20 Things to Do in Milwaukee This April

‘Art in Bloom,’ 414 Day, Egg Day at the Zoo and more make the list.

1. ‘International Peeps Art Exhibition’

MARCH 30-APRIL 15 | RACINE ART MUSEUM

It’s a family-friendly Peeps show! Artists from around the world submit works made from or inspired by the fluffy marshmallow candies. Now in its 14th year, the exhibition has become an Easter tradition at RAM. 

International Peeps Art Exhibition; Photo courtesy of the Racine Art Museum

2. April Fool’s Comedy & Magic Show

APRIL 1 | BRUMDER MANSION BED & BREAKFAST

Get your ticket to be fooled by Two Brothers One Mind. The siblings were born and raised in Milwaukee, but they travel the country with their comedic magic act. 


 

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3. Doggy Day

APRIL 8 | DEER DISTRICT

Leash up your pup and check out this event with local vendors, food, drinks, live entertainment, prizes and activities for dogs. It benefits Winston’s Wishes, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting dogs who may not do well in a shelter environment. 

4. Egg Day

APRIL 8 | MILWAUKEE COUNTY ZOO

Celebrate spring with “egg-straordinary activities” like a parade, colorful crafts and animal egg enrichment activities.

Milwaukee County Zoo; Photo by Visit Milwaukee

5. MOWA’s Birthday Bash

APRIL 8 | MUSEUM OF WISCONSIN ART

Hear from MOWA’s architect Jim Shields in honor of the West Bend museum’s 10th anniversary. The celebration also will include architecture-themed art-making activities and a toast to the past decade. 

6. Breakfall Release Party

APRIL 8 | THE SUGAR MAPLE

“Think Fifty Shades of Grey with murder,” one author writes about the upcoming  book Breakfall. The novel, penned by Milwaukee writer Zhanna Slor, follows a mother confronted by two detectives about her missing friend.

7. Bloom with the Florentine

APRIL 12-13 | THE FLORENTINE OPERA

Love blooms in spring, and that notion is the springboard for this performance by the Florentine Opera’s head of music Laurann Gilley and the Baumgartner Studio Artists. 

8. Grumpy Old Men

APRIL 13-MAY 28 | THE FIRESIDE DINNER THEATRE

Max and John are neighbors who’ve been at odds most of their lives. Now, a beautiful new neighbor makes them romantic rivals, too. Will they be able to settle their differences? Relax and enjoy dinner followed by this comedy based on the 1993 movie. And you don’t even have to leave your seat. 

9. Celebrate 414 Day

APRIL 14 | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

What started as a social media post acknowledging April 14 as 414 Day (or Milwaukee Day) has become an annual celebration! Local businesses join in on the festivities with special events, live music and deals. 

10. re:Craft & Relic Spring Market

APRIL 15-16 | MILWAUKEE COUNTY SPORTS COMPLEX

Looking for vintage, handmade or boutique goods? This market has over 160 vendors, plus food trucks and live music. 

11. Milwaukee Bead Show

APRIL 16 | GREENFIELD COMMUNITY CENTER

You’ll find a plethora of beads and beading supplies at this show, with vendors from Wisconsin and surrounding states. And when you need a break from shopping, grab a bite and spend some time in the bead lounge, where visitors can relax and craft. 

12. New & Improvised Music

APRIL 20 | WOODLAND PATTERN BOOK CENTER

Delight your ears with an evening of improvised tunes. First up is Mark Mantel on percussion and Wilhelm Matthies on his invented instrument, the mosesa. The second set features Steve Nelson-Raney and Jack Grassel performing guitar and piano duets. 

13. Wisconsin Earth Day Scavenger Hunt

APRIL 20 | VIRTUAL

Find a butterfly garden, take a selfie with a solar panel and follow more fun prompts while celebrating Earth Day. There will also be trivia about Wisconsin’s environment and natural resources. 

14. ‘Art in Bloom’

APRIL 20-23 | MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM

Stroll through the galleries, where you’ll find 27 floral designs, each inspired by a specific work of art. Windhover Hall will also feature an indoor garden and live music.

Art in Bloom 2022; Photo by Evan Watters

15. Young Frankenstein

APRIL 20-MAY 7 | SUNSET PLAYHOUSE

Frederick Frankenstein, grandson of the infamous monster-maker Victor, inherits his family’s Transylvania estate in this musical adaptation of Mel Brooks’ comedic masterpiece. 

16. MIAD’s Senior Exhibition

APRIL 21-MAY 6 | MILWAUKEE INSTITUTE OF ART & DESIGN

See what the next generation of artists is creating at this exhibition of MIAD’s largest graduating class. 

17. Record Store Day

APRIL 22 | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

This day is all about independent record stores. In Milwaukee, six are participating: We Buy Records, Lilliput, Acme, Rush Mor, Off the Beaten Path and Bullseye. 

18. Riverkeeper Spring Cleanup

 APRIL 22 | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

Join in the community effort to care for our rivers by cleaning up litter along the city’s waterways. 

19. Nrityagram

APRIL 28 | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

The Nrityagram Dance Ensemble is on a mission to share the traditional Indian dance style of Odissi with the world. While the group is dedicated to the ancient movements, it also works to bring its performances into the 21st century. 

20. Make Your Own Woodland Gnomes

APRIL 30 | WEHR NATURE CENTER

Legend has it that gnomes bring good luck. In this workshop, you’ll get to create your own magical pal using a variety of supplied materials. 


 

 

This story is part of Milwaukee Magazine’s April issue.

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Alli Watters is the digital and culture editor at Milwaukee Magazine. That means that in addition to running this website, she covers art, entertainment, style, home and more for the magazine. It also means she doesn't sleep much.