1. Holiday Lights Festival
STARTS THURSDAY | DOWNTOWN MILWAUKEE
Milwaukee’s Holiday Lights Festival kicks off this weekend! Cathedral Square, Pere Marquette, Zeidler Union and Square parks along with Wisconsin Avenue will be decorated to celebrate the holidays. Each park has unique decorations and you have until Jan. 1 to check it all out.
2. Cranksgiving MKE 2021
SATURDAY AT 1 P.M. | THE DAILY BIRD
This unique Thanksgiving event combines a bike ride, food drive and scavenger hunt, among other activities. It also includes a drawing for a $250 bike with any donation. Follow the scavenger hunt map for a chance to win additional prizes. Donations collected at the event will benefit Pathfinders.
VOTE FOR MILWAUKEE’S BEST BEER!
What’s Brew City’s best? We’ve picked 16 of our favorite Milwaukee craft beers for a March Madness-style tournament, but it’s up to you to pick the winner! Will it be bright and hoppy? Dark and malty? A zippy lager? Every one is worthy of the title; who will claim the sudsy crown?
3. Holiday Folk Fair
FRIDAY-SUNDAY | WISCONSIN STATE FAIR PARK AND VIRTUAL
The Wisconsin State Fair Park will have craft demonstrations, holiday music and cooking seminars as part of its Holiday Folk Fair. Select crafts may be available for purchase as well. Tickets cost $7 with the discount listed on their website, but attending virtually is free.
4. Watch the Bucks
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AT 7 P.M. | FISERV FORUM AND THE DEER DISTRICT
There are two Bucks games at home this weekend. The team plays Oklahoma City on Friday and Orlando on Saturday. You can see the game in Fiserv Forum, or check out local businesses in the Deer District to be a part of the game-day experience.
5. Elf on the Shelf
SUNDAY FROM 2-8 P.M. | THE RIVERSIDE THEATER
The Elf on the Shelf brings a beloved holiday story to the stage with an original score, holiday characters and heartfelt storytelling. The musical gives audiences a look at what it’s like to be one of Santa’s Scout Elves.
6. Maker’s Market and Bar Hop
SATURDAY FROM NOON-5 P.M. | WALKER’S POINT
Looking for some holiday gifts? Consider this market where you can find creations from local makers. MobCraft Beer, Indeed Brewing, Broken Bat Brewing and the Great Lakes Distillery will be there to add to the fun too.
7. Five Festive Friday Eve’s
FRIDAY FROM 5-8 P.M. | CEDAR CREEK SETTLEMENTS
Just 30 minutes northeast of Milwaukee, the historic town of Cedarburg is hosting five, free, family-friendly events through the holiday season. This Friday is the kickoff with live music, decorated shops, cookies, cider and even Christmas wine. Other food tastings will be offered, as well as a free drawing for a gift basket.
