Featured Events
1. Free Day and Celebration at MAM
THURSDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 8 P.M. | MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM
The Milwaukee Art Museum is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a day of art making, film screenings, sound bowl healing, dancing and more. A full schedule of the events are available online.
2. AfterDark: For the Culture
THURSDAY FROM 7 P.M. TO 9 P.M. | RADIO MILWAUKEE
AfterDark: For the Culture is a night of live spoken word, poetry and storytelling that celebrates Black and Brown voices through bringing together curated speakers and storytellers from the audience. The featured speakers include B. Wyzdom, LIV, Shelly Conley and Yomarie “YoMo” Castellano. General admission is $12 if tickets are purchased online and $15 at the door.
3. Sips and Scents: A Galentine’s Day Perfume Exchange
SUNDAY FROM 3 P.M. TO 6 P.M. | VIBEZ CREATIVE ARTS SPACE
If you’re a perfume connoisseur, this is the perfect event for you. Vibez is hosting a scent swap where guests can share their favorite perfumes while sipping drinks and meeting new friends. Bring a bottle to swap! There will also be shirt making and candle making, giveaways and other games. Tickets are $50 each and available online.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
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4. Love, Ruby Valentine
THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AT 10:30 A.M. | SUNSET PLAYHOUSE
Ruby and her pet parrot, Lovebird, are heading to the stage where Ruby will learn when it’s the right time to say “I love you.” The production is part of Sunset Playhouse’s bug in a rug Children’s Theater and invites families to wear their pajamas to the show. A family friendly craft is available for participation 30 minutes before each performance. Tickets are available online or can be purchased until showtime.
5. Generation to Generation: Conversing with Kindred Technologies
THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY FROM 11 A.M. TO 6 P.M. | KENILWORTH SQUARE EAST GALLERY
Sasha Stiles and Nathaniel Stern present their show Generation to Generation: Conversing with Kindred Technologies this weekend, exploring the way AI is transforming human history and artistic expression. The show mixes traditional mediums with AI elements to “illuminat[e] the intertwined evolution of humanity and technology.”
6. StoryStarter Workshop
THURSDAY FROM 5 P.M. TO 6 P.M. | RADIO MILWAUKEE
ExFabula is teaming up with HYFIN and Radio Milwaukee to host an interactive storytelling workshop before the AfterDark: For the Culture event. The workshop is meant for anyone wanting to sharpen their skills and present at the big event later in the night. This is a safe space for anyone looking to connect with other story tellers, refresh on the basics and shake off some nerves.
7. Galentine’s at Thirst
THURSDAY FROM 6 P.M. TO 9 P.M. | THIRST BOOKS
Thirst Books is getting ready for Valentine’s Day with a Galentine’s celebration fit for romance readers. They’re offering two experiences, the classic for $60 and the signature for $75. Those who chose the classic will create a fresh flower bouquet or a book-page bouquet, try wine pairings and take home a bag of Valentine’s swag. The signature experience participants will create a candle with Bewitched Between Bindings as well.
8. Mad Love Makers Market
FRIDAY FROM 6 P.M. TO 9 P.M. | THELMA CAROL WINE MERCHANTS
The Mad Love Makers Market is hosting bespoke craft makers market for a Friday the 13th twist on Valentine’s Day weekend. Wine will be available for purchase and the event is free to attend.
9. Weval: CHOROPHOBIA Album Release Tour
FRIDAY AT 6:30 P.M. | CACTUS CLUB
Amsterdam-based DJ duo, Weval, is stopping at the Cactus Club on their album release tour. CHOROPHOBIA is their fourth album release. The name means “fear of dancing” and follows the group’s quest to make their grooviest album yet. Tickets are $22 online and $25 at the door.
10. OnMilwaukee’s 5th Annual Adult Spelling Bee
FRIDAY AT 7 P.M. TO 11 P.M. | THE COOPERAGE
Twenty-five of the top spellers in the city are coming together to compete in the fifth annual adult spelling bee. The audience is invited to participate in the warm up round, so grab a drink and put your spelling cap on. Tickets are $33 each and available for purchase online.
11. Frost and Fear
FRIDAY AT 8 P.M. | STORY HILL FIREHOUSE
In true Friday the 13th fashion, Story Hill Firehouse invites guests to a candlelit night of moody music, cocktails, tarot card reading and more. The dress code is elevated dark winter and tickets are available for purchase online at $15 per person. The event is 21+.
12. Candles and Cocktails: Jill Scott Listening Party
FRIDAY FROM 8 P.M. TO 11 P.M. | TROPIC
Listen to the smooth sounds of Jill Scott’s brand new album, To Whom This May Concern, while making a candle during a guided workshop. The kitchen will be open for a late night snack and a full service bar will be available. Tickets are available online for $40 each.
13. Goth Prom 2026
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY FROM 9 P.M. TO 2 A.M. | MAD PLANET
The Goth Barge crew is transforming Mad Planet into a place where superstition and romance collide. Both nights will feature goth music hits, dancing and the crowning of a King, Queen or Kwing. Dress in your goth prom best for a chance to win! This event has a $10 cover at the door.
14. Couple Shuffle
SATURDAY FROM 9 A.M. TO 12 P.M. | VETERANS PARK
Is fitness your love language? The annual Couple Shuffle is back at Veterans Park offering a 5K, 10K and 15K course. Every registration includes a lovely shirt, medal and snacks at the finish line. Registration is open online and packet pickup starts at 7:30 a.m. on race day.
15. Black History Month Kids Tour Day
SATURDAY FROM 11 A.M. TO 1 P.M. | WISCONSIN BLACK HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Learn about Wisconsin’s rich Black history during Black History Month. This kid-friendly event will feature an African dance workshop, an artwork station, storytelling and a history presentation. Tickets are $10 each and available for purchase online.
16. Punk Rock Rummage Sale
SATURDAY FROM 11 A.M. TO 3 P.M. | X-RAY ARCADE
Twenty vendors selling vintage, vinyl, art and more are gathering at the X-Ray Arcade for a punk rock rummage sale. A DJ is playing all day at this all-ages market. Early bird starts at 11 a.m. and has a $2 cover charge. After noon, the cover will be lifted.
17. Be My Valentine: a Queer Oasis Party
SATURDAY AT 3 P.M. | CACTUS CLUB
DJ Lou’s Mom is spinning tracks and Liv is serving up drinks. The vibe is lovey dovey at this queer happy hour. This event is free and open to all ages.
18. Valentine’s Day Make and Take
SATURDAY FROM 5 P.M. TO 8 P.M. | ANCHOR PRESS, PAPER AND PRINT
Anchor Press, Paper and Print celebrate Valentine’s Day with their yearly make and take event. Attendees learn printmaking and participate in fun Valentine crafts. Snacks and NA beverages will be provided. Tickets are available online for $20 each or in a two for $35 buddy deal.
19. Love Your Great Lakes Day
SUNDAY FROM 9 A.M. TO 3 P.M. | DISCOVERY WORLD
The Great Lakes are not only beautiful, but extremely important to the ecosystem here in Wisconsin. Take a deep dive into their aquatic habitats, make crafts and participate in other hands-on learning experiences at Discovery World! Twelve conservation and research partners are participating this year. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
