1. Fill Up Empty Bowls
Nov. 1, MSOE Kern Center
Do some good by sipping some soup. Raising money for the NourishMKE network of food pantries, this event lets you sample pots of warm love cooked up by local chefs. The handmade bowls crafted by local artists ($30) include two soup sample tickets.
2. Get Lit at the Southeast Wisconsin Festival of Books
Nov. 6-7, Carroll University, Waukesha
There’s much to write home about at this annual literary celebration: writing contests and workshops, book sales and signings, and over 50 authors on 20 panels. Edward Underhill, Wisconsin-based novelist of The House of Now and Then, and The In-Between Bookstore, leads the schedule with a keynote on Friday.
3. Sing Along at ‘Dolly Parton’s Threads’
Nov. 6-8, Bradley Symphony Center
We will always love the late country icon, who weaved together this narrative concert before her passing. Guest singers will join the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra to breathe life into country and pop classics like “Jolene” and “Coat of Many Colors” while an on-screen Dolly hosts.
Celebrate this year’s winners of the Betty Awards!
4. Watch Mirror Mirror
Nov. 6-8, Marcus Performing Arts Center
Milwaukee Ballet’s retelling of Snow White turns its gaze on the Evil Queen, telling her backstory through dark costuming, imposing sets and elegant choreography.
5. Solve the FireHouse Cold Case
Nov. 9, Story Hill FireHouse
In this mystery night, you’ll take a trolley back in time to interrogate suspects and piece together clues to a nearly 100-year-old crime inside this historic, century-old firehouse-turned-event venue.
6. Rock With Jack White
Nov. 10, Landmark Credit Union Live
There’s no doubt perpetual rocker Jack White is a master of his craft. His latest album, Frozen Charlotte, continues his streak of blistering blues-rock riffs that are sure to blow out speakers in his live show.
7. See A Gift of the Magi
Nov. 13-Dec. 6, Broadway Theatre Center
In a timeless tale of unselfish love, cash-strapped couple Della and Jim each scour the city for the perfect Christmas present. This Wisconsin-originated show staged by the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre stars Dimonte Henning and Jamie Mercado.
8. Go Big: The Musical
Nov. 13-Dec. 27, Broadway Theatre Center
Big changes mean big songs (and a big piano). Skylight’s musical rendition of the Tom Hanks film follows 12-year-old Josh as his wish turns him into a grown man and he realizes it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.
9. Shop the Re:Craft & Relic Holiday Market
Nov. 14-15, Milwaukee County Sports Complex
Check a few gifts off your list at this sprawling market packed with over 150 Midwestern makers selling home décor, candles, jewelry, knickknacks, antiques and a whole lot more.
10. Spread Cheer at the Milwaukee Christmas Tree Lighting
Nov. 20, Deer District
For 113 years, the season hasn’t started until the tree shines bright. In one of the oldest such traditions of its kind, Milwaukee lights up a towering Christmas conifer, donated by locals, at this ceremony. It’s also the opening of the “Cheer District” holiday market, which continues through Dec. 6.
11. Explore Traditions at the Holiday Folk Fair International
Nov. 20-22, State Fair Park Exposition Center
Celebrating worldwide heritage, this 83rd annual festival is both educational and exciting – mingling food, art, music, language and values from many different cultures. And this year’s theme, traditional dancing, invites guests to feel the movement and join in.
12. Discover ‘Drawings for the New Psychic World’
through Nov. 21, Hawthorn Contemporary
To create radiant landscapes, Midwestern artist Rachel Collier makes use of all sorts of materials. The mostly colored-pencil drawings in this exhibition conjure shapes that are geological, vaporous and psychedelic in color.
13. Listen to ‘A Hundred Ways’
Nov. 22, Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist
A hallmark for the contemporary classical group Present Music, this annual Thanksgiving concert will feature works including premieres by Puerto Rican composer Angélica Negrón and Wisconsin Conservatory of Music fellow Mikhail Johnson.
14. Hear The Sound of Music
Nov. 24-29, Marcus Performing Arts Center
The hills are alive – with classic tunes and a resonant story of perseverance. The beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical comes to MKE on its Broadway tour.
15. Jam Out at Chicken Wire Empire’s Friendsgiving
Nov. 25, The Cooperage
On Turkey Day eve, Wisconsin’s favorite bluegrass travelers will strum out a rollicking set featuring cuts from the band’s latest album, Growing Pains.
16. Book It to the Festival Foods Turkey Trot
Nov. 26, American Family Field
Go beast mode before you go feast mode. Running on Thanksgiving morning is a tradition for many; these 2- and 5-mile races raise money for local YMCAs and Boys & Girls Clubs.
17. Drink Up the Milk-Waukee Film Festival
Nov. 29, Cactus Club
Is the film less than 12 minutes long? And has it got milk? If the answer’s yes to both of those criteria, then the flick is fit for this light-hearted film festival.
