1. Herbie Hancock
APRIL 2 | PABST THEATER
This jazz pianist is a musical trailblazer, whose warm, playful style has ventured into post-bop, funk, R&B and hip-hop. Catch him and his band playing standards from his storied career.
2. Cinderella
APRIL 4-7 | MARCUS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
This spin on a family-friendly fairy tale features a classic score by Sergei Prokofiev and choreography from the ballet’s artistic director, Michael Pink.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Midwest Gaming Classic
APRIL 5-7 | BAIRD CENTER
Over 10,000 arcade cabinets, retro consoles, pinball machines and more will be on hand for hardcore and casual gamers alike. At this annual video game trade show, visitors can expect a variety of vendors, special guests and tournaments.
4. Andrea Bocelli
APRIL 6 | FISERV FORUM
The accomplished Italian tenor best known for “Time to Say Goodbye” teams up with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra for a night of operatic classics and showstopping love songs.
5. View a Solar Eclipse
APRIL 8 | WEHR NATURE CENTER
The path of totality won’t cross into Wisconsin, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to see this astronomical phenomenon. Visitors at Wehr Nature Center this afternoon can catch a glimpse of the eclipse through a solar-filtered telescope.
6. Alyssa Edwards
APRIL 10 | MILWAUKEE IMPROV
This Texas drag queen and former “RuPaul’s Drag Race” all-star comes to Milwaukee as part of her Glitz and Giggles Tour, which promises dazzling opening and closing numbers and a cast of local performers.
7. Choreo Kitchen
APRIL 11 | MILWAUKEE ARTIST RESOURCE NETWORK
Three choreographers must cook up a new dance with only one rehearsal and a mystery prompt. Wild Space Dance Company presents the resulting performances with a Q&A afterward.
8. Scam Likely
APRIL 13 | VIVARIUM
This fuzzy pop-punk four-piece has quickly made a splash on the local DIY scene. At this headlining show, they’re debuting their sophomore album, Yolk, along with openers Gramma and Clementine.
9. 414 Day
APRIL 14 | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
It’s your day, Milwaukee! Grab a local brew and cheers Cream City on April 14 at the several festivities hosted by businesses, neighborhoods and parks all around the city. Explore the full lineup of events at milwaukeeday.com
10. Art in Bloom
APRIL 18-21 | MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM
Local florists create ornate arrangements inspired by works in the Milwaukee Art Museum as part of this spring tradition. And the Floral Fashion Party will bring the roses to the runway, featuring local blooms made into wearable art.
11. An Enemy of the People
APRIL 19-28 | FIRST STAGE
When a doctor discovers a shocking poison harming his community, he’s met with resistance from those he’s trying to protect. Young performers from First Stage deliver this classic play about truth and fighting for what’s right.
12. MIAD’s Senior Exhibition
APRIL 19-MAY 11 | MILWAUKEE INSTITUTE OF ART & DESIGN
Emerging artists and creatives present their forward-thinking capstone projects, including everything from illustration to sculpture and fashion to product design.
13. Milwaukee Zine Fest
APRIL 20 | MILWAUKEE CENTRAL LIBRARY
Flip through the pages of over 100 vendors selling zines – small-circulation DIY magazines that uniquely blend writing and artwork. This free annual fest also includes hands-on workshops on zine-making and the artform’s social impact.
14. Annual Milwaukee Riverkeeper Spring Cleanup
APRIL 20 | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Join this local environmental nonprofit in picking up trash at 94 spots throughout the Milwaukee River Basin. All you need to bring is a water bottle and your hands – Milwaukee Riverkeeper will supply trash bags, gloves and a free T-shirt.
15. The Treasurer
APRIL 24-MAY 19 | NEXT ACT THEATRE
A son reluctantly agrees to manage the finances of his estranged mother with dementia. This play explores their difficult relationship with humor, grievance and guilt.
16. ArtWalk
APRIL 25-26 | WEST VLIET STREET
Shop artisan vendors selling crafts, jewelry and knickknacks while visiting local stores and restaurants in this West Side neighborhood. The two-day market will also have food trucks, children’s activities and interactive art demonstrations.
17. Milwaukee Underground Film Festival
APRIL 25-27 | UWM UNION CINEMA
This eclectic annual showcase run by UW-Milwaukee students features independent short films that emphasize out-of-the-box creative exploration.
18. Prasanta Verma
APRIL 26 | BOSWELL BOOK CO.
In her new book Beyond Ethnic Loneliness, Milwaukee author and public health professional Prasanta Verma examines the effects of discrimination and cultural isolation on people of color living in a majority white society. She’ll discuss the book, its themes and stories, and the search for belonging.
19. Songwriters in the Round
APRIL 28 | ANODYNE COFFEE, WALKER’S POINT
Three Wisconsin singers – Anne Heaton, Carmen Nickerson and Katie Dahl – will trade songs and build new ideas upon each other’s work. This intimate concert will demonstrate connections made through music.
