and features Native Nation Designs, Matriarch Makers, Kingsawan Collective and several other designers. Doors open at 5 p.m., with the fashion show running from 6-8 p.m., followed by a social hour and a 21+ EDM afterparty at 9 p.m. General admission and parking are free. VIP tickets are available for $75, offering front-row seating, a meet and greet with designers, appetizers, drinks and a swag bag of handcrafted items from Indigenous artisans. All registration is required on EventBrite here.
14. Comedy Night at Zócalo
SATURDAY AT 8:45 P.M. | ZÓCALO FOOD PARK
Every good weekend has a healthy dose of laughter, and Zócalo Food Park’s night of stand-up comedy is sure to provide. Midwestern comedian extraordinaires will take the stage, featuring Katie Mark, Damon Howard, Tito and Jason Issac, with Alan Salazar hosting and a special appearance from Stan Dabrowski. Grab a bite to eat and drinks from the park’s vendors, and settle in for a chill night of laughs. The event is for ages 18 and older, and general admission tickets are $20 here.
15. Harvest Market Art & Craft Fair
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. | WAUKESHA COUNTY EXPOSITION CENTER
Hosted by Art a la Carts, there is a commitment to all goods being handmade in the country, so the market will feature over 100 Wisconsin and upper Illinois crafters selling and showcasing their unique wares. Get in the seasonal spirit by browsing knitwear, baked goods, candles, lotions, soaps, original artwork and even troll dolls – most importantly, nothing is mass produced. Rose Mob Grill will also be serving food, and visitors can enjoy live music while supporting small businesses. Admission is $6, but a $1-off coupon for at-door admission can be found here or by visiting their Facebook or Instagram.
16. Brain-cersice Day
SUNDAY FROM 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. | DISCOVERY WORLD
As part of the Wisconsin Science Festival, Brain-cersice Day at Discovery World is exactly what it sounds like – exercise for your brain – and you’ll be getting a workout with this hands-on learning event. Under guidance from experts from the SNAP Lab at the Medical College of Wisconsin and The Brain Center, participants will learn neuroscience facts and explore how the human brain works through optical illusions, puzzles, games and interactive demonstrations. Make sure to first make a foam brain hat to show your smarts, then move on to strategic thinking and problem-solving through board games from Board Game Barrister. This event is included with museum admission.
17. Home Movie Day 2026
SUNDAY FROM 1-5 P.M. | GOLDA MEIR LIBRARY
Blow the dust off those old family videos in the basement for Home Movie Day at UW-Milwaukee! Visitors can bring in home movies on film, VHS or digital formats to be inspected, repaired and screened for an audience, with the option to narrate their own footage. Volunteers will also offer tips on preserving and digitizing old recordings, and attendees can participate in raffles and Home Movie Day bingo for prizes. This free event takes place Saturday from 1-5 p.m. at the Golda Meir Library’s fourth-floor Conference Center, and you don’t need to bring a movie to attend.
